Creating Art To Music

I've always loved art created by children and recently worked on an art activity with a group of 10 year olds, many of whom felt they were not "artistic". I asked them to let their hand wander over the page and to draw whatever came to mind as they listened to 3 different pieces of music - classical, rock and jazz. At first glance they felt their drawings looked like nothing but scribbles and swirls. That was until they rendered each piece using paint, pastels, pens and pencils. 

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The result? The gorgeous cards pictured above and a group of children excited to have created their own "art".

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The same music inspiring totally different interpretations.

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I could imagine this pink and orange painting being printed onto fabric. And what a beautifully simple image of a red flower. Makes me happy just looking at it.

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Why not not try this exercise yourself? All you need is some paper, a black pen and a piece of music. You'll never know what you might create.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Creative Collections

Have you started some sort of collection without even realising it? My love of vintage jewellery has meant that over the years, I've collected a variety of broaches from the 1950's and 60's and now I have enough pieces to call it a collection. I've chanced upon these treasures in op shops, flea markets and antique shops. 

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I also have a small collection of shoe clips, although I don't wear them. They hark back to a bygone era but I still think they're gorgeous. 

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Maybe you have a collection of books, china, shoes or scarves? Displaying a collection can act as a decorative feature in your home. Who doesn't stop and look at photos when they're grouped together on a wall? Even if you don't see yourself as a 'collector' it's amazing how a group of similar objects can become a talking point. A friend has amassed a gorgeous collection of glass and crystal decanters and has them displayed on a silver tray. They look fabulous.

So, rather than leave your personal treasures languishing in a cupboard or draw, get creative and find a place where your collection can be admired.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

The Big Chill!

When a coat is too much and a wrap is not quite enough to keep out the winter chill, go the Bomber or Biker Jacket. It's the contemporary alternative.

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I picked up the jacket above last week and remembered what a great wardrobe staple this style is. Try a new season colour, such as rust or burgundy, to wear with your existing winter basics.

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Faux fur, leather, pleather, suede or a lamb shin look, wearing the bomber or biker style jacket is an easy way to create a chic look.

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You'll love how much wear you'll get from just two jackets once you add them to your wardrobe  - one in a colour and one in black. Stay warm!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Easy Winter Feast!

This little beauty has just gone into my oven. It's so easy because it cooks itself and gives me time to get on with other things. The ingredients are simple and the flavour, amazing!

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Moroccan Leg of Lamb

  • 2Kg leg of lamb (I've used a 2.4kg leg here) 
  • 2 cups of vegetable stock
  • 1 or 2 bunches of dutch carrots whole
  • 1 or 2 sweet potatoes chopped (or potatoes)
  • 3 cloves of garlic chopped
  • 2 onions quartered
  • 1 capsicum chopped
  • A few sprigs of rosemary
  • Place all the vegetables into a deep banking dish
  • In a bowl mix - 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons each of fennel seeds, ground ginger, grounded cumin, ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Rub honey and oil mixture all over the lamb and sit the lamb on top of the vegetables.
  • Pour 2 cups of vegetable stock over the lamb and place rosemary on top
  • Cover with a lid or two layers of foil and cook covered
  • Cook on 140 - 150 celsius for 5 hours
  • Serves 6 easily. 

You can pretty much use what ever vegetables you have. It will taste fabulous. I lift the lid after about 3 hours of cooking time, just to make sure it 's not dry. Add a bit more chicken stock if required. 

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 I usually serve this with couscous, sprinkled with pine nuts and coriander. 

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The meat just falls off the bone. If you're really in the mood to cook this weekend, why not take a look at my Autumn Berry Cake or Pavlova recipes. Two of my dessert favourites. Happy cooking!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Block It Out!

Lately I've been wearing a Colour Block - just one colour or near matching tones. All burgundy, dark blue, tan or classic black. Choose whatever colour you love. Combine any of the following and you'll instantly have a comfortable and contemporary look.  

  • Sweater, pants and a pump
  • Top, skirt and ankle boots
  • Jacket, dress and long boots

Toss on a cap, beanie, scarf, wrap or jacket, grab your bag off you go!

Below are some great looks, courtesy of Zara.

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Enjoy your creative life, Jules

How Much Love Can A Doll Give?

Take a ball of wadding, pretty floral fabric and some cotton cording  - What could a child possibly get from that?

A friend to bring you comfort, a companion to share your adventures and a confidant to listen to your dreams.  

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These beautiful handmade dolls are the wonderful creation of Gill Gray, Director of, Friends of Build Your Future Today Australia. An NGO organisation dedicated to helping Cambodian communities build skills for self-sustainability, education, health and employment.

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Gill makes each unique doll by hand and no sewing is required. There are girl and boy dolls, each one brought to life by tying cord to form the head, body, legs and arms. Ultimately, the aim is for these dolls to end up in the arms of Cambodian children. It's hard to imagine, but for these children holding one of these dolls is usually the first toy they've ever had. 

I recently had the privilege of buying one of Gill's dolls and I just had to share my experience with you.

So, how does this work? With the doll comes a greeting card in which you write your message. The NGO receives your donation, a child receives the doll and card you've purchased for them and you receive a doll kit in a drawstring bag - one to make yourself. What an amazing gift!

One completed doll and doll kit. How fabulous!

One completed doll and doll kit. How fabulous!

Gill has found a truly creative way to raise not only well needed money, but also build awareness about this amazing cause. If you're interested in donating a doll to a child in Cambodia, you can email Gill at, gill.gray@friendsofbftaustralia.org or text/phone on 0409 783 295. She'll be delighted to hear from you.

Photo by Gill Gray

Photo by Gill Gray

I think this picture says it all!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

The Long and Short Of It!

The Autumn/Winter seasons means wearing closer fitting long-sleeved tops, raised necklines and gorgeous sweaters. Neutral tones become our wardrobe staples once the weather turns cooler. But don't forget about your stash of costume jewellery, normally reserved for summertime. Give those short and long necklaces a Winter outing. Here are some of my favourites pieces.

Rose gold makes a striking contrast over dark colours.

Rose gold makes a striking contrast over dark colours.

The classic black and white combination - timeless!

The classic black and white combination - timeless!

Make it chunky - wear two pieces together.

Make it chunky - wear two pieces together.

I've found some great costume jewellery at places like, Lovisa, Colette Hayman, Decjuba and Zara. Play around with your tops and necklaces until you get a look you love!.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Putting Pen To Paper

When was the last time you wrote a letter? The kind of letter that involves a little bit of ceremony - making a tea or coffee then sitting down at a table with pen and paper and actually writing to someone by hand. There's also the follow up - attaching a postage stamp and posting the letter. 

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My son Nick and I were chatting recently about the lost art of letter writing when he suggested that for one year, we correspond by writing letters. Because I love everything associated with letter writing - writing paper, pens, wax seals and the act of writing by hand, I jumped at the idea.

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While gathering up my writing equipment, I came across a box of letters I've kept over the years. What I love most about a hand-written letter is not just the conversation that takes place on the page but the writing itself. All of us have our own unique hand or script and we can instantly recognise the handwriting of those close to us. Research has shown writing by hand eases stress, gives you time to organise your thoughts and sharpens your memory. 

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More than anything else, receiving a hand-written letter is a record of a specific time, place and person in your life. A gift to treasure. Somehow, reading back over old emails (if we still have them) just isn't the same as reading a hand-written letter by someone you love. I have letters from a friend that still make me laugh to this day and one I received from my father when I was in my early 20's. Whenever I read his letter, I hear his voice. And all because he took the time to put pen to paper! I'm so glad he did. 

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Who Made Your Clothes?

There are a lot of people wanting answers to this question, spurred on by the Fashion Revolution movement and the recent Fashion Revolution Week (April 23-29). It's time to take stock of where fashion manufacturing is at and how we can get more out of the clothes we already own.

Image by lazybones.com.au

Image by lazybones.com.au

I grew up as one fashion era was ending - the era tailoring and dressmaking, and another fashion era was beginning - the explosion of mass market designer labels. As a teenager I was always sewing and so were my girlfriends. Back in the 1970's shopping was nothing like it is today. Multi-story shopping complexes were rare, internet shopping didn't exist and global brand marketing was yet to happen. Every suburb across Australia had a local fabric store full of beautiful materials and commercial dress patterns. There was always a neighbour, aunty or family friend who could whip up an outfit from a few metres of linen, wool crepe or silk taffeta.

Although those days have gone, there's a huge shift back to home sewing, repurposing clothing, mending and altering garments. Why? Because as humans we strive to do things that bring enjoyment and meaning to our lives. And creating something yourself is right up there on the enjoyment scale.

My poppy print A-line skirt and cotton lycra top.

My poppy print A-line skirt and cotton lycra top.

I know not everyone is a sewer, but I've lost count of the number of woman who've told me they'd love to be able to sew or at least be able to make alterations to their own clothes. Even if you don't sew, take a good look at a garment before you decide to get rid of it. Can it be reinvented in some way? Find someone who does alterations and see if they can breath new life into some of the clothes you no longer wear:

  • lengthen or shorten a hem
  • change the shape of a pair of pants by running in the leg
  • remove the bodice of a dress and repurpose the skirt section
  • put in a new zipper or elastic
  • add darts to a garment to give a better fit

I haven't sewn for myself in ages but I'm back into it and absolutely loving it. Nothing too complicated - like the poppy print skirt in the photo above, I've gone mad for floral prints. 

The hardest decision is choosing which fabric to sew first.

The hardest decision is choosing which fabric to sew first.

By the time spring comes around these colourful prints will be hanging in my wardrobe. I'll keep you posted and show you the finished product. 

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Skirting The Issue!

What's supposedly 'IN' in fashion is constantly changing, so it was only a matter of time before we saw the return of the longer skirt - one of my all time favourite silhouettes. Below the knee, mid calf, on the ankle or just above the floor - the longer skirt has got to be one of the most comfortable designs to wear.  

Witchery shirt 

Witchery shirt 

You can change the whole look of a skirt by styling it with - the big chunky sweater, a tailored jacket, a T-skirt, flowing boho top or classic white shirt.

Witchery skirt

Witchery skirt

Over the years I've added a variety of longer line skirts to my wardrobe. I love the way a longer skirt moves with you. Dress a skirt up with a pair of heels or for a bit more attitude, toss on a pair of ankle boots. 

Some of my favourite skirts.

Some of my favourite skirts.

You don't have to be tall to carry off a longer length skirt. Play around with the various lengths on offer until you find one that works for you, and have fun!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules