December 17, 2013

It's that time of year again


It's the Flame Tree  (Illarwarra Flame Tree) time to shine.
At our place at this time of year, both the Poinciana and the Flame Tree put on quite a show.

This is just the flame tree though.



Hope everyone is enjoying the lead up to the Festive Season.

cheers for now - Wendy

December 9, 2013

Little by Little

............ out it goes!
I aim for one of these a week to head off to greener pastures at the local animal welfare op shop.
Most weeks I can manage to almost fill a bag.  One day the house will look different.  Uncluttered.

cheers for now
Wendy

December 5, 2013

Warped board art

I bought this old watercolour on our road trip back in September.  I have a fondness for watercolour and something about this one just spoke to me.  Particularly as when we were travelling the blossoms were out everywhere, and we don't get that so much in Queensland. 
It was framed, an old frame nearly falling off.  It was $20 in an Oppy and husband was tutt tutting in the background that we really have enough 'stuff' at home (yes dear I know).
However what I didn't know until I took the frame off was that the artwork was pasted onto board.  Between the art and the board is layers of newspaper.
Very old newspaper (I'm guessing late 1800's) which is almost paper mached over the top of the board.  Over the years the board has warped - quite badly.  So much so, that when I took it to local picture framer he said that he couldn't do anything with it until it is off the backing board (which is quite firm - masonite?).
Such a pity as I was looking forward to having it framed and hanging it in the house.  So at the moment - my alternatives are:  1.   put it under something really heavy (like a chest of drawers) for a while and see how that works -> then have a frame over the lot.  2.  try and get if off the backing board which is difficult as the art paper is quite fine.  I've tried running a ruler down the back, doesn't work & I don't want to rip it. 

It's just unfortunate that the board is quite warped (painting is biggish 45 x 40cm). I'd love to know the background and who painted it (signature illegible).   Any bright ideas welcomed!  

cheers for now
Wendy