CHANGE WINTER ART SHOW

It was such a privilege to be a part of The Change Winter Art Show. The thing I love most when your get a group of artists together, is the incredible variety! There was a whole room of around 40 artists and each produced such a unique piece. The live music by Judah & Rach, and Maddi Duthie (who did the gorgeous little face illustrations) was amazing. I'm so sorry I didn't manage to get any pictures of them singing, I was much too busy talking!

My personal  fave was the photograph of the gorgeous gal with the flower crown by Esther-Faith Jacobs. She was such a lovely girl too, we had a bonding moment over making flower crowns! She also gave me permission to illustrate her photograph! I'm very excited to be collaborating with such talent.

Another special mention to fellow illustrator/graphic designer and friend Ashleigh Meyer who did "The Modernist" piece using prisms of line and colour.

I hope you can pick out my piece!

Crystal Paintings by Carly Waito

Yes that's right, these are paintings! Beautiful intricate oil paintings by the immensely talented Carly Waito, a Canadian artist with a fascination for "geology, geometry and ideas of wonder and curiosity". I came across her work whilst searching for crystals to add to my Crystal Pinterest Board and was immediately in awe of her talent.

I have long been in love with gorgeous crystals and their many facets and colour patterns. I had a childhood friend who's mother owned a small collection and I was absolutely smitten with them. When I was really little (maybe 3-4 years old), I decided that my name would be Crystal-Rose and I wouldn't answer to Maree. (I know I sound like I was a little brat). I would even sign all my finger paintings at Playcentre with my alter ego name. The funny thing is I still am in love with crystals and roses, I still do art, and I still love that name. I like how the words look written out, how they are said, and what they represent as objects.

Perhaps it's the magpie in me that loves sparkle and colour, but I can help but adore these little treasures. Speaking of magpies, you should check out this beautiful NZ made and designed jewellery by Morepork and Magpie. Sarah Morrah works wonders with crystals in her unique pieces, plus she runs a great blog!

New Zealand also has it's own precious stone Museum called Crystal Mountain which is well worth a visit.

Illustrated Canvas Bag

One of my go-to gift ideas is a canvas bag with an illustrated image of something I know the receiver will like. This teapot design was for my darling Sister-in Law, and close friend Eloise. She is a tea enthusiast with a really great style so I knew this would be a gift she would appreciate. She's one of those people who is so easy to shop for as her style is so distinct. She also runs a gorgeous blog called Jazz Lips and Tulips which you should definitely stop by and have a look at!

Change Winter Art Show

I'm very excited to be taking part in the Change Winter Art Show this coming Wednesday! It should be a great night with a great bunch of Artists. Please come along if you are in the area. But I will try and get some photo's to share with you all.

By the way, the amazing poster design was done by my good friend Cara Griffith who is just too cool for words.

Meet our sweet kitten

I want you meet the furry little guy that takes up a big space in my heart. My husband chose the name Thruxton after a type of Triumph motorcycle, and if you heard his loud purr you'd understand why. He is the most gorgeous, well-natured cat in the world! Even right now he is sitting on my lap keeping me warm, and occasionally he will just look up at me with adoring eyes before giving me a big smooch. Honestly it melts my heart! He's even turned my husband (who has never owned a cat) into a cat lover.

We got Thruxton at a tiny 5 weeks old. He was a rescue who was found on the streets suffering from a case of the cat flu. Our good friend Rachel is a vet nurse who knew I really badly wanted a kitten! So when he was handed into the vet clinic where she works, she knew of wonderful, loving home. Luckily our landlord allowed us to keep him!

When he's not in a crazy/playful mood he is all cuddles and kisses. We love how he sleeps on our laps when we are watching a movie or when I am working on the computer from home. He keeps us company when one of us isn't home and is such a blessing to our lives. We now feel like a proper little family.

These photos were taken in the first few weeks of him being in our home and he is just so little! He's now almost 6 months old and about triple this size. So glad for cameras that capture these precious moments of a little life growing up. I can't imagine how bad it will be when I actually have kids!

Floral & Stripes

Model: The Gorgeous Rebecca

Styling & Photography: Maree Worrall-Bader

Who says you can't mix prints? Stripes and a good floral print is one of my all time favourite combinations.

Floral, Lace, Chiffon, Tulle

A little glimpse into my wardrobe. I wasn't lying when I said the majority of my clothing was delicate fabrics in white or pale pink. Beautiful to wear, a pain to wash!