Well my new classes for 2011 are finally posted in the Workshops section of this website.  I have a bout of tennis elbow (Felters Fibrosis!!),and as my arms are most important for my livelihood ,classes will have to start at the end of March instead of the beginning.Thank you for your patience Just want to be 100% for the year .I am also doing the classes a little differently as they are now held once per month on a Thursday,Friday and Saturday.This gives my interstate students and Brisbane students a chance to come to three consecutive classes or do larger projects that take longer.My classes are priced a little differently this year as well- see the sidebar for details on class fees .I am not doing the Craft Fairs this year as I am having a “rest”‘ year after two years of constant traveling.  (see my February 2011 Newsletter).I am pondering having a teaching sabatical in 2012 to concentrate on my own work  so if you are contemplating doing classes ,this year is a great time to do so.

This  Post should have been titled Happy New Year but I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

Our hearts go out to all those  affected by the floods.So many images of devastation and carnage.The News just brings us all to  tears.

Our family have spent the last few days helping with the clean up locally and in Brisbane.It is a huge ,huge job to clean up.

Please volunteer if you can.It is such a help to people to know they are cared for.

Murray and Ollie spent yesterday cleaning up with other volunteers at an elderly mans house he didn’t know along with 15 or 20 other “strangers” who had never met this man or each other before. By working together they had his house cleared and hosed out -an impossible task if he had been on his own, in no time it seemed . And they left him feeling a wonderful sense of achievement.There is something so poignant about allowing “strangers” into your home to help. This will change us all for ever. People came with their barbeques and made lunch for everyone -a big sausage sizzle,brought cakes and sandwiches- a great thing to do if you can’t do the hard physical work.You can volunteer by making sandwiches or muffins or even if you can’t cook buy some cold drinks or icecreams and take them somewhere others are working. Take a tube of hand antiseptic so they can clean their hands before eating-the mud is unbelievable and a real health risk.

Anyway,I have nothing to say about felt or felting right now- studio closed till further notice really-Except for a pre-booked class I have on the 22nd January and my studio sale the last week in February. I think I will be busy elsewhere for quite a while . Just please ,please help where you can.Donate to the flood appeals.www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html  

ereThree quarters of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone.Yesterday I went for a walk at Sandgate a short drive from my home.It is on usually pristine Moreton Bay.This is where all the flood debris is landing.It was  a brown sea of mud with many, many dead and dying fish.A scene of absolute environmental  devastation .This is where the huge floating walkway has washed up and lots of the Market produce from Rocklea Markets and little bits and pieces of so many peoples lives.It is truly devastating.We just came back from three weeks on Stradbroke Island just nearby and so it is a place dear to my heart.I am so sad.

Not wanting to end on a sad note the community spirit in Queensland has been astounding and the heartfelt responses form the world comforting to us all.We will get through this but only by relying on each other for a very long time to come. This recovery will take years. Don’t let people do it on their own.Help and support where you can.

Busy,busy,busy! Just back from Adelaide Craft and Quilt Fair-We had a fabulous time thanks to all the friendly Adelaide-ians we met ! The fair was great and we did lots of classes in the Felt Studio.Karen,Liz and I had a great time.The last day Karen and I went to Glenelg and sat by the sea .Gorgeous views and a lovely sunny days. 

Ollie my youngest has just headed to Brazil for three weeks playing Futsal for Australia .He damaged his ankle just before leaving  so it has been a little frantic with intensive physio twice a day  for three days before going.This has put me a bit behind in preparing for my exhibition next week.So I will be a very busy bunny this week.Today I was finishing off birds and framing some favourite small pieces.I am hoping to make some bird brooches too….

Oh I do love felt.

A friend came over today and she repaired a very old wrap that she had made that was very sentimental to her.It was full of moth holes and a little tragic.With some new wool added it looked like new when re felted.Felt is so forgiving.Hope to see you all at Sharyn and my exhibiton  next weekend -see the events section for details.The Saturday night Soiree should be a nice evening with some poetry and music…bring an instrument if you like!Many people had said they couldnt get there on the Friday for the official opening  or during the day so hopefully this will give everyone a chance to visit….

Well I better get some rest .Much to do!Ollie has taken my camera  to Brazil -so I wont have any new photos for a while!