DaVia Designs - A Big Cats Life

Mosaic Madness

2011-09-13T11:49:00.000+10:00

Still hard at it. But I am inlove with this work. It is gonna be HUGE!

Where have you been?

2011-09-09T12:12:00.000+10:00

I have been hiding my head in a cave, climbing mountains and traversing rivers. Where have you been?

No really...that's just day dreaming, I haven't actually been doing any of those things, but what I have been doing is very exciting. I have returned to an old love and have been mosaicing my fingers off. I am mosaicing in my sleep. Seriously! My hands just keep going even when I'm not. I am dreaming about mosaics. In fact I had a strange woman try to give me tiles in my dream the other night. Scary!

The real reason for my absence is that I currently have a large commission for an exciting new residential development here in Melbourne's northen suburbs called PROVIDENCE. Land is on sale at the moment and I don't want to spoil the surprise of the finished products just yet. So it is still all a little hush, hush, but I can provide you with a couple of photo's of work in progress. There will mosaics at the front entrance of the estate and scattered throughout the central park. over 28m2 in all. Hence the need for mosaicing in my sleep. That is a lot of mosaic for one person.

A section of the front entrance mosaic in progress
4.6m x 0.8 m

Some of the fantastic colours being used

Some paving inlays in progress

More paving inlays in progress

My messy studio in action, not a lot of room for painting right now.

Typically after a long time away from writing it is hard to know what to say. The longer you are away the harder it is. So if anyone has some tips for me on how to overcome the writers block please leave me a comment or let me know via email.

I will be posting updates on the exciting PROVIDENCE mosaics as I create them (installation of the front entrance is only 2 weeks away).

Davia

I'm POPEYE The Sailor Man

2011-04-14T12:06:00.001+10:00

WHO ARE YOU?

When I was young there was a popular cartoon on TV called Popeye. Olive oil and Brutus were his side kicks. I hated Brutus for his smarmy ways and thought Olive was a complete twat and totally pathetic with her "HELP, HELP, SAVE ME, SAVE ME " routine. Nope Popeye was the man for me, even his rough edges, silly waddle and his stupid little hat did nothing to deter me from the fact that this man was a force to be reckoned with. A man who could pack a punch!

And when he needed that extra special little bit of strength he would pull out one of his seemingly endless cans of SPINACH and out would pop amazing mussels and super human strength would ooze from his pores.

Yes I totally identify with Popeye, the uncouth and totally politically incorrect icon of healthy eating.

Is it a coincidence that my very own body is currently storing more than double the iron that it requires to function. (see post FEB FASTING here for more on this)

Yep you better believe it, when it comes time for fight or flight I am ready. I am well stocked with mussel building, power inducing, body hardening shit kicking iron.

It is amazing just how ready I am for this FIGHT. So come on who's up for it?
SERIOUSLY? What am I saying? Idiot!

Of course that battle is totally internal, and I don't want to fight anyone. I really love others, it's just that pathetic Olive Oil I also associate with that I want to smash.

NOW..... BATMAN......
Of course I really want to be Batman (who wouldn't) with all that cash and unlimited resources, a really cool car and gadgets not to mention the svelt bod and a cape. I wear all black, drive like I'm on the formula one circuit and treat my friends and family like they are side kicks.

BUT...
Sometimes I am just silly old Inspector Gadget. I say "GO, GO Gadget skates" and a hammer pops out of my hat and whacks me over the head.

Go Figure!?!

Which TV character made an impact on you when you were little without you even realising? Think hard and let me know.

Davia
p.s. I always thought I might be wonder woman. :)

Image courtesy of http://www.myfreewallpapers.com/

What will the planet look like when we have finished destroying it?

2011-04-08T17:24:00.002+10:00

On The Canvas This Week

1200mm x 1500mm
Original painting by Davia McMillan © 2011

Long after the bombs have dropped

and the people moved away

The flowers will bloom again

and Mother Nature will have her say.

Poem by Davia McMillan

Blank canvas

When I bought this canvas I was totally inspired by a photo that my Grandfather took during the Second World War. He was in the air force and his job was to take aerial photo's which where then used to make maps for the purpose of bombing. Below is a scan of the original photo. I believe it was taken in (31st ?) May 1942.

This is what the German city of Cologne looked like once 1000 RAF bomber planes had spent a little under 2 hrs bombing it. My other grandfather was a Lancaster pilot during this period and it is highly (although not confirmed) that he was also present for this event. He spoke very little about this period of his life, he chose rather to focus on the fact that it was the period in which he met and fell in love with my grandmother, the love of his life, until his dying day.

When painting my picture I thought long and hard about the way in which we approach our life here on earth.

We build great city's and we knock them down, we develop races and cultures and then we tear them/eachother apart in one way shape or form. We think that ultimately we are invincible and can survive anything.

We think this earth is ours to rule and control.

But we are really a small part of the history of this planet and nothing more that a transitory life form. Evolution so far suggests that earth will survive far beyond us, or that we may at some stage evolve into yet another species?

This gives me hope. Maybe barring the possibility of us bombing the world to bits, there remains a future for our planet after all. Mother Nature wins in the end, how good would that be?

We think the world belongs to US.

Consider this.....

We belong to the earth.

Detail Cologne Cathedral Painting
Davia McMillan ©2011

How does this question change the way we treat eachother and our planet?

Does it change anything at all?

If you are interested in more graphic detail of this horrific time in history here is a link to Dierk's page which has an amazing collection of similar photo's to the one my grandfather took.

Hope you like the painting :)

Davia

GRANDMA ALWAYS SAID..........

2011-03-31T12:33:00.001+11:00

My Grandmother always said: "If you can't say anything good , don't say anything at all!"

Hence, I have been quiet for a month!

Sometimes life builds up to a point where you think that you just might crack, physically, emotionally and worst of all verbally.

The weight of the world sits firmly on your shoulders and it feels like an almost impossible task to shift it. I got to the point where everything that I wanted to say (but didn't) sounded like a complaint, judgement or just plain rude. So I have kept my mouth shut.

'But holding things in is no good for you' I hear you say. 'You need to let it out, clear the air, build a bridge, get over it, etc, etc.'

And this is true, you do need to deal with it, although telling people to 'sod off' probably won't do it.

Unburden yourself.
Did anyone actually ask you to solve all their problems? Or carry the weight of their grief? To be all things to all people? It is not only incredibly exhausting, IT JUST ISN'T POSSIBLE.

My guess would be NO....., no-one asked you to be all these things. In fact you may even be selling them short in thinking that they can't find the answer themselves. And when we really think about it, that is just plain insulting ! Isn't it? Chances are you put all these expectations on yourself. AM I RIGHT? I know I sure have loaded myself up good and proper. I am a mother, that's what mothers all over the world do!

So why do we do overload ourselves time and time again?
Maybe we like to be needed? It feels good to be helpful. It makes us feel better about ourselves.... in the short term at least.
But it certainly doesn't lead to life balance, and we more often than not end up frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead of that lovely Yin and Yang in our lives we have waves of emotion and conflicting forces at work, which tire us out and knot our mussels and give us headaches. Sometimes it has us snapping at our children and growling at our partners and in my case muttering choice words under my breath.

Where is the relief?
Well today I had a massage... and that's a good start......., but not the answer.

However my massage therapist did remind me of something I know but was forgetting. Thanks Kath.

The answer lies somewhere in acceptance, compassion and forgiveness. You really can't change people, or prevent them from making mistakes in their life, you can't save them or protect them. They will make mistakes, and then they will probably make them again and again..... and again. As will you. It is human nature. This is what we do and how we learn, grow and evolve. People are people, and just as a dog barks because that what dogs do, people will do what people do. We are not perfect. We are who we are.

There is wonderful freedom to be found when you give yourself a little acceptance, compassion and forgiveness.

Davia

28 days to a SLIMMER FIGURE

2011-03-01T21:06:00.002+11:00

I'm not selling anything, no secret formula,
I'm just tellin' ya........

No....... the answer is not to eat plenty of grapes - although come to think of it that might help,
I have heard stranger things

Here's a quick update for those who are following my progress during the Alcohol free month.

You know what to do, But you don't do it!

It has now been 23 AFD's in a row. And it's not hard, like I thought it would be. In fact it has been EASY PEASY! I was just very attached to my routine that is all. But a new routine has quickly become possible.

I feared that dreaded word.... shh....dare I mention it?....alcoholism! There I said it. Did anybody hear me say it? Is it possible that someone like me could be such a thing as an alcoholic? What classifies as alcoholic anyway? Is it as simple as someone who drinks everyday or is it more to do with being able to say NO? Is it someone for whom alcohol is a "PROBLEM" ?

I speak to so many mothers just like me.
Just an ordinary person, I don't even like to get drunk anymore, that was something I did when I was reckless and carefree (and younger). Now I am a mother of 3, with serious obligations, it takes a special occasion for me to get pissed. Does this sound like anyone you know?

Alcohol certainly didn't seem to be a "problem" for me. I was fine! Still am! except for some unusual blood test results.

The thing is... there is always a special occasion.
You can find a special occasion everyday if you want to.

You had a good day.
You had a bad day.
You are excited.
You are tired
You have no friends.
You are with too many friends yay.... LETS PARTe'!!!
It was so hot and sunny and now you are all sticky.
It rained all day.
Your hair is crap.
You got the job
you didn't get the job
blah, blah, blah.............. you get my drift.

So being told to quit was quite possibly the best thing that could have happened to me.

Enforced sobriety has proved to be a good thing.
Thanks to the stern warnings of my doctor, I have now embarked on an alcohol free month. I was fearful that I would not be able to do it. It had become such an ingrained part of my life. Cooking dinner was the signal that the WORK day was over and I could put it behind me for the evening. I would then enjoy a little sip or two with dinner and another on the couch whilst watching TV just to make sure my mind was totally turned off.

Does any of this sound familiar?

The added benefit is : No moreTrouble getting to sleep
I have always been the sort of person who has trouble falling asleep. Normally after several drinks I can stay up reading till at least midnight most nights. I tend to fall asleep with the light still on and a book on my face, much to the annoyance of The MC. Don't know why he puts up with me really. Must be my cooking. But since quitting I am sleeping better than ever and actually wanting to go to bed earlier. Which is great because I so much more energy the next day.

The best part - WEIGHT LOSS
I have been the same weight for years and haven't been able to shift it. Despite eating a healthy diet (granted I could exercise a bit more, grrr.... hate it , hate it) I just stay the same. Doesn't really matter what I eat. However the thing that really seems to make the difference is quitting the booze. Ha ha....go figure! It's not a lot, but it definately SOME....... Ok it's a couple of Kgs.
I FEEL GREAT!

Thanks also go to my friends at Mishfit who have given up for the cause and completed FEBFAST. Lucky buggers sipping away on their Chardy and Merlot right now, while I still have a week to go before my next blood test which will tell me if I can ever partake of a drop again. :(
bottoms up
Well done guys. Cheers

Davia

MAKING PELVIC FLOOR SEXY

2011-02-25T18:50:00.003+11:00

Sex drive missing in action?
Scared to do everyday things like squatting, bending, coughing, LAUGHING?
Feeling Fat and uncomfortable?
Just not happy with your body in general?

Then I know the woman for you!

Introducing: Mish of MISHFIT

For several years I have keenly observed the development of Mish (Michelle Wright of MISHFIT) as a personal trainer and small business owner. I am intrigued by what drives her to be a top trainer and such a successful business woman.

Where does she find the strength to pursue a business in an industry that is often portrayed as elite and somehow inaccessible to the average woman?
How does what she offers differ from your average gym or personal trainer?

All about pelvic floor
Mish finds her strength in her passionate for women’s health and fitness and could probably talk about it for hours, but if you really want to get her fired up you will ask her about pelvic floor. Words like incontinent and better sex are the tip of the iceberg. Pelvic floor is about confidence and connection with our whole bodies. Who doesn’t want that? Right?

Last week I talked to Mish and asked her what makes her so passionate about her business and what drives her to continue to pump out fantastic results for women. I discovered that Mish is not just passionate about her business but most importantly her customers. Mish is passionate about changing the lives of women and helping them to build confidence in their own bodies. When you work with Mish, either in a private training session or though her Mishfit Mothers group training, there is a dedicated focus on achieving very personal results.

Mish told me that she often gets fired up when talking to journalists about the importance of strengthening our pelvic floor, “however they never print it.” She says. “For instance my clients can stop having to worry about wetting themselves when they do simple tasks. My philosophy is about educating women and making people aware of the issues and enabling them to talk about it. It is not scary or disgusting, it is just not sexy.” If anyone can make it SEXY Mish can! Her approach is sensitive and liberating. She uses a unique holistic approach and works closely with other health professionals to assure each individuals needs are met.

Getting to know your ANTS and PETS
Now before you think I have lost my mind and gone way off topic, have a little think about what stops you from achieving your prefect body. Mish believes its ANTS. I think she is onto something big.

ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) are there all the time. They are the thoughts that prevent us from reaching our goals. By getting to know them and recognising them instantly we are better placed to override them with PETS.

PETs (Performance Enhancing Thoughts) are often hard to come by, especially when we are confronted with things like exercise, excuses and ANTs. Mish can help you to develop PETs and understand how and when to use them. I don’t know of any other personal trainer who tackles fitness this way. It’s amazing and inspirational.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Want to exercise?
Can’t find the time?
What do I do the Kids/toddlers/ baby?
SOUNDS EXPENSIVE?
It's all too hard.......

There is a program to suit you!

I expected it to be way too expensive, this much care and attention to my needs couldn’t possibly come within an affordable range, then lumping childcare on top of that. Impossible!
But MISHFIT MOTHERS just might be the answer to your fitness dreams.

MISHFIT MOTHERS is an exercise solution for pregnant and postnatal women (it doesn't matter how post natal and it could be pre natal too). It is affordable and works in a small group format. Amazingly you can even take your children into the class; there are toys and an understanding bunch of people, who know just how difficult working around a small child can be.

For more information on how to achieve your personal fitness dreams visit. http://www.mishfit.com.au/ or Contact Mish on 1300 647 4348

You can also check out the MISHFIT blog http://mishfit.com.au/blog/
Stay tuned for another post coming soon and also inspired by Mish, where I talk more about building a business around your family and achieving life, work and body balance. We discuss; what it takes to be successful in small business as MISHFIT enters the world of FRANCHISE.

MISHFIT franchises are now available in Victoria (to start with) - can you imagine a MISHFIT happening near you?

Till next time
Davia x

The sky is the limit, where choice is concerned.

2011-02-17T11:26:00.002+11:00

JUST LEAP
The other day I looked back at a guest post I wrote for ArtMind about being courageous in life. The post was called JUST LEAP and you can check it out here. Looking back at it prompted me to really think about what I am up to in life.

This business development journey I am on is both exciting and exhausting. My mind is going a million miles an hour just trying to keep up with all the possibilities and directions I might go. And yet I have to stop and plan a little or I could end up chasing the "WRONG" bird.

When I think about everything I have taken on since the start of last year it really blows me away. Blogs, on line shops, retail, markets and most importantly the development of some great PRODUCTS. I find it hard to believe the pace and mind splitting involved sometimes.

The Sky is the limit.
Just some of the balloons floating past my bedroom window about 8am.

YOU HAVE A CHOICE

I promised to share the journey with you and I have to admit that it is not always plain sailing (perhaps I should say plain flying/floating), there is a lot of self doubt, even when I know I have a great product. Why do we doubt our selves? I think it is because we fear "Looking bad" and we worry about how everyone else may interpret what we do and say. Maybe people just plain won't like or buy our creations. I think this holds us back from doing some of the things in life we dream about. The thing is, when we don't follow our dreams we don't give other people a choice, let alone ourselves.

JUST LEAP AGAIN
My post on ArtMind is about being courageous in the face of these fears and this is the way I intend to proceed.

Ohh... INDIANA! "Only a leap from the lions head will prove his worth."
Here is a little extra inspiration. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFntFdEGgws This man is hansom at any age. Call me crazy, but I like a rugged, go getter. Watch the whole thing if you can stand it. I love the fact that the path only becomes clear once you have taken the first step. I also particularly like the reference to the lions head. Can you guess my star sign? Sometimes I could benefit from stepping away from my head a little. :)

Have a read of my post at Artmind. I hope you like it. Please leave your comments and feed back here. I love comments they help me know whether or not I'm on the right track.

Thanks.

Davia

GUILTY PLEASURES, the little things in life.

2011-02-15T12:01:00.000+11:00

I remember a time when I went to the toilet or had a shower alone!

I used to hang my first born from the door frame each morning. No, not as punishment or some kind of cruel torture. It was so I could take a shower in peace. One of the most memorable things about being a new mother was realising that I had no time to myself. Going to the toilet or taking a shower was like setting off a siren, flashing lights and loud voice overs screaming out 'CRY NOW, CRY NOW'.

It is amazing the tricks and resources a new mother can find in order to maintain some semblance of normality in her life. For me the Jolly Jumper was a life saver. I don't know if they are still around, but 15 years ago they were all the craze.

Showers have long been at the top of my list of favorite things to do. Better than therapy really, you can wash that man right out of your hair, you can cry and no-one can tell, you can dispose of a days worth of crap, it eases tired muscles and can make you smell like something far more exotic than you actually are.

Yes, showers are good for all sorts of things, even getting clean,... go figure!

And most of the time these days, thankfully, I even get to have one alone, but not always. My youngest still loves to get in with me and have her hair washed by me. She can do it on her own, but there is something better about it when I do it. Less soap in the eyes, someone to pass her the face washer, someone to scrub her back. I have to admit I like it when someone does that for me too. So who wouldn't be holding on to those pleasures for as long as possible. Smart kid.

Is it still wrong to take a long one though? Is it OK to stop feeling guilty when I have long showers now?

There has been so much rain in this country lately and massive consequences for so many people. It is easy to forget that we still have low water storage, somewhere around 54%. So can we really afford to forget the target 155 litres per person per day just yet?

I am guilty of thinking that we are clear of the draught, and therefore I can have as long a shower as want. I have been hanging out for that to be true. But really, I think we need to have a far more frugal attitude to our resources all round. We have taken this planet for granted for far too long.

So I will keep watering the plants on my balcony with the bucket, and keep sharing my special time with an 8yr old occasionally, and I will have the odd longer shower (on my own) but will aim to keep them short majority of the time.

Can I have a little less guilt with my pleasure this way?

Davia

Happy Birthday My Valentine Baby.

2011-02-14T12:26:00.000+11:00

It is hard to believe my baby is 8 yrs old today.

Happy Birthday Pud

You make my heart sing

x mum

Davia

Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows

2011-02-12T18:25:00.000+11:00

I just can't get this song out of my head.

It must be the Sunflowers

I took these photo's at the primary school vegie patch the garden is so lush after all the rain.

Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together,
Brighter than a lucky penny,
When you're near the rain cloud disappears, dear,
And I feel so fine just to know that you are mine.

My life is sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
That's how this refrain goes, so come on, join in everybody!

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is sure to come your way
When you're in love to stay.

etc. etc. and so on and so forth for ever and ever and ever.

X Davia yes! Thank you, I am feeling happy today. How about you?

Feb Fasting

2011-02-11T14:30:00.003+11:00

Not drinking is just like riding a bike.

You can do it.

You Just don't!

We all need a bit more exercise and we know we should look after ourselves a bit better. And words like should, more and better don't get us moving any faster, in fact they are almost reason for another glass of wine. Am I right?

You just don't
Last weekend when I was teaching my daughter to ride her bike She kept saying "I can't."
I kept saying "You Can! You are just NOT!" Well we now know the results of that bit of tough love. She is as happy as well ..... a ....kid on a bike.

Some Earth Shattering News
Then I went to the Doctor because of some unusual blood test results (I won't bore you with the details, suffice to say, I'll live.) but what the doctor told me was earth shattering.

Doctor in a stern voice "Give up ALCOHOL!"
Me with a kind of pathetic whimper "Seriously?
Doc deadly serious "Yep!"
Me almost in tears "For how long?"

The shattering is due to the fact that a glass while cooking, another while eating and the possibility of another if I've been a good girl and worked really, really hard today, has become a way of life and even the norm. And most shattering of all I hadn't even noticed it was the norm.

In younger years I used to binge drink on weekends and at parties or out dancing. Now it's more like a good book and the hammock on the back Veranda daily.

And Exercise and Abstinence, what's that?

Luckily for me I am not giving up alcohol alone this month. There are people all over the place giving it up voluntarily in support of FEB FAST. Money raised goes towards supporting youth drug and alcohol programs. My Friend Mish at MISHFIT is powering along for the cause and doing a wonderful job at that. GO MISH! Support Mish and her team doing the Feb fast challenge here.

Alcohol abuse can sneak up on us all. Not everyone is enough to get prompts/orders from doctors to look after themselves better. We all know someone who struggles with drugs or alcohol. Who do you know who might need a little help in this area?

Progress Report
I CAN and I WILL.
5 days down and feeling great, more energy, sleeping better already and waking up raring to go. Most surprisingly more relaxed, which is ironic seeing as I used a nice scotch and coke to forget the troubles of the day last week. So far so good.

Davia
P.S. Mishfit is a personal training setup with a difference. It specialises in training women who are pregnant or post-natal and takes extra care to attend to your personal needs. Keep your eyes peeled for more about Mishfit and Mishfit Mothers coming soon.

When was the last Time you Cried tears of JOY?

2011-02-10T14:02:00.002+11:00

'Loving being a parent' is not as easy as many people might think. But I cried tears of joy this week when I finally got that I am doing exactly what I am meant to be doing.

Do you ever have feelings of just not being ENOUGH?
I have spent most of my life thinking I should be something other than what I am, a more successful career woman, more dedicated member of my community, keep a cleaner/greener house, thinner, fitter, prettier, more clever, better artist, better parent, better daughter, save the world........and so on and so on....

No wonder I feel tired half the time. Huge expectations! All heaped on me by.......you got it....ME!

Are your expectations of yourself REAL and ACHIEVABLE or are they crippling you?
I would hazard a guess, that the answer is not sweet! Why is it we have these huge expectations and where do they come from? Our parents? Teachers? Society? We certainly wouldn't knowingly and willing cripple our own children with these expectations,.... would we? I certainly try not to, but maybe I do anyway.

The thing that made the difference to me this week was
teaching my daughter to ride a bike. Whilst doing this I noticed I have been practicing to be what I am right now my entire life, from the time I strapped a shoe box to my bike seat and belted TEDDY in nice and tight for a trip to the Milk bar. To the dresses I made him (yes him) when my grandmother taught me to sew (age 7). To the cubby houses I built from pa's wood pile and to mushy stir fry's I cooked with my first love. It's all practice in the art of living. Yet at some stage I started to believe that I SHOULD Know/Do &Be everything to all people, all the time.

Daily living is simply practicing the Art of Living a life you love.
It is just like falling off a bike, you just pick yourself up and you get back on.

I have now taught 3 children to ride their bikes because I am patient, understanding, creative, persistent and committed. And today that is totally ENOUGH! Because my daughter smiled and laughed and is announcing proudly to everyone she meets that she can ride her bike ALL BY HERSELF.

When was the last time you cried tears of joy?

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to practice the art of living?

When was the last time you acknowledged yourself for the huge contribution you make? I mean really!!!

Please leave a comment, I really want to know.

Davia

Today is like a BLANK CANVAS

2011-02-04T13:11:00.000+11:00

SERIOUSLY! BLANK

The new blank canvas all ready to go.

So the kids went off to school and the first thing I did was get myself down to Deans Art and buy the BIGGEST canvas I could fit in the car.

There is nothing like the freedom to create.

Sure I can dabble while the kids are home on holidays but there is nothing like time on my own.

I was listening to a couple of other parents at school this morning, they still had toddlers and kinder kids in tow. They were remembering a far distant time, when time alone was still possible. All I could say to them was. "Don't worry that time will come again," and it does, it just takes a while, sometimes a long while.

Meanwhile about the best you can do is buddy up. Timeshare with other time poor parents and share the load.

Ahh.... Community.... thanks guys!

Jack, just making sure everything is in order

Colour, a feast for sore eyes and the creative itch.

Davia

Loving every minute of a Brand New Day

2011-02-03T09:41:00.000+11:00

Its early morning and the sun is yet to shine, infact I don't know that it will shine at all today. There is heavy cloud and the light makes everything feel kind of surreal.

View from my pillow in the early morning.

I open the doors on the balcony and am transported back to Florence last September, by my collection of pots inspired by the beautiful Italian terrazzo and balconies, today they are wilted by the intense heat of the last week.

Still, there is a misty rain this morning, not enough to give the plants a good drink, rather to add to the feeling that there is something in the air.

I am loving every second and the potential of the day is right there in front of me.

Perhaps I am just excited about the kids heading back to school and eagerly awaiting the freedom to create.

What will today be like for you?

Davia

True Confessions - Coming to terms with the fact that......

2011-02-03T09:06:00.000+11:00

Without the juicy tit bits, and the ramblings of my mind I am quite a boring person.
I read a book last week "The SHADOW of the WIND" by Carlos Ruiz Zafo'n.
Read the review here by the First tuesday book club.

One paragraph among many stood out and whacked me full on in the face, because I had been contemplating the reasons behind continuing writing this blog.

That paragraph was 'a writer writes his story to tell himself that which is hidden from his view.' I thought this quite profound and questioned whether this statement is really true for me.

As I have been wondering why I persist with this blog when no-one (or very few people anyway) read it. If this statement is true then perhaps I am going about writing the wrong way. I am second guessing what people want to read about, getting confused and not writing about things that really matter to me or interest others.

I have not been writing what is in my heart and in my head. No! I have had an agenda and not an honest one. I wanted people to know only the best parts of me, so that they could spread the word about my greatness and maybe buy my art or my handbags or whatever else I dream up.

But when I present only the best parts of me I am really very boring. I have tried to eradicate judgement and opinions from my posts, thinking they would show me in a negative light. But really I end up with very little to say about anything.

So why persist? Because I do want to know myself and I do want others to know me. If that helps people buy my stuff, that is fantastic too, but really I am inspired by my friend Grace at Trailing Grace and her brave and courageous efforts to know herself and live life fully.

If I can be an inspiration to someone along the way then all my dreams come true.
Davia

P.S. The Shadow of the Wind is well worth reading. I enjoyed it heaps.

Lost and lonely

2011-01-31T15:01:00.000+11:00

Giving up the Guilt and Getting Back on Track.

The holidays are almost over and the kids will be heading back to school. I am feeling a tad guilty because I haven't done many of the things on my long list, things that I said I would do over this 6 week period.

This is not NEW! However I forget every year just how hard it is to actually work with 3 kids hanging around. They eat 6 times as much food, make 10 times as much mess and require driving here there and everywhere. The brain just isn't in the right space for creating magnificent wondrous art, business entrepreneurship and planning world domination etc. etc.

So the blog hasn't been happening and I have taken my eye off the ball. However only my own ball, I have still been watching everyone else's. LIVING VICARIOUSLY!

KOOoooooWE, IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE.........?"
I noticed a similar absence in the blogesphere of fellow blogger and friend of mine Trailing Grace. I missed her posts, they always give me something to think about. So I sent her a message on FB. Being a great friend is noticing the little things (I try my best). And it is very easy to feel that you are typing away and nobody is listening and it is fantastic to know some one IS OUT THERE who misses you.

Grace is an amazing forthright person who doesn't mind a bit of self reflection and sometimes it helps others along the way. Me included.

Check out her response to my queries below.

Thanks Grace, you should never again feel insignificant or alone, because you never know who is watching and waiting for the scent of Trailing Grace.

x Davia

How many ways can you slice a PIZZA?

2011-01-13T18:42:00.002+11:00

HUNGRY FOR LIFE?

In my kitchen this week - Homemade pizza
Not perfectly round but definitely tasty.

So how many ways can you slice a pizza?
It depends on how big a slice you want.
There are as many ways as you can imagine and choose.
Don't even get me statrted on toppings....

LIFE COULD BE LIKE PIZZA

It is all about choice.

I mention several times throughout this blog that I am a bird watcher, not only in the literal sense, but also in a metaphorical sense. This metaphor has arisen out of my propensity to change my mind about what I want to do in life several times over.

The metaphor was devised by my husband (an engineer, that should explain everything) who chose what he wanted to do early in life and has pretty much stuck to his plan.

The problem arises when a career driven engineer marries an artist or rather a creative spirit. Creative spirits are always looking for something else. It is what gives us reason to get up in the morning. It is what makes us tick. Creative spirits are never happy doing the same thing for eternity. Non creative sometimes JUST DON'T GET US!

That said, some of us do like a touch of continuity and rhythm in our lives (ritual and routine) because it provides us with a safe and secure base from which to explore.

Are you the type of person who likes the Pizza or do you want the whole all you can eat buffet?

The thing about pizza is no matter how many ways you slice it, it is still pizza. Do you like large slices or small bites?

Me...? I want to sample everything there is!

Davia

How is this Year Shaping UP for YOU? Thinner, Fatter, Richer, Fitter, Blonder? Did someone say 'CHOCHOLATE CAKE'?

2011-01-11T13:24:00.002+11:00

It didn’t go off with a bang. Sure there were fireworks down on the beach, and we could see them, if we stood on our tippy toes and peered through the trees. We could see a row of flares, the type people hold in their hand and wave above their heads. But it wasn’t a bang for me, just the gentle ticking over of my swatch and then another minute had gone by, but there was something different in the air. I know that this year things are actually going to be different.

I have listened to both the pros and con's about making New Years Resolutions. And even more debate about whether or not to make your new years resolutions public knowledge.

Some say that when you announce your resolution to the world and get great support for it, you gain instant satisfaction for being such a great person etc. etc. And then you promptly take you foot of the peddle and go looking for some other sort of gratification, in something like.... say... CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Flip side is, if you tell everybody they will hold you to it. But does that really work? I don't think so. I am not convinced that other people really care enough to hold you to anything. I know that is extreme isn't it. However I don't think anyone likes being held to account themselves so they don't do it to others. It makes them uncomfortable and may have repercussions. ie; you will hold them to their resolution.

So everyone shuts up and pretends they didn't hear a thing and as an added benefit we walk around feeling guilty that we are not living up to the things we said we would. Guilt! A very dangerous thing.y

So this year I am not going to talk about what I am GOING to do. Instead I am going to live in the moment and tell you what I AM doing. And what interesting things others are doing. Surly that has to be a bit more inspiring?

A lot of blogs are built around resolution of some kind, loose weight, shop more, brag more, share more, sell more, diets, fads, fashion, food, culture etc.... etc....

But is more better? Surely we are totally overloaded with people trying to sell us stuff, (me included to a point, never comfortable with it).

It is time for a new look , stay tuned.
Davia

In the studio Today. Rain, Rain, GO AWAY

2010-12-08T17:23:00.000+11:00

Today I spent the day taking photo's of some of my most recent product developments. Unfortunately it rained all day in Melbourne as was very overcast. So just about every picture needs some computer manipulation before I can use it. Here's some of the best of the day. Not bad for GLOOoooooomy.

These fantastic IPOD cases are going on Sale tomorrow in my on line shop at ETSY.

CHEAP! Why?.... because they are my trial products (newer ones have zips and shoulder straps). Basically I just made them to see what they look like and to have a bit of fun. Now they are ready to go out into the big wide world and be loved by someone else.

This IPOD Case sports a colourful Art Deco inspired print.
The case itself is soft and smooth in your hand.
Great for protecting the things you love, your IPHONE, IPOD, MP3 player etc.

Every IPOD case has a funky contrasting lining. Each case is different.
Fits the IPHONE perfectly.

On Sale in my ETSY SHOP tomorrow afternoon.

Davia

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY - What do you love to do most?

2010-12-03T13:57:00.000+11:00

Today I remembered that it is important to do what you love.

Isn't that what life is about?

Doing what you love and being with who you love.

My eldest daughter is overseas and I am missing her terribly. I think about what she might be up to constantly and hope that she is safe and having a great time.

Today I was feeling a little maudlin ( missing Lou Lou) and considering yet again the direction of this business I have chosen to run instead of working for someone else. I had to take some time out to remind myself that I am doing this because I LOVE IT. That's right, I forgot, caught up in doing all the things that "HAVE TO BE DONE" and losing sight of the things I really love.

So with complete integrity and a plan for when those things will get done, I put them aside, and I did this instead.

This painting was inspired by the lining of a Russian Khalat
(Mid Nineteenth Century)

Davia

In The studio Today

2010-12-01T18:33:00.000+11:00

Working on a new painting for another bag design.
This is still in progress. Red is hugly popular.

Davia

CHOOSE DAY- I choose to give. Give away!!!

2010-11-30T14:53:00.002+11:00

Did that say give away?

Yes, yes, it did!!!

Russian blue Purse (20cm x 8cm approx)

LIFE

Life has been hectic to say the least. With everything speeding up for the Christmas period I have been completely flat out. There are so many things in the pipe line and on the finishing line. The studio is a hive of activity. I have even taken on a young woman as an apprentice to help with cutting. I have been away from the blogging for a little while and apologise for my tardiness.

THE GREAT NEWS

The great news is that there are heaps of new purses, mini purses and IPOD pouches arriving in the online at ETSY store this week. Check them out... there are some old favorites and some stunning new editions. The colours are just beautiful.

The GIVE AWAY

I am giving away a free purse (valued at $20.00, & no postage cost)in your choice of print when you order a handbag before Christmas.

Follow the link to my ETSY shop NOW!

Hibiscus purse (20cm x 8cm approx)
Great for glasses, makeup, change and other small treasures.

Mixed mini purses (9cm x 9cmapprox)

Davia

In the Studio Today - Yesterday

2010-11-11T11:23:00.000+11:00

Stocking up for the Brunswick North West Primary School
Community Fair

Sorry I didn't get to up load anything yesterday. I spent all my hours sewing, sewing , sewing......

The ipod /phone cases are great fantastic colours and designs. Some of them thanks to the talented Lucy McMillan, whose designs are so fresh and uninhibited.

Come to Community Fair this Weekend. It will be a mostly indoor event due to impending rain.

Hope to see you there.

Davia

Man takes pussy home for the night.

2010-11-09T13:08:00.000+11:00

Yes I know a controversial headline, but its all true! He really did!

'What?.... Am I on the right blog?' I hear you say. 'Has Davia gone completely mad?'

TRUTH TIME
Yes totally! I have just been reading a few articles about writing headlines that grab, and frankly this is the best I could come up with. Everything always goes back to SMUT doesn't it? It is the best way to get peoples attention. But are they the right people?

BO-DELICIOUS, SWEET REGIONS. (there I go again)
By now all the pervs have moved on already, realising that this is not in fact an adult blog full of tantalising pictures of some sweet nether regions, but rather the rantings of a slightly deranged small business woman.

Then why write such a headline? Research! I just wanted to know, that's all. How many hits does such a headline generate? Why ask? Because I have now been writing this blog for 4 months and am starting to question why I do it. I thought the reason was to allow potential buyers of my designs to get to know the real me, not just a product, but the story behind the product. The sort of person I really am. But everything I write is considered (trying to present the best aspect of me) and I am starting to look AND FEEL a little boring.

IS IT OK TO HAVE STRONG OPINION?
I have tried to break away from this considered style of writing occasionally, but it stresses me no end. Perhaps no-one will like what I write???

But I am who I am, and my life is pretty bloody fantastic. I have a great partner and 3 wonderful kids. I love what I do and I am part of a great community. I have nothing to rant and rave about except how great life is!!! And surely writing about that is going to sound just a little arrogant isn't it?

Boy...... am I asking a lot of questions today? Oh Wait there's another one. :)

BUT JUST MAYBE ..... YOU WANT SOMETHING TO RAVE ABOUT TOO? If the answer is YES! Then maybe my sharing isn't such a bore after all.

ABOUT THE PUSSY.
As I said it is all true. A man did take a pussy home for the night. The man in question was my vet and the said pussy is Jack. He is fine and recovering from a major operation to remove foreign objects from his stomach. He was on a drip all weekend and went home with the Vet for constant observation. What a great vet.

Jack is home again now and getting back to his usual playful self. Only now he has what looks like a giant Zip all the way down his tummy, and half his hair missing. Oh well, less to sweep up!

I am busy getting stock ready for the BNWPS Fair this weekend. I will Post some pics tomorrow.

Davia

Thirst Day- Cat is off to the Vet

2010-11-04T08:03:00.001+11:00

My poor cat, the lovely Jack, whom I was threatening to kill last week for keeping me awake all night, must have taken me seriously. (God I hope not).

He hasn't had a drink or anything to eat in 2 days and he doesn't look at all well. He is lying around in as many warm spots as he can find. And his little nose is completely dry. So it is off to the vet today. This is a short post because I am worried sick. Needs less to say this really is a thirst day.

Davia

In the Studio Today - COOL DESIGNER IPOD CASES

2010-11-03T18:15:00.001+11:00

Robert Smith of THE CURE
Painting By Lucy McMillan on a DaVia Designs Ipod Case

Robert Smith of The Cure & Art Deco
IPOD CASES

Monday Medicine- A Dose of Unconditional Love.

2010-11-01T11:42:00.002+11:00

Unconditional Love is hard to find, and even harder to hold onto. But it is definitely possible!

I was reminded of this several times over the weekend and it was summed up beautifully by a line in the movie JUNO last night. It said something like: ( and I am taking a lot of liberties here, because I didn't have a pen and paper, but you'll get the gist)

JUNO: Is it possible that people can stay together?
JUNO'S DAD: Yes, when you find someone who loves you exactly as you are. The good, The bad, The ugly, What you do, What you say, How you behave, What you look like..........etc

The MC Breaks Loose
It moved me to think about my own relationship and about the fact that The MC made a complete fool of himself on the dance floor at my cousins wedding on the weekend. A fool in all the best possible ways. It was hysterical and the entire room was laughing and cheering by the time he finished.

Picture a 40 year old man with his very own version of contemporary dance, a little hip hop, and a dash of salsa. The bridal table held up score cards and gave an average of 7.5 out of ten. Not bad for unrehearsed and no formal training. He is a business professional, not a dancer by any stretch :) AND HYSTERICAL!

At first I wanted to hide and pretend he was someone else's husband. 'Surely this will reflect badly on me in some way.' my mind screamed. I came over all selfconscious. Then suddenly I let all that go and found that what I actually felt was a profound and unconditional love for him. What made me love him in that moment was his courage and his ability to laugh at himself in front of a room full of people. I could never do that!

It is a wonderful man and father that can do this and demonstrate to his teenage kids (especially a teenage son) that courage is not about physical strength and bravado, or about getting pissed and getting in a fight as often happens at occasions where large amounts of alcohol is consumed. It shows that it is OK to have a laugh at your own expense and that being silly in public is sometimes a great experience for others too.

Dancing with him meant that I too could let go of "Looking good" and worrying about what others would think of me.

One Lovely Bridesmaids Tale
When it was time for the speeches one of the bridesmaids began by having a laugh at the brides expense, talking about her weird habits and personality traits. It was a little uncomfortable at first and everyone wondered where it was heading. And then she said the most amazing thing. She spoke about the time my cousin (the bride) stood between her and her partner as he was trying to hit her. She said it was then that she knew what sort of person my cousin really is. And that she would love her for that quality for ever more.

Unconditional love comes not only from being able to laugh at yourself, but also in the ability to see qualities in others where you might not normally look because you are distracted by 'yourself '.

When you can give up what it means about you, you can really see what it says about them.

Congratulations Caylie and PJ. Thank you for a lovely evening and for sharing it with us. May your unconditional love last forever. xxx

Davia

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

2010-10-29T13:15:00.001+11:00

Welcome to another FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

7 things that made me smile this week.

1. Finishing a painting and having a great time doing it.

2. Allowing the cat to live another day, despite his wild behaviour and squashing all my freshly planted veggie seedlings. Not to mention his early rising. See post here I think it is the weather!?!

3.Discovering some new blog posts of interest in I Love Indie.

4.Cleaning up my work room to create more room for some great new ideas.

5. Watching Poss perfect the dolphin kick at swimming lessons this week.

6. Sunshine on my face.

7. The garden is alive with colour (the roses are just fabulous) and the new plants on my balcony haven't died in the heat.

Looking forward to the Brunswick North West Primary Fair. 13th November

If you would like to have a stall follow this link to Squirt Baby and Fiona will set you up.

Davia

In The Studio Today- Layering

2010-10-27T11:28:00.000+11:00

Today I play with Layering. This is painting I am currently working on with some charcoal drawings over layed. I think it makes for an interesting effect. Today is all about fun! Not about finished products just fun. Some designs work, some don't but the only way to discover which is to try them out. Have a great day!

Davia

Choose Day - How about an injection of POSSITIVITY?

2010-10-26T11:17:00.001+11:00

I battle with Tuesdays. I don't know why. Monday I feel fresh, but Tuesday seems laden with pressure.

Sure I had fun on Monday, but now the serious work must be done and the end of the working week is both so near and so far. Tuesday is Choose Day, which means that I am investigating the possibility of changing my attitude and going with the flow happily instead of fighting the day and circumstances right till the end.

We all know the 'got out of bed on the wrong side' story don't we. I sure do!

Strange thing is, it has been happening quite a lot lately and it is really taking something for me to turn everyday into a positive one, and not to let my 'grumpy wake up feelings' rule the day. I feel tired all the time, I suspect it is this time of year for me, as it is a familiar story, I think I felt like this last year too. Surely I can't blame jet lag any longer????

The cat (good old JACK) is lucky to be alive this morning. He hasn't caught on to the fact we have day light saving yet and is appearing at the foot of the bed a full hour EARLY every morning, where he insists on playing with the flounce and clawing the underside of the bed. This makes a great noise that echos right through the mattress. If he is not careful he is going to spend every night locked in the laundry.

So today I CHOOSE my cat just as he is, annoying! He will live to see another day.

And I CHOOSE to work with my tiredness and get on with the job. I also CHOOSE sewing, not my favorite task, but something a designer has to do when she wants to create something new.

I would rather be painting, so I have promised myself that tomorrow is the day for that. I have something to look forward to as a reward.

Till then, Choose whatever it is you have to do today. And enjoy it. Good luck, let me know how you go.

Davia

Monday Medicine

2010-10-25T19:25:00.001+11:00

This weekend I attended the Spring Fling in North Melbourne. There was a great atmosphere and lots of yummy food. There were people everywhere and lots of fun things to look at and do.
One of the most uplifting moments was watching this giant elephant Snuff Puppet almost sit on some kids ( all part of the plan of course) There are four people inside this beast and the way it shuffled its way around the festival was very entertaining. I had a lovely afternoon in the sun.

Running in conjunction with the Spring Fling was the Thread Den North Melbourne Market. There I met a beautiful, bouncy and engaging woman. Her name is Zorza and she is a milliner.Her Business is Taboo Millinery Melbourne.

I bought a gorgeous silk Rose from her which I am hoping to wear in my hair to the cup next week. You can check out her face book page here.

Davia

Welcome to FEEL GOOD FRIDAY

2010-10-22T14:48:00.000+11:00

Good intentions. Lets give it a crack.

This week I am trying something new. I'm trying to be more organised about this blog. I am a classic procrastinator, so I work better with structure and setting myself deadlines. There will be changes to this pattern I am trying to establish and hick ups along the way, I am sure. I am only human after all. But I am going to give it a dammed good crack. I have begun with:

Monday Medicine - Monday (obviously). On Mondays I look for inspiration. I am looking for things that make me smile, laugh, cry, you name it. I want to be moved and feel enlivened by the world around me. It may be a joke or a photo or a story, I don't care which (but I want to care). Have you got a joke, a photo, a feel good story or something wonderful you want to promote. Email me. follow the contact links.

(Monday medicine is early this week because it is something I forgot to tell you last week, boy am I off to a good start)
This weekend, Don't miss the North Melbourne SPRING FLING. Sun 24th Oct. Check out the excitement here NOW.

Choose Day - Tuesday. On Tuesdays (normally my most unpleasant/dreaded day of the week) I will actively choose the day the way it is and everything the day brings. This is an experiment in acceptance and the pursuit of happiness. I have a theory that if you actually choose things the way they are, and choose the things you have to do, you can actually enjoy them (this week I tested it with the shopping, with a pretty good result). Visit me each Choose Day and we will see how this goes. I would like to invite you to play along too. Please leave a comment or a link to your own blog page that relates to a choice you are making.

In the studio -Wednesday. This is your chance to see what's going down around here. And my chance to share some of the wonderful things that I am experiencing/seeing/doing. This is also a good time to share what is going on in your studio/life/creative world. If you would like to guest post send me an email and I will let you know how.

Thirst Day- Thursday. As it is nearing the end of the working week for most, it is probably time to reflect on the things that made us smile. It is timely as it gives us that extra energy to see the week through. I will list things that have made me smile this week. Believe it or not it does make a difference. You can PLAY ALONG. Leave a comment or a link to your own smiley page.

Feel Good Friday- ( Friday.... naturally) In the pursuit of happiness and personal fulfilment (isn't that what we are all after?) I will explore different ways of looking at life, question the way we see things and try on (like a new dress) different ways of being. Trying something on yourself?

Well...... lets see how that goes????
Davia

ThirstDay - 5 Things That Have Made Me Smile This Week

2010-10-21T11:24:00.001+11:00

1. Poss (my youngest) and Holly (my constant companion, Yes, really, she follows me everywhere!)

2. Roast Rib of Beef and good old Yorkshire Pudding served with a Red Wine Reduction and roast veggies.

Of course the rest of the bottle to compliment. - cooked by The MC - YUM YUM

3. Having a job that allowed me to be there when my son hurt himself at school.

4. Sharing time and space in my studio with my good friend and fellow artist Lilli.

5. Getting back to the easel and getting my fingers and clothes covered in paint.

Davia

In The Studio Today

2010-10-20T11:29:00.001+11:00

My garden is growing wild and is out of control, but it is alive with colour.

The garden is in Bloom and the colours are Rich and Vibrant. This is good inspiration for the paintings currently on the go in the studio.

The secret to good roses according to The MC is "take no mercy". Which translates in Davia language to "cut them back like you mean to kill them." The MC prides himself on his prunning abilities. I have to admit he does a good job.

In southern parts of Australia the best time to prune your roses for a great rush of flowers is somewhere near the end of june. We left it a bit late this year, but it doesn't seem to matter they are looking wonderful.

This is a Double Delight (according to my mum).
It used to live in my mum's garden in a pot, but it has transfered into mine quite successfully.

Davia

Choose Day

2010-10-19T12:41:00.005+11:00

Hands up if you are over grocery shopping!

I am! Love eating, don't mind cooking, and will even smile while doing the washing, but I am totally over going to the supermarket.

Why choose day? Because some days there are things that just have to be done. Like it or not, they are a function of life. So I say "Choose it". That way you can be happy about it instead of walking around with a long face, perhaps paying out on others. Today I chose the shopping. And now its done and I can look forward to something more relaxing.

However there is some shopping that can turn out great when you choose to do it. And I did buy something great on the weekend at BUNNINGS. Yes that great super store for the DIY. Or should that be DYI (do yourself in)? That place is huge, you can get totally lost in there. Luckily I have been a regular for years, as a mosaic artist and garden art designer it is a very useful place to know your way around.

This week I went looking for new taps for the bathroom and came home with this.....I just couldn't resist. :)

My new hammock- in the shade of the plum tree. Mosaic in the back ground by ME.

Now I am all set for summer, just need a good book. Any recommendations?

Davia

The Palau De La Musica Catalana

2010-10-18T13:50:00.001+11:00

Monday Medicine

Well Monday comes around and I have successfully managed to avoid working all weekend. Yeah!

Well why wouldn't I, it was the WEEKEND after all!?! But here lies the problem of working from home. When you have had a bit of a slack week, the guilt is likely to haunt you on the weekends and 'work' being in a room in your house means it is very hard to avoid. Hence I spent a fair bit of the weekend out of the house.

The ticket office is closed

The Ticket office has been closed I'm afraid. Re-opening now!

I have had some degree of trouble re-adjusting to life since returning from overseas. I really didn't expect this, so it has all been a bit baffling to me. I think I am missing my holiday.

I feel a hunger for something that I just can't put my finger on. Have you ever experienced a hunger that can't be satisfied because you don't know what it is? Food, Alcohol, Love, Passion,..... Inspiration?

Yes, that's it for me, INSPIRATION, and I don't mean beautiful art (I have seen a truckload of this lately), I means stories that move me. Stories that really inspire the heart. I am over TV, the news is full of moving, but also depressing stories, NO, I want stories of triumph and hope, love and passion. I am searching aimlessly at the moment but continue in hope....

This leads me to think of a most wonderful building I visited whilst in Barcelona. The Palau De La Musica. Which loosely translates as the Music Palace. It is a privately owned building and home to a magnificent world of music and art.

The original choir, which still survives today, consisted of people who lived and worked in the area. Which is why such an amazing building is tucked away in amongst many other buildings, it was where the people were and it made the music accessible to the people.This is a wonderful story and this building has been a great inspiration to me as a mosaic artist for many years. Although until now I have been working from pictures that my dad bought back many years ago. It was wonderful to see the real thing. It uses natural light in extraordinary ways and is true inspiration.

Davia

Choose day

2010-10-12T12:15:00.000+11:00

Welcome to Choose day.

Since I got back from my trip I have had a little trouble getting back into the swing of things. I feel as though there is heaps to do and really I don't know where to start. Business has stalled for a while and I know that I "SHOULD" be producing things for the summer/Christmas period and attacking my work as I had planned. But words like "SHOULD" totally kill creativity.

Italy and Spain provided me with inspiration overload. I saw so much colour and art that the mind boggles. 'Wow.... I could do this' and 'I could do that', but what to do first that is the question. Just like this lollie stall at the market in Barcelona there is SOoooooo.... much choice.

So I will start today by being HAPPY and see where I go from there. I am CHOOSING the day just as it is and everything that comes into being today will be perfect.

Yes even a day full of SHOULDS can turn into something colourful and yummy.

Also below is a little photo The MC took of me at the Barcelona Market. I am not a big fruit eater, but I do like it when someone else cuts it up and hands it to me on a plate. I know I am lazy like that, and a whole fruit just doesn't do it for me. I only have a little mouth (some may disagree). This stall made fruit hard to resist.

Oh La!

Davia

Lost in Florence

2010-10-08T13:48:00.002+11:00

Standing on the Ponte Vecchio on the river Arno

I got lost in Florence. Not geographically....No, I have an inbuilt GPS and never get physically lost...but.....personally yes! I really lost myself, and to tell you the truth I haven't been able to find myself since I got back 4 days ago.

Maybe I dropped me somewhere in the "tourista" crowded streets in Roma, or on the festive La Rambla in Barcelona. Perhaps I left her on a plane still sitting in one of the 500 different seating positions I managed to create while trying to sleep, no luck there. I digress.

I realised that I was missing somewhere around the 24th Sept in Florence. I said to The MC "I just don't know who I am today." He replied "That's understandable." But is it? Is this feeling normal? I have often been confused about what I might do next or what my life is all about. (That's what the Whole Cat and Bird story is all about) but never this...this feeling of being a completely clean slate... this feeling that anything might be possible.

I think this amazing phenomenon has arisen out of being away from every aspect of my daily life and routine. Work, the washing, cooking, getting kids off to school...blah...blah...blah. I quite honestly didn't know myself.

This was my first trip overseas as an adult and the first time The MC and I have spent time away (together) from all 3 children (for more than 24hrs) in over 14 years. Suddenly I was without responsibility or commitment or expectations. I am not sure I have ever felt like this before, perhaps when I was a kid? I'm not sure.

Ponte Vecchio

I will endeavour to share the highlights of my trip with you over the coming days and weeks as I slowly come back to earth and reality.

x Davia

Popular Purses at Charles and Calypso

2010-09-13T16:57:00.000+10:00

These beautiful little purses are proving to be hugely popular. They are available at Charles and Calypso in North Melbourne. 566 Queensberry St.

Visit Rita and her lovely shop full of little treasures, like jewellery, cushion, bags, and gift ware. Rita is a gorgeous woman with lots of enthusiasm, a great eye for detail and a knack for finding little gems for her clients.

There are 5 DaVia Designs currently in stock (plus a range of handbags) and I will be increasing this range when I get back from Europe in a couple of weeks.

While I am away I will be visiting Barcelona and the wonderful works of Antoni Gaudi. I can't wait. I have been looking forward to this trip for many years. So I hope to come back totally inspired. I will endeavor to up load photo's to this blog in net cafes but I won't give a guarantee to that as I have no idea how accessible these are where I am going.

I am starting to get a little nervous about how I will cope leaving my kids behind. Not for their sake really, they will be fine I am sure, they are very capable kids and my dad, my step-mum and sister will be around all the time. No, I am worried about how I am going to cope, I haven't been away from them for more than a couple of nights in 14 years. And when my son went on camp for 9 days last year I missed him like mad, and I had 2 kids still at home to keep me busy.
Still the food, wine and shoe shopping might distract me. Fingers crossed.

Davia

Red Mud Hut Now Stocks DaVia Designs in Country Victoria

2010-09-10T11:08:00.002+10:00

The hills of Warburton

This is a view of the hills of Warburton in the Upper Yarra Ranges. The day was freezing and wet. In fact it was the wettest day in Victoria in many years. There are floods and it is the beginning of what is one of the wettest weeks ever but the hills are alive and the ground smells sweet. There is a mist of clouds hanging low on the top of Mount Donna Buang. This photo just doesn't do the beauty of this area any justice, but I forgot to take my camera and had to use my phone instead. I promise some better shots on my next visit.

Better still, consider checking the area out for yourself, it is a hidden treasure here in Victoria.

My mum grew up in this part of the world. My grandfather earned his living as a photographer in the late 40's and 50's. He used to take photo's of the holiday makers who stayed in the guest houses and visited the mountain top. Many of my childhood school holidays were spent in Wesburn a small town just before you get to Warburton. These are some of the happiest memories of my life.

In winter there is great sight seeing snow and toboggan runs and it is so close to Melbourne. We take the kids to the snow for the day each year because you don't have to have the whole snow kit and kaboodle to go there (No chains required)

RED MUD HUT
The reason that Warburton has come to be discussed on this page is the RED MUD HUT. I have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Joanna, owner of the RED MUD HUT, which is situated at the far end of the main street in Warburton. Her shop is just lovely and full to the brim of beautiful fashion, bags, hats, giftware, jewellery and toys. Now EXCITINGLY (jump up and down) DaVia Designs handbags too.

Joanna is a friendly, welcoming and chatty person with a great eye for quality and a unique fashion sense. I couldn't help myself and picked out a couple of soft and comfortable items of clothing suitable for travel and post suitcase wearing (no iron necessary) for my trip OS next week. I feel a million dollars in these, quite sexy (a nice change) actually.

This week I start to pack for my trip. It is the first time I have been overseas as an adult and I am so excited I am practically jumping out of my skin.

Davia

Brunswick Secondary College Are WINNERS

2010-09-10T09:49:00.000+10:00

I just have to give a big Whoo Hoo to Brunswick Secondary College for winning the VicMoves 2010 competition this week with their performance Apocalypse. The kids have worked so hard on this performance and it was totally brilliant on the night. I am proud to say I had 2 wonderful kids (Lou Lou and Roe) on the stage on Wednesday night and we couldn't be happier with their efforts. Well done guys!!! Love you long time.

It just goes to show that dedication and commitment does pay off, and it was worth going to school 6 days a week for what now seems like forever. (is it the last 5 months?, feels like 10)

Here is the link to the BSC photo section on facebook. They are photos of rehearsals etc.

I would also like to congratulate the other schools and VicMoves on the quality of the entire production it was a thoroughly enjoyable night and a very professional production. Thanks.

THE PERFECT BAG

2010-08-31T12:01:00.002+10:00

Finished Product Nerves
Do you ever get scared when it comes time to hand over the finished goods. I do!

The MC decribes it as a MATCH DAY tummy. He is a cricketer (more about that at another time). Anyway, I start to get sweaty hands and a strange feeling in my tummy. I think this comes from the time, effort and emotion that goes into creating every piece I make. It is hard not to become personally attached. I worry whether my client will love my product as much as I do.

Nothing to worry about.
There really is nothing to worry about when you do your work completly and with love, because it shows. It is the little things that make all the difference. The double stitching, the attention to detail. That is what is so great about handmade products. They aren't just churned out on some mass production line, they are crafted and handled gently. They are given time to develop and really are perfect.

The Perfect Bag

I have been working on the perfect bag for travelling. It has to be big enough to carry a purse, passport, a small camera, mobile phone and lip stick. And yet small enough not to make your shoulder ache or for other people (children, husbands etc.) to be able to put anything else in it. Have you ever noticed that when you have a large bag you end up becoming the pack hourse? Story of my life. SOooooo.... You can't fit that water bottle in my bag, no way, carry it yourself! PERFECT!

These are a couple of little beauties I whipped up this week, and they fit just the right amount!

I am off to Italy and Spain in a couple of weeks with The MC (who is that man?). Kids are staying home (that is another story too, it's the first time I have left them in about 14 years). I'll let you know how the bag travels. But I know it's gonna be great.

Davia

Do we have a Government yet?

2010-08-27T12:56:00.000+10:00

How is all that tooing and froing going?

Can we make up our minds?

Well we can't rush these things. It's very important, serious stuff you know.
So.... it's neck and neck and some seats are still too close to call. And this mornings news is that it is probably still another 2 weeks before we will know anything for sure.

PHOTO OF MY FIRST DAFFODIL BEGINGING TO FLOWER

BUT ALL GOOD THINGS TAKE TIME - LIKE MY DAFFS THAT ARE BUDDING NOW THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING PATIENTLY FOR MONTHS UNDERGROUND.

"Well" I say, "Just take your time and let me know when you have sorted it all out, but please make it a something that will work!" Something that will provide my kids with a future and good education. Ha...ha.... Now I sound like my Russian Grandmother. All she ever said was "Make sure they (my kids) get a good education!!!" But really, she had a point. She also frequently added "No more children darlink, education is very expensive."

However this delay is potentially a good thing, I think, because it hopefully will give the independents time to consider how they might actually SUPPORT a successful Govt. I guess the test is really WHAT SORT OF MEN ARE THEY?

Davia

THE VIEW

2010-08-26T11:50:00.002+10:00

Recently I have been watching the landscape change. Everyday there is something new.
I just love observing the ways that people live and share their lives with others.
Ours is a quiet community and we really don't get in each others way. But there is something nice about being recognised and it is great to get a smile and a nod or a wave as you walk around the block.

This is a photo of what can be seen from my bedroom window.
Some really great trees that green up the landscape, but mostly views of other people backyards, sheds and garages. These are typical examples of some of the older parts of suburban Melbourne.

Hills Hoist
There's the old Hills Hoist (a dying creature and an icon of Australian Heritage) I can only see three in this picture but I know there is five. They become move obvious when they have clothes on them.

The Italian Veggie Patch
Amongst the concrete there is a lush garden that keeps one of the neighbouring families in fresh herbs and veggies all year round. And come tomato season, the fires will billow smoke as the sauce making begins again. Yum! Follow this LINK to Gardening Australia's web page on creating a great Veggie patch. Lots of interesting things to look at here.

Urban Growth
There are three houses currently being extended, and the closest one looks like it just might be massive. I don't know if it is because this is just what we humans do these days, make everything bigger and better or whether there is genuine need for this huge increase in size, for example more kids on the way or aging parents moving in. But this is also a sign of the times in Suburban Melbourne. I actually believe that this higher density living is necessary for the sustainability of our population and it's growth. I don't have much positive to say about the urban sprawl and often query the sense in creating outer fringe communities, that seem to spring up out of nowhere over night and have very little infrastructure. It also points to the unbelievable cost of housing in inner Melbourne and towards the fact that many people have little choice.

I would like to see pics of your local environment, community and backyards. If you are happy to share I am happy to post. I intend to make THE VIEW a regular feature.Send your pics to Davia

Davia

Spring Forward into Action

2010-08-24T11:16:00.000+10:00

Normally I am not one to comment on politics. But I just can't resist in this time when we are not sure of the outcome of our federal election.

At present it looks a lot like a hung Parliament, the question now is; Who can form Government?

But my question is; How are they going to form a govt that can really work?
Does the opposition really have to be in opposition to everything the Govt. puts forward?
Why is there an expectation to oppose?
Is there an opportunity present here for a Govt. that works with all sitting members to really determine the best outcomes for our country?

What would that take?

As our weather is Moving Forward into warmth and sunshine (a welcome change) and our minds and bodies get into Real Action (we could all do with a bit of that) is it too much to hope that our pollies are thinking the same way and considering ways in which they might work together?

Just a thought :)

Davia

Out and About

2010-08-20T16:36:00.001+10:00

Do you ever feel totally overwhelmed? Sometimes by the things you say you are going to do? And sometimes by the things you know you really should do?

I do! But I have found a wonderful cure. It's called Out and About.

Last week when The MC and I were feeling really over whelmed by our waist lines and or lazy health probs, we went for a long walk. Yeah I know it seems like the simple answer to everything "exercise". But what if you hate exercise?

The beauty about being Out and About with a friend in particular, is that you really don't notice the fact you are doing any exercise at all. You are too busy talking to notice you are walking. The MC and I had the best conversation we'd had in ages and along the way we spotted lots of weird and wonderful sights.

We were offered a $60 meat tray for $15 (a bit suss), and we saw a man dressed as a boxer, in his silk shorts and the whole kit and kaboodle, gloves and all (it was about 12 degrees). He was walking down the middle of the road trying to pick a fight with the oncoming traffic. We saw a man whose toupee had been mangled in the washing machine and we saw some wonderful shop windows full of the last of the winter stock going cheap.

When we got home we reflected that we are not in bad shape after all. Our minds are actually quite clear and life is full of opportunities. Even the opportunity to exercise without pain. I Love my life! How about you?

Speaking of Out and About I am doing a GUEST POST on ART MIND check it out.

Friday Follower interview on Thea & Sami

2010-08-20T10:14:00.000+10:00

Today I feature on Thea & Sami.

Each week Thea acknowledges one of her followers. I think this is a wonderful idea as we all get to meet new people. Thea is a very lovely woman based in Queensland, Australia, I had the pleasure of meeting her in person last week at LifeInStyle in Melbourne.

Thea screen prints beautiful prints on organic hemp. Just lovely!

You can see my interview with Thea here.

Golden Whistlers visit The Press Club

2010-08-19T15:01:00.000+10:00

I wore my beautiful new Red Handbag with the Golden Whistlers to THE PRESS CLUB for my birthday dinner last night.

We had a very special and delicious feast. We totally over ate but I enjoyed every bite. We shared our meal with my dad and his wife, Allan and Alla Wolf-Tasker of Lakehouse, (of whom I am just a little bit proud). It always helps to dine with other prominent restaurant ers because they look after each other very well. We were totally indulged, which is how it should be on your birthday.

That healthy eating I was talking about in my last post will have to wait another day or two because Friday night is at Bamboo House with the rest of the family. Peking duck watch out here we come.

Davia

MASTER CHEF

2010-08-18T13:05:00.000+10:00

Recent discussions about our health and fitness prompted my husband-The Master Chef (The MC) and I to get gardening again.

Last year inspired by the TV program Master Chef, The MC came up with many mouth watering dishes and gastronomic delights every weekend. First thing Saturday morning he would make the trip to the Queen Victoria Market to pick up the latest and freshest ingredients.

All Saturday afternoon the house would be filled with tantalising aromas and in the evening we would all feast until we were way past full. Washing it all down with a good drop or two.

It is wonderful to witness a man discovering his INNER CHEF. Not only did I not have to cook, (I do this every other day of the week) or do the shopping, (I am so over that), but I got waited on and felt like every weekend was a birthday. However all this food and gluttony has taken it's toll and has not done the best for either of our figures. Picture -Botticelli, you know what I mean?

This year we have taken a fresh approach we ripped out the old woody and terribly overgrown rose that took up half the back yard and planted our own vegie patch. With a few little flowering bushes around the outside it makes a great addition to the garden.

Each evening I pick fresh herbs and salad vegetables for our dinner and they taste wonderful, even the kids love them. So it won't be long until I am finding my inner skinny person again. I know she is in here somewhere.

Davia

Why didn't anybody tell me? Maybe they did....

2010-08-17T15:00:00.001+10:00

How is it that you can just keep getting bigger and bigger and no-one says a thing?

Is it just that we have very polite friends?

Is our Self delusion so strong we don't hear them (or our own bodies screaming) anyway?

How is it that we manage to delude ourselves that nothing has changed? And then one day the pants just don't do up or you realise that you are having trouble getting up off the couch, perhaps that you are out of breath after walking to the corner. When did this happen? How did I not see it? Did I see it and just refuse to acknowledge it? Hmmm.... I think the answer might be ...yes!?!

Is it like the build up of dust in your house, just a little each day and then WHAM, tumble weeds rolling down the hallway and dust bunnies in every corner? How did that get there? ie; Hey...Where did those love handles come from?

You have to have a sense of humor about stuff like this don't you?

It is birthday time of year again for me, so you won't be surprised that I am asking these questions. Every year when the big day comes around I take a look at all the things that I could, would, might and probably "should" be doing differently. Time to face facts, not getting any younger or thinner. Does this matter?

Not really, but the health part definitely does because I just realised "I love my life." It's a great life and worth preserving a while longer. So as another year ticks over, I am going to look at something beautiful and not focus, just for today on things wish I could change.

This is a picture of a little LOVERFLY that Poss and I made together one Tuesday afternoon in our kids art class. We had great fun and the kids came up with the most amazing array of mini beasts.
Davia

Graffiti I love

2010-08-16T10:43:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we took a bit of time out to indulge. We had some lovely pasta and COFFEE in good old Brunswick Street Fitzroy. There is nothing like a warm Cafe' on a cold and wet winters day. The weather was gloomy and over cast with a slight and constant drizzle. Definate scarf and gloves weather.

Heading back to the car in a break in the rain I saw this:
I had never seen it before and it completely lit up my day. It is by Nate Gamble and the colours are so beautiful. Such a different piece of graffiti, so pretty.

Below is something a little more on the quirky side. This I also love! I believe it to be the work of many artists. That's what I love about Melbourne, there is something different around every corner. So many different opinions and messages to convey. I have been noticing artworks on walls everywhere lately. It's a bit like RED CAR SYNDROME. Once you notice one, they are everywhere, and in groups of three or more. Sometimes the kids and I play that game in the car where we try to spot the most red cars in a row. Or we look for specific words on shops or signs. Never a dull moment around here!

We also stopped by the Rose Street Market for a little squiz, lots of great little bargains there this weekend. Little poss picked up the cutest little badge for her jacket and wore it home with pride. I had my eye on some japanese kimono printing screens but no money in my pockets :( next time

Davia

Life in Style

2010-08-10T10:51:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I visited the LifeInStyle trade show. I saw lots of beautiful products and got thoughly overwhelmed with choice. There were hundreds of stalls. I am hoping that by this time next year I will have a stall myself. Nothing like setting a target... right!?!

While I was there I caught up with Thea from Thea and Sami and got to see her lovely fabric in the flesh. Her designs are very elegant. It was also great to meet a fellow blogger and her husband, it is a shame that Melbourne turned on the worst of its weather for them. It was frezzing and wet yesterday.

I also managed to catch up with a woman that I greatly admire, Carla, from Emotional baggage. She has designs and produces wonderful handbags too. They are quite different from the designs I produce but they are however beautifully made, also here in Melbourne. Carla is an inspiration to a budding handbag designer like myself. So if you are looking for something a bit different to what I do, I can highly recommend her.

I also met fellow bag designer Simon King, also a lovely person, also based here in Melbourne. His designs work well for the man in you life too. Check out his stuff at All the kings men. Again his designs are very different to mine but also great. Sorry I can't seem to manage to make the link work but it is worth goggleing him if you are looking for a man bag.

I met several other designers while I was there and I will attempt to conect you to them in later blogs. Some very nice jewellry!

Davia

Red Handbag and more Birds

2010-08-06T12:13:00.000+10:00

Today I am working on a couple of new designs. I have had many requests for Red Handbags. Here is a painting I am working on. No surprise it also depicts more birds. These little beauties are Mangrove Golden whistlers. Also known as Black-tailed whistlers. They are Australian birds that live in coastal areas. The are faily uncommon but very cute.

This is another bag for the lovers of all things red and black.

Bags will be ready for purchase shortly.

Davia

Paintings on Cards

2010-08-04T12:12:00.000+10:00

Making photo's really stand out is difficult but not impossible.

I am working on making my photo's pop. This is not as easy as one might think. Lighting my handbags is a nightmare due to the wonderfully practical PVC cover that protects these very luminous and colourful painting reproductions. Light from windows and flashes seem to bounce right of it and deaden the colour of the print. I have taken more shots that reflect me on the surface of the bag, than I have great ones of the bags themselves. I am just not a great with a camera as I am with a brush. I must work out how to do these bags justice. More day light? One step at a time. Mmmm......

That said... here is a great shot of the latest edition to my ETSY shop. CARDS. Yeah!

Davia

Dreaming Artist - By Davia McMillan

Original painting- Set of 4 Cards

Available now, click here.

An Ginger Cats Life

2010-08-03T11:29:00.000+10:00

Do you ever wish you were a cat?

I do, and if I was a cat I would want to belong to my mum. Her cats are spoilt rotten and very overfed. I just love a big fluffy cuddly cat.

This is a photo of Jack. He has found the warmest place in the house today, in my studio curled up next to my new scarf, it is cold here in Melbourne today.

He likes to keep me company, walk all over my computer. And he manages to cover everything with fur. He knows he is not allowed on the cutting table though, I don't want that hair anywhere near my sewing. So I have to growl occasionally, in the nicest possible way.

My youngest daughter, (Poss) calls him Jackie Boy and says things like "Oh... he's SOoooo cute!" But I think the poor old boy just likes to be left alone somewhere warm. Come to think of it, that would be really nice today, this big cat would really like that! Hope it is warm and sunny where you are.

Can you guess my star sign?

Davia

Russian Textiles

2010-08-02T17:11:00.000+10:00

Old Fashion Roses Print

I have a soft spot for all things Russian. My taste was developed early in life by my Russian step-grandmother. She always had an eclectic mix of colours and patterns in her house. It could have been because it was the 70's. But she was a brave woman and as a young child I always put it down to her Russian-ness.

Last year I found an amazing book full of the most wonderfully colourful Russian textiles. The cloth that inspired the above painting was: roller printed cotton circa late 19th - early 20th century. The cloth design itself is said to have been influenced by French Home Furnishing Design.

This is a full view of the painting that appears on the flap of one of my favourite bag designs.

I did a couple of versions of this painting, so there is also one with just one rose. This appears on the little makeup/ glasses case I posted earlier.

I have taken many liberties in my interpretation of the design and the result is far more impressionist than a true representation of the original work.

I am still learning to drive this blog site and I meant to post this picture into my portfolio. Go figure??? I will get it right eventually. Now I will try for the portfolio with some other pictures. Check them out.

Davia

Welcome Coupe' Fashion

2010-08-02T14:37:00.000+10:00

I would like to acknowledge the wonderful Fran at Coupe' Fashion, 627 Rathdown St Nth Carlton.

I recently met Fran and discovered her beautiful little shop in Nth Carlton. Fran has been in business a staggering 24yrs. She stocks lovely clothing and accessories and I couldn't help but buy myself a little scarf. (as pictured)

Fran was incredibly friendly and helpful and gave me plenty of tips for getting this show on the road to success. She also agreed to stock several of my handbags and cards, so if you are in the region, please drop in, say hello and have a look around.

Davia

Sharing space with a friend

2010-07-28T11:03:00.000+10:00

Today is the day I share my studio space with my good friend and fellow artist Lilli. Working along side a friend makes the day fly by.

Lilli also brings tasty treats for lunch. Most often a lovely Indian curry. Yum!

It is great to have the support of a friend who never lets you get away being self deprecating. Who is always there to give encouragement when the going gets tough or a piece of work isn't going the way you want. Everyone needs a friend like this.

Lilli is working on a set of beautiful cards at the moment (shown above is one of her latest).

I love the colours she chooses. I am working on another bag design. But I won't be letting the cat out of the bag on that one for a little while yet. Stay tuned.

Davia

The battle of the bulge- Bursting at the seams.

2010-07-26T14:40:00.000+10:00

Do you ever feel like the walls are closing in around you?
Like you just keep tripping over yourself and everything else?
Feeling overwhelmed?

Lately everything feels a little bit tighter. My work space, the house, MY PANTS. It is winter and we are filling up on all that rich comfort food. Last night my master chef (my husband-Matt) slow cooked a magnificent lamb stew follow by Pears poached in Red Wine and served with custard and fresh cream. Yum yum! Do I need to say anymore about the pants?

The house? Well as I said, it is winter and we are all inside, ALL THE TIME. We have just finished 2 glorious weeks of school holidays in which we all stayed home and made a lot of mess. The great news is 2 out of 3 kids cleaned their room over the weekend!

My work space... hmm lets just say I have been too busy creating to be cleaning, and things just seem to be all over the place. Above is a little pick of the cleaning IN PROGRESS. Now you know where I spend my waking hours.

I was inspired by my friends at Squirt Baby and Cottage Nerd, who have both mentioned recently the impulse to rationalise their space. The question was raised ‘How small does a fabric remnant have to be before you can bring yourself to throw it out?” Cottage Nerd said “Oh... No, you could cover a button with that” Tragic, but true, everything has a use. But are you going to use it?

If you haven't touched it in lets say hmm..... a year, through it out! That is unless you can really really can justify keeping it, because it really ..really .. is too good to throw. And ....well it just might come in handy.

x Davia

WaterColor.Sky.SeaGlass: Bountiful day.....

2010-07-26T14:29:00.001+10:00

This looks like an idealic life. I love beach combing. A really nice little find. Check it out.
x Davia
WaterColor.Sky.SeaGlass: Bountiful day.....: "Wow....we could not believe our eyes at 9am when we got to the beach....low tide had been at 7:30 and it left behind a beach full of rocks ..."

Another little gem

2010-07-23T18:45:00.000+10:00

Sometimes a little procrastination inspires some great things.

This lovely little purse is what came out of my attempts to avoid working yesterday. There really is no such thing as not working for a mother of three who runs her own business from home is there?

The washing, although now clean remains in a heap and the whole family is on notice that we are ALL having a clean up day this weekend. 'Groans' all round!

This purse is great for looking after my glasses, they fit perfectly. They could also be used as a coin purse,make-up case or somewhere safe to keep your ipod. I am really happy with them so I have made quite a few.

Davia

7 top procrastination tips

2010-07-23T14:49:00.000+10:00

7 top procrastination tips - Proven ways to avoid actually being productive when you work from home.

1. Find someone ‘REALLY IMPORTANT’ to talk to. And make sure you cover EVERYTHING!
2. De-clutter, rearrange or clean. You just can’t work in a pig sty any longer.
3. Get a dog that needs lots of walking, feeding etc.
4. Get a cat. They are always on the wrong side of any door.
5. Make yourself another cup of coffee, because you are not wired enough already.
6. Hang out the washing, do the dishes, sweep the floor or do any other task that could be done in half the time, at double the speed, at any other time during the week.
7. Answer every email like it is VITALLY important!

What would be in your top 7?

Well there you have it, my top 7 tips for the week for avoiding being productive when you work from home. What can you add to this list?

Yesterday I was tempted to use just about all of these. Maybe it really was to much coffee early on in the day, but I was all over the place with so many ideas I didn’t know which one to do first. Hence I ended doing pretty much none of them and got totally distracted by a new little project. Cards!

See I haven't really been unproductive at all!

They come in sets of 4 or by themselves. I might even do mixed sets. They look and feel great. They come with envelopes and they are all individually signed by me. I have heaps more designs to choose from.

They can be yours at my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaViaDesigns

Davia

Do something new

2010-07-20T12:06:00.000+10:00

Thank you to everyone who has given me such wonderful feedback in the last couple of days. Your support and encouragement is so valuable to me. Thanks heaps!

I promised to share my journey with you and I guess that means both the good and the bad. (much less of the bad, I hope, this blog is supposed to be inspirational after all).

Yesterday I was quite flat and questioning why it is I am doing all this. I guess we all have those days occasionally. I was stuck wondering how else I can get my products out there into the big wide world. I was feeling so uninspired. Then I got an email for an old work collegue and she told me how inspiring I was being on a "it's all too hard" kind of day. Thanks Marie, it goes both ways.

This morning I woke up and asked myself "Whats next?"

I think the thing to do when you feel a little lost is to get into action quick smart. For me this means create something new.

Attached is a photo of my latest creation, hot from the work bench this morning. It is a little make-up purse or coin purse. It fit perfectly into one of my bags. It measures 17cm x 9cm and holds my lipstick, eye liner and a few other bits and bobs perfectly.

I think this will make a perfect present too. And I know just who to give it to today, another collegue finishing up work (my other work) this week.

The smile is back :)

Davia

Hello friends

2010-07-18T14:15:00.000+10:00

Welcome friends
What are you not doing because it is not yet good enough?

If you are reading this then it means that I have finally convinced myself to bite the bullet and let all my friends know what I am up to. I have been waiting until everything was perfect and in its right place to send the link to this site out to all my friends. But you know what? It is never going to be perfect! There will always be questions for me about what I could be doing better, and really that is just the way it should be, isn’t it? Otherwise we continue to settle for the status quo. I am committed to this business being exceptional!

Today I am spending a little time on my business plan, trying to work out where I should be focussing my attention and trying to get it into something my business minded husband can understand. “A PLAN” for example, not just a big wish list and bunch of wild ideas.
I am great at the visioning part and delivering what I say I will. But what am I saying I will do now?

Produce and sell a range of Unique, Creative and Beautiful products that people love to use and share.

I am interested to know your thoughts on my bags, blog or shop on ETSY so please leave a comment below or email me. I would also like to know if you are up to great things in life.
Alternatively become a follower of this blogspot and that way I can know what you are up to if you too have a blog.

X Davia

Wilson's Promontory

2010-07-15T13:10:00.000+10:00

This is a photo of me on a family holiday to Wilson’s Promontory circa 1979. I was probably about 7yrs old then (so, I’ll let you do the math). Check out the shoes (they even match our car) and the stylish tracksuit. All the rage! I was height of fashion even back then. People who know me well will know instantly that this is my warped sense of humour coming to the fore ha ha... Truthfully back then we didn’t have a lot of money, in fact the shoes were second hand I think. My mum was great a making the dollar stretch as far as possible and I can honestly say that I didn’t really miss out on anything that mattered in life, holidays for example.

The bird in the picture is a crimson Rosella, a very friendly bird that lives in forests and coastal areas around Australia. The camping ground was full of them.

When I was young my Grandparents lived in the country side east of Melbourne. In the late afternoon just before dusk my grandfather would scatter seeds in great arches across the paddock behind the house. Within seconds a huge flock of these wonderful birds would descend and the lawn would pitted with bright colour. It was a feast for the eyes and the ears. They are quite a chirpy bunch. I remember sneaking out with handfuls of seed and trying to capture them. They were not as tame as the ones on the prom.

My Grandfather always kept chickens and canaries too. I guess birds have always been there for me, I just hadn’t taken note, and now I find them everywhere. Amazing.

Davia

Finding time for you- time to be creative.

2010-07-14T11:39:00.000+10:00

Do you ever feel like there is no time for you?

These days women really are all things to all people. We manage families, houses, career and part time jobs and so much more. Is it any wonder we are often overwhelmed?

This year I have decided to dump that feeling of being overwhelmed for good. It is so bad for my health. I have had several friends and acquaintances battle life threatening illnesses in the last 2 years and it really brings home just how temporary our lives are. If we are going to make any kind of difference in this world and give our lives meaning and purpose then we have to be passionate about what we do.

NOW... while I still can’t get passionate about the washing or the dishes, I can give my self PERMISSION TO CREATE. This means giving the things I enjoy room to breathe. It is not self indulgent as I once thought, it is necessary!

Today I am back in the studio painting. It has been a few weeks since I really put brush to canvas. With the kids on school holidays I haven’t managed to have much time to focus on the ART, what with “I’m hungry” and “I’m bored” hanging about. But today is the day for creating something fresh. I have my good friend Lilli with me and we are fired up to create. Lilli is also an artist and makes the most amazing use of colour. We share my studio once or twice a week and keep each other inspired and on track (most of the time) some times however we are distracted by coffee, conversation and food consumption.

Today I want to share with you one of my most successful paintings/prints on a bag so far. It is of a cute little finch inspired by the family of finches currently nesting in the eaves of my back veranda. Whilst very cute they sure know how to make mess and noise.
I have three colour ways of this design and they all look great on the bags.

Have a fantastic and creative day

Davia

The Blue Birds Bag

2010-07-13T13:12:00.000+10:00

Here is a photo of the little cat in the sun.
For more pictures of this handbag visit my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaViaDesigns

Finding blue birds

2010-07-13T12:43:00.000+10:00

Love those birds.
I am slowly sorting out this blogging stuff. There is so much to learn!

Have you ever wondered if you are doing the things that you were meant to do? You know... like life purpose.

My husband has been known to say I am “like a cat lying in the sun watching the birds.” Every time a bird passes, I question “Is this the bird I want to chase?” Most of the time I let them go. Some time I chase them for a while, sometimes even catch one or two. But this last year I have really found ‘THE BIRD’. I love painting and creating and I want to share it.

Here are a couple of photo’s of some birds I painted recently. They now live as prints on my latest handbag. Please check them out and let me know what you think. If you really like them visit my shop or tell a friend.
These are the blue birds proudly worn by my girl Lou lou.
Davia

2010-07-09T14:31:00.000+10:00

THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG!
Well the CAT is definitely out of the bag, but the STORY is definitely still in it. In fact that is where I am putting all my stories these days, into beautiful handmade original handbags and accessories.

Travel with me, as I set a new course to follow a dream.
Welcome to my blog. I am choosing this space to share my latest designs, thoughts and inspiration. I hope you will visit it from time to time and travel a road less travelled with me. I am letting the Cat out of the bag (sharing myself and my dreams), taking the risk to do something I have always wanted to do, ‘Be fully and creatively self expressed’. I say risk because isn’t putting your self out there for all to see scary for everyone? What about earning a living? And this blog stuff maybe I’m of the wrong generation, but that is scary too.

Why Bags?
I believe that being creative is the only way I can truly be myself. It is when we are creative that we choose our destinies and are no longer victims of the past. By past I mean every thought we have ever had that added meaning to our lives, both good and bad. Being creative allows us to transform our experiences into something new and inspiring.

It is because of this belief that I have turned my creative urges towards producing functional and beautiful things for others to enjoy.

Each bag begins with a painting or illustration. I am inspired by colours in nature and the world around me. I love old textiles, vintage prints and wall papers.

On these pages I will keep you up to date on my latest products, how they came about and where I find my inspiration. I will share my journey as a budding business woman and let you know how and where you can buy my creations. I will also welcome your feedback so please post a comment or share this blog with a friend.

Do you wear Red Shoes?
My latest handbag depicts a Rainbow Lorikeet which is quite a common bird in coastal parts of Australia. When my children were little we holidayed in beautiful sunny Queensland and travelled into the rainforest. I have many photo’s of the kids covered in these birds as they hungrily perched on every available surface. The are playful and sociable birds with very noisy screeches. It was a colourful and wonderful experience.

This bag is great for women who wear lots of black and compliments a pair of red shoes magnificently. These vibrant colours on a black base mean that it looks great with any outfit.