gocco and card making

It's been a while since I last pulled out the gocco.  I love using it most for making cards.  It's fantastic for creating large numbers of something in a way that allows it's handmade nature to shine.

Created in the late 1970's, the Gocco machine is a Japanese printing system that was a huge hit during the 1980's.  Due to falling sales however, there was talk of the gocco machine going out of production- I'm not sure how the campaign to save the humble gocco is travelling now.

There are some truly amazing artists out there using Print Gocco to produce their work.  If you're interested, have a look on Flickr (gocco groups).  People's creativity is astounding.

soap

Today while working at the Olive Grove Studios, I put together some soap sample packs, and set out a bush of now cured hand made soaps.  This bunch smells lovely.  There's lemon verbena and black pepper, mocha spice, patchouli and ylang ylang, and peppermint amongst others.

I think I'll be making more soap soon.  What's your favourite combo?  I always seem to lean toward the same familiar scents.  I'd love some fresh ideas.

It seems insane to be posting about pants.  How can it be pants weather already?  Aren't we still waiting for Summer?  Apparently Summer's not going to happen, so it's time to embrace the coming cooler weather instead.

- available at Olive Grove Studios.

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  {inspired by Soulemama}

my creative space

My creative space today has been about making brooches to fasten these tops with.  They are simple fabric covered buttons finished with a brooch backing.  There's something soothing and quieting about the repetitive nature of making brooches.  It's best to embrace it, it's all part of the process!

I first made these tops about this time last year in a different fabric, and sold them through Olive Grove and also I Dream A Highway.  These ones are now available at Olive Grove only at this point.

More creative spaces over at Kootoyoo.