The end of the year and...

... the end of the world. Apparently.

Well, the last of Christmas markets for me this year has come and gone. We really were blessed with fine, balmy weather and good attendances for all of them.

I like the end-of-year markets. Everyone is usually in fine spirits and in full anticipation of a “good day”. And, I always get to meet some wonderful people - stall holders and customers. I am always impressed with the high standard of quality artwork created by the artists - especially at the charming Makers Markets in the Abbotsford Convent.

During the 19^th and early 20^th century, the sixteen acre site at Abbotsford was occupied by one of the largest convents in Victoria, and provided refuge, accommodation, schooling and work for vulnerable women and female orphans. Today, the grounds and historic buildings encompass a lively arts and cultural community.

The vibe at the convent is fabulous and I feel very fortunate to be able to attend these markets.

Once my stall was set up, I took a ramble around the grounds to snap a few pics before the crowds arrived.

Ahhh, the sun's finally out and shining on a pretty day

 

All set up nice and early, only two things missing, price tags/labels and… customers!

I had enough pieces in reserve kept within the suitcase to keep my stall topped up until the late afternoon. By the end, nearly everything was sold. I am so grateful to my customers. Many whose faces are familiar from last Christmas, and they in turn were happy to see me and buy more ornaments to add to their collection. Even one lovely girl brought a photo to show me of her huge tree, named ‘Doug’ (a beautiful Douglas Fir), with last years ornaments adorning him!

Clocks, jewellery and magnets were also popular purchases throughout the day. 

The day ended with many “Merry Christmas” call-outs to each other as, tired but happy, we stallholders dismantled and carried our assorted displays to our cars.

I think this fine fellow silently spoke for us all as he sat, weary and worn, waiting for his ride home.
☺

Some of you will remember my post about the magical lake at the bottom of the Alfred Nicholas Gardens in Sherbrooke Forest and, the little boathouse tucked secretly away at the end of the lake... weekend-walks

So, of course, my eye was immediately drawn to the market stall opposite mine. There, sitting among other beautifully rendered photos, was a delightful image of the little boathouse.

When it rains, or when heavy, fat dew drops fall from ferny fronds, the serene lake is shattered by thousands of tiny sparkling diamonds dancing upon the surface.
Here in front of me, captured forever, was such a moment. A magical moment indeed.

Image with kind permission from Carly Elizabeth

 
I was very pleased to meet Carly Elizabeth. A Melbourne based photographer with a true artist's eye for creating abstract and landscape artworks through her camera lens.
Carly Elizabeth's clever seaside, urban and country perspectives are unique, eye-catching and endearing.
Her premium quality prints and cards are limited editions and are very well worth the investment. 

I was tempted to, and did, buy these lovely cards. How could I resist the one in the middle?

I was also taken with this unusual little wispy Christmas tree - a trick of the light, a sleight of hand, a very clever effect.

 

I like Carly Elizabeth’s blog post and ethic on “shop for the story, not the sale” found here - shop for the story

It is lovely to get a little background on items you buy direct from the artist. To take the time to pause and engage in friendly banter and hear an often charming tale about your chosen piece. 

Carly Elizabeth has created this on-line sign for people to use when encouraging others to buy hand-made...
 

You can see more of Carly Elizabeth's stunning photography at http://carlyelizabeth.com.au/
As for the wee boathouse? This is a great opportunity to purchase a little piece of the magic while the prints and cards are still available. You won't be disappointed.




And so, the work/school/market year comes to a close. And as the dark sky fell over the city on 21/12/2012, my boys and I spent the night at the movies.


Here's to a (hopefully) bright beginning at the end of the world for us all. Cheers!

♥

 

Weekend Walks

Spring has sprung and cast her vibrant green hues over the landscape. And today, I’d like to share with you some photos of our local scenic delight – the Alfred Nicholas Gardens.

  How lovely is this entrance?

This once private estate is now thankfully, open to the public and has become our favourite walk every weekend.

Situated in lush natural forest, the gardens range from wild, stunning deep green fern gullies with streams that are cool and damp all year round, to secret nooks with fishponds, to expanses of lawns dotted with majestic native and deciduous trees.

With 13 wonderful acres to explore, we never get tired of seeing it in all seasons. From the magical russet red/gold palette of autumn, the dark emerald cooling shade in summer, the cold, crisp beauty of winter and the verdant greens in spring.

As we walk along the many linking paths, we are surrounded by sentinels of mighty Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus Regnans), their 100 metre tall canopies towering overhead. Truly impressive!

The more cultivated parts of the gardens have many beautiful exotic trees and shrubs including, rhododendrons, azaleas, viburnums, magnolias, ginkgoes, cherries, elms, maples, oaks and liquidambars.

And, what I love most is the secret surprise - a truly lovely picturesque lake with waterfall and Japanese inspired bridges linking to a sweet little grassed island.

Tucked away at the end of the lake is a quaint little iconic boathouse. Reflected in the serene waters, it is one of the most photographed buildings in Victoria.

We always like to get there super early in the morning and have this enchanting realm “all to ourselves”… just for a wee while.

At any time of the year, it's like a little magical wonderland.

 And look who found a ball!
Left for him by the park fairies :)