Rediscovering an old friend...

For 6 months the blinds have remained closed...

...then today I switched on the lights, opened the blinds and windows and yelled

HELLO STUDIO!!

HELLO paint wall - I love your kaleidoscope of colour...

HELLO paint brushes - Oh how I love the way you feel in my hands.



HELLO magazines - I can't wait to be inspired by you again.

...and not to mention all the pretties and personal attributes that make my studio my special place to create.

...even Gypsy the studio buddy has taken up her old spot.

So now for the exciting news...

Unfortunately, there is good and bad news - don't you hate that!!

The good news of course is that the studio is re-opening.

The bad news.... it is only open for the month of July.

Now I know you will be wondering why after being closed for 6 months would I only re-open for one month. The simple reason is this - I am moving house in August. My family and I are making the sea change to a beautiful Australian coastal town. I'll explain more about this in another post.

I am very grateful that my customers have remained so loyal during the temporary closure of Woodberry Designs. I know too that many of you have been very eager to secure some more patterns, so it seemed sensible to open for just the month, rather than not at all. I sincerely hope that the next closure is brief and only long enough for me to move house and set up a new studio.

Other exciting news for customers is my RELOCATION SALE that I will be holding next week. All kits, retired patterns and excess stock must go - guaranteed ridiculous prices!! If you can't wait until then, the gorgeous Anna from Anna Rosa Designs is having a trade table for me at the Open Day at the Society of Folk & Decorative Painters this Sunday. What would I do without such great friends??

During my convalescence I reviewed my pattern range and decided to retire 85 designs from the Country to the Core web store. I know that sounds like a lot but with over 200 designs in my collection it was time to simplify. I will be adding new designs and revamping some old ones for re-release in the coming months.This past week I have updated the website and added the latest newsletter. Also, my latest doodles book - Whimsical Christmas Doodles is ready to be printed so I hope to have it in stock in the next week.

Finally, I have to say a very special THANK YOU to Princess Jess and Miss Aimee who are going to help me with the business during the next month. Without them I could not re-open. Thank you my lovelies!!
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

On the move again...

It was great to be up and out of bed this week. I'm building my stamina up each day and getting adapt at managing on crutches - not that I go far. LOL

I've not yet made it down to the studio to paint but maybe that can be a goal for this week. I haven't lifted a brush for well over 7 weeks and look forward to filling my palette again and losing myself in the moment. There are several canvases that need finishing and I always have ideas for new ones.

I plan to re-open my business on the 29th June, which will please many customers who I know have been hanging out for certain patterns. It has been 6 months since I closed the business temporarily for what I thought would only be 2 months. Unfortunately, I won't be able to fill orders for faux cakes yet, but hopefully I can very soon.

This week I have worked on a couple of sewing UFO's. This one has been hanging around for so long I had forgotten about it. It is a self coloured embroidery cushion for my bed.

I've made ribbon roses....

...embroidered bullion roses...

...and a ribbon bow...

I'm now half way around the heart.

Looks like I will be able to tick another UFO off my list this week.

Whatever you are doing this weekend I hope you have a good one.

Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Warm fuzzies....

That's what it has felt like in our household this week.

Firstly, I had my surgical review on Wednesday which went very well. For the first time in 12 months I left the specialists office with good news and a more positive outlook.


I'm out of bed.... yay me!!!
Well... in small doses. My bone graft hasn't yet fully taken but is looking terrific and promising. I'm now on crutches (still non weight bearing), I can climb stairs and hopefully by next week I might even be able to drive. After nearly 6 weeks in bed, a stroll around the house is enough to exhaust me but I'm sure my stamina will improve day by day.

So that was yesterday and today we celebrated my baby's birthday.


I can't believe Miss Aimee has turned 12. That is almost a teenager. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday that she was a sickly baby fighting for survival. We had some tough years, awful hospital stays, lots of sleepless nights but through it all.... my Aimee has never stopped smiling. Now she is leaving that little girl behind and fast becoming a beautiful young lady. I am so proud of her and love her to bits.

Happy 12th birthday Aimee.

Tonight Aimee had her buddy Gypsy sit beside her at the dinner table for birthday cake and candles - not something we usually allow mind you.

And then, just as my chest is filling with pride, a chance photo catches this...

and this....

Hhmmmm.... I'm hoping they didn't share the spoon but suspect they did.

Oh well, if that is the biggest thing I ever have to worry about, then I am one very lucky mum.

Aahhhh... warm fuzzies. Every week should be like this.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Sometimes strange things happen....

Psychic: adj. describes a variety of super-natural events such as telepathy, extra-sensory perception, clairvoyance, spiritualist phenomena, psychokinesis, levitation, prophecy.

Clairvoyant: the psychic ability to ‘see’ in-ormation about living beings, objects or events without using the ordinary sensory means.

I’m sure my post today on psychic ability and clairvoyants will create controversy. It is after all, one of those topics that divide people by their beliefs.
For a long time I fell into the sceptic camp. I don’t suppose I had strong feelings either way – I’d never given it much thought. Then about 7 years ago I experienced something that over time would change my perspective and beliefs.

The event 7 years ago was a psychic reading. At the time I went along to support someone else who was at a crossroads in their life. We had heard amazing stories about the accuracy of this clairvoyant, who didn’t advertise and had bookings 6 months in advance. I thought it was a bit of a lark but the person I accompanied was deadly serious.

When it came time for my reading I was determined to remain stoic and emotionless (typical sceptic). I didn’t want to give anything away. My reader, let’s call her ‘Mrs X’ was jovial and friendly and easy to relax with. The session was for one hour and it was taped so I could listen to it again later on. I supplied one photo that contained my 8 immediate family members and my watch. Mrs X commented on the past, present and future. She described people’s natures and situations with such accuracy I had goosebumps. These were people she didn’t and couldn’t know. I had given her no personal details except my first name. Some of the things she told me were about the future and of little relevance at the time. I left the reading feeling slightly awed and uneasy, but I think the real surprises were to come several years later when events in our life mirrored those described in the reading.

More recently, our life has undergone some major and unexpected changes which we just accept as our life journey. Then a few days ago I remembered the discarded cassette (from that clairvoyant reading) that is stored in my ‘junk’ drawer. I haven’t thought about or listened to it for many years. To do so now, is just plain freaky. Unbelievably FREAKY!! The reading describes my life and those people in it, with uncanny accuracy... not just generalisations either.... but actual events. Too weird.

I always believed the accuracy of psychic predictions was grossly overrated and I still believe that the world is full of fakes preying on innocent people. But, sometimes there are just some things that can’t be explained and this is one of them. I’m not ready to rush off to another reading but for now, I’ll accept this one as being chillingly accurate.

Sceptic or believer – which one are you?

Surprise!!!

Hi...


HELLO...


down here...

Hi there, I'm Pavlova


My creator, the incredibly talented Jodie of Ric Rac, made me especially for Kerryanne to keep her company while resting in bed.


Jodie gift wrapped me in gorgeous vintage sewing paper and sent me on my way to visit the Queens' bedroom... (don't worry, I could breathe in there).

Boy-oh-boy was Kerryanne surprised when she unwrapped me - I think she even had a tear in her eye.

After lots of cuddles with Kerryanne I got to meet the other bed buddy...

I wasn't sure at first...

those teeth are pretty scary!!


...but then there was a bit of butt sniffing

(not sure what that was all about).

After that the furry one seemed to accept me......

...and we spent a fun day getting to know each other and amusing Kerryanne.




Now we are all great friends and bed buddies.



Thank you Jodie for sending me to cheer up Kerryanne.

I love it here already and just know we are going to have some great adventures.

The Queen is in the bedroom

Hello blogsters... here I am... still in bed!!

It's been a week since my last post so thought I had better check in and let you know I'm hanging in there. Thanks for the emails and blog comments of support. I appreciate all your good wishes.

Week 4 already... my, doesn't time fly when you are having fun - NOT.

Seriously, life here in bed is not all bad. I'm constantly kept warm, yummy meals are delivered to me at regular intervals (thanks mum - what would we do without our mums?) and the revolving door of visitors keeps me sane.

I've adapted to my new role as

"Queen of the Bedroom".

Once you get past the awkwardness of entertaining in ones bedroom dressed only in PJ's, you're okay. There's a knack to it though. I rely heavily on my assistants. After all, someone has to answer the door, make the coffee and answer the phone. I'm considerate too; flower arrangements and scented candles add to the ambiance. The bed is comfortable, pillows plentiful but don't recline on the white fluffy one... that ones Gypsy.

Today's visitor was the lovely and always entertaining Anna from Anna Rosa Designs. Anna jumped up on the bed with the bed buddy Gypsy and I and we spent a whole day chatting. My parents and the Princess (who is home sick) came in for morning tea and lunch too. My bedroom gets kind of crowded at times but it is all fun. Tonight I will have 5 gal pals to entertain - should be a hoot and a true test of my 'Queen of the Bedroom' capabilities!!

Don't for one minute think I just sit here Queen like, holding court all day - Goodness me NO. I've also managed to watch an unhealthy amount of pointless TV, countless DVD's and already onto a new book for this week. In my spare time I'm still cruising through blogland collecting interesting and creative blogs, so will share some more in the next post.

So until next time, it's hooroo from the
Queen of the Bedroom

Just hop, hop hopping through blogland.

It may not come as a surprise that I've been doing some serious blog hopping over the past week. I do after all have a few spare hours up my sleeve. Laying flat on my back does limit my choice of activities so my laptop is keeping me sane and entertained.

Sooooo... here's where the blog hopping comes in. From one amazing blog to another inspiring one; I've travelled the globe, on and on I go and am constantly amazed by the incredible crafting and artistic talent out there.

Aside from discovering fantastic etsy shops and webstore, I've also discovered lots of free patterns and helpful tutorials along the way and thought I would start listing a few for my blogging friends to check out.

Our starting point today is Patchwork Pottery where Laurraine Yuyama makes the most amazing quilted crafts. Laurraine is a Canadian artist that works out of her home studio creating quilted 3 dimensional teacups and teapots. I particularly love her patchwork cup bags. Laurraine also has a great tutorial on making your own fabric labels. Make sure you check out her blog and Etsy store too.

Next hop on over to visit Amy Adams at Lucy Kate Crafts. Amy makes the most adorable felt crafts which she sells in her Etsy and folksy stores. Amy previously worked in the textile industry designing needlecraft kits, and still does, but now on a freelance basis which gives her the chance to develop her own ideas and creations, and also spend more time with her two children. Amy has some great felt tutorials in her blog sidebar.

From the UK we hop over to Australia to visit Natalie Lymer at Cinderberry Stitches. Natalie has 2 free stitchery patterns in her side bar. The blue wren nest tote bag is divine and definitely on my 'To Do List'. You'll also find a link in Natalie's sidebar of stores that stock her beautiful pattern range.

The final blog hop for today is a visit to Leslie at Onegirl Designwrks. Onegirl Designwrks is the creative outpouring of Melbourne graphic designer Leslie Keating, whose love of colour, design and fabric all culminate into charming, unique soft toys and accessories with a strong focus on natural materials. Leslie searches out vintage and specialty fabrics from all over the world to create designs that are one-of-a kind, engaging and full of personality. Leslie has a great tutorial on easy ink jet printing on fabric. I know a lot of crafters are interested in incorporating this technique in their designs. Don't forget to check out Leslie's etsy store too.

I'll pop back with more links soon.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Cold wind blowing...

With a severe weather warning in place for Melbourne today I'm kind of glad I am tucked up here in my snuggly warm bed. I'm lucky enough to have a bedroom on the second floor with a gorgeous bush outlook. From here I can see the gumtrees swaying madly in the strong winds, the sky is grey and bleak and the promise of rain is not far off. This time around I don't mind wearing the TED stockings, which are quite warm and being tucked up under a fluffy warm doona is much nicer than lamenting what I was missing out on during my summer post surgery convalescence.


A part of me wishes I could don my big overcoat and boots and head off for a vigorous walk in the wind... a walk in wintry conditions is always invigorating. Truth be told, if I could go for a walk it would probably be the last thing on my 'To Do List' today. We always want what we can't have and simply knowing I can't go for a walk has suddenly made it all the more appealing... absurd creatures, are we not?

So here I lay, another week under my belt, filling the hours as best I can. The bed buddy Gypsy is already bored with my company and keeps to herself on the other side of the bed. I find myself several times a day pondering how it is that dogs can sleep all day, all night and still yawn when disturbed. What a simple life they have.

Reading has been my saviour and I currently have several books on the go. Some people find that strange but books can entertain us in different ways. For light entertainment I read from Dawn French's 'Dear Fatty'. It is a hysterically funny and witty offering about Dawn's life that makes me smile.


When I want to get serious about reading I continue my journey with 'Year of Wonders' by Geraldine Brooks. This book describes in gripping detail the deathly plague of 1666. It fills me with horror and if nothing else, it reminds me that my present situation is nothing much to complain about.


I've just finished another one of Jennifer Chiaverini's quilting novels - The Master Quilter. I can highly recommend this series of books for any crafter or quilter who enjoys reading. The books chronicle the adventures at Elm Creek Quilts (a quilting camp) and the friendships and crafting that go on there. The main characters are present in each book so you get to know and love then while following their quilting adventures. Sooooo... with my huge pile of books, hidden chocolate snacks (a must for serious reading stints) and many hours to fill, I'll be kept entertained over the next few weeks.


Apart from that, I've been visiting blogging friends, reading emails... (must add a thank you here to Kris from Tag Along Teddies who has been keeping me entertained with her daily offering of comical emails) and entertaining guests. Receiving visitors in ones bedroom while dressed in jim jams is peculiar. I'm sure being viewed in the recumbent position is not particularly flattering to my looks as my double chin rolls up and spreads into a series of chins... thank you Miss Aimee for that insight... did I really need to know that? My visitors fall into two camps: those who politely sit on a kitchen chair beside the bed; and my friends who know me so well they jump on the bed with me and search for my chocolate stash. I've already got a full diary of visitors this weekend so at least I won't be bored. LOL

Hope you all have a great weekend.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Home sweet home... at last!!

May I just say that it is a pleasure to be home again in my own bed, surrounded by my family and comforted by the knowledge that I have so many wonderful friends who have showered me with love and support... to you all, a very big THANK YOU.


You may have already guessed that my stay in hospital was longer than expected and in a serious case of dejavu, this latest surgery did not go as planned. Life's like that, isn't it. I think now I have learnt to expect the unexpected and then I am not too surprised.


This time around I had the procedure I went in for plus some extra unexpected work. Unfortunately, the surgeons were unable to plate and stabilize my pelvis before the bone graft so now I have to spend 6 weeks laying flat on my back while the bone graft takes.... ggrrrr!!!! Of course, it's not like I'm not used to being in bed, I have after all spent the best part of the past 5 months doing just that. Last time I was allowed to sit up for short periods which made eating, drinking and crafting possible. Over the past week in hospital I have discovered that there is a mighty difference between laying flat and being restricted to bed rest. Drinking and eating while reclining does create some interesting and 'messy' hurdles... LOL. Even reading the paper is an art form - I'm still in the process of mastering that one. Probably the hardest thing for me will be not being able to create during this time in bed. At least I have my laptop, a huge pile of books to get through, plus the company of my gorgeous blogging friends to keep me sane.


Anyhoo... I'm back home in my own comfy bed with my family looking after me. I'm allowed to make a few brief trips to the bathroom each day using crutches but still finding this a painful procedure. You'll not hear me complaining to loudly though as I am yet to find anyone who enjoys using a bedpan!! I was at least home for Mother's Day which also happened to fall on my mum's birthday. We had a great day together, all crowded into my bedroom. Gypsy is thrilled to have her bed buddy back and has not left my side. Pets just seem to sense when they are needed - don't they?


A 'special' thank you to Anna from Anna Rosa Designs who phoned me in hospital and read to me all the gorgeous comments that had been left on my last blog post - it really cheered me up!!


I look forward to popping in to visit everyone over the next few days and catching up with all your news.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Just a mini break....

Well... that big day has come again where I need to check into the Chateau Windsor for a wee bit. I'd like to say I am quite relaxed about it but the reality is... I know too much. Yeah, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and unfortunately for me, I've already had one bone graft so I know exactly what I am in for tomorrow. Thankfully the kids and life in general has kept me so totally busy this past week that I haven't had the time to think about it or even pack a bag. Sooooo... finally, tonight I can take a moment to get organised, gather my things and prepare... you know - get onto the zone...LOL.

I've got a bag full of books on loan from friends that I am eager to get stuck into plus a new stitchery to finish. Plenty to keep my hands busy for a few days. Hopefully I will be back online later in the week. I look forward to catching up with everyones news then.

Before I sign out, I must mention that I received an award this week

from the delightful Rosey at Agapanthas and Goldsworthy.

Thank you sweet Rosey.

Hugs ~ Kerryanne