Winter Gardens 2013 - Part 2

See Pat 1 of my trip to the beautiful Winter Gardens in Auckland here

Winter Gardens 2013 - Part 1

This time last year I went to the Winter Gardens for the first time and stepped into some sort of magical realm I didn't even know existed in Auckland. I immediately fell in love an could have spent a whole day just sitting among the flowers. And yet for some reason I hadn't made it back again until now. Must be something about Spring that draws me to be near such beauty.

I was pleasantly surprised that there were lots of different flowers compared to last year. And since there were so many incredible colour combinations and patterns, I will post my second lot of photos tomorrow :) Enjoy!

Rhiannon x

Recently in pictures

While its been quite around here, it certainly hasn't been quite in my little studio. Being pregnant has given me quite a bit of brain fog (I guess I have a lot of other stuff to focus on now too!) so writing hasn't been as easy to do as it used to; none the less I want to give you some sort of update as to what I've been doing.

I created my first piece of mail art for a lovely arty lady in Australia (you should check out her blog- totally amazing!). I really enjoyed the process of making something for someone else and am keen to start a few more swaps. If your interested feel free to email me at: rhiannon.e.stone [at] gmail.com :)

Since finally finding and buying Micron pens, I have not stopped drawing. I have been focusing on using lines as a way to create depth and on little details. This little sketch also gave me the inspiration for a large commission I am working on (see below).

We have been really fortunate to have a mild and rather sunny winter this year. So I have been taking advantage of it as much as I can (and so has Zeus) by sitting outside in the overgrown garden jungle.

More drawing with my new pens.

Part of the 90cm x 30cm commission I am working on. It's been so fun creating this, knowing it will be hanging in someone's house once I'm done. Although I really need to work on meeting my deadlines ha!

I've been building up my pen collection this month and managed to score a gold and silver marker for really cheap (I hadn't replaced my old ones simply because of how expensive they were). Oh and I nabbed two new washi tapes too- that was a good day :)

I found some cheap needles so I could start learning how to needle felt and play around with this gorgeous wool. So far it is the most therapeutic creative process I have ever come across and cannot wait to practice more. So far I have only made circles and a small heart but I'm really proud of them.

Rhiannon x

Moments with Mama Nature

About a week ago I mentioned that I was going to start a photo-a-day challenge for the month of March called Moments with Mama Naure. The idea is to spend more time outside and really begin to appreciate how amazing it can be for us. I know I spend far too much time inside, sitting at a computer, wishing I was outside; then when I have the opportunity I don't take it. This month I am using this challenge to try and change that. With the nights getting cooler, I love sitting outside and listening to the sounds around me.

I've been enjoying it so far and it has managed to get outside every day (except today) and I wanted I would share a few of my favourites:

Day 1: Hands

Day 4: Skyline

Day 5: Sprout

-Rhiannon

Exploring the Auckland Winter Gardens [Part 1]

I went to Auckland's Winter Gardens today with my super awesome friend Louise. I packed my Canon 600D & Fujifilm Instax to take some inspirational photos of the flora. 

When we got there I took out my Canon camera but guess what? "No card in camera"- so that went back into my bag and grabbed my phone. It would have to do for today. Note to self: Always check the camera before leaving the house!

So as much as I wanted to grab some really vibrant, close up photos I could only use my phone and Fujifilm Instax. I was quite miffed to start with but then I entered the first building and I was overwhelmed by the colours, shapes and scents. It was such a magical place!




I've got so many more photos to share but I will save them until tomorrow. I hope your Saturday has been equally as fun and inspiring! :)

Rhiannon xxoxx

June in Photos

June~ you tested me this year. You really did. The loss of Max was (and still is) incredibly hard to think about. Lots of time was spent with Dan cuddled on the couch, staying warm, drinking hot chocolates and watching movies. I watched far too much Spongebob Squarepants (have you seen this episode?!) and got reacquainted with my sketchbook.

This month I have~

Ticked off one item on my list

Made progress with my goal to fill up my art journal by the end of the month

Had lots of yummy lunches & coffee dates with friends and family

Spent lots of time remembering the good times with Max

Worked in Goddess Leonie's Circle of amazingness

Started to run more frequently

Stopped drinking coffee (and all caffeine) 

Had lots of cuddles with Zeus & Tillie

Here are a few photos of things that made me smile; of things that I love (photos are not in any particular order):

I made a list to end all lists & am slowly working my way through it

KFC released a pie- it was big news here in NZ so I jumped on the bandwaggon and gave it a try. Pretty good for a pie actually- pleasantly surprised!

I love this photo of Max I took early June. I went to clean the litter box and while my back was turned he decided to hop in. He has got that 'oh crap, she's seen me' look on his face hehe.

I took a stroll around the block to try and get to know my area a bit better and what do you know? It looks like this~ how beautiful!

A Sunday morning excursion at Mission Bay with a couple of friends for a big breakfast & Kiwiyo 

Some light frost from down our road; winter is very much here *brrrr*

I wrote a rather popular how-to post on making a blog calendar

Dan and I went to scatter Max's ashes on 24 June down at Bayswater Marina (near where we used to live). Dan bought me this 'M' for my Pandora bracelet to remember him by xx

A delicious fruit salad with greek yoghurt~ noms!! <3

This beautiful sky was taken for Connie's Project to commemorate her dear friend, Uncle Johnny. Pop over and read all about her project here

How was your June?

Rhiannon xxoxx