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

Inside my sketchbook

I haven't been working on many final pieces recently. In fact I have felt quite lost but I am taking steps to get more focused again. Being at home all the time is still very weird for me. I have been sketching and doing little paintings and doodles each day though so today I wanted to share a few of my favourites.

-Rhiannon

52 Weeks of Instax - Week 10

Today marks the first day since I was 17 that I haven't had a full time job and because of this I decided to delay my usual Sunday post. I wanted to take a photo on my first day of not working to commemorate it- however I have so far done nothing interesting (go figure). So I instead I took a photo of Spaz sleeping which kind of sums up today. It's stinking hot (the thermometer outside says 31 degrees) and I am slowly cooking inside our house. I refuse to complain though because it won't be long before the sun is replaced with short, cold days- yes Winter; I know you are on your way. I did pop to the local library for the though and came across this really odd, but rather interesting cylindrical sculpture (but didn't have my camera on me). I love it! 

Dillon was helping me write lots of lists today though. And by 'help' of course I mean chase the pen around the room and then plop his cute little self on the paper. Very helpful hehe.

My art journal page will be a day late too of course so stay tuned for that tomorrow :)

-Rhiannon

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

Photo A Day in March- Moments with Mama Nature

My taste in blogs has changed quite a lot since last year. I am a lot more interested in learning about crystals, essential oil and herb uses, appreciating the world around us and becoming more grounded and grateful. I'm always trying to become a better person and find a way to live a life that brings me joy and happiness.

So when I came across this March challenge I thought it would a be a great way for me to continue with one of my new 'things' - being outside more often! Some are going to be hard to capture but I'm going to give it a go. It may even push me to do some planting (which I have been talking about since December.) Care to join me? You can read more about it over on the Mama Earth website. I will be doing mine through Instagram because it is the easiest and most manageable way for me to do it & I will be adding the following hash tags: #momentswithmamanature & #themamaearthproject

-Rhiannon

A Sneak Peak

Today hasn't gone according to plan so my art journal page is done but not yet photographed. It's way too late for me to even consider doing it now so in the meantime enjoy a sneak peak (via instagram). Full post up tomorrow! :)

Rhiannon xxoxx

September in Photos

September~ you were a month of change, of improvement and new beginnings. You welcomed a new fitness routine that has already made a huge difference in my life. I feel stronger, healthier and happier. When people say that exercise makes you happy- they really aren't making it up! I've know for a long time that in order to manage my depression I need to be active, of course its the actual 'doing' part of that I have struggled with. But with some help from my super awesome fitness buddy, I have rekindled my love for lifting weights and running so I don't see it as 'a necessary evil' any more. I look forward to it each day and it certainly helps having a friend to go with- makes everything more fun! 

What else happened this month:

Y We have had Sushi come stay with us while our friend is overseas

Y I have been changing up my daily routine to try be as productive as possible (still working on it!)

Y I started reading The Happiness Project- I have so much to write about this!

Y I did my first chalk drawing at the Zoo

Y I made lots of new food~ I'm in love with what I call 'fancy weekend oatmeal'- banana + shredded coconut + maple syrup *yum!*. As well as broccoli + parmesan fritters & cookie dough bites, 

Y I went to Moustache~ a brand new, ridiculously popular milk and cookie bar in Auckland city.

Y I went to the beach and collected some shells

Y I wrote a really popular 'how-to' post on making a dream catcher

So quite a lot- and I'm sure I've missed out some other cool things that happened but hardly surprising! I've been rather busy :)

Rhiannon xox

August in Photos

August~ you were a month of 'get shit done'. Many paintings were started, my dream catcher was finished, cupcakes were eaten, blue skies were seen & instax photos were taken. You were the last month of winter and I am so happy to say fare-thee-well. It's high time we got more sunshine and our days became longer and warmer!

This month~
Y I bought magenta tights & painted my nails sparkly green
Y Reintroduced Spaz to the outside world (on a harness). However she prefers to be inside near me now, the total opposite to when we were in the old house.
Y I shared my first roll of 35mm film
Y I made homemade banana and peanut butter ice cream. It is so much better (and creamier) than I thought~ and dairy free! I see much more of this being made as summer arrives
Y I saw the beginning of spring peek through the winter days
Y I saved a snail who found its way up 9 floors and into my work building (how? I have no idea)
Y I planted some flowers on the deck
Y I painted outside in the sun
Y I went on Sunday lunch dates with Dan
Y I drank umpteen cups of peppermint tea
Y I got a new tattoo

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

A mini trip to Napier, New Zealand

For work last week I was lucky enough to help out a good friend & college at the Napier Careers Expo. I had never been to Napier before but had heard it is gorgeous- it was! It had a small town feel to it, but had all the big town amenities like movie theatres, restaurants etc. I think anywhere feels like a small town compared to Auckland though haha.

A few facts about Hawkes Bay & Napier:

• Napier (and the larger Hawkes Bay area) suffered a 2.5 minute long earthquake on 3rd February 1931. It was rebuilt in the style of that era and is now often referred to the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.
• On the third weekend of February every year the GEON Art Deco Weekend takes place.  It features hundreds of 1920' & 30's cars, free outdoor concerts and authentic Art Deco attire.
• Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's oldest wine region.
• The longest place name in the world is found in central Hawkes Bay: Taumatawhakatangihanga­koauau­o­tamatea­turi­pukakapiki­maunga­horo­nuku­pokai­whenua­kitanatahu 

Here are a few photos of our time there:

These 6 buildings are survivors of the 1931 earthquake and now house a craft store, a restaurant, an accountant firm and more.

I think this is my favourite photo! The super long path is perfect for cycling, or even roller blading. 

This totally makes me think of California. Napier seemed to have lots of palm trees.

Some of the Art Deco architecture.

A stunning sunset in a giant park. I wanted to curl up under the tree and read a book or something. Granted it was about 7 degrees centigrade so maybe in summer? 

It's still pretty when it rains in Napier!

I didn't get to see too much of this beautiful place as we were at the Expo for most of the time, but I would love to go back during summer and explore some more.

Every time I go to another town/city I am reminded of how much I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!

Rhiannon xxoxx

May in Photos

Hello June~ You have bought with you crisp & clear winter days. A nice change from the rainy & windy days of late May. The days continue to get shorter, and it gives me a chance to get cuddled up on the couch and begin to learn new skills like knitting. 

This month has been busy...

Busy getting back into routines.

Busy making plans for the rest of the year.

Busy with work.

Busy creating art journal pages.

Busy learning new things.

May was the month to tick off a few things on my to do list. I have to admit, I only began one thing on the list~ number 4. Number 6. will be done next week however as I have now found somewhere that can print film. I am working through the rest of the list too so stay tuned.

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

How was the month of May for you? What did you get up to?!
Rhiannon xxoxx