Folk & Decorative Artists' Association of Australia

I am a member of the FDAA, and they are the most incredible bunch of ladies I have ever met! Kind, generous and talented ... a fabulous combination, and I always feel a bit like a screaming teenager at a Beatles concert when I attend a meeting or painting day (though I do restrain myself so as not to embarrass myself LOL).

I received my newsletter today, and apart from the awesome new competition to turn trash into painted treasure, and 2 market days later in the year, I was humbled and honoured to find an article called 'Getting to Know You - Dawn Lewis' ... and excited!

You can learn more about the FDAA at their website - www.thefdaa.com.

No Calorie Chocolate!

I have to share ... this is one of my favourite things, Chocolate Satin & Silk body cream from Heidi's Handmades. It smells just like chocolate, and is the best hand cream I have ever owned. Not only that, but Heidi is just lovely and her customer service is above excellent. She has soaps, lotions & potions of all kinds and lip balms to die for. My current favourite is the French Vanilla & Pear scented body cream ... mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Check her out, and order up for christmas!

www.HeidisHandmades.etsy.com

My niece has arrived!

I've been a bit consumed this week ... my little sister had a baby girl (quite something to wrap my mind around LOL). Her name is Aston, and she's absolutely perfect. She's about 12 hours old here, and I am her official photographer LOL.

Frankie & Fifi

Meet Frankie & Fifi ... you'll be seeing more of these cuties soon ... shhhhhhh.

Wow ... I've been blogged about!

I was interviewed some time ago by another Etsian, and I confess that I forgot all about it. Imagine my delight to see that I have been blogged about by someone else. I'm so grateful for the opportunity :)

Click Here to read the interview

Annie and the Witching Hour!

This Annie was a special halloween custom order for a lovely Etsy customer. She has a cute little felt hat on that wild hair, and a purple satin cloak with velvet stars & moons on it. She also has painted black & purple striped stockings on her legs.

Say hello to Australian Girl doll!

A great family friend has just launched the most amazing new range of doll ... they're called Australian Girl, and they're just gorgeous!


Check out the website and you'll find 4 beautiful dolls, designed for girls who are too old for baby dolls, but not old enough for those more mature fashion dolls. They have gorgeous clothes and accessories too. Personally, my girls are thrilled that one of the dolls is a combination of the two of them (looks like my oldest, same name as my youngest). There are cartoons, and so much more. Check out the pre-release offer and snap one up, because they're going to fly out the door fast!

www.australiangirldoll.com.au

Just for me

I just didn't feel like cross-stitch or painting tonight. I hemmed the height chart, but didn't feel like sewing a doll either.

What to do? What to do?

Ah ... my tape measure from the dollar shop looks a little boring ... oooo ... there's some felt ... where are my embroidery threads. Voila ... I have covered my boring little $1 tape measure and now it's a designer item :D

Countdown to Aunty

I got to see my sister yesterday and ... WOW ... her belly is huge! This will be my second niece or nephew (it's a surprise), and although due date is 24 Sept ... look at that flat belly button ... no way she's gonna make it o the 24th!

Journal Jar & Diary

I am really excited! Yesterday I did a drawing of a gorgeous girl ... all on my own. Usually I draw like a 5 year old, but this designing gig must be encouraging my inner-artist! Anyway, today I got to paint her, and I'm really thrilled with the end result. I chose bright muted tones, and this is the diary cover. It just needs to cure, then I'll varnish it and put the cover back on the diary. I'll also be decorating a journal jar, glue stick and pen to co-ordinate then fill the jar with questions.

Did I hear you ask "What's a journal jar?" I thought so ;) ... a journal jar is simply a jar full of questions. Each day you take one out, glue it into the diary, and answer it. I gave one to my mother and grandmother, and one day I'll get to read all about what life was like when they were young, familiy traditions, stories and secrets and if I'm lucky, my Nana's date cake recipe!!! Don't leave it until they pass away to wish you'd asked this or that. Or make one for yourself and leave memories for your own children.

Here are some links to find questions you can print for your jars:

Questions for Grownups

Questions for Kids

More Questions

and more more just Google 'Journal Jar' and you'll be amazed!

Facebook

I'm still getting used to the wonderful world of facebook, and today I launched a fan page. It will feature my painting, fairy portraits and dolls. If you're on facebook, check it out!

Click Here

New Pattern packets available

Fresh from the printer, two new pattern packets are available from Dawn Lewis Imagery.

First is Lexi's Dragon. This friendly dragon was originally painted for baby Alexis' nursery ... what a cool nursery!!! Now it is a pattern packet available for you to paint. It uses all Semco paints ($1.99 a bottle ... bargain!) and techniques include spattering, floating and drybrushing.


The next pattern packet is called 'B is for Baby'. It is painted on a paper mache box, great for baby's keepsakes. It is painted pink here, but could be painted in blue for a boy, or a gender neutral colour.


You can buy either of these pattern packets by clicking the 'Buy Now' paypal button on the right side of my blog. Or ... email me at dlewis71@aapt.net.au to place your order.

Patterns are $8 within Australia or $12 for international, and that includes postage :)

Beep Canvas

The cushion is finished(you can see a little bit of it in the background), and last night I completed a 5x7 canvas to show how elements of the main pattern can be brought together to make other decorator items.