Autumn is coming to a close :(

Photo by Tara Chiu @ "Seasons In Art"

Well, my favourite time of year is coming to an end. I can't help but feel a little sad. Here's hoping Winter is as spectacular.....somehow I don't think so :(

What's your favourite season?

Alisa x

The story behind the name

My father had an old Nat King Cole record with this song on it. He played it all the time! The way Nat lingers on "Mon" in the opening lyric always made me think he was singing "Mon Alisa", not "Mona Lisa". I felt like he was singing to me (silly I know). It made me feel special and for that reason alone I love it. I still have that old record and will treasure it always.

I chose to use "Mon Alisa" for my business because it recalls so many memories of me feeling good about myself. It serves as an inspiration to do what makes me happy.

So there you go, the story behind the name.

Alisa x

Susan Parmenter

I recently came across the beautiful work of American artist Sue Parmenter. All of her paintings are divine but I was drawn to this piece called "Empty Nest with Embroidery"

Isn't it beautiful? I love how she's combined the natural weaving talent of birds with the traditional craft of embroidery. Both are so delicate and beautiful and the painting itself is so soft and pretty. Susan says herself......

I am passionate about art and compelled to create.

Like breathing, I just have to do it.

Painting, drawing, making something beautiful, truly gives me joy.

If I can paint something that transcends beyond the subject and moves the viewer "to feel", then I am happy.

Well, it has certainly struck a chord with me. You can see more of her beautiful works here.

Her landscape paintings are breathtaking too.

I'm off now to start a day of sewing.

Have a lovely Monday!

Alisa x

My new stockist: Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not

It is by far the prettiest shop in Mudgee and I implore anyone who visits the region to pop in and have a look. Kathryn is such a friendly soul and I'm so happy that she liked my work. My tweets have almost sold out so I'm busy making some more.

Have a great day everyone!

Alisa x

An exciting venture!

Hello everyone! I've been pretty slack lately I know but I have been super busy with an exciting new venture. We've started action on getting myself a little shop and studio! My old studio is in the process of being pulled down. It was the original old laundry room of the house fully equipped with a copper pot and oven. Unfortunately the framework was all rotten and the building itself was on a dangerous lean. The possums have also made a mess of the roof so we had to pull it down. We are going to re-assemble it in another part of the yard as a cubby house. Something H is very excited about and I must say I'm very proud of how careful he is being so as to not disturb the original charm.

So where will my new studio be you ask? Well, we are going to convert the old garage into a magnificent space just for me (yay!). The side part will become my studio space while the main part of the structure will become my new shop!

The garage

soon to be studio

soon to be shop

It's a lovely part of the yard, at the bottom of the old driveway. There is ALOT of work to do. I have been collecting old lead light windows and doors, cabinets, wallpaper, pressed metal, paint.......the list is never ending! We'll have to dig up the driveway and clean up the garden surrounding it too. The old shed is right next to our orchard so it will be lovely once it's all finished. I can't wait!!

So, this is what I have been up to which hopefully explains why I've been off the radar. I have mentioned before that I'm no longer participating in the big markets or shows. My heart is at home and I'm extremely blessed that I have this option. I may not get as much exposure from it but at least I'll be happy (I get too stressed out getting ready for the markets!)

I have some more to tell you but I'll leave it there for now.

Have a lovely day!

Alisa x

P.S. Yes, that is a "dinky di dunny" complete with the trademark red backs, we have to fix that up too! x