The forgotten art of handwriting

Musing on the forgotten art of writing notes and sending them in the post (snail mail)


This morning I popped into one of my fave cafés - Piccolo Padre - and did something I haven't done for a long, long time. I handwrote a card to a friend overseas ... I didn't use email, Gmail, the internet. And I bought stamps, and then posted the card after I enclosed (attached?) a few bits and pieces.

I used to love writing, sending letters, receiving letters from far away mysterious and exotic lands, the postage stamps would conjure up all kinds of daydreams, sweeping me to far distant places ...

And then I fell in love with the internet.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm a techie girl through and through and couldn't live without my computer and the world of the internet - BUT - lately I've been missing the little ritual of receiving a letter, putting the kettle on, and settling down to read the news from a friend in another country.

So - I've bought a new printer (for the envelopes and loooooong letters) and have every intention of writing more, to more friends. And I hope they'll write back and send via snailmail :-) (you know who you are!)

Maybe you should try doing the same - you never know what joy it may bring - to both of you.

Ciao for now
Teena!


Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Plus Size Fashion in Paris, France

Today I'm updating the info on my website about the Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France - you can join me from 20-27th July, 2009.

Most people think French fashion is for lanky models on catwalks - but not so.

I've found some faaabulous Plus Size clothing stores in Paris and will be sharing them each morning of the Adventure in July. In the afternoons we'll visit cafes, museums, shoe stores, interesting historical shopping arcades ... oh I can't wait!

PS - I used to live in Paris and I just love showing other people around the city I love!

Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Fabulous necklace from India

I bought a new necklace recently, from India - it's beautiful with authentic beaten coins.

Very heavy, very dramatic - I love it!


Teena

Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Breakfast at Croquembouche Cafe Botany

This morning I met my friends Natalie and Paul at Croquembouche Patisserie in Botany, as we're on a quest to try as many French cafes as we can :-) Paul is testing the hot chocolate (in a traditional breakfast bowl) in the photo above.

Above: I chose the Pain au Chocolat (chocolate croissant) and a bowl of latte - a coffee drinker's dream! Yum yum.


Above : Natalie and I are both drinking from our coffee bowls while we looked at all the gorgeous pastries in this cute little patisserie. It was a hub of activity, evidently their specialty is the Croquembouche cake and we saw one being collected - it was gorgeous!

If you're in the district, it's well worth a visit.

Teena
Yum!

Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

I cut my own hair

I didn't have time to go to the hairdresser so I cut my own hair this week - if I don't put any hair products on, it does look a wee bit like an old-style basin cut (by putting a basin on one's head and then cutting), so I don't leave home without the hair gel or wax haha

My back's feeling MUCH better and I feel fabulous again - woohoo!

This week I'm concentrating on several client websites, using my favourite Content Management System (CMS). It's always exciting to help people realise one of their dreams by putting their ideas online as a website.

This week at singing class we learnt 'River Deep, Mountain High' where we got to belt out the lyrics. We are all amateur singers, and it's such a feel good thing to do on Monday nights! I highly recommend it :-)

Have to dash, ciao for now!
Teena

Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Life after Fashion Exposed

The last few days have been a bit of a blur after the Fashion Exposed! finished in Sydney.

I knew I had a sore back standing on cement floors at the Expo, but by the time the show finished I was in a lot of pain and had to rest for several days after having my back manipulated. It was such a passive time, after the crazy couple of weeks leading up to the fashion show.

Gave me lots of daydreaming time :-) And lots of time to enjoy the antics of my cat Ms Mooshie. Here she is resting on the sofa - she has such a sweet nature and is a great friend to have at home while I work ... or rest.


Another day I noticed Mooshie testing out the softness of silk I was about to wash :-) and she does look mighty comfortable:

Isn't it marvellouos that cats know how to relax instantly? I want me some o'that :-)

Teena



Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Fashion Exposed 10th March 2009

Day 3 of Fashion Exposed! in Sydney

What a wonderful journey and adventure, being part of this huge expo in Sydney. Over 550 participants from all over the world, visited by buyers and visitors from all over the world. A marvellous time was had by all! Here's a quick video I took :



ooooooooooo

Here is one of the silk charmeuse tops I've painted:


In the photo below you can see some of my handpainted silk charmeuse cushion covers, and new sandwashed silk painted with my new patterns:


It was such a buzz to see all my silk in an expo like this for 3 days, and the contacts I made are invaluable.

Now I just need a couple of days to recuperate!

Cheers
Teena


Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Fashion Expo 9th March 2009

Day Two @ the Fashion Expo!

What a great adventure it is to talk to and discuss textiles with so many lovely people!

I've been meeting people from all over the world and loving the vibe of being at an international fashion expo.

So many gorgeous clothes, shoes, lingerie, leather bags, jewellery ... and much of it designed by local fashion designers - I'm loving it!

If you're in Sydney, you've got one more day - it's on from 9am to 4pm - the public is welcome, simply sign up online to register, and collect your free ticket at the entrance.

http://www.fashionexposed.com

Just click the button for "Register to Visit"

I''m at Darling Harbour Hall 3, at the back - just look for the BRIGHT COLOURS :-)

Ciao for now,

Teena!




Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

AbfabDesigns Postcards arrived!

I am soooo excited! My new AbfabDesign postcards have arrived, ready to hand out to Fashion Exposed fashionistas!

Woohoo!

I'm very happy with them :-)

Only 4 more sleeps ...

Teena

Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...

Using Embedr to play your art videos

I just read about a new video widget where you can create a Playlist of favourite videos, and them embed the widget - here's my first attempt, using my own videos:

Build your own custom video playlist at embedr.com

Let's see if it works!

Get your own at http://embedr.com

cheers
Teena



Join me for a Silk Painting Adventure and a Plus Size Fashion Adventure in Paris, France!
http://www.abfabdesigns.com/adventures.html

Click COMMENTS below to send a message : View TEENA'S SILK PAINTING VIDEOS shown at right ==>

Read more...