Artsy Day in the Country

Last Sunday I spent an artsy day in the country. The weather was cool for the first week of summer, but the sun was shining and it was beautiful (for me). My artist friend Jacky and her friends had their exhibition opening at the Lillico Glass Studio in West Gippsland near Warragal in Victoria. It was a nice drive into the country and only took an hour from our house. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived to find the gallery was set in a lovely garden. Outside the property was a cattle farm with cows mooing along enjoying the green grass at this time of year.

The entrance into Lillico Glass Studio was through the opening in the hedge. The climbing rose was in full bloom for everyone to enjoy...

Once inside you walk through different types of paving. The owner Haydn John has his glass studio/workshop at the end of this walk. What a place for the studio!

Here is my artsy friend Jacky talking to some of the visitors. There was a big turnout that day. Finger food and beverages were plentiful for everyone to enjoy. 

One of Jacky's prints the famous Sunshine Owl.  I am so proud of her. Jacky sold most of her work that day. I bought some of her beautiful Christmas and greeting cards to be used this festive season.

This beautiful blue button necklace was part of the exhibition. It's such gorgeous creation from the simple buttons. I would have loved to get it, but I rarely wear jewellery, so it's no good for me! 

This cheese cutter set is the work of Haydn John, the proprietor of the gallery. They are made from wine bottles pressed down on flat boards. I think it's such a cleaver design. I got one for a Christmas present. 

The garden contains many interesting and artsy objects for people to enjoy, like this bench made out of cart wheels. 

And this is an old Australian public phone booth. I was told that not too long ago (pre-mobile phone) you could find them everywhere in Melbourne. I am pleased to see one in this garden.

While I was walking in the garden I came across this tree. Sorry I don't know the name. It was dark purple with lovely glossy leaves. I borrowed a couple of branches (the bottom branches) for eco-dying. On the right is the result from the leaves. I love how it turned out. I might have to have one of these trees in my garden. Nothing like having your own dye plant in your backyard!  

I have been indigo and eco-dyeing a lot lately. I will show them to you on my next post. I haven't spent much time on my blog lately. Life is getting in the way of blogging, so sorry if I haven't visited many blogs recently. 

Enjoy

Nat