Thursday 31 January 2013

That's what's up

Last year for Christmas, my bright-spark-idea was not to buy anyone a gift, but rather to make them something. Well, I bought one gift, but it was from this lady that sells woven bags on the street, so I figured I was supporting the community. Anyways.

I found this tutorial on how to make a clay mobile, and because I have too much time one little string of geometric shapes would not suffice. Also because it had to look supercool and impress all the family when it came to opening gifts. As a result I shaped lots of little owls for my grandmother's mobile because she collects owls; lots of little geometric shapes for my sister because she is an interior architect and it kind of works; and, lastly, lots of little hearts for my friend. 

The whole mobile-thing is not that hard, and rather fun to do:
First, follow Creature Comforts' post (the link above) on how to create all the little clay ornaments. Basically it is buying the clay, rolling it out and cutting it into shapes. Then you let it dry and paint it. Easy as pie.  
I bought some old frames at the hospice, spray-painted them and sanded them a little. 
Then either attach some netting, or various round hook-things, or hammer some nails into the frame. 
From there on in it is just a matter of combining your clay ornaments with different beads or shells and stringing them up on an assortment of colourful yarns and ribbons. 

Wham bam. There you go. Something to do when you have nothing to do. I have clay left, so this is all anyone is getting as a present in the foreseeable future. He he he. 

No. 1 : The Owls




No. 2: The Diamonds 



                  



No. 3: The Hearts (well, and stars)








Thursday 24 January 2013

It seems the day that your house burned to the ground was the day that you'd always planned to leave anyway

After one month of not being here, I have nothing really to do now. Nothing pressing.
University is done. At least for now.
One interview lined up. Dress up. Prepare a lesson plan. Know you can do this.

But what if it does not work out? 50% fear and 50% excitement all twisted into one whilst awaiting change.
If this is not the one, maybe Istanbul or Mexico City will have me.

Or I'll stay home forever, tending the garden, cleaning the house, battling with the swimming pool, cooking and looking for a husband.

Bahahaha. Never.

Wednesday 9 January 2013

613 shades of sad

When last we were here I carried him up/down the 100 or so stairs from/to the beach. My mom brought a sled and we pulled him over the sand when he couldn't walk any more. A week after returning to Pretoria I had to put him down, on the 31. December 2011. Being back makes me remember my Spitzi, and how much I miss him.

Brain Pickings chose John Homans' What's a Dog For?: The Surprising History, Science, Philosophy, and Politics of Man's Best Friend as one of the Top 10 books of 2012, which led me to this cartoon in The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs.

via Brain Pickings



Monday 7 January 2013

Fitter Happier

On a window in Long Street:


Apparently 'Fuck knows who said this' translates to John Lennon.

Friday 4 January 2013

Oceanside




Being on holidays is a great place to be.