West bank.

Here are some pictures of Banksy's work on Israel's highly controversial West Bank barrier.

Israel's 425 mile long West Bank barrier, separating Israel from the Palestinian territories, is considered illegal by the United Nations. Yet it still stands. In the words of Banksy 'it essentially turns Palestine into the world's largest open prison.' But he also notes that the West Bank barrier is 'the ultimate activity holiday destination for graffiti writers.'

On his website he speaks of how an old Palestinian man said his painting made the wall look beautiful. Banksy thanked him, but then he continued: 'We don't want it to be beautiful, we hate this wall. Go home.'

And fair enough too. But perhaps the attention Banksy brings may help, a little.





On the Palestinian side of the tiny piece of Israel that stands in the Palestinian territories about 50m past the West Bank barrier.

Dad's day in Devonport.

First of all, Happy Father's Day Dad!

It was such a beautiful day here in Auckland, we've had a run of good weather this past week, and I headed off to the Devonport Craft Market. Was a really nice morning and a good turn out, although not as busy as the past few times I heard.

Just a few quick photos of the stall for you to see.

And, if you missed out on coming down it really is worth the trip, even if you have to come over the bridge (I know it's a big barrier for some people) and it's on the first Sunday of every month.



My view from behind the stall.

Behind the scenes. Water and cellphone, the market essentials.

The stall.

'Off to London' charm necklace.

New knotty rope bracelets.

New open ladder bow badges.

Snacks.

Packing up.


And a word of advice from the gallery next door.

A big thanks to the Devonport Craft Market ladies! I had such a lovely day x

The easiest house plants in the world.

I went onto Bloesem blog for an entirely different 'post' reason this morning but then I saw these and had to share them. Genial? What I need in my home and I know a lot of my friends need too. I really do try with plants, but never has one survived more than a few months.

These flower cushions however by Nienke I think I could handle a little better.

Steve McCurry amazes me.

A friend just sent me a link to this Steve McCurry photograph of students in Bamiyan, Afghanistan.

Look at that child, how can a photographer be so close but go so unnoticed? There is an endless amount of jaw dropping photographs by Steve on his site, I could look for hours.



Some of my Steve McCurry favourites are below, sleep, 'balm of hurt minds' - William Shakespeare.


Steve McCurry, Afghanistan, 2002.

Steve McCurry, Tibet, 2001.


Steve McCurry, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1992.


Steve McCurry, India, 2001.

Steve McCurry, USA, 1991.

Steve McCurry.

Happy Birthday.

Today is my grandmothers 85th birthday. What a woman! The three generations, my grandmother, my mother and I, had a delightful celebratory high tea at Cornwall Park. The day was so beautiful, she noted 'Someone's looking after me'.

Love and a happy birthday Iris.

And this came through from Jen Bekman's 20x200, they must have heard about the celebrations.



Cake by Clare Grill.

Take me back.

Here is a little look at what I've been working on, as I'm now home but my mind is still at sea I thought I'd use that a little to make these. I think they need a wider frame, and perhaps some with colour behind? What do y'all think?

'Take me here' and 'Take me there' map papercuts. Handmade by me. With help of friend, Steve. London sold at Kraftbomb on Sunday, so at the moment I have Helsinki, Paris and Barcelona, more to come.

And the rest of the maps I didn't want to go to waste so handmade some envelopes in various sizes too.

I'm doing the Devonport Craft Market this Sunday for the first time, so hope to have more of these to sell and some other goodies (like the desktop chalkboards below) as well as the owls of course. Hooray for another great regular market. Hope you can make it along!

Rulers and jars.

I heart luxe always have the best things! I am loving this calendar ruler by André Klauser, so genial. After spending so much time away with 'english as a second language' speakers I've picked up a few bad habits, I see 'genial' actually means : 'having a pleasant or friendly disposition or manner.' But my friends used it for something genius and I think I prefer to use it that way, it suits.


And thanks to Etsy's (always great) finds I came across this spice rack idea. Such a great way to recycle some old jars and save space at the same time. You can buy them here, or give it ago yourself and save on the postage and carbon miles. Gneiss Spice has a bunch of other great products to choose from too.






Like these cute tops to spice jars.