[chips off the ol' block]

Well it was just over a week ago when I attended the Youth Art Awards with my boys (aged 6 and 11), they both had entries in the Awards and were eagerly awaiting to hear if they had won a prize. Sadly, it was not their year, but there were a few moments of excitement when my eldest's name was called out for 2nd place for 3D art, but the image of his friend's artwork was up on screen. Oops, run sheet malfunction – the curator of the gallery didn't update it from last year's winners! 

Doesn't matter though, I think their art is a winner just the same.

'Flathead' by Ryan, aged 6

'Hogwart's Sorting Hat' by Jamie, aged 11

So much fantastic work on display! This horsey was my favourite.

[the arty shopping spree that almost didn't happen]

I had one of those total disappointments earlier this week when I found a $150 voucher for the art shop that  my friends from dancing gave me last year for my birthday — and it had expired in July this year. :(

With all the dramas of Mum's accident, hospital visits and work this year I just totally forgot it. Well rather than feeling too sorry for myself I decided I'd ring up the girls at Eckersley's at Milton (whom I've known for a very long time) and tell them of my plight. The worst they could say was 'no', right? Well, to my surprise, they said 'YES!', but only if I came in this week and spent the entire voucher in one hit! (I didn't need to be told twice, so off I toddled to the shop for some serious spending! 

I managed to not only spend that voucher, but a whole heap more. (I don't know why the Manager Susan thought I wouldn't spend the whole lot in one go ... totally impossible!)

Here's my booty:

I got this awesome lino cut tool (with interchangeable tips), so I can finally return the tools I borrowed off Nikki last year!! As well as a metal brush washer that I'd been searching for, and with 20% off the paints at the moment, I could get just that little bit more. :)

NOW, to just find some time to be arty...

[a punky weekend]

My fabulous friend Helen hosted a 'Girls Night In' on Saturday night – gotta love a costume party, this year it was a 'P' party.

I was channelling my inner punk, and think I fell into character all a bit too easily. lol.

All the girls did a great job on their costumes ... there were some gorgeous prom queens, a patient (complete with wee bag), a swag of pirates, pink ladies, Miss Piggy, a polar bear, a panda, and a few in pyjamas, not to mention a purple pixie and a Parisian chick!!

....and we raised over $900. Was sooooo much fun!!!

I wasn't the only punk, but the Police showed up and we gave it right back to her! lol

Can't wait till next year Helen, my blonde punky friend, you're the hostess with the mostest!