So, here's my design news!  As many of you know, I create surface designs for a variety of products and this year, I decided to focus on getting my wrapping paper started.  This was no easy task; I can tell you.  I guess the most difficult, was deciding on whether to print in Australia, or print overseas.  I wanted to keep a handle on my work, save funds, and make sure I could do a colour-check of my designs.  This was really important.  I know, I'm pretty picky - but perfectionism is hard to turn off.  When I went through this process last time, it just wasn't possible and definitely not as feasible, as one might expect.  This year, feasibility was better.  So, I gave it a shot, printed in Australia and was very happy with the quality results.

So, why didn't I print overseas?  Well, there were other issues I was also concerned about. Piracy of artworks, huge freight charges, lengthy time restraints, not being able to explain exactly what I wanted, and not to being able to check it quickly, really bugged me. Then I thought, if I print here initially, whileI'm small, even if the costs are a little higher, I retain safety over my work.  Of course, there is no substitute for safety and if this line is to be a homegrown hit, then one is forced to bite the bullet and wear the difference in costs.  I don't think it would be so concerning, if we actually had a budget and funding.  But that's a whole other issue.  As you know, much of what I create is done on the smell of an oily rag.  I don't know how I do it sometimes. All I can say is, " I sure hope we get funding New Year!"

Either way, we are finally moving forward. The line is taking shape, which makes me extremely happy.  So, without further ado, below is a quick video (as promised) to show you part of the process. 

​So, make a difference in your life and share your dreams.  Make them a reality in which to live and prosper. 
Then, go out and lend a hand - make a difference in someone else's life.  
​Gift them a LILIWIOFE​ Diary.

A lot of action has taken place at Sketa Oz Design this year.  With the newly joined force of Milton and King for wallpaper, we also would like to announce the Xmas wrapping paper, giftbags and wine bags for the designer line.  We are still in the early stages of PR, but if you want a slice of the action and support my venture with Sketa Oz Design, place and order for Xmas. 

Product will be ready for Xmas (at the printer, presently - they should be done in a day or so - hold off wrapping), so that you can wrap and package to your hearts' content.

Like all my paper goods, the wine and giftbags are handcrafted.  The medium-sized bag ends up 11.5" x 9" once complete and finished with black satin handles.  The line follows the traditional Asian feel of design, which all my products encompass and look awesome in use. 

I'm still waiting for my goods to finish printing and yes - all totally printed and hand manufactured in Australia!  I have printed only a small Xmas bundle to see how it all works, but Sketa Oz Design is beginning to flourish. I will expanded the printing of products as needed.

Winebags are again, handcrafted - finished with black, satin handles and when complete measure 11" x  4", just the right size for your Xmas bottle of plonk.  

Given the line is newly released for Xmas, I am yet to set up sales pages for these; they are coming. (Gosh, I have so many things to do!!!)  Let me know if you are keen to purchase.  You can load your requests at contactus@sketaoz.com

ELK Publishing has just released the new LILIWIOFE' (annual) life Diaries.  It's an A5 diary that plans to get your long-forgotten dreams - kick started, organised and realised for 2021.

Motivating you from Day one, LILWIOFE' Diaries will help kick-off the CoVid blues, to give you a fresh start to the New Year.  So, you and your dreams can grow to their full potential.

Don't leave it until it's too late.  Life is far too short not to 'just do it' - it's now or never!

Don't worry about your #hashtags - LILIWIOFE' has got them sorted for each and everyday of the year.  You can hit the ground running and focus on building your dreams a reality to live in.

Gift this precious gem to other like-minded individuals who have been doing it tough, but need a bit of TLC to get them going again.  Support and inspire each other; share your journey milestones at the Instagram hashtag #liliwiofe'; see what, how and who is moving forward with their dreams, in 2021. 

Order your copies at: https://www.elk-publishing.com/elk-books.html#/
 
Join us - see you on Instagram!  :)

There is no holding down, this gorgeous swan.  Samantha Geddes is the 2019 Sketa Oz Senior Award winner, but tracking her down, even after meeting her briefly at the Brisbane Eisteddfods was no easy task.

It seems wide open spaces, sunburnt land and Uluru (which is wonderfully captured in this shot), is what held Samantha's attention directly after the eisteddfods.  Sitting down for coffee with Ms Selina, just had to wait, as climbing this massive monolith in the red centre of Australia, some 450 km from Alice Springs was first on the cards.  It's a real treat, for any athlete.

I was able to capture the joy of the happy moment, with Mum (Jacque) and Dad (Terry), both who were quite keen to celebrate her success.  We talked briefly that day, but it was our two hour long catch up - two weeks later at Park House Cafe, on Sunday morning in Toowoomba that enabled me to get to know this talented individual more precisely. 

Samantha doing her thing at the Red Centre of Australia.

We'll be keeping up with what is on the dance horizon for Samantha over the next couple of years and we know for sure, the sun is only just rising for this shining star.

It is with great pleasure, I announce this year's Sketa Oz Perpetual Award Recipients Xavier Xue and Samantha Geddes.  Both dancers found incredible strength, flexibility and agility in showcasing their talents at this year's Brisbane Eisteddfods.  

It is behind the scenes - mums and dads getting up at the crack of dawn, to drive keen dancers to the studio for the extra lessons before school; it is selfless sacrifice of not only one's family assisting a dream, but a teacher, a coach, a mentor and copious warm hugs from friends - when the days get hard, when a dancer's world seems not that shiny.

​And when the fruits of their hard labour, turn sweetly ripe, we gladly join in to celebrate their achievements - a breath in the moment of time, when one can smile and say, 'I did what I set out to do'. Yet, we dancers' know well, prestigious sweet rewards don't come easily and tomorrow ones life time friend - the ballet bar will be waiting eagerly for us to perfect that plie', for the hundredth time. :)

We can all think the world gets along as a solo effort, but by fact it takes so many people to make great events such as the Brisbane Eisteddfods and the Sketa Oz Awards.  Each year, we rely on the thoughtful efforts of gracious people to either donate their time or expertise to make events such as these happen.  

Late nights organising dance schedules, weeks of preparation coordinating dancers, helpers, backstage people, equipment and even food preparation are all put together by event managers such as - Bill Pengelly and Sharon Packenas.  Over the years, there have been many others. Two who come to mind are Vicky Hansen and the longstanding organiser Christine Spencer.  Without all these people, the Brisbane Eisteddfods - Dance Solos and Groups would cease to exist. Such people take on the arduous task of organising literally, every breath that goes into making this event a success. 

In the making of Sketa Oz trophies, we rely on the expertise of the Toowoomba Trophy Centre to produce wonderful looking trophies, prepared to our highly artistic, expectations. Without fail, these men produce awesome trophies that our dancers can't wait to hold.  Thank you!  And, if you think of all the other dance trophies required for the Brisbane eisteddfods, I'm sure there are lots of equally hardworking men and women, who continue to work behind the scenes, with minimal thanks.  We would like to thank you, also.

And lastly, engraving is a huge task.  I'm sure there are many of you - just like Charlie, who spent two hours with me on Monday catching up on names that needed to be put, just right.  Thanks Charlie!

Hundreds of awesome works of art now beautify a burgeoning, inland Australian city. The Darling Downs has often been remembered for its lush, farming and garden districts.  Toowoomba garden city​ - as it is so fondly named, is the heart of this regional Queensland area and it is quickly becoming a hub for all things creative and innovative.

​A brand-new international airport, a multi million-dollar shopping complex that will rival the best, and a second range crossing have all helped to transform this sleepy, yet family-oriented educational city into something quite unique.  Although, it is not just economic progress and corporate deals that are changing the landscape of this city.

The creative world of art, culture and multi-culturalism are playing their part in painting the city, red.  Well, not just red – a vast multitude of colours now adorn old walkways, pavements, sides of unsightly buildings, poles, beams and even electrical transformers – all in the name of art, design and beautification.
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Graffiti can be found all over the world - in the streets of Germany, Denmark, France and even in Brazil.  Although some may believe its origin lies in the backyard streets of Philadelphia – graffiti can be seen in a vast multitude of cities; where populations of people, writers, political activists have taken to the streets to display their voice against the norm – against what is seen as the everyday run of society.

Some of the earliest marks of Graffiti can be found in Turkey, where once the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, stood.  Graffiti goes as far back as 200 AD.  Yet, in all cases – ancient or modern - the graffiti artist was lashing out against the norm or making known a different viewpoint to what was considered acceptable.  Unfortunately, this hasn’t always been happily received and in many cases, such change makers were seen as troublemakers, defacers of public property who collected themselves huge fines for the sake of their art.
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Today, such expressionists are given a legal stage to showcase their thoughts and artistic creations. In many cities around the world, graffiti competitions attract some of the most talented, artists ever seen on our streets.

Toowoomba city is no different and has acquired a great number of street artists who present their talents to the world, in the annual ‘First Coat’ Street Art Competition.

​However, it is more a showcase of large, multicultural canvases strategically scattered across the city, than unsightly graffiti.  They have become statements of heritage, documentation of trials and tribulations in having come to this land.  They are the coming together of blended thought forms and are wonderful examples of variants in artistic appreciation.  They are a bonded community upon which this city is now founded – a multicultural blend of individuals striving for a common cause – Family.

View some of the unique works sighted around this wonderful inland city!