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. 

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

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.
​
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.
​
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!

If you haven't seen the Sketa Oz Collection of designer occasion cards and pens, now is the time to check them out.  Especially, with the festive season just around the corner.  If you are in to collecting pens or have someone in mind for unique gifts, I have designed six colourful pens that you will admire and enjoying using.  

Matching the pens in this designer line are two, different sets of six cards.  One is in mauve and the other in burgundy.  Both sets are drawn by me in black ink and watercolour.  Each of the six cards have their own couple of words on the front, but the interior is left blank for you to write your own special thoughts.

I hope you will take the time to consider the Sketa Oz Collection for your gifting this festive season.  If you have already made up your mind, pop over to the SO Store to make your selection and I will send them out before things get too busy.  ​https://www.sketaoz.com/store/c1/SOS