I'm just nipping in quickly today to show a break down of my Mandala.
I've been asked could I show how it came about and I'm not one to disappoint...
...so here it is....
I simply started with a book (which is a constant in my life since I first started to read) and then I added patterns and shapes as I progressed outwards to make the circle.
In the close up picture you can see (hopefully) some of the things that are important to me or things that I like. It's as simple as that.
I completed the whole thing in three sessions (or was it four)...not only to give my eyes a rest but to think about what should be added.
I should explain that the 'neesie natters' isn't actually written on the original design (other than on the little laptop in the mandala).
I added that before posting.
And here's the finished design.
There are about 40+ items contained within...can you count them all?
I made some cards with the design to accompany leaving pressies and they were well received.
I made some cards with the design to accompany leaving pressies and they were well received.
As you can imagine things are pretty hectic around here at the moment, with moving from one part of the planet to the other...plus my hubby had 'man flu' over the weekend and has kindly passed it to me!
Maybe I should have been more sympathetic! It's now come back to bite me :(
Oops nearly forgot to show my desk...or should that read dining table!
Yes I'm back into the dining room again...or sort of...as you can see there's not much here.
Just the rental table and chairs as our furniture has just passed through the Suez Canal on its way to the UK.
The few bits that are sitting on the window ledge are my entire art supplies for now.
Is it any wonder that my mojo has decided to take a break!
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Sparse looking isn't it?
Hey...but see that sun and light? That's winter peeps I kid you not!
Not bad eh?
Oops nearly forgot to show my desk...or should that read dining table!
Yes I'm back into the dining room again...or sort of...as you can see there's not much here.
Just the rental table and chairs as our furniture has just passed through the Suez Canal on its way to the UK.
The few bits that are sitting on the window ledge are my entire art supplies for now.
Is it any wonder that my mojo has decided to take a break!
.jpg)
Sparse looking isn't it?
Hey...but see that sun and light? That's winter peeps I kid you not!
Not bad eh?
Anyway before I pass on any germs to you, maybe you should scoot and check out what's going on over at Julia's Stamping Ground and see more desks that hopefully won't be full of germs.
It's a lot of fun and everyone is so friendly and supportive.
It's a lot of fun and everyone is so friendly and supportive.
I'll try to visit as many people as I can this week without passing on my germs but I'm not promising.
Have fun everyone and enjoy your Wednesday!
Loved seeing this broken down Neesie. Essentially it is a big doodle? I can imagine that it would make the eyes go a bit wonky. When I was designing rubberstamps, those made my eyes wonky. Have I missed something??? Are you moving back to the UK? xxoo
ReplyDeleteHi Marie,
DeleteI didn't notice my eyes going wonky but that might be because they're always a little wonky! lol
But I did take my time with this design, so I found it really relaxing and enjoyable.
You are right Dr Watson...we are moving back to the UK and will land at Manchester initially to check in with family, before we then head to our own place. It seems surreal to tell you that after so long chatting with you over the last year or so when I never thought we would come back...but who knows what's in the master plan? ;D
We have just under two weeks left in Melbourne now so it's a little crazy trying to see everyone and do everything we would like to before we head off.
Could you please turn up the thermostat a little before we land? It is June after all....Thanks :D
xoxo
That Mandala is beautiful! Hugs, Valerie.
ReplyDeletePS - still on the sod-it-all step!
HEHE! Oh Valerie what a giggle...come on girl just one step up that's all I ask! ;D
DeleteThanks for stopping by and for making me smile so early in the morning.
Have a good day no matter what step you're on!
xoxo
Hello Nessie
ReplyDeletePleased to see you have arrived safe!
Hope the furniture arrives soon.... Well back to your post and all I can say is wow it is fab truly fab!!!!! Thank you for showing the stages and how you achieved it you should be thinking about teaching a few classes on this!!
Jackie 30
Nope I haven't left yet Jackie! LOL
DeleteThe furniture has headed off without us. We thought it was better to send it early so that it would be there when we did arrive.
We've got just under two weeks left to make the most of Melbourne life and we're going for it!!!
I'm glad you liked to see my mandala in its different stages. I was asked could I show it this way and thankfully I'd thought to take some photos as I went along.
I've taken silk painting classes before so who knows I may well decide to do a little class once again...but it won't be for a while yet. I need to organise my life first! ;D
Enjoy your week and WOYWW and thanks for stopping by :D
Happy WOYWW. I love love love your Mandala. Will have to attempt one myself. Ali x #79
ReplyDeleteHi Alison,
DeleteThanks for your lovely comment and yes I think you should draw one yourself (note I didn't say attempt)
Its simple, fun and very rewarding plus it makes you think about all that is important to you, which is always a good thing.
Happy WOYWW to you too.
Have fun! :D
your Mandala is exquisite! hope the flu goes soon and your furniture makes it safely! Have a great week. helen 31
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen,
DeleteWell, our furniture has made it to and through the Suez Canal so so far so good!
I'm also on the mend so it's all good...oh yes and the sun's shining its socks off here ;D
Enjoy your week too and thanks for stopping by :D
O h my! Now, that's a mandala! Hope you don't colour it - I love the b&w - you can see all the wonderful detail!!
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW and have a great week :)
no. 32
Nope I certainly don't intend to colour it Claire,
DeleteBut I have thought I might do another one sometime. I wasn't actually sure about this design when I started or how it might turn out. It was just a play to begin with, but I think it came out quite well and I'm happy.
I love b&w too.
Thanks for your lovely comment and for popping over to my place.
Happy WOYWW to you too :D
Your Mandala is stunning and so fascinating to see it's development. Thanks for sharing. Hope you feel well soon. x Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
DeleteGreat to see you again. It was my pleasure to share.
I was asked to show the development and thankfully I'd thought to take photos at various stages which was a complete flook! I love to see other artists show the progression in their work so thought I'd have a go.
I'm getting better thanks and this fantastic sunshine certainly helps!
Have a great week whatever you have planned.
I'll be across soon ;D
Oh wow!! That Mandala is simply stunning! I do the odd Zentangle but nothing as detailed and beautiful as that.
ReplyDeleteThakns for sharing,
Jackie x
Hi Jackie,
DeleteAhhh a fellow 'tangler...well in that case you should do your own Mandala! It's great fun and enjoyable just thinking what to incorporate into the design.
The worlds your oyster!
Have fun and thanks for popping by ;D
I really like all your little pictures in this.. I have not heard of a mandala before it is truly wonderful thanks for sharing all the steps to the truly delightful end.
ReplyDeleteSandy :) #59
Aww thanks Sandy...it was my pleasure ;D
DeleteHave a great week and enjoy WOYWW
I'm loving this idea and may have a go at it myself. The move is getting nearer I guess, make sure you let us know when you are back in the UK. Will have to let me have your new address so I can send you a little something to welcome you back to the UK!! Thanks for sharing. Take care Zo xx 77
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you do have a go Zo...you'll have a great time. I can see it now with your son, Bristol Rovers and Baxter all included in the design ;D
DeleteAww...how kind you are to think about sending a welcome for us.
I'll send it in a seperate email but you really don't have to send anything...it's just great to keep in touch.
I do have one request though...GET THAT THERMOSTAT TURNED UP!!!
I'll pop over to you as soon as I can...in the meantime have fun and enjoy WOYWW xoxo
Stunning Mandala and all the best with your move back to the UK.
ReplyDeleteSandra @105
Thanks Sandra...much appreciate you stopping by and leaving your good wishes.
DeleteHave a great week too ;D
It is always so much fun to see the step by step process. What a lot of thought and work went into this piece.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Hi Darla,
DeleteI always like to see other artists work in progress so thought I'd do the same. Thankfully I'd got the odd photo when the request was made to show how it came about.
It was so enjoyable to do though and the cards came out well too.
I hope your week is going well and your weekend when it comes is even better.
Have fun :D
Oh wow! When I grow up I want to be just like you neesie!!
ReplyDeleteHappy woyww
Laura
120
LOL I'm hardly grown up myself Laura!!! ;D
DeleteThanks for stopping by and giving me a giggle.
Enjoy WOYWW too :D
One good thing about everything being packed up is that there is no clutter. I seem to have plenty of that for both of us. :). Your tangle is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteYeah...we've certain gone for the minimalist look around here now we are nearly into our last week here EEK!
DeleteSorry just a little panic set in then....deep breath...my hubby likes this new look but I think it's a little too sparse!
Glad you like the tangle ;D
Have a great week and I'll visit soon!
The mandala is gorgeous, such intricate work and lovely to see it being drawn in stages. Hope the move goes well and the "man flu" clears up quickly. Hugs. Pam#38
ReplyDeleteHi Pam
DeleteThanks for your lovely comment. Yep 'man flu' is manageable but there again I am female! LOL
I'm glad you liked my design and thanks for your well wishes for our move. Times moving quickly now and I suppose I'll be on that plane before I know it! :$
Have a great week too!
Your Mandala is the most stunning thing I think I have ever seen. You just can't stop looking at it and seeing different things in it each time. Thank you so much for sharing that with us I feel so lucky to have been able to see it
ReplyDeleteHave a great WOYWW and enjoy the rest of your week
Ria #47
Aww...now come on Ria you'll make me blush! ;D
DeleteI'm so happy to hear that it's impressed you so much. You'll have to draw your own now...it's great fun and because it will be your own story and favourite things it'll mean so much more to you.
It was my pleasure to share it with you :D
Have a great WOYWW too. Have fun!
Your work is astounding!So your work takes you around the globe? I hope you settle in England for a while and enjoy yourself. Thank you for your inspirational art, it's wonderful!
ReplyDelete#40
Now I'm loving all these amazing comments and really appreciate such great feedback ;D
DeleteWe hope to settle in the UK for a long time to come Anne as that's home and we are finally finishing our expat days. 12 huge moves is quite enough I think.
I just need to get through the grey winter days but I'm not going to focus on those...just everything else instead.
It's going to be exciting and I've got lots planned so hopefully you can visit again.
Thanks for popping over to my place and I'll visit you soon.
In the meantime have a great week and enjoy WOYWW!
AM loving the Mandala..I wonder if those 40 things would ever change? So when does the big move happen, and will you be within meeting distance when you get here I wonder?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely comment Julia,
DeleteKnowing how my mind works those 40+ things could well change but not all of them obviously. A few would be permanent no matter what ;D
Big move going ahead on 1st of July and fast approaching!
Considering I didn't think I'd be back in the UK any time soon then I wouldn't rule out a meeting perhaps one day!
I'm trying to meet up with RosC before I leave but it's getting pretty tight with my diary on these last few days but we'll see :D
Thanks for hosting WOYWW once again...it's an amazing creative community that you've got going there.
Have fun and please don't use up all the sun until I get there ;D
That was really interesting to see it close up and all the detail in progress. What patience!
ReplyDeleteNow I can see that your mojo was packed up and away. Not much left to play with. Won't be long now. And I certainly hope you all are well by the time you have to travel across the planet! ;)
Hi Rita,
DeleteNot too bothered about my missing mojo today because I've got lots planned and I know he's still there...just tucked away a little whilst all this crazy biz of moving is happening. I know he'll re-emerge on the other side as it were. Well fingers crossed.
I'm hoping a whole new studio thing will get the creative juices flowing. I don't actually need a lot of art supplies...I can get by on a pen or two as you can see with the Mandala ;D
I plan to sit back and enjoy the journey Rita...will you be coming with me?
It's business class so I think you'll like that :D
Pack your bags and I'll pass by to scoop you up!
In the meantime...enjoy your week whatever you've got planned.
xoxo
Gorgeous work Neesie. I love how personal this is. What a cool idea. Wishing you lots of luck and time to craft when you finally settle in to your new home. Happy WOYWW to you from Helen 78
ReplyDeleteI think it's a little special with being my story...but anyone can do their own story. I can really recommend it. It was great fun ;D
DeleteThanks for your well wishes Helen...I really appreciate them.
I've got lots planned and most days run out of time but I like to make the most of every minute!
Happy WOYWW to you too
Have fun and thanks for stopping by xoxo
Beautiful work...What a fabulous keepsake of your memories of life!! you are so talented young lady!! hope your nasty cold goes before your trip back home... Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeleteOh May...I love that talented young lady part! Bless! ;D
DeleteI'm having hot toddies ever night just to make sure (hick) that I don't take a turn for the worst! lol
Thanks for popping over...it's always great to see you.
I'm going to try and start some visiting later tonight.
Catch you then xoxo
The mandala is so awesome! I love your drawings/doodling anyway. I count 26 items but then some may be of a more personal mature and I wouldn't recognize them. Enjoy the sunshine! Thanks for the earlier visit. Happy WOYWW! Nan G #3
ReplyDeleteYou did well to take the time to look and to find 26 of the 40. Well done ;D
DeleteBut I'm now wondering which ones you spotted! lol
I think all the items would be recognisable as they are pretty standard stuff...tea cups, chocolate, palm tree, birds, boy, girl and pooch to name just a few.
Anyway I hope your week goes well.
Enjoy WOYWW too :D
Hi Neesie
ReplyDeletewho says you need loads of stuff to make art (I think I might have in another life) anyway I would swap my stash (well not all of it )for some decent sunshine. not long now I hope you are feeling better before you go
janet #42
I have to say Janet, the weather over this week has been just perfect winter weather. The sun's out for most of the day with a crisp cold start plus amazing clear blue skies. If this was the the type of weather the UK could have then everyone would be happy bunnies! Even to get this for summer would be good ;D
DeleteI realise that as long as I've got a few pens and some paper I can get by on my art fix. But I'm still looking forward to organising a new studio when I'm home YAY!
Thanks for your kind words...I'm taking hot toddies as a preventitive measure...not sure about the cold but I feel better! lol
Have a great week...enjoy WOYWW an I'll visit as soon as I can.
xoxo
HI neesie
ReplyDeleteforgot to say your mandala is a brilliant ldea I've added it to my 'list'
janet
Hehe...thanks Janet,
DeleteI really recommend you that you design one...it's great fun ;D
Hi Neesie! I seem to have lost track of you, so it's fun to see you again. I am swooning over this Mandala. Thank you so much for showing the work-in-progress. It's really brilliant, especially to know that it's PERSONAL and not just random doodling. I'm agape at the idea and your talent, truly!!
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't on WOYWW before you take off (understandable) or I don't get back here, have a wonderful last two weeks and a safe trip back to the UK - and I ask the same of your furniture, too, as it's rather nice to have it actually be there and all in one piece when you arrive!
Blessings! Darnell #20
Hello Darnell,
DeleteGreat to see you too. I wonder where we were both hiding? ;D
Thanks for your lovely comments about my Mandala. I enjoyed designing and drawing it but it's even better when you receive such wonderful positive feedback from everyone.
Thanks also for your kind wishes concerning our transition from one part of the planet to the other!
It'll be a doddle I'm sure (HA!)
Our furniture is about to pass Gibraltar this weekend, so it's getting nearer and has made good progress...so we're on track.
We've just got to get the car and Muffy off next before we board the flight ourselves.
Enjoy desk hopping and I'll try to get to you soon
Blessing to you too xoxo
I don't know how you did this kid but your mandala is wonderful! You deserve a rest for sure - and your eyes need to rest too!
ReplyDeletesandy
Hehe...well apparently I'm about to get that rest you mentioned. I'm being taken away for the weekend which was a surprise. I didn't think we'd be going anywhere before leaving but I was wrong.
DeleteBut it is our 34th wedding anniversary weekend so I suppose that's worth celebrating isn't it?
I have to emphasis here that I was a child bride!!! REALLY!
I'm glad you like the Mandala and want to thank you for taking the time to comment. I love to have visitors :D
I'll try to reciprocate soon.
In the meantime have a wonderful weekend xoxo
There is so much thought and work in your mandala. It is so beautiful. I would get a headache just trying to think of ideas. Your poor desk (rented dining table) looks so sad and empty. It's no wonder your mojo has gone away, plus the fact that the mister has shared his manflu with you. I hope the UK puts on some heat and sunshine for you when you get home. Hope you are fully better before that long plane ride, so you can enjoy being up in BC.
ReplyDeleteVon 27
It was really easy and so pleasant to design because it's just what I like and what's important to me...so no drama's on the think tank!
DeleteYou could easily do it Von...especially if you have your new glasses now! LOL
We are very empty but not sad...but that's why I thought it would be good to show you just how empty we are!
Yeah...not impressed with mister for being so generous but then he's made up for it because he's whisking me away this weekend.
My daughter is telling me daily (thanks to viber) that the weather is warming and its really lovely :$
Not sure I can trust her but she's sending photos through to prove it. She's also counting the hours so it's getting quite exciting now. I just hope the novelty of being back doesn't rub off too soon.
Oh rest assured Von I WILL enjoy that flight. I'm certainly going to make the most of it as it will probably be our last one!
I'm not going to sleep to make sure I don't miss a thing ;D
Have a wonderful weekend and I'll pop up sometime soon to see what you're up to. xoxo
I swear my hands are hurting from just reading about your mandala. It is gorgeous. You did a super job. Now go enjoy that winter sunshine. And because it's still Wednesday in my part of the world, have a super WOYWW from #17.
ReplyDeleteLOL oh that gave me such a giggle ;D
DeleteThanks for your lovely comment...I really appreciate it.
I have been enjoying the fabulous winter sunshine and the weekend is supposed to be just as good. Perfectly clear blue skies too!
Ahh...it's going to make leaving it so much harder. I could do with it being dark and wet but it looks quite good right up until we leave.
It's no longer Wednesday...in fact Friday is now coming to a close. Well it's early evening so I'll wish you a wonderful weekend and hope you enjoyed WOYWW.
I do plan to visit I just don't know when that might be. Hopefully soon :D
xoxo
Beautiful Neesie, I just arrived back in Australia from the USA...still battling the jet-lag, but soooo happy to be home. So I know the trials of packing up a house. Hugs & Blessings. xx
ReplyDeleteG'Day Dion, (it just doesn't sound right coming from a POM)
DeleteOh its so nice to hear that you are so close. I hope you are getting through the jet-lag to enjoy this fabulous weather that I'm sure your family have ordered especially for you ;D
We are thankfully over the packing now...only our suitcases and airfreight to go through so we're getting there.
I probably will feel like you did when I arrive home...it's very special isn't it even though I want to drag Melbourne there with me!
Hugs and Blessings to you and yours too.
Have a wonderful time (as I'm sure you are already)
Thanks again for my prize...I'm going to savor watching it when I'm settled and organised!
Take care xoxo
I LOVE your mandala! The intricacy of your design is mesmerizing. I'm sure you are anxious to start decorating your new place. However, living with only essentials is refreshing sometimes. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHi Arnoldo,
DeleteThanks for your lovely positive compliment. I had such fun with this Mandala and if you get a chance give it a whirl. It makes you think about all that's important to you or just some of your favourite things. It really can be anything...well in my book it can be.
I'm looking forward to reacquainting myself with our place back in the UK. We haven't even seen it for over 12 years so it's going to be fun.
I plan to visit everyone but not sure when I'll make it so I might just pop into your inbox whenever! ;D
Thanks for stopping by...it's always great to see you.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings to you too!
Hi Ros,
ReplyDeleteYeah the dreaded lergie definitely wasn't on my plan but as someone said to me...I think it's a question of burning my candle at both ends. I really need to get sorted before we do that long-haul flight although it will be business class (probably our last EVER so I want to make the most of it!)
I've also got a dodgy knee...oh don't ask? ;D
I'm glad you like the mandala. It was great to do...I thoroughly enjoyed the project! You should do one too...you'll really enjoy it but just take breaks so its not too hard on the eyes. lol
A yearly one sounds great. I've got lots of ideas for more but they'll be on hold now we're coming up to our last week.
I'd love to meet up with you even if we only squeeze in a cuppa. I know you've been away so we'll have to synchronize our diaries :D
Thanks for stopping by and let's see if we can get a get-together sorted.
Enjoy your weekend whatever you have on your plan
xoxo
Oh Neesie, how exciting for you - getting nearer all the time - an opportunity for you to come home. Have a special time saying all your goodbyes - you have obviously lots of friends out there.
ReplyDeleteThat drawing is quite amazing. Well done you.
Have a great week.
Margaret #100