Onboard a paddle steamer

How cool are those boats there! Many of them were from the early 1900s and after restoration work, they're all now ferrying many happy passengers. We were onboard the Adelaide. It was the oldest paddle steamer out of all that were there. Possibly one of the oldest in the world actually! Prince Charles and Princess Diana actually came down to Echuca itself, back in the 1980s to have a royal re-opening ceremony. ( Something like that. As you can tell, I'm not a very history sort of person. I was more excited about the trees and the giant hawk nests ) And of course, I am more interested in Prince William.

PS: I had a really weird dream two nights ago. I dreamt I was at a bar with Prince William and Kate Middleton. We were happily chatting and became really good friends until I openly declared my 'love' for William... and of course since Kate was there and they were married, I had to tell her I love her too right? And then it just became so awkward. And I woke up. HAHA. WHAT A DREAM!! Just wondering, are you a William or Harry or Prince Charles girl?

And by the way, I'm having a buy 2 get 1 free recipe print deal. Buy 2 recipe prints here and get a 3rd one ( of your choice ) free! Just go on and purchase the 2 that you like and indicate at checkout or email me at dawntanwenyi@gmail.com to let me know which other print you want. Offer only valid till this Sunday 22nd May! Thanks!

Cactus Farm

I'm back from a long weekend of happy holiday road tripping! My family, Darren and myself were up in Echuca and New South Wales. Actually we spent most of our time in quaint little Echuca. And stayed in a big and beautiful homestay house in New South Wales. The home was pretty much just across the bridge, over the Murray River. I think we were all secretly excited about being able to place one foot in Victoria and the other in New South Wales. It was like being in two different place ( states rather ) at the same time. We ate so much and took lots of photos. We even sat on old school paddle steamers and bought so much fudge. I will be sharing more holiday snapshots over the next few days. Paddle steamers, animals and even a huge beer shed with a stunning collection of over 17,000 beer cans! So watch this little space. For now, some cactus farm photos first!

Upcoming Obus Wall Project

Hi everyone! Come following week, I will be painting live at the Flinders Lane Obus store! I will have an entire wall to myself and I'm planning on filling it up with lots and lots and lots of painted potted plants. I know. I'm such a crazy plant-lady! I am so thrilled Obus has invited me to be part of their amazing wall project. When I first received an email from Kate, I jumped at the opportunity and said yes immediately! I've always loved the clothing from Obus. The colours, style and patterns. I am so super lucky to be able to get their clothing in exchange for my art on their walls!

I wonder if any of you have been to the flinders lane store? It's beautifully filled with so many pots of plants! I was totally inspired by it and i've decided to recreate painted versions. I cannot wait and am so looking forward to it. I'll be there Monday and possibly Tuesday the 23rd and 24th. Do come along and watch me paint. Feel free to drop by and say hi. It's always lovely to be able to meet and make new friends!

Thanks Emma for the wonderful photo of me on the left. I think it's such a pretty shot!

Inbox mail

" Hi dawn! Just thought I would send you my friends amazing water colour painting inspired by your work! (we were also hoping you could pop it on your blog as a surprise for her) All of my friends absolutely love your work and watch your blog religiously! We are considering coming to one of your classes when we make some spare time. We absolutely love your latest in Frankie! Keep it up! xoxo love Emily Stribley "

Awwww... Thanks Emily for saying hi and showing me your friend's work. You are such a super friend for wanting to surprise her. Your email totally made my day, I just had to share!

For those of you interested, I will be running a 3 hour quickie course in watercolour painting and illustration in July! We'll learn all about watercolours, the types of papers, paints, what's good and what's not. And of course, how to create those packaging drawings that I do for Frankie. It will be quite interesting, especially if you love packaging! It's going to be a one-off class, on a Thursday evening at the beautiful Harvest Workroom and all materials will be provided. No experience needed too. So do sign up if you're interested! Spaces are limited to a maximum of 15!

More from graduation

What's graduation without some family jump shots?! So here they are. More graduation photos can be seen here. Thanks Lydia for being our ever-so patient photographer. Oh and to my sister and Darren too, for all those goofy shots. The sun was setting so quickly and it was cold so it was a huge mad rush having all these photos taken. Well, that's what you get for graduating in the wintry months! At least it wasn't snowing! Imagine having to wear a huge big woolen jumper beneath my gown!

Thanks everyone for congratulating me too! You guys are awesome!