And now for something completely different.......a change from textile pics to a little tour around just a few buildings close to our Montsalvat studio.  Its very hard to believe that most of these buildings date from around the mid 1930's.  The use of recycled materials and mud gives an illusion of a time somewhere way in the past but essentially a time that your imagination may choose.  

So many of my favourite things exist in this building which houses the Montsalvat School of painting on the top floor.  I love its french windows, the bay window, the faded green door, the timber and daub walls of the upper floor and the painted iron roof. 

Despite the cold and windy grey days its easy to believe spring is just around the corner with clumps of bulbs scattered all round the grounds.  Violets are peeping out from under shrubs just beginning to show their spring buds and the peacocks are in full colour.

This  gentleman disappeared into a thick bed of ivy to escape the wind. 

The simple style  of this little building which houses and studio and a laundry takes my imagination back to very early Australia. The garden is lush and the building  sits so comfortably in its space. The roof is a lovely mix of colours and the lichen is just the finishing touch.   Its probably one of my favourites.

Heading back  is the couturiers studio.  It must be a creative dream to work in such an amazing building..  

The right next to us are the stables that house  the guitar making school. 

  Information about all the amazing  resident artists can be found on the Montsalvat website.

They have all been so welcoming that we felt comfortable straight away.  Just hope some of their skill rubs off on us in the too short time we are there!