Atherton Childrens Art Society ACAC October 2015 exhibition

The Herberton Road Refuse Centre was instrumental in my collection of hubcaps and some bower bird pieces including a large box of buttons for the workshops. The students washed and assembled the pieces with the help of volunteers. We studied how the environment can be improved or damaged by our actions. The workshops concerned marine debris and the repercussions of disposing of our wrappers, plastic cups into the waterways and most importantly how we can reduce waste by using other items. 

Wind Catching workshop at Atherton After School Care

Kids were primed and the natural collectors brought in keys, plumbing pieces, cutlery and seeds. One girl brought in pre-drilled knives and forks and I asked who owned the fantastic drill that did such a wonderful job. She said "my 6 year old brother" - not sure if he actually drilled these hardy pieces but they certainly made a wonderful windchime clang. The classes were an hour each but due to the mixed ages of the group and abilities of half of the students to tie knots, two hours would go better next time.

Upcycled Feedbag No.2 - Horse theme, now on Etsy!

Upcycled feed bag with chicken theme - these beauties will not die easily!

Poinciana Wind Hanger

Poinciana Wind Catcher. 5 Poinciana pods, 5 pumice pieces, 40 leopard tree pods, 6 pipi shells - hangs 120cm long. Let me know if any of your readers have ideas for native Queensland dried plant parts that make a soothing sound when pushed about by the winds:)

Wind Catchers

Now these 'chimes' dont tinkle so I call them Wind catchers...clever huh!?

These natural catchers are made with backyard creek wood and leopard tree seeds, and stilt root mangroves, blackbean pods and shells from Cairns. Another idea for workshops that leads to discussions on the beauty of our jam-packed, natural environment up here in the Far North.

Hercules Moth - Coscinocera hercules - how nature inspires us!

This stunning adult male Hercules moth was found on my back patio while working. What a coat to drag around...and all on an empty stomach!

Queensland Museum:

Females of the Hercules Moth have a wingspan of up to 27cm and the largest wing area of any moth in the world. Males have the rear corners of the hindwings stretched into long tails. Hercules Moths occur in New Guinea and tropical Queensland. Adult moths do not feed and are short-lived.
Their spectacular pale-blue caterpillars can grow to a length of 12 cm and a weight of 29 g. The caterpillars feed on leaves of several rainforest trees but prefer those of the Bleeding Heart tree, Omalanthus nutans. At the rear end they have 2 large, false eyes to confuse potential attackers.

Assemblage art

Where's Wally Wheatheads

Already half grown, kids just need to add eyes and hands peeping over cup.

Any other ideas for sustainable party bags would be much appreciated.

Cool Pool

Working on ideas for my sister Bianca Begovich's book 'cool pool'

Beetles from box eucalypt

Beetles from box eucalypt leaves- with natural proboscis!

European Commission - my favourite photo

I use this thought-provoking piece of photoshopping in many workshops. Other than the obvious physical message it also can be used metaphorically - sweeping our waste, or practices under a carpet for someone else to stumble upon.

Food Art - Atherton Playgroup

Here is the honey bee in all her glory made with bread base, carrot and nori sheet, cucumber and humus spread which acts like glue. Then the kids can eat it too!