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The Story of Begged, Borrowed & Stolen

The Story of Begged, Borrowed & Stolen

In the late 1970’s (that’s more years ago than I care to think about!) I co-authored Begged, Borrowed & Stolen, a book of Irish session tunes used by both beginners and more seasoned musicians.  I believe 10,000 copies have been sold in various places around the world and vastly more have been photocopied.  BB&S is also known as ‘the orange book’, due to its luridly coloured cover.

Here is the story of how it got it's name.

Off The Beaten Track

Off The Beaten Track
We have a window Exhibition in T'Arts Gallery (Gay's Arcade, Adelaide) from 28 February. Several of Mike's photos will be hung or shown and a bunch...

The Story of Big Red, or 'Suzette's Revenge'

The Story of Big Red, or 'Suzette's Revenge'
We’d been coming across the Simpson Desert for five days, acting as support crew for a Swiss chef. living in Bali, who was cycling across the Simps...

Travel Photography Tips with Mike: #3

Travel Photography Tips with Mike: #3
Travel Photography Tips with Mike: #3 Small details. I’m always looking for small details when travelling and I collect lots of shots like these. T...

Lynne Stone - an inspiration

Lynne Stone - an inspiration
Lynne Stone - an inspiration Many of you may have seen my buddy Lynne Stone and the astonishing native flowers that she constructs from wire and em...

Roman Glass, the Making of Bacchus, Clare Valley and Carcassonne

Bacchus necklace made by Suzette Watkins. Roman glass, sterling silver, copper and brass
Roman Glass, the Making of Bacchus, Clare Valley and Carcassonne  Our recent trip to the Clare Valley in South Australia reminded me of one of my f...

So Much New Work

So Much New Work
New Work These are not yet on the website, as they are being held for showing at the Tasmanian Craft Fair in late October.  If they don’t sell the...

The Hokusai Technique for travel photography

The Hokusai Technique for travel photography
This is probably my best tip for travel photography.             When we travel we usually go to see famous places and we like to get our own shots...

Travel Photography tips with Mike.

Travel Photography tips with Mike.
Whenever we do an exhibition or showing, some people come up and want to talk about the photographs. Many of these say, “I can’t take photographs l...

Look inside the Studio: Video

Look inside the Studio: Video

A few months ago our dear friend Barry Skipsey, a singer/songwriter extraordinaire and exceptional outback photographer stayed with us for a few days and decided that what we do was worthy of a short video.

This is us, in the studio and workroom

Lockdown

Lockdown
What you see in social media seems to be telling us that if you're not baking up a storm, deep cleaning your house, writing your novel and learning...

Precious and Semi-Precious Stones. Part B: Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements

Precious and Semi-Precious Stones.  Part B: Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements
Treatments and Enhancements: Most gemstones in the affordable range have been treated in some fashion.  A reputable dealer or jeweller should be a...