We all have treasures in our homes – those little objects that carry stories, spark memories, or simply make us smile.
My house angels. What I imagine my guardian angels look like after a lifetime of watching over me.
Maybe it’s a ceramic vase you shaped with your own hands, a painting you poured your heart into, or a faded quilt stitched by your grandmother. These pieces are more than “things” – they’re part of our personal museum.
A simple pot my father painted during WW2 in Katherine while stationed there. He loved spending time with the Indigenous people.
When we slow down and really notice them, we connect not only with the beauty around us, but also with the creativity, love, and history that flows through our lives.
Here’s a simple, joyful exercise to try this week:
1. Take a wander through your home
Move slowly, as if you’re seeing everything for the first time. Look for items that make your heart lift – something you’ve created, something handmade by a loved one, or a piece that has been passed down to you.
A pottery vase my son made in primary school.
2. Capture the moment
Use your phone or camera to take a photo of each item. Experiment with angles, light, and background – you might be surprised how artistic an everyday object can look when framed with care.
3. Gather your collection
Print the photos or create a digital album. Give each one a title and jot down a few words about why it matters to you. Was it a gift? Something you made during a special time in your life? Does it remind you of a place or person?
I bought this oil lamp at The Palace of Knossos in Crete, Greece in 1987. It's a lovely reminder of a fabulous trip.
4. Create an “at home” gallery
Arrange the printed photos in a journal, on a pinboard, or in a frame collage. This becomes a visual reminder of the joy and meaning that already lives in your space.
A memory from Venice, I didn't buy it there though, I came across it in an op shop here.
5. Reflect
Ask yourself: What do these items say about me? My style? My creative journey? You might discover themes, colours, or textures that inspire your next piece of art.
Many years ago my son wanted to get into special effects in the movies. I'd come home to find him creating models and plaster casts. Many a time I'd pull up in my car to find a mate lying on our massage table in the front yard in the sun, with straws up their nose, and plaster all over their faces. It amazed me that they'd be willing to do that for him. This is the only piece I have left and have kept it for about 30 years.
Why this matters
This isn’t just about objects – it’s about noticing, appreciating, and documenting the beauty we already live with. As artists, this practice deepens our connection to our work and to the stories we want to tell.
So put on your favourite music, pick up your camera, and go on a little treasure hunt in your own home. You might just fall in love with your world all over again.
What I realised doing this exercise was that mostly I'd picked out pottery or crafted items, tactile ones. It's an interesting exercise, I invite you to have a try and let me know what you come up with.
