ai

Loch Venacher

2012-01-16T07:33:00.001Z

>:(

2011-12-27T23:12:00.001Z

Toothache is not nice. Toothache + a cold is ****
Can't sleep.

Haggis Hunting

2011-12-27T10:53:00.001Z

Join the haggis hunt:Haggis Hunt

Missing

2011-12-27T08:26:00.001Z

I am missing my creativity. Studio time has been non productive lately and it's very frustrating!
How do I get that little something back that compels me to draw/paint/make things?
I have so much on the horizon, so much to be thankful for and look forward to, yet it feels a tad out of reach.
I guess I need to find a little time to try and bring everything back into place because my creativity isn't going to come looking for me.

Life Drawing

2011-09-14T08:51:00.000+01:00

A week late... :)

Mary

2011-08-31T06:20:00.000+01:00

Outside My Window... it's only just getting light, all I can see in the dim light is the workshop wall because this window does not have a view to the outside world!
I am thinking... it's getting chilly in the morning and I wish I was still at home curled up in the arms of my husband.
I am thankful for... my children
From the kitchen... someone has began to emulsion the walls of the bathroom. It's very cold in the kitchen.
I am wearing...black pinstriped trousers,a black jumper, and I forgot to change my footwear so I still have blue converse on.
I am going... to try and get to life drawing class as much as possible.
I am creating... panda hats which need finished off, 30 little owls for wedding favours, rabbits and a bear which need limbs etc attached, a series of self portrait drawings.
I am reading... Fern Britton, New Beginnings which I bought so I had something to read at work when it's quiet. I have read the cover so far and nothing else!
I am hoping... that my son is going to be okay and at the end of the day love will conquer all.
I am hearing... the hum of computers and the fridge with an underlying current of distant traffic.
Around the house... there are a million jobs needing done, I keep hoping I will come home and someone else will have done at least one of them.
One of my favorite things... is seeing someone else smile.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: at some point, I need to get the house in order, do the messages, tidy the studio and take photos for my Folksy shop.
This month's picture thought I am sharing...

:) Jogging Memories

Earlier in the month I received an email from one of the yarn companies advertising their new patterns for this season. When I clicked through to the website I checked out the free patterns first and there was this guy.
Almost 13 years ago, I knitted this dinosaur as a present for my daughters from their, still to be born, baby brother.
He was a much loved dinosaur, cuddled so much that his stuffing had been flattened and he was decidedly floppy in comparison to the one in this picture. Ours also had a tshirt knitted into the pattern but it is the same pattern and instantly recognisable to my teenage daughters. It brought a smile to everyone's face and it's lovely when unexpected things turn up and do that.

The Original 52 Projects - Yamaguchi

2011-08-30T08:45:00.000+01:00

I can't remember when or how I first came across these but last week something made me look them up again.

Thus far I have completed

No.52 - List projects and begin doing
No.1 - Write an old friend a letter.
No.36 - Stay up all night
No.17 - Wake up at 5am and take advantage of the hour.

Okay so four in a week may look like significant progress given there are 52; one for every week of the year. However No.52 is cheating, No.36 was completed because I was nightshift and No.36 because I get up before 5am EVERY morning for that very reason. It's the only time I can justify having to myself because it isn't eating into the hours others are awake, and it always feels special because no matter what I do, it's just me. I might take forever in the shower just because I can, I might go for a walk and see things no-one else is up to see, or most often I go to the studio and work until the rest of the world wakes up.
Today I drove to the studio and there was a rather large dead animal in the middle of the road, so it's not always good. :(

No.1 - Rather than a hand written letter, I looked up a pen-pal on Facebook, found her and sent a quick message.
This is no ordinary pen-friend though.
My grandmother, long since gone, had a French pen-pal when she was at school. They wrote to each other regularly and established a true friendship which lasted until the 2nd World War got in the way.
At some point after the war, my granny's pen-pal decided to try and find her and sent a letter to the last address she had.
By some miracle it found it's way to my grandmother, now married and living elsewhere and the friendship grew from strength to strength. They wrote regularly, and on special occasions I remember there being family phone calls.
That was back in the time when not everyone had a house phone let alone a mobile.
There were visits with each family driving from the middle of France or Scotland to the middle of the other and then obviously back again. A journey that I can vaguely recall taking days.
One day it would be nice to take my own kids on this journey, be it driving, flying or simply sharing a little bit of someone else's life. We all get too caught up in the here and now and forget how important read friendships are.

Season

2011-08-11T07:05:00.000+01:00

It's raining. Heavy. Again.

It was also dark when I left for the studio this morning (in an anorak and wellington boots) and I had to take the long way around because the road was flooded (again).

Something feels different. It feels like Autumn is creeping upon us, it doesn't feel like a wet summer's day.

Life Drawing

2011-08-05T07:53:00.000+01:00

Agnieszka

Wednesday was life drawing. I could easily have spent another 3 hours. :)

Filofax Anyone?

2011-07-29T09:54:00.000+01:00

I have purchased my first filofax.

Now what do I do with it...?

I'm sitting here looking at it, and it's kind of intimidating. I think it's mocking my disorganisation!

I do need to be more organised, without a doubt. I jot 'important things' down on scraps of paper, the backs of envelopes, on odd receipts and then later can't find those bits of paper. I will doodle, draw and write down ideas that should be in a sketchbook in the same manner with the intention of saving the scrap paper somewhere safe until it can be transferred into a sketchbook.
Instead I end up with copious amounts of crumpled paper taking up space in my bag, in pockets, in the car door and invariably they end up in the bin.

The purchase of the filofax was not a spontaneous thing. Oh no, this is supposed to be an investment. Someone (own up whoever you are) suggested it would be a good idea and managed to convince me that it was going to be the answer to everything.
I shall be able to organise my art life so that it merges seamlessly with family, work and life outside of my head.

What am I talking about?

Any talk of studio time, forthcoming exhibitions, organising deliveries for masses of mdf, running to the 24 hour asda at 5am in paint covered overalls appears to prompt people to ask, "What sort of thing do you do?"

It's much easier to show someone plus a visual can engage them much more, however lugging around piles of 4ft square MDF isn't exactly practical. Therefore the aim is to have a mini portfolio that looks professional in all situations, hence the filofax, that universally accepted professional must have.

So, I looked at them in WHSmith. Felt a bit queasy at the pricetags and wondered why there was nothing that seemed more 'me'. The leather ones looked way too professional, the vinyl ones looked nice and friendly but much less appropriate. There was a nice patterned fabric one but it seemed to detract from what was to go inside.
I figured a filofax just wasn't for me.

However, I was milling around TK Maxx with no purpose and there it was nestled among half a dozen boxed, leather filofaxes. It's called 'Urban'; understated waxed grey/green canvas with a leather (or very good fake leather) spine. £10.

Someone else's Urban

Woohoo! :) I'm a big fan of grey/green canvasy things and the fact it isn't screaming look at me I'm brand new and shiny!
It's got several pockets (good) and is quite tactile (also good) but what excited me most is the polypocket inside (yes I am that sad). I can keep bits of random 'stuff' in there! Those unexplainable bits of tickets, found objects etc. that I keep for incorporating into art whenever. Plus I could add more and maybe have ACEO's in.
There's a bit for business cards, bank cards etc, and a pocket that looks secure enough to hold some money so perhaps I can finally dispense with having a purse (I hate purses, they are so clumsy and never the right size for your bag/pocket/glove compartment etc).

I think I'll try having a section to write down my amigurumi patterns, and a mini folio with pictures of those too, and another section with good quality photos of finished artwork, which may or may not get
divided up into things like drawing/mixed media/sculpture as time goes on.

It might even be nice to have some drawing paper in it, and I'm surprised no-one on etsy or any of the similar sites offers drawing or watercolour paper etc for filofax use. (Feel free to steal this idea cos I won't do anything with it!)

Hopefully, filofax will be my new best friend (and thus needs a more aimable name than the filofax).
Although, there is always a chance it will end up discarded and lie forgotten about under a car seat or at the back of a drawer somewhere....

Monthly Makes

2011-07-26T08:22:00.002+01:00

Still having problems uploading to Flickr.... :( Think I need to try from elsewhere.

Rabbit's Rebirth

2011-07-24T22:10:00.000+01:00

I pulled out my amigurumi rabbit pattern the other day. Now, it was just a list of numbers typed into a sticky note on the computer. Nothing to say what list of numbers refered to which individual body parts, no pictures, nothing, so it was really nice watching him/her emerge on my crochet hook.

I've changed it a little, but it's the same rabbit, it's just evolved a little bit.
This one has a loop stitch tail, basically because I didn't have anyway of making pompoms at work and didn't want to wait. I think it works okay, but could be better with maybe smaller loops or something. Definitely worth experimenting with.

Now she just needs some friends and then maybe a new home... anybody looking to adopt a little bunny?

Hopscotch

PIF Pay it Forward

2011-07-20T19:46:00.001+01:00

I'd never heard of PIF before, but it's most definitely my kind of thing so when I came across the forum post on Folksy I just had to join in. I'm waiting on a lovely felt ipod case arriving so I can show it off on here.
In return I put up one of my new Little Owls for 20p, went and had a coffee and when I came back he had found a new home!!!
He's very quick to leave the nest because I only just made him while I was at work today. So, say hello and goodbye and hopefully his new owner will love him.

PIF

Inspiration Avenue - Wings

2011-07-20T00:31:00.000+01:00

Ohh, love this theme as birds seem to be featuring heavily in my life right now.

I've just finished an amigurumi parrot (albeit she only has tiny little wings), a bunch of (wingless) little owls, and a paper bird for daughters birthday birdcage.

However in the true spirit of wings rather than birds, my entry is the photos below.

These were taken at South Queensferry, looking out between the Forth Bridges and taken quickly through the car windscreen. My son and I bribed the seagulls with sandwich crusts.

Facebook

2011-07-18T08:36:00.000+01:00

I had no idea I was so computer illiterate! Finally, after what felt like forever, I think I have a facebook profile with my Folksy shop added.
I could be completely wrong of course!

Facebook

P.S.

2011-07-15T18:35:00.001+01:00

Forgot to say, my Folksy shop is open once more albeit a tad sparsely stocked for now.

Strawberry Rose

Little Amigurumi Owl

2011-07-15T18:32:00.000+01:00

My eldest daughter is leaving home for university next week. She's all packed and looking for bits and bobs to make her flat her own. She'd seen some keyrings in a store somewhere and phoned to tell me that I could have made them so much better (aww, it's nice when your kids are proud of you).

Of course she then asked for me to do just that, a wee owl, a wee bird or something. So here she is, my first 'Little Owl'.

She's only about 4cm high and dead quick to make. I already have a bunch of blind friends for her, they are just awaiting their eyes arriving from U.S.

I thought I might write up the pattern for other folk to make their own, so if anyone wants it just let me know so that I don't forget.

Little Owl

Lucy 8

2011-07-15T18:23:00.000+01:00

I found a prototype amigurumi bat amongst my wool stash, so I thought I'd try for a Little Miss Muffet (not really scary) spider.
Lucy turned out to be more like an octopus though....
Maybe it's the yellow, if I'd used black fluffy wool would she have been a spider afer all?

Lucy

Life Drawing Class

2011-07-08T13:18:00.001+01:00

There's a life drawing class every other Wednesday, which I really ought to go to much more often because I always thouroughly enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone who will stop and listen long enough.
The twenty minute poses suit my way of working and every time I go I get a little closer to drawing the way I should be, it's just a pity the class is only three hours long.
There will be an exhibition of work this September so hopefully by then I'll have something I'm truly happy with.
It feels close if that makes sense. Last night's drawings were just about what I want but I ran out of large sticks of charcoal and desperately wanted a paint brush and even bigger paper!
Check out Delta's website for details of the next class.
Pictures coming when my batteries have charged! :)

(it took a while, they were very flat).

15 minute pose

Out of Date

2011-07-08T13:10:00.001+01:00

I've been busy crocheting again! :)
Having already moved all my wool stash etc to the studio I impulsively set out a table with some toys at the Open Studios event. Toys that had been languishing in a box from long ago. They all sold and I had a special request for some more which I couldn't refuse.
I decided to get organised and sorted through the wool stash and got a few pleasant surprises when I found wool I'd totally forgotten about or what indeed it had possibly been purchased for.
I also found a pile of snail shells that had never been given life, so I had absolutely had to finish them.
So, I'm sitting here at work (prime crocheting time!) with a row of snails staring at me wondering what to do with them. My Folksy shop has been empty for ages so I might just get round to restocking...
In the meantime I did a search for my snails on Google (why not?) and stumbled across this page this page with one of my snails on!
What a lovely surprise, even if it is almost two years later!!!

Stomp, scream, stomp some more

2011-06-30T09:34:00.000+01:00

start tantrum/
It's not been the best start to the day. I am supposed to start work at 6am and I only just woke up at 5.43am. Unfortunately it's a 15 minute drive to work (legally) and to top it all off, last night I'd left everything behind at the studio convincing myself it'd be no big deal to stop by and pick up work shoes, handbag, purse, make up in the morning. I'd have plenty time...
Needless to say I was a little late arriving at work, and I'm sitting here in (extremely old) jeans, t-shirt and a battered pair of converse, no time to find and iron work clothes, just jumped right into what was lying by the bed. But I'm here. That's what's important, right?

Anyway, I slept in because I was up way too late last night crying my eyes out, agitated and unable to get to sleep. It's been building for a few days, that way when stupid little things grow arms and legs and everything becomes a monumental problem. An argument with my OH and if I'm honest it isn't the cause, it was just a way to (unsuccessfully) pass the blame. How dare he not ask if I want a roll on sausage!

My day runs to a pretty predictable routine. It's the way it is for a thousand good reasons, yet it's the routine that is feeding my negativity.
The burden of the mundane.
I don't cope well with being bored. Bored to the point of having no energy left to do anything about it, and that leads to frustration and anger.

My life is terrible; everything is running smoothly! Nine long hours of everything going to plan at work.
School has broken up for the summer. No last minute laundry crises, homework issues etc. to deal with. Everyone just relaxed and happy, doing things tomorrow if they want to. Even my husband who is feeling much better and able to do things for himself again.
I can finish work and get home to an empty house because they are all busy doing their own thing. I don't have to cook dinner or even get the shopping cos my husband has managed all that by himself.

No-one seems to need me and I don't like it!!! :P Everyone else has switched to holiday mode and I need one too./end tantrum

Thanks, I feel a little better now. :)

Come On In...

2011-06-26T08:16:00.001+01:00

We are here,

come on in,

it's early sunday morning,

up the stairs,

a big empty space (I love it)

it's like having an extension if you need it,

My (our) door

post open studios mess

the gallery space is messy right now too,

studio essentials,

the tidy corner

a little pig with binoculars!

The piggy? I don't know. My daughter bought him from a charity shop for me. She can't even explain why. He obviously has vision, perhaps his binoculars can see into the future, perhaps they see all those things that don't exist, perhaps they see the amazing in the mundane.... but most importantly he makes me smile simply because my daughter can't explain why she HAD to buy him for me. :) What better place to be than here where I do things I HAVE to do.

Note to self.....

2011-06-24T09:33:00.000+01:00

...since I'm at work and should not be on the computer right now. :)

http://arthousecoop.tumblr.com/

http://tumblr.com/xhw35a2z1n

Comments on Blogs

2011-06-24T09:11:00.000+01:00

I don't know about anyone else, but it really brightens my day when someone I don't know comments on my blog. So thank you to each and every one of you.
I confess that I am terrribly neglectful at leaving comments. Not because I don't want to but sometimes I just feel kind of awkward and don't know what to say, or don't want to repeat what everyone else has already said.
I will make more effort!!!
So, having checked out the lovely people who left comments on this blog, I've now signed up for the Sketchbook Project 2012. I did stumble across it last year but not on time. It should be quite exciting to be part of something so global and it might also encourage me to be slightly more disciplined when it comes to sketchbooks (maybe).

Some of the photos on PurkeyPages have really inspired me too. I must take a day and use my camera to really look at things, it's been ages since I did that. I especially like her rusty photos. :)

Had Enough!

2011-06-23T09:15:00.000+01:00

8am: the roofers have arrived. 12 weeks they said and only two have gone by. The constant banging and pounding that only has a half hour break for lunch. Can't hear myself think. The noise is truly exhausting.

Inspiration Avenue - Summer Sun

2011-06-23T08:36:00.000+01:00

Ha, ha. I stopped by Inspiration Avenue since it's been ages. What is this weeks challenge - summer sun.
I don't know what amused me most, that or the little disclaimer that friends in the southern hemisphere were obviously experiencing a different season.
I'm well and truly in the northern hemisphere and it's the middle of 'summer'. I had to bring the 4x4 out yesterday morning because the weather was so bad (roads flooded and cars abandoned everywhere!) :)
I've heard talk of this summer sun. It comes out while I am asleep or at work in the back of a garage with no view of the outdoors. It's rained for days and days now though...

I love this!

2011-06-22T22:05:00.001+01:00

Birds on the Wires

More from before.

2011-06-22T08:03:00.001+01:00

We went on holiday at Easter and obviously the camera came along. Why I was so fascinated with the mud I couldn't really say, but I was. I wanted to get down from the harbour wall and touch it. Get up close and take pictures of all the patterns in it.
I couldn't though, apart from anything else I'd have got stuck in it.
I did take a couple of photos though, despite the strange looks.

I'm sharing now because in this new world where everything has started fitting together I was priveleged enough to get a peek inside someone else's studio and she has great big slices of mud on display and they look amazing.
So, just for a minute, enjoy the mud!

Gone, but not forgotten.

2011-06-22T07:46:00.000+01:00

I don't know why I did it. It wasn't planned.
Because I had no finished work for the openstudios, I suddenly decided to put some toys out on display outside my studio door.
It's been a few months since I even made any, they were all languishing inside boxes and carrier bags, almost forgotten about. Poor wee things shoved away into the back of the studio simply so they weren't taking up space at home.

They've all gone! All sold. I almost feel like I've let them down cos it was a total after thought and they all sold while I was elsewhere so I didn't even get to say goodbye!

Hope they are happy in their new homes.

I didn't even have a photo of them. I took pictures of my studio, my artwork, the ATC's on the same table, but this picture of my toys I had to steal from the openstudios facebook page! That's bad.

I need to make more.

Starting Over, and opening the door.

2011-06-22T07:14:00.002+01:00

Crickey, it's been four months!

So, back in February, we took the plunge and moved into our studio. Home from home. I have found somewhere I feel like I belong, somewhere where I am me.

With the door closed anyway.

Just the other day my boss said to me that I was a hard person to get to know, that he couldn't figure me out. What did he mean?
I've worked in the same place for almost two years now, it's a very small workplace, how after all this time could he be implying he didn't really know me? I guess I surprised him with snippets of information regarding life beyond work. Things I'd never even hinted at before, or more accurately, things I'd kept private.
My other half says similar things every now and again, that I don't talk.
So, it made me think about how much of ourselves we share with the people we spend our lives with, those we live with and those that are just passing through.

When I don't talk at home it's simply trying not to burden anyone with additional worries, nothing more. We all do that.
At work, I am generally in employee mode. I share very little about my home life and even less about me as an individual. Why? I've no idea, really.
Perhaps I was scared no-one would understand the artistic side of me, wouldn't get that burning need to create. Would berate me, write me off as weird.Dismiss my art.

My other half openly admits he doesn't get it, but that has been a surprising relief. He's been amazingly supportive, can see what it means to me, but can't get his head around the art I make. But for the first time ever it's allowed me to create what I want to create without wondering what anyone else thinks, without feeling stifled or needing approval. I've no creative counterpart to supress, stifle or influence me. I can breathe.
Four months and I've travelled further than I have ever dared before.

One life drawing class to now being asked if I'd be interested in a joint exhibition with just a few others.

Artists across Forth Valley opened up their studios this past week. I took part although due to events at home I did not get round to producing any finished pieces for the exhibition.
It was hard to just open the door and let people in, but most definitely worth it. The feedback was invaluable.
I only had a handful of pictures that I'd thrown together on paper. Things I'd worked on just for myself.
Things that meant something though. Personal things and I suddenly realised that I was frightened to share.

I'm glad I did. I'm glad I can stand up and now say that one emerged from how I felt when we had sat an hour in a hospital waiting room terrified of what news was about to be broken, and that other one is simply how I reacted to the stunning view from the top of Ocean Terminal.

How much anyone else can see, I don't know. Maybe they see nothing. Maybe they see things that aren't even there. It still scares me but the door will be staying well and truly open.

An Hour Early

Out Over Leith

We Did It!

2011-02-15T08:18:00.000Z

Studio 14a is all ours. :)
An empty space with just four white walls, and a large mirror. Then the furniture and stuff moved in, yet it needed something to kick it from room to studio.
There's nothing quite as instantling inspiring as a child, inhibition free. Son loved the idea of the entire wall beign covered in lining paper so he could doodle EVERYWHERE so off he went with his marker. Next day he got out the paint and created his own uninhibited Jackson Pollock style paintings.
Meanwhile eldest daughter got drawing in her sketchbook, and realised that sometimes things take on a life of their own. Then she spilt dirty water all over her paper, a disaster one minute but 30 minutes later it dried to look like leather, so she was more than happy.
I made a whole pile of small collages, just because I could. :)
Pictures coming later.

Excited (just a bit)

2011-02-10T07:59:00.000Z

I cannot wait until tomorrow...... Eldest daughter and I are going to look at some studio space.
Well, that's a bit of a misleading statement actually. We've already looked at the facilities, decided we really, really, really want to be there (how can a mother resist those eyes lighting up, it was like watching a toddler at Christmas).
Tomorrow we're going to see which studios are actually available, sort out the money bit and hopefully come home happy (or maybe not come home if keys are available!).
I'm probably more excited than she is in reality. I've had access to all of this before so know exactly how wonderful it can all be, how being in that sort of environment can really boost your creativity. I've dreamt of having my own studio for as long as I remember, and while there's loft space or the possibility of a workshop at the bottom of the garden, just set aside for me, this has to be better. This is the real thing with exhibition facilities and infectious enthusiasm.

Free Photoshop Brushes

2011-02-09T04:59:00.000Z

Somehow found this site last night. There are free downloads for photoshop brushes, just drag them into your Preset/Brushes folder and re-open Photoshop.
I spent a couple of hours messing about and trying them out and I have a nice little digital collage collection now.

Sunshine on Leith

2011-02-07T07:15:00.002Z

Just a little memory jogged by yesterday's shiny Leith photo and the cup of tea I have this morning. :)

Shine

2011-02-07T07:12:00.001Z

This was going to be my entry for Inspiration Avenue but I was too late. By the time I got round to uploading the photos out of my camera the rest of the submissions were online.
Next week!

It's Leith harbour taken from floor E of the red multistorey car park.

Busy, Busy

2011-01-30T02:06:00.000Z

It's been quite a productive month especially considering all the other demands on time and energy. Still, there are many works in progress compared to finished articles and even more 'things in my head' bidding for a chance to become reality.

This month's finished toys. Plus Erwin and some Owl and the Pussycat amigurumi which I've left in my filing cabinet at work (don't ask, there are a lot of strange things in there!).

However, still in my bag is one elephant with half a head, a swan with no beak or feet, and a 'donkey' which needs frogged and the pattern altered.

More doodled on blocks and eggs. These are still to be varnished or waxed.

A little bird. He has a non-identical twin who has a head in one bag and a body in another....

My cards and other bits and bobs for packaging/craft fairs etc arrived, so now all I need is a set of new batteries for my camera so that I can take decent pictures instead of using my mobile phone, and some sort of time machine so I can stop the hours ticking by and actually fit everything in.

Monthly Make

2011-01-30T01:54:00.000Z

My monthly make, two spotty nameless bears almost identical so just showing one. They need names. :(

Look What I Got!

2011-01-30T01:50:00.000Z

All the way from Japan. :) Happy bunny!

Dark Light

2011-01-23T22:06:00.000Z

Inspiration isn't confined to the girls of course. My invisible son, in the dark, on his BMX, voila ~ some odd photos on my mobile. :)

Bird of Light

2011-01-21T09:10:00.000Z

My daughters continue to surprise and inspire me. The younger forever feeling in the shadow of her sister, yet keeping her poetic talent hidden away. It reads as if it was effortless. I'd share, but although her blog is open it still feels like I'd be invading her privacy. Ones that made me cry, ones that made me want to break out my camera and pens and illustrate them.
The eldest, she's en route to art college, she's got me to sign us up for a life drawing class next month and I can't wait to see what she produces.

What Inspires You? Weekly Challenge

2011-01-16T06:45:00.002Z

Random doodles. Nearly everyone doodles while they are on the phone and given I spend so much of my day on the phone who says those doodles can't become 'art' instead of something that gets tossed in the shredder at the end of the day.
See everyone else's inspiration along at Inspiration Avenue.

Toy Society Drop

2011-01-08T08:11:00.000Z

Once the cleaner had departed, I left this little guy on the back of the toilet doors at Evans Business Space in Grangemouth.

Office Boar Update/Weekly Challenge -Colour Pink

2011-01-07T23:39:00.002Z

Maplins don't stock USB cables the size I need!!! Contact Fujifilm they said. :(

So, until I either find the cable or locate a new one and the postman delivers it, I'll need to make do with the camera on my mobile.
This is Erwin (he has a name now). He has the obligatory curly tail and smells good enough to eat (vanilla not bacon!).

Pink is my colour of the moment.It must be something about this time of year, pink was on the agenda this time last year as well. I think it's happiness leaking out of someone who isn't used to showing it!

The fact my pinkness has appeared in the shape of a pig.... well that isn't significant, there's a pink elephant in my bag as well, and had I been able to access anything else while working 60 hours this week there would be pink everywhere.x

Office Boar

2011-01-07T01:32:00.000Z

The pink piggie is done. He's a boy but I can't think of a name for him, someone suggested Jamie, but given that's the name of two ex-colleagues and nearly the name of one I still work with, it would seem a tad inappropriate (it wasn't someone at work's suggestion though).
I thought I was being all organised; he got finished along with some other little amigurumi and then I got all my photos taken and thought I had nothing left to do but upload them.
WRONG.
I guess when you pack things away for safe keeping and go to get them a year later, they aren't always so easy to find........... I've no idea where the USB cable is for my camera, so it looks like a trip to Maplin tomorrow. I know guys get excited about that shop but..............
I could always go to Currys or somewhere instead but I have a horrid feeling a little pink (or any other colour) iPod nano might make me adopt him if I do that. :)
So use your imagination: there is a picture of a pink pig below!

Truffles (Cheating)

2011-01-05T18:20:00.000Z

Made another batch today, well I made them myself this time. Last time Panda made them and never even managed to get one :(

Here's the recipe:

1 packet of digestive biscuits crushed into crumbs
1 tin of condensed milk
cocoa powder
dessicated coconut

Easy peasy, just crush your biscuits until they can't get any smaller, mix through a liberal helping of cocoa powder and then pour in the condensed milk and mix really well. It should form a sticky 'dough'.
Just make into balls and roll in the coconut and then leave in the fridge for 10 minutes or so.

2am..

2011-01-05T02:13:00.001Z

No nigthshift to blame the hour on, just a bout of insomnia which probably isn't being helped by surfing the net and finding other folks' lovely blogs and wonderful creations. They are just getting my mind working overtime!
I just stumbled upon the Sketchy Project
Now, that's a good idea and the sort of thing I would love to do myself, only it's also the sort of thing I'll start tomorrow and tomorrow never quite arrives. Either that or I'd find myself a word generator, do my sketch, take a photo and then never get round to uploading the images anywhere eventually leading to a mass delete.
A nice hard backed sketchbook could be the answer but I suspect that is maybe just an excuse to go window shopping on Folksy......... How gorgeous is this one?

Handbound Notebook by Katie Bowles

Too nice to draw in maybe?!

Inspiration Avenue - What Colour?

2011-01-04T09:02:00.000Z

I look at Inspiration Avenue every week, (usually jealous of the talent on display). My intentions are always good.... I have lots of ideas, but so very few of them materialise!
Well, this week it's what colour is doing it for you right now, which is perfect since I've just revamped everything online for that very reason.
I'm not the girliest girl in the world but right now, it's pink that's doing it every time.
So.......... one little piggy is emerging from under my desk at work, watch this space!

Monthly Make Pledge

2011-01-04T08:51:00.000Z

The FeltFairy is hosting a new challenge. Read all about it here - Monthy Make. I've signed up, seems like a lovely idea and just the thing to get all those little unfinished projects actually completed. :)

Two Thousand and What?!?!

2011-01-03T13:15:00.003Z

Err, I'm almost embarrassed to be posting it's so long.........

Life got in the way, good and bad and although I've missed making this and doing that, sometimes an enforced break just renews inspiration so that has to be positive, even if the resulting art is release from a tortured soul.

I was invited to submit for a craft fair before Christmas, and I regret not getting involved with that, but it's spurred me on if nothing else, although everyone around me seems to think I'm completely crazy running around with crochet hook and needles everywhere I go. The weather has required a constant supply of those cute panda hats though!

Someone's deleted my photos ........... :)

At Last.....

2010-03-30T11:04:00.000+01:00

The move has been completed and the new loft is almost all set up as a workspace. If nothing else the wait has only served to make me all the more keen to get crocheting and sewing again, so I can't wait to get started on those unfinished items and some brand new ones.

Unfortunately Easter is way too soon for the eggs I'd made but they will keep for next year (assuming I don't misplace them before then).

I might just manage to post a photo of them in time for Easter though.

Watch out for more snails appearing on my Folksy page very soon, and hopefully there will be a few friends appearing along with them.

Away Again

2010-01-28T19:22:00.000Z

Ugh, the chaos of moving house........ give me a couple of weeks so I remember where I packed my sanity!

London Bananas

2010-01-21T09:05:00.000Z

I don't see many banana skins lying around, but I do have a very vivid memory of finding one lying at the side of the road in the middle of the Highlands one summer. Miles from anywhere, one lonely banana skin and it was like a slug magnet, there were dozens of them honing in on it; horrible, makes me shiver just thinking about it.

Read about London Banana here.

JenWhyBird

2010-01-21T08:51:00.000Z

Look what I found, cool handmade tights. I know a certain daughter of mine would love a custom made pair. I'll be getting her to take a look and see if we can maybe arrange something for that up and coming birthday.

Ohhh!!!

2010-01-19T06:45:00.000Z

Just logged on this morning and there is one of my snails on the Folksy Top Picks page! Got a lovely warm fuzzy feeling inside now! :)

The little Momo pictured reminded me I have several little amigurumi dolls like that lying at the bottom of my 'still to be finished' bag. Poor things have been there for rather a while and all that they are waiting on are faces.

I think I need to to take stock and spend a few weeks just sorting through all the stuff that is 'almost done', finishing them and deciding if they are going up for sale or going to be gift dropped. I'm kind of scared just how much there might be....

Toy Society Drop (almost)

2010-01-18T21:22:00.000Z

An embarrassing amount of time has passed since I completed the Smappy Bunnies and said I'd give them away in a Toy Society drop.

Well, I've finally got them all bagged up and ready to go 'somewhere'.

I need to leave for work at 7am tomorrow so I'm planning to drop them en route. There's a primary school at the end of the road from work and I may try McDonalds as well.

Assuming of course that I don't forget to take them with me.........!

Blue Star Fox

2010-01-18T19:16:00.000Z

Once upon a time, not so long ago, I worked unsocial hours in a small dingy office, set at the back of a car lot away from everything.

In the early hours of the morning, there was a regular visitor who really perked up the nightshift; a small, half starved looking fox.

The Blue Star fox would saunter right up to the window and stare right in before moving on past to see if there were any tasty morsels dropped by the bin.

At one point the nightshift was something fed up like a punishment. However, those long boring hours with no work gave me plenty of time to make some little friends for the fox outside.

They were all packed away while I moved jobs, so here's to the Blue Star fox and friends, finally out of the box.

Secrets are all out of the box too now of course. No-one bats an eyelid now, yet it was such an over the top big deal to the Blue Star bigwigs.

So one Blue Star Fox and one Secrets Fox that visited the car somewhere in the dead of night, and in the middle of nowhere, lured in by the smell of takeaway McDonalds or maybe they are just nosey.

Next up is Hobnob, celebrating the persuasive power of the biscuit, although supposedly he was bought well before those appeared. :)

These three are all currently residing in my Folksy shop and watch out for some amigurumi foxes coming soon.

Don't Forget

2010-01-13T13:47:00.001Z

Has anyone read Kawaiso na zo (Faithful Elephants). So sad and moving - during WW2, two elephants in Ueno Zoo refused to eat the poisoned food given to them (the keepers had to kill all the animals in case bombing resulted in wild animals escaping). Instead they performed tricks and persuaded their keepers to give them their usual food.

Don't forget to tell those around you how much you love and appreciate them.

Inspiration Avenue

2010-01-13T11:05:00.001Z

What a great idea; each week has a theme and you can create anything you like.... I love seeing what everyone comes up with.

This week is a Pocket Full of Sunshine.

Pimp & Paint Giveaway

2010-01-13T10:54:00.000Z

There's a gorgeous pendant up for grabs on Pimp & Paint's lovely blog page. I love her stuff, especially some of the things in her other etsy store. Go check it out.

It's 2010!

2010-01-12T22:22:00.000Z

How did so long go by without posting?! Well, family, work, holidays ...... all the usual less than exciting excuses.

It's been chaotic with not a lot of time to do anything for myself, but fortunately things are back on an even keel now, work has settled down so I can resume crafting away the wee small hours inbetween 'real work'!

I made a pile of fabric elephants and foxes before Christmas, but I didn't even manage to get them photographed or added to my shop, so I have those and some amigurumi bears and rabbits to get organised.

I also have some patterns finally written out that I'm going to pop up here for anyone interested.

So watch this space (although maybe not too closely cos who knows how long it's going to take!!!)

Whosies and Whatnots

2009-10-19T21:27:00.001+01:00

Becky has kindly allowed me to test out the patterns for her lovely bunny and owls. They are very quick to make and very cute. You can see more pictures of Smappy Bunny, and the owls over in the Flickr pool (once I put them there!).

For now here's Wilma and Wilfred. I recycled them out of some old jeans and a checked shirt (underside of wings). I really liked the bodies out of denim but it was quite hard work sewing the wings on, the layers of fabric were getting a bit too thick!

My Smappy bunnies were made out of a recycled dress and t-shirt. The stretchy fabric makes them wonderfully soft and cuddly. I'm not sure how long t-shirt fabric would stand up to children playing roughly and pulling the ears etc but the thicker velour seems much sturdier and the nap hides any little untidy handstitches!

There are a pile of great tutorials on Whosies blog and some lovely stuff in her etsy shop, so do stop by for a look if you haven't already. :)

Koumori

2009-10-03T13:03:00.000+01:00

Finally found time to photograph the bats that are taking over the attic.

There are now inhabiting my Folksy shop.

Little Bird Too - Congratulations!

2009-09-09T21:45:00.000+01:00

My daughter has decided that Bean is the perfect name for the little pink rabbit. :)

She'll be on her way soon. x

Big Knit

2009-08-17T13:34:00.000+01:00

I was reading Bugs and Fishes from Lupin's blog the other day, and she reminded us all of the Big Knit campaign run by Innocent Smoothies every year. (You should see all the little hats she had made!).

I didn't get mine posted in time last year, but I still have them, so I think I'll gather up some scraps of wool and add to the collection and actually send them off this time.

Here's the details - http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/thebigknit/

Plus there are free knit and crochet patterns on the site if you are stuck.

I'll be treating myself to a smoothie tomorrow, just to check my hats fit of course. :)

No Eyes, No Energy

2009-08-17T13:07:00.000+01:00

I'm miffed. I'm also exhausted.

I ordered a bulk amount of eyes for my amigurumi over a week ago. I hope there is just a delay at the supplier end and the Royal Mail hasn't eaten them.

It's very frustrating, and the postman must beginning to think I have a crush on him or something since I throw the door open every morning, delighted to see him (hoping on those eyes).

Maybe tomorrow.......

Of course I'm back at work tomorrow so even if they do come I won't be doing much with them. I will probably need a nap before I go to work at 4pm the way things are going. I can't stay awake!

So far I've come up with one daft reason after another to explain it. A lack of oxygen in the attic? The weather changing (autumn is sneaking in, it's been pouring and it's no longer bright at 5.45am when I have to get up). Caffeine withdrawal?

Truth is I've no idea and make up reasons to stop everyone worrying. Watch this space, and if nothing happens I'm probably asleep again!

A Good Idea

2009-08-10T09:15:00.000+01:00

whosies--written whatnots: Brown Paper packaging Tutorial

I'm saving this for potential future use. :)

Lady Pawsha (finally!)

2009-08-06T11:18:00.000+01:00

It seems forever ago, but here's the picture of Lady Pawsha outside of Stirling Old Town Jail.

She had a good day out there, as did the rest of us. The tour guide is a brilliant actor and I'd highly recommend visiting. I so want to go on his Ghost Tour now.

I need a name! GIVEAWAY

2009-08-06T11:10:00.000+01:00

The bunny family have moved into my Folksy shop, apart from this little one who no-one could think of a name for.:(

Can you help?

Please leave suggestions in the comment box and whoever makes the best suggestion will become the new owner of this little rabbit.

You have all of August to think of something.

Life Gets in the Way!

2009-08-06T10:30:00.000+01:00

How has almost a month past without me posting?! Scary.

This is what happens when you put things off until later/tomorrow I guess.

I should probably be proud of myself that it isn't longer!

So what have I been doing? Em.........

The quick answer seems to be not much but that isn't strictly true. I've been at work and the kids are still on summer holidays so we've been doing 'things'.

Bowling, cycling, a ton of extra housework, friends visiting, trips to Ikea and the like, workshop at the BBC. I've even been ironing!!!

A 16th birthday and the exam results are finally out (I'm a very proud parent now).

I'm also the very pleased owner of a brand new time machine.

I never imagined they would be pink and white, but I will admit defeat and sometimes it's nice to be reminded that I'm a girl (and not just mum).

Best thing is that the time machine works! I love it!

Whizzing into town, down the canal to work, with a little smidging of exhilaration thrown in.

The girls and I now have our little studio space set up in the loft. It's been put to good use already and I wish I'd been this organised years ago. More pink but maybe it's some sort of magic colour as it seems to be infiltrating all the positive things in my life right now. :)

Perfect Bouquet

2009-07-12T20:20:00.001+01:00

It's not all that often I get given flowers so it's always a surprise. It's always great if they are 'just because' flowers, and this was a really thoughtful gift. (Thank you if you are reading!)

It's full of lovely flowers and leaves and although it's incredibly tempting to jump straight in and make something, I'm sure they will turn out all the better for waiting and taking some time to find the best wool and best colours etc.

Unless anyone would like a lurid pink daffodil?

Lady Pawsha of Argyll

2009-07-12T19:48:00.000+01:00

Lady Pawsha was waiting on my doorstep on Thursday morning when I left for the train station (my parents have been visiting, hence the delay in posting).

Since I hadn't heard the postman and only found her on the way out of the house, it meant she had to accompany us on our trip to Stirling. Just as well Hotdog had thought to pack her some lovely surprise dog treats!

Lady Pawsha looked the part swanning around Stirling in her boa with a little organza bag full of gold sparkly treats glinting in the sun! :)

She visited the castle but was too scared to get her photo taken on the wall. She was afraid she might tumble off and end up lost in the undergrowth about 5m below.

She did however get some pictures taken outside of Stirling Old Town Jail (which looks a bit like a small castle).

Sky and Louie aren't quite sure what to make of the new doggy addition to the house. I think they feel a little jealous of her Sock Dog pedigree. :)

Pawsha on the other hand is lording it over the house from her shelf in the bedroom. I did catch her rummaging through the odd sock bag though, so I think she may be a little lonely and hoping for a sock pal.......

(I'll pop the photos up once they are off my daughter's phone).

Lost and Found

2009-07-08T08:03:00.001+01:00

I also found this little guy discarded on the street. I can't remember his name, but I dare say he's escaped from a Happy Meal or something similar.

He was lying on the pavement for 3 days so I've brought him home and added him to my Lost and Found box.

Eventually he'll probably make his way into a collage.

My Lost and Found box is just a collection of objects and interesting 'things' that I've found discarded or lost, and thought I could use in some future art project. I always make sure the object is there for a while before I bring it home, just in case someone comes looking for it. Mostly it's tickets, bits of notes, unidentifiable things, broken parts of toy etc; urban flotsam if you like.

Not The Real Spike

2009-07-08T07:46:00.001+01:00

Here's the real hedgehog, finally got some photos of him. None of them are brilliant, but I did get an opportunity to have a good look at him, see his little bulbous nose, canine teeth and little black paws. I also got a good look at the insect life that inhabits him; a dubious added extra! :/

Buttons

2009-07-07T21:55:00.000+01:00

I also received my button order from incywincy stitches.

Not quite sure what I'm going to do with them yet but I figure I'm allowed one impulse buy now and again and those elephants were too much to resist.

Off now to read her blog, and drink my hot chocolate.

My Very Own Hotdog!!!!

2009-07-07T18:14:00.000+01:00

It seems I've won my very own hotdog by naming a little sock dog in Hotdogandme's blog competition!

Amazing, and it's totally made my day!

So this is Lady Pawsha of Argyll and hopefully she'll be moving in soon. :)

Flower Owls

2009-07-06T09:14:00.000+01:00

Butterbur has some friends now, and I've just added them all to my Folksy shop.

Today's mission is to finish some rabbits and add them too.

Next week I'd like to get a fox or two made, and I'm hoping to get some photos of the fox that visits work every night.

I'm a 2am finish this Saturday so fingers crossed. He strolled right up to the window last time and looked right in. Of course it might depend who I'm on with, I can't imagine everyone will share my enthusiasm for the little orange guy who rummages through the bins and makes the magpies squawk at ear piercing volume. :)

Sad and Homeless Bears

2009-07-06T08:54:00.000+01:00

Here is my currently nameless bear. Doesn't he look pathetic and desperately in need of someone who will love him?

Still no hedgehogs, and I can't say I've seen a real live bear anywhere but still....... more bears coming soon.

More Hot Dogs

2009-07-06T08:37:00.001+01:00

How uncomfortable does Sky look? She flaked out after her walk this morning and it's obviously still too warm to lie curled up in her bed.

Ignore the dust on the floor please but at 7am I wasn't about to break out the hoover!

Remember Levi? Devil dog next door who bit Joseph twice, John once and almost everyone else in the immediate locale..... the dog who is meant to be leashed and muzzled all the time....... he was running loose yesterday, terrorising the neighbours. It was a bit of a commotion, lots of squealing and screaming and that was just the adults!

It seemed to me that they were antagonising him, not on purpose of course but the poor dog was wanting to go home and couldn't get into his house because no-one would get close enough to open the door.

I decided to do my good deed for the day, so armed with the lure of a female dog, out I went. Lots of comments about me being brave, lots of comments about wasting my time, lots of anticipation that I was about to get mauled or have Sky set upon.

Just as well I have more faith in myself than everyone else had!

Levi didn't even bark at me. He had a sniff at Sky, was worried I was going to leash him so didn't stay still enough for me to catch but he kept lying down in the grass so it was obvious he was hot, tired and wanted to go home.

So after finally persuading someone to open the bottom door from the inside (just a tad of course until they got safel back inside their own house), Levi duly went in the door and let himself into his own house with no fuss whatsoever.

Adventure over and Joseph now thinks I'm Supermum. :)

Yummy Hotdogs

2009-07-05T15:50:00.000+01:00

How cute are these sock dogs?!?!? I'm in love although I can't quite decide which one I like the best; they are all adorable.

Every Pocket Tells A Story

2009-07-05T15:39:00.000+01:00

Also found this today - http://thesockgarden.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/everypocket.pdf

Sounds like fun and something even the kids can take part in. Maybe put that sewing machine Santa brought to good use at long last. Closing date isn't until December so plenty of time.

Basic details -

Make a pocket A6 size out of anything
Add a little story/anecdote/conversation etc inside
Send it off to be exhibited at Charnwood Museum in 2010
See it on V&A website

I haven't read it through in detail yet so no idea if you can sumbit more than one pocket, but it sounds like a great idea anyhow.

Faerie Magic

2009-07-05T15:38:00.000+01:00

retro faerie store news: recycled bag finished

Take at look at this project, I'm in awe! I'm totally intrigued as to how the bits of paper all go together and totally terrified of how long it must have taken to make!

Must search the web for tutorials just to satisfy my curiosity. I can dream about making something, but it will never happen. :)

Catching Up

2009-07-02T09:49:00.000+01:00

It's now the school holidays and by some miracle the weather has been fantastic so we've been out a lot.

Trouble is now I feel like I have a million things to catch up on.

My cast has gone and basically the pain from the break is something that's going to be inevitable and the ligament damage should go in a week or so...... so they say anyway!

I haven't put my owls in the Folksy shop yet, in fact despite having made a bunch of them I've still to actually finish all the little bits that need done; labels etc.

On a plus note, despite having made more elephants than I care to admit, I've finally settled on a shape I'm happy with, having decided to give it a try in the opposite direction. I've made them from trunk to bottom, feet to head, and this time I worked from the top of the back down.

I just need to make another now to check what I've written down is reliable.

So, signature elephant looks like becoming a reality at long last! :)

Today's plan (after going out for lunch!) is to restock my Folksy shop as it's almost out of items (which is great of course). I will need to change the postage though as I've been undercharging. My postage cost was actually less than the stamps I needed, never mind any packaging! :) I must have missed a postage increase somewhere.

I guess I could have skimped on packaging and just mailed everything in a basic bag, but I think it's always really nice when you buy something online and it comes packaged up nicely. :)

EEE

2009-06-21T19:10:00.001+01:00

I've a scaphoid fracture - crocheting is torture! Going to clinic tomorrow morning for more scans and to find out if it's healed enough before discovery, or if i need this cast for the rest of the summer, or worse; surgery.

Really fed up now and need to find something crafty to take my mind of things.

Oops

2009-06-18T11:43:00.000+01:00

My hedgehog mutated into a bear! The initial little hedgehog shape became a little head, which then found a whole body and accessories!

Grey bear is quite little and I'm out of embroidery thread so he doesn't quite look like I want yet. I had to make him a nice warm scarf to give him some comfort until he gets a face! (He looks like Rupert the Bea now).

I'm currently making a bigger version which I attached eyes too but I have a feeling that this one isn't going to be right either and I'll wish I'd embroidered eyes instead.

Back in the hedgehog realm, I had a look at various other toy hedgehogs. There's a lot of fake fur involved generally and cute though they are they are all too similar. I am hoping my idea works so that my hedgehog is definitely original but definitely still a hedgehog.

I'll need to finish bear 2 first as I'm determined not to have a pile of half done things any more. (Ha!)

Butterbur Owl

2009-06-18T08:33:00.000+01:00

This is owl mark 2 and I'm now happy with the pattern. This one can be stuffed like normal instead of having to make an inner piece, he stands up just fine and his eyes are very expressive; with just a little manipulation he goes from grumpy, to worried, to happy.

Now he just needs some owly friends to keep him company before he goes to Folksy.

v_@,

2009-06-18T08:17:00.000+01:00

I love my camera! :) Snails must be the perfect wildlife to photograph, you can get right up close and they don't run away!

Snails Are On The Menu

2009-06-17T20:13:00.000+01:00

Yummy snails available on my Folksy page :) Click the link at the side of the page.

What Time Is It?!

2009-06-17T20:02:00.000+01:00

3am saw a cup of Horlicks in an attempt to get back to sleep.

By 4am I gave up and put the kettle on for coffee!

However, I think really early morning is my most favourite time of day. The world that everyone else doesn't see is out there moving around, living and just a fleeting glimpse into that world makes the whole day worthwhile.

It was a little hedgehog this morning that took Sky and I by surprise. He just sauntered across the path right in front of us. No rush. He almost looked like he should have had the morning newspaper tucked under his arm. :)

So, a hedgehog is now next on my list of things to make.

I haven't even done any sketches yet though as I've only just finished the first owl I'm happy with. Now I just need to hope that I can understand the scrawled notes I scribbled down in the process. :/

Better Late Than Never

2009-06-15T08:20:00.001+01:00

I meant to post on Thursday after Joseph and I dropped more toys in Stirling (check The Toy Society page - it's been a busy few days around the world!) but I have an excuse in that I didn't want to type one handed!

Joseph somehow managed to knock me over while we were playing football and I've sprained my wrist. So both mother and son now have matching bandaged left arms!

It's not so bad this morning thankfully and he's gone off to school without his sling (no doubt on purpose).

Back to crafty things, I refound a site I loved - mypicot.com; it's great for learning more unusual stitches and patterns.

I'll be trying some later to decide what texture to use for my owls, although I did scribble down a pattern as I went along yesterday, I'm sure it can be improved upon.

Deery deer

2009-06-11T19:23:00.000+01:00

Finally got a few pictures of mum and baby this morning too. Pity they were so far up the hill and I had my hands full of dogs!

Lots of Toy Drops

2009-06-11T19:11:00.001+01:00

The Toy Society: Drop # 387

Dropped some peas off at Falkirk Wheel, a panda at the other side of the tunnel, and then today I added some owls up at the High Station and some elephants when we were on our way back from Stirling.

Hope the toys have all been found and didn't get caught in the rain. I have 3 more lots bagged and ready to drop somewhere, just need to decide where! :)

Finally Cracked the Snail

2009-06-05T08:15:00.000+01:00

After several nights of toying around trying different crochet stitches, I finally found the combination that I was looking for.

They are very quick and easy to make and it's nice doing something other than single crochet too. I've wrote down the pattern this time so I can make more another day.

The Toy Society

2009-06-01T15:13:00.000+01:00

I've decided to get going on the gift drop. I have my freezer bags and I can give away those protypes and things I just made because I wanted to and are now accumulating in a box under the bed!

I just need to pick up some labels and we are good to go.

Goats, Fawns, what next

2009-06-01T15:07:00.000+01:00

Since we've seen a pair of little ones early every morning recently, a deer was next on the agenda.

I'm not 100% happy with him, so bambi mark 2 will be take better shape hopefully.

I'd like to do a series of Scottish wildlife in natural colours and see how wool/acrylic compares. I love how acrylic keeps it's shape so well, but wool feels so much nicer to work with. Maybe a blend is the answer.

Summersisle?

2009-06-01T14:59:00.000+01:00

And a stray goat......

Blue Fox

2009-06-01T14:58:00.000+01:00

I gave up on the 'fox' and made my own pattern up. I think he turned out much better.

I'm going to make him a bit bigger next time, that way he should be much cuddlier and easier to give some character to.

んあん　です　か

2009-05-19T21:15:00.000+01:00

There's a reason animals have distinctive colour patterns. It's so that once they've been amigurimified you actually know what they are intended to be..

The one I'm making is a bit odd. Is it a -

A pig? ブダ

A bear? くま

A dolphin? iruka (had to look that one up)

No, it's allegedly going to be a fox that I stupidly figured would look like a wolf if I made it in grey (couldn't be bothered going up into the loft for different wool). Maybe once he has a face he'll look more fox-like. :/

The legs in the pattern just aren't working for me either, they are way to clumsy looking. I'm going to try dropping a needle size and making different legs.

Koumori

2009-05-19T15:45:00.000+01:00

Bats! I saw some the other night when I was walking my friend back to the train station. They were far to fast to determine what kind of bats but it was nice to see them all the same.

I remembered seeing an especially cute amigurumi bat somewhere a while back, but when I found him again he turned out to be knitted rather than crocheted.

So I set about trying to make a crochet version.

I think he turned out quite well.

I'll put a pic in here later.

Now all he/she needs is a name and somewhere to hang out. :)

Work in Progress

2009-05-19T08:50:00.000+01:00

So yesterday I discovered there are people worldwide gifting anonymously. They are more organised than me though and had the foresight to tag and bag their handmade toys and even provide a website for 'Finders' to leave a wee note.

I've joined their group; it's surely going to be more satisfying than wondering if my little creations get taken home or left in a Lost and Found somewhere. :)

Today the idea really took root, grew arms and legs, some branches and leaves and all sorts.

I have a plan (a big plan) so watch this space (but don't hold your breath as it won't be a quick thing .........)