last of the fairies

These are most certainly the last fairies of the year.A few extra were requested to keep the window nice and full, so they've been boxed up and will be arriving at the Platform Gallery this week.

This little one is a fairy in waiting, not able to decide wether to stay awake or fall asleep.I enjoy making these double ended figures, though this is quite a simple one.

This week I've also managed to finish my FIL socks though they are absolutely smothered in mistakes.I didn't mind as they were such a learning curve, each mistake is almost like a badge of honour.I've also cast on for a really simple pair for my Mum, I'm sure I can get them done for a little extra Christmas present for her.I also treated myself in the week and should recieve a great Kaffe Fasset pattern book tomorrow.I was planning on making a throw so am looking forward to being awash with inspiration and hopefully spoilt for choice.
And lastly, a little surprise I'm planning.This won't give anything away, one has already been sent off, one of those bright ideas you have in the middle of the night when by rights you should be asleep.

Hope you have your advent calanders ready, December 1st tomorrow!

Mother Christmas

Having no desire yet to make a male christmas figure I searched instead for some literary inspiration in the female form.Having already made the Snow Queen it fell to the wonderful Roald Dahl to provide help.

Being the bringer of presents to all, it was only fitting that she came prepared.

A basket of toys, including Nellie,

and Red.

I'm in the process of making a few more fairies, had a mad hour yesterday and got seven new ones made.

I can't believe it will soon be time to dust of the decorations myself.

Incidentally, I've just worked out how to effortlessly insert text between the images.

I am sometimes dim beyond belief.

cats

I am becoming a trifle obsessed with acquiring a cat.

I love Siamese but worry that they're a little highly strung and 'chatty' for, what is often an already noise overloaded household.When it came to personalising the girl above there was no doubt that a cat was the creature to do it, perhaps it was the blue of her dress contrasting with the black of her hair.
I spend far too much time dreaming about what kind of cat to get and then worry in case it doesn't live up to my expectations.My search is narrowing, perhaps soon I will actually get one.
How exciting.

On another exciting note, I got all inspired last week.You know how it's the best feeling, when something 'clicks' and an idea that has been lurking suddenly crystallises?Well perhaps it's not so exciting to most but I was struck by the urge to go back to basics a bit and re acquaint myself with the art of drawing.I think, when making lots of something you tend to develop a sort of shorthand, which isn't always a good thing.

This coincides with a general feeling I've had to push myself in a more rigorous mode, by that I mean somehow marrying the different aspects or skills together.My ideas are quite unformed as yet, though I feel a disciplined approach will help.I know for sure that as in most things regularly drawing and painting just makes you get better.
I was so keen to make a start that even a purchase of some new pencils thrilled me.I tried in vain to resist the urge to buy a new sketchbook.
So rather than set myself an unrealistic challenge, like drawing every day, I'll just see where it takes me.

Plus, it gives me something else to think about other than cats.

Cats

Flight cadets

These three look like they are eyeing the sky expectantly, straining their ears for tell tale sounds of the great man's sleigh.

I made a number of these flight cadets, each one suggesting a subtle change in rank.

Instead of the frothy dresses their less serious compadres wear, these girls mean business. Clad head to toe in warm body suits, zipped up to their chins with a practical, long-john esque flap at the back, where their safety chute is kept.Or so they like to say.

This one looks a bit of a rebel, wearing her orange suit with flowery trim, think she's been on many missions.
And one of my favourites, knows how to keep a secret.

There's a topsy turvy baby one too, I'll show that another time.
I had a little feedback from the gallery, I've been worrying how it all looked together as I have a whole window, think it'll be alright now.

Definitely a case of not being able to see the wood for the trees , I can begin to imagine making again now.

Share more soon.