Moonlight and Hares

The Slow Path

2012-01-20T22:04:00.001Z

January is flying by but I wasn't fast enough to jump onto her wing and hitch a ride. I feel I have been left behind and am taking the scenic path. I have been working very slowly. I'm not sure why this is? I think I'm gathering my thoughts and still recharging my creative battery? It's strange as when the new year arrives you want to throw yourself into the fresh new beginning. But the mind is not willing and is telling me it's a journey not a race. So I've been looking.

I've met Jack Frost a couple of times, but this year he has more business elsewhere, not Wiltshire.
Sky watching. I've done a lot of that. In fact I always do. There is more magic in light than in anything I feel.

January has gifted me with lavender sweets, celandines in bloom, a tear shed or two over War horse, falling into heather and the highlands by candlelight via the pages of my book, answering a song thrush that definitely spoke to me! Beautiful new music, browsing in bookshops, sweet incense and warm spicy soup, a meteorite so ancient my mind boggled and of course the prettiest thing of January, snowdrops.
Thus have been my days. Simple days.
In between I've been painting. This one, a sketch from last year has been on the list for a long time. And with the muse deciding it's rest time, it's taking longer than anticipated. But, we'll get there. ;)

There's still quite a lot to do on this painting, but hopefully it should be finished next week?

I'll leave you with a clip of War Horse. Do go and see, a beautiful book an amazing theatre production (which I've yet to see but so want to) and now magical movie and part of it filmed here in Wiltshire just a few miles away at Castle Combe.

The Sun Has Returned

2012-01-06T19:06:00.002Z

What a change this morning. A return of sparkling sunshine. Pure delight after the past few wild and stormy grey days. Much too nice to stay inside so I decided to tidy my out door work space. I brushed up, moved things around and re-blutacked pictures/postcards that had fallen down. I shook out the rug, cleaned the windows so now it's ready to use again. In fact it was warm inside. Warm enough to work in while the sun is out.

These two, of course followed me. Here they were having a little tiff. Willow was adamant she wasn't moving from 'her' space in the corner where the sun was, even though Jasper was originally there first. Do you see the look on her face. There were several hisses in between shots. ;)

It seems almost half the lawn has turned to moss. How did that happen? I don't mind at all as I love moss and find lawns rather boring, unless of course they have lots of daisies.

Maybe I'll make a coat out of the moss. I never did find my green mossy velvet coat that I planned to buy?

I could add these delicate ferns as lace around the collar?

Spring is in the air. I peeped my lens through the hedge and zoomed in the best I can with my little camera. I felt a teeny bit like paparazzi...

On better terms ten minutes later...

***

So, the children are back at school and the new year has well and truly started. I'm not making any written down resolutions as I'm totally rubbish at keeping them.

I've been drawing out a new painting this week and finishing off a bath panel. We've been without one for 2 years. Two years of looking at a horrible nothingness beneath the bath where dust collects. The last one cracked and it was so nasty we decided to bin it. Our landlords choice, the cheapest of cheap white plastic. So here is the new one....

And some close up shots...

Now to the giveaway!

Thank you all for entering. I used the random generator thingybob again this time as there were quite a few comments to cut out beautifully in the shape of leaves as I had originally planned. Extra numbers were added for people that had shared via Twitter and Facebook too. So the winner is .........

Celtic Heart

Congratulations! the book will be on it's way to you as soon as you message me details of where to send. :)

***

Have a great weekend everyone! lets hope this sun stays, as we have a chicken house to move.

A Goodbye With Thanks

2011-12-31T15:13:00.001Z

Goodbye 2011 and thank you for all that you have given and shown me. For helping me on my journey. I don't know my destination but I know that each day, I have taken just one small thing with me in my luggage. One small thing that's bright. One small thing that shines as glittering light on silver sea does.One small thing that at times it may seem is just barely visible as a spark in a dark cloudy sky.
There has been a lot of talk about this new year. Lets hope if change comes it will be only good. The shift will be a realisation and opening of eyes. Lets hope we realise that we are not the only species of life on this planet and that the only way forward is harmony and interconnectedness with the earth.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and most magical 2012.

And to anyone that hasn't had a go in the giveaway. There is still time. :) x

Winter Guardians

2011-12-21T11:27:00.000Z

I finished the painting so here I am, back again to show you.

'Winter Guardians'

As soon as I take it to town and get it professionally scanned it will be available to buy as a print in my Etsy shop. But that will be the in new year now.

Today is Winter Solstice. I'm sure the birds outside know this or is it just me that is imagining the rooks and pigeons are moving quicker with a sense of spring on their wing?

Magical Solstice wishes to one and all.... and in case I don't get to pop in again?

Thank you all for taking the time to stop by here this year and for all the supportive wonderful comments.

I wish everyone a peaceful Very Merry Christmas filled with love, light and good will. xx

xXx

Dreamings, Musings And Magic. A Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-19T20:47:00.000Z

Only a few days away from Christmas and it's pine scented and cosy here. We put our decorations up the other day. Here's a glimpse.

The lovely old mirror was a car boot sale buy for £5. And below, the newest addition to the room, little hare, a birthday gift. I think he looks just right sat here for Christmas.

I'm painting something wintry at the moment. Here it is in progress, probably about half way done?

I've really felt the cold all day today. Although it's not that cold outside, just very wet. Whenever the weather is like this though, this house always feels cold. A bit like a cave really.
I have presents to wrap and tomorrow holly and ivy to bring indoors but before I do that, I have a little something to give away!

Here it is....

It's a blank lined book and features my painting Autumn Hare on the cover. Just perfect for writing your dreams, musings and magic in.

If you would like a chance of winning it, all you have to do is be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment and I'll pop your name into the lucky draw. If you are on Facebook or Twitter and you share, I'll put you in the draw again! :) I will draw the winner between Christmas and New year, so there is plenty of time to have a go.

Good luck!
x

My Lunch Break

2011-12-07T15:00:00.000Z

December. A month that is so important to many, yet passes so quickly without hardly noticing because people seem so busy. Busy preparing for Christmas and planning the next fresh new year. December always seems to be wished away. I arrived into the world in December. Winter born, on an icy morning. I feel I have a bond with December. I'm going to savour the month.

Snowflakes have joined the crystals in the window. Today the light was so pretty.

During my lunch break I decided to go for a short walk to the Abbey, as I'd heard there would be Christmas trees....

Not a trace of Harry Potter in the cloisters... ;-) just a faint delicious forest scent of pine.
(For those of you that might not understand why I mentioned Harry Potter, it was because the first two films had scenes shot here. I feel very lucky to have been able to visit the set here during that time and enter the defence against the dark arts room and the potions room. Unfortunately cameras were not allowed. Anyway that is a story for another day maybe?)

The trees are each decorated by an organisation in the village. They will be there until the 18th December if you are nearby, feeling festive and fancy a visit.
It was cold, still and quiet inside, the only sound were my boots on old stone and the birds on the roof. It was so very peaceful.

My shadow in the doorway. A scarecrow with a wooden post as a leg..? ;-)
Of course I couldn't leave for home without a browse in the second hand bookshop. I wish all shops were like this, don't you?

The owls on my desk in the previous post were all finished and flew across to the Etsy shop. There are still some left.

I found this enchanting wintery video on youtube. The song is Kate Bush's beautiful new track Snowflake which I have fallen in love with and can be found on her latest album 50 Words For Snow. I wonder if you will fall in love too? x

Winter On it's Way

2011-11-24T13:07:00.001Z

As I sit writing this I can see through my window the wind has got up. The last week has been so still and grey, but today the light has changed. The first glimpse of winter in the pale pink tinged afternoon.

Light and shadows on the wall look like other worlds and landscapes. Maybe I will paint pictures inspired by these. More to add to my long list. ;)

I've been busy with wooden hangers. I have 16 more to paint and then I am having a break from them. There is always a balance that needs to be met with me in regards to painting and crafts. If I sway to one too much, then I have a desperate urge to do the other. Recently It's been mostly craft, so it's time to get the balance back.

Above, owls waiting their turn. There are 11 to paint, barn, snowy and tawny. Below some woodland fairies which have just been listed in my Etsy shop.

This time last year there was snow on the ground. This year I have two pink roses in bloom.
The furry two know winter is on it's way though I'm sure....

Hmm...sister hasn't quite mastered the art of cosiness though...

November Mists And Cracklings

2011-11-13T19:09:00.001Z

Misted, smoky, damp days of November are here. I love their scent. Sweet browning fallen apples, tangled with leaves fermenting on mossy damp lawns. The sharp temperature drop at night mixed with wood smoke that spirals out of cottage chimneys. Warmth beckons from cosy windows looking so much more inviting at this time of year. It's that time to dig out hats, scarves, gloves and big socks that come up to the knees again.
Skies have been illuminated with flame and cracklings.

While outside is Autumn, inside has been one step ahead.
Winter and Christmas has stopped by at my desk.
Holly and Mistletoe hares to be added to my Etsy shop.

And some more pendants.

I've just finished reading a story with a unicorn. It also had wonderful dragons, magic and Glastonbury woven into it's pages too and the theme of the story is so current and relevant to today. I won't give too much away but suggest you go and read more! The book is called 'Tilly Greenway And The Secrets Of The Ancient Keys' By Essi Tolling. 'Watchers' is book one of a trilogy. There is an Amazon link on the right side bar. I think it would make a wonderful Christmas gift for an older child or teen? Or if you are like I am... then of course also yourself. ;)
I love the way that books now have trailers, what a great idea. I found this one on you tube.

Sparkles And Spiders

2011-10-31T15:55:00.000Z

A sparkling morning.
Little spiders, artists of the garden, their diamond rain dropped filligre webs enchanted my day? If the sun had not come out and revealed the woven masterpieces would a different day have emerged?

It was one of those uplifting moments that makes your heart sing and feel a surge of gratefulness for glimpsing a fragment of nature's overpowering beauty.
Our days are shaped by moments, good and bad, they influence our day. If we look for the beautiful moments we weave and embroider that day to wear.

I'm loving the autumn light, thin through the fading turning leaves. A wonderful time to be out catching magic on camera. The seed pod below, I see a crown? And below the glistening water drops on fennel, a chandelier fit for a fairies house?

Later in the day when the light began to fade I walked. Into the quiet mist, and greeted the gentle folk with a warm 'hello'.

And then into a veil.

*****
**
*
The other day a good hour was spent replying to comments on this blog, only for them to disappear before being posted. I apologise for not re- doing them but it just took so long and it was very late at night and... well, there are no other excuses. Sigh... Blogger gremlins do seem to be around alot lately? I really appreciate all of your comments! And I hope that those of you who ordered the Witch light book are enjoying it! x

I've been busy making more pendants for my shop (among other things) and here are some of the first batch. More sleepy little creatures in nests.

Wishing you a magical 'All Hallows Eve'
xx

Apple Scented October

2011-10-17T21:10:00.000+01:00

October is apple scented. We have three trees in the garden. Two sweet eating varieties and an old yellow sour crab apple.

These apples are not off our trees, but instead at our local apple day. So many wonderful kinds and the smell, so sweet and delicious.We arrived there a little late so all the toffee apples had sold out, but there was a little bit of cider left. It's school holidays next week so I think toffee apples could be on the to do list? Nights are drawing in now and I've been lost in the beautiful words of Susan Fletcher's 'Witch Light'.
I enjoyed it so much first time round in September that I have to admit I've been reading it again. (click on the amazon link on the right hand side of my blog for more info) I couldn't put this book down.Wait a bit until it's cold enough to light a fire, then sit by candlelight and crackling log and I'm sure you will enjoy.

Days are quiet and warm inside my wooden studio.
A new 'Autumn Hare' has appeared....

And will be available as a print in my Etsy shop soon.

When I was out walking a few weeks ago, I came across this piece of wood. Some trees had been felled and sawn up and this one single slice had been left behind. Of course when I saw it, I saw treasure, or a creation. So it came home with me and sat patiently on my desk until the other day when I turned it into this.

'Wood Fairy'

I went back again to the figure in the nest sketch in this post as I felt it would be the perfect shape to fit and suited it perfectly. I'll also be listing Wood Fairy in my Etsy shop shortly.

On the subject of nests, we've been cutting a large area of brambles down and my daughter came across these old ones.

Aren't they the most adorable clever creations.
xx

Birds

2011-10-03T23:58:00.000+01:00

My last post's title seems rather odd now as summer most definitely woke up again. Who would have thought that we would be basking in the most glorious hot days in October. Shorts and tee shirt weather and no need for a cardigan in the evenings.

Nights are clear and warm with windows thrown open wide and the song of the tawny owl lulls us to sleep while Jupiter shines in the starlight.
I've been busy with birds.

And my desk has been as colourful as a summer garden.

"Delicious autumn!   My very soulis wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns."
-   George Eliot

Summer's Farewell

2011-09-18T00:51:00.001+01:00

Summer is tired and sleepy. Her eyes close, her lids heavy with faded petals. She tells the remaining flowers as she rests her head, that they can stay a while yet, if they so wish. But she warns them of the bite that might come on cold nights when the sky is clear and covered with a twinkling cloak.....

The Mud Maiden here is lost in slumber as summer will soon be. Isn't she beautiful. I'm sure many of you have seen her before. She sleeps in the cornish countryside in the Lost Gardens Of Heligan. Created by Artists Sue and Pete Hill. You can read more about her here.
We paid her a visit during our wanderings near the sea.

And her friend of course The Giant.

August's goodbyes took our breath away with spectacular skies.

Her farewell also inspired my latest painting.
'Passing Through'

Which is available as a print in my Etsy shop here.

And now autumn has brought gifts.

And a Zazzle shop. If you fancy a new mug to drink your hot chocolate by the fireside, indoors or out under the moonlight then please have a browse. There are also other bits and bobs such as ipad covers, iphone cases etc and I'm still adding new things. Have a look here. I'm afraid the mugs don't come with marshmallows though. ;-)

The Dancer And The Devil

2011-09-08T13:15:00.001+01:00

All is not as it seems in the woods. There is a doorway... I step through and follow a path lined with candles. The air is still. I breath the faint sweet scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. "Mind you don't stray from the path..." the trees whisper... There are memories, possessions scattered. Abandoned suitcases their contents spilled. dressses, shoes, books, the best silver, and photographs, so many photographs.

What would you include if you had just twelve minutes to pack?

A man sits writing. He passes a letter. "Find Colette" he pleads desperately..

Another man plays piano, and another banjo, sat on the forest floor surrounded by twig and leaf.
The path goes on and the light is fading. More photographs and suitcases, spectacles and hair.
I shiver.
A lady, angry and heart sore sits in a bath cutting letters up with scissors.

I reach another door and step through to a clearing. The stage is set twinkling with fairylights around lampshades and sparkling with sequins on dresses. The music begins, I sit down and meet The Dancer And The Devil...

I just had to share a little of my wonderful evening in the woods entertained by Rogue Theatre. Truly inspirational. If you get the chance to see them then you must. I can't recommend them enough. To see more about Rogue Theatre have a look here.... and below.

I hope everyone had a good summer? Here's to an incense, berried, woodscented, bonfire, appley, baked potato and spiced cider tasting Autumn. x

A Little Break

2011-08-12T14:57:00.001+01:00

Summer is slipping away and the smell of Autumn is in the air again this morning. My list of things to do is getting longer and longer and longer...I shall be off to the sea soon to recharge.In the meantime I've decided to have a little blog break. I won't be away for long, just enough time to organise my very cluttered head at this moment and tackle some of the jobs on the list . ;-) In the meantime I'll leave you with these beautiful videos that are three of my favourites. I hope you enjoy the music, amazing photography and beauty of our Mother Earth as much as I do. Take care everyone and enjoy the rest of the summer. I'll be back soon. xxx

Hazelnuts and Magic Forest Worlds

2011-08-02T00:54:00.001+01:00

August has brought with it warmth and sun today. It is hot and humid and the long grasses that blow in the occasional breeze are dry and yellow and have an end of summer look about them. I'm sure the seasons are ahead of themselves? The hazelnuts that are normally ready for picking and eating at the end of August are ready now and there are ripe blackberries to pick on the land where we grow our vegetables.

Here are my two tucking into some freshly picked hazelnuts. We openly admit to suffering from nut fever in this house. I'd better make sure I pick more soon before the squirrel takes the lot. I'll leave the one's at the top of the tree for him or her. ;-)

Here are a couple of the other hangers that were not quite finished the last time. Tiny magic forest worlds inside a toadstool.

These two went across to etsy the other day. The unicorn one has sold, but at the time of writing this, the fox one is still available.

I have also put some other items in the shop, pendants and a whale, but I've decided it's not worth showing them on here if they are similar items to what I have made before, as things begin to get a little repetitive.

I loved the Harry Potter film and am already looking forward to it coming out on dvd and imagining myself curled up on the sofa by the fire this winter watching it again.
So to the giveaway....Thank you to everyone that commented. All names including the one's that commented via, Facebook and Twitter were put into a hat and the winner picked out was (a facebook name)...

Lynda Redwitch

Lynda please let me know your contact details so that I can send the magical goodies to you. I would send them by owl but I don't have an owl I'm afraid, so Royal Mail will have to do.

Before I disappear again I thought I'd share this short film 'Astonish Me' with you. It's the latest one by uk WWF and is very captivating.

Prettiest Of Weeds And A Sprinkle Of Harry Potter Magic

2011-07-21T14:59:00.001+01:00

This week the sun and rain seem to be playing games with each other. Neither one can make their mind up to stay. The Sun has been fickle with her golden rays, likewise has the rain, showering short bursts here and there with her diamond droplets of precious water.I suppose the rhyme does say...

"Hot July brings cooling showers, apricots and gilly flowers"

Well I don't have apricots growing here, but I do have flowers.

Talking of flowers I want to share with you this pretty one that has popped up in the garden and down near our vegetable patch. Most people would consider it a weed but seeing as there is no such thing as a weed really, it's all personal choice, we decided to let it thrive. After all who are we to judge that this plant with it's delicate sweet scent has no place in a garden? It's called Hawkweed, but is also known as other names my favourite being 'Fox And Cubs'. :-)

In between watching the showers and looking for rainbows I've been gradually making way through my pile of work.

Various birds, hares and pendants. There is also another whale, a couple more toadstools and another Narwhal that are still on the desk not quite ready yet.

These will all be listed over the course of today in my Etsy shop if you are interested in any of them.
I also just had to create this snowy owl. What with the last film being released, Harry Potter magic is in the air again!
(He'll also be listed in the shop)

I haven't seen the film yet, but will be this weekend. I must remember to take plenty of tissues as I know there will be tears. It's an end of an era and I'd like to thank JK Rowling for the Magic and all those clever film people for bringing it to life on screen. I loved each and every book and every film too. If like me you are yet to see it here's a taster. ;-)

Giveaway Time!

Last time I was here I said I'd be be back with a summer giveaway. A little celebration as this is my 200th post! When I began this blog I'm not sure I thought I'd get to 100 posts let alone 200! So, because I have Harry Potter on the brain at the moment, I thought it would be fun to include a little HP in the giveaway.
Below I've collected together a few items that have a 'magical' feel to them. There are some HP postcards, a candle, a couple of moon scented incense sticks, some sparkly stones that you could use for craft or jewellery making and a couple of other stones, one which looks a little like the philosophers stone I thought? I will also throw in a couple of my postcards too! ;-)

Just leave me a comment if you'd like to be included. If you can't comment due to blogger access etc, as I know it plays up sometimes. You can also comment on my facebook page or if you are on Twitter, Tweet this post on and then let me know and I'll enter you in the draw too. I will choose a winner in a couple of weeks time.
Happy Harry Potter watching! x

July

2011-07-08T23:41:00.002+01:00

July has arrived and I haven't blogged. So here I am with a new painting.

Waking The Ghosts

It seems words have ran away again. They have hidden underneath moth wing and clover leaves. This time last year they did the same thing... I've been a hermit shut away in my workspace. Four paintings on the go and a stack of wooden things to paint. Until they are ready here are some things I've been dreaming and humming to.

Jackie Morris lead me to the bewitching voice of Emily Portman and I was lucky a couple of weeks ago to hear her sing locally on a wonderful apple journey. A magical hour and a bit, well spent indeed.
Another lovely song below is beckoning me to the sea again. And I will be journeying twice next month. One of which will be to my sister's wedding.

This last week the days have been a little rain washed. By the evening though the sun comes out and we've followed the itch in our feet to walk by the river. I captured some magic along the way.

On our way home we glimpsed fox, heron, swan, duck, rabbit, wood pigeon and a white horse that secretly I think was a unicorn in hiding.

The new painting can be found as a print in my Etsy shop.

Have a great weekend everyone. I shall be back soon with a summer giveaway! x

Surrounded By Flowers

2011-06-27T17:32:00.001+01:00

“Through the dancing poppies stole, a breeze most softly lulling to my soul.”
John Keats

I could quite easily have laid down in these poppies and fallen asleep as Dorothy did in the Wizard Of Oz. I didn't though. Luckily these poppies didn't have a magic spell put on them. Well not a sleepy one anyway. I think the spell Mother nature put on these is more a hypnotising enchantment because I just couldn't take my eyes off them! The bees and butterflies coudn't either although you can't really see in the pictures.

Everywhere I look at the moment there are flowers, so it's not surprising I felt the urge to paint some.
Latest scraps of wood turned into flowery pendants.

No poppies here, but I'm sure they will find a way to sneak into my work somewhere, on something at sometime?
Hopefully next year there will be some in our little meadow area, that has come on well this year.

If you are interested in the pendants they will be heading over to here very shortly.
Enjoy the sunshine and flowers. x

Golden Eyes Magpies And A Beautiful Diary.

2011-06-16T21:16:00.000+01:00

Look what I found... A toad with golden eyes stepped straight out of a fairytale into my garden. Isn't she gorgeous!...

I'm here to show you the painting finished.
( Been umming and ahhing over the name of this piece, so for now it is unnamed.)

And more magpies, this time in a small 5x5 canvas which I've named....
'Indigo Wood'

Both paintings will be scanned shortly and made available as prints.

I've been watching magpies out of the window this week. They've been hopping about in the garden. I think they have a nest nearby as I saw them chase a blackbird off and a grey squirrel. What characters they are! Did anyone see the beautiful raven on BBC Springwatch? Chester was his name and wasn't he handsome and so clever.
Hmmm... someone else has had their eye on birds too. Luckily without any success.

Other news... I've listed some more cards in the Etsy shop.

Pendants and postcards and more designs coming soon, as I still have plenty of scraps of wood!

And what a treat arrived in the post the other day.

My complimentary copy of next years 2012 ' Earth Pathways Diary' I was so pleased to hear that my painting 'Wearing A Robe Of Gold' had been included. :-)
It really is a beautiful diary, filled with wise words and stunning pictures. Pop across to here and snap one up, as I believe they disappear quicker than the queen of hearts jam tarts!

A Rainy Day Out

2011-06-12T20:48:00.001+01:00

A rainy day....

A house, glass eyes peer across landscape little changed.

Scent of raindrop soaked garden, flash of peacock turquoise. Jewels in the green.

Solid stone storybook house is watched. Eyes on peacocks, eyes on trees.

(A painting awaits from these images I think? ;-))

And from the earth amid the leaves and damp and smallest of creatures, eyes that look up.

Let me lie on grasses green

                                                             On my mother earth I lean

                                                             Let me lie on grasses green
                                                              On my mother earth I lean

                                                                    Under burning sun
                                                              Through my veins she runs

                                                            Let me breathe the forest air
                                                         It's the life force that we all share
                                                               Feel my burning tears

                                                                Heal me through as I lie
                                                                       Here with you
                                                                      Heal me through

Let me sleep and keep me close

********

Hayley Westenra 'Let me Lie' extract

You can read more about the house here. :-)

Some Things I Have Done Since I Last Wrote Here

2011-06-03T20:03:00.001+01:00

Saved and freed one tiny mouse hiding underneath a shoe in the kitchen, from the clutches of one tabby cat.

Picked armfuls of the sweetest sweet williams.

Ate fairy sized strawberries and gathered rose petals.

Spied a grass snake.
Help rescue the dearest little lamb from the river and dried it with a towel. :-)

Bought the 'one ring' at the local carboot sale. ;-)

Watched the sun set lilac, purple, and pink.

A perfect end to the first day of June.

It's been peaceful at my desk surrounded by the sounds and scents of the garden.

The baby birds have flown and now I can hear them cheeping in the apple tree, whilst Mummy bird carries on helping them to feed. Today summer truly arrived. The sun was hot, the sky blue and the orange blossom perfume, the smell of bliss.

As you can see on my desk in the photo above, I've been busy with some more wooden birds. Here they are finished...

I also thought I'd share with you a WIP ( work in progress) that I've been working on. A painting that's been on the easel for a few weeks now. It's been left and put aside for various other things that had to be completed first, but today I did a bit more.

Hopefully this will be finished soon?
Have a magical weekend everyone.
x

Thoughts, Walks And Hares

2011-05-26T23:27:00.003+01:00

A few days ago I had a day off from doing creative things.We didn't go far, just a few miles away from home.

View of Silbury hill

Moon daisies ( Ox eye) danced to the gentle scented breeze and skylark song surrounded the ancient West Kennet Long Barrow. A burial mound 5,000 years old.

As I leaned against the stone it felt warm, no hint of the usual coldness of stone.

Roundway hill was quiet. The blue butteflies fluttered upon tiny yellow flowers of Tom thumb undisturbed, happy to have reclaimed the land.

On July 13th 1643 it would have looked a rather different scene here. A site of a battle

Looking down this hill above I caught a fleeting glimpse of a hare before it disappeared beneath the bush.
I have been visiting this hill for many years and whenever I do I always remember our school day out years back when we spent the day on the hill with other Wiltshire schools reinacting the battle. We made our costumes and were only allowed to bring food that would have been available in 1643. I remember having a small bag made out of sack to carry my lunch in and to conceal my waterbottle which held blackcurrant juice. ( pretend wine!) Our class were Roundheads, on Oliver Cromwells side. I dug up an old photo of us, ready for our journey up the hill before battle commenced. :-)

Sitting on the hill and near the barrow I felt content and at home. It made me think about a recent and interesting post by Christina on her blog 'A mermaid in the Attic'. She recently did a post called 'Meditations on home' How sometimes we can feel disconnected and feel as though we don't truly belong if our ancestors have come from another place/country. I feel very lucky to feel connected with this land and feel that I am in the right place. My husband on the other hand feels the same as Christina. Being born and raised in Zimbabwe but having ancestors from Ireland, Scotland, Italy and maybe even a pirate from Portugal! He doesn't know where his roots really are? Maybe he never will?
The feeling I have is hard to put into words. It's a deep connection, a sharing? It's not always felt, sometimes it only shows itself when you return from a far away place and step foot on home ground. .... Of course I could be competely wrong and I may well originate from Vikings? Just 3 miles away from my home they did DNA testing and found a group of Viking descendants! However I'm not that tall ( 5ft 6) and I was born with very dark brown hair and blue eyes, so perhaps not. ...Although I do have a strong pull /urge drawing me to Scandanavia?....... ;)
Please do go and read Christina's post on the link above, as it's a wonderful piece of writing.

After our day out, the rest of the week was busy, not as busy as this Mother or Father, who I've been watching put so much hard work into feeding chicks. We have a nest in a crack in the wall above the dining room. Photo's courtesy of my Dad who had his 'good' camera with him the other day. x

I'm sure what I've been busy with is not as important as raising beautiful chicks, but I'll show you anyway.....

Forgetmenot Hare

Star Hare

Harebell hare
And two more Oaky hares ....

Pop across to my Etsy shop and take a look .
And enjoy the May bank holiday whatever you are up to?
x

Tree Time Tales And Some Starlight Birds

2011-05-18T12:17:00.004+01:00

Waiting for moths to hatch or emerge can get a little like waiting for paint to dry really. The other morning though when I wasn't looking, one appeared. I let it out of the jar and it flew to the window pane where I was able to get a picture.It then flew to the holly tree, so I wished it well on it's journey. Now there are only two chrysalis left.

If you love moths like myself, click here for an interesting programme that I enjoyed the other day.

I finished another tree inspired painting. Remember the sketch in my last blog post...

                                                                 The Blackthorn King

Both paintings, the one in my last post and this one I have done for 'Tree Time Tales' the theme of this years Cheltenham Illustration Awards which a talented artist friend of mine (whom I so wish would get a blog!) recommended I should give a go.
The painting 'Advice from A Tree' is based on the poem by the same name by Ilan Shamir. I think I have shared this poem on here before, but here it is again anyway.


                                                                   Advice from a Tree

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!
                                                                     By Ilan Shamir


The painting 'The Black Thorn King' is based around the story of the Erl King. but I also included a thread of an enviromental theme running through it, so it has a double meaning. In the picture he has been defeated. The rider has escaped. He will always be Autumn. (Cut down and will never see spring again.) I have turned the tables so to speak and the Erl king/tree king has become the victim. A slight similarity to Angela Carter's version. in her book The Bloody Chamber which is a dark magical read and full of wonderful imagery.

A while ago I shared a song by Josh Ritter on one of my older posts that I love that is also based on The Erlking. The story has been changed to Oak tree King in the song. Take another look here it really is a beautiful song.

I shall leave you with some Starlight birds, soon to spread their wings to my Etsy shop.

Did anyone catch a glimpse of the full moon last night? I was told it was A 'Hare Moon' but sadly was cloudy here.

A Touch Of Wild And A Scent Of Wisdom

2011-05-07T00:24:00.001+01:00

Gentle, delicate, insignificant to some who are sucked into the realm of bold, bright loud, showy and repeat flowering... Our native wild flowers hold a special place in my heart. I suppose it's because they are the flowers I grew up with in the country lanes and woods where I played as a child. The wonderful names always transport me through a doorway into a forgotton place. A past of herbal tinctures, small bottles with glass tops, pestle and mortar, apothecaries, bunches of dried plants and garlands hanging from old oak beams. Rooms scented with bowls of pot pourri, flagstones scattered with lavender leaves, flowers steeped in oils and blended essences.... I'm inspired just by the names . ... Honeysuckle, Shepherds purse, Pennywort, Dandelion, Cuckoo pint, Yorkshire fog, Speedwell, Snakeshead Fritillary, Herb robert, Devils bit scabious, Yellow archangel, Lady's bedstraw, Sticky mouse ear, Jack by the hedge, Fairy flax. Corn cockle, Foxglove, Deadly nightshade....
I could go on and on...
Here are some I spotted out walking...

Speedwell

Cuckoo flower

Jack by the hedge

Dandelion

And the queen of the woods... bluebell

The hawthorn is in bloom now too and my little summer hobbit house which I've nick named 'Bag End' is looking lovely and wild alongside it.

I also have been wearing this scent of the wild.. Tree Wisdom perfume. :-)

My daughter gave me this for Christmas. Hopefully the wisdom might soak in? ;-)

Of course, as well as enjoying being outside, I have been doing other things.

Sketches for new paintings..

And one of them complete. Although looking at it now, I can see I have done the tree's hair line differently. I prefer the sketch, so will have to change that.

'Advice From A Tree'

I've also been in the shed cutting out lots of wooden creatures and still have more to do, so next week will be a very busy week here.

Oh and just incase I forget, (but I'm sure I won't! ;-)) My painting 'The Starlight Hare' is the featured painting for spring/summer on the children's page over at the Hare Preservation Trust! Please go and have a look as it's a great website and a fantastic cause for a magical beautiful animal.

www.hare-preservation-trust.co.uk/children.html

Easter Moments

2011-04-25T21:01:00.002+01:00

As Easter weekend draws to a close now and the sun sets on what has been yet another glorious sunshiney filled day. I thought I'd share a few moments of ours.

Waiting for lunch...

A giant Easter bunny and some other magical moments to treasure at 'Secret World' Wildlife Rescue.

Baby owl

And another adorable little chap just 3 weeks old....

Sweetest fox cub. :-)

And then on Easter sunday another magical moment!

One of the chrysalis's hatched! (See last post) I believe it to be a lime hawk moth? What an amazing stunning creature and how appropriate to re-emerge on Easter Sunday.

I freed it soon after to a place very near to where I found the cocoon.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend however which way you spent it?
x

Sunshine,Sea, Slow Worms And Waiting For Moths

2011-04-14T15:50:00.001+01:00

The other day we drove some miles across the border to Dorset and spent an afternoon by the sea.

The sky was clear, not a hint of a breeze blew, unusual for the coast. The sun warmed the sand like a summers day but the smell was spring. Gorse flowers perfumed the dunes with scent of coconut.

The landscape on the dunes is so different to home. You can almost imagine you are in distant lands with the large ants crawling around on the sand beneath my toes and the trees and grass reminded me of Zimbabwe my husbands homeland.

Back in the garden primroses and cowslips.

And slowworm in one of the compost heaps enjoying the warmth. Haven't seen any grass snakes yet?

I'm sure these two have though?....

(Mummy hen with one of her two son's that were born last year)

So what else have I been doing? Quietly working away on small bits and pieces.

Oh and I found these when I was tidying the greenhouse....

Can't wait to see what type of moths they turn into?

Any ideas anyone? x

An Interview With Dpi Magazine

2011-04-07T22:58:00.002+01:00

Several weeks ago I was kindly asked to do an interview with the Taiwan magazine dpi. Dpi stands for (Design Popular Imagination) It's a lovely monthly magazine by the looks and I'm really happy with the spread they have done. I'm in this months issue, so thought I'd share it with you.

Here is the interview as it's to small to read on the pictures......

What kind of material, tool and technique do you use for your creation?

I work very traditionally in acrylic paint on canvas, wood or watercolour paper. Sometimes I might use coloured pencils on paper alongside the paint. I occasionally add metallic paint and gold and silver leaf.

It feels peaceful to your artworks, and how do you describe your creating style?

Yes, alot of people have told me that my work has a calming effect or sense of peace to it. I'm really happy about this as hopefully it means I'm achieving a little part of what I've set out to do? Much of my work is about connection. The connection between humans and animals, plants trees, nature in general. I often feel that there is a disconnection between us and nature /animals. We as humans have separated ourselves from it, living in cities or submerged in our material worlds. Sadly we exploit it and have in some areas lost all respect for it. In my work I try to show that the connection is still there if you look for it. A special magic, wisdom a spark, a deep respect that was once lost can be re-found, relit and reconnected. I use imagery with stars alot to potray this magic and my colours are often centred around blue which is a very calming colour. I hope the peace that people see in my work is maybe that connection showing itself?
Other pictures of mine can be more whimsical and light hearted and are painted with a specific piece of writing in mind.

What's your inspiration from? Is there anything can inspire you from daily life?

Nature, stories myths, folk and fairy tales and a single word can spark an idea. A piece of music an image, film or an old object found can open rusty locks to creative doors in my head. I'm inspired by many things.I love notebooks and am always filling them with sentences that often come to me in the midnight hours. These often lead to a painting. At my desk on a daily basis I'm inspired by what's going on outside my window. The trees, their skeletal form in winter. The birds rooks and jackdaws that live in them. The light, how it falls , the constant changing of the sky, the windsong on the leaves.

It looks that your artworks contain a lot of animals, such as owl, fox and dogs. Why do you like to draw animals in your artworks? Would you share your design conception with us?

I use animals in a symbolic way. I've always been interested in stories using animals. Fairytales and superstitions relating to them. I use them as the inbetween link between us and the earth or ethereal world I suppose?

The owl sat amid the starlit forest in my painting 'The Keeper Of Time' for instance is just that an owl, but is also reminding us of wisdom and the passing of time. Or a wisdom lost over time.

The fox in my picture 'Wearing A Robe Of Gold ' is to me a prince in the landscape. He turns to glance at the light. I used the light to symbolise hope of things to change and the elephant hawk moth that has just hatched from it's sleep represents new beginnings.

Would you talk about your works “the hare” and “thrush”? What’s your design conception of these two images and why do you want to put people and animal in the image?

I use people and animals together to emphasise a bond. The Thrush picture or 'Nest' is about similarities. Reminding ourselves that we too are animals How we both have the same instinct watching over our offspring.The hare and woman is again about connection something passing between them. Unspoken, a feeling, a knowing between them. 'A Secret'

The image of “Magic Toyshop” looks has different design conception with other artworks. Would you share the creating idea with us?

The Magic Toyshop painting is an old work of mine. My palette and subject matter was much darker at this point in time. It was work I did at college and based on Angela Carters book of the same title. I won first prize as student Illustrator with it at the Benson And Hedges Gold Awards.

Will you try another creating style in the future? Moreover, do you have any latest artworks now?

At the moment I'm happy with my style of working. Although I would like to learn more about digital work. I would also like to do some much larger paintings and more book Illustration work. I'm working on preliminary ideas at the moment for my next painting about the circle and dance of Spring.

*************

Now to the Novica giveaway! Before I announce the winner I have a little good news. Instead of one voucher for $75, I got things a little mixed up and actually have two! So.. that means two winners!

I asked my son and daughter to choose two numbers and they chose numbers 11 and 12.

So the winners are.... 'Deborah Long' and 'Bunnits'

Congratulations! Email me and I'll send you the vouchers! :-)

Some Thoughts About Earth Our home

2011-03-30T16:59:00.001+01:00

With the miracle of Spring happening all around us at the moment, who can not notice the beauty of the Earth.

Trees are bursting into their blossomy leafy cloaks once again and primroses decorate grassy banks The days are filled with sweet song of robin, blackbird, thrush and the tap tapping of the woodpecker down in the little wood has returned. It's a beautiful sound to hear, calming and comforting as bees humming from flower to flower. I've seen brimstone butterflies, bumble bees/dumbledores and many native species ladybirds. The moths have returned at night fluttering against my window. Their eyes reflect my desk lamp and glow like tiny fairy fire embers. New life is everywhere and of course soon the glorious hawthorn will grace us with her white magic. One of my favourite sights and the smell...heaven.

The other day I imagined if the leaves on the trees didn't arrive... What if no flowers came into bloom, no birdsong, no bees. What if we waited and waited but Spring just didn't happen? A horrible scary thought indeed. But we do take everything so for granted. We put such importance on things that really aren't. How can so much value be put on a diamond when water is worth so much more?

It made me think of these words...

Only after the last tree has been cut down

Only after the last river has been poisoned

Only after the last fish has been caught

Only then will you find money cannot be eaten

~Cree Prophecy~

Saturday like many people we lit candles and marked Earth Hour. A small statement for change some would say, but change is what is needed. I believe we should all strive to live by the Earth Commandments.

Thou shalt love and honor the Earth for it blesses thy life and governs thy survival.
Thou shalt keep each day sacred to the Earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons.
Thou shalt not hold thyself above other living things nor drive them to extinction.
Thou shalt give thanks for thy food to the creatures and plants that nourish thee.
Thou shalt limit thy offspring for multitudes of people are a burden unto the Earth.
Thou shalt not kill nor waste Earth's riches upon weapons of war.
Thou shalt not pursue profit at the Earth's expense but strive to restore its damaged majesty.
Thou shalt not hide from thyself or others the consequences of thy actions upon the Earth.
Thou shalt not steal from future generations by impoverishing or poisoning the Earth.
Thou shalt consume material goods in moderation so all may share Earth's bounty.

Ernest Callenbach



'The Song Of The Earth Is Love' is the title of my Aceo for Japan. It will be for sale in my Etsy shop shortly and all money will go to the Red Cross appeal. Again like all Aceo's it measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches. It is a pencil drawing on moleskine paper with some acrylic paint added.
A tiny gesture that I can offer as I can't begin to imagine how those people affected by the earthquake and tsunami are feeling. Small things do make a difference. From where we buy our vegetables, eggs, tea, coffee, are they free range? is it fairtrade? What about our shampoo and toiletries? (I always prefer natural things and products not tested on animals) Even just our small choices which we might think insignificant affect the bigger picture so we must remember to be mindful when we choose. I was contacted a while a go to do a review on here. Now I wouldn't normally agree, But this company Novica I did find inspiring so I thought yes, why not and the fact that they have offered a gift voucher which I can give as a blog giveaway prize was enticing. :-) So why did I find them inspiring and who are they? Novica are an online company in association with National Geographic who promote Fair Trade by Artists and Artisans from around the world enabling them to make a living by sharing and selling their products. There are some beautiful things to buy there. Wood sculptures masks, rugs, jewellery, stationary, bags. ceramics, paintings, weavings, drums, musical instrments... take a look at the coporate gifts section. I particularly fell in love with these by Mexican artist Marco Polo. And I love this solar wind one. here.
More favourites of mine are the eco friendly products If you would like a chance of winning a gift voucher for $75 to use on the Novica site, then just leave me a comment and I'll pick a winner in a couple of weeks time. Until next time tread lightly and good luck x If you would like to find out more about Novica and their fair trade products have a look here: http://corporate-gifts.novica.com http://microfinance.novica.com/ http://eco-friendly.novica.com/ http://www.novicalive.com/

Painting The Moon

2011-03-21T11:55:00.002Z

Saturday evening I watched in awe as a magical orange moon rose up behind the branches of trees into the clear March night sky. A super perigree moon I believe. The closest it has been to earth for 18 years.
I've been painting the moon, as you can see above. My latest painting on canvas, aptly named 'March Moon'. I know that hares in March in folklore are supposed to act a little mad and of course gaze at the moon but this one is far too sleepy for that after having a busy day filled with the joys of spring.

The sun has been warm and I've enjoying my little outdoor work space. You may remember I got it at the end of last summer. I'm still settling in and arranging it to feel just right. These things take time don't they...? I've been burning incense and the only music I've wanted to listen to out there while I paint is birdsong. It's quiet and my mind has space to find the right roads. I have no computer connection there so I have nothing to lead me down the glorious paths of distraction. ;) So now I'm on the look out for a rug, to make it just that bit cosier. Many pretties are appearing outside it's doors while I work away inside.

Here is my little friend that serenades me ..... One of my neighbours I believe feeds a robin sultanas from her hand. I wonder if this one is the one. I could try but don't want to tempt him or make him too tame as I have cats.

I also painted some Aceo's last week. Aceo's in case you don't know are small sized art work that always measure 2.5x 3.5 inches in size. The size of a trading card. They are quite collectable I believe.

These went into my Etsy shop and have sold already. The one on the left was sold for Comic Relief. I really enjoyed doing them and must make a point of doing more regularly. I'm going to try and fit in doing another this week and the money will go to Red cross to help with the terrible tragedy in Japan.

Talking of my Etsy shop, there are some new postcards now available of my paintings 'The Moonlit Gathering' and 'One Moonlit Night'

I hope to do a mixed pack of different cards in a bundle soon too.

Several days ago we celebrated a birthday. My boy was sixteen.

Where does time fly? It only seems a moment ago that he was just a baby fascinated with the music from wind up music boxes and nursery rhymes. He has always had a fascination and strong love of music and now is playing and composing his own, which is wonderful to hear. The other day he recorded some of his pieces at school on the digital piano and has uploaded them to youtube, so being a proud Mummy I thought I'd share a piece with you...

I hope your week is beautiful and filled with the wonders of spring.
x

Down To The Little Wood And Some Tree Spirits

2011-03-10T20:54:00.001Z

Down to the little wood I pass the sunny faces of celandine and primrose. The snow drops have almost said their goodbyes and young silky leaves of Cuckoo Pint or Lords and ladies (arum maculatum) are appearing between the kindling.

There are discarded walnut shells. A squirrels feast?
I hear the alarm bell call of a blackbird, the flutter of wood pigeon wing against ivy and the sweet trill of a robin.
It's bright. Squinting my eyes up through the branches at the March sky I count twenty one rooks nests. They are busy, very loud going about their business. I love watching them.

I'm listening, really listening, absorbing a spring morning. The snap of twig, scuff of shoe on branch and soft moss.
The gentle sound of water. The stream ripples and the sunlight sparkles dancing in the chilled morning light.

Magic....

I can almost hear the sap rising in the trees. If I was an animal with a powerful sense of hearing maybe I could?.... But I don't need to hear it, as standing quiet I'm sure I can feel it...

My latest hearts are tree themed. Forest spirits.

And I've also been busy attending to a starlight wizard.

Each of these items will be listed in my Etsy shop tommorow if you are interested in buying them.

Now to the giveaway results! No I hadn't forgotten ;-)
Thank you lovely folks for commenting and all your kind words. I asked my son to pick a number from 1 to 75 and he said 8.

So congratulations comment number 8 you are the winner! Simply Vintage

(Email me your details and I'll send the pendant and postcard off to you.)

xx

A Cathedral A Fox And A Birthday Giveaway

2011-02-28T19:16:00.001Z

Out and about this past week. Over the border into the county of Hampshire, we paid a visit to Winchester the old capital of Wessex and England.
Our feet trod the same ground as Kings had done. The same streets and stone that rang with cries of the black death.
In the cathedral my footsteps echoed the ghosts of footsteps, almost a 1,000 years worth of them. Did I stand in the same spot and glance at the same piece of ornate carving as Queen Mary Tudor might have done when she married Prince Philip of Spain here back in 1554?

A hushed but sleepy presence filled the cold silence.

I wonder about these sleeping Bishops and am curious of who they were. Did they enjoy strolling through meadows filled with wild flowers. What did they eat for breakfast? What colour were their eyes? I wonder about the simple things.

And I wonder will they be still here in another 1,000 years?

If I could be granted a super power it would probably be the gift of flight? However it would be a hard decision to make as oh how I would I love to be able to go back in time! Which would you choose?

In the garden outside the cathedral we found a sleeping stone fox.

I'm not sure what his story is?
Winchester is a lovely place to browse around if you get the opportunity. I hope to go back soon as I haven't seen everything that I'd like to yet.

My sleeping fox has it's own story this week as I've been busy making these pendants out of my odds and ends and scraps of wood.

Small prints have been securely glued then several layers of varnish applied. Threaded with hemp string and a bead.

I will be giving one of these away to celebrate my blogs 3rd birthday which happens to be about now. The 29th Feb to be precise, but we'll have to do with the 28th because it isn't a leap year. ;)
So, if you would like to win one of these packages that contain a postcard and pendant...

Just leave me a comment and I'll pick a winner and announce it the next time I do a blog post.
xx

As Above So Below

2011-02-22T17:49:00.002Z

As I sit at my desk everyday darkness falls that little bit later.

Each day shows a new sign of Spring.
This last week and abit I've had my fingerless mitts on, and I've been spending time in the shed cutting out wooden bits and pieces. It's been mighty chilly too. I'm not sure why but these last few days I've felt colder than I did when we had the snow and ice back in December?

At night when the house is silent and all except me are asleep I immerse myself in water. Physically and mentally. (Yes, I confess to being a bath time reader.) I'm just reaching the last few chapters of Roger Deakin's wonderful book 'Waterlog' I love the way he writes and I always finish a chapter with a wholesome feeling or an appetite for simple food such as cherries and a jug of milk. The type of food Enid Blyton's characters used to take on picnics to secret islands. And of course a desire to be swimming in clear fish filled waters and catching a flash of irridescence of a dragon or damselfly. That will have to wait until summer and in the meantime I'll meander through the woods, in the other book that I have beneath my pillow.

Connection between ourselves and nature, is as the book I've been reading, also the theme of my latest painting as much of my work is.

'As Above So below'

I have named it 'As Above, So Below' This painting is about how we are all interconnected on the planet by a magic or lifespark that entwines us.
I called it this, as these words 'as above so below'came into my head as the painting took shape. It was quite strange really as it almost felt like something was telling me to call it this? The phrase seemed familiar to me and I had probably read it and locked it away in my store cupboard of a mind which I'm afraid I'm always losing the keys to. Anyway you well read folks probably know all about the origins of this phrase but I had to google it after it popped into my mind. And so I was quite taken aback when there it was saying the same as I was trying to portray just a of glimpse in my picture..

"The significance of this phrase is that it is believed to hold the key to all mysteries. All systems of magic are claimed to function by this formula. "'That which is above is the same as that which is below'...Macrocosmos is the same as microcosmos. The universe is the same as God, God is the same as man, man is the same as the cell, the cell is the same as the atom, the atom is the same as...and so on, ad infinitum."
You can read more here
Be warned, you will lose yourself along corridors of dusty doorways leading to a maze of ancient secrets and an emerald stone tablet that reveals the magical secrets of the universe. Wonderful!

Talking of doorways, I don't think I've shared this piece of work before?

It's a fair few years old now, but along with this one (which I know I showed you before)

They will both be available to buy as prints in my Etsy shop later and the new picture will follow shortly.

PS: Please forgive the different font sizes here and there. Blogger is behaving naughty. ;)

Very Sweet Things

2011-02-14T15:12:00.000Z

Today I have probably made the most sweet sickly biscuits ever? ;) It all began with glitter you see. Edible glitter that I had my eye on getting for a while now. A wonderful idea drifted around in my head. Sugary starlight heart and moon biscuits for Valentines day covered in constellations and the deepest indigo icing sounded wonderful.
So this morning with oven on I proceeded to begin.

All seemed to be running smoothly...

Until it was time to ice them.
Where was the icing sugar? Just a dusting remained in the bottom of the box. How silly of me, I had forgotton that yesterday afternoon my littlest also had the same idea and made biscuits covered in pink icing. So down to our village shop I walked on this beautiful Spring morning and bought the only box they had. Natural sugar that turned a golden colour rather than the icy white that I needed for my moons and stars!

Carrying on I mixed the colour. Plenty of blue colouring but the black that I thought we had left over from Halloween a couple of years ago had disappeared? So, no indigo but peacock blue it seemed. And the silver tiny balls? Oh, there weren't any of those left either.
Hmmm... As you can probably guess they didn't turn out 'quite' as I'd imagined.....

But I'm sure they will get eaten regardless?
Hope your Valentines day is sweet too.
x

Beautiful And Magical

2011-02-04T15:06:00.001Z

Something beautiful and Magical
Happy Weekend x

Pinch, Punch, Rabbits! And Some Hares

2011-02-01T14:50:00.001Z

'Pinch and a punch first day of the month!

Rabbits!
Do you ever say this to each other on the first of every month? We often do.
Apparently it originates from when people believed that witches existed. It was thought that salt would make a witch weak, so the pinch part is pinching of the salt. The punch part was to banish the witch. The witch would be weak from the salt, so the punch was to banish her.
How many times do we say things and not really know the fascinating story that is behind them?
Must go and research what the 'rabbits' mean now! ;)

I can scarcely believe it's February already. January seemed to whizz past in a blur. I've been busy with some wooden things.

With Valentine's coming up, I felt the desire to use some red.

How could I not make some 'love' inspired hangers.

And hearts...

Outside I can hear Spring in the birds song. Yesterday I glanced up from my work and saw the most beautiful green woodpecker swoop past the window. Birds are indeed looking busier out there. I must remember to get some of my hair out of my hairbrush and begin putting it on the hedge. It's a magical feeling to think that the hair would be used by birds for their nests.
In the garden the snowdrops are up and I was inspired to make a 'Snowdrop Hare'

In my little book 'The Language of flowers' it says Snowdrops symbolize 'Hope'

With the hope of the new year and Spring fresh in my mind. Like many people I am hoping too that our goverment will change their minds on the decision to sell off our publicly owned woods and forests.

On Wednesday ( tommorow) there is going to be a vote in parliament regarding this. If you haven't already done so, please sign this petition and let them know that we want to keep the small amount of public forest and woodland we have left, public for future generations. You can sign here. And go to the 'Save Our Woods' Website here.

I will be listing the hangers in my Etsy shop today, so if you are interested in any of them, keep your eye on it. :)

Finally, I would just like to thank every body for all the kind, generous and encouraging comments that they leave here I really do appreciate them and read them all. I don't always get chance to answer, but am so grateful for all of them and that also goes to everyone that follows too. Thankyou!

See you soon!
x

Between Earth And Water. Selkie

2011-01-21T10:45:00.003Z

I very rarely have pieces of work that don't want to be finished. But a canvas I began over a year ago has been one such painting. Several times I've settled down with paint brush to it, but something didn't feel right.? Something nagged me that it wasn't ready to be completed. It wasn't yet it's time? Can a painting have a time? Anyway, so back it went into my big tin chest out of the way and pushed to the dusty corners of my mind, while I carried on with other projects and ideas.
That was until last week when I placed it on the easel again. This time the cogs of creativity creaked and turned, quite slowly mind, it still being January and me still with my hibernation tendencies. ;) Eventually it began to turn into a glimpse of a story. This is how it looked way back in 2009. Yes 2009! I can't believe it's been that long!?... take a look, it's at the end of the post.... here
And here it is now. Somewhat changed, but I think it works?

'Between Earth And Water'
Selkie

A selkie ( as most of you probably know) is a seal that can shed it's skin to become human. It is believed that the legend began on the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland where selch or sel(kie) is the scots word for seal. ( from old English seolh )

I'm not sure why this painting suddenly took on the selkie theme? Selkies, Kelpies and Mermaids have been swimming around in a sea themed room in my mind for a long time now though, so they will make an appearance from time to time, in fact I'm already thinking about the Kelpie for a painting. :)
****
The painting is now available to buy as a print in my shop here

A few years ago I had a video cassette of a beautiful film about Selkies. You may have seen it? The Secret of Roan Innish. if you haven't it's well worth looking out for. Sadly my video wore out. One day I will get hold of the dvd and enjoy owning it again.

Here is the trailer....

There is also another film which is on a similar theme that I must confess to not having seen yet. But one that will be definitely on my list to watch this year.
Ondine.

Some Days A Little Light Is Needed

2011-01-14T16:12:00.000Z

The day has been grey here, so I thought I'd share some light that I captured earlier in the week.

Sometimes we need a little extra light in our days.

To lift our spirits that can sometimes feel worn out or a little deflated in January.

There are days when some things just don't go the way we expect.
But tommorow is another day and in the meantime we'll gaze out of the window.

And of course, a cup of something always helps matters.

Enjoy your weekend.
x

Beginning Of The Year

2011-01-11T11:15:00.004Z

New pages, an empty book. What will we fill our brand new year with?

I have set myself a little challenge this year. A sketch a day. I often don't make time to just sketch. Normally I only roughly draw out the designs for a painting. So each day I will draw something large or tiny depending on how I'm feeling and what time is to hand. I think it will be a useful idea as a warm up exercise in the morning and it will spark fresh ideas as it can be drawings from life or my imagination. So by the end of the year I should have a book filled with 365 pictures which will be very interesting to look back on.

Yesterday while I was out walking, a willow tree had fallen down in the wind. I picked some branches and brought pussy willow home (the vase in my window sill above) Spring is already on her way and soon the snowdrops will also be showing their pretty faces.
I've been day dreaming about trees and snow, foxes and bears. I 've also been watching bears on tv as many of you probably have? The Bear Family And Me with Gordon Buchanan if you missed it it's well worth catching it on BBC iplayer here. I'm feeling a little as if I'm related to them this winter. I'm sure I do have that hibernating gene in me somewhere!
Here's my first painting offering of the new year.
'Across Silver Fields'

This was actually started in late December when snow covered the ground and was inspired by our Christmas day walk.
I also have been painting some pendants. This little collection are named 'Love Trees'

They will be listed in my Etsy shop over the course of today.
I hope 2011 has begun well for everyone?
A warm welcome to new followers.
xx

Time A Strange Thing

2010-12-31T18:12:00.002Z

Time is a strange thing. Where does it go? Slips through our fingers like silken cloth.
It only seems a moment a go that it was Christmas eve? The presents were wrapped beneath the tree and there was magic on the icy night air. Then in a fleeting moment it goes...
The snow has disappeared. Green has returned and I'm sure this morning I heard the tiniest hint of spring in the birdsong?
I've been wondering what to put on here? Searching inspirational poems or words, and how to wish you all a Happy New Year? I have one of the lurgys that are doing the rounds at the moment. A cold and cough and my mind couldn't settle on anything at all. That is, until today. I saw this video by the wonderful people at Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue and it put a huge smile on my face. So I thought I would share it with you.
Lets help make 2011 a good year for all.

Happy New Year everyone! May it be peaceful and filled with joy! xx

Old Tales On This Magic Night

2010-12-24T15:55:00.000Z

There is a legend shared by many countries that animals talk at midnight on this special night, Christmas Eve.

Some tales tell of the animals being given the power of human speech for one hour. Others say they can speak until dawn. God was so grateful for their help in comforting baby Jesus in the stable, he gave them voices for a short time. Bees are said to gather to hum hymns and oxen and cattle rise in their stalls or kneel in adoration of the new-born king. Since childhood I have loved these tales. One of my favourites has to be of the spider.
When Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus were on their way to Egypt, the story tells, as evening came they were weary and sought refuge in a cave. It was so cold that the ground was white with hoar frost. A little spider saw the baby Jesus and wished so much that he could do something to help keep him warm in the cold night. He decided the only thing that he could do was to spin a web across the cave entrance, a curtain to keep the icy wind out. Along the path came King Herods soldiers seeking to carry out his bloodthirsty order. When they came to the cave, they were about to burst in and search it to see if anyone was hiding there, but their captain noticed the spider's web. It was covered with the white hoar frost and stretched right across the entrance to the cave.
'Look,'he said, at the spider's web there. It is quite unbroken. There can't possibly be anyone in the cave as anyone entering would have torn the web'.
So the soldiers passed on and left the holy family in peace.

And that, so they say, is why to this day we put tinsel on our Christmas trees.
It is said that every tree should have a spider ornament to acknowledge the generous spirit of the little Christmas spider.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.
xxx

While We Slept

2010-12-22T20:18:00.002Z

Silently in the night, they came. Each tiny little snowflake a work of art in itself, falling secretly in the dark while we slept. When we awoke, winter the enchantress had us captivated and under her spell once again.

We walked early and caught the aroma of Saturday breakfasts on the icy hush. And down by the stream I was blessed to glimpse the shining blue of a beautiful Kingfisher. Alas not on camera, it was far too quick!

The snow has stayed and the children come in every day with rosy cheeks and sleep well each night from days of sledging. Presents are wrapped, mincepies baked and tommorow my little girl will be a teenager.

Dream Of Snow

2010-12-17T16:13:00.000Z

Back again as I've finished the painting! Here it is....

Dream Of Snow

We had some snow this morning, but now the sky is clear and the moon is bright. The light has been amazing the past couple of days. I do love the winter light.

And the light inside is just as pretty too.....

Have a lovely weekend!

The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

2010-12-16T12:11:00.000Z

Step into Narnia this winter....

I did the other day and enjoyed it very much!
x

A Painting Waits...

2010-12-13T16:57:00.003Z

"Love awoke one winter's night
And wander'd through the snowbound land,
And calling to beasts and birds
Bid them his message understand.

And from the forest all wild things
That crept or flew obeyed love's call,
And learned from him the golden words
Of brotherhood for one and all."
- Author Unknown

Above.. the beauty of ice and natures mastery taken in the cold spell last week. For now the fields have returned to a faded palette of greens and browns. But not for long.... The forecast is a return later this week to snow and ice and a wind that bites.

A painting waits patiently, half finished on my small easel. I am impatient, but at the moment my mind has been whirled off in other directions. And, there are Birthday and Christmas presents to hunt for.
Try not to get too whisked away your goodselves.
x

( Please excuse the small type. Blogger is playing up! ;)

The Winner is.....

2010-12-06T17:30:00.000Z

Well the snow came and kitties did venture out. Here is a paw print to prove it! :-)

It has gone now, but ice has returned and everything is a frosted magical world.

So to the giveaway!...
Thanks every one for taking part and leaving comments. It's so lovely to read them. :-)
Because there are alot of comments I used the random generator rather than do it the traditional hat method. There were 77 comments plus I added one by hand so to speak for Julia because Blogger was being silly and wouldn't let her comment.
The number chosen was:

Comment 15
Mermaidsdrown you are the winner!
Please email me your details (my email on the contact tab, left hand side of blog) your address details and I will send the toadstool to you.

Right, time for a hot chocolate I think?
x

Winter

2010-12-01T14:47:00.000Z

Winter has come.
Tapping at our window panes with frosted branch like fingers. Laughing her freezing north wind breath. Was she impatient to shake out her snowy cloak and air it of last years remains which Spring prevented her from emptying? Or does she have a new cloak to show off with?
We have only had sprinklings of snow here, but the wind has the bite of an ice dragon and the ground is as hard as stone.

I think Jasper has glimpsed that ice dragon ?
Willow is not that bothered, she just wants to sleep until Spring.

Ice is too cold on paws.

A glimpse of Autumn not so long ago. A leaf trapped in Winter.

(In case you are wondering, I did put fresh water in for the birds after I took this photograph of the bird bath this morning.)
***

Now, because it is the first day of December (officially winter in my eyes) and because I promised one not so long ago. .... it's time for a giveaway!
Among making other bits and pieces, I made a special mini hanger. Ideal I think to hang on a Christmas tree?

The toadstool measures 10cms x 6cms and has sparkly beads and bells hanging from it.

To win this, all you have to do is be a follower of my blog and leave a comment. I will send this toadstool to anywhere in the world to the first comment out of the hat. I will draw the winner next Monday (6th)
Good luck! :)
***

PS: I forgot to mention before. I have an original painting 'Wearing A Robe Of Gold' for sale in this open exhibition here. It's still on until mid December so there is time to pop along if you are in the area.

The Misty Month

2010-11-22T12:07:00.000Z

Whenever I think of November, I think of mist.
November will always be the misty month for me.

Beautiful to capture on camera and when it gets dark, the type of weather to curl up and dream, with a book or a movie by candle or starlight.

I'm looking forward to sitting down to watch this one, this chilly season. Such beautiful animation and soundtrack.

As the sun breaks through the smoky veil, creations have been coming to life on my desk.

The Mistletoe Hare

And other odds and ends.

Also available in my shop are The Starlight Hare in postcard form now.

And Fairy Dust. A new print. Actually an old piece of Artwork, but I felt it was sad to leave it shut away unseen.

Hope your Monday is merry and music filled.
xx
(And if you are wondering?...new items will be listed in my shop over the course of today)

Remembering Beyond Those Heather Clothed Hills

2010-11-13T15:17:00.000Z

Sitting at my desk this week I haven't needed music or radio to keep me company. Outside at times it sounded as if the sea was on my doorstep. The trees danced to a wild wind symphony while I watched from the window, cosy indoors.

When I was a child I was scared of the wind and used to bury my head under the bed clothes so as not to have to listen to it's calling. Now I love it and always think I hear and feel spirits and old souls in its song.
This week has been remembrance week and with that fierce wind blowing maybe on the 11th hour we heard those souls that have passed a little more clearly.
Here is my Grandad. (Grampy) in 1916.

He was one of the lucky ones. He survived, came home, and had seven children and got to push me in my pram for a just little while.
And here he is older with my Nan.

It was on a theme of remembrance that a heart hanger took shape this week.
The Exmoor Emperor will join the spirits on the wind now. I have painted a little tribute to him here.

There is a place beyond those heather clothed gentle hills where you run free. Deep within the starry constellations. Forever be.

The Exmoor Emperor was a stag that stood nine feet tall and was sadly killed by a trophy hunter a few weeks ago.

I felt a great need to make this little tribute. To settle something inside, for my own soul.
You can also help by clicking here. (A great charity that I myself donate to monthly)

It's strange how things seem interconnected sometimes. I painted a remembrance heart, in remembrance week. The painting was connected to Exmoor and so was a surprise package that arrived on my doorstep the other morning. Inside was a note that said the lovely parcel carefully wrapped in pink tisssue paper had been especially made for me. A thankyou gift for inspiring her.
I opened it and revealed the most beautiful glass hanger...

And it even had a hare on it! Wow how lucky am I!! Thankyou so much Lizzie. I will treasure it and soon hang it in my little wooden studio. :) x

Why don't you pop over to her shop. There are lots more beautiful things on sale.

The Exmoor Emperor heart is now for sale in my shop.
Take care in this windy weather. x

A Special Moment In A Day

2010-11-05T18:08:00.000Z

The morning was grey. Soft rain fell as if a gentle sea mist had payed us a visit. There was not a hint of wind to blow the strongest few leaves that remained on trees. The rain drops collected until they were heavy on stems, November jewels decorating the birds winter feast.
I didn't take an umbrella.

Across the field over the stile, into the lane, then up the road. I scuffed through coppery beech leaves carpeting my path.
I was on a short journey to a certain place that last week a friend of mine had mentioned. She had seen something. A type of something that you don't normally come across in Wiltshire?
I began to wonder whether she had possibly imagined it as I grew near to the area?

I carried on, wanting to find that 'unusual' that something 'different', that 'moment' that can change a day into something special.
When everyone else was getting on with doing what they do on a Friday. Winding down for the weekend in the office, getting the groceries in the local supermarket. taking their child to the dentist.... Here I was hunting for that little bit of magic to turn my day from ordinary to extraordinary.

Then I reached the place. All was quiet, not even a dog walker about. Just a plain old field. But a field that held childhood memories of laughter and mushroom picking for me.
And then I saw them....

Reindeer!!

Such beautiful magical creatures!

They made my day. :-)

***
Thanks to my friend Lucy for the tip off. :) x
She has recently opened an Etsy shop just a few days ago, so please go and pay her a visit here

Nights Cloak

2010-11-01T14:13:00.000Z

The night is wrapping her woven cloak around us earlier now that the clocks have turned back. What a marvellous cloak it is, embroidered with delicate starshine, steeped in indigo and milkyway. She is an enchantress, casting a spell over the far northern and southern hemispheres with her rainbow silky aurora dances she hypnotises all who fall under who spell.
My three new hearts are decorated with her dancing. Oh, and hares as I have had so many requests for more 'hares'. :)

I will be listing these very shortly in my Etsy shop here
And I've finally got around to finishing this, which will also go into the shop too.

Happy November to you! x

Stone And Light

2010-10-29T16:59:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was too beautiful a breezy day to stay indoors, so we walked among Aveburys ancient stones instead...

Can you see the faces in them? Each stone has a face somewhere, if you look hard enough. Some are easy to see, as the one just above. Sometimes I like to imagine that each one is a person or animal, hidden, frozen in time. I imagine them awakening and dancing in their circle.
(Now that could be a painting to put in my sketchbook! ;) )

Outside the trees are still holding on to their leaves.

And inside the light is a silken veil.

I was hoping to share three new hearts here today, but they will have to wait as it is just so dark outside. Much too dark and rainy to photograph anything. So I'll be back maybe tommorow or Sunday?
Enjoy your weekend. x

A Walk On Hills and A Splash Of The Sea

2010-10-19T21:41:00.000+01:00

Who were you.... you who trod these ancient hills... Our footsteps follow the same paths. We breathed the same air, just in different times. Did you stop and see the beauty in the silvery grasses and watch the wind make them dance as I did?

Were the hills covered in so many papery blue harebells you could almost hear them ring?
When I felt lucky to find just a few.

Did you ride a white horse upon these downs or watch while this one was being carved?

This place, Cherhill ,Oldbury castle hillfort was occupied in Roman times. It is said to be haunted by ghostly Roman soldiers. They have been seen on a road near to the camp. I didn't see any sign of them, but maybe I should return by moonlight?

We walked here on Sunday, a lovely sunny day and not so far from home.
There was a powerful silence around these beech trees.

It felt as if they were keeping a secret.... Do you ever get that feeling?

Well my new hearts are not a secret, so I will share them with you.
This week I transported myself (not physically sadly, but in my mind) back to the sea.

The titles of these pieces are: Turquoise Dreamer, Last Night I Dreamed Of Dolphins (and below) Tintagel

And they are for sale here
I have another 3 hearts almost finished on a different theme but that will be for another day, not so far off. :-)

October Days

2010-10-12T19:32:00.001+01:00

"Come said the wind to
the leaves one day,
Come o're the meadows
and we will play.

Put on your dresses

scarlet and gold,
For summer is gone
and the days grow cold."

- A Children's Song of the 1880's

So far the days have been mild here this October.
Today sunlight shines on the reddest berries. The blackbird has begun it's feast in the holly tree, a signal for me to pick my chosen berry laden branches and put them into a bucket of water, in the greenhouse ready for Christmas. If I don't, by the end of the week the tree will be bare.

Some things that I have enjoyed and done so far this October...

1. Hunted for toadstools
2. Hugged a huge oak tree
3. Met up with an old dear friend for a good natter
4. Collected conkers and autumn leaves.
5. Working in my new studio.
6. The spicy scent of wood on my new canvas. (If you follow me on Facebook, then you will already know this! ;) )

And today when I was in town, I saw a man which brought a smile to my face. Amid the rather bland landscape of shops, he swept through with a touch of magic surrounding him. On his shoulders were two of the most beautiful green parrots! And with his clothes, he looked as if he might have stepped from the pages of Inkheart. I love moments like these don't you?

Funny how things seem connected sometimes? That man and his parrots was similar to my latest little painting a 15x 15 cm canvas. It is titled 'Francis On The Hill'

I've been meaning to include a St Francis of Asissi ( patron saint of animals and the enviroment ) symbolic type figure for a while now in one of my paintings. It wasn't until two days later, once I had begun the painting that I realised that I had sketched this out on the 4th October (his feast day) without any knowledge of the date. Strange coincidence... but true.
Francis On The Hill will be available as a print in my Etsy shop very very soon. Along with some new postcards of 'Rest Your Weary Head'

I can't believe that we have reached 500 followers! Amazing! Thank you all so much for being interested in this little place of goings on. And for all your comments. x
Hmmmm......I think it must be nearly time for another giveaway soon? ;-)

Tonights moon

Sleepy Mice, Toadstools and A Face Among Leaves.

2010-09-27T23:13:00.002+01:00

We have two cats and love them dearly. But sometimes, well,.... cats will be cats.

The other morning one of my two, was doing just this, being a cat. I opened the back door to find two of the dearest little mice. Not a mark on them, almost untouched, but sadly dead. I made a grave for them lined with leaves beneath the hawthorn tree and placed an apple core for their journey. These two mice stayed with me all day in my head and inspired me to paint.

Two toadstool hangers.

The words read: 'Rest your spirit beneath the sleepy leaves and wild woods' and 'When the sun fades sleep gently dear one'

Nights have been chilly this week. A fire has been lit on more than one occasion. In the garden I am being watched and shadowed by a friendly Robin.

The other morning I went out in search of capturing Autumn rain drops.

Autumn can be seen everywhere now. Have you spied her watching you?

'She swept through the garden with a misty cloak. And beneath berry boughs I spied her Autumn face'

***

(Wooden Heart Hanger and both Toadstools will be listed shortly in my Etsy shop)

And before I leave, here's a little enchanting Autumn magic I found on You tube.

Autumn And A Starlight Hare

2010-09-18T20:23:00.002+01:00

Autumn always seems more peaceful somehow? Is it because things are winding down, giving in, getting tired, in preparation for winters first touch of icy fingers? Things shine brighter in Autumn. Berries, dew covered apples, colours of changing leaves, there is more contrast. The skies seem bluer than blue against the blood red of the hawthorn berries. Behind that peaceful exterior though is a busyness. Harvesting and storing quickly before the last of the runner beans wither, toughen and dry up. Before we hear the weatherman on our radios and televisions announce that temperatures will drop to a ground frost, while Jupiter shines in the fading years sky.

I hear the slow ticking of Mother nature's clock, steady like a heart beat.
Creatures stock up and indulge in extra sunny days before the big sleep.

Preparing and looking for possible places to spend those long cold months.

A spiders web, a lace curtain in fairyland,

catching the mornings sunlight sparkles.

Darkness comes early now. Time to restock the log pile, ring the chimmney sweep, light the candles, incense and buy those new slippers you've had your eye on.
For some it will be their very first taste of Autumn. A first taste of blackberries and first sharp smell of cold and frost in the air.

As you may have guessed, these are the baby chicks with their Mum behind, that hatched a few weeks back.

If only we could all look at things as if we had never seen them before. As if it were our first Autumn. Maybe then we wouldn't take things for granted and would appreciate the small things that we have right in front of us?
I put the finishing touches to the painting I had on the easel this week. This picture has been in my head for a long time and has waited patiently for it's turn to come out. The Starlight Hare is an acrylic painting on wood panel and is available as a print in my Etsy shop here...

Refreshed

2010-09-14T14:16:00.000+01:00

Thanks everybody for your lovely comments. Yes, thankyou I had a lovely break in Cornwall and am feeling refreshed again for the Autumn. Now I am busy. A stack of wooden hearts and creatures are waiting to be brought to life. The painting on the easel is almost finished, and there are canvases waiting in the wings that are calling too. This is just a quick post to show you some Pendants. Again made with the leftover scraps of wood. I still have a big bag full, so you will be seeing more pendants for quite some time. ;)

If you are interested in buying any of these, I will be listing them today in my Etsy shop.
Hope you are all having a good week?
x

Still Sand In My Pockets

2010-09-06T22:05:00.001+01:00

Sea Fever

I MUST go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face, and a gray dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

John Masefield

I am home, but there is still sand in my pockets.

Crystal clear sparkling rockpools, bone white shells, sea glass, seaweed tresses of mermaid hair, tiny fairy fishes, selkies, seals, castles Kings,wizards, turquoise and Tintagel have been let into my wooden house of dreams. They have joined the dance inside of moonstone, hares, velvet winter coats, hearts,words,spirals and midnight cats. Seashells decorate the houses garden now and salty waves lap gently into the mossy moat. The little passages of my minds house are never ending with wonderings and wanderings. Right now I can see a small window and moonlight shines through its leaded diamond panes. A door is ajar and whispers of words are escaping and creeping into the smallest places. They hide in matchboxes, jam jars, teacups, mirrors and the shadows and sparkles behind a curtain.

A door has opened and words have returned.

Happy September everyone!

A Late Summer Break

2010-08-22T23:22:00.000+01:00

These past couple of days I have felt quiet and wordless. As though a switch has been turned off, or I've been put onto auto pilot. Natures way of reminding us to have a break from the routine, step away, recharge. So I will do just that. We are away to a cosy place among the sand dunes by the sea, soon. A place to let the ocean breeze toss the cobwebs into the atlantic surf. I wonder what the mermaids will do with my old thoughts?
In between I'm going to look for dragonflies and kingfishers, read about belladonna, mandrakes and maybe do some wild swimming?

I have a painting on the easel but it's not quite finished yet so that will have to wait until my return to show you by which time hopefully it will also be professionally scanned and available to buy as a new print.
I will be back in September finger stained from blackberry picking, refreshed and ready for Autumn.

Before I disappear I thought I'd share some new additions. I've always had a 'thing' and been drawn to glass cabinets with treasures inside. Well recently at the local Car boot sale I was lucky enough to pick up this for £20 which I thought was a bargain. My collection of shells fits happily and now do not need to be dusted.

The other new addition sits happily on top of the seashell cabinet. A gorgeous hare. ( large middle one)
My Dad bought me this as a surprise very early birthday present ( he saw it , bought it and couldn't wait until December to give it to me! ;) Thanks Dad xx

My Etsy shop will be closed from 26th August until 5th September.
So until then, I'll leave you with some songs I've been listening to lately. See you soon and make the most of and enjoy the rest of the summer.
x

Wild In The Garden And Some Chirpy Birds

2010-08-09T17:56:00.000+01:00

The garden has taken the path to wild, unruly and untamed.

It's become a little paradise for insects.

The part of me that likes things organised has been put on pause when it comes to the garden. What a difference this little piece of 'wild' has made. There are more insects seen here than anywhere else in the garden. It's a joy to see all the bees, crickets and tiniest of blue butterflies enjoying this little patch.
While the garden gets even more wilder, I've been busy with a new project.

Let me introduce you to my new studio/summer workspace...

After much ummings and ahhings I finally decided to get one of these.
I am so excited about working in here. It's surrounded by hawthorn, hazel, plum, roses,and orange blossom, and I plan to plant foxgloves and honeysuckle and hang bird feeders for my feathered friends.
There is still quite abit of landscaping, digging and planting around it, to turning it into an inspiring wild retreat outside and in. So I will continue with it and hopefully the warm days will continue well into Autumn to enable me to work outside that bit longer.

I will leave you with new chirpy bird designs some of which will be flying over to Etsy shortly.
Oh yes, don't forget to wish upon a shooting star! The Perseid Meteor showers peak on August 12th.

And The Winner is.....

2010-08-02T22:45:00.001+01:00

Everything has been running late today and so here I am a little later than expected in the day to let you know who has won the giveaway. Thanks so much for taking part everyone. :-)
I really enjoyed making these pendants so I'm sure I will be making more as there are always snippets of wood left from the larger hangers.

So this time as it is late and there were a lot of comments I used the random number generator thingy and the lucky number to come out was 7.
So who was the 7th comment? .......Drum roll...... Ta da ! It's ...

Lizzie

Lizzie please email me your address and I will get the pendant in the post to you. :-)

xXx

Where My Footsteps Have Been And A Little Giveaway.

2010-07-29T01:55:00.001+01:00

Footsteps on ancient land. Wiltshire my birth place and home county.

Land of magic, standing stones, Avebury, Stonehenge, Silbury hill, crop circles, chalk hill horses and Moonrakers. Where the landscape is strong with the smell of cut corn, hay and farms.

If you stop, be still and really listen, there are voices, memories and secrets blowing on the wind with the whispering sea of grass.

And when you look closely between the grass, there are jewels to be found.

And when you look above it there are the friendliest of faces.

Today I left my home land for a trip across the border into Gloucestershire, to another equally magical place.
My feet walked pathways that Romans, JRR Tolkien and Dr Who had trod. An enchanted forest.
Follow me and tread the path of Puzzlewood.

Have we have wandered straight into the pages of Middle Earth? All is quiet, the wind is gentle on the leaves but the trees creak. Could they be Ents and will they start moving their rooted feet?..

Everything is clothed in a cloak of moss. Rocks, cold stone, frozen in time.

A Greening place.
Mysterious, magical, A fairy tale land.

The air is clear and the branches are decorated.

A labyrinth of secret passageways. I was careful not to stray from the path.

Do the ferns and spiders webs hide an entrance somewhere to an elven home?

Is it this way?

Or across here?

A storyland of pathways, I could have stayed all day. My photographs do not do this place justice. It is truly another world. You can read more about it here and I found two wonderful film clips on You Tube which capture the essence of the place if you are interested in seeing more.

Now it's time for a little celebration. Lately I've noticed that the numbers of followers have been steadily going up, so to show my appreciation, I think it's time for a little giveaway!
Not wanting to waste anything, recently I've begun using the small scraps of wood and turning them into necklace pendants. This one is forest inspired and will be the giveaway prize.

All you have to do is be a follower and leave a comment. The lucky one picked out on Monday 2nd August will win the necklace.

Sitting On A Doorstep Feeling Bunny Tails

2010-07-16T16:22:00.000+01:00

This week I have been mostly painting wooden hangers to restock my Etsy shop. The week has flown by in a blur, it really is frightening how the time seems to pass so quickly. I really do need a real time turner, or a tardis or something?
Here are a few pictures of hangers that are already or if not, will be listed in the next few days...

I'm waiting for some new varnish, then I will have more to list including some original paintings, so watch this space. :)
It's been tree whispering weather. Blowy, breezy with gentle tinkle of windchime and bell. I'm sure many an angel has recieved wings these past few days.

Some things I've enjoyed this week...

Working late and watching the moths tap tapping at my window. Their eyes shine copper in the light from my desk lamp.
Smelling purple buddleia.
Eating raspberries straight off the bush.
Flower petals

I planted this hollyhock from seed a couple of years ago. This year is the first year it has flowered and I'm really pleased with the colour.
And remember a few months back when I planted bunny tails? Well here they are. Every time I sit on the door step with a cup of tea I have been enjoying feeling and fondling the bunny tails. Yes, I probably look rather strange doing this, but they are so soft, it is hard to resist. :-)
I'll definitely be growing them again next year.

I've also been enjoying music. I always do of course, but sometimes you find a special piece that you just have to keep playing again and again to satisfy your soul. This is that piece for me at the moment. I don't know who it is by and it's only short. It accompanies this beautiful film footage. I hope you enjoy it too. x

A Fairytale Tale of Snake And Toad

2010-07-08T02:22:00.001+01:00

As a child like most children I read and re-read fairytales and loved them. As I grew a little older I accepted that in real life if Red Riding Hood's Grandma had been eaten by a wolf then it was very unlikely that the wood cutter would have rescued her still alive from the belly of the slain wolf.

Illustration by Gustave Dore

The same goes for the seven little kid goats (except the clever one hidden in the grandfather clock that is ) saved, alive, bleating and replaced with stones in the stomach of another big bad wolf. I soon realised this too was beyond belief.

Illustrator unknown?

Recently however I had such an obscure encounter of my own it surely seems to have stepped off the very pages of a fairytale. Sadly there are no photographs as I didn't have my camera with me at the time. Oh how I wish I had....
It happened a few weeks ago on the day that our Mother hen had hatched her two eggs. She had to be moved to a safe pen with her newborn chicks. The pen was moved to a new position and it was as we brushed the old sawdust out that a rather long grass snake appeared. It headed straight across to the vegetable bed and quickly became entangled in the strawberry netting that we use as fencing to protect the plants from scratching hens. I soon realised this strawberry netting is lethal to small creatures such as a snake.

I had never held a snake before, but did as I've watched on numerous occasions on television and held it by the back of it's head whilst it lashed about frantically. Poor thing, the more it moved the more it became embedded in the net. My daughter quickly ran to get scissors and we carefully cut the net away from it's scales and thankfully managed to free it. It began to slither away slowly, then stopped and proceeded to regurgitate its lunch, a brown slime covered lump. Not a pretty sight....
The snake then slipped under cover to safety, beneath the blackberry brambles and we had a closer inspection of the brown slime covered lump which we noticed now was moving slightly. Yes, moving! With the aid of a small watering can of water the slime was washed away and low and behold there sat a toad still alive! Once we cleaned him or her off it began to walk slowly. We picked it up and carried he or she in a flower pot to the other side of the land away from the grass snake and set it free.
This is a memory I will now keep with me forever. It was just so surreal...
And before you ask.... No, I didn't kiss the toad.
So who knows, maybe if the wolf had been a giant snake then Grandma and the six baby goats would have survived after all?

I do apologise if I have given you the shivers with this story. My posts don't often contain talk of snakes,slime and Grandmas being eaten. For those of you that don't know, a grass snake is a totally harmless snake and a protected species in this country.And for those of you that use the lethal strawberry netting, please be sure to watch out for wildlife getting caught.

To calm things down now ;) Here is something relaxing to finish with. A little birdsong in my garden.

Back To Normal

2010-06-30T14:31:00.000+01:00

Things are back to normal here after the excitement of the little tea party. Thank you all for your sweet comments. I really do appreciate anyone taking the time to leave one. :) My daughter did enjoy participating and made a perfect Alice. She loves drama and stories and infact attends a drama group every Saturday.

I 've been enjoying the sun shining, having all the windows open and the magical midsummers moon. Did you see it? Glowing, orange tinted, Mars like, as it rose up over the hill. I did try to capture it on camera, but wasn't very sucessful. Just have to capture with paint instead.
So, here is my latest work to share with you. It's titled 'The Dreaming Company' and is acrylic paint on canvas and roughly A3 size.

The photographs are not that brilliant, but it is too big for my scanner. When I go to town next I'll get an A3 scan done. The Company Of Dreamers you may have noticed includes some of the characters from 'The Moonlit Gathering' That's because it is the follow on painting. I'm planning on doing one more too.

A new painting sits upon the easel and many wooden creatures are waiting to be cut out and brought to life, to stock up the shop. That means it's time to get busy and bid you a sunshiney farewell til next time.
Have a wonderful week. x