Dandelion Clocks And Little Treasures

There are so many things that I love about this time of year. The cloak of green returns, scent of apple blossom and bluebell, birds nest of moss, lambs, brimstone butterflies on primrose and tiny blue on holly, leafy lanes edged in cow parsley and dandelions.

I love the word 'dandelion' it originates from the old french word 'dentdelion' meaning  'tooth of the lion' referring to the sharply indented leaves of the plant although I wonder if it doesn't also mean the deep long root it has which you discover when you try to remove them from unwanted places? I remember as a child my Mother telling me that dandelion leaves were good for me, full of iron and having fun picking them and making a dandelion sandwich.(Not very often though as I didn't like the bitter taste) I remember trying to capture  the bright golden blooms in bunches, then feeling disappointment when indoors they would close up like daisies. The golden dandelion is an outdoor beauty. With face to the sun and left to go to seed will  transform into magical fairy clocks.
Did you ever pick them and try to make them last longer than a day by spraying some of your Mum's  hair laquer on them as a child? I did. :)

Another thing I like about this time, is discovering treasures at the local car boot sales that begin again in Spring. Here are some I recently found...

A beautiful illustrated story of a dragon, a golden journal to write secret ideas in and a unicorn.
And another owl.

 Who I can feel is a little special?...

 So apart from enjoying simple pleasures I have been busy making...

Listing new items in my Etsy shop...

I have been trying for ages to source a reasonable place to get Greetings cards printed. So decided to do a taster and get a small batch done.

Many people have been asking if I will be doing more painting on hearts. The answer is yes, definitely.
I'm painting at the moment on a canvas A3 size and it's taking a little longer than anticipated so I will wait a teeny bit longer until the showing of  pictures. In the meantime though  as it's quite similar in some ways I thought I'd show you a painting I did a couple of years back.

                                                                They Came Bearing Gifts

This is the largest painting I have ever done on canvas and measures 100x80cms. It hangs on the living room wall, so the photograph is not perfect. On a bright day I'll take it outside and make a really clear copy, then I might make it available as a print?

Thank you so much to everyone that gives me awards. I keep meaning to do them but there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to keep up a weekly blog and paint and create. I really do appreciate you thinking of me though. and one of these days will do something special?

Just a couple more things ... Don't forget I have a facebook page if you would like to come along and join, you would be more than welcome :) It's here!
Finally, I've been honoured today to have one of my paintings on the blog of the talented Terri Windling. Go take a look here
So, until another day I bid you  fair spring in your step and warm sunlight on your face. x

Happy St George's Day

A song to share on St George's Day.



I will be back in a few days to share some other little things. Have a magical weekend. x

New Life

A little miracle to share with you.

This is always amazing to see. New life, tiny babies leaving the nest.
Yes,I am going to be overun with spiders living in the greenhouse. But, all the more to catch the greenflies!
And here is another nest...
'Sweet Dreams' An acrylic painting on canvas and already available as a print to buy here.

Now, I'm just finishing off this...

 And then...... another picture is waiting in the wings to be brought to life... 

I love the busyness of Spring .

A Reindeer In Spring

There is always so much to do this time of year. Everyone and everything seems busy. The birds are nest building or egg sitting, insects are scurrying here and there as if there is no tommorow. Seeds need sowing, gardens need digging, weeds are growing, window sills need painting, rooms need decorating. In between it's Easter and school holidays. No wonder I am a night owl, there aren't enough hours in the day.
But sometimes you just have to sit in the sun.

Or photograph pretty things.

 Look up to the skies. And look out for the magic.

This week I've done all the above mentioned things. I planted seeds, dug and weeded, painted a room, scurried around like an insect, fussing over eggs (chocolate ones) and I made a  nest. (well I drew one :))

 A little peep into my ideas book, for forthcoming paintings.

  I also made this.

This reindeer has been waiting to be brought to life for ages. And even though it's Spring, a reindeer is for life, not just for Christmas. Don't you think?
x

My Week

This week has been filled with this and that. Last Saturday we turned our lights off for one hour, lit candles and played games in support of Earth hour. Above chocolate ladybirds and seeds some of the games prizes to win.
This week  has been given over to decorating. Our hall has been painted and new floor tiles laid. Just the kitchen to do now. I've managed to escape to my desk and lap top when I'm not needed ;) I finished painting some little hedgesparrows and planned ideas in my sketchbook.

I've enjoyed a lovely shopping trip with my friend to Marlborough and spied a church that looked like a castle.

 

I've picked daffodils, smelled many more primroses, and awoken early at dawn and listened spellbound, with a mug of tea, to the beautiful dawn chorus.
One night I sat up late, alone and  lost myself  in this beautiful film. I just love this clip...



And the music, I can't seem to stop listening to. I love the explanation of understanding poetry. I feel it's the same with painting and pictures.



Whatever you are doing this Easter weekend, I hope you enjoy yourselves. x