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