Driftwood Swan

I walk the dog at the beach when I can, so I'm always on the lookout for inspiration and things to use.  To be honest there's not much that washes up there except junk.  Fortunately one day I found a rather inspiringly shaped piece of driftwood one day this winter.

I brought it home and let it thoroughly dry out.  In other words took it home and forgot about it, well not forgot, but more kept glancing at it and thinking I must find time to sit and do that.  Only not actually getting around to it.... until recently.

I used acrylic paint (I don't expect it to hold), then varnished it. I didn't like how the varnish glazed, so I used black enamel paint and white gloss for the main part. 

The image is before the glaze.  I then drilled a hole in the base and glued a wooden rod in, so I could stick it in the bushes in the garden. 

Yes that is a crazy heather bush, that has grown out of control.  Not much I can do with it, except keep it as it is and trim it every year.  Which is obviously something that was never done until I moved in.

Pencil Sketches

I didn't realise how long it is since I posted anything here.  I've had a tough couple of years health wise and it's taken it's toll on me both physically and mentally.  Recently I've started to draw and dust off the paint brushes again (the good weather has lifted my spirits I guess) ........ that Rooster painting is STILL waiting to be finished off .. sigh.   With my absence it would appear that the spammers are trying to post on the blog, so I'm glad I've moderated the comments.

I'll share a couple of pencil drawings with you in the meantime, not sure if I put the Pirlo sketch up before, but here it is.

He's a soccer star that used to play for Juventus (Italy), for those of you who don't know.  Now he's playing for NY city.

The next one is of my wee dog Louie.  I really wanted a pet portrait of the little rascal, plus I have a lot of empty wall space in the new house.  So it's good to get pictures up and make more homely.

I was lucky enough to find the perfect frame for it too, which I picked up in my local Mr Price store.  I have to admit it's not easy drawing an all white dog.  But I think it was worth taking my time to do it.

Doggie Knits

I'm a bit behind in posting some stuff, so better make a start on catching up. We got a new addition to the mad house in the form of a furry 4 legged little pooch. He's been taking up most of my time over the past year as he came from the pound and was about a year old with no training and no idea how to be a dog either. That's a whole other story.

I noticed that despite his lovely fluffy fur coat, he was feeling the cold last winter. So I thought I better knit up some sweaters this year just in case.  I picked up some cheap yarn in Dealz and chose a Drops pattern to try my luck at.  I've knotted some before for charity, but never knew how the fit was, or didn't like it.  For example the Biscuits & Bones pattern by patons, I didn't like the fold over neck.  I felt that this was just too much.  However it was a good pattern other than that.  I did some mods as you can see below.

Next up was Drops 102-42 Dog coat with traditional pattern again with that stupid fold over collar, which I omitted. I made the S size, but had to use the lengths for the XS to fit my little furball.  It was a good pattern and easy to follow and the fit was perfect.

My cousin was rather impressed and ordered an XS for her friends dog, which I made with a lovely navy glitter and cream.

Now that I was in full swing, I decided to make another glittery geansai for the festive season.  I chose the Drops Valentino  but found that the pattern wasn't as easy as the first one. I managed to adjust it, but it's a little big on the chest and I think I should have used a larger needle for the cast off under the belly.

If they had enough of that glitter yarn I would make one for myself too......lol

Summer blooms - even though Summer is hiding.

I've returned to my original method of card making.....yay! for me.  However getting aperture cards locally is difficult and I'm yet to find a steady source, which offer value for money.  So in the meantime I'm doing the folding and cutting by hand.  The card on the far right is upcycled materials, wallpaper, curtain hem and punched card.

Which also means if you have odd sized cards, that you will have to make the envelopes to match.  Which in my case turns out to be the square ones.  I did find a supplier, but shipping was a flat rate of €6.95 so I'll be looking for some interesting paper to make my own.  Especially since discovering you can make homemade envelope glue, using vinegar, sugar, gelatine and vanilla essence.  To my astonishment it works perfectly and stores in the fridge, you just have to heat it up everytime you use it.

There is an abundance of flowers by the roadside, so I don't need a garden full of blooms after all!  I'm hoping to make a load, and perhaps attend a car boot sale to see how it goes.  I've not seen any like these around, so I might be lucky and sell a few.  I also have a pile of stuff I want to get rid off..... declutter here I come.

Now if only I could find the stamina to finish that Rooster painting too!

Tyre upcycling

I just have to share a post with you on tyre upcycling.  Some are new ideas, others are old favourites just follow this link for ideas

I love these lights, but oh my the patience to carve the designs out!!

Second Canvas Sneak Peek

Whilst the first attempt at canvas painting went kind of alright.  I thought I would have another attempt.  Well I am beginning to wonder, if perhaps I am a bit ambitious or just a little impatient.  For the second one I decided on doing a cockerel, on paper it would be a doddle, with my other paints.  I'm starting to wish I chosen a different subject.

I keep telling myself just to keep at it and build on it, that it'll be worth it in the end.  Although it is now a bit further on, than pictured above.  I wanted to go at it some more, however the light wasn't right.  There have been too many dull days and for some reason I can't quite work the colours with the indoor lights on.  Perhaps I need new glasses.

I haven't decided yet whether to keep it to a white background or fill it in.  I suppose I'll see how I feel once it's done ~ whenever that may be.

I can safely say there will be nothing ambitious for the large canvas that's left, or even the smallest one for that matter!

More Charity Cards

I have been a little active in the creative department, however, I have been falling behind in the posting of it all.

This is the next bundle I made, not so many Christmas ones this time!  I'm trying to use up all the bits and pieces that I have saved or hoarded, as well as using up card stock that has mounted up.  Really about time I got around to using it.

I really like bright colourful card, it's just so much more happier somehow.