Funny how deadlines creep up on you...the next few days are going to be intense (er) . I am five toys down and on my last painting.
Mr Lavender was the first piece I made for the Green Gallery order. I think he is a retired actor, now living in genteel poverty, but who still has a way with the ladies.
Pippin was a bit of a tricky one, black is an absolute bugger to work with, if you'll pardon my language - it seems to pick up more stray (non-black) bits than white. I am not over fond of penguins myself, and Pippin has a calculating look in his beady glass eye...but I am going to make more, as I know that there are penguin lovers out there.
Although his flippers are quite cute and as they are jointed with strong waxed cotton, he can march all the way to whatever Pole penguins come from...I always forget.
I am now going to disappear for a few days and get my act together. Quick march!
That Penguin looks like he has a bit of a temper. If Penguins bite, I'd watch out!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful; and look at his underwing; so much detail. Mr. Lavender seems to be carrying something, too.
good luck! deadlines are always deadly, aren't they?
Ánimos Gretel! (It's Cheer up in spanish)
ReplyDeleteI love Mr Lavender! I was beginning to think he lived in a sea-side town in a failing b&b and smelt a bit off, but then I noticed he's MR LAVENDER! So obviously he smells lovely! :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent. I think your way of making feet is perfect for penguins :)
ReplyDelete(SOUTH pole - and some parts of South America. Polar bears are the northerners)
Thank you for the lovely calendar, card, and good wishes! It will have pride of place on my desk (now I just have to clear it off . . .)
ReplyDeleteThese chaps are both lovely - a triumph I say - goodluck with the deadline - I know you'll make it ... look forward to seeing the results of course too ... ;-)
ReplyDelete-Gail X
Pippin looks very festive with is red scarf.
ReplyDeleteYour toys always make me smile! I really need to have a clear out so I can clear some space so I can have one of my own :0)
ReplyDeleteI can sympathise with deadlines, I've been working really hard to one and this evening have had to give myself the evening off before I crack *sigh*
Fabulous Gretel. I so admire the way you just get down to it. I get so distracted by all my other commitments!
ReplyDeleteKim x
So funny and sweet! :))
ReplyDeleteOo! Lovely penguin!
ReplyDeleteThey are just wonderful! Are you doing the Green Gallery Xmas Fair? I was chatting to Lynn (My Baboo) in Killearn the other day and she mentioned that there was someone who did needlefelting going to be there.
ReplyDeleteSo much personality!! They both are just charming! Enjoy the work, you're very good at it, you know!
ReplyDeleteFabulous, the pair of them! Good luck with your deadline.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful chaps!
ReplyDeleteI imagine them both as the good cop/bad cop in some turn of the century tale :) Mr Lavender, rather bumbling and Pippin with slightly evil secret goings-on in dingy back streets :)
Wishing you much success in your last rush!
x
I'd keep an eye on that penguin if I were you... who knows what he's hatching behind those beady little eyes of his...
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of fabulous chaps! Good luck with your deadline.....
ReplyDeleteYou always make me smile with your wonderful talent.
ReplyDeleteThat little penguin looks like he is just going to walk right off the screen. He definitely has a plan for the day.
He is just darling.
Hope you are doing well my friend.
Take good care.
Hugs,
I love the little penguin. His little red scarf is just the ticket!!! Your watercolors are marvelous, also! I love the vibrancy of them! What brand do you use? Do you use stick? thanks
ReplyDeleteI like the idea that Mr. Lavender loves the ladies. He is very dapper in his top hat.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your frantic toy-making!
I love all your needle felting, I wish I was as clever!
ReplyDeleteHi Gretel!
ReplyDeleteI just found you and soooo glad I did. I love your style and these critter are fabulous. I will be back and visit often as I'm throwing you in my blogroll if you don't mind! Ooooh I am psyched! ;o)
:o) Amy
I'm in love with Pippin!! Are you sure you don't have a secret factory going ;-) You are always SO productive!! Have a great weekend Gretel x
ReplyDeleteSo very charming and delightful!
ReplyDeleteA most elegant duo!
ReplyDeleteIt has turned rainy in New York and all overcast.
We are rivaling you in England.
"genteel poverty" is such an evocative phrase!
ReplyDeletethe penguin is particularly wonderful
glad it sounds as though business is going well
Great news about the Green Gallery Gretel. (seem to have alot of 'G's happening here!
ReplyDeleteP.x
Pippin is especially sweet! I blame Club Penguin (social networking/gaming site for elementary school kids) for this recent love of penguins although your latest creation may very well sustain it.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking a lot about language as I do my work. A pair of chaps in American would be what the cowboys wear.
Good luck making your deadline!
They are both so cute. I think it'll be hard to keep tabs on both of them!
ReplyDeleteoh Pippen is full of cocky personality..like he's extremely proud of that red scarf! :-D very sweet Gretel!
ReplyDeleteOh aren't they just adorable!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely work Gretel!! Good luck on your deadline!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Debbie
just having a quick scan through your blog Gretel-beautiful toys! they have such a fantastic oldie worldie feel to them- like they've been around forever :0)
ReplyDeleteOh, the line of him!! Oh, the charm. To have your hands and to make such things. Ah, phooey. Now I feel useless again.
ReplyDelete