...and I am free!! The last fiddly-widdly bit has been filled in, the final sheet of artwork removed from the board. My table is a ruined battle ground of scattered palettes, ravaged tubes of paint and steaming brushes. An air of finality hangs about the studio: it is done. (And it isn't coming out until February, so even I won't know what it really looks like till then).
Time to say thank you to kind people who gave me those award thingys, namely Kim of Oakmoon, Hen of Bee-leaf, Elizabeth of the House in Marrakesh, Pamela and lovely Edward for being so kind about my work and Dana of Calico Cat Press. Phew...I am far too lazy to follow award rules, so instead here are seven blogs which have been added to my ever growing list of favourites. (206 and counting).
Under the Licorice Tree one of the most inventive, original needle felters I have seen (and a set of vintage toy clockwork monkeys to die for).
Anglesey Allsorts, cottage-y, vintage-y, country life loveliness.
So Much Pileup an ever growing collection of gorgeous graphic images and illustration from the 1960's to 80's.
Desideratum a Canadian artist and crafter, a lovely arty, family medley.
The Hogscald Holler - He plays bluegrass, She hooks rugs - they both live overlooking the wonderfully named Beaver Lake, and to an untravelled Brit such as myself, it is marvellously American.
Sea Angels - more vintage, crafty beauti-full-ness and sweet writing.
and not leastly, but in total contrast, Lizard M.C.C; big beardy blokes on bikes. More or less. Not all of them are beardy, not all of them are big, but it is a guaranteed oily, sweaty bike-fest.
I lied, just one more. Dog Daisy Chains. A professional embroiderer from Lancashire - I have run out of flattering words - sublime? Yes.
This has been, for reasons I can't go into, the most intense, complicated job I have worked on. But it is my first UK book, and for that I love it. Though I think people who kindly admire my subdued artworks are going to be disappointed.
To celebrate, New Goosie and I flumped out on the sofa with wine and Mr Kiplings Strawberry and Cream fondant fancies, which I can report are utterly delicious. (Limited edition, so get them while they're in season). Goosie was thrilled to hear that her sister, Lanky Lil had been featured on Snap Dragon's Garden, having been taken in by Jane, who said such nice things about her that I fear her little head may have swollen.
What next? Sobbing with relief I can pick up my neglected felting needle - a backlog of orders to clear, a set of samples for Something, new designs to make up, dusting off my sewing machine, Christmas cards to sort out, oh and I almost forgot, The Green Gallery, in Stirling, Scotland has asked me to contribute to a Christmas show - I am quietly excited to be sending six toys and four paintings. But before any of that, I am going to get myself outside of a bacon sandwich and take my camera for a walk across the fields - it's been a long time, and the Sun is finally coming out.
