A pair of chaps

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!

Sleepy Sam

...and he's not the only one. But while Sam is wearing just the one hat, I am wearing several, as it were and juggling a book job with toy making with getting my new card designs up for sale, is starting to wear a little.

Yawn...

...pick me up and put me to bed with a good book and some cocoa. Preferably not standing on my head.

Jenny Big-Foot

Good bye Jenny Big-Foot. You were only two days old when you left home and you were my favourite toy I have made so far; we both have big broad feet, and a rather shy attitude to people we don't know.





You looked so proud as I tied your official name tag round your neck and my heart twinged as I listed you on Etsy. Less than two hours later you were no longer mine...but I was so pleased to find it was a fellow illustrator, Michele who had taken you. It made it easier.




I gave your beak a little (dry) kiss as I packed you in tissue and sent you on your way. Now you are travelling hundreds of miles away, across the Atlantic ocean - farther than I have ever been or probably ever will be. The toy shelf is emptier without you.




I might have to make you again.