Skirt for Maria

The skirt is for Maria, the daughter of our friends in Crete.
Here it is then, the result of two days crafting. Beautiful material to work with, the lace edging around the bottom really set the skirt off and it hangs nicely. I have left the elastic waist band for Voula, Maria's mother, to adjust to the right size.
I'm hoping Maria likes the skirt as much as I've enjoyed making it, whilst at the same time practising using my new Brother sewing machine. I'm very pleased with that also.

Spring is Here

I've been taking advantage of today's beautiful weather and enjoyed weeding part of the rockery.
This little group of flowers tempted me to take a photograph.

Miniatures

I painted these two miniatures this morning, whilst waiting for washes on a larger painting to dry. Unfortunately the outline is visible but the pictures worked quite well and the outline isn't as obvious on the original painting.

Aladdin's Cave

There were a number of needlework and knitting materials I was needing for some of my craft projects. There is no local source for the items and it is difficult to purchase things like materials and cottons without actually seeing them. I had been told of a shop in Tiptree that carried a wide selection of resources, for every craft imaginable. It was a very wet afternoon, our plans to go into the garden were ruined so Dennis and I went off to find the Craft Shop.
What a sight for sore eyes it was, a crafter's treasure trove, the photo shows a selection of my purchases, lace and felt for more animals, dress material and a pattern as well as just two reels of cotton, for my armchair covers, from a display of hundreds of different colours and shades.
I really didn't want to come away from such an Aladdin's cave.

Painting Days

On 15th March I posted the first version of this painting, with a comment that the background seemed too pale. I have added more colour in the middle distance of the picture which I believe gives a more balanced and pleasing effect.

A trip to the cinema.

I went with friends to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D this afternoon. It's a PG film which kept us fascinated and fully entertained. The characters are brilliantly portrayed, my two favourites being the Cat and the Mad Hatter. The missiles, insects and ghosts whizzing out from the screen kept us ducking and diving throughout the film. A great experience!


I would have liked to have inserted a picture from the film but have been unable to succeed with that idea. However, you can watch a trailer, through Google, under:
'alice in wonderland cinema'.

A successful painting day.

My friend Pat
came round today and we each painted a picture from a photo I had taken whilst on holiday last summer. We had a very enjoyable day and this is my interpretation.

Our visitors

We put bird food out daily throughout the year and many of the birds become quite tame. Here is 'Mrs. Blackbird' thinking of flying away, having had her breakfast.
I just missed getting a picture of her on the doorstep.

Finished Door

It was quite a challenge painting the last stage of this picture, but also enjoyable to paint the small detail Only three colours were used: Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna and Cobalt Blue, varying the colour mix

Barn Door, stage one

The Door..redone

This door probably looks familiar, as I displayed my version a few days ago. I have painted the picture again, following my tutor's interpretation.

Fuchsias

This birthday card is my latest piece of needlework.

The Complete Sampler..in two parts!

Dog 3

Dog 4

St. David's Day

1st March.     Wishing everyone a very happy St David's Day.