Crunchy Golden leaves and wood smoke

The studio is filling up with lots of artworks and crafty bits in readiness for some Christmas sales. I have been painting away with the sound of my children digging my lawn up outside!!!! a little voice came in and said, " mum its alright if we dig a veggie patch in the garden, isn't it?" You know what it is like when you are really engrossed in something and you just answer automatically without really listening and then your brain finally catches up.....Aah! NO! what was that you said about digging up the garden....( runs out of studio into garden to find the little darlings about to dig a huge hole in my lovely lawn!!!)
I then had to drop everything that was going on in the studio, to show my children, where I would like the veggie patch. I shouldn't complain as they are really enthusiastic and are doing all of the hard work.
Next week is half term and will be the perfect opportunity to get the help I need around the place so as I can keep on creating.... and finally I may be able to put some products into my etsy shop!!..... til next time.....can't stop have to go and get my hands all painty!

All things wooden

Ideas have been flooding from my brain into my sketchbook in the Studio this week (via a pencil in my hand you understand!) I am thinking of gifts that I can make for my family and friends, very appropriate considering the 'Credit Crunch' and all of that. I think that we should all remember the true meaning of Christmas and make gifts for each other rather than spending money we don't have on presents no one wants. I myself always would far rather have a handmade art and craft creation that someone has taken time over, and put a little bit of themselves into, than a box of chocolates or bubble bath (hmm chocs are yummy and I don't mean to offend anyone because any gift is gratefully received but you know what I mean!)
Anyway, so the ideas are flooding in alot were inspired by some days I have been spending at my 10 year old daughters school. I have been helping them to design and make totem poles for the playground. Each year group has a pole to burn there design into and then paint. The children have really been excited and PROUD of their efforts and so they should be. The theme was nature and pond life, alot of dragonflies, butterflies, fish and frogs. I had so much fun and really got inspired to produce some new wood based artworks. I liked the idea of burning designs into the wood........ watch this space!! Now back to my work, maybe one day I will get around to putting some new pictures up.