the sea was calling . . .

the sea was calling, singing its soothing song

we picked up our feet & made for the shore

an early morning walk in a puff of cool air

we spied the promise of autumn blackberries

tiny faerie petals nodding in the breeze

delicate wild roses sweet scented

returning home with calmness restored

inspired by nature to do more designs

fairie-ality and more

this book was a present from a very dear friend

she knows me oh so very well

for i loved it at once

with its tiny, delicate costumes

delicious layout & illustrations

sumptuous colours & use of all things faerieish

bringing back memories of a long ago time

designing my own children's fancy dress clothes

take a peep here faerie-ality to gasp again in delight

at the wonderful work of david ellwand,

then look forward in anticipation to the soon to be released

fairieality style book

i cannot wait to see. . .

paths & paintings . . .

the "red-den" opening is creeping closer . . .

there has been much list making, sorting outtidying up & finishing off in moms beautiful garden

(for it is at moms that our open studio is to be) laying scrunchy gravel paths

that wind around the house building wide sloping steps

that lead to flower beds so lovingly made

then it has been home to finish off my fathers day owl

more painting & framing of prints & endless cups of tea

i think a wee whirlwind has passed through my own studio!

of course, we did find time for a family bbq

strawberries & cream & catching up with friends

time out, treasure & t-pots

another week passed in a bit of a blur

with studio preperations, working, etc, etc . . . the only artwork making an appearance was

the odd journal scribble & frustration was setting in . . . precious time out was required . . .

time out hunting charity shops for treasure. what did i find . . .a delicate "ocra" vase tucked in a corner, just waiting to be found

a worn old papier mache, hand painted pencil? box, both under £5!

my lovely lass & partner are up for a visit this week

and it was "time out" again to Dalton pottery to paint t-pots !!

* * *

thank you's for awards to my blog recently received go to

simoart - a blog by a wonderful mum about her creative son & his autism

joanne may - beautiful faerietale illustrations so full of detail

kimberly - who has an eye for delicate design in her work

* * *

now its back to work, until the next time x x x

old friends & new ventures . .

last week was an oh so busy week

full of the most precious surprises

after 12 years, an emotionally wonderful visit

from a long lost, dear to my heart friend

lots of teary eyed catching up

discovering old memories we shared

forgotten similar tastes, & new passions . . .

for deliciously, stuffed to the ceiling old bookshops

for quiet evening strolls along the gold tinted shore

finding unexpected carefully hidden lapwings treasure

. . . later, sad goodbyes & heart felt promises to keep in touch

then, daughters lovingly packed anniversary celebrating picnic

shared by clear water lochs, with our nearest & dearest

and a new venture begun . . .

with my very own oh so talented mom (see here!)

a family open studio, 3 generations "the red-den"

for "redden" is our family name

opening date (hopefully) the beginning of july!!!

the countdown begins

i think i may be rather distracted for a wee whileX X X

thank you so for all those wonderful anniversary congrats

i have missed visiting all my most favourite blog places!!