Otis...

I completed this yesterday - it has taken weeks!  This is Otis, of course, in acrylics this time, on board.  It is a private commission and will be heading off to Canada shortly.  It was a lot of fun to do a larger acrylic painting after what feels like a very long time.

However, I am going to give myself a rest from bears for a few days and play with some new watercolours that I bought a while back, painting something, anything, that isn't brown!
 

Looking Sheepish...

 Last week I knitted this dress for my granddaughter, and finished off the appliqued sheep last night.

This is a combination of two patterns - the one I found with the sheep design had a fancy smock style bodice with a Peter Pan collar, which I didn't like at all, too fussy.  The other pattern had a lacy skirt, but a nice plain bodice.  So I knitted the second pattern, omitting the lace.  Initially I tried knitting the sheep into the skirt as per the first pattern, but my work was tight and lumpy and did not look good.  So instead I knitted the dress plain, and then made little sheep bodies to be sewn on with their legs, tails & heads embroidered over the top.  I think it came out pretty well!

Now we just have to see if it fits the young lady in question!

Currently On The Easel...

It's been a long time since I painted a larger detailed acrylic, so even though the subject is one I have painted more times than I can remember, I am still enjoying the process.  I would say that Otis is three-quarters done, then only the water left to complete.  Hoping with today's sunshine giving me a decent light to work by, I'll get a sizeable chunk painted.
 

Baby Bear & Pal...

I completed this yesterday, a young bear cub taking a rest in the long grass and being watched by a gull.  This is watercolour on paper and a private commission.

 

Not Been Resting On My Laurels...

Work has been a case of bits and pieces lately, but at least it has been work.  There has been another one of these painted trinket boxes - Otis of course!

Complete with tasty fish lining.

I've been sampling the free kits in another Let's Knit magazine - here's beagle pup.

From another angle...

Hello!

And a tiny squirrel finger puppet - I jusdt cannot get a decent photo of small things no matter what I use when there is no daylight!

The best bit - the fluffy tail!

Ont the easel - just finishing off a bear - and then will start another bear...
 

I Think I started Something...

This week I made a teeny tiny hedgehog from the patterns in Let's Knit magazine, designed by Sachiyo Ishii. 

Now I have to make three more as people seem to like him...

If you enjoy knitting tiny creatures and good designs, check out books by Sachiyo Ishii - she's one clever lady!
 

Tiny Knitting...

Hard to believe it has been almost a year since my granddaughter was born, but her birthday is next week.  So to help mark the occasion, I have made her this to wear on the day as requested by her mum. It is knitted in gold flecked yarn with a hand sewn felt badge on the front.  I'm just praying it fits - I did take measurements, but you never know...

I also knitted a couple more of these cute little finger puppets - I can't give them to the baby as they have beads for eyes.  None of my safety eyes would fit intheir tiny heads!  Ah well, the can keep!

On the easel...another bear!