Princess pumpkin

After much experimentation, I decided I didn't have time to develop a whole Cinderella's coach!  So I am going with a white pumpkin, wholly made of paper, with a little crown on top and decorated in a feminine way.  After spending a lot of time paper mache-ing I am now at the stage of draping and gluing fine tissue paper over the form.

To make the crown, I used a cupcake wrapper as a template to give me the right curve and then drew a pattern on white paper.  I rolled out some white Sculpey, placed the template on top and cut out the crown.

Next I baked the clay until it was hard.

Tomorrow I will continue draping the pumpkin..

Cinderella and snow white

My pretty red bird house turned out well, but there was no point in taking another photo of it.  My mother loved it so much that I have given it to her!  I will of course paint more.

I have another Morayfield Handmade Expo coming up and I feel inspired to make some fantasy elements.  Cinderella's coach has always been a huge inspiration for me so I will try to create that.  Below, you can see a paper mache pumpkin that I made from a real pumpkin, as well as a plaster cast I took from a wooden spindle.  

I tried to get a photo of my black cat with the white pumpkin, but he moved around so much that this was all I could get!

These pictures I snaffled off the internet and they are my inspiration for Cinderella or the Snow Queen...

PS...

I was at a market today and met a lovely lady from the US who told me about a large Country Fair that occurred annually outside Eugene, Oregon.  She said it was awesome and one day I should go!

http://www.oregoncountryfair.org/

I would love to!  I wish I could have a stall at one of the big American craft markets... Friends, both here and overseas, can you recommend your favourite artisan markets???  I would love to hear from you!

Bird house joy

My next project..... !

A Crown for my Tree?

I have been rushing from project to project trying to finish as much as possible.  Am very pleased to have finished my new large topiary tree!  I think it is even better than the last one.  Also completed the blue diamond waste paper bin and love it!

Am thinking about making a little crown to sit on top of the big tree... what do you think?  I want it to look fun and quirky and fairyland!

I love how my gypsy handbag is developing.  I've added some velvet leaves and flowers.

Busy day

These aren't very good photos but they show the creative chaos I was working in today!  

I have been rushing to produce more stock for my Miss M shop.  Projects vary from a large topiary tree, teapots, boxes and stone fairy mushrooms.... with me running from item to item.  I am also spraying coats of pink paint onto a gorgeous seat which will display my handmade cushions.

A very busy day!

Rainy day teapots!

Today was a lovely rainy day here - and I say that because we haven't had any rain for months!  I spent the day painting and retouching.  You can see my efforts below... its amazing how long it takes to produce even a small number of items.  They are all lovingly made with care and attention and I suppose that is the point.  The black teapot will have white swirls or spots on it when the paint dries.

Little teapots

My teapots!  I am using some new techniques including metallic line work.

Gypsy handbag

In between painting teapots I am working on a gypsy gatherer handbag.  It is made of tie dye velvet, quilted and lined with Chinese brocade.

 

I have included some smocking for texture.

Teapots and tea parties

After my visit to Lilly Cottage I have been feeling very inspired to paint more teapots and think about having a tea party.  I love the idea of a Mad Hatter's or Alice in Wonderland Unbirthday Tea Party.  I have lots of fab ideas!

Today I finished this delicate pink teaset.

I also worked on some paper mache figures I have in my imagination, and painted a cast metal seat which I will use to display cushions in my shop.

Lilly Cottage

Today I visited Lilly Cottage on Bribie Island where I have some of my colourful home decor pieces on display.  I was very impressed with this lovely shop.  It has so many beautiful things to look at you mustn't rush!

 

Three little trees

Unfortunately I have been unwell this week and have felt unable to motivate myself to make art.  I managed to finish off these three little topiary trees...

and I have begun painting a few teapot sets.

A Day at the Market and more Inspiration

Really pleased with my 'shop' today... had many nice comments!  Unfortunately this photo does not show the bright red garland above and my Miss M Handmade sign... it's starting to look more and more like a 'real' shop!

The 'Alice in Wonderland' topiary tree attracted lots of interest and it, as well as the Wild Flower Table and all my teapots, will be displayed for sale at Lilly Cottage, Bribie Island!  Delighted to have my first 'stockist'.  I will seek out more boutiques keen to stock my Miss M line!

Just loved this giant toad stool umbrella by one of my fellow stall holders!  

Now that my topiary tree is gone, I must make another this week!  I feel super inspired after talking to Linda from Lilly Cottage about Mad Hatter Tea Parties!