Paint Party Friday... Elf

Hello everyone...here we are... Friday once again!

 With only a few weeks until the holidays begin, I thought I'd do a Christmassy sketch this week. 

Hopefully something to inspire me into all the preparations.

The only trouble is that this is kind of mixed up... a Santa look-a-like if you will. 

I did have an elf in mind but then Santa intruded.

 I wouldn't say that I'm a negative person, but as I come to write this post I begin to wonder?

I'm normally a half glass full kind of person, but yet again I'm posting something that I don't particularly like. I'm hoping that the Paint Party Friday gang will be able to help me. 

It seems the trouble is that I've lost my passion for painting. 

I think a lot of it is that I don't have a theme, or subject matter that I can progress with. 

My subjects just seem so random and individual. 

I think if I kept to a theme it might help.

I'm trying out new paints and with each painting I'm learning, but the end design isn't quite what I'd like. 

But it's a journey...right?

I'm going to be with family over the next week, so they'll be no time for painting.

But hopefully I'll find inspiration from somewhere.

I'm determined that in the New Year I'm going to devote more time and energy into my art.

(Where have I heard that before?)

I started sketching the design below a few months ago and I feel maybe it's time to revisit.

I apologise for the photographs.

Unfortunately it's difficult to get enough light at this time of year.

I hope you can see it.

Now don't laugh but we are making plans for the girls (hens/chooks) to stay in a 'Hen Hote'l whilst we are away. I know it sounds ridiculous and I would be laughing along with you... but I feel this is the best option.

It would be a lot to ask someone to come a few times a day to see to them and the Hotel sounds brilliant.
I'm hoping that I'll be able to do a blog post...if all goes well once I get back.

Yet again we've found a mass of feathers and a wiped clean breast bone on our garden this morning, so the fox has ventured here once again. 

Poor wood pigeon by the look of it!

The hotel option is far safer.

Thanks for visiting my place and if you'd like to see more artwork, then why not join in the party over at PPF by clicking HERE.

Have a great Friday everyone.

Enjoy

Creating Christmas Cards....

As much as I'm trying to stay calm and not get wound up by all the hyp, I have to admit I'm failing miserably. I'm beginning to get very excited and in a little tizz because I'm reading so many blogs that are way ahead in their Christmas preparations. There's decoration ideas, recipes, gift idea's...you name it, it's all out there.

But I'm trying to stop the hyperventilating because that's not going to help anyone. I know I'll get to everything I always do, but that doesn't stop me losing the plot at times. Once I get the decoration boxes out of the store room I'll feel much better. But I'm not sure I can wait until the weekend for this to happen, when the muscles are available...I had a sneak peek into some of the boxes yesterday and the Christmas smell hit me! Wow...if you’re not feeling Christmassy just smell a few mixed spices, Cinnamon and nutmeg etc it’s sure to help....otherwise have a little nip and put the Christmas music on. That always works for me. Whoops....little secrets ; )

Moving on swiftly, I mentioned yesterday that I've been creating my own cards so here they are.....

Obviously I had to feature 'Merry Muffin' and also because I love books I thought the 'Book Tree' was perfect for Book Clubs or anyone in fact that loves to read. What do you think?

If you're interested in either one or both designs of these cards just add a comment below and I'll get back to you how you can obtain copies.

And finally to add to the build-up, guess who arrived this morning.....the magic Elf
So let the fun begin...

For the wine lovers among you...the rack that he's perched upon is only the little handy accessable one in the kitchen....I'm saying nothing on the grounds that it might incriminate me.

 Notice the screw tops....yep no corks here! {shock...horror and sharp intake of breath if you're reading this in France}

Enjoy your day ; D