What's On Your Workdesk and Paint Party Friday

What is it about WOYWW that makes me post unfinished work? 

I'm going to keep my post to the bare minimum today, because it appears that I'm working the night shift... even though the clock says it's 3.45pm in the afternoon... I'm in pitch darkness other than my desk lamp!

So here's my desk from yesterday and the very astute (or nosy) of you will see that I'm actually sharing it. 

My daughter is painting a house commission (see here) and I was painting my little tribute to the fallen hero's by painting a poppy. 

Note I say I was painting because as usual once I added some background I ruined it!

I'm actually really disappointed that I wasn't able to buy a ceramic poppy from the Tower of London magnificent poppy display, I was too late when I applied. 

But I suppose we should be grateful that they've all been sold... all 888,246 of them.

Have you seen the display... it's amazing

Anyway... I must move on... so here's the desk (or kitchen table) 

As usual I was quite happy with the poppy initially, but then I had to go ahead and add some background. 

WRONG! 

I should have left well alone and carried on painting just the poppy. 

Due to me gallivanting and missing my first lesson with acrylics last week,  I had to catch up yesterday and I decided after discussing with my tutor that I should start with the background going on my past record... 

to get it out of the way.

So as you can see 'Teddy Bears' were the theme for this weeks lesson. 

Some students even took their cuddly Teds into class. 

I don't want to scare any young toots that might catch sight of my teddy painting and be traumatized...

so it comes with a warning.... 

The staring unseeing Teddy below no longer looks like he's a cyber Ted. 

He's all sorted, although he now has eyes I can't help thinking he looks like he's been on the pop or a wee bit tipsy. I could put an eye patch on him and make him into Pudsey Bear
(after all Children in Need is tomorrow) 

I have tried for two days to get to finish him... all to no avail. 

I will and then I'll show you the outcome.

(The gin bottle has moved on but still not finished... nor the horse... ho hum)

With attending the art group it makes me try new techniques and subjects as well as medium.

I can't believe that I actually like the background here and feel that my first time wielding a palette knife went quite well.  

So that's it folks for today... I must dash... but I'll be back for a natter soon. 

In the meantime, if you'd like to desk hop around the world then nip over to Julia's blog 

Take care everyone until we meet again.

Managed to finish Teddy (I think) so am joining the Paint Party Friday gang to have some fun and inspiration. Come and join me by clicking here

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OOPS... nearly forgot to show you one thing that I have actually finished and that's the flutterby cushion.

It wasn't the best light to take the photo this morning but at least it was better than yesterday.
Anyway, here it is along side my daughters stag cushion.
They are happily settling in on our new sofa bed.
I'm really pleased with the quality of the printing and completed cushion.
If you'd like to check out the website that we've entered into a pillow fight
(the prize being that if we win we could be one of Ooh Deer's illustrators)....then click here
I see there's even 10% discount offered. Woohoo!
Thanks once again to everyone that clicked on the 'like' button to help me in my bid  to win the competition.
I'm happy to report I'm still in the pillow fight!
Have a great day peeps and see you soon

House Move 11 (Part 8) The deed is done....

You can all rest easy now....I've gone and done it!

If you've been following this moving blog then you'll probably guess what I'm talking about. I finally took my daughters clothes to the charity shop. I just grabbed the bag on my way out to the car and drove straight to the charity shop, without too much thinking. It helped by having so many things on my mind and having four ports of call on the one journey.

I know it was a good job done and someone will love those little cute designer dresses, but I still feel their loss. It didn't help when the kind assistant swooped on my bag and before I could escape she was holding them up on their tiny hangers....it was touch and go for a while and I actually had a fleeting thought that I might have to buy them back again!

There's one thing that isn't going to the charity shop and that's 'Bobby Bear'.

 He was my daughter's first teddy bear and he's certainly a well travelled bear. He's been everywhere we've been. I'm not sure exactly why we have him in our possession, but maybe its when I mentioned to my daughter that perhaps it was time for her to keep him safe....my other half threw a little tizzy fit!

So he remains with us....for now anyway.

I've been busy for the last few hours in my bathroom cabinets and quite frankly I stink....quite literally. As I've come across perfumes, I couldn't resist squirting, even though I know by their colour its not going to be good, I still do it! I also couldn't resist applying creams and potions, which probably will result in me having an allergy rash by this evening.
What is it that prevents me just throwing these things straight into the bin? I always have to have a little battle with myself. Mascara's and makeup which could be a decade old....well maybe I exaggerate but they're getting on and I certainly don't need them. They end up in the bin but only after a fight. I even used the varnish remover and had a few drops of essential oils (thankfully they were within the expiry date). I think I may need some fresh air, because I feel they're all lying heavy on my stomach. Even Muffin is staying well clear of me too.....;-(

'Arthur' an Individual Bear

What can I say about 'Arthur'? Well, he's been through nearly as many house moves as ourselves.

Maybe that's why he's wearing this expression?

I saw him many moons ago in a shop in Aberdeen, Scotland and just fell in love with him. It's funny because he's always on show wherever we're living, but I suppose I've really been neglecting him. I don't think I've even noticed him since I last unpacked, when we moved into our current home. He's just a reliable bear and always there.   

Here's some of 'Arthurs' personal details (well some of them) He's a Bohemian Bear

by award winning artist Amy Young. He has glass eyes, and a hand made nose.

I did intend to buy him a friend but we moved before I had a chance. Sorry 'Arthur'

Maybe if I move back to Scotland I'll be able to rectify that.

He just brings a smile to my face....