Leaves, Stems, Fairies and Doves

Here is the first stage of a 'Clarsach' soundboard decoration that I started last week.
As soon as I have the design traced on, I always feel very keen to get going with the paint.

Here it is with the first coat of all the colours blocked-in.

Inside my shed studio, with delicious music playing of course, I was toasty warm ...

... whilst outside the shed - very cold.

The finished design with several more coats of gold, bronze and silver
plus burnt sienna for the dark brown edging.



Two Little Dolls for Two Little Girls.





 

My wife Karen, has been busy creating these charming dolls for our two little great-nieces Charlotte and Hannah. The fun thing about them is that the dolls match Charlotte and Hannah's hair and eye colour.


  When the girls get them, I have to admit that I'll miss seeing them sitting in the chair by the fire in our living room!

How was your holiday?

We've enjoyed tasty Goose
with Black pudding

and Christmas pudding...

and all this and more...



and especially being with family...



and also spending some time in places like this.
But I have been wondering what my friends in blogland have been up to this holiday?
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all -
I hope you have all had a great holiday and are looking forward to a wonderful 2013!