puppets part VI

I'm a couple of weeks behind showing you about the puppetry course I'm doing so I'm posting two puppet posts back to back. Bear with me if puppets aren't your thing. I get that. This is certainly not something the majority have an interest in. For me though, sadly, the course is nearly over. So before things wind up in the next week here is a peek at some of the puppets my class mates are making.

 

Andrew and his very animated purple gorilla (and self). Quite a pair don't you think?! Followed by some purple sock silliness.

Another smashing monkey puppet, in blue. This character has a very charming mustache and goatee — a bit  hard to see in these pics. And the rather human-like monkey in the bottom pic is our puppet master Gary.

Lastly a pretty-in-pink, fairy princess being operated on by Gary. Oh and who's eyes in the bottom right might they be...?

whatcha doin?

You may have noticed I kinda missed posting a Friday catch-up which I had only just started last week. Well, I think there was a good enough reason. You see, I have been out of town for a few days with my husband and some of his family for an uncle's 50th. We have been relaxing, sleeping, playing, fishing, walking, drinking schnapps, reading, enjoying camp fires, mountain air and lots of (windy) scenic roads (which I didn't enjoy so much — not even ginger could save me) and mostly having an all round fantastic time!

foxes in bowties

How adorable are these foxy embroidered brooches?! I have a fondness for bowtie wearing gents. Made by Jodie from Whiskers Lane who, you may remember made another rather adorable fox brooch earlier this year.

Like a lot of you I also enjoy checking out homes on The Selby. Who doesn't? And the above images of Melbourne hairstylist, Frank Valvo's abode have left me seriously wanting a closer look. Check out all of his wonderfully colourful art and nick-knacks! Oh and I'd be stealing as many of those rad cushions as I possibly could. K i d d i n g. I don't steal.

puppets part V

My puppet is starting to come to life... not as I imagined though. I had a vague plan of how I wanted it to look but after a lot of experimenting one afternoon things just weren't feeling right. In the end I decided not to force the look and to just do what came naturally. Needless to say my puppet is nothing like the vague vision and very much a character of its own! With just the finishing touches to go, next week you should be able to see the end result. And if I don't forget to take my camera to class I may have other puppets to show as well!

misty's

Not for the faint heart — Misty's Diner — an American style diner where deep-fried rules is currently decked-out ready for Halloween. And with it's cute little booths Misty's makes for a fun, date-night out. We headed there this past weekend, however were told by Misty (yes, she is real) to come better prepared next time. Haha Unable to get through my serve of Chilli Cheese Fries (I'm not sure that's a bad thing — one serve = A LOT) and the date thought he'd go a burger and fries but failed to finish also. The food is freshly prepared and tasty. I reckon Misty's would make a great spot for a hangover cure or to refuel an empty stomach perhaps.

whatcha doin?

image from here

Someone said to me today that there is only 11 weeks left until Christmas. This is crazy! The year has disappeared so quickly, its frightening. As a result I've decided on Fridays to stop and take a moment to remind myself about what I've been doing in the week gone by before everything is sucked into the speeding time vortex!

Learning this 
Reading ways to live a happier life and this wonderful family adventure 
Making and attaching hand stitched skin... to a puppet! 
Watching incredible dance moves here and here plus episodes of Outnumbered on iview 
Listening to video games 
Eating and cooking Red Lentil, Chickpea and Chilli Soup 
Drinking this yummy pear cider — it reminded me of eating these as a kid
Wishing my little brother's dog to make a full recovery from a nasty spider bite which left him with two tubes in his chest — happy to say he is now doing well

I would love to hear about something from your week. What did you discover?

puppets part IV

Week 4 of the puppet course and we are still creating our puppets. Our fabrics have been selected, cut and we are now in the process of hand stitching all the pieces together. The reason we hand stitch them is to create the most invisible seams possible — just like Kermit who has a seam right down the middle of his face. Who knew? 

The hands have wire in them so the fingers can bend. So cute!

I have the body parts hand stitched but still a bit to go on the face. Next it will be time to add the face and other accessories to make our puppets complete. The rest of our puppet building is homework. In class we are learning how to use our puppets on camera. Not a strong point for me! Ha ha.

If I remember next class I will take my some photos so you can see a little more of what we are up to.

etsy seven

Hanging Pretty - Etsy Seven!

1. What an AMAZING 1960's graphic print dress. If only it wasn't/or I was XS.
I hope this dress finds its way to a loving home. From Vintage Condition.

2. Adorable winking redhead. Hand painted clothes hanger by Sandra Eterovic.

3. Hand printed circle scarf on lovely vintage hanger. From Bark Decor.

4. Dapper 1960's screen printed Victorian man hanger. From Songbird Industries.

5. A collection of colourful crochet hangers. From beautiful vintage store, Swanee Grace.

6. Assorted vintage, men's label trouser hangers. From Peppermint Bark.

7. Wiggle style party dress from the 50's-60's. Love the bold graphic and pretty hanger! From Fast Slow Fast.

rrahhh

I seem to have monsters on my mind. It could have something to do with the puppet course I'm doing however they're not puppety monsters I am seeing. They do have really long arms though. Maybe they are tickle monsters. I like the thought of that. Perhaps one would like to come alive as a Softie For Mirabel this year?! Either way I believe them to be fun and friendly, defiantly not the frightful hiding in the closet kind. What are you making at the moment?

her library adventures

image of sophie in nyc from her library adventures 

Today I am sharing a travel memory over on Her Library Adventures while Sophie is currently adventuring in NYC with her mum and sister. Be sure to check out more of Sophie's blog for lots of lovely vintage, thrifty finds plus she has the most enviable, little studio space.

  

paper doll

How amazing is this shoot for Madame magazine?! I'm especially loving the pencil shaving dress and sharpener prop. Did I mention everything is made from paper. Incredible huh? Art Directed by Matthew Brodie. 

There are some behind-the-scenes, making-of shots over on Brodie's blog. 

Found via Trendland.

freestylin'

Crocheting freeform style! I'm not actually making anything here just enjoying the rhythm of crochet. However I think it would be a lot of fun to create something like this one day — a little bit Sarah Applebaum inspired perhaps?!