We all scream for ice cream!

I have been so busy these last couple of weeks, but it's only now as I sit down to write a blog post that I realised how much I have managed to get done (all for the Contemporary Craft Fair in 4 weeks time!)

I am starting to see cottages in my sleep!

I have my own model village in my studio!

This terrace fits nicely into a display hole in our lounge!

And an idea I had just this morning....it's a pub! Maybe called The Ship...

The sign is made from a tiny print of a painting by my favourite artist Alfred Wallis. I used sellotape over both sides to make it sturdier and to stick it onto the overhead nail.

I was lucky enough to find this perfect little bit of wood at the beach earlier in the week. It really didn't take much effort to turn it into a little boat. Less is sometimes more, don't you know?!

Do you recall the washed-up boat we discovered back here? We are still finding pieces from it on different beaches along the south coast of Cornwall. I decided to use this large piece (quite clearly part of a boat) for the basis of this large piece of work.

It has the same "slipway" as other bits I have used previously..

I love the subtle hues in the paintwork...and the crackleglaze makes it look like stonework.

I scratched a couple of ladders into the varnished section to break it up a little.

I also started experimenting with some text! I bought some metal letter stamps ages ago, but didn't really know at the time what I would use them for.

You may need to click on the above image to read the words!

"Promenade" is closely based on Preston seafront where 61A is located!

And lastly, a little driftwood terrace which takes its title from a Madness song!

Phew, I feel exhausted!! I may take the weekend off. I hope you have a great time, whatever you are doing!

Polperro

 Not an exact replica, you understand, but anyone who has visited the picturesque Cornish fishing village will know of its higgledy piggledy houses and quirky old bridges. I was completely led by the materials in this piece, mainly the large "bridge" part, with its cut-out bit (exactly as I had found it on the beach!)

 I added steps and a slope on either side of the bank, and a piece of wood with several layers of blue peeling paint serves as the river.

 It was only after I had attached all the houses that I realised that should the inhabitants step out of their front doors, they might get a bit wet! But asthetics won over practicalities in the end!

 I have been making lots of cottages (only 5 weeks or so until the Contemporary Craft Festival - eek!)

This one is a bit special, as it has a rusty tin roof (again, exactly as I found it - holes and all)

 

And finally, it is my mums birthday tomorrow. She has had so many cards from me these last 4 decades, I worry about giving her the same thing twice, so I set about something new this morning. Following the new camper van and caravan designs, the next stop is the ice-cream van!

I hope she likes it. I may add it to my range later in the year.

Thanks for reading and for all your lovely comments lately!