Friday 7 December 2018

Creative things...

Recently, both Chris and I have been involved with creative things. For Chris' birthday, I made him the card above.  I do like stamping and die cutting (and knowing it's the only one in the world like that!)
 Chris was a workshop leader for the Drama students at the University where we work recently, where he presented a whirlwind guide to puppets. He had asked if I could make him some 'bunraku' style puppets for the students to use.  These are puppets which are manipulated by a group or team of puppeteers and each movement has to be carefully considered.  I managed to make enough for the group to use and Chris said they had really enjoyed using them and were surprised at how difficult it was.
 Chris excelled himself with this apple and quince pie which we took to Mum's when we went for Sunday lunch.  It was delicious and the quince, while not necessarily identifiable itself, really enhanced the apple flavour. Yum!
 I made myself a bookmark, using stamps and stencils.  It needs a nice blue ribbon to finish it off though...
Here's someone who has not been creative at all, but he contributes a lot to our household in his own way.  He does choose the most uncomfortable places to sleep though!

10 comments:

  1. Love your very varied creativity and that blissed out moggy. I have often been 'helped' by our cats and yes, they do contribute to the household. Generously.

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    1. Thanks, EC. I wouldn't want to be without a cat and even though they are a bit of a tie, it's one I don't mind!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Great to enjoy the creativity, our furries always "just want to help" when crafting, always perching in the most awkward places xcx

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    1. Thanks, Chrissie. They really do, don't they - sitting on the computer keyboard, plonking themselves on an art project etc. (I wouldn't want to be without Scruffy though!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. I like the puppet idea, do you add detail, clothes and face, or use them as they are?

    Cats like to have one leg hanging over the edge of something.

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    1. Thanks, Meanqueen. The puppets that Chris needed were meant to be featureless, as the students are asked to concentrate on moving the puppets as a team, in a realistic way, making them sit, stand, etc. as people do. (They found this really difficult, because we don't normally consider how we sit, stand, lie down, we just do it). The proper Bunraku Japanese puppets are beautifully made, with features and stunning costumes.
      I don't know how cats can be comfortable sometimes!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Your husband's pie looks too pretty to eat. WOW. You're making me hungry. How nice you were able to make the puppet for him. Will you leave them there for the future, or will you decorate them to use at home in some capacity? Book marks, my daughter used to collect them from places she traveled. Love the blue.
    Sandy's Space

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    1. Thanks, Sandy. It was a delicious pie and everyone enjoyed it. I think the puppets will stay as they are so that he can use them in future workshops. I will probably need to make a few more though so that he can work with slightly larger groups. The bookmark will be very useful as I usually have several books on the go at any one time and it now has a nice blue ribbon too.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Gosh you have been creative - good for the soul. Jo x

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    1. Thanks, Jo. Creativity is definitely good for the soul and I wouldn't want to be without some creative projects on the go. I love it!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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