Ruby's birthday

This weekend, we have all been invited to a tea party to celebrate our friends' little girl's first birthday.  I've often done a painting as a present for various people, but since discovering crochet, knitting  and blogging my painting has been tucked to one side, and to be honest, I really miss it.

Painting for me is very reliant on my mood, and not something started on a whim.  I thought I would ease myself back in with a small fun present for the birthday girl.

I've done a handful of these pictures before, as christening presents....hopefully, its a present that gives enjoyment for years.

I start of with a faint sketch onto heavy watercolour paper, and then when it starts to take shape, I use watercolour inks to 'colour in'.

What starts off looking a little unpromising, can soon start to come together.

Until, you are able to look at it and feel the balance is there.

It's always surprising how adding the mount and frame is all it needs to make it look good enough to give away.

Last year, I sketched up some ideas for a local branch of agricultural advisers, they encourage farming that takes care of rare plants and wildlife.

A simple sketch became a banner that is used when they do agricultural shows.....how cool is that!

On other subjects....of the more woolly kind......I have a confession........I'm not sure how it happened, but last night.........

....I started another crochet blanket.  I am joining in with Little Woollie in making one of her gorgeous multi-stitch blankets..........awful I know....how on earth am I going to fit this in!

I've got to say though, it felt wonderful to be zipping along the rows.......ooooh, I do love a crochet blanket!

Well, we are having an away day to day to the local agricultural show.....we are going suited and booted as the past week has been torrential rain and wind (as is to be expected when it is show week!)  The boys are champing at the bit to go and I'm sitting here typing. 

I have a fraught couple of days ahead, as the deluded parents of Ruby, have for some outlandish reason asked me to make the birthday girl's cake and a big batch of cupcakes......I have no idea what they have based their decision on....but anyone with any great tips.....step right up!

Catch up soon with pics of THE cake!!