I still haven't got over the excitement of seeing mission control and the Saturn V rocket. I was also pleased that in our mission picture, I am the Commander (naturally) and Roland is the Pilot as these are reflect our real life roles..Of course, I am commander of the mother ship.
We also went to California again. The Long Beach flea market was amazing. Look at this atomic style sofa and stool . . perfect to make your space station homely.
And this stall holder had a wonderful collection of spooky cats.
I did lots of vintage shopping as I am doing lots of fairs this autumn and winter. The first one is Seaside Brocante at Whitstable on 16th October and of course the wonderful Vintage and Handmade in November and a new one for me . . . the Country Living Spring Fair in March so I need lots of stock.
But we got back to the news that my sis has broken her back .. .it seems like no permanent damage has been done but much pain and a nasty fright for her plus a few months wearing a very futuristic back brace. (Apparently, pulling your knickers up is a bit tricky). So ladies (and gents), a warning . . . no climbing in and out of lofts please . . .
And we have a new addition to the house.
Meet Queenie . . .soft and fluffy as a snowball, purring as soon as you pick her up. We are all besotted.
(Alexei is wearing a very gormless TV watching face, the jet leg just about killed us).
Her full title is Queen Boudicca and she is aptly named . . a feisty warrior queen, standing up to Percy, hissing and arching her tiny back. . Percy, despite his impressive size and foul language, doesn't know quite what to think.
Perhaps if I hide under the covers, she will go away.
I'm giving Percy lots of extra cuddles and treats as I feel a bit guilty about her arrival. But- they touched noses this morning and are now eating their meals together. I think she has twigged that Percy is all mouth and no trousers.
I spent an afternoon making some happy birthday versions of a new design called "Tiny Dancer"
I left them standing to dry on the kitchen table. . . Then I went out for half an hour leaving Queenie sleeping peacefully on a cushion. When I returned, she was still in the same position on the same cushion but some of the cards had been embellished with perforations of minute kitten teeth.
I think she is going to be trouble . . . back soon with some better pics of the tiny terror.
See the little brown cat in the arms of his master? My heart is breaking when I look at his sweet face. Our dearest Oskar has lost his battle with liver disease despite putting up an incredible fight right until the end.
We have the scars to prove it - administering pills to Oskar had always been challenging.
Actually the 13 years we spent with Oskar was often a challenge. The yowling in the middle of the night, just to remind you he was there.
The nonchalant puke over the side of the kitchen chair on to the floor and going back to sleep afterwards as if nothing had happened.
The chicken carcasses regularly dragged through the cat flap as a special, if greasy, gift. (We have no idea where he got these from.)
The tiny, but deadly, squirt of cat wee up against the skirting board which would have us armed with various potions to vanquish the smell.
But all was forgiven as he curled into your arms at the end of the day, warm, purring and ever loving.
So there it is, Oskar joins darling Bluebell in the next place. There's got to be a next place, right?
I can't believe we have lost two cats in less than one year. We have had these three for what seems like forever . . now we have only one. Poor Percy. and poor, poor Alexei, whose heart has been broken twice this year. It doesn't get easier.
But I have some cheery pictures to share too. The lovely Mr and Mrs Cupcakes on their big day.
I think this was the nicest wedding celebration I have ever been too. Relaxed and so, so pretty in every way.
Many, many congratulations to Catherine and Ben. May you have a long and totally fabulous life together.
And a new drawing always makes me happy (when it turns out alright).
I am fascinated by the moon and we all like to watch the night sky at Pixieland. I wrote a note to Alexei's teacher to explain why he was late to school last Tuesday. . .we stood in the garden on a balmy, honeysuckle scented night to watch the international space station fly over us.
And space might come a little bit nearer this weekend as now Roland is whisking us off for the trip of a lifetime to the Space Center in Houston. I daydream quite a lot about being an astronaut but I suspect would be totally useless as I would spend my whole time gazing out of the window rather than flicking switches and recording data.
We are off this Saturday. There is still much to look forward to despite the sadness.
Sleep well sweet Oskar. We will be thinking of you as we look at the stars.
Some pictures to break the silence.
The mantlepiece as seen through a vintage lens . . .
These are from the amazing Hipstamatic iphone app . . .(yes, I've finally got an iphone and it is a love that is gonna last a long time.) I think this app is perfect for all lovers of vintage but it makes me realise how much I hate our big and complicated camera.
But of course the big camera does come in handy for quality shots of the new pixie teatowels, available from my shop. I'm really pleased with the quality of these, such a fab printing service from these people and I was pleased to sell quite a few at the Vintage and Handmade fair earlier this month.
Ah! Vintage and Handmade- what a fabulous day! Such fun to see old friends and some new ones too! Roland came to help me set up and he took lots of photos with the big horrible camera, but he's done something complicated with them so I can't get them on my PC. Gah!
Of course it was hard not to spend all the pixie's profits on treasure but I did sneak home with a cushion from Daniella at Acorn and Will and Roland splashed out on Sid from Nikki at the Vintage Magpie. Oh joy! Our own fabulous Mr Fox. I'm sure you will agree, he is a handsome beast.
Here in Pixieland, we are feeling a need for some sea air and we have been visited by some beautiful creatures of the deep. I've been loving creating these, they just flowed in a watery fashion from the end of my pencil with what seems like no effort at all. Usually the floor behind my desk is littered with angrily screwed up pieces of paper until I get it right.
Firstly we have another book shaped keepsake box. These will be on sale in the shop for £11.50.
And also a tiny box frame including an even tinier message in a bottle. Price £20.
If you are wondering what the message in the bottle says, it is the lyrics to this song which I've loved from the moment I heard it back at Art school many years ago...
I will be plunging my white* and wintery body into the warm waters of the Arabian gulf for the next week . . . so the pixie shop will be closed until after the Easter weekend. Have a very happy Easter everyone.
:: The massively talented Jayne was the winner of the "name this picture" competition from the last post. So this print has been finally named "Oceans of Friendship" Thank you so much Jayne, your print was sent out to you today. And indeed thank you to EVERYONE who came up with some great titles and very many heartfelt thanks to for all your kind words regarding my brother in law. So many messages from so many kind people.
*actually as I write I am turning a lovely golden colour thanks to a spray tan done by my beautician friend. Now I am over the embarrassment of standing in my knickers being sprayed with what looks like Cuprinol, all I have to worry about is the peculiar smell . . .
January brought our family much sadness as my brother in law, Alan's brain disease has progressed much further. It is so very painful to see this cruel disease unpick what was once a brilliant mind in a young and healthy body. If you are used to a rather absent minded family member who happens to be a scientist, strangely, they just seem more like themselves rather than less . . .
Up until now, I have been in denial that he has been getting worse and I don't like to use the word dementia, it sounds so, quite frankly, . . . scary. And it only happens to old people, right?
Unfortunately not, although it is rare in younger people. Every week I make a trip up to Greenwich to do my one day of caring and every week I see what more has been taken away. . .
Last week we planted lily of the valley bulbs and we went on a blustery walk on Blackheath, there are still moments of happiness . . . picture a tall man listing at an odd angle, striding out at great speed over a steep hill in Greenwich Park with me scuttling behind, trying to keep up. We both enjoyed that. Dementia means you have no choice but to live in the moment and there is a kind of freedom in that. Days when you can think like this are the good days. The days when you can't help but worry about the future can be really, really bad.
Recently, I have had a bit of a guilt trip that drawing and creating is totally trivial. Especially when the world of the carer shifts more sharply into focus. The role of the carer, for a lot of the time, is a hidden world but it is a path that many of us will tread in one form or another. I am full of anger that caring is so often undervalued and my head has been spinning with the world we have found ourselves suddenly flung into. It is a hard terrain for me to navigate, me who muddles through each day putting off deadly stuff such as form filling, financial affairs and phone calls. Perhaps not so hard for my sister who is made of much sterner stuff than me, she is strong and will fight tooth and nail for Alan to have the very best care and treatment. I think if I ever had to choose someone to fight my corner, it would be her. She is awesome.
Of course, other world I inhabit is a far easier one: the drawing, collecting and fripperies that take my fancy. I'm steadily bringing more creatures into Pixieland: unicorns, fauns and mermaids will all have their place.
Above is a piece I've finally finished but I'm at a loss to think of a title. Any ideas? The one I choose will win the first print off the pixie press so get those thinking caps on.
In anticipation
Claire xx
As I write this the whole country is blanketed by snow but I managed to persuade Roland to dig the car out today and drive me to the supermarket. (I don't like driving down our hill in the snow). Luckily we got there and back OK and there was food left on the shelves. Which is just as well as the novelty of strange combinations at mealtimes was wearing thin. However, our milkman Kevin never ceases to amaze me as he always manages to deliver to us (and jolly grateful we are too).
Alexei has been out until blue with cold but I am staying toasty warm inside. It doesn't seem so very long ago that I was at Art college and we used to whizz down the snowy hills on canteen trays in the lunch break. Now everything grinds to a halt at the mere hint of snow- surely it never used to be like this?
Anyway, now a little freebie for all those lucky people who found an iPhone or iTouch in their Christmas stocking (. . . not me for me this time although I did get some nice treats so I'm not moaning.)
Pixieland has it's own little corner of the iTunes Apps department with the cute Magic Pixie who will help you out when you are feeling indecisive or need an answer to a burning question . . . it works a bit like the famous Magic 8 ball and you can download him free ... I can't do a link for some reason but if you do a search in the Apps store for Magic Pixie you should find him.
And he is even available out of office hours . . .
I have been working on him on and off for a few months. Quite tricky as until recently I had no idea what an App was or had never even seen an iPhone up close. Sometimes I think about learning about all this stuff and I wander round Curry's but it seems quite confusing so I go and have a cup of tea instead.
Have fun in the snow!
Paper lanterns, glass chinese lanterns rescued from a broken set of lights, frosted twigs and vintage paper fans from Acorn and Will (purchased at Vintage and Handmade). . . these are my favourite decorations for Christmas.
It's been a long time away from blogland . . .I have no excuse for ignoring my small corner of cyberspace . . . no excuse at all, only that it weighed heavily on my mind. Everyday I promised myself to update the blog and yet another day passed. I think I must be very bad at time management. Despite having a wonderful time at V & H and the pre Christmas snow here in Kent, I have been a terribly bad blogger of late and have not looked at anybody's pages. Thank you for all your kind messages about Bluebell . . . they are very much appreciated.
Have a happy holiday season everyone, wishing you peace and love this Christmas.
Love Claire x
P.S Can't wait to catch up on all your blogs between Christmas and New Year.
We are feeling very sad at the moment here in Pixieland. Last week, I had to make the difficult decision to have our darling Bluebell put to sleep. 18 and a half years of my chubby faced cat. She had got terribly thin around her haunches in the last few weeks and I couldn't tempt her with any kind of food. It was awful at the vets. They did say they could try to keep her going but you know what - I think she'd had enough. It was peaceful for her and afterwards I felt OK-ish and I was more worried about how Alexei was going to feel. But now, a week later, I am ready to pick up her ashes and I am all upset again.
Awful when you think she is still sleeping peacefully in her bed under my desk and then you remember. . . .
I must remember the good times too. When as a little fat kitten she used to climb the curtains and the Christmas tree . .and knock it over . . .I would come home from work to total devastation. And she had pooed in the all the earth that had come out of the pot. Naughty but adorable and definitely the boss.
How she used to bite the carpet in a really mad way when you scratched her back near her tail. Bluebell, a great big blue furry splodge of a cat.
I think I miss you all the more as you were the only other female in the house and we always thought of you as the Elizabeth Taylor of the cat world -a diva but so glamorous too. Goodbye my lovely girl, we will all miss you so much.
Today, I took out my camera and found this last picture, just a week before. A cuddle from one of her favourite people. I had forgotten I took this snap. I am so pleased I found it. Sometimes those photos at the end of the roll are the ones you end up treasuring the most.
On the horizon, there is something to look forward to- Vintage and Handmade is less than two weeks away so I can keep myself really busy with making and preparing. Here is the latest Christmas card from Made in Pixieland. It is called "Elves of the frozen North" I hope you like it.
They come in a pack of 8 cards and envelopes and they are suitable for Yule as well as Christmas.
I've also been cheered by a delivery of lovely festive tree decorations which I keep getting out of the boxes to admire.Aren't they pretty? Both the cards and the decorations will be on the site shortly with a few more new goodies. And remember to give all your furry friends an extra hug from us. xx
Come on in into the beautifully scented pixie kitchen and watch the little folk make candles. It is really easy and the whole house smells wonderful for ages after.
We used soy wax which we got from here along with the wicks, dye and jars with lids.
First spoon your soy wax into a measuring jug.
Then put it in the microwave until it is hot. It will smell a bit like vegetable oil once it is hot and luckily soy wax has such a low melting temperature, you don't have to faff around with thermometers and risk getting burnt. If you don't have a microwave, you can do it in a Bain Marie on the stove.
Once it is hot and melted you are ready to add your dye (if you want to). The wax sets to a nice creamy colour so it looks great without dye too. However we are colour junkies here in Pixieland so we've added a purple colour chip (from same place as above).
Stir it round until it has dissolved. Looks a bit like Ribena doesn't it?
Then prepare your containers. We have used ready waxed wicks which have a sustainer at the bottom. Wrap the wick around a pencil until it touches the bottom of the glass.
Then take the wicks and pencils out in one piece and lay to one side. You now need to warm the containers so the wax sticks well to the sides. You can give them a blast in the microwave or use hot water (as long as you dry them throughly afterwards).
Then quickly put the wicks and pencils back in position making sure they are as much in the centre as possible.
Finally, add your scent. We used 10% scent to the amount of wax. You can buy scent from the same website or this site also has some lovely smells that are especially for natural wax. Here we are making Violet and Lime . . . lovely. How I wish blogs could smell.
When we made the Rose candles, we added a few drops of Rose geranium essential oil to the Rose candle scent as it smells just like turkish delight. Oh yum . . .
Then you are ready to pour.
When they have set, they look all pretty and sweetie shop like this. The little shot glasses come from Ikea.
Another plus point about soy wax is that it washes off your utensils really easily.
There has been a lot of experimenting in the Pixie kitchen this autumn with the jam and candle making but not a lot of drawing has been completed unless you count the candle labels . . .hmmm
. . .I better get back to the drawing board.
And many thanks to Lucy who opened up this whole new world to me.
