This week, pictures of lots of people, and only one cake

To start with, a little journey back in time,
Having to work inside……

…….creating a miniature heaven.


Last year, 3 of us spent a really productive day painting a celestial mural inside a lovely Chichester coffee shop. http://www.whippedandbaked.com/
It is almost always fun to spend the day with other artists, creating art, and this was one of the  fun days.
Here I am with Jeanette Sutton (mural designer) and Allan Davies, both former art teaching colleagues, who became and remain friends. We remain united by our love of art and alcohol as well as each other.
But, as responsible members of society, of course we do not exceed the government guidelines.

By all means visit the coffee shop, it is truly lovely and delicious, but our mural was always designed to be temporary, so expect another.

Returning to this year and the weekend.  I worked inside again on Saturday with two lovely friends, and PVA glue, and tissue paper. And again, the results were heavenly.
Diane and Jan had seen artwork created by layering tissue, and really loved the idea, so I had offered them a workshop so they could create their own.
Diana and Jan arrived equally prepared in their different ways.
One of them knew what they wanted the outcome to be, and the other brought a collection of things which would become part of the outcome.

We all had a really fun time. The only time we weren't talking and laughing was when we were all concentrating on our work, and then enjoying a productive silence.

 Mr Cooper loved it too, as he was left in peace to watch the rugby, with the bonus of having a really tasty lunch with wine on a tray, plus tea and cake to follow.  He did look a little surprised at the level of service he had!

Here are the fruits of our Saturday inside the studio.

Here is Diane and her beautiful tissue image, inspired by Franz Marc

And here is Jan, with her friend Frieda Kahlo, and exciting additions.

Next time we will explore the 3rd dimension with tissue, PVA and wire.

In the meantime, Jan might gain a Frieda Kahlo tattoo, and I might buy a pair of Frieda Kahlo earrings, and add more colour to my existing tattoo.  And Diane will put a lot of thought, care and love into planning her next work, as she does in her life.
And both of my beautiful friends, when you see them, always leave you uplifted and laughing. Definitely radiators not sinks!

I am now painting away at my 'toadstool' cake, and developing the idea for the part of the jigsaw that features Sam; ever conscious of my May deadline. http://www.chichesterarttrail.org/ (venue 92)
Yesterday I got him to pose him for my studies.
 He gave me many poses, but seemed to think the porn- type shot was the one for me to add .
  Sadly no, Sam, but here you are fully-clothed and chopping.

Will keep you up to date with the jigsaw image featuring Sam,  I am starting it on Sunday.
And also, if you wish to see a glimpse of a naked torso and porno pout, contact me, not Sam direct.  As a mother, I must vet the applicants.  Do not consider applying unless you are female, single, and possessing a brain.
Sam said 'female', we both agreed on 'single' and I said 'brain'. Sam is not too fussed on that point.

Next week, a burst of baking ready for Easter.  Watch out for Owl Eye Biscuits, and Chinese Chews.
Lemon curd tarts might feature too, as requested by the 'Young At heart' team at work.  We snatched a meeting in the car park, before returning to our cleaning, painting and washing up duties.

A chocolate rabbit will also appear, a friend of Barry.
His body is now in the freezer, awaiting de-frosting, buttercream fur and fondant features.

I might give the rabbit a less mournful expression than Barry had, as he is to be eaten by small children.
 Having said that, they will probably hack his head off, to eat first. Unless I get the eyebrows just right!