Shades of green

Autumn rushes ever nearer. Today has been freezing and it's a real shock to the system after last weeks heat.

 My tarot cards have been a mixed bunch this week. Lots of air cards. Almost as though the old ones are urging new ideas upon me. Look, listen as we speak. I do have thoughts of new things to make, new things to try in my femmes. New ideas for journal pages. A need to use some of the ephemera that sits in the IKEA boxes.

But I procrastinate, something catches my attention and I follow . A butterfly landing on the nasturtiums outside the front door, then rises to kiss my cheek before flying away.

The goldfinches on next doors tree, shouting as they fly amongst the branches.

The dawn light so different at this time of the year.

But I have started my "all about me " journal and that inspires also. A need to write my life as I remember each bit. Starting at around 4 years of age as that was the time I was happiest as a child. Despite the operations and hospital stays it was a happy time with my grandparents, away from home.

So from that time I write, although snippets of earlier days have crept in already.

The pictures are from a recent visit to the Galloway forest park. I hope you like.

Have you met Mama Gaeia?

I would like you to meet Mama Gaeia. She has been a long time in the making. Approx 15 years.

 I bought the blank doll 15 years ago. I dyed her body greens some 12 years ago. Then she sat on a shelf watching the world go by until she got my attention once more.

Then a few weeks ago she suddenly spoke to me. She wanted lots of hair in rainbow colours , all the colours of the rainbow. Not a lot to ask was it? I made and stitched her hair into place but it wasn't quite right. I searched through my fabric scraps and found a piece of scrim I'd dyed in purples. Again many moons ago. It made a fabulous turban and Mama loved her new hair style.

Then I looked at her and there was still something missing. I got out my rubberstamps and inks and voila she had tattoos. Her belly called out for a spiral to highlight her mother aspect.

She is tall approx 20 inches high.

Her cloak rustles as she moves and if you listen carefully you hear the wind whispering to her.

I would love another doll but sadly it's been so long I can't remember who made the doll blank.

Fruits of the season and retro femmes

Today I bottled the liqueurs I've been making. I made cherry brandy, blackberry vodka, raspberry vodka, cherry vodka and strawberry gin. Once the damsons and plums are ready they will go into the pots to steep. These will mainly be for Yule gifts although I may have to keep a couple. 

 I love the colours as they steep. Especially the cherry brandy.

Then while looking for space for the empty kilner jars I came across a bag of femmes and other oddities.

These heads were obviously going to be on femmes but that's as far as they went. But I have ideas for them.

These were all in the bag also.

Some sweet fairies with their wands, ready to weave magic and mayhem.

This lady was made to celebrate the female form and she has her own bra for colder days.

This was a Bridghid doll I made for Imbolc some years ago.

This is a selection of felts ready to be cut up and used.

More femmes

This pair of mermaids were inspired by one of Charles de Lints stories.

Hope you like the pictures.

Autumnal ponderings

Long time no speak and I have missed my blogging. Sometimes too many things can distract if you let them and sadly I did. Its the last day of August and almost time for Autumn. I have smelt her on the air so often this Summer, waiting not so patiently in the wings. The Summer has been like the rest of the year chez Mogs - not the best.

 I have this hope that Autumns gentle touch will renew and revive us both. There have been some good times but this year more illness, both physical and of the spirit. Low periods for us both and a reluctance to get out of bed in the morning almost ever day lately.

 I would hope that the magic of Autumn will bring back the sparkle and vibrancy of life for both of us. Why does Autumn hold more magic in her than any other season for me? I love the first Spring leaves, the warmth of the occasional Summer day and Winters sparkle as she dances ice across the land.

 But Autumn she resonates within my every being. On all levels she brings joy and promise. My physical self enjoys the colours as her gown takes on its russet overdress. It loves the feel of leaves under foot. All these delight me.

 My soul soaks in the wild magic, a barely heard sound on the wind that brings a sudden glimpse of faery.
My inner child fills her heart with ideas and inspiration. she has a need to create and to make. It matters not if that be spun yarn, or an elemental femme or indeed a painted journal page. There is just a Need to try and portray the very essence of joy that I feel.

 My tarot choices change in Autumn. I turn to the Druidcraft and the Faeries Oracle. I still turn my card of the day from the Wild Spirit Tarot. That remains a mystery I try to unravel each day. They don't always become clear immediately but then life itself isn't. For me the important thing is to draw a card and listen for the reply. Autumn is a time for journeying deeper. Is it for you?

The bobbin and batt are a new to me dyer Lanitium ex machina from Finland. I acquired the batts in a destash on Ravelry and today I thought they were perfect a mix of Summer colours with Autumn peeping through. This is going to be a mobius cowl for me I think.

New year greetings

Belated greetings sorry I have been missing. Happy New Year to everyone and I hope this new year brings you creativity, joy and good health.

Have been pretty busy but not sure what with. Two months plus has been lost to viruses. Starting just days after the flu injection for both of us and suspiciously like flu they didn't want to leave us. We only have the flu jab because Mr Mogs oncologist strongly suggested he should as his immune system is now challenged. But after this two months neither of us will be having it again. We both had antibiotics, 3 lots for me and steroids - 1 lot for Mr Mog but both still have snuffles. Mr Mog also had to go and see doctor as he wasn't too well and has now had chest X-ray which was clear and is awaiting ECG and bloods this Friday. But we are both enjoying each day although a spell of proper winter weather would be much appreciated.

Oh and I am now the recipient of my pension today;)

 I have been playing and made a new Goddess Altar.

I have also been spinning

Meet Lugh

We had a trip into one of our market towns today and look who I found in the charity shop:) First picture is courtesy of this website Lugh. Isn't this a stunning picture?  Wiki has lots of  info on Lugh http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lugh

I didn't realise I wanted a representation of Lugh to come and live with us. Well you never do, do you?

 But look:)

 Found in charity shop for the princely sum of £15.

 I had to get him, he has a mane of fleece after all.

 He is quite heavy and has strapping inside. I suspect he may have been used at the local theatre possibly for their outdoor plays. But who knows?

He is not for wearing, he is currently sitting on top of my Ikea unit where some of  the fleece, yarn and craft stuff is. Mr Mog wasn't sure at first but says he is growing on him. I think he was horrified when I first saw the mask in the shop but said go for it.

He had been sitting there a while when he told me his name. At first I was thinking Pan, Herne or Sol. But assuredly it is Lugh. I am planning to just add a little gilding to his face and touch up his horns as they are showing white in places. I may add some dreadlocks and beads to his mane. What do you think?
His face is latex I think and moves when you touch it. He has been crafted around what feels like a hard hat.
So here is Lugh.

Small pleasures

It's been quite dark here most days and very wet. This does not help the creative juices to flow. Add in the virus that is going around and one feels even less incentive to go and play in the craft room. But ,bad nights and antibiotics not withstanding,  today I made the effort and I am glad I did.

Firstly I must show you the gift my friend has just dropped off when she returned some Charles de Lint books she had borrowed. It's plum leather rolls and my goodness what an intense flavour this produces. A tiny strip melting in the mouth is packed with plum flavour. 

 I had given my friend quite a lot of plums some weeks ago when we had several spare bags full. So glad I did now:)

It has been a long while since I made elementals, too long. I really enjoyed making the felted sprites the other day and it made me realise how much pleasure I get from seeing these fey creatures emerge.
So here we go a new water elemental , her name apparently is Violetta . She isn't quite finished she awaits her finishing touches. But I like her she has character.

Her sister arrived soon after. Her name I have yet to find out. She likes to dance this much I know.

And a picture of the two together.

Then last night a friend sent me a link to altered playing cards and it made me think of using them as individual canvasses that could then be fastened into my journals. I made a start on preparing them this afternoon following the tutorial  here Cards. A messy job but fun.

The last of Autumn's bounty

Today we harvested the last of our fruits. The tomatoes were already finished but we found these few last apples hidden on the tree. I will make a pie for Sunday I think as we probably have friends coming to visit and it's good to share Natures Bounty with friends.
It's been a weird week. Monday we had our flu injections. Tuesday I felt awful and after a very early disappointing morning visit to the consultant about the result of my knee resurfacing I spent the rest of the day cuddled up to a hot water bottle. Consultant wasn't much help. The knee resurfacing had a 50/50 chance of working and it was my choice to take it. Trouble is it has made the pain much worse and he wasn't really interested. The flu injection washed me out. Wednesday was no better and Mr Mog started then with same symptoms. So both of us felt sorry for ourselves. On ringing the doctors we were told that it usually only lasted 48 hours:(
Thursday I felt better and after a first podiatry appointment felt brighter. The appointment was only supposed to be an assessment then a decision as to if I could have treatment on the NHs. But the podiatrist was very nice and actually did the assessment then some work on my feet. They feel so much better.
We were supposed to be going to drop a first birthday present off in cumbria but got partway there and Mr Mog wasn't well so home we went. He had a bad day but today has thankfully been better for both of us. So a reason to thank the Goddess and celebrate in a small way.
I have been playing though

A needle felted mermaid made her appearance. She has joined the other occasional goddesses in my colour journal.

Oh colour I do love thee

Oh colour how I do love thee. You inspire me and you lift my spirits.

 You are a distraction from pain

You give me permission to play

Your colour enfolds me in its beauty

The aches fade as I play

While I await the return of the muse I have things to distract and bring me comfort

And that must be good

Mustn't it?

Apologies for the mixed up formatting. Blogger is playing silly beggars again. All suggestions for a new blog platform gratefully received