And What's Going Down
Woah! I blinked and January happened! Here is my catch up post, showing you some of my makes over the hectic Christmas period and the start of 2016.
I Got a TATTOO!
For many years, I have been a huge admirer of beautiful tattoos and the work of great tattoo artists. I have a small shooting star on my back, a relic of the 90's, which, although it is a it naff, I love as it carries the memories of those happy, slightly reckless, teenage times. I really wanted to get a gorgeous custom tattoo, a work of art which used my skin as the canvas. My friend Virginie, who has many brilliant, striking pieces from top artists, and I, visited a tattoo convention, and I found the perfect artist who I knew immediately would be the perfect person to design and ink my idea. And here it is!
Gorgeous isn't it! My tattoo was done by the talented Marie Cox at Folklore Tattoo studio in Tamworth. It is well worth checking out her work on Instagram, and of course, if you ever want to take the plunge and get some skin art for yourself, give her studio a call!
Here is me with the healed tattoo and a cuddly sloth, had to get Sidney the sloth I crocheted some company!
CHRISTMASSSSSSS!
As with everyone, Christmas was hectic! I work as a minion part time in a coffee shop, our busiest time of year. On Christmas Eve, I decided to dress as an elf, any excuse for a costume and I volunteer as tribute! Here is Happy McJingles, (That's my elf name. I took an online quiz so it must be true!)
I also made some little crochet critters for small gifts. This adorable little Owlet pattern which I found on the brilliant site http://www.amigurumipatterns.net/ which has all the crochet animals, characters you could dream of, some paid but also plenty for free. You will also find these patterns on Ravelry.
I made this adorable little Owlet for my Mum, using tweed yarn which I think was perfect for the owls feathers. The pattern is available to download for $5 and is by MervvSan. Here is the link; http://www.amigurumipatterns.net/shop/MevvSan/Woodland-Critter---owl/
I also made this super cute hatching turtle for my boss and buddy Marie. I think I will have to make a few more of these as they are just beyond sweet and quick to make. The pattern is from the book 'Super Super Cute Crochet' by Brigitte Read. Also from this book, I made this chubby polar bear.
I used the brushed crochet method on this, to give it the fuzzy look. He turned out a bit fatter than I expected. Oh well, it was Christmas after all, mince pies everywhere.
To January, and beyond!
January gave me a chance to put my costume making skills into effect. Lilly, my daughter's, class had been given the task to dress as a character from 101 Dalmatians for their first day back. I put a fake fur white jacket that I had used previously in my Christmas pudding costume that I wore to Santacon 2014, sewed lots of black felt spots onto it. I also used felt to sew the ears and tail. A collar to finish the look was made using craft foam. Finally I dusted off the Halloween face paints for the make up. A lot of effort was put in, but I think she looks great!
I was not immune to Star Wars fever in December, but I held off any spoilers and waited till January so I could go and watch it at the fantastic Electric cinema in Birmingham for my friend Gareth's birthday celebrations. Like pretty much everybody, I fell in love with the brave and loyal little spherical droid, BB-8. Of course I had to crochet one for myself. A quick search on Ravelry found me this pattern http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bb-8-from-star-wars which the designer, Melissa's Crochet Patterns, has kindly posted for free. She has also given permission for makers to sell items made from this pattern, so, as I am saving up hard for my upcoming visit to New York, I decided to make a batch for sale. This is not something I usually do, but may do more in the future, hopefully with my own patterns, watch this space! One of my little BB-8s has even gone to live in Tokyo with my friend Hawken!
The cuddly Cthulhu, pattern by Rural rebellion, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cthulhu-3 was a gift for my friend Jeremy. I have made a few of these before, but using plain black toy eyes. I think the cat eyes give it a certain extra creepy cuteness. This pattern is brilliant, lots of illustrations to help you make your own amigurumi Elder God.
We Wanna go to a VW show
My husband Andy is a huge VW fan, having a '66 Split screen camper of his own called Godiva. She will be 50 years old this year, so we are planning on having a few expeditions in her. We enjoyed a family day out last sunday to Campermart show at Telford International Centre. Andy is a fan of the 'rat look' which basically means the van looks rusty and worn, whilst being solid. Here is a picture of one of his favourites from the day.
As an anniversary gift a few years ago, I designed and made Andy a crochet camper. This is one of the pieces I am most proud of, as I designed the pattern myself from scratch. I am hoping to revisit this pattern and make a few more vans, maybe even publish the pattern.
Are There Any Agents Out There?
News from my efforts to get my children's book published now. I heard back from the first agents I sent my work off to, and the response, not unexpectedly but still with a stab of disappointment, was a no. I would say it was an encouraging no, though, or, the email may just have been a generic rejection message. 'Don't give up, try other agencies.'
I sent the book off to two more agencies recently. I have had another rejection from one and am waiting on the second. I also have the addresses of a few rare publishers which still accept unsolicited manuscripts, their slush piles should be added to with my book soon, hehehe.
There seems to be an unbreakable cycle of; If you don't have an agent, you can't get published, but you can't get published unless you have an agent. I will persevere though. Cross your fingers for me and Jonathan Jones the skeleton, who would love to have his story told to children everywhere.
Till the next time,
Donna x
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