.jpg)
Hello! We have what I call Happy Weather here today! Also known as sunny weather.
Sunny, happy, happy, sunny, those two things are one and the same for me. I don't know how to begin untangling them.
So! Have you ever heard of the Tea Towel dance? No?! Actually, I hadn't either, until Evangeline came into my life.
Evangeline is meant to be doing the ironing, but, well............... you know what it's like, one minute you're ironing the tea towels, the next ................ well, for Evangeline it means next she's doing something much more fun. She's doing her special Tea Towel Dance.
The Tea Towel Dance involves lots of swishing and whirling. For some, so much more fun than the ironing.
I thought I'd run something past you. I've been getting some e-mails asking me to sell cards of my sculptures and paintings, in my etsy shop, what do you think? Don't feel obliged to answer this, I thought I'd just put some tentative feelers out there. For instance, the photo above of Evangeline, it would make a great postcard, or card, don't you think? I've looked into doing this through 'Moo cards', and I could offer five greetings cards for £10, plus post and packing. The thing about Moo Cards is that they can do small print runs, which makes it more expensive, but if I am doing this as a trial, I thought it would be better this way. Just thought I'd put some feelers out.
Anyway, lets move on, because I have a second Evangeline to show you!
This is Evangline having a break from the cooking to practise the Cha Cha.
In Evangeline's mind, she thinks she might be rather good at the Cha Cha.
I would personally like to point out to Evangeline that she is in the middle of frying an egg, and instead of wiggling her little hips, she should get back to the business of her egg.
But there's no telling Evangeline, she is prone to drifting off into her own little world.
Sweet Evangeline! Evangeline with her frying pan, doing the Cha Cha has been sold, and will soon be on an adventure all the way to France, in her own private box, very roomy it is too. The other Evangeline I showed you, Evangeline doing the Tea Towel Dance, has gone into my etsy shop, you can visit it here if you fancy.
Oooh I meant to tell you! I saw a wonderful thing earlier. I was standing at the kitchen sink, and out of the window of the living room I could see something which I thought was rain. Then it stopped for a moment, (and anyway, the water was at a strange angle, so it couldn't have been rain), it looked more like water coming out of a hose pipe. The flow of water started again, and I thought, how interesting, does our neighbour think the garden needs watering from over the wall? So I approached the window to investigate something I thought was quite amusing, the idea of the neighbour standing the other side of the wall with a hose pipe, watering our garden. But then I saw it. I saw a Blackbird in all his glory, splashing about in the bird bath. He was splashing like he really, really, really needed a bath badly. There was lots of wiggling and shaking of his body and tail feathers. He was doing a great job of watering the garden. (Because we do need the garden watered as it hasn't rained for at least .......... twenty-four hours).
I love to watch the Sparrows having their communal baths, communal but with lots of polite exchanges going on, like "oh no, you go first, please. Me first? Oh that's very kind of you, thank you. Oh! How funny, we've both jumped in at the same time, ha-ha, how embarrassing. Well never mind, needs must, please, go ahead, there's room for both of us".
I love to have the birds in the garden. We feed them, and it feels like a real honour when they come to eat the seeds and fat balls we put out.
I'd better get on, I've been chatting for far too long. Before I go, I'd like to say another thank you, for the comments you left on my last post. I hope I don't sound too cheesy when I say that I'm very happy to be in this blogging world, where you find the most wonderful, kind and generous spirited people, I hope I haven't embarrassed you by saying this, but it's very true, and I've probably been a little understated in my thanks and praise. Thank you.
Well, cheerio then, I'm off back to work! Love Vanessa xxx
Hello Vanessa.
That Evangeline is so full of fun...her exuberance is infectious. I know how to do the teatowel fold, but must try to learn the dance.
Your notion of greeting cards featuring your imagery is very, very good. I think that they would be very popular.
You've also made me smile with the image of the blackbird-powered shower. xo
Posted by: Frances | March 21, 2011 at 03:15 PM
How lovely! I'm glad Evangeline is having all sorts of adventures.
Posted by: Bonnie | March 21, 2011 at 03:54 PM
I think your sculptures are amazing, so full of life and character. I'm sure cards would do well, have a word with the Cornish Print Company.I wanted a short run doing with some of my pictures and they were very helpful and well priced.
Posted by: French Knots | March 21, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Hello Vanessa,
I think postcards, or cards of your sculptures is an excellent idea! I love to just look at them, they are so adorable. It would be a real treat to receive/send one in the mail. You have amazing talent, I look forward to seeing what else you create! :)
Posted by: Holly Marie | March 21, 2011 at 04:17 PM
dHi Vanessa,
More delightful creations! Love the little prints on those tea towels in particular. You clever stick, you! As to the Moo cards, I use them for mine (gift cards and postcards) and they are good quality and an easy interface to work with. Another advantage is that it's no extra to print lots of different images where as when I looked into it, you had to have the same image printed a milllion times to get it cheaper. I'd definitely love some cards or postcards and I understand the pricing issue when printing on a small scale. Sounds fine to me.
Been a lovely day here too (until now), doesn't it make you feel so much better?!
Hope you're all well.
Hen xxx
Posted by: Hen | March 21, 2011 at 04:20 PM
Evangeline is such a happy little soul isn't she! She frys an egg just how I like it too. :)
Vivienne x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | March 21, 2011 at 04:27 PM
I think it's a fab idea to get cards printed I'd definetly buy some :)
Posted by: Heather Melton | March 21, 2011 at 04:48 PM
What a wonderful post. Im reading this as I am getting ready for work..really early in the morning and feeling a little, well bleh. But this post made me giggle and hope for Happy weather. I love your Evangeline, especially with her teatowels, her spontanaity is lovely and just so inspiring. Thanks for starting off my day with a big grin :D
Posted by: Amy | March 21, 2011 at 05:01 PM
Hello Vanessa,
Both the sculptures are wonderful, so much fun and so cheerful! I think the cards would be a great idea - I would buy some!
Posted by: Tessa | March 21, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Do Moo cards please! I would love to buy postcards of your sculptures.
Posted by: Sue | March 21, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Oh yes please moo cards and posters would be fantastic!
Posted by: Sharon | March 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Well, first of all, I notice that Evangeline's fry pan DOES have a handle. This is a lovely accessory for any frypan - you might mention it to Hugo! LOLOL
Isn't it wonderful that the sunshine brings a dance to Evangeline, happy creature that she is? I understand that she was going to invite the sparrows in for breakfast, but the cannibalistic idea of feeding them fried eggs for breakfast was a little more than her tender heart could bear. So she fixed a cup of tea and toast and had a little dance around the kitchen before she settled down for a nice meal. Later in the day, as the sun rose higher and the spring flowers came out, she waved her tea towels for joy to the sun.
Cards! Yes please. I'll be the first to order since Evangeline and her friends are some of my favorite people in the world.
Posted by: Liz W in Missouri, USA | March 21, 2011 at 05:32 PM
I'd love to buy postcards of your sculptures.I love the new Evangalines-woman after my own heart. Why iron or cook when you can dance!!
Posted by: Catriona | March 21, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Yes please to the cards. I think they would be really popular. Evangeline is a very cute character and will go far. I just get all happy and skippy when you do an Evangeline post. Good to see you in better spirits. Take care. Helen x
Posted by: Helen | March 21, 2011 at 05:34 PM
your new evangelina are so cute, I love them, as I can't afford them, I would be pleased to buy postacards!
Marie in france
Posted by: ctextiles | March 21, 2011 at 05:45 PM
Postcards would be brill! I love Moo and use them for business cards and little moo cards (the originals) and they are great.
Let me know when they're ready!
Posted by: Penny Peberdy | March 21, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Yet again - just lovely - I want them all - YES! to cards and postcards - they would be fabulous! You are clever!
Posted by: becky peabody | March 21, 2011 at 06:00 PM
I love the motion in your sculptures! They look so light, but I can only imagine the time to structure them. :) We feed the sparrows here in Ontario too. They chase away the Robins and Cardinals, they are so cheeky.
Posted by: Lamorganna | March 21, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Dear Vanessa, I also love the idea of the cards - especially for those who can't afford an original sculpture, but we love them dearly - we could have a little bit of them by buying the cards.
I hope you buy Hugo a nice frying pan.. have you tried cast iron? How about a nice Le Creuset or Staub enameled frying pan? In a pretty color!
Hugs from Oregon, USA -- Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | March 21, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Your Evangelines are making me smile, they are full of vitality and charme, I love them both! Excellent work of art!
Posted by: Claudia | March 21, 2011 at 06:36 PM
Cards would be fantastic - I am beginning to feel such a good friendship starting with Evangeline and it is another way to spread her happiness around the world. I love her slightly scrabbly fingers too - they are so real. lots of love, Kate xxooxx.
Posted by: kate is greedy | March 21, 2011 at 06:47 PM
Ironing and cooking should always take 2nd place to dancing!!
I love little Evangeline, she's such a sweetie! I love her little pinny!
I think your postcards would do very well!
Rachel x
Posted by: Rachel | March 21, 2011 at 06:54 PM
Those mice of yours are lovely - a Spring in their step!
June
Posted by: June | March 21, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Evangeline makes me smile - can't help
it.:-) I love the idea of the cards as it's probably the only way I'll ever own one of your creations. The sparrow in the bird bath sounds like another sculpture idea forming! So glad you are smiling again.:-)
Posted by: Judi A. | March 21, 2011 at 07:40 PM
it's a yes from me to the cards! (as long as there is one of Florence!
xxxx
Posted by: Heather | March 21, 2011 at 07:44 PM
I love your new Evangeline's, they are so full of character, love how she is doing her little dance! Your characters would look fab as postcards or cards, I would buy some:) though I think a mixed selection would be great, then people could frame them if they couldn't bear to give them away! Glad you are feeling better, I've not been following you long, but your posts are such a lovely happy read, take care, Jenny x
Posted by: Jenny | March 21, 2011 at 07:46 PM
Dear Vanessa, thank you for a wonderful "smiley" post, love Evangeline, so full of character.
Yes, the blackbirds do love their baths don't they? Today a wood pigeon decided to do the same........... and when I went out not one drop of water left in the birdbath!
Carol xx
Posted by: Carol | March 21, 2011 at 08:05 PM
Wonderful mouse! made me laugh for joy.I so envy her stylish shoes- and the tiny feet within them....
Cards of her should prove mega popular- go Vanessa!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kate | March 21, 2011 at 08:23 PM
Cards are a wonderful idea. I do love all of your sculptures, it really makes me smile when I see them and then I have to go back and look at all of the small details. Thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: jeanette | March 21, 2011 at 08:35 PM
they are both lovely Vanessa!!! And yes, greeting cards will be a wonderufl seller for sure! maybe I need to make some Raymond greeting cards! Do you think they;ll sell???!!!! he he he he he
Lovely work as usual!
XXXXXXXXX
Posted by: Alice and Raymond!!! | March 21, 2011 at 08:36 PM
Hey Vanessa, I think Evangeline no.1 might harbour a secret desire to be a Morris Dancer............
I love the apron Evangeline no. 2 is wearing. I really think you should make them in adult size, they are lovely and where o where did you find such a teeny, tiny wooden spoon. Did Hugo (man of many talents) carve it for you?
Moo cards definitely , give it a whirl and see how it goes. Am sure it will be a winner.
Claire :)
Posted by: Claire Smith | March 21, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Another vote for cards - I would love one of Florence :0)
I love your sculptures - they fascinate me - sooo pretty - love the detail :0)
Posted by: Cazzie | March 21, 2011 at 08:42 PM
You don't iron tea towels do you!?! I don't iron anything, except cotton tops, which I try not to wear any more. I would love to see (and possibly buy) postcards of Evangeline. She would be a very considered purchase, but a couple of postcards or greetings cards would be very tempting. Dancing Evangeline makes me want to get up and do the tea towel dance!
Posted by: Jacqueline | March 21, 2011 at 08:48 PM
I would MOST DEFINITELY buy your postcards! xxx
Posted by: Joanne | March 21, 2011 at 09:37 PM
Dear Vanessa
I often watch blackbirds bathing in my birdbath.Strangely over the years I have become convinced that this mostly happens in the spring when you know, a young bird's fancy turns to love. Got to have a bit of a wash and brush up for that! But do you know what is even funnier? Observation has proved to me time and time again that the lady blackbird spends a lot longer in the bath!!
Posted by: Lesley | March 21, 2011 at 09:52 PM
I have been looking at all your pictures of paper mache characters and wishing that I could have a picture of them for framing...
I like all the characters! I'd love cards too(or postcards, but cards a preference as I sent lots!) - perhaps a 'box set' with a few different characters or else the same characters in teh different poses you have posted on your blogs because they show the movement and character in the sculptures.
Let us know if you decide to go ahead as I;d love to buy!
Posted by: DB | March 21, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Love Evangeline and love her tea towel dance, a mouse after my own heart. Yes please to cards. I know you have been having a hard time recently and it is so nice to see happy mices dancing again!
Posted by: Alison | March 21, 2011 at 11:15 PM
oooh, just had another look and I have some of the same ribbon as Evangeline of the frying pan has in her apron! I covet it (the ribbon that is, not to say that I don't covet an Evangeline, that goes without saying), but would willingly sacrifice it for a mice's apron strings.
Posted by: Alison | March 21, 2011 at 11:20 PM
I love that tea towel dance! Evangeline is gorgeous!
The tea towel dance makes me think of the descriptions of English country dancing (or morris, I forget which!) that were in my 'Abbey Girls' series.
Posted by: Allyson | March 22, 2011 at 07:10 AM
Hi Vanessa, there's a new idea for you, a blackbird having a bath! It really is an awesome thing to watch. I love the idea of cards. Evangeline is such a naughty, but beautiful lady.
Posted by: Dorien | March 22, 2011 at 08:07 AM
Cards? Postcards? A BIG YES!
Posted by: Alessandra | March 22, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Evangeline is completely fantastic, and she makes me laugh with delight every time I look at her! Cards please, definitely! And please ignore the trolls out there - your spirit of fun and delight in life brings so much pleasure to us all - you are the sunny patch in my day.
with love (and best wishes to Evangeline)
Posted by: Rebecca Barrow | March 22, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Ironing teatowels????? Good grief, whatever next? Do people actually iron teatowels.
It's the little details that make your sculptures so special, the fried egg for example.
And birds bathing in the garden gives me pleasure too... we have some little blue tits who don't just drop themselves in, but very timidly, like someone testing the water, slide gracefully in, sideways. Or one prefers to reverse in, so funny to watch!
Posted by: maggie | March 22, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Just wanted to say thanks for your fantastic corchet step by step patterns, they are brill! I am very very new to crochet and I have found them really clear. Love your mice aswell :-) Re the cards, there are other sites that do them cheaper I am sure so might be worth searching around before buying them.
Posted by: scentedsweetpeas | March 22, 2011 at 02:40 PM
Oh Evangeline, where oh where have you been? You with your glorious imagination, creates for the rest of us a fascination of a mouse doing a dance all the way to France, we wish you all the happiness ever in a country with sunnier weather!
She is sooooo beautiful Vanessa she makes me want to dance xox
Posted by: Penelope | March 22, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Oh my how gorgeous are they - I think I need to start saving up!!
Posted by: ali.b | March 22, 2011 at 07:24 PM
Hi, I´m from mexico and just discovered your blog and fall in love with Evangeline...is just so cute and full of joie de vivre
Posted by: Mariza Rodriguez | March 22, 2011 at 11:11 PM
i'm always at the tale end of commenting.....but for heaven sakes!!!!! get those cards aprinting!
loved the a.m.'s in bed post. yes you are lucky.....i don't have to wake up and rush off to work anymore either but your routine looks especially lovely. ok i'll say what i've been thinking for a long time already, a you might have suspected......i want to be YOU VANESSA when i finally grow up!
xo
Posted by: mlleparadis | March 23, 2011 at 04:08 AM
Oh dear, I usualy have a look at your blog first thing while I have a cuppa and your sculptures always give a smile, no, a chuckle to start the day! Just wonderful, I LOVE the idea of doing the Dance of the Seven Teatowels!!!
Interesting to hear about Moo Cards, I've had a similar suggestion about my Planet Penny animals and although I did my own Christmas cards they were awfully time consuming and by the time you've factored in time, card, envelopes, ink etc getting them done professionally seems the best way so thanks for the link. I'm looking forward to being able to buy some of yours, which I would probably frame rather than send to anyone else!
love Penny
PS I also loved the fact that when I got to the end of your post there was Douglas's little head peeking at me, aaaw!
Posted by: Planet Penny | March 23, 2011 at 08:19 AM
It is such a lovely sunshiny day here, that I am going to potter out for a little walk to the shops; I shall be admiring the blossom on the way. Spring really is here and I feel nearly as happy about that as Emmeline looks!
Loving all the stitching on Emmeline, the colours are all so pretty and vibrant. I don't know how you do it as pig and mouse eyes are very small, but you get so much expression in them. She is lovely and I definitely think photo's of her are a great idea.
Actually you have lots of things on your blog that would be lovely - nice reminders of all the lovely and varied things we have seen and of course we could pass them on to other people to cheer them up too. In fact I could get carried away - notebooks, cards, calenders - even printed fabric, so you could make a lovely Emmeline cushion perhaps!
Posted by: Siobhan | March 23, 2011 at 01:36 PM
oh man! Amazing!!! xxx
Posted by: The Curious Cat | March 23, 2011 at 02:11 PM
cards are a great idea. You could do a price/quality comparison with somewhere like Bonusprint http://www.bonusprint.co.uk/pages/photo_cards_prices.htm?level=3&sub=6
Posted by: nic@nipitinthebud | March 23, 2011 at 06:36 PM
she really makes me smile ... as do you ... can you tell me how you make tea towles stiff? :-) xxx
Posted by: raggyrat.blogspot.com | March 25, 2011 at 06:34 PM