School holidays and crafting

My son broke up and finished school just a little over 3 weeks ago. His last day at this school involved an assembly to warm and melt the hearts of each parent there. The proud moment when my son's name was read out for being awarded a merit due to his progress in maths and for his continued excellent behaviour and impeccable manners. Not every boy makes sure ladies first! After a brief moment speaking to his head and i was away, out of the crowded room and heading home to tissues and sweet tea.

And now on this holiday before the big school starts some crafting has been done, some timeout watching videos and dvd's but also the odd outing into the world. One was to see Humboldt Penguins in their new home at Bournemouth Oceanarium . A refit had altered the layout but also made room for these adorable birds. Their home a mixture of cave like hideaways  and a lovely pool to swim in and look at the all the humans looking at them. A play area and cafe close by to enjoy these little birds in their element. So graceful in the water, whilst on land they waddle happily along, the odd shake of the head before returning to the cool water.

This adventure also included an art exhibit and an aviary. The budgies and lovebirds so cheerful and colourful, whilst the parrots slept high on their perches and quails running around the floors , hunting for those seeds that drop, but also trying to draw our attention to them, away from the brightly coloured birds above. The zebra finches dart around, their various cheeps and chirps sounding cheerful and bright. This avairy has been here since i can remember, a place that as a child i was taken, the joy still the same as i now show my child the beauty of these birds.

An art exhibit was close by, local artists showing and selling their wears. Beautiful pictures using various styles and techniques and materials. Some photos, some abstract and  some stunning landscapes, all were a joy to see and i admit i was tempted to far too many of them, but alas money in my purse would not have been enough for them, and through the prices may seem high to some, the prices of art materials is never cheap in the first place, but the time and talent of each artist is also must be taken into account, and trust me these pictures would have been worth every penny and pound.

So now to home, to our place of creating, where stacks of vellum await ideas and where Fun Fair by Helz Cuppleditch awaits ideas and for me to stamp the images , before raiding the water colour pencils to brighten each design. Also where gems have large cases, full of the sparkle and a rainbow of colours, which will brighten any card they are used on, and ribbon overflowing from baskets, each one a different design or thickness or pattern. Crafting in this house is visible everywhere and  a highlight of everyday is the chance to create, to 'play' at being an artist, and these summer holidays have given us chance to explore out creative minds, together.

Happy Crafting