Happy 1st May ! and hoping for Summer !

I turn the page on the Calendar and it says "May" and in all kinds of calendars that means Summer is just around the corner. Around these parts, May 1st is "VALBORG" and that means as far as I can see, collecting up all the old branches and trees that fall during the winter months, putting them in one big pile, and setting fire to them, while singing a happy song with your friends and neighbours. This is what we did last night, on the eve of Valborg... 

This was on the dunes about 100 meters from the sea, a small procession walked from the church to the beach with lit flares held by very small children.... it all went without a hitch.  Song sheets were given out and a little choir of locals sang out while most around chomped on hot dogs and drank Coke and gazed wistfully at the bonfire hoping for a good Summer! I forgot to mention that most were dressed in duvet type ski jackets, hats and gloves because it was so very cold. 

One of my favourite artists, Inge Look from Finland have just issued a May day card to celebrate the day, showing a May Day that I would like to be at. They've got frocks on rather than ski jackets for one thing. You can order her Calendars and cards even if you don't live in Scandinavia, just drop them a line.  

Mr Mole gets some new boots...
I finished Mr Mole a while ago, and something was missing, no feet or should I say paws. Well, this week I have finally put things right and given him a wonderful pair of wool boots and pipe cleaners inserted into his legs so that he can be a bit more mobile. 

I think he likes them... 

Happy Easter from the New Guys and Crazyhoundstore

Something in the Air

 Earlier this week I mentioned about some new designs I was working on... 

On the right, Black and White "Eric" was inspired by Harvey and the Rabbit advert that was on TV last year

And the Grey number, "Eardley" well I wanted to make a dog with BIG EARS and this is what came out. I am also really happy with the new body shape..

And this little guy, who is 50 Years old this year, with a repaired and re-stuffed neck, but minus his tail, probably has a lot to answer for as an inspiration for all my animal crafts.. Thank you Candy. 

Enjoy the holidays everyone.

Christmas Craft Sales around the world

Christmas feelings arrive early in this part of the world, and Christmas Bazaars in Copenhagen and Malmo can be had a plenty the last week of November or beginning of December, but all is over by early December when most retreat home to prepare their own Christmassy effects in doors. It is great to live somewhere where so many people craft and make things themselves for Christmas. Really brings a smile to my face.

I had a small stall in Copenhagen last month and you can see the guys and gals above who joined me one rainy, windy day at the sale. There were some great things for sale including necklaces and rings made from bicycle inner tubes and also from vintage French buttons. I have to admit to spending some of what I earned at the sale on these fab items made by Claire Blondel Dargent. She doen't have a web site, but leave a comment and I will forward her email to you.
It was a long day, and not everything sold, and I find myself getting ridiculously attached to the chaps and sad to see them sold - that is daft isn't it ! Anyway, after getting back home from the sale we all collapsed in the armchair by the stove and fell asleep until supper. Some of the remaining creatures have nettled back in the hall hoping for Christmas together by the tree .  

If you like treasure troves, and you don't fancy going out in the snow to feast you eyes on Christmas goodies take a wander to the EtsyExpat team Treasury "Around the World in a Day". We have all put items in the shop for sale and most are offering a discount for this promotion, so bargains to be hand, and all are handmade by a great group of people. Take a peek and smile.
Finally thanks to Mr Crazyhound for taking time out of his busy schedule to take the Christmas shot above.