Oak and Ivy Heart - new papercut

I've made a start on a new heart-shaped papercut. This time with oak leaves, acorns and ivy, as well as my little flower-gathering birdies of course. I always feel disheartened when I start a new project as I can't quite tell if it's going to be successful or not - so I'm going to try and ignore myself and carry on regardless! The white side is the wrong side. The right side is black.

Birds and Flowers Papercut Completed

I just finished the border and centre. Four blunt blades and one tired hand! Hope you all like it.

Birds and Flowers circular papercut

This is my newest piece and is still a work in progress. As you can see, I'm now working on the border which is in a traditional papercut style. So far I've gone through three blades on this piece! The finished piece (including the border) will measure 39cm in diameter.

Life is Good. Enjoy the Little Things.

So sorry for being a completely useless blogger for a long LONG time. But I'm determined to be more conscientious from now on!

I finished this piece last week. I was surprised at how quickly I managed to do it. It only took me a couple of days to do the whole thing.

Fiddler Papercut (2 versions)

So here is the finished item (top image). I can't help thinking that the smoke swirls aren't helping the picture though. So below, I have photoshopped out the smoke, just to see how it looks. I'm kind of leaning towards the smokeless version.

This fiddler just seems more solitary and focussed without all the smoke surrounding him. All opinions are very welcome!

Fiddler Papercut (work in progress)

I thought I'd try something a little different. This piece is only half done, but sometimes it's fun to see something before it's finished. The idea is that the leaves and birds are the music emanating from the fiddle, mingling with the smoky swirls coming from the chimneys. I'm not sure if it's going to come out exactly how I pictured it in my jet-lagged brain at 4am the other morning - or maybe it's going to come out EXACTLY as I pictured it in my jet-lagged brain - and is that a good thing - who knows??? Anyway, I'll post up the finished item and you can all decide for yourselves!

Monterey Bay Aquarium - Seahorse Silhouettes

I just got back from a trip to California where I saw these gorgeous silhouettes decorating the entrance to the new Seahorse exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The top image is a large illuminated panel and the bottom image is a full-height metal gate. I think they're lovely and wanted to share them!