Feeding the Birds wearing New Hedgehog Earmuffs

Here's a picture that you can buy either framed in a white box frame, or just mounted. I have it on my Etsy and Folksy sites, but looking out of the window on made me think of it as there are bird feeders on the apple tree right outside. 

I like to think the little fairy got her earmuffs as a Christmas present from FC himself, as a thankyou for helping with the 2012 season.

FYI the hedgehogs like to help.

I've decided to have a FIVE DAY SNOWY BONANZA and sell the mounted prints for £6 plus p&p (£2.50). All you have to do is check out the Folksy site on 
http://folksy.com/shops/julesmarriner

Go on! treat yourself to some snowy quirky art! 

This Bonanza will self destruct on 22nd January.

PS If you want a box frame version, email me.

Readying myself for snow

In two days time we are promised much snow. 

And as such, I thought it would be a good idea to tidy my new studio. I've given the festivals and fayres boxes a jolly good going over and accompanied by a small buffoon in a jersey (Maisie),  managed to clear my lovely new desk.

Now is the time of year that we decide what festivals to do in the summer months. It looks like we'll start on March 2nd with the 'I love Wight' fayre at Brickfields. Wally and Bert is currently in production, so it could well be the first outing for the little fella.

I like a nice bit of snow when it's white; Maisie has never seen snow before, so that will be interesting. Wally has had a serious telling of today for eating something utterly revolting in the garden (he had his teeth brushed and paws washed, it was that bad) and I've got my Wacom drawing tablet out again to give it a second chance. 

We've spent a bit of time in Cowes this week due to exams being taken by one of the inhabitants of Chateau Marriner. It's such a lovely arty place and gives me much inspiration. I've had a great idea.....

 

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your Bears.

Happy New January

Well, here we are, January again, another new year and good news is afoot. The second proof of Wally & Bert arrived this morning, proving that my new printer is really on the ball. The first one arrived a couple of days before Christmas and some very kind friends proof read for me and pointed out all my crazy errors! Like writing PolyWallythene instead of Existentialism. Bah! easy mistake to make.

I'm having tingly ideas about Wally & Bert #2 and but think I might first tackle Flossie Bonce, the story about a fairy who helps out Father Christmas when he comes down with the colly wobbles on Christmas Eve. I have a bit of a soft spot for fairies as I think I know where some live. 

I'm also half way through another of the 'Red Wellington' stories for my chum Darrin, so intend to have all ten finished by summer so they can get animated and put onto YouTube. Here's one from  'The Snowmen'. By all accounts, this might be relevant in the next few weeks!!

Wally & Bert BFFs front cover

Contrary to a previous post, I have completely reworked the front cover of Wally and Bert, BFFs. Here is the updated version, which I feel tells the story much better.

I'm currently waiting for the book proof to come from the new printer's in Exeter. This is potentially great news, as people often ask in astonishment why I have been printing in the USA. The answer to that question was that it was more cost effective, even with the shipping costs to get the books printed in the US. However, I have been put onto another printer which the same price, but in Blighty. If only we could do it on the Island, we could even cut out the postage!! 

Hope you like the cover. Look out for his arrival in the New Year.

Merry Winter Holidaynessmass

So much has been happening at Chateau Scarlett Inc that I barely know where to start! Mr M has all but finished the new studio and last week I moved most of my workstuff in. Next week we are due to have some electricity put in, so then we can also have some heat - as it's FREEEEEZING there at the moment. He has very cleverly put big skylights in the roof, so we actually don't need any artificial lighting at all. Natural light is much better for painting too.

The second exciting piece of news is that Wally and Bert has gone to the printers and I'm hoping to see a proof before Christmas - although that might be pushing it a bit. The children in Year 4 at Barton have done a cracking job of drawing some animals for the back endpage and we have some quotes from them in the front about being best friends. I can't wait to see it in print.

Next jobs for me will include finishing off the Wellington Boot stories for YouTube and then having a good think about the next Wally & Bert story. I already have an idea. A very silly idea. You'll have to wait and see if its a good idea!!

Hoping you all have a lovely Christmas, eat lots of minky pies and if you don't like them, send them to me and eat some chocolate instead. And if you don't like chocolate either, What is Wrong With You????

Giant Arrives Next Door

Our two dogs, Wally and Maisie were shocked to discover a giant had moved in next door. It started with a bit of deep woofing at very close proximity one dark and windy evening and led to them unexpectantly coming nose to nose over the wall.

 We discovered that the giant (known as Coco) can jump the wall and get through our otherwise small-dog proof enclosures in the garden. This has left Wally with permanent sticky up fur on the back of his neck and a nervous twitch. 

Maisie on the other hand, has previously been scratching her ear fluff and now has considerably less on the left hand side. It looks ridiculous and no matter how much I tell her, she doesn't seem to take any notice.

It turns out that Coco isn't the scary colossus that Wally has taken her for, but a lovely chocolately coloured big ball of fun. Now that she has been rescued and lives in a loving home, it won't be long before the three of them are chasing each other over in the park.

Reading to Bram

Last weekend I found myself reading Vincent and the Vampires to the Great Great Great Grandsons of  Bram Stoker! That truly was a 'Wowsers' moment! I was at the first Isle of Wight Literary Festival, which was a thing of wonder! May there be many more.

This week I have been focussing on cracking on with Wally and Bert and waking up at night thinking about my next exhibition, which starts in a month at the Apollo Theatre. I shall have some new work up on the theme of Shakespeare Quotes as well as some artwork from my two books. I'll be there in the intervals for any questions or book signings. 

Happy Halloween!