Christmas Cake Sparkle

I've been thinking that Christmas is like a Christmas cake. All shiney and sparkling , but however it looks from the outside, the important part inside should be savoured. For weeks before, the ingredients need to be prepared and bought in advance; the rich fruits,nuts and spices, the sugar, fat and flour.
How it is measured on the baking day will never make up for how it is appreciated when it is cut open then eaten. Inside the flavours and textures please some more than others; the sweetness might set some people's teeth on edge; the nuts may be hard to swallow if not chewed properly and the colour with the texture makes for an interesting palette;smooth in places, mixed and injected with an occasional bright cherry then a nutty surprise hidden in the same mouthful.
The important thing to remember is that although the ingredients are all necessary to make a special cake, some are preferred more than others.
Christmas is a day that brings together friends and families filled with traditional fayre. The way it's wrapped up speaks of the sparkle and delight it excites.
Whatever preparations are made in advance, those who are together should spend time to appreciate each other and their differences.
Expectations before savouring the day may be high but the way it is enjoyed is entirely up to the taster.
My wish for you this year is that your Christmas sparkle uncovers a time of celebration mixed with a variety of fayre. Most of all that the ingredients that make up your Christmastime will be enjoyed.

Alice and the Art Centre.

Saturday found me at the local Art Centre with my goods including sculptures and I took one large painting to display on an easel. I look forward to a commission of a painting for Christmas and I have at least two potential tutees. I am making my workshop more practical for clay sculpting and starting soon.
I will be displaying a new portraiture of a young girl Alice soon. She  is as  fresh faced as Fred is rugged.

Success!

Soooo pleased that Poppy arrived unscathed by the kiln! Now she's time to cool off before soothing her with a coat of milk. I need some more inspiration, maybe a Grandma for Fred eh?

'Poppy meets Grandpa Fred'

I hollowed Poppy Lizabeth and now I await her to dry enough for biscuit firing. That's the really scarey bit as it can all go terribly wrong at the final stage.

I have begun a new sculpture of an elderly man in a flat cap I will name Grandpa Fred. Watch this space as I intend to do a life size bust of him. He's so cute!

Poppy

My first pet sculpture is ready for drying. Poppy's owners came to visit and I am happy to say they are delighted. The trickiest bit to come is hollowing out. I've enjoyed the challenge of creating fur texture and a likeness of a much treasured pet.

At home with Poppy

I have to admit that the latest clay sculpture of 'Poppy' is more challenging than I anticipated. I have spent at least two hours so far and expect another two is probably necessary. This is my first commission for a loved pet. It's great to do something completely different.

'Poppy'

Watch this space. I was at the monthly Art Fair at Washington on Saturday. A lady gave me photos of her pet pooch 'Poppy' to sculpt in clay. Can't wait to get cracking on this little treasure!