100 Years

A customer asked me for a 100th birthday card. I have made a handful of them before, and even one for a lady who reached the grand old age of 102, but they are always very special to make. I mean, what an age to reach!

My birthday is in May. Each year my Dad kindly tells me to treat myself to something nice. I have often used it as an opportunity to splash out on something arty that I wouldn't necessarily just buy for myself. This year it took me quite some time to choose that special something, but when this incredible "Beating heart love machine" popped up on my Facebook feed, I knew I'd found my birthday present!
Jane Ryan, who works under the name 'OPI', studied Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art and moved to West Cornwall in 1988. Her studio is in a disused cowshed which she describes as "heaven in the summer and bleak in the winter". Jane's mechanical toys for grown-ups use a lot of reclaimed wood, and all the pieces are one-off, no two are the same. Recurrent themes over the years reflect her seaside home, gardening and food.
I am absolutely thrilled with my whimsical piece. It is beautifully carved and painted, and a real pleasure to hold and play with. Thanks Jane, and of course, thanks Dad!

Mister Handmade in Israel and I were recently doing some tidying up in our back garden when this little European robin flew down to watch us. The male and female bear similar plumage, so I am not too sure if this is a he or a she robin. Apparently a small minority, usually female, migrate south during the winter, and some decide that Israel has enough to offer them to stay here, so my guess is that it's a "she"! I think she's lovely!

Lastly, it really has been a long time since I posted pictures of my cooking here but not long ago I took part in an Indian cooking workshop which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was inspired to make samosas the following day. They were filled with potato, peas, green chili and delicious, tangy spices, and though they took me positively ages to make, the flaky, freshly fried samosas were wolfed down by my family. I was rather proud of my efforts.

* This post has been shared on Saturday's Critters, I'd Rather B Birdin', Saturday Shuffle at Strawberry Butterscotch, Saturday Sparks @Pieced Pastimes, Sweet Inspiration, Sunday Pleasure, Sundays at Home, Seasons, Happiness is Homemade, Inspiration Monday, The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Amaze Me Monday, Monday's Musings, Monday Morning Blog Club, The Good. The Random. The Fun., Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday) and Make it Pretty Monday.