Introducing Bruno Habeardashing

In the darkened recesses of a little shop a flickering candle reveals a weary figure straightening threads and tidying trims well into the night.  The tranquillity of a peaceful backwater is disturbed only by the diligence of Bruno Habeardashing.  Proprietor of a magical emporium, nothing is too much trouble for this charming chap, selling notions and trims that add a little sizzle to any stitchery endeavour.

The weather had turned; brilliant sunshine and appalling winds forced a more flexible approach to capturing the images.  The diorama was set and transferred in and outdoors as the occasion demanded.  

In hindsight I shall have to take greater care of the lighting and set as this can have a detrimental effect on the darker bears.  

I have used a variety of props including a selection of pre-war thimbles, dried seed heads from my garden and old wooden thread bobbins. 

For clarity this is probably the best image of Bruno, although not centre stage in his storyline, and I shall have to work on his cravat; a piece of silk tied around his neck simply will not do.

                                     

Finally, the three bears spinning a yarn after a gruelling days work.

Until next time.

Introducing Hortie McClawrin

Once upon a time in a far flung corner of Northumbearland a simple little soul tirelessly tends his earthy patch, eagerly greeting each new season Mother Nature ushers in.  An idyllic existence filled with sweet birdsong and warm lazy days dreamily sky gazing.  Introducing Hortie McClawrin, always at the mercy of the elements, nurturing plants and at one with nature, he truly is a hardy little creature.

Hortie is the first bear of his kind off the needles from my new pattern; he is just over 3cm seated and 2cm wide at his hips. 

He was created using a fine merino twist, which gives excellent stitch definition. I use this type yarn in the preparatory stages of a new design, as it immediately highlights any key problems that can be addressed with pinpoint accuracy.

Outdoor photography presents a unique and variable set of challenges namely: the planet, the climate and the light and in our neck of the woods, more often than not, endured rather than simply experienced.

“Toto, I think we’re back in Kanas,” (Wizard of Oz,1939).

Ideally I prefer a soft, muted, natural light for my photos, which reveals the little figure in all his splendour. I personally favour a calm and overcast day for the best results.  However in the United Kingdom we are not always blessed with the weather, therefore a compromise is more often than not required.

  Hortie’s presence has a definite bearing on the matter I think.

Until next time.

Introducing Flax Oakenbear

Once upon a time a fine little fellow of certain good character was lovingly handcrafted from quality fibres and fashioned into a small bear.  Introducing Flax Oakenbear, gallant defender of his little corner and occasionally found frolicking among the clumps of moss in shaded woodland.

He requires very little in the way of space measuring a mere three and a half centimetres seated and just over two centimetres wide at the hips, a niche really would be ample. His paws and facial details are hand embroidered and managing a meagre two grams on the scales Flax is decidedly a flyweight.

To give context to the finished piece I experiment with props to develop a story-line that surrounds this little character.

Behind the scenes and I have chosen a woodland based theme, no doubt reminiscent to some of Tolkien’s Hobbity creations although this is quite unintentional.

As well as capturing the best possible image I like to include universal props that aid with the perspective of the character and inform the and overall perception of the scene.  With miniatures size accuracy is paramount when the only available interaction with the bear is through a screen.

The acorn helmet is the final flourish and adds a dash of nobility I think.

The final shot.

Until next time.

A Lapsed Blogger

I am, without doubt, the worst blogger it has been a lengthy eighteen weeks since my last post.

I continue to be impressed by the level of professionalism accomplished by others, with their words and images, blogging role models indeed.  However, these super-bloggers expose a need with regard to my own self expression.  Expectations to produce polished and informative posts when I haven’t yet managed to resolve pattern glitches or taken ample photographs results in a vicious circle of resolution and postponement.

Following a period of reflection I feel a change of approach is necessary to satiate my journalistic appetite.  I endeavour to create a pastiche of my creative week, warts and all.

Although absent I haven’t been idle.  These past months I have been totally engrossed in developing a pattern for a miniature bear.  They measure approximately three centimetres tall, in a seated position, and two centimetres wide at the hip joints. 

The scale and proportion of things has been a bit of an issue and in turn has imposed a more leisurely pace on my work, a process that will not be hurried.  The mismatched limbs, as evidenced in this photograph, have me returning back to the drawing board for a rethink. 

Jointing the limbs is always time consuming and a little fiddly.  Aligning the limbs on the torso is vital to optimise the balance of the little figure visually and functionally.

Eventually he is fully jointed, sitting smartly and beginning to resemble a bear.

The trio at various stages of completion, one little fellow is looking particularly pleased with himself.  Of the other two, I suppose we will have to wait and see if any grizzly personalities emerge.

Finally, I live close to the Northumberland coast. 

  I spend quite a bit of time there walking the miles of unspoilt coastline.

These images were taken as the sun was setting, the location is Druridge Bay.

Till next time.