Three collages and a mysterious antique chest

I made these very quickly this last week to take to show the sewing group as I am finding out the kind of things they might like to try in the new year. Yesterday everyone brought the fairies they had made and they are sitting on Pine branches on the end wall of the hall ready for the village childrens party. They look very festive.I think everyone was very pleased with their work,I certainly was impressed with every single fairy.
                                                                                  

Tony recently bought this fabulous chest dating from the late 1700s/early 1800. When he bought it the chest was locked and the elderly couple had no idea where the key was, but thought it contained letters. The escutcheon showed signs that someone had tried to force it open, but been unable to. We took it to a locksmith and he was able to open it. We decided to sell it with its contents as it obviously belonged to a Count and certainly came from a very grand house, possibly a chateau.  So do take a look at his ebay site to see what's in it by clicking on the little picture of Brocante buys  near the top on the right hand side.   I was amazed.
                                  

AT LAST!!

This last year has thrown so many problems our way and I was fine until Tony went into hospital then just as he was recovering we had a fire here.The fire brigade was wonderful and it was soon put out,the house cleaned up and eventually the damage put right. I thought, and still do, about all the endless troubles throughout the world and this last dreadful one in America and became very sad.
For a time I didn't want to do anything much except necessities,then I began to make things in my workroom and now I am on track again.I missed the contacts through blogging and hope to catch up again .Befor I forget I hope all of you have a Happy Christmas and the New Year brings better news for us all.
The sewing group have sewn lots of cloth doll fairies and I have made several and just have to add wings today because we decorate the village hall this afternoon with them.The above are just 2 of mine.
 I also wanted to try and paint faces ,I tried all sizes and first with watercolour then Acrylics.I found watercolours easier but both were difficult.I see I need to keep trying and I may be given a helpful book for Christmas !!

Sorry the blue doll has come up again,no idea why. I have also made several journal pages.If there is time I will write another blog and show some mixed media collages I have made and love.                                                        

                                                                              

At last a new blog

Tomorrow I am going to write here as I have at last began to feel motivated again.