Movie Monday The Waltz of our Home

"Домашний романс" from Ira Litmanovich on Vimeo.

Probably it will appeal most to the Russian speaking audience of the blog, with so many allusions from our childhood. For the rest--I think the graphics are beautiful! Animation by Irina Litmanovich.

Little Gnome

A quick peek at the little creature I finished today. I had a hard time finding his true face and it took several remakes, but I am quite content with this little guy now;) He is on Etsy waiting for his new owner

A few new originals

A cozy home for a fox family with a few hand knitted scarfs, and a little girl skiing in the snow. All waiting for spring.

Movie Monday The Illusionist

I went on a date yesterday:) With my husband of course:) We went to see the Illusionist , from the makers of the Triplettes of Belleville. The animation was beautiful, the scenery was drawn amazingly. The story is very philosophical and not very optimistic, but it makes you think. And the music--it was great. I kept hoping for a happy end, but it was more of a "life goes on" end just like it happens in real life.

IF: Layer

To see the bottom you have to go through many layers

Movie Monday The Walk

Keeping Busy

I am busy working on a couple of custom orders , felting here and there and homeschooling. This winter has been very productive so far, since we do not spend too much time outside (it's soooo cold there!) The kids are busy building their own little worlds for the toy animals. The Moomins with their ship are a big hit and it started a whole new cycle of games. I am happy to observe them building, cooking and sowing. The games are lasting days at a time and I feel very glad that I ordered this Moomin ship all the way from Finland.

Movie Monday Sparrows are Children of Pigeons

I think I have shared this one already...I apologise for the repeat, but somehow it goes very well with the weather/mood today

Under the Weather

This has been a very snowy winter for us here in NYC. The day when I painted these rabbits it was snowing heavily and me and the kids were home warm and cozy, painting, learning, drinking tea. I like days like this. The rabbit watercolor is listed on Etsy, both print and original.

And my felting experiments continue, I have already half a dozen various critters. Some of them have been given to my little ones to play and some I am listing in my shop. Please come by and check them out!

Movie Monday Once upon a Time

Exploring A New Medium

I have long been admiring felt wool animals. I've had my favorite shops on Etsy that I have been frequenting and every once in a while I would treat myself to one of the little cuties. The idea that I could be making them myself hardly crossed my mind. It seemed like "one of those things", that are very hard to do, and there is no way I can be doing it. Like making soup (several years ago), or baking a cake (still), or brewing tea out of rose hips (my grandmother used to do that when I was little).
To make the long story short, one of my New Year resolutions was to try to learn to felt (and brew the rose hips). And I have done it:) I bought the wool, and the needles and a very cute Japanese design book and started. The Japanese book which looked very cute at first proved to be of little help, since I could not read it. And the pictures do give you ideas, but it is still hard to implement those. Youtube proved to be extremely helpful. Plus I have talked to a few people who were doing it and they were very helpful.
So , here are the ones I am not embarrassed to show) Two of them are already looking for new owners on Etsy.

Movie Monday Cats in the Rain

So it happens that the cat theme continues. I really liked the subtle colors and the effect of an old book that this animation somehow has.

In the mood for cats

Two new ACEOs on Etsy, finished both of them today and put on Etsy

My Alphabet

Nothing new this week(we are all sick and in bed with a nasty cold), so I will share what I listed on Etsy last week. My new Alphabet print. I had a great time making it and I hope it will help some little ones master the ABCs.

Movie Monday Orkestra

I believe I have posted some animation from this series before. I like this one as well

IF: Chicken

Sorry, I had to:) It just fits the theme so well

Holiday Photos from our white Christmas Upstate

Getting there was a bit tough because of the snow storm.

But we made it in time for a warm dinner with 6 other families (19 kids all together)

The next morning it was quiet and beautiful.

So we went sledding, and I personally had as much fun as I did when I was 7 or 8.

And then there was a fire and all the boots got lined up in front of it . And all the wet mittens and hats on top of the fireplace.

And on Sunday we went to the Monastery for the service and then there was a Christmas party for the kids with a real, or almost real Ded Moroz..

Movie Monday Poumse

Great concept ,unexpected ending. Loved it.

Nativity

Getting ready for one of the two biggest holidays of the year: Nativity.

Will wake the kids up around 11 pm to go to church. It is supposed to snow tonight, so it will be a white Christmas for us. I am very ready for the fast to be over, and have some delicious food waiting to be eaten at 3 am today. I spent 5 hours in the kitchen today which is very unusual for me:) Luckily everyone appreciated it enough for me to do it again for Easter. Enjoying Aldashin's creation once again.

Winter Apples and Holiday Foxes

2 new ACEOs in my Etsy shop now.(above)

Still being inspired by Chihiro Iwasaki.(below)