Lurchers & fat balls........

Lurchers? Love them!       Some of you may know that we have just had one 'landed' into our midst a couple of months ago. He is now around 6 months and very very active!

Dogs are a subject that I have wanted to sketch and draw for a while now but for some reason it just hasn't 'clicked' – having had many failed attempts over the years. However now that Henry (pictured above) is 'zooming' around the home he has given me a new lease for inspiration. So I was brave and put pencil to paper and then paint to paper.  Lucrhers are defiantly going to be a subject that I want to continue to explore painting. Their faces are just so full of expression. I think anything that one is passionate about being creative with seems to flow. I'm hooked on them!

It seems that to exaggerate Lurchers' features - such as their lovely long snout gives them more character (not that they need it!) I love this ones long nose - it kind of makes him look a little sadder - although he is probably sad as he hasn't eaten for more than 5 minutes.... 

 I've really enjoyed painting these dogs and will continue to do so and hopefully produce some greetings cards with them on. Dogs are always a popular subject.  

Other dogs that I would like to learn how to draw and paint are of course collies (my first love) and  German Shepard. These sound quite challenging however I am determined to give it a go.  They are both quite different types of dogs in features and personality, hopefully I will be able to capture their individuality. Once I start thinking about all the different types of breeds of dogs there are I just want to draw and paint them all ! 

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Feed the birds....

with home made fat balls!  Doesn't that sound yummy!  Although this time of year is unseasonably  warm our little native birds such as the blue tit still needing topping up with their food. They will need extra energy to help keep them warm.  You can also re-cycle by using old kitchen scraps of food as well.  (Nothing too salty like bacon rinds though as this doesn't agree with them.) Here is a simple way to help them.  You could of course pop down to the local pet shop and buy some already made - but where's the fun in that?!   

you will need a mixture of the following --

odd kitchen scraps such as cheese or porridge oats

sultanas, bread, peanuts (unsalted) currants

bird seed.

lard or suet

The very complicated and tricky way of making these is by mixing them all together in a bowl!  

It is best to have 2 parts dry mixture to 1 part wet mixture.

This really is a great way to get kids involved as well as they will love the messiness of this procedure. 

Then they can either be formed into balls or put into old yoghurt pots as a mould. 

Pop them overnight in a fridge to set.

Next morning hang them somewhere where you know small birds will  be able to get to them. Hanging them away from  where cats (or dogs) can reach is best.

This time of year the plants have all become a little confused. The weather we are having is far too warm and many plants and flowers are blooming early. This delicate yellow plant above pictured at my Dads' garden shouldn't be out yet. The unusually mild weather is meaning that we can see bold daffodils everywhere. It was a rare site to see one in December - 'Daffodils in December' headlines read. Many photos of them in peoples gardens were all over social media. But if you look around now on your travels , daffodils are springing up everywhere! Next blog I will be talking about these beautiful bulbs in more detail. 

You may have noticed a couple to changes to my blog - far more professional and 'me' now - more personalised. This is due to a lovely person who has amazing skills in this area. I wish I could take credit, but alas no. The fabulous lady behind Little Musings is responsible.

 I would urge you to look at her website - it is just full of cute and wonderful creations & products - all made locally by herself & created in her magical mind! littlemusings.co.uk




Thank you for reading my blog again.
Vicky :-)
nature is not a place to visit. it is home