Saturday 31 July 2010

Day 176-179-The Artists' Workshop


Many things kind of fell into place to make this a rather special room for me.  For the 1st time in my life,  friends painted for me. I was gifted paintings by Carolina as we went on a virtual art tour in India AND I made a new friend, Gagan -Of paisley or peacock-, who thought my work is interesting enough for her to blog about. Gagan's mum, who lives in India, paints as well. I felt like I was making this room to celebrate the art of these women  and so I put more of myself in it.


I finished assembling this room in 3 days, from Friday to  Sunday, 25/7/2010.  Preparations however started way before. Be it decorating a real life room or a miniature one, I often start with an item or a picture. For the artists' workroom, it was this picture in "Handmade In India" explaining the tools of "ganjifa cards" artisans, mostly women. I love that the colours are extracted from natural minerals and plants and I love the way the artisans used seashells for palettes. I knew then that I wanted to recreate a workroom in the Rolla's  artisans home for artists who paint these cards.


I decided that the only furniture in this room would be low tables. I needed 2 sets, one for the preparation of colours and another set for the work tables themselves. These  S$2 cane ones were from Daiso. They are perfect as  homemade traditional cane tables  of an Indian village. I distressed them by sanding only.


This is one of the preparation tables. According to the book, prominent colours used for ganjifa cards are rust, cream,  yellow, black, red and green. The "minerals" here are real stones I "stole" from mum's bathroom. She has a whole bottle of these in a glass jar. I took the smallest ones. Seashells were picked from the Sentosa beaches when I went running there one Sunday last month. 


For the work tables, I used miniature Chinese tables which I bought at a sale from Chinatown last year.   I usually age my furniture with mainly painting but this time, I decided to try mainly sanding. The table on top is the original one, I sanded it (see table on left facing you) and then painted  and sanded again (see table on right).


Here are the work tables. The one on the right have some completed ganjifa cards laid out to "dry". Ganjifa cards are Indian playing cards traditionally drawn by artists to depict Mughal  motifs or Hindu Gods. Sadly it is another one of India's vanishing art form. I scanned real cards from the web and sized them down. There is a full suit and half of another on the table and of course, they are laid out according to the numbers, lowest to highest.

The water jug was a  "Hello Kitty" porcelain jug after some very tricky painting. I used a glass primer for base, then sprayed "Terracotta" paint, then added the "smudges". It is critical that you wait for each layer to be completely dry , otherwise the paint won't stick. The final layer was acrylic varnish. I dropped the jug once but no paint came off.


It was much easier to work on the other "pot" which was  a rubber chair leg cap.  All it took was a layer of sprayed "Terracotta" and some naive "painting" with black fine tipped pen.

Do you know that today, hand painted earthen pots in India still look the same as their counterparts in 3000 BC? I have also just read a wonderfully moving story about a woman artist entitled "From Untouchable to Businesswoman". I loved how the woman pointed out to the reporter of the article that the cooking vessels of the 12th Dynasty of Egypt (from about 1800 B.C.)  at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, looked exactly like the pots she used to cook dal at home. I hope you will take the time to read this article. It made me happy for a long time.


I painted a white metal cup to assimilate rusted enamel. It is clear that the "rusty" cup is of no more use except to hold unpainted card paper. Real ganjifa cards have cloth as backings. All the discs including the unpainted ones therefore have backings (another piece of paper) and are lacquered to look and feel  a little like cloth. 


I also "rusted" and "corroded" a white metal plate to cover this jug of water. The water is used for painting and washing, not drinking as no food and drinks are allowed in the workroom.  I made new rusty cans mainly to hold paintbrushes. This one holds used but clean brushes, a knife, 2 charcoal pencils and some wooden sticks for mixing colours. I added a cover for this can (explain how-to below) which my artist has also used as a makeshift palette.


This is a picture of real brushes used by Indian artists. I have read that they are "indigenous paint brushes that  are made of hair of domestic animals. A bunch of hair tied to the end of a bamboo stick make the brush. It is really a matter of wonder as to how these painters bring out lines of such precision and finish with the help of these crude brushes."  So 2 Sundays ago, Cindy and I experimented making these crude brushes, using my cat's shedded fur, twigs, flower wires and thread.


A small ball of fur sure can go far with these brushes. I made about 20 , no fun really, and these are the 4 "good" ones that the artist is using. The rest, in various stages of disrepair, are in the other cans. 


These 2 cans are placed next to one of the work table,  beside where the artist is sitting. The bigger one holds clean brushes and the smaller one, water for washing brushes.

I experimented with making water using glue. The 1st attempt was  the  cheap brown glue generally used in schools and offices.  I put in a bit of brown acrylic and stirred it . I really love the effect but it evaporated into nothing the next day.

This 2nd one is the epoxy and hardener combo. Before it hardened,  I stirred the mixture with acrylic paints to make "very dirty" water. The mixture solidified within 5 minutes with no bubbles. If you enlarge the picture, you can see some floating acrylic paints. I quite like that but preferred the translucent look of the previous one. I think I can achieve the effect if I used clear epoxy. This one was not.

I finally know why I told you in my post on the rusty cans at step 2 NOT to throw away the bottom piece of the tealight holder. It's a rusty cover! Cut the center circle out with a little triangle on one side so that you can glue it onto the can but before gluing, give the cover a jagged edge as if it had been hammered open.  Cindy showed me how to give the can "ribs" by drawing the aluminum foil with a round head pin punch.


These are the last 2 cans , the one with the plants (for extraction of colours) at the back has a cover while the one in front holds twigs for making brushes and spoilt brushes for recycling.

THE ASSEMBLY

The work tables are right at the entrance. Perfect as a start point is the rug stitched by Carolina as part of the summer swap. I really love this rug, not only for my artist to sit on but also to welcome visitors. Thank you Carolina! 


Lined against the right wall are the paintings , everyone of them a gift from my wonderful friends.


This is a close up picture of yet another gift, a basket from Glenda I used it to store seashell palettes.


Here's the section of the workroom where the raw materials are stored, in the way that I would have stored or display them.


Can you recognise that the stack of paper on the floor are just the edges of newspapers? Newspaper is good art material whether in real life or mini.


Plants and herbs in shades of green and purple for extraction. Twigs for brushes.


Painting from Carolina and more minerals displayed as art. When I was a poor student, these were things I do to beautify my dorm room. I used practical  or found objects and display them as art. I still do this whenever I am on a beach holiday. You can really brighten up a room for nothing or cheap this way.


A perfect gift from Mother Nature. I love this mini coral in so many ways. I just realised that it has a sort of Mughal design as well.


And so this is how so many things fell into place for this room. A riot of colours, some order in the chaos, not apparently pretty and definitely not fancy or rich,  but hopefully with loads of heart and a fair bit of character.

74 comments:

Glenda said...

O bliss, lovely lady!! Another full and rich story and setting! In particular I love the paint pigments - I have read and re-read Victoria Finlay's book 'Colour', about natural pigments, also her book 'Buried Treasure' about minerals.
A very happy visit - thankyou!!
xxx Glenda

Flora said...

Many years ago, at dinner for my husband's birthday, I bought the first scallops of my life and since then I always use the shells to mix colors, but until now I did not know this was a practice used for centuries in India :-)
Once again you make me dream of distant lands and times, which perhaps will never see with my own eyes, but thanks to you, I already have clear in mind.
You are an amazing girl and I'm so happy to be a little part of your world...

Merry Jingle said...

A truly fabulous scene again! I love the tables, the rusty can, the seashells, the brushes - heck, all of it! I just admire your ability to make the scenes so authentic and life like, just amazing :)

I'll email you today later on, some shoe business :D

Eva said...

Another great history full of wonderful information and culture. You are the best!
Love every single detail, it is a fabolous workroom for a painter and as Ira says life like.

I have see the Rolla's post now....Rosanna and huis husband look sooooooooooooooooo happy and for sure that you too! :) :)

sylvia said...

It's so wonderful, great job!!
Sylvia

Pubdoll said...

This is exactly why it's such a pleasure to give you presents Sans :-) I'm so proud to be part of this scene, it's so lovely and looks so authentic with all the rust, the "old" pot and jug and paint stains on the floor and tables!

The tiny shells with paint are so cute and beautiful and the mini coral is a real treasure!

Ascension said...

Es un placer pasar por tu blog y ver estas maravillas!!!
No se como consigues darle tanta veracidad a tus trabajos.
Me encantan las conchas, las brochas, los tarros, como lo ambientas.......todo!!!
besitos ascension

Kathi said...

Thank you so much for sharing the history behind your room. I love all of the details and gifts that you have added. The painted pots are wonderful. I've often looked at some that just weren't quite right. I never thought about painting them like you did here. Wonderful post!

Sans! said...

I am now sitting in front of my brother-in-law's computer. We are having a family day out at my sister's ,the kids are out swimming at a pool just outside the house,the smell of dinner drifts from the kitchen and I can hear the kids' laughter from the room. This is bliss, Glenda :)made perfect with me sitting here enjoying all the wonderful things you all are saying :).

You can tell, can't you that the coloured minerals was my focus for this room. I googled Victoria Finlay andsee that her book "Colour" is also called "A National History of The Palette". OMG! The cover is of an Indian gateway with a door and a palette of rust, cream, yellow, brown,red , green and black. And purple :)! :):):). Its here at http://lynnabbey.com/blog/?m=200804. You can check and see what I mean! :)

Sans! said...

Flora , did you really? Use shells to mix your paints? Wow! I may do that from now on :). I was just thinking that that is quite practical. It must be very easy to clean and the colours don't stick to the plate so much. So pretty to look at too, instead of plastic. The shell must be gentle on the brushes as well unlike wooden palettes?

Knowing that you use seashells for palette gives me a new insight about you:) You will always have a place in this room, Flora! :)

I am going out now to see what all that laughter is about. Will talk later :).

Flora said...

Sans dear, you say well, the inside of the shell is'nt porous and the colors are mixed well, do not waste anything! When work is finished, rinse with no problems ...
By the way, let me know your address: maybe send you one of my shell :-)

Daydreamer said...

Sans! Beautiful! BEAUTIFUL! Now I feel like I am right at home! Tiny shells! Tiny rusted cans with paint brushes sticking out! Paint splotches on the floor and tables and shells! Herbs and sticks in jars because they look right for "parts" of some project....papers stacked under the table.... the paintings along the wall...!!! It is HOME to any artist! *SIGH* *BIG SMILE* It is just PERFECT!

Sans! said...

Ira, THANK YOU :). I do have some great help from friends. The hand painted art sure added a lot more depth and realism to this workroom :). Love Glenda's baskets too and Carolina's stitched rug. And then there's Mother Nature of course :). All the flowers are real dried flowers :). The stones,seashells newspapers... Heck, more than 1/2 the things in this room are real ! haha :).

I emailed you back. Will try to work on the shoes soon! Maybe tomorrow :).

Typing this with a pic of the house behind the box and really loving your beaded curtain :).You must make one for your Indian room.

Sans! said...

Eva, I think in the end , I made this workroom as if it is mine. It didn't start out that way :). Then the flowers, the arrangement of the stones and of course, the obsessive compulsive way of laying the cards on the table, even how I aways use a plate to cover a jug or a cup to hold things. I also like working sitting on the floor. I am typing on the floor on a low table right this minute as I speak :). I realised then that this room is the most me (and I am not talking about Sans but Susan ) :).

The irony is I can't paint for nuts! I mean the kind that Carmen and Helene do. But yes, I have always always wished I can. I think that's why I like receiving art from friends :).

Sans! said...

Sylvia :)it's funny but I named my folder for this room "Artelier " :). I guess no matter what the nationality is, you can always find a sewing room, an artists' workroom or artelier :) ? Thank you, Sylvia :). Your work has always been the benchmark for me :::)

Sans! said...

Helene, I must tell you something about these seashells and Sentosa . which is actually "man-made" reclaimed land . Sand were planted there to create beaches. Sentosa is like Disney land LOL ,a little island built by a very skilled giant " miniaturist" . LOL. It took me so long to find these few seashells that at one point I exasperatedly remarked to my running mates " this beach is so fake you can't even find seashells on them . " :)!

I am glad you notice the paint stains on the floor. I made OM, the old man doll who is Ro's father in my stories "walk" on the floor with paint on his feet ..LOL I had fun staining everything with colours.

My challenge now is how to be a part of your modern retro Lego project :).

Sans! said...

MUCHAS Gracias Ascensión! Estoy tan feliz que te guste la habitación. Significa mucho para mí. También me gustaría dedicar este espacio para el artista en ti:)

The Old Maid said...

I always admire your imagination! Another beautiful room full of so many wonderful items! And the story as always great!:D Love the terracotta jugs!:)

Sans! said...

Kathi, thank you :). I really hope my own experience with painting the porcelain will benefit someone. I just went to check, the paint is still intact :). I even tore the sticky wax or Blu tack off the bottom ( I blu tack the jar on the table so it won't drop again). No peeling.

I have a secret. I really don't do cute anymore and I can't stand Hello Kitty ! hehe

Sans! said...

Flora , I have just sent you an email :). I am really really curious to see your scallop shell palette :). I hope you will post it on your blog or even email me :). Will gladly send you my address and then maybe I can have yours too :).

CWPoppets said...

Your rooms are so unique and full of new ideas, Sans. I love all of them!
Christine

Piikko said...

Sans, what can I say? Oh my.. Oh my..
You are so creative!
I admire you scenes so much♥ Oh my...
Greetings, piikko

May said...

Sans, yo alucino contigo, por tu manera de narrar la escena con su historia, de como explicas las tecnicas, el paso a paso y como final, el resultado. Impresionante.
Desde la pigmetos en las conchas, los botes con los pinceles, las mesas, a como has dispuesto todas las cosas, retratos, papeles alfombra, cesto, todo, es increible.
No solo has logrado un rincón de ensueño lleno de encanto, sino que has logrado transportame a la India.
ENHORABUENA.
Besitos, May

Tallulah Belle said...

Yet another wonderful and super informative post from you my dear friend. I learn more from your blog than all the others put together and for that I thank you.

I knew about plants being used as inks from my studies on the Indians here.

I love the dirty water...esp the second one. Yes you can see the paints floating on it...so realistic.

And I love the mini coral.

I have to say I think so far this is my favorite from you. It just speaks to me in a way no other one does. Maybe it is the artist thing..maybe because I'd love to be able to paint in real life. I don't know but this is just 'the one'

I am off to look at all the links now and to read the article in the NY Times.

Tallulah Belle said...

What a wonderful article about Ms Parmar. So heartwarming how she ended up here she is now...and not be fazed by it.

I love the fact she says he husband is now her secretary lol

I was hoping the Sewa Project would have a store selling handcrafted items but it doesn't seem to.

Congratulations on being featured by Gagan. She has a wonderful blog and the interview with you was so much fun to read...she really did you and your work justice...well deserved as well :-)

I also followed all the links and went and re read all the older posts of your...bugger the laundry lol. Thsi was much more fun.

Tallulah Belle said...

OMG you...you forgot to mention your real house was featured on Gagan's blog as well.

I LOVE it all...you have a beautiful house and some amazing things. I have no idea how I missed your post on it...I must have been on vacation.

Now I really will be on your back for help with my guest room lol.

Thevisionarybutterfly said...

What an awesome creation you've made here. I love the colors and the thatched roofing/furniture. This reminds me of the Book Art of The Miniature. Do you know this book?

Sans! said...

Betsy , I read your comment on Ira's post that you love anything with letters on. OMG, ME 2!!!!! I just love words . If I see a bag with words, I want, a cushion cover with words, I want..LOL! Even if the words are "You bloody cow!" I once bought a bag that says "Do you think this bag makes my bottom look fat?"

For you , I think its your love for the manuscript ? You are the 1st miniaturist (in the real sense of the word)I have ever known :). Now it will be really interesting for me to see you work :).

Will you try to paint on 1:12 books? They will be absolutely precious ! :)

One day , you must post pics of your workroom :). I will love to see it.

Thank you for all the wonderful things you say :):)!

Sans! said...

YEEEELLLO Ewa :):). This room makes me want to repeat the silly "colours" joke again ...haha , but I won't of course:)

Thank you , dear :). I get my ideas from loads of reading materials & research :). I know of people who dreams and have visions of their to-be creations like Nostradmus but I am just an ordinary girl with very bad vision :).hehe

Sans! said...

Christine, good to see you again :) and thank you for your encouragement :). Your nutty professor looks like someone who will love a messy room as well :). Love him :).

Mercedes Spencer @ Liberty Biberty said...

What can I say my friend, the room is PERFECTION!!
Love all those little brushes!
Mercedes

Sans! said...

O Piiko , you really know how to make a girl happy :). Just with simple words like "o my" :). It's so good to share with friends like you.

Sans! said...

Buenas noches, May :)! ¿Te gusta la habitación del artista? Si? Estoy tan emocionada! Su elogios son muy apreciados especialmente en lo que se trata de alguien tan meticulosos como usted está en su trabajo. Creo que su atención a los detalles es impecable. Me encanta tu trabajo! Por tanto, estoy abrumado por las alabanzas de tan alto de usted:). Y no hay elogio más alto que para que alguien me dijera que ver mi habitación le hace pensar que está en la India:).

Besossssssssssssssss:)

Sans! said...

Jayne, you won't believe how much your opinions value to me and when you tell me something is your fav, it will somehow become my fav too!! Like the time you told me about my post on the 2 mothers..:)! You seemed to be able to pick out where and what I put more of myself in.

I often experience very strange feelings after I finished creating a scene or room. Especially immediately after. I feel a little detached and unsure.Do I like it? Do I think it good enough? It is a very "I-don't-know" place. So I post it and see what you guys think. I wonder what I will do if someone post a comment to say "OMG. I absolutely hate this! You suck!" LOL!!

I am so glad that someone enjoys reading the background. I know to many people, it's boring history lessons. haha .

So you think the water in the 2nd pic is better? Thanks! I thought it was a little too murky although my own water often looked worse. Close ups, the brushes all look like they need a haircut! But the naked eye can't see the flying bristles so I can't cut it. I will need a magnifier but that gives me a headache! LOL

Sans! said...

Jayne, I just went to check my email on the SEWA project (just realised that SEWA means Self Employed Women Association!) . They do sell the products but at exhibitions I think. In fact there was one in March this year where they promoted women weavers :). According to this article at http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/156081 , there are now 300 artisans joining this exhibition. And it is touring the world. Maybe the NYTimes one is about them in the US. Jayne, you may already have missed the exhibition!

Must ask Gagan about this because I believe she has been buying their stuff for ages. They have quite a few organisations selling craft from village women. I usually buy them at shops and not online unless I have good authority to say they are legit.

We'll just have to go to India ..darn! NOT! ..hehe :)

AND of course, I will help you do up your home :). Thank you , my dear for your comment in Gagan's post. I felt like you have boosted my credibility by attesting to the fact that Tallulah is based on a real flower girl :):). hehe

Sans! said...

Chadina :) Good to see you back on Blogland and thank you for your kind words!

I have not heard of The Art of the Miniature but googled and found one entitled "The art of the miniature: small worlds and how to make them" by Jane Freeman. This is Amazon's review: In the book, Jane Freeman shows readers, step by step, how to use modified kit components and found and handmade objects to create intensely detailed miniature constructions. Readers will learn the entire process of creating a miniature room, structure, landscape, from selecting a container to choosing the subject, approach,and style." Is that the one? I must get my hands on one, she has very good reviews from her readers :).

Sans! said...

Thank you, Mercedes , hardly PERFECTION though. I would have loved "perfectly imperfect!" :):) You are just the sweetest :).

Sans! said...

O yea Jayne, I can't believe you went back and read all those links! It must have taken you AGES! I didn't know when I wrote my reply that Gagan was going to publish everything ..lol. I think I wouldn't have said so much. I think you are the only one who has gone back and read everything. You deserve a freaking prize!

Daydreamer said...

Sans!, Miniature book painting is what has inspired MOST of my art all my life.....I have been painting tiny little pictures... often in tiny little books, often illuminated letters...so you have guessed the secret of my greatest desire...to paint the tiny book for real... oh dear I actually started to do one in my teen years...but it isn't quite finished either...but just maybe I will have to include a picture of it in a post one day... And did I say I wanted to sit right down on the floor of that room and start painting? Tiny cards are JUST my thing! One day I will try to do an artists studio in mini.... maybe soon... The attic of my old dollhouse is callin to me...! :)

GB said...

Sans! truly magic!...gorgeous, gorgeous...Love the little rocks...I'll do a post on some real life artists and see if I can dig up some pictures as well.

What can I say lady? your work truly does belong in a museum!!! the hello kitty vases/pitcher---genius! like everything else.. :)

Unknown said...

*pops head in to kaypoh*

ehhh you said you'd make a hundred, what, only 20 were made?? :P :P :P

still, it's so surprising and nice to see what your vision was, when all i could see that day was bits and bobs....really....i envy your creative brain T-T

Kim said...

This is my favorite room by far- I wish I could shrink down and sit as apprentice in this room and learn the secrets of mixing colors and painting the perfect ganjifa card. I have soooo much more to learn in mini making- but everytime I visit the blog of talented mini artists my eyes are reopened and I see things anew all over again- how can someone not be inspired and obsessed with this hobby??!! Cat hair paintbrushes.....I'm now thinking of cat hair in a different way-not to mention rubber chair leg caps :) Absolutely gorgeous work Sans ♥

Sans! said...

Gagan, you are a sweetie :):). Jayne (Tallulah) and I are just talking about you :). Told her that you have bought loads of stuff from SEWA. Do they only sell at exhibitions?

You have a great week ahead and yes, I will absolutely love it if you can post pics of artists and their workroom! :)

Sans! said...

Cindy, did i say 100? It sure felt as if it was 100, trust me ! :). hehehe

I bet you, your brushes won't ever be "crude" . haha. Have you tried working with Eva's hair? Is her's finer than Xerxes? I wonder if maybe dog hair will work better than cat.

Sans! said...

Kim, I so hear you :) about the obsession. I was lunching with my mum the other day and I told her I didn't want to hang out too long cos I wanted to come back to make more stuff. She went "do you know you have been at this for 2 years already." I looked at her quizzically and went "ahhh yeah, I still have 8 more years before I hit my 100000 hours". LOL

It is no longer just a hobby for me, I am afraid.

By the way, the animal fur for paint brushes is not an original idea. I have read that some people do that. If I remember correctly, Grace of Treefeathers and Sylvia from Lotjesdollshouse and some others.

THANK YOU, Kim for always being so supportive :). So happy I have you guys who is every bit as "crazy" as I am ..lol!

Tallulah Belle said...

Hey you

I really value your opinion too xxx

You can really tell when you have out more of yourself into a scene....yes the 2 mothers was definitely one of those. Not that the rest isn't as good....some just have that added something.

I am the same with many of my pieces...and that is the reason I post them for opinions too. Sometimes I still don't like them but others love them. Art of any kind is just so subjective.

No definitely not a boring history lesson...I love the background stories. And they definitely inspire me for my real room.

In fact, this morning I was looking for mendhi designs and just did a google image search. Your blog came up a few times...on was your placemat from day 108. In fact I might have been looking at palace pics on that one...if you GIS Maharajahs palace there are a lot of you pics that show up :-)

I think the murky water is just right...that is what mine always looks like at the end of the day :-)

I used to be able to buy a lot of handmade Indian things back in England through Oxfam...they had a rel good fair trade selection. Don't see so much of it over here although Mick's boss is Indian and has told us of an Indian quarter we need to take a drive out to soon.

Yes I am a real flower girl lol....you don't need your credibility boosting though. I really enjoyed her site and spent some time there yesterday....as well as reading your old posts...that was fun.

My Dream Canvas said...

Thank you so much for the lovely comment on my blog. I had no idea that there is a limit for following blogs :-) Not to worry :-) My Dream Canvas is on facebook as well. Your blog is fabulous...lets keep in touch.

GB said...

Sans! It has been almost 10 years since I left India....I hear things are changing and rapidly...at first, we only got hold of SEWA products through friends of friends, then they started showing up at local craft fairs...The quality always stood out and made them distinct from the rest and the cause and story behind it ensured we kept going back for more..it was mostly word of mouth back then...
so, long story short...I'm glad to hear they're holding exhibitions now. My buyer at large (mom!) has been indisposed for a while now and so I have to go and figure out how to get my hands on more.....!!!
:)
I'll let you know...

Dark Squirrel Victoria said...

So Perfect Sans! I love your use of color in this room and OMG the paintings from your friends make the room.

Sans! said...

Jayne, I think you may have already read my comments. Your henna is freaking awesome, man!

When I visit, I ill bring some dolls and we can henna out together! :)

Sans! said...

Gagan, I have seen some online shops that say they work in collaboration with some of these associations. It will be great if you can do a list of such shops you will recommend on your site :)! I will definitely bookmark that :)

Sans! said...

Anu, the other thing you may want to consider is allow readers to subscribe to your posts so I can have email alerts whenever you have a new post even when I cannot follow the blog. I am thinking of doing that for this blog as well.

Sans! said...

Victoria :) yes, the paintings are the jewels in my turban! :):) Love em to death :).

Unknown said...

did you ever find your tweezers? i must try and remember to bring Eva's fur when we next meet.....

Jorge Cubells said...

Hola, te he concedido un premio, puedes pasar a recogerlo en

el mio, si quieres a esta dirección.
http://miniaturasavalon.blogspot.com/2010/08/premio-blog-ami

gable.html

Saludos
Atrus

asukasakumo said...

Oooo, finally I saw the brushes!
Lol, do you want me to bring Dopey's hair too? (my dog)

And I couldn't believe that you turned the Hello Kitty jug into terracotta. I can hear my aunties are screaming at you. XD

Sans! said...

Greetings while we are having breakfast at Uncle Chow's , Cameron Highlands Malaysia. Good breakfast (nasi lemak, prawn noodles, scones , omelette ) but scenery is 1st class :).

Jayne, I brought with me Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and boy, I felt like you and Mick were on this trip with me. It just kept reminding me of both of you on your bike!!! Have you read the book? I think you will love it. I do!

Sans! said...

Cindy, I never found the tweezers! How 1 pair of 4" /5" tweezers disappear into thin air I just don't know! Anyway, I went out and bought 1 bag, 5 tweezers, 3 pliers 2 pairs of scissors and 3 knives ! Sighhhhh!

I am through with brushes for a while! No Eva's hair except to make cushions!!! :):):)

Pubdoll said...

Sans, here I am again, I can't stay away for long you know :-) I remebered I had forgot to check out some links, and I'm so glad I did now! The posts about you, your blog and your wonderful house were wonderful, I so enjoyed reading them!
Most things about your blog I knew from before of course, but you and your work was described in such a lovely manner that really thrilled my heart because it was so right and so deserved! I loved your staircase landing and of course the rest of your house. You have collected so many treasures and you display them with such artistic sence!

The other reason I popped by was to tell you that I saw an interview with David Beckham at the last Jonathan Ross show, and he confessed that he loved to play with legos, even when he was alone, and had bought and had started building the Taj Mahal set! It seems Helene & Son is in for some heavy competition... :-)

Sans! said...

Muchas gracias por el premio, Jorges!

Me encanta la foto:) Estoy muy contento y halagado de que me recordaba. Gracias de nuevo!

Sans! said...

Hi guys, I am back from Malaysia :):). Slightly constipated, rather tanned and very happy..lol.

Asuka, Cindy, Rosanna is really looking forward to meeting you guys. This Friday?

And babes, thank you for all your offer of dogs' hair but I think I have enough for paintbrushes to make for the whole of India's mini people :).

Sans! said...

Helene :):), thank you for your heartfelt compliments :). heartfelt from me , of course :). I hope you will see them up close one day of course :).

So Beckham is not contented with the Beckhamham Palace and want the Taj Mahal as well? :):). But no matter what he does, he's not going to be able to better you, not by a far cry. No competition, my dear, none whatsoever!

I am going to reply to your email soon. Strange but I am just as excited about your upcoming project as you are :). Maybe more so..hehe!

Sans! said...

BETSY!! :) I will love love love to see your little book of illuminated manuscript . I love these books. Not sure if you have read "Inkheart", a children's story where the father in the story restores old books and his sister collects old books. There was a chapter in there where the author described the beauty of a Persian manuscript book with such vividness that I could almost see it. When I saw the movie, I was not disappointed only because of the library owned by the eccentric sister :).

So you must quickly paint this book :).

Katie said...

Hi sans! Just wanted to tell you that I love this little art studio! Wish I could spend some time in there painting, Very inspiring!!

And I LOVE that little mini Coral!
And love what you did with the Hello Kitty jug! How smart!!

Sans! said...

Hi Katie, great to see you again ! And I know you paint which makes it even more special for me that you should like my little studio :). I must say I think it quite suits you!

I see you like the coral :) and I know you have a little girl called Cora :) , maybe not so little anymore eh? Katie, Rosanna and I were at your blog to read all 4 or 5 parts of your own travels :). We were talking so much, I have not posted my comment and this reply was sitting here for more than 2 hours, half typed!!! hahahaha

Tallulah Belle said...

No I've not read that book. I think I might have it here but all my books are still in boxes.

I know it is on my book to read list :-)

Did you like it ?

Sans! said...

Jayne, you must must read it! I LOVE IT! My partner at work could not believe it had taken me so long to find out. He had loaned me the book in 1992. LOL!

Flor said...

Bueno Sans... entrar aquí siempre, siempre me deja maravillada y con la boca abierta ¡eres única e increíble!!! O =
Tienes una habilidad , creatividad y visión ¡uuuufffff!!! fuera de serie!!!
Un beso enorme
Flor

Sans! said...

Buenas noches Flor! :) Eres muy generoso con sus elogios:). Usted es el increíble con el vivero maravilloso:). Acabo de hacer terminado otro juguete:) y creo que voy a hacer otro.Espero que me deja saber lo que piensa de ellos:). Usted es uno de los mejores fabricantes de juguetes:).

Muchos besos y abrazos

Flor said...

Gracias Sans !!!
Ya vi el pájaro, y de verdad es una lindura!!!Esos juguetes tradicionales tienen un encanto muy especial y da cierta nostalgia, por si se ven menos cada vez...
Un beso
Flor

Sans! said...

Querida Flor, no puedo creer que me fui a dormir y después de 3 horas, ya ha comentado. GRACIAS!

Tallulah Belle said...

I am sooo behind. But not as far behind as you...you borrowed the book in 92 and only just read it lmao.

I will read it...I am sure I have it...just haven't unpacked my books yet...I've only been here a year lol

Nuskina said...

Thanks for commenting and for following me! your work is wonderful .. I love it!

Sans! said...

Dear Ani, you have come to visit my favourite room :). Thank you for your generous compliment and your visit!

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