book on a blog

eighteen

2012-01-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

In the past I've discussed the essential tools that I've used to research this book. Here's a couple of them. I could not do this work without a microscope. It would be impossible. I found this one in Babe's Bric-a-Brac shop. Do you know the one? It's in one of the back streets, just out of town.

The tweezers, below, are just your run of the mill eyebrow pluckers. Both of these things are essential pieces of kit if you should be considering researching the woodland people.

Finally an update on this blog! I cannot believe how long it's been. Basically, last year, I got so busy with all sorts of other projects that this sat simmering on the backburner. But, simmering is good - just not for too long! I've really missed working on this project. After all, this is THE book I have inside me (we all have one of those don't we?) and I intend to update more frequently. Thanks for continuing to visit and a big huge thanks to everyone who has added thier name to THIS LIST.

a commercial break

2011-04-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

So, it's interval time folks. Grab yourself a cuppa or an ice cream whilst I start convincing you to buy something! Now, I know you have all generously supported me in this endeavour by subscribing to and following this blog, and by adding your name to THIS LIST. Well, there is another way you could support me; yes, here comes the ever so slick sales pitch (no, don't laugh). I have made this lovely little very limited edition zine. I actually first came up with the idea when I was thinking about something I could send out to publishers. A way of showing them a little snippet of this book, to hopefully entice them into publishing. Then, I took it a bit further and came up with a zine. then added little hand written notes and a teenyweeny letter of provenance. You know how that happens. Anyway, to read more about this little zine and to get your hands on a copy click HERE. These are the very first hard copies of these drawings. Hey, if (when) this book is finally published this little zine could be worth a fortune!! Thanks for listening, and I'll be back with some new drawings very shortly.

seventeen

2011-02-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

The Ladybird Nursery Clump Comb Slide by Bizzie Birdsworth.

Here's another of the beautiful bespoke hair accessories by Bizzie Birdsworth. I also thought I share some of my field notes with you. This is a quick sketch I did of Nell wearing the comb slide that you see above. The notes are in a bit of a state. I found them in the lining of my jacket pocket about ten years after I'd made them. Unbelievable, I know.

sixteen

2010-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

In my last post I told you about 'the Swish' hairbrush, designed by Bryn the Brush. Well, it turns out that I have drawn this brush before, but I'd completely forgotten that I had. It is included in this drawing of my research HQ - also known as my kitchen table. I wonder if you can spot it? No? Let me help you out...

Can you spot it now? You might need to click on the drawing. No? It's just below the starwberry mug, next to the pixie research journal, to the left of the drawing of the tall hat. No? Surely you spot it can now...

YES. Next to the tiny bottle of ink and to the left of the pixie ball of string. Now, you can see what kind of scale I am working to. And, you'll fully understand why my eyesight is getting worse by the day.

This pixie research is not an easy job , you know. But, I guess, somebody has to do it.

Also, I'm very excited to tell you that I (and specifically this blog) have been selected as one of the Froudian artists of the month. Yeah, that's just Brian Froud one of my all time illustration heroes. And, in no small part an inspiration for this book.

fifteen

2010-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

Now, we've touched on the subject of the woodland folk's hair before - you do remember don't you? I told you that they have seriously uncontrollable hair, which has a texture a bit like a horse's mane, straw and a doormat all rolled into one. I also told you that they HAVE to carry a hairbrush wherever they go. It's a necessity. I do wish you'd listen.

Well, now I'd like to tell you about one remarkable little fella who, unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting. But, he is a bit of a legend in these parts. His name was Bryn the Brush. And, he invented the Swish Army Hairbrush. In fact, Bryn spent most of his life working on redesigning the hair brush.

The story goes that some boy scouts were camping in Bryn's woods, one summer. He watched them from a distance, getting annoyed by them lighting a fire. And, by their annoying singing. Now, apparently the scout leader was using a Swiss Army knife. Bryn was intrigued. He'd never seen such a thing before. It's unusual for the woodland folk to be inspired by anything we humans do, but when Bryn saw the design of this object he became inspired. He did a few sketches, jotted down a few notes and went straight back home to set to work on his idea.

And, this was the end result. Bryn the Brush's Swish Army hairbrush. It just about solves all the problems of 'pixie hair'. To this day this is the most used kind of hairbrush in the in all woodlands and forests. And, the entire thing is made from one twig - apart from the bristles. I think it's pretty special. I love that kind of obsessiveness that drives somebody to make something like this. I mean, how would you even think up something like this? I have no idea.

One other thing you should know about Bryn is that he was hard of hearing.

fourteen

2010-08-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

Six pairs of woodland socks.

These are some examples of woodland socks. They range from the cosy comfy toasty to the hardy hard wearing types of socks. For comfort mossy socks are your best bet. Whilst woven grasses and reeds are robust and resistant to anything the woodland can throw at you and your feet.

1. The Last Snows of Spring Moss Sock. Extra cosy. Can also be used as bed socks.
2. The Sweet Bluegrass Sock. A smooth woven grass and reed sock. It is covered with a fine layer of algae for extra comfort. It also helps the wearer slip their foot into their shoe more easily.
3. Heather Hill Heathery Socks. Smooth woven heather socks made from the best quality heathers from Heather Hill. Comfortable and yet deceivingly durable.
4. The Knobbly Bobbly. A mixture of grass and heather make up these all seasons socks. Not for those with very ticklish feet.
5. The Three Moss Sock. A real treat for your feet. Like walking on a cloud. Made from three of the very softest mosses. These too can double up as bed socks.
6.Bobby Socks. Woven grasses and reeds completed with a seed pod hold up.

To research the textures of the socks I placed them on the end of my fingers and wiggled them about. You could also use your toes.

thirteen

2010-07-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

Hat care essentials by Chestnut Brown.

So, already, we've talked quite a lot about pixie hats. I did warn you that it is a very BIG subject. Well, now I shall tell you a little bit about hat care. The woodland folk take great care of their hats. This is because, contrary to popular belief, they only own a couple of hats each. At the very most four -one for each season. They choose them wisely and will often keep them for life.

You know, that's one of the things that impresses me the most about these little people. Their care and consideration for the environment. They don't feel a need to own endless stuff. They don't fill their lives with things. And, personally, I think they are better off for it. They own what they need. That, of course, doesn't mean the things they own can't be beautiful and fancy. They are. More so, in fact. Handmade objects by talented creative artisans. Not endless plastic throw away junk. I think we have a lot to learn from them.

Oh dear, I didn't mean to rant like that. I was going to tell you about hat care. Another time.

twelve

2010-07-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Herb Bennett's keyring.

I'd like to say that this is a typical pixie keyring. I would like to say that they were all so interesting to look at. But it's not that typical. This keyring belongs to Herb Bennett, wind up merchant. Herb is the winder upper of all the clocks, watches, automatons and everything else that needs winding up in Walnut Wood.

He really is the best in the business. I know this because Herb repaired one of my late grandad's watches. It hadn't worked for decades. But Herb got it going again. I suppose he did have the advantage of having tiny little fingers, and being able to stick his head right into the workings of the old watch. It's for those reasons that I would always recommend getting a pixie to repair your watches.

Herb is just another of the fascinating characters I met whilst doing the research for this book. His sister Heather Bennett is equally as fascinating. You wouldn't believe some of the stories I could tell you about her.

eleven

2010-07-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

The bluegrass, bull rush and blue beetle hair bobble by Bizzie Birdsworth.

Here's a couple of examples of the lovely hair accessories made by hair accessory maker Bizzie Birdsworth. Bizzie works from her little studio (shed) in the heart of Bluebell Wood. Her accessories are made for those on the go and for those who might encounter the big people (humans) on their travels. The automated part of the accessory (usually an insect) is triggered by the human radar. For example, in the picture above, the automated component is the blue beetle. When big people are in the area it triggers the radar (the beetle's antennae) and he then kicks into action by running up the reed and tickling the owners head. This lets the owner know that they should think about going into hiding. All this, plus, these accessories blend perfectly into their environment. This is why Bizzie's work is much sought after. And why she is always very busy.

Bizzie's business card was printed by Pat the Print. A quick note about Pat the Print; if you are considering using his printing services be sure you get a printed proof. He has TERRIBLE spelling.

The green green grass grasshopper hair grip by Bizzie Birdsworth.

ten

2010-04-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Various hat pins.

There's a version of this drawing with additional notes about each of hat pin, HERE.

nine

2010-04-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

A Brief History of the Pixie Boot (Nos: 3165 - 3184)

I do realise that, so far, all I've really shared with you from my book has come from the Headwear and Footwear sections. But, they are really REALLY big sections. Probably, the most important sections in pixie clothing, in fact. But, stick with me because I will be sharing much more than hats and shoes. I promise. I'll still be sharing more hats and shoes just other stuff too.

This is a rather large drawing. You do need to poke your nose into this one. You can do that by clicking on the drawing, and then hovering the cursor in the bottom right hand of the drawing until the green arrows appear. When they do, click on them and that should give you a nice big version. What's your favourite style?

eight

2010-03-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Mossy, Twiney, Grassy, Reedy, Clovery, Bobbley Bobble Hat.

Another hat from Harriet Hatty Hurley's Hardware and Haberdashery, that featured in a previous post. This was one of the best sellers from the winter collection. I'm sure you can see why.

Blogger seems to have sorted out the issues it was having. You can once again comment on sidebar Pages. So, if you haven't, and you'd like to, please leave your name in the 'Id buy this book' page HERE. Thanks to everyone who has added theirs thus far. Much appreciated.

seven

2010-03-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

So, I thought I'd tell you a bit about the tools and materials I use to carry out my research, and where it takes place. If I'm not out on location then you'll find me beavering away here. This is the nerve centre, if you will. It used to be my kitchen table but since I began this project I now have to eat my meals from a tray on my lap.

If you are thinking of going into pixie research there are some very important pieces of kit you need to invest in. Essential kit, in fact. They include a magnifying glass, microscope, tea, pencils, pens, lights, notebooks, reference books, tweezers, a torch, nibbles, sketchbooks and tea.

six

2010-03-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Water reed pixie shoe

"This shoe is made for the customer who does not like the regular heeled shoe, and to give the wearer the most comfort. Made from various water reeds and finished with discarded snail shells. All real conker skin lining. Light weight sole. Can be removed or put on very quickly. Very durable. This shoe is suitable for those who cannot wear the very pointy toe but still wish the neat appearance. Sizes tiny, small, medium, and quite big. Widths thin, slim and slender. No half sizes. "
Taken from the Footwear for Fops shoe catalogue.

I realise that some of the terms used on this blog are, in fact, woodland terminology and therefore may be unfamiliar to you. So, with that in mind, I have added a Glossary to the sidebar. Whenever such a word pops up I'll add it to the glossary, to keep you up to date, and so that you don't feel such a fool.

five

2010-03-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hats by Harriet 'Hatty' Hurley

I'd like to tell you about this piece of work and the scaling issues I had whilst making this drawing. It's an example of the every day challenges of documenting the lives of the little folk. Here, I painstakingly copied a couple of pages from Harriet 'Hatty' Hurley's hat catalogue. From the winter woolies section. My tools included some colour pencils, a microscope and a head torch. The original catalogue is the size of matchbox. It took me about three weeks to complete the whole thing. And my eyes needed a big long rest after it.

It's a tough job but somebody's got to do it.

I 'm not sure about posting photos here. What do you think? Should I stick to just drawings? Hmmm.

four

2010-03-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Diagram showing the best way to pack a tall hat.

You might already know that one of the reasons I've started this blog is to generate some interest in my book. Not just from you lovely people, but also from publishers. One of the ways I hope to do that is by showing that people would be interested in buying a copy. If you would be, please could you add your name to THIS LIST?

Thank you.

three

2010-03-08T10:47:00.000-08:00

Docks - a popular pixie boot

When I finally get around to finally sharing this book with you, you'll see that there are two different styles of drawing. There are some finished, polished pieces; the kind of drawings I created at the Research HQ (my kitchen table), from reference material and things that I borrowed from the little folk. And, then there's sketches; drawings and field notes I made while out on location. Sketched in the woods, with anyone who'd care to model for me. Just like these boots, in fact.

Thanks to Little Eadie.

two

2010-03-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

Woodland hair accessories

So, here are the reasons that I decided to start this blog;

1) It’s a place to share this book with the world.
2) I get to show you the book that I want to write and illustrate –without any external pressures.
3) Through this blog my book could gather a following and generate some interest from the children’s book industry.

However, above everything, the reason for doing this is that I have an obligation to the little folk who inhabit our woods and forests across over the globe. They invited me into their world so that I could share it with you. What else can I do?

There's a long winded version of why I decided to blog this book HERE.

one

2010-02-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

Classic moss slippers

Hello, folks,
and welcome to my new blog. My new blog about MY BOOK. Yikes! I feel all nervous and excited.

It's taken such a long time to get here. Although I've previously shared some of these drawings, on my other drawing blog, I've felt the need to start this new separate blog for some time. There are many reasons why I came to that conclusion and I'll tell you all about them soon. But today I just needed to make a start. Instead of putting it off 'until tomorrow'. You know, the mythical tomorrow when you actually get around to doing all those things you've been putting off.

Please be patient while I get this blog up and running. One of the reasons I've been putting it off for so long is that it just seemed such a big undertaking - the whole building of a new blog, setting out my objectives, etc. Anyway, over the next few posts I'm going to explain why I've decided to go down this route. And, THEN I can start telling you the story. The story of how I came to meet the woodland folk and ended up documenting their lives.

I hope you'll join me on this trip.