This morning Darren and I walked up to the ceramic studio where he painted a present and I started a project which had seemed a good idea when I thought of it last night. There is a chipped plate that they would like me to paint as a sample and I had the bright idea of covering it with what looked like interwoven ribbons. Spent a while working out how that would work and then with Donna's help we decided that it needed to be a checkerboard pattern and I would then have to paint the details to make it look like ribbons. I was there a couple of hours and you can see how far I got, like I said, it seemed like a good idea at the time!!

Darren meanwhile painted a dish and a plaque and said he didn't mind me taking a photo.

We went to Sainsbury's for food, car cleaning and shopping! Then, this afternoon we had some jobs to do but now Darren is working on his computer tasks and I am watching Columbo!

Today Darren and I loaded up the car and were on our way to the Parish House for the bazaar just after 9 am. Darren dropped me off with the items for sale then had to take the car home as there is not a lot of parking there. I had sold some items before today so we had made a good start. I almost forgot to take a photo!

We were near the stage and were hard to reach when the choir were singing, but we sold pretty well. Some donated stuff was given to us as well so in total we took about £150 but well over £100 of that was for things made by myself and Mike. When we had packed up Darren dropped me off at the pottery place as I had a wreath for Sandy, I had a cuppa and then did some clearing away because they were quite busy and they have a Hen Party this evening. Darren called in and we walked home together then went out to eat. I will unpack the unsold items and decide what to do with them tomorrow! Get changed, feet up and enjoy Strictly in a bit!

I have had a really good day today. Had no groups or anything else to set off for, so boxed up some stuff for the bazaar, filled up bird feeders and got some washing on the go. Then walked to town and called in at the craft shop where I sold a pen (took them to show the people I have got to know) then had a cuppa with Donna in the pottery place. Sandy wasn't there but said I would call in after I had done a bit of shopping in town. When in town I took a different path to one I have walked before along the south bay cliff top. So saw a different, striking building

and then the bay from a slightly different angle.

Then I was at the top of the steps that zigzag down to the south bay.

When I got back to the ceramics studio Sandy was in as well as Donna, but so was Hannah who I had drawn Humpty Dumpty for yesterday. She asked if I would draw another one, and then said would I paint it as well! She was doing plates and baubles as presents. So I did one and this time took a photograph.

I helped clear up and sold another pen and a wreath!! So I am hoping this is a good sign for the bazaar tomorrow.

This morning I walked to Sainsbury's stopping at the post office on the way as Darren and I missed packages yesterday. Then off to get some shopping and check out the clothing which was on 25% off. Managed to find some tops that I liked. I had a text from Sandy at the ceramic studio while I was there saying she was on her own and feeling sorry for herself. I said I would go and join her in the afternoon. I called in at a fine art shop in Victoria Road on my way home as he was selling all his art equipment off at half price. Not much left now but I got a pad and a couple of brushes. I came back and had a drink with Tina while she wrapped presents to take to her family then she drove me up to the studio as I was in a bit of pain with my ankle today. I had a good afternoon there and Sandy asked me to paint a demonstration 'basket' as they are not selling.

That handle was tricky! I also helped a customer, drawing Humpty Dumpty on egg cups for her and general clearing, washing up etc. Very enjoyable afternoon.

Last evening there was another amazing sunset, a bit more wintry now I think. Can't see them so well from my window now as the sun sets further round so had to go outside!

This morning I did some clearing away of craft stuff and assembled my poppy from the Tower of London display, it arrived a few days ago. Have't decided on it's final home yet so it is in with the fern for now.

I went to the community centre but stopped on the way to collect the baubles I had painted for the hairdresser. She was really pleased with them which was a relief.

No one arrived at the community centre but I sat and drew a wooden jointed person used to help artists draw people more accurately. 

Sorry it is sideways!! Went to the craft class this evening. We made cloth robins kissing under the mistletoe and a mistletoe brooch. An enjoyable evening as always.

Today started off wet and very windy, now it is dry and extremely windy! I stayed in writing letters all morning, Darren had a package being delivered and we didn't want to miss it. Have sent off 11 today, some owed, some just to say hello, but more or less up to date now. Had some lunch with Tina and then went off for a walk, posting the letters on the way. The sea today was dark and wild, I took loads of photos and will bore you with quite a few. I got frozen taking them but I was just captivated by what I saw.

And a few more!

Then walked back via the park which was also wearing it's winter coat. you can hardly see the pagoda from the ground in the summer.

And the late December sunshine made the whole park appear different.

Still incredibly windy, the bird feeder has become a bit like the leaning tower of Pisa so will be interesting to see if it survives the continuing bombardment!

I  went to the community centre this morning, it was supposed to be a Christmas craft session for the local community, run mainly by Diane with my help. Only Edward, who comes regularly arrived and he made an advent calendar using pockets of material. I made my way through town to the afternoon art class. I just took a pen and some pastels as Sylvia, the class leader, had said she would set up Christmassy still lives. The choices were a soft toy teddy or a plant I didn't recognise in a glass vase. The seats in front of the teddy were taken when I arrived so I tried the plant with the pastels, but the colours weren't good and the pastels square, so not ideal. I know, an artist always blames there tools!! I also attempted just a pen drawing from the same position.

Then, as there was a little time left I drew the back of the bear.

I met Tina for a quick drink at the station as she was catching a train to Hull to meet Darren. I will try and muster the enthusiasm to marzipan the cakes this evening, but another episode of Lewis may lead me astray!