Katryoshka ramblings..........

MUSIC VIDEO: Reaper by Katryoshka

2012-02-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

NEW PAINTING: 'Vase o flowers II', acrylic on A0 canvas

2012-02-26T02:22:00.000-08:00

MUSIC VIDEO: ChurchChat by Katryoshka featuring John Clegg

2012-02-26T02:10:00.002-08:00

MUSIC VIDEO: Just for you by Katryoshka

2012-02-23T15:21:00.002-08:00

MUSIC VIDEO: I will protect you by Katryoshka

2012-02-20T09:54:00.001-08:00

Music Video: Moors by Katryoshka

2012-01-29T01:42:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year - with all endings come beginnings

2012-01-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

I feel nervous writing what will be my final post for the foreseeable future. Out of the blue a month or so ago our two computers became infected with devastating viruses and I suddenly found myself with no internet other than quick e-mail updates here and there. Whilst the projects continued I was no longer documenting them via the blog or any other method for that matter. This lead me to consider my blogging, what it gives me and why I do it. I am learning that its in my nature to obsess about my creative projects and take them way too seriously and I have spent the past year putting myself out there, honestly and openly, inviting equally criticism and praise. One reason not having a computer has been a revelation is I no longer have to worry about the third person dynamic, ie - my project, myself and - everyone else. My New Years resolution is to take a step back from the crazy creative production line and put more meaning and thought into my work. At the moment I wish to suspend the blog for the same reason I don't use social networking sites, my own personal inappropriate use including taking everything too personally and a growing obsession with other peoples opinions and views. I would like to thank my loyal followers from the bottom of my heart, many who have inspired and entertained me with their own blogs and opinions. Living in quite a solitary head space its been fantastic to receive feedback and encouragement and it defiantly makes me a better person, its just the demons I struggle to keep in check and I figure if I don't give them any ammunition I take away their ability to play games within my head. I hope you all have a positive start to 2012 and I hope to speak with you again sometime in the future, Kat xx

Albear update

2011-12-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post on Albear's progress. I treated him to an impromptu photo shoot today as he was looking so smart in his driving harness, catch up on previous posts of him story here and here. When I look at this picture its hard to imagine he was roaming the wilds of Southport just over six months ago. He's come a long way since then and although we still don't leave the confides of the farm, he's getting braver and more confident everyday. I am reassured that good things come to those who wait, Kat x

Catch-up post

2011-11-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I hope your all keeping well. I have been keeping a low blogging profile this week so I thought I'd do a catch up blog to fill you in on what's been happening and changing in my life. Projects wise I have completed my winter coat of many colours. It's super warm and rather snug so will hopefully help slow down the inevitable increase in food during December. It's made out of a brightly coloured piece of Mohair fabric I bought years ago and when I finally dragged it out of storage I was relieved to discover the mice and moths hadn't got to it first. This weekend was spent in the company of the delightful Lucinda, cousin of The Muse. We had a memorable Caravan club on Saturday night with all the usual activities and enjoyed a girly shopping trip on Saturday including a trip to Urban Village at The Custard Factory. That is where I bought the sheepskin 1960's hat you see below. It sooooooooo warm and huge, perfect statement head gear for this year! I also wanted to share with you a fabulous dress I bought from Decades, Lichfield's newest vintage emporium. Alpha Male was not impressed with my find and enquired 'why are you wearing curtains?'. Luckily I am rising to challenge to convince him of the merits of a maxi during the colder months. I continue to work two days a week in Alpha Males shop. Going back to regular, structured work has been very refreshing, especially working in a Christmas shop where everyone seems to get a festive spring in their step when their browsing around. Other news includes the rapid degeneration of my hair extensions. Its known within White House Farm as The Mat, a phenomenon which began a couple of weeks ago and has developed into a mass of knotted hair based at the nape of my neck that has a life of its own, every hairdressers worst nightmare but hey, I'm attempting to work the look. I have made two more dresses for the Katryoshka fashion show but have made absolutely no attempts to advertise or spread the word. I shall attempt to address this and various other demands this week!! Kat x

A weekend in Southport

2011-11-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

Just had a lovely weekend with Alpha Male and the kids, visiting my Dad in my hometown of Southport, Merseyside. The weather was really lovely and we were able to do all our favourite activities including trawling through junk shops, visiting animal shelters and eating fish and chips. The main junk shop experience involved some rather ram shackled and cavernous buildings known collectively as The Maze. They opened several years ago when people were just beginning to seek out all things old and unique but over the years, as the buildings have fallen apart, the stock has gone down hill too. All bit pricey for what it is and just can't match the car booty experience. That said its still fun to wander through and see the a wide range of junk, I would recommend a visit if you happened to be in area. Other highlights of the weekend included heading up to nearby Liverpool to see the Alice in Wonderland exhibition at The Tate. My daughter Anya was in a teenage inspired sulk (she's six!) but soon got into the subject on show as there were many interesting interactive experiences. Her and Quin sat still as mice with headphones on while they watched a Dali and Disney collaboration called Destino. It was interesting but equally I was poised to rip off the head phones at the first sign of none child friendly material, I am pleased to report there was none except a strange lady who's head became a football and rolled away at one point in the short, serile film. Anyway I got lots of material for my current project, an Alice in Wonderland inspired short film. I'm being very impatient as its taking ages to prepare with costumes to make and music to write but I hope to start filming on the weekend, weather permitting. Kat x

One of my favourite Alice paintings by the artist

Dorothea Tanning

The Christmas Tree project

2011-11-17T05:25:00.000-08:00

Every year Tamworth church holds a Christmas Tree festival. Its an event where local businesses and charities can promote and publicise their service to local residents and judges pick a winner who gets lots of extra publicty. This year I decided to enter the charity I volunteer for so I had spend the last couple of weeks spray painting random objects and liberally sprinkling glitter everywhere. The big day arrived and Quin and I set off for the church with bags rammed full of glittery paraphernalia. On entering the building I was struck immediately by how many people were buzzing around, you could cut the air with a knife. Soon after that my eyes fell upon the 'Tamworth Ladies Lace Society' tree which was decorated beautifully with a tiny vintage Christmas scene, so sweet!! I took a sharp intake of breath as they showed me the tree they were supplying me with, rather scrawny it was in the middle of pews and not one of the best position for attracting visitors. Anyhow, Quin and I set to work hanging and tying on our efforts. While doing this I kept hearing whispers from the 'Tawmorth Rotary Club' tree about judging preferences and the importance of LED fairy lights which I of course had none of. At one point I thought a scrap might break out when the Tamworth Library people turned up to find that the Round table has taken their tree. Luckily a woman well versed in handling such prickly situations calmed everything down and took them to a very favourable tree along one of the walk ways. I am already planning big things for next year and as I tied my spray painted and glittered house phone to the top of my tree I quietly reminded myself that originality consists in trying to be like everybody else --and failing!! Sounds good to me, Kat x

New items from The Muse arrive at the Katryoshka Etsy shop

2011-11-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Muse has been very busy recently. Driven by various objectives she has been running a small cottage industry from her kitchen in between holding down a challenging full-time job and bringing up three children. How she does it, i just don't know but she does and here are three fabulous examples of some of the pieces she has completed in the last couple of weeks. The chalk boards are perhaps a new idea that sheds some light on how she manages all her commitments, lists, lists and more lists!! See more at our Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/katryoshka

The Fashion show project ~ 'Moulin Rouge on acid'

2011-11-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

If there's one thing I have never been very good at its self promotion. Give me a charity to represent and I'll chase round anywhere for publicity, throwing statistics round at anyone who'll listen but when its to help my own projects I just shy away. I think it stems from the whole idea of selling yourself which I find awkward and uncomfortable but sadly an effort needs to be made to share the activities at WHF or else whats the point? The studio has been ticking over for the past few months and its main purpose seems to have been housing everything that Emma and I make so we can wander amongst it at our leisure. However this approach does not pay any bills so I have decided to use the studio as a venue for creative activity, inviting anyone who would like to join in to come over for the day and enjoy food and projects in a relaxed and hopefully inspiring atmosphere. To launch this new venture I am planning a fashion show for the beginning of February. The collection, 'Moulin Rouge on Acid', is inspired by the 1952 film production, Moulin Rouge. While I did enjoy the 2001 Baz Lurman production I find the darker and at times desperate tones of this old film gritty and therefore more inspiration. It tells the story of Henri de Toulouse Lautrec who frequently visits the Moulin Rouge, where he drinks cognac and draws sketches of the dancers and singers. There is bling, frills and fru fru galore and my interpretation shall be to recreate similar dresses using every colour of the rainbow. I have completed my first piece which I photographed Camille in and hopefully I shall be making many more which I'll keep posting here so you can see the collection develop. I have also posted the film below if you fancy being entertained Parisian style. It really is a masterpiece!! If any blog followers fancy joining in the action here at White House just drop me an e-mail and I guarantee V.I.P. treatment, Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Song for everyone by Katryoshka

2011-11-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

I had a fun morning today as Camille, the kids and I went out into the Croft, Emma's garden area in front of Whitehouse. While the kids played in the warm November sunshine, Camille filmed as I prancing around in the dewy grass. I wanted to make a video to go with a song I wrote, a Song for Everyone. She did a brilliant job and I am very happy with the results especially the dress I put together this week. Its the first dress for a fashion show I'm planning entitled 'Moulin Rouge on acid, more about that soon....Kat x

Katryoshka's Fifth give-away - a reworked coffee pot and cups set

2011-11-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, how are you all? I am busy flapping about engaging in the usual random projects while trying to fit in house management and shop work. Its all very hectic but I've found the time to post our new Give-away! The prize is a fabulous coffee set which is a Katryoshka collaboration (I bought it and Emma aka The Muse reworked it). The cups and saucers are originally from the 1970's J & G Meakin collection and feature the topic design, if you like all things retro you'll probably recognize it. It's been pimped with vines and flowers in true Katryoshka style and we are dying to send it you, wherever in the world you might be. All we ask in return is that you leave a comment telling us in 16 words - I NEED THIS QUIRKY, FUN COFFEE SET BECAUSE................??!! (24 words in total). We will still be entering all the names that comment into a pot and pulling a winner at random. Good Luck to everyone !! Kat x

Katryoshka's Monthly Tarot reading - November 2011

2011-11-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

I still hate the sound of my voice so I was pleased when I discovered that by not watching my video I didn't have to hear myself waffling on. One small issue occurred though- you don't realise if your recording was especially loud, luckily my son test drove the video. After my speakers where nearly blown I was able to turn the sound volume down and now it's all very respectable. Hope you find this month's message relevant and useful in some small way, Happy November!! Kat x

Sighthill Painting

2011-10-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend I painted the picture below. It features two tower blocks in Sighthill, Glasgow, the subject matter I most like to paint, see some previous paintings here. I have been fascinated by high rise residential buildings and the people who occupy them for as long as I can remember although I appreciate its a bit of an off the wall interest. Luckily for me my beautiful sister shares it too so our idea of a fun afternoon might be to drive off somewhere and photograph some interesting blocks. Anyway, this picture is a mixed media piece and includes the use of a strange black paint created by mixing linseed oil, picture vanish and black oil colour creating a very shiny texture. There is also some 3D items such as the blocks and the roses which were made from old books and splattered with gold paint. Its an eerie night scene but I actually find tower blocks very inspiring. Not only are they visually dominate and stark in a way that draws me in but they also are full of stories of both hope and joy and sadness and repression. Many people who lived there are dogged by negative stereotypes even though they are full of pride and dignity, keeping their flats and living spaces immaculate and pristine. I'm particularly intrigued by Glasgow and what happened there. During the post-war slum clearances the Glasgow authorities believed the best way to deal with the desperate need for adequate housing was to rehouse people in high density schemes around the city, many on the outskirts, making it difficult to travel to amenities and employment. What started out as a fantastic way of life in the thriving 1960's became a unpopular and difficult way of life by the drug and crime riddled 1980's. However, many people had fantastic experiences there and now that most of these buildings are being torn down this way of life will eventually become a thing of the past. While researching Sighthill for my painting I came across a beautiful short documentary by Chris Leslie on three people's thoughts and feelings about the Sighthill blocks on the eve of their implosion. I have posted it for your pleasure as its really powerful stuff if you like hearing about other peoples lives and how they lived them. Kat x

Day of the Dead

2011-10-30T01:22:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed our annual Day of the Dead get together at White House Farm. Can't remember the highlights which is usually a good sign but do remember battling with my red contacts lenses and vampire fangs. Also recall having to leave the party in full costume to feed the horses which proved a surreal experience climbing over the fence in fishnets and leather dress, the neighbours certainly got a fright! I defiantly need an excuse to dress like that on a regular basis as channeling a creature of the night is empowering to say the least, I am feeling the need to make a vampire inspired music video so watch this space!! Kat x

Dale Farm

2011-10-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've just finished watching a BBC documentary about the Dale Farm eviction. Only if you've been living on the moon could you have missed any of the recent rise to notoriety Irish travellers have experienced. From the highly addictive Big Fat Gypsy Wedding series to individual success's such as the recent BB winner Paddy Doherty, their lives and culture have been a national source of entertainment and intrigue. I have found myself torn between respecting their way of life, morals and ideals to struggling with their lack of integration and contribution within the society they are willing to take from. Its a difficult one to wrestle with but the Dale Farm drama stirs up an uneasy feeling of a community forced into an impossible dilemma in a cold and ruthless world. Their dilemma illustrates how the people that run this country insist on promoting equality for all its residents, the term 'one rule for one and not for another' was frequently used by MP's and politicians when justifying their motives behind pushing the eviction through. I hate the rigidity (is this a word?) we live in, chained to a routine of doing things by the book, trapped in our own rules and regulations. The travellers appear reject this way of life and to gain strength from each other which encourages a 'us against the world' mentality. My fear is that we will be too late in realising the importance of preserving the diversity of cultures that currently exist within our country. Our community could learn a lot from the travellers who hark back to a way of life we left a long time ago in return for the faceless, commercial, crazy paced word that we have created for ourselves. The traveller way of life certainly seems a poorer deal for women but they seem happy enough in a simpler, role defined existence mainly involving caring for the home and family. On a personal level one of my first jobs was as a receptionist at a caravan park. Two months in I was promptly sacked when I took two six week bookings for tourer pitches from a couple of friendly dark haired, irish gentlemen, ooops. My father-in-law's worst nightmare features his beautiful green fields and a gaggle of white caravans so I guess there's always two sides to every story. I welcome your points of view, Kat x

The Katryoshka 'Heidi meets vintage Mrs Claus' make over

2011-10-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Several events have lead to this much needed make over. Firstly, my new hair which is tatty already but I love it, secondly my landmark 35th birthday and lastly, I have begun to sew again. It feels like ages since I made clothes I was really excited about but finally its happened and I can't describe my relief. You begin to doubt you ever enjoyed something if your repeatedly disappointed with the result. As all keen sewers know, it can be a lot of effort to produce a dress or jacket so to then not like it can be a blow. I think its probably all down to taking a bit of a break, being creative in other ways and allowing myself to become re-inspired. Back to the make over, I sure need it as the last few months I have been trudging around in ripped trousers and muddy boots with the horse as the perfect excuse. I shall also be trying to wear make up on a daily basis, heavy brows, red lippy and mascara at least. Below are four outfits I made this week and shall form a basis for the look, lots of frills, lace and velvet, I'll keep you posted on how the look evolves. I apologise in advance for the pictures but its half term and the only photographer available was my six year old daughter and then when she got bored, my four year old son, beggers can't be choosers! Kat x

This dress has that Mrs Claus feel and sewing on old broken brooches to a dress can be so effective and give it a very glamourous feel.

This is a velvet kimono style jacket and to finish the edges I simply cut a large zig-zag which stops the fabric from fraying.

This dress is rather bold and was made while I watched the original Moulin Rouge. Frills galour!!

Finally a very useful cape that I am planning a tutorial for as its proved so useful in keeping the shoulders warm and looking stylish at the same time!!

Katryoshka on tour - Zealands, October 2011

2011-10-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend I spent a brief but intense two nights in Bantham, on the South Devon coast. Catch up on our previous visit here. Anyway its become a kind of a tradition we do on my birthday when you can be almost guaranteed some nice, sunny weather. We had lots of fun and the only incident of displeasure occurred on Saturday night when we visited the local pub. Now I have felt for some time that the pub has been going through a sort of evolution process in the last few years. Gone are the locals and farmers propping up the bar and instead the new clientele appear to have been chosen to compliment and enhance the very high priced menu and slightly detached atmosphere. I hasten to add I have made these observations when sober and on Saturday night I was not so. I guess five ladies in high spirits crowding the bar is not ideal but as there was no where else to sit we made ourselves as home. I do believe a couple of songs broke out but I was abruptly told that singing was banned while there were any diners present or at least until the singing was 'in tune', the cheek!! The manner in which we were spoken to led us to believe that it was clear we were not welcome so everyone but one left and stood outside debating the event. Meanwhile, my friend who had remained inside to finish her drink had it poured down the sink and was shown the door. I am of the opinion that we need to preserve what is left of the British pub scene and celebrate its very essence and tradition. Music, singing and laughter are surly key to a great atmosphere and a great night out but I guess not everyone feels the same about this. Other than that we had a lot of good times, beach, beer and dog mania as usual, catch it all here on this short stop-motion film, Kat x

Katryoshka on tour - Setting up shop

2011-10-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

I have so many blog posts I want to write but a lack of time means its all coming in drips and drabs. I spent some of last week 'helping' set up Alpha Male and his brother Toby's Christmas shop. I use the term help loosly because my forst and only attempt at pricing the stock involved accidently giving a £70 santa a £20 price tag so I was moved onto the more fitting task of shop displays, not too much that can go wrong there thankfully. May I present to you a short film of the experience, I have never witnessed so many boxes in one room before!! Kat x

Katryoshka on tour - Tony Graffiti at the street art gallery

2011-10-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Friday evening was rather enjoyable to say the least. Emma and I had the rare experience of leaving the kids at home and venturing out on a mission to the big city! We started at 4pm, slightly stressed after a day trying to tie up a million loose ends. First stop, Juliette's where I bought a strip of hair matching my own current shade, then round the corner to Fly girls where I had the strip of hair sewn onto my own. Emma was also there to have her weave tightened. Fly girls is a homage to fabulous Afro Caribbean hair styles and we were hoping to get a piece of the action. An hour or so later we departed, me with ludicrously long hair as I wasn't really sure what length I should be buying and 18" didn't seem that much at the time. Let me tell you, it is! I shall have to work the new hair into my vintage Heidi meets Mrs Claus makeover that has sorted of taken over my image the last few days. Then we progressed to the Green Street Gallery where Tony Graffiti, a chap who's acquaintance we had made at the Mosley Folk Festival. He was doing a mural there and we were very impressed, catch up on that post here and see us stalking him on here on this video. After the festival he had invited us to his excibition, 'smoke crack and sign on', sounded like a laugh so we thought we'd go along. The 'gallery' was a run down warehouse on a dingy street in industrial Digburth, fab and very appropriate for an exhibition of street art. His pieces were big, bright and bold and the event was full of cool looking young people. Of course we were working it with our new hair and felt that familiar excitement one feels when you rubbing shoulders in an atmosphere you find equally familiar and unfamilliar. We sailed home elated after our short but intensely fun night away from Whitehouse Farm and even managed to pig out on KFC on the way home!! Kat x

Kat gets a job

2011-10-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

I have loads of blog blabbing to catch up on due to a full week of many new and exciting projects. I thought I'd start with the first which probably will have the biggest impact over the next few months. I have been looking for work for a while now, exploring various care jobs and the like. It was all very disconcerting with repeat issues like the lack of an NVQ (you didn't need one when I last worked in this sector). Then an opportunity arose out of the blue, Alpha male and his brother decided to open a Christmas shop to get rid of their old stock of fragrance products. Its only until Christmas Eve but it means I can work there and experience my local town from a new perspective. I shall no doubt be smuggling lots of Katryoshka goodies in there too for the hard sell!! I have to confess that I am a bit nervous about working again as its been a while but its about time I got over all of that and the opportunity will help me consider life after children once Quin starts school next year. I shall be making a stop-motion video of the creation of 'Frankincense and More Christmas Store' (Alpha Male's name idea and boy, is he proud of it). I shall also use it as an opportunity to kick start my winter make-over, vintage Heidi meets Mrs Claus!! Kat x

Getto Hen update

2011-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Bless little Getto Hen, I had been getting rather worried about her whereabouts as I hadn't seen her for a couple of weeks. Catch up on her last movements here. As she lived wild anything could have happened and if that was her fate then so be it. But I am happy to report that when I was preparing some quarters for my guineas I lifted the lid on a derelict hutch and discovered her sitting on eggs once again. My other chickens, who eat like gluttons and require a lot of cleaning out and maintenance never provide us with cute babies to coo over but Getto, well she is a chick machine if ever there was one. I have moved her to another hutch and she is still sitting on her eggs. For the first time in her life she is not having to fend for herself and receives fresh water and grain daily, just how it should be. I will post pictures of her new babies when they arrive, Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Story of the Trees

2011-10-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

A brief study of the woods and tracks around White House Farm, the biggest challenge of which is stopping assorted dogs from running into shot. Que a lot of cursing and empty threats! Kat x

An evening of Tarot

2011-10-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

This week the Tarotvan saw an evening of entertainment after a summer of infrequent visitors. It was a wet and stormy evening and I had to crank up the old calor gas heater to raise the temperature to a comfortable level. Then with the candles flickering I explored each reading which I hope was both informative and interesting for those concerned. There has since been talk of another session coming soon so hopefully the van will provide another fun evening for all involved, my deepest thanks to all those who attended on Thursday, Kat x

http://thetarotvan.co.uk/

An October birthday party

2011-10-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Today Alpha male and I had our children's joint birthday party. The 'do we invite the whole class' dilemma began when Anya started school. It feels like quite a political decision as I worry about offending other mothers whose daughters have invited my daughter to their parties but the fact is I have always liked the idea of a small, intimate party at home. Anyhow I let Anya decide and she chose to have her three best girlfriends so with local friends added into the mix we had eleven kids in all. We have had a bouncy castle the past few years but I find there more often used by the adults so I decided to provide entertainment in the form of a craft fest in the studio. They painted, coloured and stuck things onto angel wings, swords, airplanes and canvases. The girls also helped me pimp a white dress I was getting sick of the sight of, its now much more fun and 'Katryoshka'. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such fun for my two little darlings, Kat x

Guinea pig dramas

2011-10-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged about the White House guinea contingent before so to bring you up to date - I started with seven guineas five years ago as an attraction for a business I shared with Alpha male and my parents (the 'attraction' was called Guineas in Wonderland and the guinea pig run and handmade houses were inspired by the book, including a washing line of mini guinea clothing in assorted fur fabrics around the Mad Hatters tea party ). Since then their numbers have dwindled to two and last week we lost the final female 'our Cilla'. That left Dudley, a grey rex cavy with rather a sweet nature, alone so I began searching for a new partner. As with the initial seven I chose to look for individual breeders rather than pay the extortionate prices at our local pet shop even though this always ends up backfiring when I spend a fortune on petrol driving here there and everywhere. Now something that I am beginning to discover is that behind their ordinary suburban exteriors guinea pig breeders all possessive certain scary attributes including waffling at length about their animals and a slightly disturbing way of interrogating you about your intentions. The breeder I had agreed to meet with last week bombarded my mobile with messages and pictures before I arrived for the handover. I was forced to lie on every occasion about the controversial subject of whether they would live inside or outside and the general amount of observation I would be giving them. Don't get me wrong, I care for mine but within reason having three dogs, five chickens, two cats and a horse that require my attention. I certainly do not tell them that when we are in The Croft, where they are currently situated, there can be at anyone time up to nine local dogs sat around their run attempting to intimidate them. I am glad to say they soon get used to this and even at times taunt the cold staring eyes, Kat xq

Katryoshka on tour - Susanne's German Birthday weekend

2011-10-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Our weekend trip began with nearly missing the airplane. After a traumatic time going through baggage check due to packing all the wrong things into our hand luggage and myself having to remove my Doc Martins which is never an easy task, we settled down with a coffee and a gossip mag only to hear final call for Stubbs-hunk. We raced down to the gate and were told we were very lucky to be allowed on so late followed by the walk of shame to our seats. Quin spent the rest of the journey being sick and I began to wonder what the weekend had in store for us. I am happy to say we had a brilliant time mostly split between our friend Susanne's parents farm, where she grew up, and her sisters house. On the Saturday we visited a castle that was believed to have inspired the magical Disney castle. It was owned by the madly self indulgent King Ludwig and the interior was decadent with every wall and ceiling painted with amazing murals and patterns. I found a lot of inspiration for caravan pimping there. The next day was Susanne's birthday party and we decorated the garage at the farm with Katryoshka style Heidi banners and floral cut out bits and bobs. It was a great day with lots of German beer and some very dark,ver potent schnapps. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we can't thank Susanne and her family enough for their kind hospitality. It all seemed to fly by so quickly and suddenly we were rushing once again through the airport, panicking we were about to miss our plane back home due to the awful Oktoberfest traffic. I am glad to say we didn't, Kat x

While in Germany both The Muse and I developed a minor crush on Susanne's sister's husband Marcus, a dead ringer for Jennifer Aniston's beau Justin Theroux!

Katryoshka's Tarot readings - October 2011

2011-09-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all our followers, new and old. Here is the latest installment in Katryoshka's monthly tarot readings, a little bit of insight into the month of October. Rememeber, if you focus on the postitive you can make things happen, easier said than done I know!! I am off to Germany tomorrow with The Muse and our sons so I will see you all after the weekend, Kat x

Albear update

2011-09-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

The last thirty six hours have been a bit of a blur and prompted me to update you on my horsey journey with my Welsh Cob Albear. If you missed my previous posts about him you can catch up here and here. Things have been up and down since I begun my work with him, he has come on tremendously but several incidents have really given my confidence a real knock. The third one occurred yesterday as I was enjoying some time with him while the kids were at school/nursery. We had a lovely grooming session and then went for a walk around a stubble field. Everything was going well until a stupid pheasant flew out of nowhere and he legged it. In the process he knocked me flying face first and my arm became tangled in the lunge line which lead to me being dragged a short distance before I was released and he fled. It all happened so fast and I was in shock for the rest of the day, mostly reliving the event and wondering about what else could have happened. Dealing with a horse so young and green is a challenge I thrive on and enjoy but the risk of serious injury seems greater with Albear then any of the youngsters I've worked with before. Alpha Male feels that his spirit is a good thing but I feel I have so much more to loose if I get seriously injured. I have spent the whole time since the incident weighing up whether I should sell him for a safer, more appropriate horse but I have come to the decision than I can minimise the risks by slowing things down and giving myself and him more time to form a deeper and more trusting relationship. Only time will tell if I've made the right decision. On a lighter note I have a cracking black eye and facial graze for the school run. Alpha male is seriously worried about his reputation, Kat x

The train on platform two is..............

2011-09-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

This morning I spent an interesting couple of hours at my local train station. My mission was to give out a few pens and business cards, spreading the word for the charity I volunteer for. I haven't caught a train during peak hours for years and the whole experience was very nostalgic, taking me back to my early twenties when I was attending various colleges. That dirty, industrial smell and the slightly grim, grey concrete exteriors brought it all back. I used to see those train journeys as symbolic, I was actually going somewhere both literally and metaphorically. Equally I found the trains speeding through the station without stopping quite thrilling, so loud and dramatic, the wind threatening to whisk you off the shaking the platforms. There were also the usual mish mash of characters, kids having a laugh and a joke, smart ladies walking with skill and conviction in towering heels and individuals stressed out even though their day has hardly begun. Regarding the mission, there was a real range of both hostile and warm encounters, many defensive that I may ask them for money or worse still, their time on a frantic Monday morning. The world sure is manic busy these days and I found my heart going out to some of the more desperate looking people, late for a deadline or meeting even though they have already completed a list full of chores. The station manager said they were about to have a complete refurbishment, I hope not too soon as there is something strangely comforting about those grubby, anonymous stairwells and endless corridors, well at least for me anyway, Kat x

The winner is.........Katryoshka's fourth give-away!!

2011-09-25T02:01:00.000-07:00

The Muse and I pull another name from the tin, this months prize is a fabulous wool cardigan, catch up here. Congratulations to the winner LUCEWOMAN, much deserved, can I have your address so I can send you your prize, Kat@katryoshka.com!! Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Hunter

2011-09-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

I have been examining my relationship with this blog and what it really means to me. It amazing to have an open platform to record what you want. A snap shot in time really, what has been important to me in 2011. Also we have our monthlyish give-aways that have certainly brought us new followers galore but is that important? I guess the truth is that although I don't openly seek people to come and validate what I do, I get a huge bonus when someone does. A few months ago I went through a time when several people commented regularly and others would make known to me that they were following the story of Katryoshka's ramblings, however recently I have missed the dialogue that can occur through finding people on your wavelength. Anyhow I have had a break from blogging and have returned determined to continue doing what I have always done, use this blog as a HQ for cataloguing my favourite thoughts and expressions. This is a new video I made this week - Hunter, Kat x

The Who present TOMMY!

2011-09-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

It was a somewhat damp afternoon yesterday but while I was going about my chores I managed to lift my spirits with a dose of the rock musical 'Tommy' by The Who. Its a film I first saw as a child and have loved ever since. Written by The Who legend Pete Townsend it tells a loose story about a "deaf, dumb and blind boy" who becomes the leader of a messianic movement via sometime as a pinball wizard. Directed by Ken Russell it's soooooooooo seventies complete with more flares than you'll ever see in any other film and it carries rather a dark undertone which blends well with the high camp antics of stars such as Jack Nicholson, Elton John, Eric Clapton and one of my fav's Oliver Reed. Catch it sometime if you can and enjoy a cult, British masterpiece with a fantastic soundtrack, long live rock and roll, Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Brainchild

2011-09-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

I know I said I wouldn't be doing anymore videos but I just couldn't help myself. I wrote and recorded this track over the weekend and needed something funky to go with it. I have chosen a montage of photo's from Katryoshka's trip to the Mosley Folk Festival, catch up here, and put them together as a stop motion compilation. I am attempting some children's coats at the moment but find myself struggling with the mess that goes with dress making. I will aim to finish them and post some pictures before the week is through. I also desperate to see my sister who has been gallivanting round America [Annika - if your reading this I miss you! xx] Kat x

A Jumper post

2011-09-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

The weather has really begun to change this week. Its been wonderfully refreshing actually, everyday there is at least three different types of weather behaviour, rain, sun and wild winds. However it does mean that the jumpers are being dug out from the bottom of my wardrobe. First the essential White House check for moth invasions. This will be my second winter here and as yet, touch wood, I haven't encounted any moth action yet but the tales of mohair jumpers riddled with holes are legendary and according to some a definite yearly occurrence. So far so good, my favourite jumpers all seem unaffected so I thought I'd share my top three with you. The first is a silk and wool number from the 80's that I picked up a few years ago whilst visiting Germany. Alpha male HATES it and I have tried to compromise by removing the shoulder pads but he still can't stand it, whatever. The second is a wool cardigan that The Muse gave me for Christmas last year. No farmers wife should be without one and it looks fab with a nice belt around the waist. The last is sooooooo big its more like a woolly mammoth fancy dress costume and I need to be in a strong mood as it weights a ton, brilliant!! Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Cry for help

2011-09-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been quite emotional. My mum has received her first two foster children and I have been reminded of what a cruel and careless place our so called civilized world can be. My heart breaks for these kids and I am honoured to lend a helping hand in the process of healing them. Neglecting a child can occur in many forms and sometimes we are all guilty of not putting their feelings first. But to think that people can simply 'forget' they have a child and leave them to fend for themselves in a complicated and messy existent is unforgivable. I have poured my emotions into this song and my kids who may never realise how lucky they are were only to willing to oblige in the making of the video. I think I am going to take a rest from making music for a while and make some clothes instead, Kat x

Katryoshka on tour - The ploughing match at Freeford

2011-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

We felt like real farmers yesterday when all the residents of White house farm attended the local ploughing match. I'm not entirely sure what was happening there but they had a beer tent so we hung around outside and socialized. The Muse and I managed to mix it up with her cleavage and my harem pants aka saggy nappy pants, we certainly stood out among the hunter wellies and padded body warmers. Emma discovered her next dog, a Newfoundlander called Winston. I think the poodle clip complete with feather duster tail won her over but by the look on her son's face he wasn't impressed (see picture below). I am ashamed to say we were also the only party to start a dog fight when Winston tried to hump a couple of Labradors and Betsy, our jack russell cross border collie, saw this as an opportunity for a fight. Embarrassed we fled for White House farm but not before taking in a few super cool retro tractors, Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Tales of Alice

2011-09-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

Camille and I were fooling around in The Croft this afternoon. It was a beautiful windy day, perfect for filming a video to accompany a gentle, chilled out Katryoshka track I wrote a few months ago. She had her hair dip dyed today and its a revelation, The Muse and I are very jealous! We both feel the only way forward may be extensions of some sort, I'll keep you posted about that!! Kat x

The Russian Doll Caravan

2011-09-11T02:31:00.000-07:00

This post was inspired by some rather excellent place mats The Muse painted this week. As with so much of her recent artwork they were made to adorn the Russian Doll Caravan. The van itself is a 1979 Safari, a legendary coach built mobile home made with great care and detail in Great Britain. It's the first van I bought four years ago and before I passed it over to Emma it spent a whole year or so in a field hosting 'Caravan Club' nights, a popular excuse for us girls to sneak away and engage in boozy hairbrush karaoke usually to cheesy 80's chart hits. Now rocking away in a caravan is no laughing matter and moving the Safari into Emma's Croft signalled a new era. Now a days she hosts more refined dinner parties there and her sister Pooty's imminent visit was such an occasion. Que the cool placements so I thought I'd put you all the picture of how the van looks today, Russian Doll's galore, mostly handmade by Emma. Please note the Russian Doll kettle, bread bin and cushions. Now you know why she is The Muse, Kat x

Getto Hen is all alone :(

2011-09-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

As if that poor hen hasn't been through enough already, several days ago her last chick passed away. We suspect 'foul' play with several White House Farm canine residents top of the list. Getto Hen is now alone again and trying to hang out with our Jeresy Giants, if missed her last post catch up here or if you want to start at the beginning click here. On my way back from feeding Albear this morning I discovered her being pinned to the ground and mercilessly pecked by one of our black hens, poor her! She has being trying hard to bond with them by activities such as sharing dust baths together but they refuse to accept her into their gang, what bullies! Perhaps they are jealous of her freedom and generally 'plucky' attitude to life, she's a survivor that's certain. We still love you Getto Hen, Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Sun upon your skin

2011-09-09T03:34:00.000-07:00

So after this weeks Dilemma, back to school and hairstyle disagreements, I decided to express myself through a new track and accompanying music video. I was hoping for a trashy, disco vibe rather than the usual ambient style. I've borrowed Camille's keyboard which is much better than my own and I am experimenting with it during my free time. The video is a little bit saucy and making it has helped me to balance out my lack of day to day style this week. Off to attempt some housework, Kat x

Katryoshka's Fourth Give-away - a beautiful wool cardigan

2011-09-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

Another month, another photo shoot, another fabulous give-away. This time the prize is a luxurious cardigan I made about a year ago. Its hung in the studio all this time and had features added bit by bit, now its complete I'm ready to say bye bye. Details - firstly its made from 100% pure wool, soft to the touch and perfect for the ever approaching winter season. Other details include the cobweb stitching around the sleeves and lapel, and the majestic eagle in flight across the back complete with real feathers. The cut is a simple thigh skimming style that fastens with a single vintage glass button. The cardigan has bell sleeves and is collarless, enough details?? Anyway, to have your name entered into the magic tin and have a chance of receiving this bespoke item all you have to do is follow the Katryoshka blog and 'like' the Katryoshka facebook page (just put Katryoshka and Facebook into google), simple!! Good luck, I'll draw the winner in about three weeks, Kat x

Dilemma

2011-09-06T02:39:00.000-07:00

Today was first day back at school. My little girl was a nervous wreck and to be quite honest so was I. She put on her school uniform and I put on my uniform, normal boring jeans, jersey top and a paint spattered army coat. Gone was my Katryoshka alter ego, in her place was Kat Stubbs - mother and wife. On my way back from the school run I began thinking about a conversation I had the night before with Alpha Male. I had been testing the water about dying my hair dark with a silver streak at the front. To describe the look I was going for I used Daphne Guiness as an example (see previous post about her here), his response 'Why are you always trying to be someone else?'. His comment confirmed my suspicions, the new hair idea was not going to go down well and was best put on the shelf permanently but it has really bothered me and took me back to being an experimental teenager being told an idea was stupid. Add to the mix this mornings 'dressing down to blend in on the school run' and his comments ran through my mind again. I have always had mad hair in one way or another, it was royal blue and fabulous when we met and at other times completely unstyled with terrible dark roots. The way I see it is you don't have to be famous or a celebrity to wear and look how you want and if it makes you feel good then its worthwhile (unless of course you job dictates boundaries and luckily for me, mine doesn't). I've never seen it as attempt to be like someone else, I just get ideas and inspiration from the people around me but I guess he feels that anyone who makes a bold statement is trying to show off and draw attention to themselves. I obviously must agree to some extent as proved by my need to dress down for the playground therefore avoiding unnecessary attention. I just hate and will always hate the idea that with age you should stop enjoying your clothes and hair. What a conflict - one person to him might be an old bat with orange hair and mad clothes trying to retain a sense of fun and the same person to me is an inspirational woman who refuses to be told what she can and can't wear. It seems to me that he'd much prefer the elegant, refined lady who is discreet and age appropriate in her style and dress sense where as I just see bland and dull. I guess the time has come for me to decide who I'm going to be, scary! Kat x

MUSIC VIDEO: Clouds

2011-09-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

After spending most of the day with the kids, face down in a bucket of lego I decided I needed an artistic outlet. Que a quick costume change and down to the stubble field with a camera and Camille who incidently made a fantatsic creative director, [thanks hun!!]. For a couple of weeks I had been yearning to use the large open spaces around White House Farm for a film as the colours seemed so vivid and inspiring. I chose the first song I wrote for my Mood Swings album, Clouds to accompany the project as its a slow, ambient track. My vision was someone walking through the fields as if they would be walking there forever. Add to the mix a lot of pouting and posing and it all gets rather sexy but hey ho, its fun to look back on these things in years to come and remember glaming up to walk around a field one sunny evening, at least it gave the neighbours a moments amusment, 'who does she think she is?!' Kat x

Katryoshka on tour at The Mosley Folk Festival

2011-09-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

Alpha male, his brother Toby, The Muse and I spent a pleasant evening yesterday at the Mosley Folk Festival. We were all enthralled by Villagers, especially the lead singer Conner. Later on in the evening we met his doppelganger, que a photo shoot and fake signature opportunity. We engaged in all the usual activities one does at such an event and later The Muse demonstrated an excellent solution to the scenario of when you spill cider inside your handbag. Later, she was also able to offer a answer for when there are queues galore and you've lost your glass. Very enjoyable but muchos worse for wear this morning. There is already a plan being developed to take the White House minors over to the festival for a daytime session, somebody please pass the co-codamol, Kat x

Which is the real Conner??

Katryoshka's September Tarot reading

2011-09-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today begins a new Katryoshka monthly feature after several people I have recently read cards for felt a short, to the point one card reading would be useful (could they be trying to say that I waffle too much?!)See for yourself as I draw a card at random, in the comfort of the now immobile but much loved Tarotvan and attempt to discuss its possibilities and meanings for the month ahead. Excuse the babbling and swearing, its all part of the process and essential to keep the reading 'in the moment' as they say, Kat x http://thetarotvan.co.uk/

New Etsy items from The Muse

2011-08-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Just to demonstrate how business focused Katryoshka really is I have finally submitted Emma's hand painted chopping boards onto Etsy THREE MONTHS after she wrote the preview post. You can catch up on that here. Wish I could say I have been doing much more important things but that would be a bare-faced lie. So to make up for being so slack I have put THREE items handmade by The White House Farm Muse onto Etsy including a delightful Russian doll beach stone and two canvases. All items feature her signature white doves, just gorgeous!! Kat x

Visit the Katryoshka etsy shop

And then there was one.........

2011-08-30T01:02:00.000-07:00

I had taken the picture below in anticipation of writing a Getto Hen update. The last one which you can catch up on here, spoke of her five new babies that she was raising alone, roosting wild and protecting them from the many countryside predators. Since that post two chicks went to my Mum's house (only to turn out to both be cocks, she has them on freecycle as we speak). Another chick mysteriously disappeared and that left the two pictured below, living wild with their mother, the now legendary Getto Hen. Alas the night I took the picture Alpha Male and I awoke to the sound of a chicken crying out at about 5am. He panicked that it was one of our Jersey Giants and I felt immediate relief as I had shut them away safe and sound the night before. He proceeded to look out of our bedroom window and saw a huge male fox staring back at him. The stare out continued awhile until the brazen animal ran away. Then next morning we found lots of brown feathers and sadly Getto Hen only had one chick left. Incidentally the remaining chick is a cock so he will no doubt join the gang of wild cocks that patrol the White House Farm estate and get wild chickens like Getto Hen continually pregnant. Kat x

Music Video: Another place to be

2011-08-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

I am quite obsessed with videoing everything and anything at the moment. Alpha male gets very cross when I nag him for his i-phone but when you gotta do it, you gotta do it. We have had a lovely weekend as my Dad and brother have come from sunny Southport to visit White House farm. Two peas in a pod, its great to spend some quality time with them and share the fun things you have in common including drinking bucket loads of tea, listening to obscure music and generally having a Northerner's gossip about who's doing what, certainly time well spent. We were in The Croft yesterday and as the sky was so moody I couldn't help myself. The track on the video is one I made a while ago when I first started playing around with recording myself and my keyboard. Its still one of my favorites, Kat x

Spider season is upon us!

2011-08-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

If there is one complaint I have about living at White House Farm its the SPIDERS!! I don't mean to sound ungrateful, I know I am lucky every time I wake up and look out of the window but dam, the eight legged visitors around here are of the large variety. Only this morning I was downstairs trying to make a disco for the kids when I closed the curtains and discovered the largest cardinal house spider I have EVER seen! It was obviously female as they are the larger sex in the spider world and it came complete with a couple of scary looking fangs. I tried to stay cool in a pathetic attempt not to pass on my fears to my kids but they had me sussed when I jumped two feet in the air as the cheeky thing tried to make a quick get-away. I am proud of myself that I managed to do the glass and card method of removal, at least there is no lingering murderers guilt afterwards but I know this is just the beginning of the 'spiders coming in for the Winter' season and this mornings creature will be the first of many attempting to inhabit White House Farm. Now begins the daily argument with Alpha Male as I try to insist on the bedroom windows being closed at night (to keep out unwanted creepy characters) and he demands they remain open as he always too blooming hot!!!! Kat x

Dubstep experiment featuring Albear

2011-08-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

The electronic music genre Dubstep happens to be very hot with young Britain's at the moment. Listening to people talk about the scene reminds me of my clubbing past and heady nights spent in Liverpool's Cream dancing to Dave Clark and the like. Queue inspiration for a dubstep track with the usual Katryoshka ambient twist. I downloaded some free dubstep samples from Music Radar and used Audacity to mix them and record my vocals. Audacity is also free to download and all you need to record yourself is a cheap microphone from somewhere like ebay. I don't think I am particular drawn to the industrial sound of the dubstep genre, my roots will always be funk and disco like the track I posted here. The video idea was straight forward in theory and involved me lunging Albear whilst videoing him. Not quite as simple as I expected but ever obliging Albear played along bless, Kat x

And the winner is............Katryoshka's Third Give-away!!

2011-08-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Aonother month and another prize draw video. Just plucked another lucky winner out of the tin and its MOON RAE! Well done, just let me have your address please and I will send you your bespoke handmade bolero, congratulations!! Kat x

Raggy Dolls

2011-08-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I offered my daughter some 'mummy time', a response to her asking me who I loved best, Albear the horse or her (spending too much time faffing around one thinks). Happily we have both realised the best way to spend this is by her assisting me in making her a toy. Our recent 'mummy times' have involved me drawing out paper rag dolls and her colouring them in after we all became inspired by the old Raggy Dolls cartoon below. However, this time Anya decided to upgrade the project and requested a full size Rapunzel rag doll. Next thing Quin was insisting I made him a 'robin' rag doll at the same time (Superman is out and Batman is in). They harassed me until bedtime and then as soon as my foot stepped out of bed this morning I was frog marched down to the sewing machine and told I wasn't allowed to move until I'd finished both dolls. End result was a rag doll that looked more like Cindy Lauper circa 1985 complete with short, spiky fringe and the 'robin' doll who The Muse instantly rechristened as S+M doll, what else are Sundays for! Kat x

Katryoshka Etsy activity

2011-08-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

Because my time is in demand today I have chosen to re-list a few items at the Katryoshka etsy shop instead of adding new pieces. The items include an interesting acrylic on wood painting by The Muse of a black Madonna and child, an unusual asymmetric satin, silk and cord dress and a hand painted and embellished crucifix. Kat x

http://www.etsy.com/shop/katryoshka?ref=pr_shop_more

Caravan Update

2011-08-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today began as a strange day after I was awakened this morning to hear my horse and his new pal had escaped out of their field and were running around freely. Thankfully all ended well when they heard the call of breakfast in the air and returned with us safe and sound. I thought of writing a White House Farm weather blog post about how dry the land here had been this summer but instead I have made yet another stop-motion experiment on my way home from feeding a friends horse. Please note the dry grasses in The Croft and the non-existent grass, we need rain!! I also apologise in advance for the stained mattress, on warmer days it's on the grass hidden under a throw. I also included a short tour of a very unfinished Circus Van and the dovecote where Emma houses her Birmingham Roller Pigeons. I will post some details about these birds later as they have some very interesting flight techniques, Kat x

Project No4: The Downpour

2011-08-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

There's always something new,
the next big thing,
what may it bring,
a gentle kiss or a vicious sting.

I know I should stop but why,
I might try and then fail and die,
exhausted from the too much sleep and a lack of chase
and the grinding pace of the relentless race,

pushing and rushing around my mind,
now I know that's not kind,
who ever really is sincerely,truly, genuinely,
wanting the best, forsaking the rest,

giving the most and putting you first,
don't be alarmed by my unsociable thirst for strife,
after all I'm always a wife and a mother,
sometimes a lover,

Fuck my heads sore,
from this temporary downpour,
but it's done the job, wait
there's still more, peace and war,

that's me at least while it prevails,
there's spare love for sale,
inside of this home,
or on the telephone,

where deep in the night,
I might just invite,
some parasite to call me up,
and have a wank,

and drink some gin,
and let me in to his dirty secrets,
hey there friend let's here you whine,
I have all the time,

but not during the day when seconds count
a large amount, too much to do,
but an elastic glue is holding me back,
from where I'm going to,

If only I knew,
how to get help to be more like you.........................

Project No3: White House on Tour, Katryoshka and friends

2011-08-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a short film of our visit to Sierra de Montanchez, August 2011. A personal highlight would have to be when The Muse declared 'Who will carry me up this mountain?' and to her surprise Alpha Male threw her over his shoulder and off they went! Thanks to all those who were present and helped to make it a holiday to remember, hope we get to catch up soon, Kat x

Project No 2: A short film - A Kitten Caper

2011-08-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

This is a stop motion film I made with the kids whilst on holiday. It was supposed to be an enjoyable mornings entertainment for all involved but with a grumpy supporting cast, power crazy director and a superman with a heights phobia it soon descended into minor chaos. Nevermind, the kids survived and I keep telling them, now the sky's the limit!! Kat x

Albear gets a friend

2011-08-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

The daughter of The Muse has a new baby and thankfully its of the four legged variety, please allow me to introduce Albear's new friend Diesel, a Gyspy vanner yearling (yes, he really is as cute as he looks). You can check out Camille's blog here for more details on how that relationship develops and if your not familiar with who Albear is within the White House Farm animal contingent you can get to know him better here. His training is going well but I guess his background means he will always have a bit (or a lot) of wild in him and a new friend is certainly bringing out his inner stallion, (that's putting it mildly!). Kat x

Project No1: Rocking Horse Fly

2011-08-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the first project I completed while visiting the Extremaduran region of Spain. See the proposed project here. Nothing like a bit of hardcore sewing to ease you into a new routine and environment, Anya loved her until the eyes fell off, Kat x

Sock Fetish

2011-08-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog, the Quail has developed a sock fetish while The Muse has been away sunning herself. Here is the proof, sat on Emma's kitchen table on top of Jasper's socks. If your not familiar with who he is click here, Kat x

Return from Spain

2011-08-14T00:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I got back yesterday from two wonderful weeks in the sun. We had a fantastic time with Alpha male and my youngsters plus The Muse, her family and the cornish cousins. Being a newcomer to Spain I am defiantly enchanted with the rural, rustic environment and will be posting various projects I completed out there inspired by my experience. Also I have badgered Emma to write the blog about our actual stay as I do so love her way with words. I am also thrilled to discover our blog has been awarded a couple of awards by loyal follower LUCEWOMAN at http://lucewoman.blogspot.com/. If your not familiar with her blog you should be as her ability to put a spin on her daily life is hilarious, frank and moving all at once!

As is the custom I am passing these awards on to three of my favourite reads and the first blog I have decided to pass these awards on to is http://www.finca-al-manzil.blogspot.com/ as that's where we have just stayed for our Spanish experience. Pippa and Manfred allowed us to gatecrash their home for the two weeks and from the artwork to the amazing book collection, all of our rabble felt we were staying somewhere really special. Secondly I would like to award http://erosonfire.blogspot.com/. So beautiful, poetic, intense and emotive I love dropping in from time to time to be inspired. Lastly I think I'll choose my Mums blog, http://managingautismblog.blogspot.com/ as even though she is only getting started it will document her move from established special needs teacher to specialist foster carer, an interesting journey indeed. Well done to everyone, I appreciate having such a varied selection of blogs to read and inspire me and I would like to extend a special thank you to Lucewoman, I am lucky to have a follower who I equally admire for who they are and their unique way of living and looking at life, THANK YOU!! Kat xx

Katryoshka's third Give-away - a fantastic brocade bollero

2011-07-29T02:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to our third give-away. All you have to do to be entered into the free prize draw is follow our blog and 'like' our Katryoshka facebook page. The prize this month is a one size bollero jacket with puffed sleeves that I made from a piece of shiny brocade fabric bought some time ago in the Alum rock road area of Birmingham. The area itself is interesting as its as close to Bombay as you might find in the UK with lots of sari and eastern food shops. The jacket is a very versitile and useful little piece which goes well dressed down with jeans or dressed up over a special dress. Good luck to everyone, Kat x

The Room Angel - a short/long animation project

2011-07-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just finished a project I started when Alpha male went away recently. I had always wanted to do some animation so when the perfect time opportunity presented itself I began with much enthusiasm. It took ages though so I lost a lot of the momentum along the way and I won't be attempting another anytime soon but the tiny's love it so its all been worthwhile in the end, Kat x PS I hate the sound of my voice!!

Holiday reading

2011-07-28T01:52:00.000-07:00

Whilst buying holiday necessities, I spent yesterday morning wandering through a few local charity shops looking for some inspiring holiday books, (as in books to read on holiday as apposed to books about holidays.) As a huge fan of anything Alice in Wonderland imagine my delight as I came across this old book about making toys from the story. It so cool with lots of details and illustrations so that's the holiday project sorted. Now I just need to formulate a plan around how to smuggle all the necessary sewing equipment and fabrics into my suitcase without being detected by the luggage police aka Alpha Male, wish me luck!! Kat x

Albear's first month at White House Farm

2011-07-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged as much recently as in the last month a new project has taken over. Meet my new love affair, Albear, a three year old Welsh Cob. The story goes last year we happened to visiting family back in my old stomping ground and decided to take a turn at the old stables I grew up on. A ramshackle farm in a quiet suburb of Southport, Greaves Moss Farm was an absolute dream for me. At the time I was a teenager in need of their own world in order to begin carving out an identity away from my family. As somewhat of a slow developer I was only just beginning to mature. I had a youngster there and spent long days at the stables even sleeping over with other horse mad friends. Activities included a fair share of asbo type behaviour such as races around the local parks and midnight hacks to the petrol station for snacks. We were able to do what we wanted at the farm and felt so free that even visiting last year it felt like yesterday. So there I was last year reliving some of my happiest childhood memories, now a wife and mother of two, when I happened upon a new field of youngsters. There was Albear , two years old and never experienced any human contact. Forward a year and I was finally ready to collect him although I had been experiencing some anxiety over the fact he was still unhandled and now a three year old colt. With some drama we managed to transport him down to White House Farm and the last month has been a blur of gelding and slowly introducing him to his new way of life. I am pleased to report he is responding well and its defiantly love, (from me to him anyway and hopefully like wise). Its exciting and I feel like a fourteen year old again! I hope to keep you all up to date with his progress from wild beast to safe family pony so keep checking in! Kat x

Chicken and Quail

2011-07-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog post about Chicken and her friend Quail pictured below in Emma's kitchen. Chicken has appeared on this blog previously here and here. They came to be pals after Chicken was left without company thanks to Emma's staffordshire bull terrier Tyskie, and Quail was rejected from my daughter's nursery several years ago due to being bullied by his brothers. They live together in a hutch at White house farm and every evening they parade around Emma's kitchen amongst the not all together bird friendly dog and cat residents. What is extraordinary is their bond with each other, quails are certainly odd birds indeed but what ever the dynamic is, it works for them. True love! Kat x

Treyc Cohen drops in!

2011-07-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day, an Open Day I was involved in had arrived and even a terrible hangover caused by last nights absence of the Muse children wouldn't dampen it. A couple of months ago I went to the Tracy Emin exhibition, see the post here. The blanket hanging below was the result of that trip and was created as a request for artwork from our branch. The fabulously glamorous singer Treyc Cohen came to unveil it who was simply marvelous, a real star in the making. What a way of supporting a charity by offering your time in such a gracious and humble way. Many thanks Treyc, it was a pleasure to have you at our branch!! xx

A time to dance

2011-07-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like letting off a bit of steam and frustration with a darn good boogie. Take this morning for example, day six on Alpha Male's American business trip and I'm home alone attempting to meet end of term demands. After a night battling toothache I awake with that typical bolt upright 'OMG, I've over slept!' feeling, I hadn't but was thrown into an state of immediate panic as it was Anya's much looked forward to school trip. I breezed into the kids rooms announcing the need for immediate action in the getting dressed for school department. They obeyed sensing irate mother syndrome and I progressed downstairs to shout at various dogs and cats, feed the horse and release the chickens. By this time the kids were downstairs requesting various time consuming breakfasts including porridge which is always a drama in itself. Once they were dealt with I was able to begin getting myself dressed. As I was busy bheing stressed and rushing about Jane Wiedlin came on the radio with that 80's classic 'Rush hour'. As if my subconscious knew what I needed my hand reached for the volume dial and I began bouncing around the room with such energy and vigour that my endorphins shot through the roof and for those precious minutes I could have been anywhere, having a carefree and thoroughly enjoyable moment. When the song ended I felt a release of calm energy overcome me and the morning continued successfully aided by my new, relaxed self. If in doubt.......dance! Kat x

What's next??

2011-07-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

The last few months seemed to have been littered with dodgy occurrences where my brain appears to have been anywhere except where it should have been. Case in point, yesterday my daughter was having a friend over so I nipped to stock up on frozen goodies before picking them up from school. Fish fingers and chips seemed a sure fire way to avoid any dinner time dramas. It was a nice hot day and I decided it would be a fun idea to take the kids to the park before going home. The dilemma was, what about the frozen food? I decided the car was too hot so I hid the bag of food under the car until it was time to go. Now you can guess most of the story, we return and even as I am lifting my son into the car I am thinking 'don't forget the food, don't forget the food!'...................I forgot the food and was half way home when I did the predictable sharp intake of breath and turned back. The good news was it was still there although I had run over a packet of fish fingers and half of the chips. Not to worry though as they were still protected and good enough to eat, at least the kids didn't notice anyway!! Kat x

And the winner is........June giveaway!

2011-07-13T11:37:00.000-07:00

Better late than never our Monthly giveaway, won by Tanvi!! Bit paranoid as I look about five months pregnant!! Has anyone any good stomach exercises?? Kat x

War Horse

2011-07-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

So as promised, the War Horse post. I don't go to the theatre very often and have mostly enjoyed going to see lighthearted musicals like Oliver, the Pirates of Penzanze and Chicago. War Horse was a very different and the compelling journey through history was a somehow deeper experience. To begin with the New London Theatre on Drury Lane in London's West End is very minimal with none of the usual OTT, dramatic styling I generally associate with theatres. For the War Horse production there were no permanent props to behold except a very effective strip of 'sky' that hung above the stage and featured many emotive images and drawings of landscape to give the spectator a greater sense of where they were being transported to. I won't dwell too much on the story itself as I think its best seen fresh and without much preparation but I will emphasis its a deeply moving play supported beautifully with elements of dance, music and dialogue. The cast are so professional and awe inspiring but the stars of the show are the 'puppets' created by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company. They really are more 'horse like' than horses if that makes any sense. Even a none horse fanatic can understand the emotions and feeling these majestic creatures convey and tissues are advised at all times.

Kat x

Getto Hen strikes again!

2011-07-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I know it perhaps appears as if Getto Hen is just another obsession but this Hen surprises me all the time. If you don't know her story catch up here and here. Now her original chick has disappeared hopefully to some nearby back yard and she's caring for five new babies. Still living wild and roosting secretly away from the many foxes that grace White House Farm, she cares for her young as we would, protecting and defending them fiercely from any potential threats, what a top bird!, Kat x

A lost weekend

2011-07-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

After the recent dramas between Alpha male and I we decided to go and spend some quality time together away from White House Farm. He arranged it all and everything remained a secret until we had delivered our children to my Sister and Mother receptively. Then we headed through London to our Hotel. I have this strange minor obsession when I am out and about our capital city of not looking like a tourist, (which of course I am). I try to achieve this by dressing eclectically and side glancing at tube and bus maps in rather a sly manner so it appears I know my way around. I also charge at great speed through the barriers at tube stations only to have the doors wind me by slamming shut due to my oyster travel card running out. I don't know why I'm bothered but I am! Anyway we had a great first night as Ben had bought tickets for Derrick Carters secret party at a warehouse in Shorditch. Back in my late teens, when I was obsessed with American house music, he was one of my favourite DJ's and he was playing on the night I met Alpha male, eleven years ago. We danced like mad persons for a few hours and then took ourselves back to the hotel. I guess now I'm a bit older I consider the next day as equally important and it happened to be a lovely day of wandering about aimlessly. Highlights included the Tommy Nutter exhibition at the Zandra Rhodes Museum of Fashion and Textiles, itself a fantastic conversion of a former cash and carry warehouse. Menswear designer Tommy Nutter was one of the pioneers of funky men's tailoring in the 60's and 70's and the museum had loaned some fabulous suits he'd made from the likes of Cilla Black, Twiggy and even Mick Jagger's suit when he married Bianca. That evening we went to go and see War Horse, an epic tale that really deserves a blog all of its own so watch this space. I cried a lot and struggled to walk effectively but that was down to the ridiculous high heels I chose to wear, (farm girl enters city and does extreme glamour awkwardly). It was great to get away and reintroduce each other to our carefree selves. You can live a decade with your partner and know every side of their personality but on a day to day basis when your busy functioning as a team to get things done its easy to forget certain aspects, the fact you simply enjoy being together. Thanks Alpha male for a really special time, I know I'm a lucky girl!! Kat x

The man himself Tommy Nutter, 17 April 1943– 17 August 1992

Twitter saves the day!!

2011-07-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling very disillusioned with Twitter lately. The truth is I don't really know how to use it and initially simply enjoyed the process of documenting and shrinking random thoughts into one or two sentences. I was about to close my account down this week when its true value became much clearer. I have had the recent task of organising an open day for the charity I volunteer at. This is indeed a tricky task because our resources are so few but I felt that what the event needed was a 'celebrity' guest to draw local people into our branch. The first person I set my sights on was Tony Christie, the legendary crooner, who lived nearby and was known to most people after his recent comeback. However despite various leads I got on-line it all came to nothing. The date of the open day was creeping nearer and nearer when I discovered there was another local celebrity who was ideal, X-Factor contestant Treyc Cohen. Couldn't find any contact information for her on-line so I turned to Twitter and several tweets between the singer and her agent later I had a celebrity booked, willing to donate an hour of her time for a good cause. I am so pleased and indebted to Twitter and can now acknowledge that it does indeed provide a unique platform of communication between its users. Many thanks to Treyc and Twitter!! Kat x

R.I.P. The Tarotvan

2011-07-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

I had the man over to service various caravans the other day. Poor him, he dreads my calls as he knows its always long and complicated with such old vans and this visit was no different. The result was that The Tarotvan was given a verdict of extreme old age ailments which sadly meant I could drag it round Staffordshire spreading the word of the Tarot. Instead its gone to live permanently in the Croft, offering wise words to those who visit and anyone who fancies booking an appointment and taking a journey to our corner of the world. God bless you Tarotvan as I have had such fun within your four fragile walls, hopefully you can continue your service from your final place of rest, Kat x

http://thetarotvan.co.uk/index.htm

Old fashion photo shoot

2011-07-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

Just had a computer returned that had lost all its pictures when it caught a nasty virus last year. Found these pictures from when I attempted to design yet another website to sell clothes I'd made. Nothing came of the website idea but I really like the left over pictures taken one random summers day, Kat x

Emma takes tea at Buckingham Palace with HRH

2011-06-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Emma has gone for tea with the Queen this afternoon, no really she has. She was invited by her brother Simon, father of Alpha Male, who in turn was invited to the garden party at Buckingham Palace as a result of his recent charity work. They certainly made a fine pair and I was remained once again why Emma Stubbs Hunk deserves the status of the Muse of White House. The purple satin shoes so complimented the electric purple lycratastic leggings, her main piece being a delicate dress I made especially for such an important occasion. She accessoried with pearls galore and a mighty corsage fit for a Queen. I was also reminded of our trip earlier this year to see psychic Linda Lancashire, you can catch up on it here. She told Emma she would go on a date with someone called David and visit a stately home, both of which she has done this week!! Kat x

Camille's new blog

2011-06-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

My favourite model, guitar buddy and daughter of my muse has gone and got herself a blog. I think an interesting tale will unfold of a teenager's life and its many highs and lows, its really a great way for anyone to express themselves and their feelings. I am looking forward to seeing how she uses the opportunity but I will complain if she spends too much time doing her own thing as I need to lean on her daily for various random tasks. Good luck Camille and hopefully your creative mind will flourish within the unknown quantities of cyber space, Kat x

http://thecamillieo.blogspot.com/

Craft Fair

2011-06-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the craft fair and coincidentally, one of the hottest days of the year so far. Emma and I were hardly rushed off our feet with our ramshackle collection of Katrytoshka clothing, bespoke bags and hand painted accessories but it was a fantastic opportunity to mingle and observe the aura of happiness people seem to adopt when the sun in shining. Afterwards we gravitated to Emma's croft for a bit of sun worshipping. I have posted a sneak preview of 'the Icon Van' aka 'the Latitude Van which Emma hopes to complete soon if her busy life permits a spare second, it sure going to be a beauty!! Kat x

Emma Stubbs Hunk painted stones

2011-06-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

While preparing for tomorrows craft fair I discovered some stones Emma had been painting this week. Had to document them as their gorgeous and any she doesn't sell tomorrow she'll probably give away! Kat x

Catch up

2011-06-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, hope your all well. It feels like ages since I've blogged, (only a week actually!) My trip to Germany was fabulous, its great when you can go somewhere and feel like a child the entire time. I spent every moment with my grand parents, eating lots of German food and working on a blanket project with my Oma. I also gave a lot of thought to wifey week and how to incorporate it into everyday life, hopefully my return will signal a change for the better in the work/life balance. I have bought another caravan and trying not to be too obsessed about working on it. Attempting to create more family time sure is difficult as I have a craft fair booked for Katryoshka this Sunday at Heart of the Country Village, Lichfield, Staffordshire, would love to meet if you live nearby! There'll be clothes, Emma's painted accessories and lots more, Kat x

Katryoshka June give-away

2011-06-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

Just before I disappear to Germany I want to inform you of this months Katryoshka give-away. One lucky person will receive an Emma Stubbs Hunk archive print featuring one of her earlier acrylic on wood paintings. They may choose from either the elephants, the zebras or the brown and white cows. Each print is on card and measures 67cm x 35cm. They are limited edition and make create a quirky feature wherever you display them. As usual you just have to be following the blog and 'like' us on Facebook ,just search for Katryoshka, to have a chance of winning this exciting prize. The winner will be drawn in couple of weeks so good luck to all! Kat x

Dam those demons

2011-06-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today was not a good day. It was brought abruptly to my attention that my creative obsessions are having a negative effect on my personal life. For me, I struggle without the boundaries of having a job or young baby to look after. All my life I have worked hard until I sold my clothes shop just before the birth of my first child Anya. Then as a stay at home Mum of two, my days were always full of baby chores and sewing was squashed into the gaps in between. However, since I have moved to White House my kids have become more independent, Anya has started school, and I have been able to spend more and more time on my recent 'work'. The problem is you don't see the demons coming when your so obsessed with the next new idea. The adrenalin as the seed is born, the tedious, mind numbing but strangely calming middle stage as you graft to develop the idea and then the final, completion stage where you stand back and feel the rush of accomplishment and validation at what you have achieved. Each project has become bigger and more elaborate than the last and although I don't spend much money, I don't make any either so to others my 'work' is going nowhere and only serves to take time away from the people who need me the most. Don't get me wrong my kids always come first but then I have to say next in line I love to indulge a strong creative urge leaving housework and husband maintenance falling to the wayside. I am about to go to Germany alone to visit my Grandparents for five days and on my return I am going straight to Southport to by a wild horse (more of that later). Then I have a new caravan in my drive waiting to be pimped but in the meantime serious decisions need to be made about where my priorities lie and how I can become a better wife without compromising my creative desires. Its a dilemma, how can something so powerfully life giving be such a destructive force. Kat x

London baby!

2011-06-13T01:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday was spent in an enjoyable fashion, visiting my sister Annika in London with Alpha male, Camille and kids. First we gate crashed the Tracey Emin retrospective at the Hayward, which left me more bemused than ever by the career of this controversial British artist. Having always admired her ability to address subjects we normally try to hide or keep under wraps, I left with a sense of there being somethinmissing, a little too one sided perhaps. Her quilts were amazing, especially Hotel International, the quilt containing her thoughts and expressions about her childhood growing up in Margate where her father ran a large hotel. The business collapsed and the family became very poor so it documents a difficult time in her life. There were classic comedy moments when we were all watching one of her films entitled 'Love is a strange thing'. The kids were especially drawn into the tale of Tracey walking in a park and meeting a talking dog until the dog said 'fancy a f**k, Trace?' Que exit the Stubbs family at great speed. The next film had a similar effect where she described the first time she was asked to hold a man's balls, the kids were most displeased at another early exit. Soon Alpha male had removed himself and the kids from the gallery so I got a few minutes to take in the things I was most interested in including some fabulous appliqued antique chairs.

The second half of our visit consisted of a walk down Brick Lane and a meal at Pelluccis, a highly original, very retro 'East End meets Italian' cafe. Pellicci's has been warmly welcoming customers since 1900 and the venerable marquetry-panelled interior is cramped; sharing Formica tables is to be expected, nay, relished. Annika is a regular and is greeted with great warmth by various Pellucci family members. The food was excellent, both in value and taste and I highly recommend it as both a cultural and a child friendly experience. Easy to find you just head east down Bethnal Green Road from the top of Brick Lane. What a fantastic day, Kat x

Downstairs toilet

2011-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

The view from my downstairs toilet, featuring............everyone past and present, (just wanted to share it with you!) Kat x

Bavarian Rose tutorial

2011-06-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, in between boring paperwork and housework, I wanted to share with you a painting design that I have been obsessing about. It currently adorns various White House tables and caravans amongst other things and, as of this afternoon, a cheap £3 guitar I bought for my daughter at a boot sale. I call the Bavarian Rose as I first saw it on a traditional wooden beer tent in Germany last year. I photographed it and have been reproducing it ever since. The design is easy and all you need are a few acrylic paints, green, red, white and black and a soft smallish rounded brush. You can paint any surface with the right base coat and I find a primer and satinwood works well on both metal and wood. If you want to paint a previously laminated surface like kitchen cupboards use ESP, a fantastic watery primer that stinks but allows the paint to stick. Have a go as it looks good anywhere and works in any colours too, Kat x

First use your brush to paint a rounded square shape, slightly larger at the bottom. You can draw an outline first if that helps.

Next paint some circles around the lower half of the shape overlapping each other. Also paint some teardrop leaves, you may need to do a couple of coats so their not too transparent.

Next mix a lighter green by adding some white and do some stokes on each leave to add dimension. Also paint a pointed oval on the top of the rose.

Now its time to add white accents again in the form of simple strokes. I add a small amount of red to the white to create a pinky hue on the rose. When you use a soft rounded brush it will do the stokes for you, also outline the black oval and paint three small white dots inside it.

Finally add some buds using the pinky white and voila, a simple, rustic rose ideal for embellishing anything really. Just add varnish if you want to protect it or its going outside.

Quick Getto Hen update

2011-06-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Getto Hen and her chick. See previous post here if your not familiar with their story. As you can see from today's picture the as yet to be named chick (ideas welcomed), is growing to quite a size and the pair still manage to out wit the fox every night. You go girls!! Kat x

Zealands break

2011-06-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a fabulous week away in South Devon. Every year we stay at a small holiday home named Zealands a magical place that has been regularly visited by five generations of Stubbs's. The family connection is that it was rented by the father of Margaret Stubbs, Alpha Males grandmother,in order to court her mother. Once married they lived nearby and raised their own three children but still kept Zealands on, adding bits on to the original building over the years. Its rustic and homely, five minutes from a beautiful South Hams beach and has a wonderful child friendly piece of wilderness for a garden. Alpha male and I were joined by the muse and her youngest son, Ja for the weekend. The muse dressed fabulously the entire time and has inspired me into making a collection of dresses but more about that I've started making them. We also had other wonderful friends and family staying throughout the week, each bringing a new dynamic to the communal experience. To summarize..there was walking, drinking, no internet or mobile signal, swimming, laughing, playing, some shopping and lots eating of seafood. Kat x

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And the winner is...................

2011-05-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Tonight we drew the lucky winner of Katryoshka's first monthly give-away to win a fabulous one-off maxi dress. We will be filming each event and the lucky winner was Eden Daphne Frangos-Ellis! Congrats and we will be reveal the next fantastic prize in two weeks time. Also, a new rule was invented, family followers who win get a 'second' prize, [sorry Winnie Stubbs, you can have another dress of your choice. I have a green leopard print number that's perfect for you], Kat x

Margaret Stubbs Part 1 - Wallpapers

2011-05-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

This is the first in several installments dedicated to Margaret Stubbs - sadly departed resident of White House West. Alongside raising five children, the youngest being Emma, and helping to run a large farm, she dedicated a lot of her time to her interest in both fashion and interiors. Her 'eastern eccentricity meets country chic' personal and home style was renound throughout the county during a time when people were only beginning to explore the possibilities of creating their own fashion statement.This lead to many of those around her, including later myself, being heavily influenced by her astetics. Below are a selection of some of the wallpapers, mostly William Morris, that adorned every wall during Margarets time at White House, a taster for future posts about the woman who so many people in this family look to for inspiration, Kat x

This is my favourite wallpaper - an original Liberty print that was also found adorning other soft furnishings including a beautiful chair.

This is a William Morris print, 'Strawberry Thief'.

Acoustic weekend

2011-05-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just returned from a fabulous weekend at The Acoustic festival, a small, friendly gathering for music loving families. The mini-me's, Alpha male and I had some much needed quality time in a fabulous fantasy setting and stay in our newly refurbished Carlight Caravan for the first time. Made in the 1960's it a legend and really deserves a blog post all of its own as its come such a long way since we bought it as a wreck off local gypsies. Unfortunately this morning I managed to end the weekend on a sour note by setting off on the school run with a rather hazy head, the result of which meant I didn't realise our lovely new van was still attached to the car and twenty meters later I took rather a sharp corner and threw the van against a large gate post, ooops. Alpha male was VERY cross and who can blame him, another classic Kat style drama resulting from my tendancy to speed through life at a million miles per hour with little time to stop and spot a caravan attached to my rear, Kat x

How much is that puppy in the window?

2011-05-20T04:22:00.000-07:00

Just updating you all on Shirley's puppy that was unexpectedly born almost four weeks ago. Pudding as we have appropriately named her is, to be frank, FAT. She has had no siblings to compete with so plenty of Mummy's milk. She is adorable though and I have suggested the possibility of keeping her to Alpha Male. Luckily he thinks more with his head than his heart and reminds me that's six dogs are enough at White House Farm, Kat x

Chopping Boards preview

2011-05-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

3 vintage chopping boards of varying sizes hand painted in a mis-match of folk art styles; referencing Mexico, Russia & the English Garden. Sold as a set they will make a colourful & highly original adornment to a kitchen wall. The larger of these rustic boards was purchased in Spain in the 1970's & has not only been authentically distressed by years of use in the kitchen prior to health and safety rendering it as obsolete but, I note with interest that it was used latterly as a target for my son's air rifle as it appears to be peppered with lead shot...all contributing to an authentic patina of battle worn history.
The medium sized board came from Habitat in the 1970s & was part of a set if 6. I recall there was a period where rustic living was all the rage and a tough slab of steak & baked potato would be served to horrified guests on these wooden boards. Still, it is a pretty shape but not good for gravy.
The third & smallest of the 3 came from The Best Shop In The World (this is according to mine & Kat's spectrum of retail therapy awards). In the tiny village of Dwight, Ontario , 'Treasures'is the original Cornucopia of AMAZING retro- crap that Kat & I seek out on a full time basis. We want to buy it all but are limited by luggage restrictions (sort of). Anyway, the little chopping board is rustic & no doubt has a history all it's own that we can only imagine.
Each one has been hand-painted with pleasure in my kitchen & if not purchased soon a space will be made for them on my wall!
PS. I am going to get the Habitat steak boards reproduced as I really want to have a retro steak board dinner party....
From Emma. x

The tree house project

2011-05-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

When alpha male returned from his recent trip to New Zealand he declared he was going to take up a new hobby - DIY! Imagine my sheer delight and lists of chores literally writing themselves before my eyes. He has just completed his first project which has been a tree house for the kids, excellent..........next! Kat x

Katryoshka's first monthly give-away!!

2011-05-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

After some very excellent advice from one of our treasured followers we decided to launch Katryoshka's monthly give-away. Then the question, what to give? Of course it has to be a piece of Katryoshka so each month we will be giving away something made by our own fair hands, sorry no painted caravans in the near future but you never know.........! This months give-away is a floor length bespoke Maxi dress, billowing and VERY 1970's so bang on-trend. Que impromptu photo shoot in the croft featuring Camille, Emma's daughter followed by Anya, my daughter, gate crashing and exhibiting some major limelight stealing behaviour, you go girl! Alas, it wasn't a particularly warm evening but there was a delightful north wind which I was certainly excited about knowing the dress would develop a mind of its own. The size is up to a UK size 14, it it loose fitting and has ties so you can draw it in below the bust to create an empire line shape. The sleeves also have ties so you can make them the right length for you. I will adjust the hemline for the lucky winner to whatever length they would like. We will wait two weeks from this post and pick a name from our followers, lucky dip style. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning goodies every month is like us on Facebook and follow our blog. Good luck everyone! :) Kat x

Tres Blog!

2011-05-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Very excited about the first of our monthly give-aways, see the post below for more details. I have just finished 2 lightweight melamine trays meticulously painted in my contemporary folk art style. Will function well as tea trays but we would be happy to add a simple 'hanger' on the back which means it can double as a decorative wall adornment. £30 each or £55 if you wish to purchase as a pair, will be in our etsy shop v. soon, from Emma. x