Emma takes tea at Buckingham Palace with HRH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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