Music Video: Moors by Katryoshka

Happy New Year - with all endings come beginnings

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

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

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

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

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

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