(at this workbench) - dala

oh how this time of year has so many hidden surprises ... so very many we could hardly even expect to come our way. these little dala horses are finally in process on my workbench this week after more than a week and half of "surprise" repairs to quite an essential shop tool...

so we make our way like the falling leaves blown in the fury of strong north wind to find our place through these busy times!  they'll be more to come soon, hope you all have a wonderful week!

PS: they're done ... so thought I'd share another quick peek!

(glimpses) - animal crossing

  

things have been getting busy these days with the cows, the cats, and the rabbits who have all come for new pictures to be taken. the rooster and horse who have suddenly shied away from the camera and could not be here today, but to be sure all the animals are all hoping to debut as the cow has over at my new vimeo account.  Of course they know all things take time, as they all ways do. So when the time is right,  they'll also be sure to visit on both vimeo and on my facebook page. 

Hope you have a great weekend!

(at the workbench) - life with the crows

well now, look who's here ... yes, it's a pretty blue-eyed, crow girl.  after over a week and a half of pacing the floor endlessly and wearing himself out, the normally cool-headed crow boy  has a first meeting with a much  anticipated, new friend

crow girl can't help herself and immediately takes a ride ... spring sure is an exciting time of year... hope you're having just as much fun as this happy pair!

(at the workbench) - crow's calling

i've got to appreciate how certain individuals (see photo) can always feels so good about themselves without even a touch of self doubt....and I mean in to say this in a good way ... in a most unassuming (with the barest boastfulness) kind of way that only certain birds can truly possess






























here he is again, "crow boy"... originally to be named "blue-eyed crow boy" ... but as anyone can clearly see his eyes simply aren't blue, but that shouldn't bother a fine and handsome  crow ... being tall, dark and handsome should really be enough to make any bird happy





(shhh.. he's soon going to have a friend very soon, but I haven't told him yet!)

(at the workbench) - simple stories

sometimes simple stories are best... a few pictures from one of last week's projects ...

some very industrious pigs with great hopes for their future...
have been making themselves ready to travel to yet  unknown places and adventures ..
























as it turns out even small pigs have big dreams ...

(process) - from lands long ago

I have been wanting to add a weekly process feature to "Whither Will I Wander" for a long time ... sharing traditions of woodworking,  toy making, and of old and perhaps forgotten artistry .

Hope you enjoy today's post sharing a still living history of the the handmade wooden toy in three far away workshops....

at the worbench: At Play (Of Course!)

Even toys need to play ...

There is so much to love about toymaking (and toys!)

I think toys -at the very heart- live quite a busy life even while they are at rest. So many stories have been written just about this - a toy's hidden, private life- for a reason.

I am amazed how even when making the simplest toy, a little plaything can be so expressive and possess their own irrepressible, quirky nature.

 I'd like to introduce you to some of my newest friends: roaring picture book lions . Big-hearted, wooden lions with movable, little heads.


I could some how imagine these little lions stepping out of a child's storybook just so they could be in the the palm of your hand to purr, tell their secrets (and roar!) to their hearts content.

Wishing you a bit of whimsy and childhood joy today! : )

 

about a little bird

March has been such a very nice month ...a few things have resolved .... and how good it is to be moving ever closer to Spring!

 I received word about a week ago that my little folky bird was sitting on the March new stand!
 





Quail with a heart is a happy but shy bird by nature and was the first in my fanciful flock series -a collection of folk art push toys. She is  letter Q in an A to Z directory in this month's issue (March 2010 )  of Pregnancy & Newborn (pnmag.com).  Thank you so much P&N!!

(at the workbench) - in the winter woodland

In the Northern Winter woods ..

There is ... a bare world of twisty, tawny brown branches ... trees that are thankfully ever green... a clear, crisp and cold blue sky.... and a glowing, radiant white land

... the world is so much quieter now... silently waiting from my workbench .. this silent Winter Taveler waits for his folk colors...  even when the earth's palette is simple and pure ...


Yesterday was the day ... there was time to paint quietly his colors.

Sometimes I do not know for sure from what land or far away time these folk and vintage-inspired creatures come.

It is that way sometimes with a folk-loving heart. The colors, textures and patterns all mingle together all taken in by open eyes wandering this wide world.

You can visit with the Silent Traveler here at my Prettydreamer.

at the workbench: scardy cat - "not scary black cat"

She might be scared, but promises not to scare. This wooden toy black kitty is handcrafted for Halloween fun and beyond. This classic wooden push toy cat is built with wheels. Push her nicely by her tail and she won't mind too much!

As featured on Cool Mom Picks : http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/10/scaredy_cat.php

at the workbench: Summer's End

A little look at the workbench this week ...


no, it's not Pumpkin pasturing on my bench, but Summer's end with the cows in the meadow...



in fields full of black-eyed susans, goldenrod, clover, milkweed and Summer's last flowers...



... time for honoring these gentle creatures with a garland of wild meadow flowers...


Folk-inspired bovine push/pull toys at Prettydreamer

at the workbench - Snakes In My Garden and Workbench

We have had endless days of rain ... I do not think there could be more lushness and greenness than their is now. The grass grows ever taller with every downpour - waiting to be mowed.




Children - much the same - growing three inches in a few short months - their clothes shrink before our eyes. Now summer comes with summer's long days. The children now become explorers in the vast greenness. Their play hidden in a green world.

And down, almost unseen, are the silent creatures sprung from this wet world. Garden snakes wind their way silently. But on my workbench the snakes have more to say.The SNAKES have a new demand.














Find out why....Soon some friends will be joining them ... so do please visit again.