The Fantastic Mr. Fox Rides Again!

I had to paint two Mr. Fantastic Fox sets all in a space of one week. This gave me a great excuse to watch the movie again and I was able to add a few more details that I missed last time.

Like…

Mr. Fox’s little radio,

the word “blueberries” written on Kylie’s palm so he wouldn’t forget to bring some to feed the rabid dog (but he did forget),

Kristopherson with an acorn,

and Ash holding a Mrs. Bean’s famous nutmeg ginger apple snaps. Oooh, yum! There are recipes out there for this fictional dessert…an absolute perfect treat for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere awaiting the impending autumn!

Mrs. Bean’s Famous Nutmeg Ginger Apple Snaps recipe.

I couldn’t quite make up my mind about which Kylie to paint, so I did both, a different one for each set.

I know, I know, I’ve been hitting you with way too much Wes Anderson-based projects. Rest assured, there’ll be some non-Wes Anderson related sets a-comin’!

 

More Wes Anderson Goodies

Yes, I realize that “Rushmore” and “Bottle Rockets” aren’t in here, but it’s been sooooo long since I’ve seen those films that I don’t remember much about it. Have no fear, DVDs have been ordered and quirky magic is going to happen. In the meanwhile, may I present, yet again, Life Aquatic and Darjeeling Ltd.

Also a new and improved Fantastic Mr. Fox:

I wouldn’t mind getting an apple with stars on them!

This time I had Kristopherson throwing an acorn up in the air and Kylie’s in his PJs. What always cracked me up was that leaky pen in his breast pocket.

I did my best to paint Ash holding a mini Mrs. Bean’s famous nutmeg ginger apple snaps. Boy, was that tiny! Here’s a pic of it that made me wanting to break my no-sugar diet!

The Wes Anderson Collection

I’ve got a sweatshop thing going on for the past few weeks. I mean, the hubs and I’ve always called our joint work room a sweatshop…I spend most of my days in there painting and drawing and the hubs has got a minimum of 3 sewing machines as well as his massive arsenal of tools. We’d play angry rap and toil away in there but the atmosphere has always been kind of casual and we’d trade light banters and then it’s time to throw the shrimp on the barbie.

But it’s been a bit of a frenzy these days, not that I mind. I’ve got some awesome CDs sent to me from my buddy Sam to listen to, the hubs has gotten me a portable DVD player for my birthday. I’m all set! And I’ve finally figured out how to transfer audio books from the library catalog—I never said I was techno-savvy. Hey, if I have to choose between working in an office or spending 10-12 hours painting and watching the entire “Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist” series in one sitting, guess which I’d pick?

Anyway, this is a set of 4 Wes Anderson movie collection which will be added to the Pygmy Hippo Shoppe in LA. Can’t tell you how honored I am that my stuff will be sitting in the same space as Enid of Ghost World dolls and Rocky Balboa pillows.

The good thing about repeating a set is that I can always add something I didn’t think to last time. I was a little upset that I didn’t paint Suzy’s stolen library books last time. And that I forgot to include Sam’s little furry tie ornament. So those were rectified this time.

I found the Olympia Le-Tan Moonrise Kingdom Embroidered Book Minaudières on a couple of websites and thought, if someone can embroider the book covers, I can definitely paint miniature versions on the Suzy doll! It didn’t take as long as I anticipated but my smallest paint brush sure got a serious work out!

Aren’t these the best? They’re clutches, by the way! Anybody knows where and how to purchase one, send the info my way!

No Sugar, No Problem!

I used to hate my birthday because it’d either A: fall on Labor Day weekend and everyone’s away or B: fall on the first day of school. But since I’m no longer a student or a teacher and living in a country where Labor Day doesn’t exist (well, not in September anyway) and have a husband who knows what’s good for him, I look forward to it every year! A birthday paddle (because we’re carbon neutral), a nice meal, presents, and of course, a big decadent cake…what could be better?

Unfortunately, due to impending health issues that’s doomed to arise after my gluttonous journey to Taiwan, I decided that, in order not to lapse into a diabetic coma, I better eliminate my sugar intake altogether. But what about my customary birthday cake?

It’s not a problem! I made one out of roving wool and a needle! Best of all, this is a cake I can wear as a hat! Of course, the Hubs wouldn’t allow me to wear it outside for my birthday paddle. But it’s all right. I got not one but two DVD players from him!

Now, I have been working feverishly on nesting dolls too—don’t think I’ve slacked off. There are some fun projects I’m dying to get started on as well, so stay tuned!

Moonrise over Maplewood

One of the best things about being on etsy is that I get to chat with some of the nicest people in the world…which was why I was happy to receive an email from an etsy customer about the Moonrise Kingdom set. As I was reading it, it gradually dawned on me that she’s the mother of the boy who played Sam in the film! Talk about a small world! I used to visit my friend in Maplewood all the time, which was fairly close to where my dolls were sent to. Leslie was kind enough to photograph Jared Gilman at the closing day of “Moonrise Kingdom” in Maplewood with the set and sent it to me!

What’s even better is that Leslie shared with me some awesome insights into the costumes and props…stuff that I’m always a lot more interested in than the films themselves. Can’t help it. If I had made different choices in life, I’d be a set decorator for plays or movies now!

Thank you, Leslie, for telling me the going ons of an enchanting film. Jared, we all hope to see you in a film soon…preferably another Wes Anderson vehicle!

And Jared, sorry again about the omission of the furby!