Ignore the title, this post has nothing to do with nonsense or balderdash, I just like the sound of the word. This post has everything to do with The Poppies, a virtual awards ceremony to celebrate the handmade community, over at Poppytalk. Click here to nominate your favourites. I have voted in some of the categories but I am not finished yet, it is so hard to choose! Here are my nominations so far, do add your voice to mine if you agree.

Margie Oomen of Resurrection Fern
Nicole Licht of Astulabee
Jessica Marquez of Miniature Rhino
Belinda Kemp of Gretchenmist
Julia Pott
Lizzie Stewart

and the nominations continue:

Mathyld of Encore Petite
Diane of Hibou Caillou Chou
Maya of Designs Maya Made
Maria of Psarokokalo
Regina of Every Eskimo
Melissa of Acts of Kindness

There is just enough time left to nominate if you haven’t already, quick, quick!

Here is a peek at a bit of embroidery work, I have some others along similar lines in (slow) progress, I thought they might be nice for Valentine gifts but I’m not sure if they will make it into the shop in time.

I can’t stop looking at Elisabeth Dunker’s blog Fine little Day. I think it is the light.

My son Ishi is just beginning to understand something of the passage of time, we are exploring early autumn, waiting for the leaves to fall so that we can try and catch them. I can’t wait for the conkers to be ready, come on horse chestnuts, so that I can introduce Ishi to the joy of a game of conkers. Hmm, a three year old and a piece of string with a hard object attached to the end! Please enjoy some of my autumnal favourites.

I adore the title of this print from Ashleyg (above), Finding The Perfect One.

Queen Ann’s Lace Towel from Lotta Helleberg. Fresh and crip, yum, yum, yum!

Reuben-Original print from The Dark Tree. Sweet, with a side of sinister, portraits of vintage toys.

The yummiest tote from Rennes le Chateau

Real Feeling Leaf Index Post It Notes from Nothing Elegant. I was wary of sharing this shop as there are several little things I would like from it and I can’t get them at the moment, but that wouldn’t be in the spirit of things so shop up a storm!

Little Linen House from Harvest Textiles. Earthy!

All-In-One Agenda from Lineacarta. I really, really *want* this because it is beautiful, happily I *need* it too, so some chance of success with the iron chancellor (Adam-hello dear!).

I love pencils, these would go so well with the agenda above. From Nothing Elegant (again!).

Teardrop String of Pearls Terrarium from Monkeys Always Look. Takes me back to my 70s childhood, we had a huge bottle terrarium at my infant school. I’m glad terrariums are back in favour again, did anyone else make saucer gardens as a child too? Lots of moss and if you were really fancy a little mirror pond!

Ishi is desperate for a skateboard (and helmet too, he is super conscientious about this!). Maybe one day I will get him this wonderful one from Stuart Kolakovic.

Forager from Amy Ruppel. Dreamy.

Salt Pepper Dispensers from Chance Vintage. Very tiny!

Leafy Dottie from Allyson Mellburg. No tears today!

Abigail Brown is now making Butterfly Brooches. Pretty.

Perfect for my pencils and other doings, just $13 too, sometimes I wonder how Etsy sellers manage. Available from Zomb.

Early Riser by Dr Kennedy Jones. Autumnal.

I know *another* tea towel, can’t get enough of them. From Spin Spin.

Fox print from Eek Design. Because it’s a fox!

One day I am going to own a creature from Lemmikkiapina, they are all so heartbreakingly beautiful. Sigh.

Winter by The Good Machinery. I adore wintertime but wouldn’t it be wonderful to carry an invincible summer inside yourself.

Dr Love Is On A Mission from Meeniak. Look at the tiny bike! I need this little guy to visit my house.

The design of this bag from Psarokokalo is fabulous. Handsfree style is pretty essential with a 3 year old in tow, much cooler than a rucksack. Useful, may be in with a chance if I do a bit of begging!

Portraits, Letter and Notes from the Past by Paola Zakimi. Gorgeous!

Happy Apartment Building by Chet and Dot. I am in a whimsical mood today I think.

Two Sisters-Original Acrylic Painting by Elizabeth Bauman. Curious.

Stripe Top from Larimeloom. Stripes always get me.

I am planning a round up of the best places on Etsy to buy your christmas presents and goodies, hopefully this will be ready in plenty of time. This plan is deigned to be useful to people like my wonderful friend K who never have the time to browse, a quick, go-to resource. If any of you lovely kittens have any suggestions I am all ears.

A Quick hello from me today, really just to drop in with my Etsy picks this week. Enjoy! Coral 2 original (above) Walnut

The Little Key from BROOKLYNrehab, well of course!

Blue Artichokes Shirt from A Little Lark

Vintage Bowl from All Things White

LOVEBIRDS (3-Pack) Custom Color Wedding Papel Picado Banners from Ay Mujer

Acorn Pouch from Fun Is Cool

Spice Shakers from RouDesigns

German promotional cat scrap from Plundered

Vintage Imperial Mark XII Camera from Vintology

When the Wolf Rests – Original Drawing from Swan Bones

STOCKHOLM Everyday Purse Navy Blue from Ika Bags

Tea Cup and Saucer Pink Floral and Duck Head Plaque from Art School Girl

Rooster Dish Towel – Apron from Chakra Pennywhistle

Bright Ideas Notebooks from Albertine Press

A leg to stand on, three-legged deer from Every Eskimo

6 Brush Embroidery Cookies from Sweet Ambs

Pinstripe Button Down Shirt from Lamixx

Dancing octopus leggings from Hibou Caillou Chou

Russian Pin Pack from Nora Aoyagi

Lace Pottery Ornamental Porcelain Platter from Maggie Weldon

Vintage Ceramic Fawns from Baby Bomb

Modern Apothecary Jar from Modern Nest

Fox Mug from Genevieve Dionne

White Blossom corsage brooch from A Alicia Handmade Acessories

Hazel Atlas Red Candy Stripe Teacup and Saucer from Jadite Kate

Floral Studded Bracelet from Persephone Vintage

Big Plastic & Chain Necklace from Psarokokalo

‘ The Princess, my daughter’ – Kay Nielsen Illustration from Petit Poulailler

The Simplicity Sachet Keychain from Inklore

Greta is not amused- brooch from Mary’s Granddaughter

1/2 Ration Noir Dress from Artlab

Stagger back in amazement! I actually managed to update my shop with some new creatures. I am running with a bit of a circus theme and jumping on the mustache bandwagon at the same time. In honour of my mini update I have gathered together some wonderful things with mustaches attached. Get out the wax and start twirling in a nefarious fashion! Circus Bear, at the top of the post, from The Good Machinery.

Catty Catty Owl Tamers by Me!

Mustache On A Stick from Something’s Hiding In Here.

Felix from Simpli Jessi.

Moustache Tea Cup and Saucer from Surya Sajnani

Weep with me for Jake the Sad Oneyed Lumberjack from Ninon.

Cedar Mustache Key Hook from Suddenly, its real!

Fis & Flo from Psarokokalo.

Ring from Isette

Heraldo from Pink Cheeks Studios.

Pint Glass from Bread and Badger.

Walrus Mustachioed Amigurumi from Melissa Sue.

Print from Ole Rattlesnake.

Ok, so he doesn’t have a mustache but he would probably do quite well in the circus. Velvet Fish Boy makes his debut in the Lou Lou & Oscar shop today. I am really happy with the switch to this new fabric, velvet seems to suit Fish Boy’s temperament and he is so lovely to stroke now! I have some new Fish Boy designs waiting to hit the scissors, very exciting, for me at least. Please don’t forget to join me here tomorrow for the Monday Interview. Good night kittens.

Psarokokalo: Now you know how to say “fish Bone” in Greek!

I am so thrilled that I have managed to persuade yet another multi-talented and exceptionally smart woman to join us today and share some insights into her creative process. Maria Polyxa works under the name Psarokokalo, you can visit her remarkable Etsy shop here. I met Maria through Flickr and was immediately drawn to her unbelievably original dolls and beautiful jewelry. It took a while before I realized that pretty much everything Maria makes is constructed from recycled bits and pieces, I loved her work even more from that moment.

One of the things I most admire about Maria is her consciousness; her interest in sustainability and the eco-friendly approach she takes to her work. Through Psarokokalo, Maria hunts out our discarded and unwanted materials and transforms them into exquisite objects that are wearable, useful and immense fun to have around. I am lucky enough to share my home with some of Maria’s work and it always brings a grin to my face when I am using or looking at it.

Tell us a little about yourself, the media you work with and your creative process.
“I am what I do and live in the city of Athens in sunny Greece. I have studied interior design and public art. I began working as a props and special costume designer for theatre shows and for the 2004 Olympic opening ceremony…then i got pregnant. Having a bad pregnancy and spending endless days in bed made me start drawing creatures and every image that came into my head. Since my daughter arrived I have focused mostly on creating dolls, jewelry,some clothing, accessories. So I am a home- working Mom.”

“The media I work with are mostly fabrics, plastic and wood. I try to upcycle all of my materials from old sheets, scraps from fashion designers, old clothes, plastics that I gather from the sea among other things such as wood and stones.”

“I also use wood from a wood technician friend. Everything can be made into something else is my belief and the materials that other people see as trash inspire me to work with them.”

From where do you draw your inspiration: music, books, people, nature etc?
“Where do I draw my inspiration? Mostly from my childhood which I am coming closer to since I had my daughter, Thalia. Animals of course. Eric Satie is my favorite music to listen to, this music delivers so many images into my head. Native art is a big inspiration for me, mostly African traditional carving, jewellery and body painting. The internet and my Flickr friends are a great inspiration for me too. As I said above one of my biggest sources of inspiration are the materials I find.”

If you could talk briefly about the background to one of your pieces which would you choose and why? Tell us the story behind the piece.
“Well, to choose one of my pieces is very, very hard. I really love these naked guys and the fact that they, in a way, undressed themselves. I began making these dolls which were inspired by traditional Ethiopian paintings like the one pictured below.”

“This painting, to tell the story, was always in our living-room when I lived with my mother and I was always scared of those eyes as a child. It is funny how a child’s fear can become a doll . I wanted to make a human doll and the first thing that came to mind was this painting. The first doll I made was Gabre, and he was dressed.”

“One day a friend came over to my home while I was in the process of making the next doll. My friend saw that I had added the doll’s genitals too.”

“So, my friend went crazy about the doll, he liked it so much that he bought four naked guys. From that day those guys are naked for the sake of the saying: “the customer is always right”. Some times I still try to add a blouse or trousers. It is nice when your work develops into something else without you supervising it.”

That was really wonderful, thank you so much Maria for answering my questions. It is amazing how many people find that difficult personal circumstances can lead to a release of creativity. I am in awe of Maria and the intelligent concern for our environment she weaves into her work. Madame Psarokokalo also has a fantastic, feisty sense of humour, when I am Athen’s way I will certainly be beating a path to her door. Have you seen the view from Maria’s house, gasp!

There interviews are the highlight of my week at Lou Lou & Oscar, I do hope that you are enjoying them too? Let me know what you think in the comments section if you would like to. I very much appreciate all your comments and words of encouragement. Who will it be next week? A secret, a secret only for me! At least until next Friday anyway. See you soon curious kittens.
X

Kitty card above from Frantic Meerkat for insecure types everywhere.

I have been tagged by Nicoletter and Encore Petite, hello Nico & Mathyld! I am going to tag Eerika and Maria, you don’t have to do it unless you really want to loves!

1. The chat up line with which I snagged Adam, my husband, was “you’re so pretty” (I can’t believe it worked-I am so smooth!)
2. I think that said husband looks just like The Medici Madonna by Michelangelo. I had a picture of this sculpture hanging on various walls for years before we met! (Adam asked me not to include this random fact incase everyone imagined him to be rippling with muscle, when I reminded him that the sculpture is a representation of a woman he was fine!).
3. I am terrified of birds, especially dead ones
4. A famous British playwright taught me how to tie cherry stalks into knots with my tongue (not as hard as it sounds)
5. I swing from being horribly shy and unconfident to excesses of over confidence and gregariousness. This can be very confusing and annoying for others.
6. I have always wanted to live in Paris. My French is terrible.
7. I am lazy. My best friend is half french and bilingual, I have had my opportunity to learn!
8. My son Ishi was inadvertently blessed by the hand of Iggy Pop during a stage invasion at a Stooges gig, I was 3 weeks pregnant and didn’t know it! (I hope he loves The Stooges when he is a bit older so that I can amaze him with this information!).
9. I developed an aversion to having my photograph taken in my early 30′s. I still find it excruciating and avoid at all costs. See below!
10. My first cat was named “Hera” as we thought our beautiful tabby kitten was a girl, over the course of a few months it became very obvious that ‘she’ was in fact a ‘he’. Hera kept his name though.
11. I spent the whole of my twenties and the first half of my thirties proclaiming that I never wanted to have a serious relationship or children!
12. I once ate ciabatta, mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwiches everyday for nearly 6 months.
13. I am quite obsessive
14. I am often described as being ‘frosty’ and intimidating by people who meet me for the first time. People who know me will tell you that I am a soft and fuzzy kitten and a jelly-head!
15. I always wanted to have my hair just like Debbie Harry’s circa 1978 (Heart of Glass specifically!).
16. People often tell me that I “remind” them of… insert the name of various random actresses and singers in this space… none of whom resemble each other, let alone me, in the slightest!

A note on the ancient pictures! See random fact #9-The photo above is the last picture taken of myself that I can stand to look at. I look fairly relaxed, natural and happy (I’m in Paris, who wouldn’t!) here. Around this time, my early thirties, I went through a period of being horribly shy and self-conscious, I am still this way sporadically. Since then, in every single photograph I have seen of myself, I look stiff and uncomfortable and unnatural. I do let people snap me but with extreme reluctance and I ask not to be shown the results. I am awaiting the arrival of my wedding pictures with a mixture of hope and trepidation. I feel very silly that this is such a big issue for me and no I don’t dislike the way I look and I’m not afraid of the aging process either. I wouldn’t want to look like any one else (OK except maybe Marianne Faithfull or Anita Pallenberg in the 1960′s). Perhaps I should start posting those horrid, stiff checked, stretched-mouthed photographs as a kind of aversion therapy. I should also say that I’m not ‘blonde’ any more, can you believe that the roots in my hair you can see in the pictures above are artificial, yes, I let the hairdresser paint in roots because it was ‘cool’ and oh so ‘street’ at the time.

Ok, before we have a little look at what I look like with dark hair I have to say that I whacked the contrast up on this in Picnik, so that the terrible “mirror” face I am pulling is not so glaringly obvious. I took this a couple of weeks ago and this is why I can’t stand having my picture taken, I don’t look ‘natural’ because I am so self-conscious and always end up with that awful, stiff expression. I may take this down quite soon by the way!

Here is an image of The Medici Madonna incase you have never seen it.

Marianne Faithfull & Anita Pallenberg.

Whilst I am being so self-obsessed I thought I would share two small landmarks for Lou Lou & Oscar with you. I wasn’t able to post about them when they actually occurred so now seems to be the perfect time.

My little Etsy shop clocked up its 600th heart the other day. Hooray! I am so happy that people are finding my creatures, a big thank you to everyone who has hearted Lou Lou & Oscar.

Image above: Polaroid Land Camera 1000 by Angel Caido on Flickr.

Good news for my fledgling blog too which has now had over 1,000 visits! I will be celebrating 1 month of blogging on February the 1st and I am so grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this such a fun and rewarding process. Thank you all so much for visiting, commenting and cheering me on, it means so much knowing you are taking a peek every now and then. I have some incredible interviews coming up over the next few weeks, please do join me for these, they are the highlight of my blogging week. Who knows who I will be badgering next with my 3 little questions?!

I am sick of myself now and off to watch some more Planet Earth with Adam (thanks to lovely Margie for inspiring me to revisit this series). See you all soon. X