Year of the Dragon (Needle Felted).

"I desired dragons with a profound desire. Of course, I in my timid body did not wish to have them in the neighborhood  . . . .But the world that contained even the imagination of Fáfnir was richer and more beautiful, at whatever the cost of peril."   -- J.R.R. Tolkien

 Did you know this was the year of the Dragon?  Knowing that has inspired me to do a series of Dragons based on the characters of my childhood favourite, King Arthur's Court.

 This is the first of my series, a dragon called Emrys.  Emrys was actually the familiar name of Merlin.  He is made from a wonderful Bluefaced Leicester roving from Argentic Creations that was a Christmas present from my mother-in-law.

 Emrys is a solitary dragon who lives on the edge of the moors where he makes his bed on stoney plans of moss and rocks.

 He is a pensive dragon often found deep in thought but when his focus is on you, you feel his mighty power. 

One might think that he is named after Merlin the magician but I have a feeling Merlin is in fact named after this great ancient beast.  Click HERE to see more about him!

Bad Start to the New Year...

 

My New Year isn't starting out like I want it to.  I'm afraid I'm grumpy again.... as you can see from the above self portrait of me.

 I wish my rear view was as cute as this little Blue Bird of Unhappiness though.

 Yep, there is no doubt about it.... you are standing on my LAST nerve.

Actually I'm just kidding.  I'm not really grumpy, I mean how could you be grumpy while creating these little guys?  They are so much fun to make and until you get those final eyebrows placed just right you don't know just how grumpy each little bird is going to be.  This little guy is extremely grumpy... in fact, I think I'll just put him in the cabinet for the night while I go to bed.  Sweet dreams little guys!

A New Year....

What will the New Year bring?  It's time to reflect and think if there is anything different I want to do this year.  Things I want to change, things I want to stay the same.  Things in my business, things in my personal life.  "The unexamined life is not worth living" quote rings so true this time of year.  Any big plans or changes coming your way?  I know one thing I want to do... felt, felt, felt and felt some more!  Will there ever be enough time to get all my ideas out?

This shepherd is a special order for an Etsy customer who ordered a herd of sheep. 

Every herd of sheep need somebody to look after them, don't they?

Will your new year bring new friends?  How about a re-acquaintance with an old friend? 

Gargoyles are one of my favourite felted creatures to make.  Everyone of them turns out different and with their own personalities.  This little guy is called "Road Trip".

I don't know what the new year will bring at the McBride House but I wish you all a safe and healthy new year!