The mechanics of a badger's jaw does not allow for yawning.

{Let me take your picture... a wooden mouse pauses for a moment.}

The first thing I saw this morning was a hot air balloon balanced a little above a thin slither of a faint crescent-shaped moon in the early morning sky. Balanced as if anchored there, perfectly symmetrically, and barely a cloud in sight. Two perfectly framed forms seen as I opened the curtains and looked out at the world. Through the windowpane it appeared as though the arc of the moon was supporting the balloon, enabling it to hover. A moment later they had separated. The balloon headed up and over to the left and the moon gave way to the day.

Two coffees and an hour later, I am sitting by the computer, preparing to make comfortable a host of wooden animals. Louise and I have decided to put several of the smaller wooden animals for sale on our store (and etsy, too, for those of you who prefer it). Our animals long to go to new homes, both near and far. They long to dart around a local corner or cross a wild and hazardous sea. Several may hanker to journey by hot air balloon, I shall ask.

Yes, they wish to fly the nest to meet new folk. Perhaps it is you they desire to meet.

{A squirrel rests for a spell... beneath him, a handsome pile of books (thanks, Brita).}

{A small beaver perched ontop of a familiar book, Lisa S?}

Find a tiny turtle, a small beaver, a house mouse, a badger and a squirrel here.
Find a pair of Egyptian bats, a smiling platypus, an American beaver, two aardvarks, a small leopard, a badger, a field mouse and a long-footed potoroo here.

{Long-eared Eleanor is a keen traveller.}

{All rabbits love Charlie Harper, don't you find?}

To those curious souls, our little bird giveaway is still open and we shall draw and announce the results early next week, should all go to plan. We're chuffed that so many of you wish to call one your very own.

And to those who prefer something soft and cuddly, two new Thelma's rabbits, with decidedly long ears, have recently arrived. You'll find them here, should you seek them. I, for one, don't wish to part with them.

Comments

[jac]

These are so gorgeous that I could not resist... love!

[wendy]

such fun photos!!
& great books.

[The Ghostis]

Your language always makes me smile. This blog is so wonderful to visit. I always check back for new surprises.

[Thereza Rowe]

i love love! i wanna draw them!!!!!! :)

[frances]

Lovely stuff. Squirrel is so lovely & I love the look of the Todd Oldham book. Thanks for the candy.

[kate]

I love the beaver and the badger ... they really should star in their own book! One day I will write about an amazing beaver who lives nearby.

You've done marvellous work with the painting! Happy weekend!!

[fanja]

Love your story of the hot air balloon, what a great dreamlike scene to start the day with. your wooden creatures are superb. Enjoy your weekend x

[lisa s]

oh yes - i recognize the book :)

i love this photo shoot. entirely too cute!

[sandra]

that wooden mouse made my weekend. hope yours was great as well.

[amisha]

a hot air balloon... what a magical way to start the day. xox

[cruststation]

What a beautiful morning scene, I dream of your wooden animals travelling on a hot air balloon, oh, the adventures! The books, eye candy galore!!

[maditi]

their new owners will love them for sure :)

[Marieke]

Great books, not only loved by animals :-) xxx

[marsha]

the rabbits are so sweet! they look just like desert rabbits, all big eared and wide eyed!

[gracia]

Belated thanks, as always, for taking an interest in what Louise and I make and do, and for admiring the brilliant stuffed rabbits made by my ever-talented Mum; I really do long to keep these stuffies all to my self, at times.

Thanks again, to those dear souls at the marvellous Greville Street Bookstore, for letting Louise and I borrow a handsome pile of books to place in the photos alongside wooden beavers and fabric rabbits.

Speaking of our wooden companions, I hope you enjoy meeting your new wooden love, Jac. And to those who may not have caught sight of a recent Michi Girl Current forecast e-newsletter, you’ll find it here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gracia_louise/2325477957/

take care,
g xx