Part II : What Does an Artist do When Self Quarantined ?


My last time out was March 6th, Using my time to accomplish projects has made this shelter in place direction almost pleasant. I have decided not to complain and make the most of the extra hours given to me. I remind myself of all the healthcare personal and essential workers out there that are not as comfortable as I am.

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There is a tiny shadow box 10"x 18" at the top of my stairs. I have always used it to display my collection of Brambly Hedge figurines.

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Every morning for the last nineteen years, I pass this and think, " I should paint windows and a floor inside this box." "Decorate it for the mice of Brambly Hedge."

I love Brambly Hedge Books. If you are not familiar with them, they are delightful children's books written by Jill Barklem in 1980.

Winter Story steals my heart. I love nothing better than to be snowed in on a cold winter day with a fire and lots of books.

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It is the adventures of a community of mice that live in the tranquil English countryside. The family's of mice share their celebrations, escapades, and daily life dramas. With five years of research, Jill gave these illustrations and stories amazing details of the past and characters with moral values and community spirit that might just teach us all something. Her drawings are intricately detailed . Homes crammed to the ceiling with books, jars of preserves, family photos, nuts berries, and a fireplace to warm you. Your imagination returns to a place of happiness, peacefulness, and comfort. It took Jill two years to finish a book, and some illustrations were up to three months to complete. The drawings were not just pure fantasy but an accurate way of life only in mouse language. Even the recipes you read about were tested in Jill's kitchen to be sure they were delicious.

Here is a recipe Mrs. Crustybread would have stirred up for tea, She was an excellent baker. She prepared beautiful cakes for all the celebrations of Brambly Hedge.

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So I started with a primer and two coats of Dove white. The mice were into nature, and I think Dove White would please them.

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I studied their stories deciding what elements of their homes would work in my small shadow box.

I can smell the chestnut soup when I view this kitchen. I think my home looks a little bit like the Toadflax home.


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From Winter Story, Mr. apple (you can call him Pip) warden of the Store Stump, where the mice kept their treasured food supply for winter. As he walked home after a hard day of work, the first flakes were beginning to fall. Mrs. Apple spent the day baking cakes and puddings for the cold days to come. Smiling, she drew two armchairs up to the fire, and bought their supper on a tray. I decided that in my world, it would be snowing out.

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From Autumn story, Lady Woodmouse, or Daisy and Lord Woodmouse, were the head of Brambly Hedge. They lived in Old Oak Palace. Their daughter Primrose had gotten lost in the woods and was wet and cold. Mom carried Primrose to her room and dressed her in a nightgown warmed by the fire and placed a cup of acorn coffee by her bed. I knew I had to include Primrose's bedroom. Oh, and Daisy is a very gifted artist. She loves to draw her daughter and other family members. Some of her portraits are hanging in my shadow box.

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With a little help from my friends, I began to paint.

That’s Mrs. Apple, she is a wonderful cook. Mr. Basil Brightberry is one of the older residents and looks after all the wines and cordials. Sometimes he is a little forgetful, maybe it’s the wine.

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I drew elements of their homes being careful to fit in my pieces.

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Finally, a finished shadow Box fit for the special creatures of Brambly hedge. I think I will feel proud of this and smile as I pass it each day.

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That’s Mr. Apple in the rocker and Mrs. Eyebright serving tea.

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If you ever stop by my home: say late afternoon. I will fix our English Afternoon tea in my favorite Brambly Hedge winter and fall cups, even though it is Spring. Everything might not match because we like that way. We can sit and watch the sunset over Painted River, enjoy a slice of toasted hazelnut banana bread and talk of better times.

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