Abstract Painted Pumpkin

I am regularly inspired by Alisa Burke's wonderful creations, and I was intrigued by her concept of decorating pumpkins in non-traditional ways. I decided that I wanted to apply my current abstract style of painting to a pumpkin, and I really enjoyed working colour, pattern and detail on to a 3D surface.

I used regular acrylic paints and my "normal" techniques for applying paint. However, I ended up drawing the patterns on with a biro, as my permanent markers were just not making clear enough marks! I think I've learnt not to be afraid to use non traditional items as a canvas for art, and it felt good to be applying paint to something so natural and organic, and working with it's natural colour scheme.

Origami Fairy Lights

Whilst reading Handmade Christmas, I noticed a tutorial they featured for origami fairy lights, and I realised that was what my fairy lights were missing. Mini origami light shades. Obviously.

I followed the tutorial in the magazine, but this tutorial is almost identical.

I love the burst of colour the paper shades add during the day, and I also enjoy the tones created by the paper when they are lit up at night. Depending on the colours of paper used, it can make some lights much darker, so be aware of that. I also decided to just do it on my battery powered fairy lights, as it meant I only needed to make 24 lanterns, not 100+!!