A Christmas Snowman

 

I first wrote this blog in the midst of the pandemic, just as we were heading into another lockdown, and things felt very tricky.

The world has inevitably moved on, but many of us are still facing difficult times, and the news at home and abroad isn't great. 

All that said we still hang onto the things that make us happy, I visited some Stately Homes at the weekend owned by the national trust, I love seeing them dressed for Christmas

and this was Killerton

 

We all wish for the perfect Christmas, but as long as we do what is right for us, either big family gatherings , or quiet days remembering loved ones, then it doesn't matter how you celebrate, or even choose not to. 

 

I especially think of people who fear this may be there last Christmas, because they are facing illness and old age, Time is precious and it's important to enjoy the here and now , and not try to make things 'perfect', as perfection often happens when you least expect it and is definitely never planned.

 

 

 

Our home at Christmas is a mixture of memories old and new, a hotch potch of people and things, my kids are 18 and 19 now so things change, but ultimately as long as we connect at Christmas, the rest is just window dressing.

 

 

 

 

Winter can be difficult,  when light levels are low , we celebrate Christmas mainly for the light it brings. So lets try to do what we can, offer what we can to those on their own, a phone call or chat as we pass by in the street. I have tried to keep my blogs going, I hope they bring some light relief if you paint or if you don't. This is a simple one, one you could do with the kids or on find some time for yourself on a quiet afternoon and hope it pops a smile on your face.

It comes from me to you, reaching out across the internet to say we are all thinking about each other, people who we miss , people who are struggling, people who are scared....we all are, so lets be kinder and do what we can. All the little things add up and make things better.

So from the sublime to the ridiculous here is how to paint a snowman, have a go....there's not much else to do.

First I tape 3 pieces of masking tape together. 

Then I draw a snowman shape on it. 

Then I carefully pull this of the plastic file I used to stick it on and cut around what I have drawn.

This is tricky cos it's sticky ( crimes it rhymes!)

The stick it onto my paper, which is A5 in size 

You can also add a masking tape moon if you like in the same way

You can see I have also used masking fluid to add his stick arms and some of his scarf.

You may have noticed ( those of you who read my blogs) that I am quite keen on Indigo, I even have a special pot with just indigo for just these occasions.

 

 

I get my paper and if you paint around the moon with water it will look a bit like the light is shining around it when you come to paint.

 

Then because you have masked everything off you can slosh that lovely blue everywhere.

 

 

Then sprinkle with salt and leave to rest.....

Have a mince pie and a cup of tea x 

Or a sherry if your feeling daring!!!!

 

 

Once dry you can peel off the masking tape and paint the snowman. Just the shadows with  cerulean blue and a darker mixture of cobalt blue and cad red. So he becomes 3D.

 

Keep going and now all he needs is a face ...,

 

And some buttons.

Now onto his lovely red scarf ( or whatever colour you choose)

 

Just the arms and hat to do, I went with a traditional brown for the hat too. I left some white to hint at a snowfall.

I also added some colour to the moon and some white acrylic snow....well it is Christmas after all.

So this is some Christmas cheer from me to you, I do hope you can find some things to celebrate over the next few days, I wish you and all the people you love a very Happy Christmas and an even happier New Year xxx