My Instagram archives go wayyyyyyy back - apparently as far as 2017 (I've had it longer).
So I went on a little journey to catch the vibe of what the run up to Christmas was like in image form for you.
And - importantly due to the title of the blog - the dates surrounding them. 

What I found in general was:

1. The years I was juggling 2 jobs - I was working as and when I could and running myself into the ground
2. I was usually sick around Christmas on top of this
3. I obviously wasn't posting what I was making at this time because they were gifts or cards (duh) so most of it was unseen

In general the theme seemed to be - a severe lack of time and lots of last minute requests.

Setting a deadline at first felt like telling people I didn't care about their Christmas requests - but it is the opposite.

I for one am not the most organised person - despite my efforts and ability to run this business.
I live for my calendar but planning ahead Life Things™ gets difficult on top of this -
that includes planning ahead in time for Christmas.

And part of the problem is the workload on top of all the festive meetups and parties and general Christmas madness.
 
So I figured if I set up a deadline day - we're all on the same page.
Enough time for me to make and paint your requests in good time.
Enough time to get it to the Post Office.
And hopefully - enough time to breathe around Christmas time.

Big supermarkets have had their Christmas stock on the shelves since Halloween.
Beyond my Autumn/Winter Prints my 'stock' isn't a physical thing until we've had that chat.

Doing ZDAAP this year and going forwards one of my goals is to create a business that values time and rest.
​So that means sticking to my guns too (eek).

Everyone deserves to enjoy their holidays.
I had way too many years having to use mine as recovery time from burning myself out.

What about you?
Does this ring a little too true for you?

We do it - all the time.
Getting in our own way to avoid things.
For the scary, for the uncomfortable and for the difficult.
But a lot of times those parcels hold something special inside - growth.

Sometimes you come across a piece of work that perfectly encapsulates how you felt that week - this is one I saw (what will now be last week but it's today as I'm writing this). Here's the piece:

I thought it would be a good pause point so you can ask yourself:

I'll be honest and tell you mine if you like.
​
I didn't tick any of the 'I'd like to play this role' boxes on my audition for the next show,
​because I didn't think:
​
1. I'd be able to handle the rehearsal schedule without a flare up.
2. I hadn't auditioned for (drumroll please) 9 years.
3. I was worried it wouldn't be fun to have that kind of pressure again.

But guess what?

1. It turns out the team at LEOs team literally already knew this and aren't discriminatory (oh god who'd imagine - if any of you lot read this I would never think this about yall but I am just great at getting in my own way and mayybbbbbee that internalised ableism is trying to take them reins)
2. A lot has changed in that time - for good.
3. I don't think there's anything more fun than playing a New Jersey Grandma dripping in gold jewellery, who pronounces father 'FWATHA' and makes hilarious remarks.
​
Sometimes it's good to take the pressure off.
But sometimes - a bit of pressure (the right kind) is good -


I mean, have you tried to eat an un-popped popcorn kernel?


​
So after missing the cast announcement and then reeling from the surprise after the voice notes from my sister and friends.

In the words of Grandma Rosie from The Wedding Singer,
"Ahh yew nervous?"

Yes mate,
​Cacking it,
​I guess I'll be doing it nervous.

Recently I bought a big canvas - big for me anyway in my recent track record of acrylic paintings.
It loomed above the paintings I have up.
It's due for a picture I can't get out of my head, waiting.
Since I bought it -I've done 2 murals.
And the concept of 'canvas' has been challenged.
I've done set paintings and designs in the past so I am not a stranger to larger scale paintings.
But it had been a while since I had the chance to paint something physically bigger than me.
So I stood with Elaine and Curtis in front of the Berliner window and said - 'let's get this done before the punters get in'.

The canvas behind my easel feels a little smaller now.
​A little more doable.

This is my favourite part of the mural - it's a hot dog walking 2 hot dogs.
It's ridiculous and I am glad for the opportunity to create something so unserious.
I looked at the Berliner menu and thought '
'how can I anthropomorphise this?'.
And for someone who is a visual learner to the point she gives dance moves in choreo names to remember them - it was a lot of fun.

Thierry Noir's style can be spotted throughout the Berliner - those funky heads on the pillar - all Noir!
Considered the first artist to paint on the Berlin wall (that's him younger in the pic - and him with his work next to it).
I wanted to add some Noir style and popped some of those iconic faces as zombies popping out of the graveyard.
Even the little pumpkins alongside the path are a nod to his style.
You can even spot a figure looking very much like Mr Noir himself.

That's right - the snowmen are kebabs!
And those trees are pizzas.
Muahahha I shall not be stopped.
Even the rocks are cookies.
Cooper's cookies of course!

Thanks Curtis and Katie.
It was a pleasure.
​Long live Autumn /Winter mural!

If you are interested in a mural - I am happy to send you a free quote/estimate.
You can email me here:
Or drop me a message on FB/Instagram.

Thanks for reading!

Did the shock turn you into a ghost?
I am sorry for the jump scare.
It comes at me every year like this.
​You'd think I'd be prepared.

I thought I'd reminisce (pausing for a second to celebrate spelling that right first time).
Over some of the things I've painted in the past for Christmas requests.

Starting with a classic - I used this for my own Christmas cards for quite a while.
In fact I think I still have 1 or 2 left!

Ah, my shining grace.
Become my good friend and maybe I shall doodle in thy Christmas card.
Maybe - I'll make you a Christmas tree hanger, forget to give it you and then finally give it to you at your leaving do as you go to travel Asia with your significant other.
​Maybe.

Something about a cute lil robin warms my soul.
How dare a creature be that adorable.

See - I can be normal!

Painting these beautiful girlies year after year has always been a treat.
It's really nice to see progression in style when you work with return clients.
Special place in my heart for these always.

Can I offer you the beheaded keychain of Henry the VIII or a bear in a dress?
​(I cannot remember the context for the latter).

So I raise you:
​Dog takes a dip in the hot tub with Rudolph refuelling.

Weirder?

Final offer:
Viking boat burial burning - roasting chestnuts.
I'd say that's pretty metal if you ask me.