Political Caricatures - Hand Hooked Wall Art

I have started a small series of hand hooked wall art pieces, that are based on my caricature drawings of politicians.

I start by making numerous small, representational drawings of the person in question, then start to evolve a more cartoon-like version (examples of the latter, below):-

I sometimes make a digital version of a black and white line version so that I can explore different colour palettes. I make a full size template to work from, although both colours and other features may change at the hooking stage!

 
I source appropriate textiles (many recycled or off-cuts) and other materials (such as yarn or wool tops) to suit the chosen colours. The fabrics are laundered, and hand cut into strips for hooking. Each loop is individually pulled through the backing fabric (hessian, in this case) using a tool with a hook on the end.

After the hooking is completed (I normally take a week or two of evenings to complete a piece of this size), further embellishments (such as the paper string 'hair', and glass bead eyes in the piece below) are attached.

Next comes a stiffening, double layer of mount board, and thick wool felt for the backing. A label and hanging loop are also added before the sides are neatened with a yarn or fabric strip and hand stitched border.

I have made two versions of 'Trump': the first, a papier mâché one, has already gone to its natural home in the US, the second one is a hooked version.

"Trump" hand hooked wall art

"Rees-Mogg" hand hooked wall art

"Johnson" hand hooked wall art

"May" hand hooked wall art

I don't very often work with figures/people, so this has been an interesting challenge!

Victorian Terracotta Wall Pockets - Bearded Men

These wonderful, characterful Victorian terracotta wall pockets would look perfect on a conservatory wall, or perhaps outside on a sheltered patio. They could be used for small plants or left empty.

I love the patina of age on these pieces, and the interesting faces depicted.

To see the listing in my Etsy shop, Fire Horse Vintage, please click here.

Kippford Walk, Stone Creatures and Lunch

[Rob's photo of a heart-shaped fern emerging]

 

 Rob, Brock and I went on a favourite walk of ours today, from Kippford to Rockcliffe and back. There is a circular walk through woodlands full of bluebells and ransomes, at this time of year, to Rockcliffe and back along the shore path, with views over the inlet, the mud flats dotted with picturesque boats, to the next peninsula with its woodlands and hills.

 

[Brock on the beach at Rockcliffe: the half-way point]

There is a garden on the return leg, where someone makes strange little stone creatures out of rocks, pebbles, found items, teddy bears' eyes, and sometimes teeth. There are always a few new ones to spot.

We decided to try a new place for lunch: The Mariner Hotel, Restaurant and Bar We sat in the beer garden with Brock. There were quite a few tables available outside, with good views over the marina. There is plenty of indoor seating in a conservatory, for when the weather is less clement.

We ordered orange squash, mineral water and two portions of the vegetable curry with rice (Rob had half rice/half chips). It arrived fairly quickly, and was a good-sized portion. It was tasty: quite mild, English-style curry, with a fruity/spicy flavour; plenty of chickpeas, sweetcorn, greens (chard, I think), red pepper and onion. Rob said that the chips were very good, too. The bill came to just under £20. The choice was a bit limited for vegetarians apart from the curry, (mainly cheese-based dishes: macaroni, salad, or panini). But at least there were two gluten free, veggie choices: the curry and the cheese salad.