When do little boys cry. . .

Reading Bambi. . . . . .

I wanted to make another doll, a girl doll, but since I haven't made a doll this size in a while I didn't notice I was out of joints.

Ordered them.

While I'm waiting for the joints I can start with an Eagle Owl then, mmmmm out of big eyes.

Ordered them.

Oh yes, it's Monday. . . . . . .

p.s. The boy is in my Etsy shop in a couple of hours :-)

Helen XXX

MOTHER HOLLE ! ! !

The Sandman and Suzanne had been staying for almost a month with Uncle Ukki and now it was time to go home.

During the night he sprinkled his magic sand and during the day they were still looking for Mother Holle.

Well, the Sandman decided to go to his own house and keep on searching from there.

They passed Mother Holle's house on their way home and the Sandman thought he might as well check her house.

FRICKETY FRACKETY FRACK ! ( he picked those words up from a lady in  Sycamore USA ) 

WHOOOOHOOOO ! Hallo Mr. Sandman !

The Sandman fell backwards in the snow and Suzanne's eyes almost popped out of her gorgeous little head.

My goodness Mother Holle ! You are home !
Yes yes, come on in ! I'll tell you about my little adventure over a nice cup a tea.

 Well, Mr. Sandman, I promised you to keep an eye on Petronius. . .oh look at this photo I have of the three of you  . . . . . .

I'm so glad he is such a help for you.

Where was I . . . . .. .

Oh yes, keep an eye on him . . . . . .

One morning I went to your castle to find his bed empty ! That was extremely odd, Petronius would never go out of his bed before noon.

So you understand I had to go look for him and it took me 4 weeks to find him !

He was in hiding you see, because he had fallen in love with this beautiful little owl by the name of Harebell and well you know, she laid eggs and he couldn't leave her of course.

When I found him he was a father of three beautiful owl babies !

Oooooh I wish I took a photo of them ! But the good news: in a few days he will be home again together with his babies !

The Sandman couldn't believe it, Petronius had children. . .. and a wife . .. . . 

He was very very excited and Suzanne laughed so hard he and Mother Holle had to cover their ears !

Mother Holle I'm so glad you are all right and Petronius too, you must have had quite an adventure looking for him. I'll bet want to tell us all about it but for now, we go home and have ourself a nice sleep. 

Hatchoo. . . . . .hatchoo

It's that time of year again. . . . sneezing, coughing, running nose. 

You wouldn't say it if you look outside , it feels like early spring. I even heard the birds sing like springtime!

Although we've had 2 stormy days with "dijk-alert" the temperature is ridiculous. 

Well, my body must have thought we are in the heart of Winter so I have to catch a cold :-(

Can't work unless I tie a hanky under my nose but then I won't be able to breath at all so better to sit up and write a bit.

Mr. Sandman and Suzanne had a very good New-Years night. Suzanne did her job as if there were no fireworks at all and Uncle Ukki is very pleased with his training. 

He is considering training the poor geese who are flying around in panic on this night but it will takes time to organize such a big enterprise. He is hoping to get a hold of Nils Holgersson.

The Sandman is staying with Uncle Ukki for a while, he is in between the sprinkling of magical sand and working on a special mission.

As we know, when it snows, they say: Mother Holle is making her bed.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2591/2591-h/2591-h.htm#2H_4_0022

Well there is no snow and if there is, it's in unusual places and  Mother Holle is missing so the Sandman is spending his free time to look for her and for as long that takes he stays with Uncle Ukki. Mainly because Uncle Ukki has connections in several worlds and is using all of his powers to get information.

Mmmmm this could be a major adventure. . . . . 

For now :

The Sandman and Suzanne are saying goodbye and stay tuned !

The Sandman . . . .

Uncle Ukki had some visitors the last couple of days. 

It was the Sandman and his donkey !

It wasn't just a friend's visit, Sandman's donkey Suzanne had a little problem and Uncle Ukki is an expert on animal behaviour so the Sandman needed his help.

Uncle Ukki and his assistant little  Higgins had to train Suzanne every year how to fly when there is fireworks in the sky. Well actually, they hypnotize her so she wouldn't be afraid. 

In the meanwhile Mr. Sandman flies around on an owl, which is great of course but not as comfy as his own little Suzanne.

Everybody thinks the Sandman is only at work at night but now I've seen what a busy schedule he has.

There are many people ( children) and animals who sleep during daytime and I had the opportunity to take his photo while in action !

Hahahaaa Pinky had no idea !

I was not allowed to take a photo of Suzanne until Uncle Ukki and Higgins were ready with her "training" but they promised she would be ready by the end of this week.

Helen X

The sad Snowman ......and a happy ending

SNOW SNOW  ! ! 

Arthur and Ginny hurried outside with their new sleigh !

Wow Arthur, look at this white world, it's a pity Higgins couldn't join us, he had to help Uncle Ukki.

Wait Arthur ! Do you hear that ?

They heard a woefully sound, it was like a sad song. 

They listened carefully and yes the sound came out of a cave nearby .

Oh my goodness ! There stood a Snowman singing a very very sad song. . .
What's the matter mister Snowman ?
And then he started to tell his story. . . . . .

♫ I came from the heavens as snow

                                             you know

    I fell on the ground, just looking at the sky

    Then a little boy passes by

♫ He made me, I think it was yesterday

    when he was finished, he ran away

♫ If snow becomes a snowman

    you are born again

   Now I have eyes for sight

    to see this world's delight

♫ But I wish I was in another place

    instead of this tiny space

♫ I'm standing in this little hole

    I might just have been snow under someone's sole

♫ I'm all alone, nothing to see

    Even the stars can't smile down on me

♫ I have never seen the moon

    And I will be melting soon

♫ So, no memories to share with Mother Earth

   What has my life been worth ?
The poor Snowman cried a big icicle  
His head and arms hang down 

 Oh mister Snowman, I know what to do !

Wait a sec, I'll be right back ! 
They ran and ran as fast as their little legs could carry them. 
Before the Snowman could blow his carrot nose he saw a merry parade coming his way !

Mister Snowman, here is something beautiful to look at and we brought you a little friend of us to keep you company.

His name is Duff and he is a bear so he likes being in a cave and don't mind snow.

He will be your friend until you melt !

The Snowman couldn't believe his little charcoal eyes.

That was the most beautiful tree to see ! And this little bear wants to be friends !

When Arthur and Ginny went back home the Snowman had a big smile and he and Duff waved them goodbye .

Little Duff is made by Sharon:
http://folksy.com/shops/riamelin


Little mice by Barby Anderson : 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/barby303?ref=seller_info 

Hooray !!! Finished !!!

We have a new friend in the house and since he is very close to Finkle I let him talk you through our little catwalk show :

Wow, thank you little Duff for this nice presentation !

Little Duff is a present I received from Sharon !

She sells her little critters her : http://www.etsy.com/shop/riamelin?ref=seller_info

The tiny scarf is made by sister Sophie and you can find her shop here :

http://www.etsy.com/shop/OpheliasVoices?ref=seller_info

New Gnome in the making. . . .

Picktin and Baker were keeping a close eye on me while I was working on the clothes of the new Gnome :-)

This is : Finkle "Fall" Fudnock III

He is the Autumn-watcher, he makes sure the last leaves will fall, some late birds get going to their wintering grounds and helps the elves to conjure mushrooms.

Let me introduce you to . . . . . . Picktin !

Very very difficult ! I wrote down all of the names and decided to let my son Arthur choose the name.

Arthur is always interested in my creations and I appreciate his opinion.

He looked at the Gnome and said carefully every name and as soon as he called him Picktin he said YES that's his name.

So ANITA  your daughter was right !  Send me your address please and this cute bat is coming your way ! 

People ! Let me introduce you to PICKTIN !

And this little one is going to live with Anita and her children

Thank you Anita and your daughter for giving this Gnome his name !

Trying out my Broom ?!

As I was sewing his shirt he took the opportunity to take Baker for a ride on my Broom . . . . . they flew through the entire garden and beyond, sitting backwards, upside down, well you name it !

I took a quick snapshot of them and whooooosh off they went! They're still not back and I've been calling out for Baker ( I still need more names !!! for the Gnome )

It's almost lunchtime so I think they will be back soon . . . . .

Update: They came back have their lunch and now they're taking a stroll together in the garden ( Baker adores him )

New clothes for the Gnome

I worked hard all day to dress this little man, not because he said it was cold without clothes ( he really didn't mind at all ! ) but well , I've had some comments :-)

So, he sat with me at the kitchen table and so every now and then nodded his head for approval  ( I think ) .

I'm not quite finished yet but the little man wanted to fit his new clothes and as you can see he is something of a mannequin !

OH and by the way : Do anyone know his name or can you suggest a name ? 

He acts like Rumplestilskin, won't tell me his name !

Just think of something : The one who suggests the coolest name will be send  a little bat :-)

Hoppity Hop ???!!

Look what I found this morning hopping on a Pumpkin like a Hoppity Hop !

I've heard of this odd behaviour among Gnomes : they like to walk around in their Birth- costume in  warm Autumn morning dew. . . . 

I think I have to get him some clothes, he's hopped a long way from where he left his clothes

Frightening discovery part 2

Arthur was intrigued by the Uldra and followed him everywhere but the Uldra was a second out of Arthur's sight and the creature got his hands on a poor bird!

Uncle Ukki took the bird easily out of the Uldra's hands and set the bird free

All right little ones, that's it !

I have this plan. . . . . .  did you see Spoon this morning?

He agreed to help me and I need your help too little ones.

As I told you, the Uldra won't leave the house but his greed will lure him outside.

He loves grapes more then anything so if you will go outside and hold the grapes and call him, Spoon will get into action.

The little ones called and called and yes! There he was!

Before anyone noticed what happened :

 Bravo Spoon ! Take him as far as you can !!!

Okay children, I suspect we will hear more of him but for now ; Lets drink a nice cup of tea !

Frightening discovery !!!!!

One morning, Ginny, Arthur and Higgins were up very early and decided to watch the geese flying over.

But My Oh My what is this !!!

It looks like a Stork baby!

Higgins speaks the bird-language, but no response from the bird.

They quickly ran inside to get Uncle Ukki.

Uncle Ukki stumbled out of bed ( forgot to put on his slippers) and ran with the children outside

They managed to get him inside and on the kitchen table,

Well Uncle Ukki's  vision wasn't good but there was nothing wrong with his nose ! SUDDENLY !!!!

 The bird changed into something horrible! Uncle Ukki fell over and the little ones screamed !!!

Oh my oh my what was this! Arthur ran to get some dates!

Little ones, this is an Uldra!
I know now what happened with my glasses, he did something with it.
He knows that a gnome recognize an Uldra in disguise immediately and you little ones have no experience with them.
He disguises himself to get into the house, at night he will check the house of innocent people and if he likes it he wants to be invited in.
Of course no one lets him in as soon as they see it's an Uldra and that is why he disguises himself.
When he is invited in, he won't leave.
When he is not invited in he can't stay in the house ( there are other creatures who have these rules)


An Uldra is a creature who originally lives way up North but these days you find them more and more all over the world.
They have one light coloured eye and one dark coloured eye, so they can see during the day and at night.
You see the leash on his neck? When Uldra's are born the mother gives them a leash right away!
They are not too bright and they will forget who their mother is so they are kept on a leash.
The mother of course is also not so bright and she will forget which child is hers if it's not on a leash.
The creatures are quite harmless but because they are a bit ( very ) stupid, they see no harm in harming animals or humans.
They just doesn't understand hurt ( unless it's themselves who's hurt)
Well I will come up of a way to get rid of him and in the meanwhile we keep him busy with fruit, he is a vegetarian and loves dates and prunes!


To be continued. . . . . .

The Reunion !

This was an exciting week, first Pa Gnome send us photos from the little Sun bear, yesterday we've got another letter with pics of Pa and the little bear

We of course were very happy with the pics but the surprise came this morning !

 It was a very very happy reunion ! !

The family will not stay long with Uncle Ukki, they will be travelling all the way to Ohio 

 Look at Pa's happy face !

They are going to live in Hittyville and if you want to know what happens in that magical world : http://hittyvillefriends.blogspot.com/