Yet another new obsession

I've discovered needle felting.

Who knew? But apparently you can take very sharp, barbed needles, stab them repeatedly into pieces of unspun wool and turn them into plushy little objects.

 

 

Of course, I went a little nuts and bought some supplies and a kit online.

 

In a few hours I had a hedgehog, whom I shall name Hermione.

 

I then made a creature that might be a cat, or a dog or a bear, and a rabbit with very large ears.

 

I'm now working on a bear-rabbit.

 

It's a fairly simple but versatile craft that's oddly therapeutic, and I can do it while watching TV. [The most important rule of needle felting is don't stab yourself. The needs are scalpel-sharp and nastily barbed.]

 

Naturally I have already gone back online to order more supplies. I have no doubt I can create dozens of furry friends, but the problem is where to keep them. I need a shelf that I can dedicate to my art... that will be my next project.

We are Groot.

Finished it! Now I have a plant with a face. And I can't over water it!

This interlude of procrastination was brought to you by Crayola Clay - something every 47-year-old needs. It occurred to me while I was making my fake plant person that maybe I should question why, at my age, I spend a weekend afternoon playing with clay and paint. Is it because there's something wrong with me? Should I be doing what other people do - going to the gym, cleaning the house incessantly, watching TV or shopping? Is it because I'm young at heart or immature? Is there a difference? 

I am Groot.

I've said on a number of occasions that my problem with plants is that I tend to treat them like animals - as if they need constant attention and tending, daily feedings, pettings and reassurances that they are loved.

This is probably why most of the plants I've had have died. Plants don't need or want this kind of human interference, but I persevere, dribbling water on them every day, moving them around to get the best light, worrying if they've spent too much time alone...

I know. It's a problem. As a determined gardener, I'm trying very hard to stop this and treat plants like plants - living creatures that, for the most part, don't need me to oversee every aspect of their lives. [So I bought a moss ball that needs to be bathed once a week...]

Anyway, as if I wasn't having a hard enough time ignoring my terrariums so they will grow, I saw GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY on Thursday night and immediately decided I needed to have a sentient plant in my life. So I spent this afternoon crafting a baby Groot out of wood and clay and some wire. I have to paint it in a more realistic fashion when the clay is dry, then plant it in a pot. I think it turned out pretty good so far. I promise not to water it.