Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Scarborough Hares

Do you ever get so excited about something that you just want to hop around, clap your hands and do...well, the Happy Bunny Dance? This is one of those pieces that makes me do just that.


Over two years ago, while listening to music in Bunnyville, I heard the song Scarborough Fair by Simon and Garfunkel. I immediately wrote down Hares instead of Fair. I did a quick little doodle and there it sat in my idea drawer.

For two years my little doodle just sat until now. Sometimes you have to wait for something to have the right moment. You may remember that I was having a hard time drawing the back legs on the bunnies. Finally, it came to me.

After completing my sketch, I heard a different version of the song by Celtic Women. I loved it and it made my imagination soar. This version of the song inspired me to turn my drawing vertically. I envisioned a banner hanging from a castle gate. A banner of "The Scarborough Hares." Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme live within the castle. They are the beloved hares to the children of  the royal family.


May I present, "The Scarborough Hares." This Folk Art Fusion (TM) piece will be in my Fabled Fusions book this September. I can't wait to show you how to create them. It's so much fun! Stay tuned for workshops and lecture dates. I would love to visit your guild or group, hug your neck and have lots of fun!

This is the version of the song that was my inspiration.


My heart goes out to all the folks in OK. So incredibly awful. With so much sadness in the world, I do hope you find a little bit of happy distraction here with me and the bunnies. Sometimes all we can do for others is show kindness and love. You don't have to be rich to give hugs.

We love you and the bunnies will see you here on Friday. Spread light, love and kindness everywhere you go today.

xx,
Michelle and the Bunnies

28 comments:

Unknown said...

you have out done yourself. I have to have your next book. F a b u l o u s.

Sandi said...

Lovely piece I like how you used the polka dot fabric.

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Shell,

You have shared a beautiful post dear friend.
A happy dance indeed with Parsley, sage, Rosemary and thyme - love your gorgeous work.
Love the song that you were inspired by, Hayley Westenra singing, is from NZ - she is beautiful and has a lovely voice.
Yes, my heartfelt love goes out to those on Oklahoma, so sad.
Hugs
Carolyn

Little Miss Titch said...

Beautiful Michelle just Beautiful.
Very sad for those hit by the tornado,xx Speedy and Rachel

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

That looks beautiful! I can just picture the castle banner :-)

Crafty Green Poet said...

I love the song Scarborough Fair and I love your intepretation of it!

Sparklyjools said...

Thrilled to see the 'Scarborough Hares' at last - it looks fabulous - and you know how much I love the concept!
I was shocked to read about those poor people affected by the tornado in OK. You're so right, kindness and caring are a gift which cost us nothing and yet can mean so much. When all seems hopeless, knowing someone cares can make a world of difference.x

Nays Place said...

Loving the rabbits - the Voice Australia has just started and Celia Pavey sings a magnificent version of this song - makes my spine tingle every time I listen to it - its on youtube.
Loving the embroidery thanks for shating

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

YOU are so brilliant my dear. I do believe that when we see nature in a different light (you know, hearing bunnies that talk, seeing bunnies that dance :)) that it trickles and flows into our imaginations, then into our work. This is just GORGEOUS, and what better names could rabbits have? I remember last year, looking out onto my boulevard garden where I have thyme taking over the planet; well, one light evening, I spotted a rabbit in the middle of the thyme, using his little front paws to stir up the thyme..he was shaking it and I swear he was taking in a BIG WHIFF of the fragrance!!!!!!! I dubbed him THE THYME BANDIT! teeheeee

This piece looks as if it belongs in a museum. It looks like a tapestry, and I am sending your link to a friend: JERI LANDERS from HOPALONG HOLLOW GAZETTE blog. She is an artist and has a most magnificent life on a farm and creates books and paintings. Yep, I'm sending her over here to see this.

LOVE TO ALL! Anita

Karen M said...

So gorgeous, shell! I think this is the best, yet.

jerilanders said...

Shell, Anita just send me an email, she loves your things,as do I. This is a wonderful piece. Sometimes, for me, things will sit in a drawer for years until, suddenly, I have the perfect idea or inspiration to "finish it off". Those are sometimes the very best pieces we create!

WoolenSails said...

I really love this piece and the use of wool and shades, gorgeous piece.

Debbie

kristie said...

LOVE it! Definitely a must do.

Judy1522 said...

I absolutely love your Scarborough Hares. Your book will definitely be on my must have list. Thank you for the music, I love listening to the Celtic Women and Scarborough Fair has always been a favorite song of mine.

Loris said...

This is so lovely! I can't wait for the book :-) The bunns must be proud of their mama! Hugs!

Unknown said...

LOve it!

Jeanette said...

Love it Shell. The Scarborough Hares is fabulous. Roll on September so i can get my hot little hands on the book. Hugs,xx

Createology said...

The time your idea and sketch waited was well worth it. This is brilliant. I love the play on words. The story of the castle and banner and bunnies is very fitting. Well done dear...

Sheila said...

It is just beautiful Michelle and I happen to love that son too :-)

Sheila said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Quilt Rat said...

Fantastic......absolutely...FANTASTIC!!!!!

RG said...

That all came together perfectly!

Unknown said...

Your work is stunning! I just knew this piece would be perfect, as all your work appears to be.Cannot wait until your book comes out. I hope you will have a giveaway (hint,hint).Thanks for sharing.

Fiona said...

awesome bunnies and I love her voice... listened to her lots today...
Hugz

JudyCinNC said...

Just beautiful and from wonderful you - I love following your creative journey - always inspiring and fun to see. Love that particular recording and can't wait for the book. Judy C in NC

Mistea said...

Your Hares are gorgeous and the colours are beautiful. Your creations are amazing. Love the inspiration.

Allie said...

I always liked that song - but I LOVE that version of it! And I love your castle hares as well, dear girl, you are so talented, you amaze me!!!

Carrie P. said...

Wow! Michelle, it is an awesome design.

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