Dying Dilemma 2025 Part 1

Dying Dilemma 2025 Part 1

In the past few months I have been trying to improve my health by starting Belly Dancing. It hasn’t been a great success due to a series of accidents that has prevented me from attending. However I intend to persevere. 

Looks Black

I have a few bits and pieces of Belly Dancing attire that I brought back from holiday. However I need the bigger pieces as well as the accessories. 

Rather than immediately spending a fortune I thought i would see if I could make something. I had a Black Skirt that looks the right sort at the back of the wardrobe.

True Blue

Okay a small problem. Although it looked Black in the bedroom in better light its True Colour is a Dark Blue I needed to change the Colour to match a Top I had.

Dylon Black Dye

With shops like Wilko shutting and the major supermarkets not stocking any I had a real job to find any Dye at all. I finally came across some in a Fabric Shop.

Dylon Instructions

Bad news. Although I have got some Dye it is a Handwash rather than a Machine Dying Kit.

Long Marigolds

One thing I was positive about is that it is going to be extremely messy. Therefore I have taken the sensible approach and bought some Extra Long Marigold Gloves.

Puffin Pictures 2025 Part 3

Puffin Pictures 2025 Part 3

I am still plodding through.

Finer Detail

After sorting out that little problem I am now continuing. I am adding Finer Detail to the Rocks and Nest etc.

Framed Puffin

I have finished the Picture and after wiping off all the excess dust it is ready to go into its Frame. Since it is mainly Black and Silver I thought it would look best in a Black Frame with a bit of White Edging.

Croc and Puff

I also bought the same Frame for the Picture of a Crocodile. This is one that I found that my mum hadn’t quite finished due to cataracts. These are going to look lovely on her wall.

Nostalgia

Remember the comment about buying Fishing Nets 40 Years ago? I couldn’t help myself and buy some for Nostalgia before the Shop closes.

Puffin Pictures 2025 Part 2

Puffin Pictures 2025 Part 2

Now I can get cracking on the Kit.

Outlines

I am ignoring the instructions because I have done these before and prefer a different way. Instead of starting at the top and working downwards I am going to Outline the major parts.

Detail Rocks

I have started adding Detail to the Rocks. This going back to the order that they use. I think it is to avoid excessive Fingerprints.

Problem

Glancing down to the bottom of the Picture I have spotted a Problem. At some point the Picture had got Creased. This wasn’t me but how it came. I will have to find a way to sort this before I forget.

Blend In

By carefully adding a few extra Scrapes here and there I have managed to Blend the Crease into the picture. It now looks (if you can spot it) like it is part of the Puffins Nest.

Puffin Pictures 2025 Part 1

 Puffin Pictures 2025 Part 1

Our local Art Shop is closing down due to the gentleman retiring. Let’s put it this way. I bought Fishing Nets from him 40 years ago. Therefore I decided to take advantage of his retirement sale.

Puffin Engraving Art

I have bought an Engraving Art Kit. This is for ages 8 and above for which I definitely qualify. If you ever wonder why I bother blogging Kits it’s so folks have a chance to see what it is going to be like before buying.

Engrave Instructions

The instructions for how to do the Kit are on the back. Needless to say that I have my own way of doing it.

Get a Tray

First of all you will need a Supporting Surface so the Card doesn’t Bend. A Table is best but if like me you don’t have one get a Tray.

Test Piece

Before you start on the Picture it is best to have a go at the Test Piece. They provide you with this so you can try out the Scraper Pen. You will be using both the Sides as well as the Point. I wrote my name using these techniques.

Board

Now you are ready to have a go at the Board. Incidentally this can get a bit messy so a Clothe or Duster is good to have on hand.