Clara Doodle

© Melissa Gaggiano

    Early morning doodle: My youngest often asks me to draw things for her. It's been good for me - because I've learnt to draw quickly on the fly and not worry about being perfect.

Fab Finds 14

    From Dr Who to vintage photography, I have a lot to be excited about. Of course, I have always been excited about Dr Who, so that simply goes without saying, right. So here are the latest fab finds, from me to you:

1. There is, can you believe it, a Dr Who… Lego set. Oh my weeping angels! Is this not the coolest news for us Whovians. Check out the review on this awesome Dr Who Lego edition.

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2. While we are on the topic of Whovians, I found this - The Ultimate Whovian Test. Consider yourself a connoisseur of all things Whovian? Looking for a bit of silly fun, then put that knowledge to the test, here. 

3. I don't have a mobile phone. But, oh my goddess, if I did I would also want a Fojo. A what, I hear you say. A Fojo - a darkroom for smartphones.

4. Victoria Will, a NY photographer went out to the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, not with her DSLR, but with a vintage tintype camera. The result was a series of mysterious, soulful photos of artists as we're not used to seeing them. Check out the article here.

© Victoria Will
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Iacta Alea Est Sweetie

    If you are anything like me you are a die in the cast Dr Who fan. And have no doubt enjoyed the rescusitated series of Dr Who in the previous few years.
    River Song is one of my most favourite companions for The Doctor. I mean if I were to express the awesomeness of this character we would be here all day.
    One or River's accessories which captured my attention in the very first episode that we ever see of her, was her TARDIS journal. It had an old, used, homemade aesthetic about it. I knew as soon as I saw that book I wanted it.
    As luck would have it BBC have provided a DIY tutorial so that you too can have your very own TARDIS journal. Just in case The Doctor himself comes crashing through your door tomorrow declaring that he needs your help to save the universe from total and near irrepairable destruction.

Simply follow this link for the TARDIS journal tute.

    P.S. I learnt that'iacta alea est' is Latin for 'die in the cast'.

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh: Self Portrait

I have taken an interest in the artist Vincent Van Gogh.

Sunday evening, I was watching an episode of Dr Who in which The Doctor and his companion, Amy Pond, meet none other than…? [You guessed it]… Van Gogh.

Yesterday, with toddler in tow I made a pilgrimage to the local library and borrowed two books on Van Gogh, which were “What makes a Van Gogh a Van Gogh?” and “Van Gogh: The essential visual guide to his life and art, and to the influences that shaped his work”. Now, if that isn't a mouthful…

It is heart breaking knowing so many artists throughout time are so unappreciated during their years on earth. I think though, these days it is much easier for an artist to be recognised, appreciated, and appropriately paid for their work.

Thankfuly, when Van Gogh passed away, his loving family took care of of his surviving work, and ensured that it was given due recognition in the art world.

I love how Van Gogh used yellow and blue in his paintings. Most especially in his night time landscapes.

Vincent Van Gogh: The Cafe Terrace At Night

Vincent Van Gogh: Church At Auvers

Vincent Van Gogh: The Starry Night

Happy Birthday Dad

Yesterday was my Dad's Birthday. Being that he has long been a fan of the Dr Who series, I drew this picture of Tom Baker (the Fourth Doctor) as a birthday gift.

An Education

There is a gorgeous new movie coming out titled "An Education" starring a darling actress, Carey Mulligan who has become an instant favorite of mine. See here the trailer for "An Education".

Carey has also appeared in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice as Kitty Bennett, and in Bleak House as Ada Clare. She came to my notice last year when watching an episode of Dr Who, (titled "Blink") in which she played Sally Sparrow. This episode is now on my list of most memorable stories. See here a snippet from that episode

Arrgh! Jim Lad!

I have made a decision. I have not planned when exactly I'll do this project, except to say that it will be before 2009 finishes... I want to make myself the pictured John Galliano pirate inspired jacket.

Ever since seeing Rose (Billlie Piper) wear a union jack shirt in season one of Dr Who, I have wanted to have this piece in my wardrobe. Hmm... Nothing says 'target' like a good old fashioned union jack.

Is there a Doctor in the TARDIS?

Last week it was my Dad's Birthday and as a present I crafted, with paper, the above likeness of the TARDIS.

My Dad has been a fan of the BBC Dr Who series almost all his life and pretty much from the age of two I have shared this interest with him. More recently I have been able to introduce  my husband to the Dr Who series when it was relaunched by the BBC (Woo-Hoo!) and now in the following years I look forward to introducing The Doctor to my daughter (Good times!).