The weather last weekend was so gorgeous. We spent most of the time outside and I was so happy to catch a quick glimpse of Lancelot. The poor fellow has been working so hard recently, I almost never see him.
Look Ma, only one claw
Agile demonstrates the stability of the new ergonomic stools for The Design Studio. The squirrel interns are gradually teaching Agile how to use the sketch book programs. Looks like Agile may be a natural.
Just in Time
Just in time for a wet and cold Memorial Day weekend. The new cowboy boots specially commissioned and designed by Lancelot finally arrived. A quick sketch by Agile on his new iPad records the moment as Lancelot sallies forth.
Getting ready for the Humming Birds
At a recent plant sale over the weekend, I ran into Lancelot getting ready to welcome back the humming birds. Lancelot was investing in lots of red flowers. Aided by the squirrels who are very good at sneaking to the start of the line Lancelot had been able to buy many of the best plant specimens. "But why the elephant?" I wondered. Lancelot pointed out that elephants were not specifically forbidden by the Garden Club rules and were much easier to manipulate than the small red wagons usually found at plant sales."Besides" he added "they come with their own inbuilt irrigation watering system." Note to self, I really must get my own elephant, I had no idea they were so useful.
Hedgecon 2013
I had hoped we might be able to spend some time with Lancelot and co during our time in Santa Fe but unfortunately Lancelot was very busy. However one evening, strolling downtown, we caught sight of the design studio taking a quick break . Editor's note: the squirrels were properly carded.
Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
Now back from Santa Fe and Lancelot and co are rushing to complete their new collection of sake cups just in time for Cherry Blossom Festival season. This collection is a contemporary version of the traditional Chinese Zodiac of 12 animals. You will note that the hedgehog, crocodile and squirrel all feature prominently in this new set.
Just in time
Just in time. Working right through the weekend, and with help from the interns, Lancelot is finally able to finish his last big project before departing for Santa Fe and Hedgecon. A special set of Design Studio sake cups just on time for the Cherry Blossom Viewing picnic season. To avoid disappointment order your set today.
Preparations begin
With only a week to go before the annual Santa Fe Hedgecon, the entire Design Studio is working frantically hard on their presentation. I asked Lancelot why he felt the team needed an elephant this year and he informed me that elephants make the best baristas. I ca't wait to try ....
Old Indian Blanket
Wrapped in an old Indian blanket Lancelot muses on the late season snow in Santa Fe.
Wilfred Wetnose the 3rd
Lancelot was a little sniffy about my Needle Felted portrait of Wilfred. I tried to explain that it was only my third needle felted animal but Lancelot was not impressed. Obviously I will have to keep trying
Getting ready for St Patrick's Day
Since the Design Studio tries in all respects to be "green", It is only natural that they should celebrate St Patrick's Day. With the help of the two squirrel interns, Agile hangs a shamrock bunting. Even the normally restrained Wilfred has colored his spots green in honor of the day.
Life Rules, Néw Board Game
Lancelot has just finished a new project. Styled as an antique game board, this challenging game teaches business ethics and important financial skills. It is a prototype for an online education project that the Design Studio hopes to begin developing soon.
And sometimes the game can last days
Extra long game board for playing during snow storms.
Snakes and Ladders
On extra long winter nights they play an extra long game.
Lancelot loves board games
It has been a long, cold, tedious winter. To pass the time, Lancelot, Wilfred and Agile play a lot of games. Lancelot has an unfortunate tendency to make up the rules as he goes along but when the design studio plays Snakes and lLadders there is not much room for creative variation.
A Néw Project
The first glimpse of a new project
Lancelot loves Valentines
Lancelot was thrilled to receive his own personal valentine but who is it from?
The Design Studio helps out
Normally The Design Studio does not really celebrate Valentine' day as it is so close to Founder's Day celebrations but Cupid said he was really desperate. Winter storm Nemo had totally destroyed his schedule and he was woefully behind with his preparations. Being very kindhearted, Lancelot agreed to help, (having negotiated the usual overtime rates.). Almost everyone is at work here. With luck, Cupid should be able to fill most of his outstanding obligations
Fresh inspiration
Last night we went to hear a fascinating lecture by the caricaturist Philip Burke. Lancelot was most inspired and when I came into the studio this morning I found him hard at work
What to do when it is too cold to go out.
Lancelot is not particularly fond of cold weather and with Wilfred only just recovering from the flu and the squirrels suffering from post traumatic stress disorder following their recent swallowing, everyone at the Design Studio has been staying in and working. It was a good opportunity to design a special crest for the Studio, something that Lancelot has been wanting to do for some time.
