Another Mr Punch Automaton Finished

I started with a proverb but I made the stage too small and had to take out the policeman. He was there to symbolise the Law so it no longer makes any sense but I do love the final result. Maybe now more of a nod to Pandora's Box... Mr Punch's Cupboard.

Biting Cat Automaton

Another cat prototype complete, although this is a variation of the one that spurred me on to make some cats. When you pull his tail he shuts his jaws and will bite anything that is foolishly put in his mouth.

A Pokey Tongue Cat Automaton

I have finished a cat, when you turn the little crank his tongue pokes out and pulls back in.

 I have a few prototypes on the go so more cats will follow.

Dressed Automaton Characters

Slow progress but at least they are up and dressed.

Automaton Characters are Taking Shape

I'm waiting for the paint to dry!

Working out the Mechanism

After spending the afternoon with cardboard, string, masking tape and fishing wire, I have worked out the movement and got most it moving. Now: the devil dances in the cupboard and opens the door, Mr Punch closes the door and hits himself in the eye, the crocodile chews, the policeman puts his whistle to his mouth and points away from the door and the flower lifts the child to look out of the window. Can't wait to start painting!

Automaton Starting to Take Shape

I do have a design but it is very unresolved so this will evolve. At the moment it is long and thin with stuff happening in a room and a devil in the cupboard.
(I probably need to rewrite all that if I want to make myself sound like a proper artist..)

It's Always Easy to Start with a Scary Cat

The first few hours of stitching and thankfully some detail is starting to emerge. At least, if the whole picture goes awry, I can now turn him into a nice cushion.

Mr Punch Embroidery

I started cutting a new automaton today but it doesn't make an interesting picture as yet, just a pile of oddly shaped wood. I have also started embroidering some of my Mr Punch designs.

This is quite massive at about 4  foot square and quite daunting as I know it will take a very long time to complete. I have started with a quick paint sketch and applique base, now ready to begin machining. This Mr Punch, now I see it at the side of my Blogger About Me photo, looks uncomfortably similar.

Knitted Bender

I found a good pattern on Ravelry and after a couple of aborted attempts have knitted a Bender! I am a bit rubbish at tension so the first attempts came up far too big and this one is a bit snug on the loo roll. I recommend the pattern should anyone want to knit a Bender.