Peloton Progress

Dear Reader,

Our whimsical background elements continue to come together for the driving sequences.

You'll notice that the legs of our cyclists are made up of separate pieces (which have been completed since this photo). We'll stop motion the thighs and feet to create the pedaling :)


Rest assured that the ropes for the hot air balloons have now been attached!

Chin chin
Ruthless Whims

Parenthood - The Show

Dear Reader,

Catch a glimpse of Shi Ne, the star of The Squirrel King on Parenthood tonight at 10/9C. For those checking this later, the episode is "Just Smile", and you're looking for the magazine reporter!

Chin chin
Ruthless Whims

Cardboard Progress

Dear Reader,

We've started on the elements for our cardboard kitchen, and even as the bones alone, it is taking shape to be another awesome set piece :)

Along the way, Alien Two started on her first forays with an exacto knife, and even more fundamental, she's become an overnight expert in ripping masking tape from the roll - something that is surprisingly difficult for little hands.

Rest assured, we won't stay monochrome!

Chin chin
Ruthless Whims

PS For those interested, the trick behind ripping masking tape is to pinch the tape firmly, side by side, right on the edge and then rip.

A Little Piece of Happiness

Dearest Reader,

Returning from vacation, I felt an unusual sensation: relaxed and really happy. Walking into my office building, I was smiling and saying “hello” to the strangers passing by. That’s it! For the past few days, EVERY person I saw greeted me with an “hola” or “hello" and a big smile, which made me smile, which made me feel happy. It also made me realize that, while the day may have its rough patches, it doesn’t take much effort to give a little joy to others, which in turn brings you a little joy. So this year, I truly do wish you a “Happy New Year” and truly do hope you find a way to experience a little happiness and give a little happiness every day. It could be a simple as smiling and saying "hello".

Irrevocably yours,
The Trouble and Strife

Inspired by Cardboard

Dear Reader,

After the success of our Thanksgiving cardboard stools - which continue to live on :) - the Aliens and I have decided to move onto an entire cardboard kitchen for Ed's house!



A quick web search for further inspiration turned up this wonderful monochromatic rendition (to see the entire cardboard house check this site).

Time now for dumpster-diving for the raw materials!

Chin chin
Ruthless Whims

A Foundation of Food

Dear Reader,

All whims need feeding, sometimes literally. So fittingly we've started our year in fine style with the Aliens in the kitchen again.










Stay tuned for all manner of adventures in 2012.

Chin chin
Ruthless Whims

Champagne Opening

Dear Reader,

Welcome to 2012!

I trust you all opened the year in fine styles of your own.

For us it started by following a whim: we decided to try the classic champagne bottle opening to complement our profiterole tower.

In spite of the danger, we risked it all and in the end ...



Success!


Chin chin
Ruthless Whims