Who can resist a handmade card? Not when they are are as Christmassy as these!

As the first commercial Christmas card, from 1843, goes on sale for around $25,000, we have created priceless – and very individual versions.

These future collectables have been made by Rachel (top row) and in her trademark blue; a rainbow of Christmas colours from Trish and, below, a festive foursome by Chrissie.

And Gemma’s came last post on Christmas Eve!

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Where would the man in the red coat and big bushy beard be without these little fellas to help with his worldwide delivery service?

We welcome Cath’s little elf into the fold- arriving, just in the nick of time on Christmas Eve!

Your very good ‘elf!

STOP PRESS- A little late to the party is Chrissie’s cheeky chappie, turning up in March. But as we all know- an ellf is for life, not just for Christmas….

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No limp tinsel and floppy paper chains for us this year – we’re taking it to the max with handmade paper garlands, inspired by ace paper-cutter, Chloe.

Everyone’s got a unique take on favourite Christmas motifs. Rachel’s gone for The Holly and the Ivy wreath, Trish has Hark the Herald Angels singing, and Chrissie’s Underneath the Mistletoe.

And Gemma’s decking the halls on Christmas Eve with this lovely garland.

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Handmade tree decorations are this year’s must-haves and we are setting the trend with jolly ceramic hangings inspired by Sue.

First on the virtual Still Life tree is this very festive set by Rachel – including Father Christmas!

And then came Beth’s Christmas wonderland scene, complete with penguins and Santa’s elves. Plus a selection of mini hangings for decorated twigs!

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Just a few short weeks to go and we’re starting to feel a bit like Christmas with Chloe’s dove workshop.

First to land is Trish’s lovely colourful bird bringing a welcome blast of early seasonal cheer!

Just flown in is this very jolly trio of doves from Rachel! Joining the flock is Mavis’s striking blue dove.

And Jayne’s dove has just arrived bearing holly and baubles… followed by Chrissie’s archetypal peace dove.

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Perhaps now is a good time to remember the poem by Emily Dickinson – posted the first week in April – all that time ago – as we took our art home…

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –

That perches in the soul –

And sings the tune without the words –

And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –

And sore must be the storm –

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –

And on the strangest Sea –

Yet – never – in Extremity,

It asked a crumb – of me.

Following on from our foray into portrait painting – we are extending to the figure, with help from Ruth Bitowski.

And this week we were working in pastel crayons – a new medium for our group.

Just in is Gemma’s striking Modgliani inspired self portrait. And before that, from Anne are two lovely self-portaits of the artist as a wistful young woman – to steal a phrase.

Then Rachel, looking very relaxed in an armchair, and Jayne’s painting of her father. A man at last – and welcome it is too!

Both Jayne and Mavis – who painted her mother with a timely poppy – were inspired by photographs of parents.

First to arrive was from Beth – followed by Cath’s – both of whom are looking very laid back! Then came Trish’s elegant pose.

Next was me/Jill with what started as a photo taken in Bodnant Garden and turned into a slighly scary woman with a pot plant!

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It’s that time of the year … a season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.

What better time to light up your life with a lantern?

Inspired by Chloe, the first Still Life lantern to arrive, with moths attracted by the flame, comes from Trish…

That was followed by a pair with a Christmas theme by Mavis, and then Rachel’s decorative lantern lighting the darkness

And then came Beth’s lamp-lit winter wonderland scene and just in Chrissie’s autumnal scene.

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Sue introduced us to the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama for this colourful session

Just in, top left, is Chrissie’s with a range of colours to make you blink!

First to arrive was Rachel’s hypnotic fusion of blues, followed by another blue-hued view from Beth.

Next … yours truly. Guess who found a big tube of pink paint! Then came Trish’s technicolour dreamcoat.

Mavis’s geometric composition came with the teasing question- how many circles can you count? Answers on an email please! And yes, counting them does make your eyes feel funny!

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Ruth set us what has probably been our most challenging task yet … a self-portrait! Yikes!!

First in pencil, and then in paint, the portraits have been inspired by Modigliani whose paintings offer a simplified, and slightly elongated version of the sitter.

As usual the rules are there are no rules and not everyone has painted a self portait.

We also welcome Cath, a new member, who has been thrown in at the deep end – and risen admirably to the challenge – with the portrait (top row) and pencil portrait (below) – her first pieces of work for Still Life!

Rachel’s portrait, complete with mask, is more than a self portrait – it’s a painting of our times…

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First in were Anne’s and then Trish – both of women in blue (below).

Then mine (JT) – spot who didn’t follow the brief! Then Mavis – another blue lady – and Beth – both in hats…

Below are the pencil portraits.

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It’s been a stand-out year for butterflies and even in October there’s been a flutter of felt versions…

First to land was Trish’s felt butterfly, followed by Rachel’s.. and just in Chrissie’s . And still flying in November is Gemma’s (bottom right) !