Clock Work

Definition clock [verb, informal British] meaning to notice or observe.

Thus clock work could mean to observe someone else's activity. 

I was delighted to find a promotion in The Forum in Norwich this week, for the annual Open Studios. A fortnight in which we can freely look at work created by artists and craftspeople across the county. As well as the brochures, there were dozens of pieces on display, to give a flavour of the diverse skills which will make up this exhibition. Arts and crafts of every sort... Weaving, sculpture, stitching, pottery, jewellery, photography, painting, drawing and so much more. This piece caught my eye, a miniature masterpiece entitled "Borrowed Time" 

A little home built in the back of an old clock. Tables made from cotton reels, artwork is old postage stamps, half a pair of scissors makes wall art, and beads from a broken necklace provide finials on the bed posts. On the table, a book and a notice. 

Do not touch this exhibit, Arriety 

Do you remember Mary Norton's story The Borrowers?

Little Arriety Clock, 

and her parents Pod and Homily, lived under the grandfather clock. And they scavenged and foraged for all their needs, "borrowing" the things dropped by "human beans" to make furniture and clothing. 

I loved peeking into the little dwelling and spotting the miniature items - the wristwatch [sans strap] becoming a wall clock, the smallest matryoshka making a little doll. A handwritten letter used as wallpaper.  

Well done Jackie Heath, from Yarmouth for this tiny treasure. 

"The Borrowers" story was made into a number of films. I think my favourite production starred Ian Holm and Penelope Wilton, and was a BBC series in the early nineties. I watched it with Liz and Steph. 

If this little  model reflects the standard of artworks in this year's Open Studios, then we are in for a treat! 

Are there "Open Studios" events in your area? 

Do you enjoy looking at the creativity of others? 

Thank you all for yesterday's gardening advice 🌱🥒👊🎃🥒🌱👍 especially the warning about self pollinating courgettes.