Mermaids, Retro Robots and My New Apron

I went on a last minute holiday to Turkey for two weeks at the end of June, which was wonderful. It was just great to spend some time with my partner Paul, as we hardly get a full day together working different shifts. We stayed in the Marmaris area which has a beautiful harbour. The area is surrounded by mountains, with clear blue sea, but the beaches were a bit rocky with no sand. It was really hot whilst we were there so we didn't get on any of the boat trips they offer. It would be lovely to go back later in the year next time when the sun isn't quite as scorching.
On my return I discovered a small package from The Mermaid Seaside Pageant swap on The Faerie Zine:

This is the ATC I received from Patricia N. Stewart. It is a wonderful mixed media piece with buttons, shells, a leaf and sequins and a glittery card and net tail. Thanks so much Patricia :)

This is the ATC I received from Lisa Kettell. It's a really beautiful illustration. Thanks so much Lisa :)
While we were in Turkey it was Paul's birthday, so I brought his presents with me for him to open. I made him this retro skull T shirt that he's been pestering me to make for a while. The material used for the skull is a wonderful vintage print I found about a year ago. he was really pleased with it!

He also loves robots ad retro toys so I couldn't resist getting him these electronic chaps from Kitsch-U-Like, a really funky retro shop in Exeter. The smaller robot is a wind up one that dances. The larger one is waiting on some batteries to see if he still works. he has a tape deck built in to his stomach and it appears he asks and answers questions. He is missing a tape so I think some research needs to be done.

Whilst I was away I sold my Prince Charming art doll. He has been sent off to the U.S.A. I'm so pleased but also a little sad to see him go. He was one of my favorites. One of my Christmas fairies has gone to a new home in the U.K too.