The Witch Watch

Alan Neal is My Hero

2011-12-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Or he will be once the Little Witches pay him a visit this coming Friday at CBC's Share Central. Alan Neal, host of CBC Ottawa's All in a Day, is perhaps unprepared for the azure and emerald visages of the witches in Full Form, replete with skates and Pansy Poppet in tow.

Come down to the Ben Franklin arena to see us shower attention on Neal!

All for a good cause, kiddies. All for a good cause.

In the meantime, look what we did to Glaswegian-in-Greenwich Adrian Harkin, one half of the dedicatee couple "Adrian and Johanna" who will be coming to Ottawa in February to experience the joy and splendour of a Canadian Winter. Adrian apparently thinks he'll only be playing ping pong, but we have a few post-Winterlude surprises for him.

Being a Glaswegian, he rarely touches the hard stuff, but I think our story drove him to it, as evidenced by the photo.

Till Friday, my dearies!
ETD

Lift Off!

2011-12-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the launch yesterday. We had such a good time -- the hot chocolate was hot, the cupcakes suitably wintery, and there was even some snow on the ground outside. The Pansy puppet worked marvellously! Susan, Kim and I want to especially thank Steph for the rainbow mitt and servery duties, Aaron for carrying heavy boxes, Abigayle and Genny for managing the money end of things, Caroline for the facepainting, and all our other friends and family members who support us in these adventures.

Liz, Susan and Kim hold a copy of the book, plus Flat Abby (drawn for us to look at, but not to take)! I'm quite naturally the one in green.

More photos after the JUMP:

Setting up

Greeting Young Guests

Getting face painted

Having fun at the paper bag puppet station

Beginning the reading

ENTER THE PUPPET

Things get exciting

Pansy saves the day, using her secret weapon (a blur in this shot -- you'll have to read the book!)

Interacting with our guests at the signing table

Personalizing with a signature

"How do I spell your name?"

More amazing face painting!

The colouring table

Genny and Abigayle, our sales girls

A paper bag puppet (again, for looking, not for keeping)

All photos taken by Kim Dalrymple.

We're pretty pleased with ourselves, and astonished with our friends -- so nice to see everyone yesterday. We're open to suggestions, too, because this was our first reading and we're working out what works, what we need to add, what we need to change. If you want to catch us again, we'll be at the Rockcliffe Community Centre in two weeks (the 17th at 10 in the morning). Be sure to catch us on All in a Day (CBC radio, 91.5 in the Ottawa area) on the 16th. We will be wearing skates for this fundraiser with Alan Neal.

Thanks, kisses, hugs!
ETD

A Week in the Country

2011-11-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Actually, it was only one night, but the ladies of Little Witch Press had a great time out at Kim's country estate. While there, we celebrated the arrival of the new book (it's here! it's here!), devised an entertaining launch event (December 3rd at the Firehall -- only five sleeps away), and plotted our next moves in the publishing world (cackling, of course).

While we are not necessarily seeking world domination (though a cup of tea would be nice), we would like children in other cities to know of our exploits. Plans are afoot to expand our publishing empire.

It all begins with a puppet. Yes, yes, she has proper clothes now. And mittens.

A big shout-out/thankyou to Steph Rea, who is busy creating Pansy the Puppet's Very Secret Weapon. You must come to the launch to see its debut! But I will likely be posting photos of the launch here, so you may get to see it after the fact.

Remember: Five sleeps. That's all.

The Puppet is Here!

2011-11-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

I believe we have a finished puppet. Or, at least, a finished puppet head. I'll work on the body tomorrow. But here are the steps:

After forming the head from foam and gluing it together, I spray painted it. Today, I added more features using acrylic paint

Doesn't she look fetching?

Then, I added button eyes and started in on the hair:

She looks like she's suffering from Male Pattern Baldness, I admit. But here she is more complete.

Notice that her mouth isn't quite right. That was the next step!

I carefully measured her mouth using a thin cardboard pattern. Then I cut the black foam and glued it on. She's enjoying a small pot on her head -- it helped hold her in place!

And here she is! Next? We work out about her clothes. But that's tomorrow!

Happy witching my dears -- book launch in just a short while! December 3rd -- mark your calendars. By then, the puppet will be in full form.

ETD

Puppet in Process

2011-11-22T17:57:00.000-08:00

It's been years since I've made a puppet. Honestly, I'd almost forgotten. After wrassling with a big piece of foam from Rockland Fabrics, I had to come up with a sort of pattern. Luckily, there was this site so I had something to go from.

Then I experimented with glue. I started with rubber cement, but it didn't work. I was a bit worried about setting Pansy the Puppet's head on fire with hot glue, but in the end it was what did it. I glued and glued and burned my fingers and finally I had a head! Then I modeled the nose bits. I'd already bought some button eyes, but the next step, which I did this afternoon, was the paint my form.

Here she is, drying upside down from my basement beams!

Plus, if you look carefully in the background, you can see the awesome coat of awesomeness that will be Pansy the Puppet's overcoat. VV Boutique -- how I love thee!

More photos to come as I paint and add more -- the next step...makeup! Then eyes! Then -- hair! I have a surprise for hair!

And little Ms. Sassy Rouge will be knitting our accessories. Can't argue with that.

But too labour-intensive to be a product line.

Best to all!

Elizabeth Todd Doyle

To Muppet, or Not To Muppet?

2011-11-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

My Special Dearies,

You see us -- and photographic proof is rampant on this blog -- green and blue, marching happily through the children's section of bookshops. But maybe the Little Witches are ready for a fresh approach. As many of you know, we have a new book coming out December 3rd, Witches Don't Do Winter.

What if, and bear with me here, what if we made puppets? Performed with good big puppets? In this story of sheer athleticism (something which many of you probably already associate me with), Pansy must ski, snowshoe, toboggan and stop a few pucks. That's a lot of work for a poor Witch...but not for a witch puppet.

Not too shabby, eh? We could equip her with baby clothing and Bob's your uncle! Plus, Susan and I can dress in "orchestra black", sans green and blue faces. My skin will thank you.

Thoughts?

Love,

Sandi Witch

End in Sight! Or, Is It?

2011-10-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,

Some of you may have spotted us at Pinecrest Chapters yesterday as we flitted about in our pre-Halloween giddiness. Here we are, in front of the IndigoKids! section. I think we look very smart. Our afternoon included reading from all three books, a brief fashion show (featuring my chicken wire tutu), and much coffee (photographic proof below).

After heavy caffeination, we resumed witchly duties, which seemed to now include a visit to Globo shoes (pronounced glob-o, don't let anyone tell you differently), because Pansy Witch needed a pair of knee-high riding boots in preparation (doubtlessly) for her brave foray into winter. More on that later. For Pansy, staying awake for the next few months of darkness is the equivalent of a college student pulling an all-nighter. I'm going to enjoy seeing this.

Today, defrocked, we infiltrated Saunders Farm as civilian witches (there is such a thing) and thoroughly enjoyed the mazes, the hayride, and the bouncy bubble. However, we made fast use of the Chicken Door in the House of Horrors. Not me, you understand. The littlest witches. They were...wanting to use the Chicken Door. Because it looked like fun. Not because they were scared, you understand.

Even though this is the end of the Halloween season, our fourth book, Witches Don't Do Winter is coming out in early December. Pansy has to stay awake allllllll winter this time. We'll post details about the upcoming party soon. Halloween will soon be over, and winter skies will be snow...and I'll tell you where the witches go and it's not Cozumel (regrettably).

In any case, tomorrow we'll see you at Lakeview School, if you happen to be a student there, or a teacher, or maybe a parent of a kid there. Or a witch. Because we know witches always come uninvited. It's how we roll.

Love and kisses,

Sandi Witch

Thank You, Rockcliffe School!

2011-10-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Students,

It was so lovely to see all your faces this morning! Susan and I had a lovely time (as Pansy and Sandi and Wilhelmina) in your classrooms. It's always great to talk about how our books come about.

I was especially pleased that when we asked what you thought our upcoming book Witches Don't Do Winter was about. You guessed almost all the things that we put in there! Except ice-fishing! Thank you Jack, for that suggestion. I wish we'd had it a little earlier, because I can totally see our witches out on the ice, cutting holes and pulling up a whopper.

Check us out this weekend at Saunders Farm, ValleyView Farm and Peace of Mind Creations in Almonte!

Love,

Sandi Witch

Sneak Peek! Shhhhhhh.

2011-09-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Lookit, everyone! Actually, shhhhhh. No, don't look.

Okay, come here. Let me show you something very, very exciting. It's the draft cover of our upcoming book, Witches Don't Do Winter (available for pre-order now -- launching in December!)

Isn't it beautiful????

Thank you, Sister Kimmie, for all your work in taking the drawings and making them look lovely! xxxx Sandiwitch xxxxx

WOTS 2011 - One for the Books

2011-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

We've done another Word on the Street, my dearies. We met lots and lots of lovely people, but alas, none of them were green. Or blue. The weather couldn't have been more spectacular. Pansy Witch was hoping for a nice coffee wagon, but the kind WOTS organizers haven't quite gotten there yet. Little Witch Press was sandwiched (not sandiwitched) between the nicest people from Victoria BC (Judy and David from Bee Smart Books) and the fabulous Nathalie Prézeau of Toronto Fun Places (plus her daughter Roxanne!). Her guide to family fun in Toronto will soon be joined by a walking guide for girlfriends in the Big City. I think all the Little Witches should get one so we can stroll Toronto and eat and shop!

Pansy had her biggest, biggest grin for everyone:

Thanks to everyone who dropped by and said hello.

Lots of love, Sandiwitch

Watch Out Toronto!

2011-09-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true my dearies! The witches are once again on the fly.

This time, we'll be in Toronto for the Word On The Street enormous book festival (Sunday, September 25th, 2011). You might have trouble finding us, as we blend into the crowd. You know. The blue face, the chickenwire tutu. I know! Listen for the cackles!

Joining us this year is Roslyn Witch, whom you might recognize by her skunk. Don't worry. The skunk is usually well behaved.

Otherwise, please say 'hi' to us when you pass by our booth in Kids Alley. We don't bite! (but we might nibble, particularly if you have an ice cream or cookie with you).

Love,
Sandi Witch

Our December

2010-12-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

We've been having a lovely December, cooking up all the goodies for the upcoming holidays.

What.

That's right, kids. Now that Halloween is over (and trick-or-treat is done), we've had lots of time for high-jinks and fun! We flew into Tracy Arnett's Annual Christmas Movie Sunday last weekend, and then we were at First Avenue Daycare for a visit.

First Avenue Daycare? That's one awesome daycare! I think I would like to be a kid again and live in that daycare. Do you think that would be okay? Do you think the kids would mind if a witch was living at their daycare? No?

That's right. I didn't think so.

All the best,

Sandi Witch!

Witches in the Museum!

2010-10-31T14:15:00.000-07:00

If anyone was at the Children's Museum today, you may have spotted Pansy and Sandi performing in the theatre space. The two witches had a GREAT time. They read from all three books -- Where Do Witches Go, What Do Witches Do? and Witches Don't Do Ballet -- and were surprised, delighted and astonished at all the little dancers who joined them onstage. You are all fantissimo! Unique! One-of-a-kind!

Last night, the witches could be spotted at the Glebe Community Centre, performing at the Great Glebe Pumpkin Party, and earlier at Tiggy Winkles in Westboro.

The witches are flying off tonight to enjoy highjinks in the neighbourhood! Look for the little witches at book fairs and recitals over the next few months. In the meantime, happy trick-or-treating!

Happily yours,

The Little Witches of Little Witch Press

3...2...1... We Have Achieved Liftoff!

2010-10-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

That's right, my dears, the Little Witches have just successfully launched our newest book, Witches Don't Do Ballet. Today at Old Ottawa South's Firehall, dozens of little readers bustled about colouring, guessing the candy jar contents, and listening to our new story.

Unfortunately my dears, I may have eaten one too many cupcakes. Okay. Maybe three too many cupcakes.

We'd love to hear how you enjoyed it -- and let us know what kind of party you'd like to see next year! Check back soon for pictures.

Lots of love,

Sandi Witch

Ready, Set...LAUNCH!

2010-10-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

That's right, my dears...the Big Launch is almost here! This Sunday (October 17) from 2:00 until 4:00, join me (Sandi), Wilhelmina, and Pansy as we flounce about like maniacs, spelling and charming everyone in our path. Cupcakes, my dears...cupcakes! There will be storytelling, etc. etc. All at the Firehall (Old Ottawa South Community Centre on Sunnyside).

We may even have some special guests -- I hear Roslyn might be in town! Who knew? And as for that skunk of hers. Well, we really must come up with names for all our creatures. I feel a contest comin' on!

It would be lovely if you all could come in costume -- that way we won't recognize you! And tell all your friends!

Yours in pumpkin madness,

Sandi Witch

xoxoxo

Dance, dance, dance!

2010-09-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Sandi Witch,

It's your friend Wilhelmina writing. Let me assure you: WITCHES DO INDEED DO BALLET.

It's true! Look at the photos! Also, a very nice little girl showed me what to do.

And besides, I have a tutu and everyone knows that a tutu makes the ballerina.

Even Pansy said it looked good, and Pansy knows how to dress.

Come by and the cat and I will give you a little lesson...

Lots of witchy love,

Wilhelmina!

Wordy Witches on the Street

2010-09-28T16:59:00.000-07:00

Oh MY! Did we ever get some looks from people on Sunday at the Word on the Street. Anyone would think that they'd never seen a witch before! Maybe it was my hair, or I had something stuck between my teeth. It's possible, don't laugh. I get stuff stuck between my teeth, especially if I eat it quickly.

That's me on the right, Sandi Witch. Pansy Witch is in blue. Very fetching, don't you think? Elsie Nisonen was kind enough to take our picture, along with only about a gazillion complete strangers.

Many people came by to see us and have us sign our new book, Witches Don't Do Ballet (I really can't say if witches DO do ballet; whatever that Wilhelmina's doing certainly doesn't look like ballet to me).

Later, Wilhelmina dropped by and did a little dance:

A fun day was had by all! We even got some truly delicious Girl Guide cookies courtesy of a very little witch named Miriam (they were the minty kind, my favourite!).

Thank you everyone who dropped by -- we had to fly back to Ottawa afterwards, ably fueled by Diet Coke and some sugary stuff Pansy bought.

More later, your pal,
Sandi