productivity flags, continues

Things are moving a bit more slowly (and messily!) around here than I'd like, as I've hurt my back again. I finally caved and called the chiropractor yesterday, after gasping and yelping in pain most of Wed. It's still pretty bad - every sneeze or cough that I feel coming has me grasping for something to brace against. Chiropractor says it's probably already begun to heal itself, but I'm to take it easy all weekend.

Anyways, I'd give all the details, but I don't want to. I'd much rather ask for you to share your opinions on this:

I started drawing on this platter a few days ago, but I haven't decided if this is it, or if I should do more. I was thinking I might do a little bit more - a vignette, if you will - kind of kitty-corner on the opposite side/curve of the platter. What do you think? A little more? All the way around? Leave as is?

I don't know what I'll do with it when it's done. It might end up being a yuletide gift for a friend, or praps I'll shove it in the cupboard. Should I colour it all in, do you think? I kind of like the black and white, but I'm not certain that I wouldn't like it better with a bit of green. Thoughts?

Here's another glimpse of what's been going on around here - I bought (and broke, darn it!) my first two felting needles and some black and white roving today. Until I ran out of the proper tools, I was happily trimming this little one out with some tufty shading. Now I'm trying to figure out eye placement (no, this is not some form of stuffed-animal torture). I can't wait to show you when it's all done, I think this one may get a cape or a vest - some sort of clothing. Of course, the finished pics are going into the yule file for now...expect to see it again in a few months!