Magic paws

End of story, end of November. Next week, we begin the long run up to Christmas.

The soot thickens

The soot's been a real pain to generate in Photoshop. I think next time I have to do anything like this I'll go back to creating the effect on the original drawing using a chinagraph pencil. I'm starting to rely on post-production too much.

Aaaaak!

A sequel to a strip from a month ago - the one that started the train of thought that led to this set of strips...

"Yt's a Jollye Ollyeddye wiv yoo, Mayrye Popppinssss."

Sometimes it's good to go full out silly. (By the way, did I mention that Perkins, the cat that inspired this set, was owned by Charles Dickens' Great Great Grandson, Gerald? That has nothing to do with P L Travers and Mary Poppins, but has a tangental relationship to kids being bunged up chimneys.)

Whumpf

I used to live on the top floor of an old Victorian house. In the flat on the floor below me there was a cat named Perkins. When his folks decided to open up their fireplace and start burning solid fuel again, Perkins found the tunnel this uncovered to be fascinating. Before the chimney had a chance to be swept he decided to try it himself by climbing up the flue. With the results you see here. 

The pattern of the fireplace surround is a tribute to the ranch style fireplace Samantha had in her open plan house in 'Bewitched'. One day I will have a house with that fireplace. One day...

(PS. Ssssshhhh. I'm 49 today...)