I was tired of my old banner at the top of my blog and decided it was time for a fresh look. I recently changed the fonts I used, but I still wanted a new banner. This morning I painted the Carolina Chickadee and thought I would like to use it. So I painted the tree branch on a vintage French document and Photoshopped them together. I hope you like the new look.
Don't be afraid of the white surface. Just put some paint, uh, coffee on it!
Spread the coffee out a bit.
I forgot to tell you that before you begin, have a cherry popsicle to relax you.
It's important to load just the right amount of coffee onto the brush!
I like to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.
Oops! Every good artist makes a mess now and then.
Mmm, my painting is starting to look kind of like a doggy or maybe my Dub-dad.
A couple of years ago, I was involved in so many round robins and swaps that I became overwhelmed and, eventually, burned out. When those commitments were over, I refused to sign up for any more. Guess what I found out? Without those commitments, the muse went bye-bye! Now, I'm not going to over-commit again, but I've learned I need the pressure of a couple of swaps to keep my inspiration. This year, my Oh My Gothic group is doing a Skinny Book Round Robin, and I'm very excited about it. The size is 4" x 8", and I love that tall, vertical format. Each of us has chosen a theme, and the page above is for Caryl's "The Essence of Dreams" theme. In describing her theme, Caryl said she welcomed stone angels, and that was good enough for me. Here's the reverse side.
I won a major award! Do you know that movie "A Christmas Story"? If so, you'll remember that line in the movie. Well, I didn't win a leg lamp — thank goodness — but I did win Alys, one of Joanne Huffman's beautiful handcrafted art dolls. Here is the beautiful Alys.
According to Joanne, Alys knows that there are truths that transcend facts and can be found in art and fiction. She is a very wise woman.
Joanne has recently reopened her web site. It is filled with wonderful things for sale like other art dolls, unique polymer clay buttons, journals, collage sheets and lots more. You should definitely check it out by clicking here.
a new blog by an incredibly talented woman who just happens to be my sister, Laurie. Click on her name to go there, and you will see diverse art forms such as linoleum block printing, bookmaking (the legal kind!), watercolors, portraiture — and get to read about the process too. If you leave a comment, tell her you found her through her big sister.
The inspector is my cat, Annabelle. I had just finished this basket for an Easter basket swap when Annabelle jumped up to check it out. She gave it 2 paws up, so now it's on its way to Karen Campbell, also affectionately known as Karen Brattypants.
Once the basket was in the mail, I finished a necklace I started a few days ago.
Years ago I read Harlan Ellison's short story with this title, and although the story has faded a bit from my memory, I'll never forget the title. From what I remember, the human body had evolved into a blob with a functioning brain but no limbs ... or mouths! I felt a little mouth-less a few days ago. My cellphone died a quick and merciful death, followed closely by the demise of my modem. I was cut off from the world! Yes, it's true, I had contact with nearby family and friends, but what about my online friends? How could I survive not knowing what they were up to? Or, how could they survive not knowing what I was up to? What did we do before this world of instant communication? Yes, it has its pitfalls. Sometimes, I wish I could escape the ring of an ever-present phone. But ... when I don't have that phone, I'm nervous about driving without it. What if my car breaks down? What if I have a wreck? Thankfully, the cellphone and the modem have been replaced. Once again, I have a mouth, and I can even scream ... if I need to.
(Yikes! I've been cleaning house all day, sat down at the computer for the few available minutes I have before starting dinner, and my husband calls. "I'm on my way home. Didn't get to eat lunch. Fix me something." Hmmm ... maybe I need to rethink this need for a cellphone.)
Once again, I'm joining in the One World One Heart giveaway. Last year I made so many new online friends through this program that it was definitely worth it. As a matter of fact, last year's winner of my giveaway is now one of my dearest friends. Who cares if she lives in the Netherlands and I'm here in the USA? Art and friendship can transcend man-made boundaries and even oceans. So, here is my giveaway for this year.
I call it "Bird Quilt", but it is actually a wall hanging made of my handmade paper-fabric with fabric on the reverse side. I'll throw in a cute wire hanger with a heart in it and a couple of small clothespins to attach it. If you'd like a chance to win this bird quilt, just leave a comment to this post only. Be sure I can get in touch with you by leaving your e-mail address or the link to your blog. Leave your comment before 12 noon EST on February 11. I will randomly pick one winner from all the comments, and I'll announce the winner on this blog on February 12. (If you win, I will also contact you directly through your e-mail or blog. That's why it's important that you leave that information.)
Yesterday I received this fresh bay leaf wreath from Williams-Sonoma. Oh my gosh! It smells so good! I first noticed it as I opened the box and the lovely aroma began to waft out and fill the room. And this year, for the first time in several years, I have a live tree, so I'm also surrounded by the lovely pine aroma too. I wish I could attach these delightful scents to this post just as I attach photos.
Now that his mom has returned to work, I have the privilege of keeping my grandbaby, Bobby, a couple of days each week. This is how he looked when I picked him up the other morning.
I wish you could see it better, but he's wearing a reindeer snow suit. It's so cute! Not only are there antlers on the head, but there are little reindeer faces and antlers on the feet as well. I love the way Bobby is pointing his finger at me. It looks like he's trying to tell me something, doesn't it?
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