Alchemy Scarf

Finally I've finished my fall scarf! It's made of the luxurious 'Alchemy silk yarn'... can't wait to wear it. It is so very soft and the colors are variegated olive green and a light chocolate brown. These photos don't really do it justice... plus you have to feel it for the 'full effect'! It's still too warm to wear it , but what a cozy feeling to be knitting in the cool, breezy evening, sitting on the floor with family. After I weave the 'tails' in I'll be focusing on finishing a pair of socks for my mom's birthday in November.

Unfinished

Estelle

Teenager, Drawing

Store Display

If I was in school right now I'd get a big 'I' for incomplete! I have been making some drawings the past week or 2 but can't seem to carve out enough time to actually paint and finish them. Grrrr. But, life has been happening... and good stuff, I'm happy to say! We have a lot of birthdays in Sept and Oct in our family. (also Nov and Dec!) So, we've been cooking and partying quite a bit around here. Maybe this week it will all come together!

On another note, I was featured in lavender Wool's treasury on Etsy! Thank you so much, Lav - it's nice to be in such great company! You can visit them at http://lavenderwool.com . To see the treasury, click here: www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=11852

Practice, Practice, Practice

Confession - I love doing calligraphy. I took numerous classes from the fabulous Carol Du Bosch while living in Portland, OR. Whenever I practice or do a calligraphy project, I can hear her words about how to form the letters, picture her demonstrating in class and warning us that not practicing religiously was simply unacceptable. What an outstanding teacher she was, I miss her!

So, I set up the writing table, opened my ink and got to practicing. Right now I'm reviewing pointed italic. I'm hoping to make a few Christmas gifts (books) and maybe even do a Christmas card and print it on the Gocco printer. (that is if I can produce some decent lettering - it really takes a commitment to get back up to par!)

3 Generations

Sketch of my maternal grandmother

Sketch of my maternal great-grandmother

My daughter at the beach ... 21 mo old. (arg! the far arm and leg are pretty funky - I'll be editing in a new drawing...this is when I miss using pencil)

I had a cancellation in my usual Wednesday routine and jumped at the chance to catch up on some painting and drawing while my daughter played at the sand table! Searching around the house for some people to draw, I ran across an old Thanksgiving photograph I recently acquired and started drawing. (I think it's from the late 1940's). I like to change up the hair and clothing sometimes - just for fun. There's more to share in the coming days... hopefully I'll have some of them painted.

Autumn Pillows

(back of the Underwood pillow)

I finally finished some more pillows today. These are woodblocks printed with an etching press on linen. These have a nice texture and tactile quality I hadn't realized would be so pleasing to the eye. (if you click on the image it may be more visible, but there's nothing like the naked eye!) They're stuffed with bamboo fiber... which I kept running out of and had to keep getting more. These are for the upcoming show but there's even more to be made for another local gallery and some for the etsy shop.

Puppet Show...

My kids and I have been building a puppet theater out of a cardboard box. We have it cut and painted. Next, we'll decorate and add curtains. They wanted specific animals so, I dragged out my craft felt (poly felt) and started cutting away.

My son was so excited that I was making something especially for him. It was really cute and made me realize I need to make more toys than we buy because the process is so much fun for all of us. This is what I always thought being a mom would feel like... making stuff for my kids, watching them play... doing what my mom did for us. It was definitely a day I'll relish for years to come!

Friday Drawing

Dinner Out

Here's a funny little scene in a Portland restaurant. I'll probably paint it today and Sat. I'm changing up my art time... getting up earlier and working silently (well - NPR's on) while the house is still asleep. I've been so distracted by the computer, the news, movies, etc. lately I have to 'turn off' in order to focus and enjoy. I'm even thinking of cutting down on posts to just 3 a week. (but, I do love the feedback, so that may be tough to do!) Oh, and... unplugging the TV.

Life gets too overloaded - I don't want to be so distracted I can't absorb the beauty of fall. We have had our first signs this week, the leaves are starting to turn ..it makes me want to sing a happy song! My daughter's 2nd birthday is Tuesday... I'm planning a little party for her - so fun! Have a good weekend.