Arizona

Catus Flower

This one was quite challenging, but I'm pleased with how it turned out! :) 

Alaska

This is a little better.

The 50 Flowers Project--Alabama

I will readily admit that I have no formal training in any artistic technique.  I see what I want to draw or paint and then I just work at it until I like what I have.  A couple of months ago it dawned on me that I needed to practice, practice, practice drawing what I see.  I LOVE flowers of all types, so I decided to start there.  My favorite flower is the Gladiolus, and I began searching "The Google" for pictures of Gladiolus.  I came across the 50 States Official Flower page, and I was hooked.  Now I have embarked on a sketch a day (15 minute sketches) to improve my skill and have a designated enjoyment at the end of the day.  I do love sketching! :)

So here we go!

Alabama Camelia

This one is pretty rough, but I know I will improve as I practice.

Dear Blog, how long I have left you!

Wow!  It was February and now it's November!  Here's some of what I've been up to since then:

Tropical Georgia

One for Audrey

Rejoice

Morning by Morning New Mercies I See

Blue Vintage

January--A Poem from October

Perfect end-October evening
passing whisps in clouds under
a spot hot moon full of it's own November wishes

My feet are cold~frigid with tomorrow's thoughts
long before today is resting

I am trapped by distraction
unable to sit still; afraid to go and do

Betrothed to impatience; married to restlessness
pregnant with fuss; nursing dismay

my prayers escape like bright fleck sparks
from the wood fire my neighbors are burning
in warmth and clarity

January--Studies for new paintings

I've had a few sources of inspiration in the form of orders this month...here are a few study sketches in preparation for these works.

 

 

 

 

 

January--Sewing Project--Finished?

Happy New Year!  I finally finished sewing a design that I've been working on for several months now.  I'm not sure what the end product will be (throw pillow, wall art, baby bib...), but I'm glad to have finished a design that was stuck in my head.

Here it is:

It measures 18" x 24"

Here are some detail pictures :)

 

 

I really enjoyed choosing the colors and designing this piece.  I simply could not get it out of my mind until I had actually put it together.  

December-Christmas: First and Last

Wow!  It's been a month or so since I posted anything.  I have been busy, and now that it's a mere three days until Christmas, and my husband is working late, I have a few moments to reflect.  So now for the 2009 List of Christmas Firsts and Lasts:

First year to participate in Black Friday shenanigans
Last year to stay up late the night before Black Friday; I should have had my butt in bed


First year to experience Christmas as a married woman
Last year to have no idea what to get for my husband


First year to have our real tree become a fire hazard within a week of purchase
Last year to launch a Christmas tree off a three-story balcony


First year to not have turned on the heater even once
Last year to stay up until 2am baking--one can hope


First year to not decorate the yard (because we don't have one)
Last year to go without Dove Chocolate Peppermint Bark--what was I thinking?

First year to make cheese straws
Last year to leave all of the goodies at my brother's house   :)


First year to ship most of my Christmas gifts
Last year to enter any Wal-mart store after December 20th

First year to attend 3 or 4 separate family celebrations
Last year (hopefully) to not have all of my family together at once


First year to eat carrot souffle-no offense to the chef
Last year to eat carrot souffle


First year to have a Christmas Budget
Last year to blow said Christmas Budget

Merry Christmas everyone!

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy" Matthew 2:10

October--More Hand Drawn Designs :)

Don't Let a Good Friend Go...or How to Save Your Favorite Blanket :)

Most of you know that I used to live in Korea.  One of my favorite places to shop in Korea is the art/historic district In Sah Dong.  Several years ago, I bought two simple quilted blankets one rainy Saturday afternoon in Korea.  Well, I've had the blankets for about 5 years now, and they are starting to show some wear.  After all, my cat loves to make them into her nest, and I have used them as part of my regular bed linens for that entire time.  Regular use and washing has left the white one with two unsightly tears...booooo!  I'm not about to get rid of my favorite blanket.  So I made a repair :) 

I was not able to fully cover the tear, but at least now I know the tear will not "grow."

I still have to sew a button on to make the "middle" of the flower, but I really like the way this looks so far.

 

Admittedly, I need more practice as a seamstress...

 I really had fun picking out the fabrics at JoAnn's.  They had all of their "fat quarters" on sale for $.99, so I picked out three patterns of white for the large petals of the flower, and then a really lovely cream for the smaller petals.  I'm very pleased with how these colors compliment the existing blanket--my favorite!! :)