Sketch

Sketch of little Zoe

I tried to paint tonight. Let's just put it this way, I am rusty. It's been a few months. I tried and tried to work on several different ideas and just struggled all night long. So I decided to use the opportunity to sketch with pencil and paint. I don't usually take the time to do this. I did have fun. I have these two really lovely vintage gold frames that I painted black. I have wanted to do a painting of Zoe for one and Aris for the other for quite some time now. I think this color study sketch will be the idea behind the final painting. We will see. I am struggling with how I should proceed with my art. I have so many styles that I enjoy doing. Should I just stick to one? Feel free to leave suggestions.

Photographs

Photo from LIFE archives

This one reminded me of  Norman Rockwell's painting "The Road block." Have you had a chance to use this new tool on the Google image home page? LIFE and Google collaborated to archive all of their images from magazines over the years. It is fascinating and fun to search through. 

Photo from Life archives

I love old photo's of children. I love looking at the way they used to dress and I wonder what life was like for them.

I found this on the Internet somewhere. I love their outfits and lunch boxes. This picture reminds me of an old photo I have that I used for a painting in art school. Do I feel a painting coming on? Do you love that little guys hat as much as I do?

I found this via the Internet also. Most old photos that I find no longer have a home. When I find these photos in boxes at yard sales or thrift stores, they haunt me. Calling my name. I stare at them and try to figure out how someone first of all would get rid of such treasures. Then I imagine the stories each photo tells. A mother with her children, so devoted and loving, probably going though some of the same trials that we modern day mothers go through. I then wonder if the same fate will come to our photos. Memories on paper, faded and sometimes blurry but always special. Old photos are one of my favorite things. Just thought I would share.

Pins for the Special Olympics

These are just a few examples of the pins that are traded.

I have had a few new visitors to my blog lately. It's so fun and you always end up meeting other bloggers through their blogs. Kimberly from Seriously Daisies dropped by the other day. She actually doesn't live to far from me. Her blog is cute and while reading her blog I was directed to Courtney's blog where I read more about this fun tradition. I am sending off some buttons/pins on Monday. Please go and check out Courtney's blog to find out how you can help with this wonderful idea.

Feeling a little Valentine-ish

I have been feeling a little Valentine-ish these days. So I called up my dear friend Hillary and asked if I could come and borrow her Mac that has a Photoshop program on it. Note to self:: Mac Photoshop program is a must buy when I have some duckets. She so kindly showed me how to use the program and this is what I came up with, she helped a little. Smiles. Thanks Hill. I got the above digital scrapbook elements from the wonderful Shabby Princess. I love their site. Hillary introduced them to me, she digital scrapbooks. In addition to Shabby Princess having a lovely assortment of digital downloads you can purchase, they also offer some lovely free downloads. Hope you have fun visiting their site and I look forward to posting some pictures of the finish doll dresses this weekend. They have taken me a little longer than I had initially thought they would (doesn't that always happen with sewing projects?) but I am having fun with them and that's what counts. I can't wait to start all my Valentine art next week. I hope I am not too late. Hope you all have a fun and creative weekend.

A Little Photography & Afternoon Snuggles

Cristin

Stinkin' cute boots

Seriously can't wait to see this movie

I thought I would share some of my little sister's photography with you. Cristin has such talent. I don't think she realizes it yet. I am encouraging her to follow this talent as she is taking classes in school. I love the way she looks at the world. These are a few of her photos from her recent trip to Boston. She was able to stay with her dear friend Aspen from school, and I guess as an added bonus she was able to see her sweetheart Chris while she was there. I can't wait to hear all about the trip.

I am off to snuggle up with my sweet little Zoe. It has become somewhat of a ritual lately. I put Aris to bed in the girls room. Then Zoe asks to sleep in my bed. How can I resist? I clean up the morning mess and lay down with my little snuggle buddy. All toasty like under the covers. It's especially nice on days like today. The sky has been grey and moody since I woke up this morning. Days like today make nap time even more enjoyable. Tonight Sloan and I will go to the diabetes support group. After that I will be sewing my little heart out. Can't wait to show you the finished dresses.