Like Minds

Saturday evening I had the pleasure of seeing the documentary Handmade Nation by Faythe Levine. It was a treat. I am lucky to work in a community of independent minded artists & crafters who value handmade over mass produced, handcraft over convenience. I am fortunate to be able to express my creativity daily and eek out a reasonable living doing so. It gives me great joy to see others doing the same all over the nation! We are artists, crafters, self taught, art schooled, all with a voice of our own and an appreciation of each others work. It is a community like no other, supportive, creative, inventive and I am happy to be among so many talented folks.

January 12, 2010 For the Birds

So I have been in waiting rooms lots the past few weeks, sick children, sick vehicles. It allows for some quality sketching time.
These green birds were a result of the scribblie black one top right. Can you tell what I was listening to some Bob Marley ?

Sketch book January 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10

Used these to wrap some gifties, in pretty red


I'm thinking Family Tree...we'll see



Sketches for a calendar



and these are for an alphabet poster I'm working on.

Another Birthday

What I think of 50

I Just had a birthday...a big number, I believe well past my halfway mark, as so nicely put by one of my younger brothers. Often at the mention of the age 50, the response is "You don't look 50" or more often "50 is the new 30". I am OK with being 50, evey year of it. 50 is not the new 30, it's 50! I think this is what 50 looks like. We are a new generation of 50. Each preceeding year has made me who I am at 50. Each trial & triumph, sorrow & joy, dissapointment & goal. I accept every line on my face, if a wrinkle is the price I pay for every laugh & smile then I am happy to have paid that price (even though many mornings I barly recognize my face in a mirror).Modern techniques make it possible to have these erased, but I would not, each line has a story behind it.

The path to 50 has not been straight and direct, there have been many forks in the path taken, with some serious bumps along the way. I have loved and have lost those that I have loved deeply. At the time the pain and sorrow unbearable. Amazingly, some how I made it through and still am able to love, knowing that loss will appear again. My heart has ached more than I ever dreamed bearable, but knowing that pain has not kept me from love.
I believe at 50 we become stronger, more compassionate, may be a little less physically able, more recovery time needed as evidenced after a long hike, bike or late night, but we still jump in, feet first.

At 50 I am truly comfortable speaking my truth. I don't try to please EVERYONE anymore. I don't so much care if I am liked by all. In 50 years I have met & become friends with a wide variety of people and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. I would consider anyone very lucky to be able to be in their company and it is my good fortune that they count me as their friend.They are amazing and from different stages in my life, but I hold them all near & dear and I am grateful.

At 50 can honestly say I am a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend. I have loads of experience.

At 50 I cannot say I have "found myself". I am still a work in progress. I hope to be true to my ideals and not offend others by doing so. I am more forgiving. I try to not hold a grudge. I have realized I will not like everyone and they me. I am ok with that. I have also realized I am not always right and for those who truly know me, you know it took me a long time to be able to say that. I feel 50 is the infant of old age, our journey just beginning. I cannot fight growing old, but growing up...NEVER! I choose to be the age in my heart. I am in amazing company, some of my favorite people have turned or are aproaching this mysterious number. So I ask... how old would you be if you did not know your age?

Happy Birthday all you Capricorns!

Jan.4

Inspired by mushrooms, patterns turn up is the most unexpected places.

About the process

Happy 2010! A new year means a few new sketch books. I fill many a year. I am often asked about the process. I always start w/sketches. I draw all the time. I have a sketch book in my car, purse, briefcase, desk, bedroom. I am never without one. I take them on vacation, while I am in waiting rooms, train planes & automobiles. I sketch patterns, flowers, houses, landscapes, rain drops, shoes, lamps, mugs, sinks, people, animals. I sketch ideas for new clothing patterns, block prints, card ideas. I sometimes draw as a direct result of a phrase overheard, or a line in a song. A few years ago I challenged my self to a painting a day. It was great, the work...some good, others, well, not so good, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the process. So in 2010 I will try to share my sketch book daily...weekly. I will let you see whats cooking on the pages of my books.

For my Friend Sue's 50th Bday, I wanted to make her something special. So I start with an idea.


I tighten sketch & add some color.


This is a wedding invite I am working on...


A little color...


This is what I hope the bride & groom are looking for.

Greetings & Cheer

This is the nativity scene in our home. Years ago when my oldest (now 15) was 7, she was terribly upset at our lack of a beautiful nativity scene. She and her then 5 year old brother created this scene (until we save money for a "Pretty one" she explained) all by themselves. I cannot think of a better use for Barbie, Ken, Rescue Heros and playskool barn set. It is the most beautiful nativity scene ever (in my mind anyway).
Now at 15 & 12, they both still drag out the scene and set it up. At midnight the golf ball is removed from Mary's belly and baby Jesus is placed in the manger. Gone are the thoughts of purchasing a "Pretty one". It is one of our favorite parts of the Holiday season.