~*~

Mono Prints

2012-02-11T16:12:00.000-08:00

This is an art lesson I did with my granddaughter's class. We made mono prints using plexiglass, black tempera paint, a big brush to spread the paint on the plexiglass, a q-tip, one color paper and one piece of newspaper.
I had 8 pieces of plexiglass, so for the class of 24, We printed in groups of 8, three times, while the teacher had the other students finishing a story they were writing to go with a previous art lesson.

We drew in lines--all kinds, overlapping--we didn't draw any objects or letters, just lines, and we did this quickly so the paint wouldn't dry. They laid down their color paper to press or rub with their hands, then pulled up their print...(the best part!)

With another dollop of paint, they repeated the process to print on their newspaper...

Second week: they cut into their newspaper mono print, following their crazy lines--deciding which way to go at every junction, making an interesting shape. I had them place it on their color print and turn the papers in all directions to find out how they wanted to glue it on.

I passed out three shiny gold papers to glue on--this gold paper takes on the shape of the glue underneath. You can peel off the paper and the gold remands where the glue has dried!
The students hadn't peeled off the papers yet in the first two photos.
They came up with some pretty creative titles to their combined prints.

Pollen in Puddles

2012-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

We've had a very dry rainy season here in Morro Bay; because of that, the pollen (mostly from the pine trees), has collected. This small rain we just received, pushed large amounts of pollen around in some creative ways...

Lightening pollen...

A large headed horse/like creature with a rounded snout, looming up, pollen...

An upside down person walking with an umbrella?--you figure it out...

Van Gogh's, A Starry Night...

Etch A Sketch--check out the reddish/brown stick just under the surface--it sticks out just enough to draw a line in the pollen as the puddle moves. The wind moved the puddle back against its down hill flow a few times...

Crescent moon pollen...

Eruption pollen...

Responsible safety sidewalk pollen.

An Evening Ritual

2012-02-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter directed this ritual on the beach for our anniversary. We were ready to go, kind of chilly, but I'm glad we stayed for this gift she gave us...

She found two roughly shaped heart rocks, one for each of us, placed them just so...

Then positioned us--(kneeling on the wet sand), to take this picture

Makeshift Ribbon Wands

2012-02-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter expressed an interest to be in her school's variety show doing a ribbon dance. I made these clumsy ribbon wands using supplies I had on hand. The streamers are a touch too heavy, cut from some packaging material I've held onto. I didn't have any narrow cardboard tubing and I thought sticks would be too painful if and when they get too close. I cut a large tube in half down the middle and used clear packaging tape--pretty ugly. I used a lollipop stick, glued it into a hole drilled in a cork. Eyelet/ed the folded end of the streamer to turn freely around the pop stick and glued the bead on the end. I'll probably refine these--find lighter ribbons--silk would be nice--better tubing, but these were fun on the beach!

Tracks in the Sky and Sand

2012-02-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

It was fun to follow my husband's tracks--there were no others--I knew they were his...

Here, he stopped to look at the view, then did a sharp pivot almost backtracking...

We met and sat in a warm curve on the dune for awhile...

by passed the unfortunate bird--this carcass loomed large from a distance--we thought it was a person!...

Our footprints showed the wrinkles on the bottoms of our feet! (I think my camera was blinking from the glaring sand.)

Kayaking to the Sand Spit

2012-01-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

We had a few days to ourselves, (a rare event). We Kayaked across Morro Bay to one of my favorite places, the sand spit. The winds there work the dunes into river-lets of sand; it swipes away footprints so the stretch of land looks like no one has ever set foot out there.

Wedding Invitations

2012-01-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

I've waited to post about this project, but I do believe all the invitations have been mailed and have reached their destinations. My son and his fiancee had the notion to make their wedding invitations, paper and all!
After the first attempts with various screens and not too attractive gray and misshapen bits of paper, many people, myself included, told them to go buy some handmade paper!
I give them credit, they persevered and came up with some very original invitations that can be planted--(there are seeds imbedded in the paper!)
Improvements were made along the way:

A blender purchased from a thrift shop and yellow office paper ready to be recycled,

a better screen and deckle set up, thanks to their friends who made them. The wider or deeper deckle catches more pulp, making a thicker paper,

a little strip of felt along the very edge, to help the paper release from the screen onto the larger piece of felt. It does make a ridge, but I had to do something to get that paper onto the felt and this worked most of the time.

I don't have a picture for the next step, but I found out it's an important one--to roll out the paper. After getting the paper onto the felt (which was the tricky part), We laid another piece of felt on top, placed the paper and felt sandwich on a folded towel and with a rolling pin, rolled it. This flattens the paper and also rolls the water out, to aid in drying.

Peel the dry paper off the felt. (notice the cat prints on the closest paper) I then pressed the dry papers under a pile of books.

All the invitations were decorated and written out by hand. We had a few marathon paper-making days here--I learned a lot, and now I'm making a few screens in the hopes that I can create paper with my granddaughter's class at her school. Yes, for those who've followed this blog, you know that I've stayed away from art teaching for quite some time, but it felt right to volunteer some art lessons to her class. So far, I'm enjoying being in the classroom again and most importantly, I'm embarrassing my granddaughter--(in a good way) If I get the chance to click a few pictures, I may post about the lessons.

A Dream Dragon

2012-01-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Funny how dreams sneak up and around and even jump ahead of you...
Flipping back through my dream journal, I found this little drawn dragon-like creature. I must have stored him in my subconscious, because months later I made these little clay creatures for party favors. After finding my drawing, I just had to put the two together. I like how dreams and dream images work their way into our lives.

A Friend, a Feather, and a Feathered Friend on a Friday Afternoon

2012-01-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Last Friday my granddaughter asked to use my camera--she had a friend over who also had a camera--these pictures were taken on the fly--here's a little photo essay.

Doll Repair

2012-01-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

This is my oldest daughter's very first rag doll--this doll has been through quite a lot. She was even kidnapped when my husband, who, for some reason, (maybe the doll was left behind after a father/daughter day?), kept her on his electric cart at work and one morning found a ransom note in its place. I wonder what he had to do or pay to get "Mr. Man" back from his fellow worker---that's what they called her at that time, "Mr. Man", how humiliating!

My daughter asked if I would fix both dolls. The monkey, (who's foot you can see), I had made for my son when he was about 9. My daughter loved it so much she traded one of her dolls(?) for the monkey--but mice eventually found the rice I had weighted his feet with and nibbled holes in the toes.

For dolls, both are old--the rag doll is close to 30 and the monkey, close to 20. As luck and thrift would have it, I actually found some scraps of the very same material the monkey was made from, so I could simply replace his feet! The rag doll, on the other hand...well I could have started over! I took one little step at a time--new skin--a little more hair--turned the vest inside out to reveal the now brighter underside and then a new embroidered face, based on the old painted one.

A final wash--good as new!?

My Aunt, Grandmother and Mother

2012-01-02T08:39:00.000-08:00

I played with my granddaughter's Shrinky Dink jewelry making kit last night and stayed up a little too late, drawing these little portraits from a picture that I love--I was curious if a little portrait with pencil and Sharpie marker would shrink and still be recognizable--I think so!

Happy 2012

2012-01-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

Our finished Calendar---I still have more to make!

A Birthday and then Christmas!

2011-12-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

Blowing out the candles in a tent on a cold and windy day--the tree on Christmas morning, (after being decorated the night before!)--and a new shawl.

A Fairy and her Dragons

2011-12-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

What to do for party favors? I just can't buy those crappy cheap party favors in the stores, but then what do I put in their party bags? Even if a well made nice little toy cost a dollar, well then, times that by 12 for just one party bag gift?
But now you're talking time--it takes time to make a number of little things--why do I always forget that! In my mind, I can whip up 12 cool little toys in a day dream.
I used some left over Sculpty clay--kind of dry, so I had to soften it with my fingers--my fingers are red and sore today--made, not enough dragons, but I like them and so does the fairy, made by my granddaughter.
I need more clay and more time!

Production Mode

2011-12-14T12:20:00.000-08:00

Painting, gluing, punching holes and crunching eyelets--another peek at the 2012 calendars.

Nutcracker

2011-12-11T17:08:00.001-08:00

Time once again for the Christmas dance recital, gifts for the dance instructors--and a sneak peak at the next year's calendar.

2011 Total Eclipse of the Moon

2011-12-10T06:42:00.001-08:00

My granddaughter set her alarm for 4am--We rode to Windy Cove and sat on a log, all wrapped up in coats and blankets. There were wispy clouds and haze, then the sky was clear--the moon a dark coppery orange with a bright crescent smile. I was amazed that the moon really did completely vanish at the moment of the total eclipse--no sign of it at all! At that moment the clouds or the marine layer moved in so quickly that we knew we wouldn't see the moon's reappearance. Back home for some more sleep.

Planning for a Birthday!

2011-12-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

I feel like there's lots to do, but the invitations are about done--I love my granddaughter's drawings!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

What do you have for breakfast on Thanksgiving? Why turkey pancakes of course.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Pressed Flowers

2011-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter was given this little flower press and ever since, we've had flowers pressing. We can press about six at a time. What I find fun about this project, is that you have to wait about three weeks before opening the press, then it's something of a treat to see how the little blossoms were preserved. They're very fragile!!

November Tomatoes

2011-11-18T12:52:00.000-08:00

I've tried to grow tomatoes here in Morro Bay for a few years now--all goes well until the marine layer socks in for two or three months, then hardly any fruit takes and if it does it never turns red. So I decided not to even try this year.
A volunteer plant started during the foggy months, I ignored it except it did get watered along with my spinach, swiss chard, lettuce and other plants that can take the lack of sun. Now in our sunny time of the year (also shorter days and the start of our rainy season), I found these!!

Harry Potter Characters

2011-11-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

Our completed characters so far--(click on picture to see them closer), there are so many more characters we'd like to make...

I hot glued some stands together--cut out, from boxes of soy-milk--the boxes have a great silver inner lining.

More Ghosts of Hogwarts

2011-11-15T15:04:00.000-08:00

From left to right: The Gray Lady (ghost of Ravenclaw), Moaning Myrtle (the crying ghost in the girl's bathroom), Professor Bins (the history teacher of Hogwarts) and Peeves (the poltergeist who throws chalk and ink bottles at everyone)

A New Friend

2011-11-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

This is my neighbor's chicken. There used to be two until what must have been a very frightening night for both chickens and only one survived. Now she comes over every day--into my house if I'm not careful! Of course, I feed her, so that seals the friendship. I just wish she'd hold in her poops till she's out of my yard!
If I'm not outside, she'll fly up to my bannister and look in the window.
I sit in the sun and watch her peck away at crumbs--I think she's lonely and likes my company.
(that's what I'd like to think--but chances are she likes the food)

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Very scary!

Happy Halloween!

Finishing a Knitted Skirt...

2011-10-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

(after twenty some odd years!) This was meant for my daughter at age four or five. I've had it tucked away with all my old yarn for all this time--while my children grew, while we went about working, playing, feelings passing, people passing, troubles troubling--and there it sat. I couldn't help but think about all the time that had passed between one row and the next...

Now it's a skirt for my granddaughter who's seven. She'll be wearing it for Halloween this year as a gypsy.

Chairs Transformed!

2011-10-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

We've had these dinning room chairs given to us close to twenty years ago. We've recovered the seats a handful of times, but looking at them, I realized they needed more than new seat covers! I have some very old paint--(in fact the cans started leaking from the bottoms from prying them open--what a mess!) First I sanded, just to rough up the wood, I primed them with some old white paint, then used some red and turquoise paint. (all three cans were leaking from their rusted bottoms)

I did use some spray paint--that was fun except when one can refused to stop spraying!! The material came from a former sewing student of mine, she contributed a fair amount to our class' cloth bin years ago, so thank you to her! They are kind of wild, but we like them.

Two of Hogwart's Ghosts

2011-10-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

Nearly Headless Nick and The Bloody Baron

Professor McGonagall

2011-10-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Professor McGonagall looking over the parapet like edge of a flower pot--(posed and taken by my granddaughter)

The Malfoys

2011-10-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Lucius and his son Draco lurking behind a boulder--up to no good of course...

My granddaughter posed her Malfoy clothespin dolls and took all these pictures.

Professor Trelawney

2011-10-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Professor Sprout

2011-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dobby the House Elf

2011-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

"Harry Potter!" said the creature in a high pitched voice. "So long has Dobby wanted to meet you sir...Such an honor it is..."

Dumbledore

2011-10-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Being glued...

A powerful wizard!

Vol..., Snape, and Wormtail

2011-10-08T09:47:00.000-07:00

The dark magical and sinister clothespin dolls.

Luna and Ginny

2011-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

The Trio, Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione

2011-10-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ready to draw their wands out at any moment!

Wormtail, Harry Potter, and Snape, in the Making

2011-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Looks like they're bound and gagged--could be part of the story--but this is how we glue on their hair.

Firenze, The Centaur from Harry Potter

2011-10-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time before we (my granddaughter and I) thought of making the Harry Potter clothespin characters--Here's Firenze--he needs a bow and a quiver of arrows.

The Last Moments of I Maddonari

2011-09-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

A large street cleaner came rumbling along, drove over the art work, then slowly wet and scrubbed the street--river lets of chalk running into the gutter. It seemed like this was a part of the art, a finishing touch for them all--some, I liked better with the added water and scrub.

I Madonnari, San Luis Obispo, 2011

2011-09-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

It's interesting that the 3D effect with chalk art, works so much better in a photograph. In person I didn't see this drawing stand out like it does in this photo.

We were late in viewing these on the last day of the festival--almost too late as my next post will show...

Finished Natal Wheel

2011-08-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Done! I'll send this out after it's good and dry. Very bold and bright, this one.

Cast of Characters

2011-08-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Here's the total line up of Harry Potter characters, drawn by my granddaughter--I had to take their picture once again--I love these guys!

An Andy Goldsworthy Moment

2011-08-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

It was the evening before the Children's Craft Fair, and you'd think that we 'd had enough making of lots and lots of things. We stepped out to hear some free music at the San Luis Obispo Mission,but littered all over the ground were these purple tubular flowers which had fallen and were still falling from the nearby trees.
My granddaughter and I mindlessly made one circle while listening to the music and sitting on the fountain's edge, dum dee dum, and then she said it... "Wouldn't it be cool if we did this all around the fountain?"
In my mind our little mindless activity turned into, what? A job, an obsession?--I thought of Andy Goldsworthy and all the time he must have spent collecting objects of nature--how art really is obsessive, or can be. We started collecting--I wasn't bent on getting the entire circle completed, but it happened!

Of course more color was needed!

Then bubbles!
Later we saw a professional photographer taking photos of a couple--(maybe their engagement picture?) using the fountain and the flower rings as the setting.

Gramma and Grandpa's Portraits

2011-08-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are--never looked better!

Portrait

2011-07-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

I thought I had taken a picture of this portrait, and I did!, but must have missed it when posting yesterday--I love it--my granddaughter drew one of a mom and her baby on her hip. She was our neighbor at the fair--the mother loved her portrait too!

The Children's Crafts Fair 2011

2011-07-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

It's kind of funny to see all that we've been working on, all that was recently spread from one side of our living room to the other, in a compact little pile ready to be transported.

Behind the scenes--the backs of the action figures and of course duck tape and safety pins.
(Picture taken by Patience)

For $1.50 you could have your portrait drawn and framed by my granddaughter--great deal!!

I'm not too sure this little guy liked his portrait, but he was a good sport about it.

It only lasted two hours, we sold most of what we made except for the action figures--the fair goers missed out on the genius of those action finger figures--but, two cool skate boarding girls bought a couple of sets--they were seen later skating down the side walk with their newly purchased figures in their back pockets.

Ready

2011-07-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

We're about ready for the craft fair tomorrow! The action figure finger puppets are at attention.
I hope to be able to take a few pictures of the event.

Preparing

2011-07-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter and I have been busy preparing for the children's craft fair--held on July 30th, 10:30am to about noon, at the Los Osos Library (for those of you who are in the area) Crafts for pennies or quarters, but very very affordable, ridiculously affordable for the amount of work involved--I've been my granddaughter's taskmaster, but I admit to doing quite a bit of the menial work--she is the artistic director. We'll be selling paper twirlies, magic elastic button strings, pinwheels, pipe cleaner dolls and a few other crafts. I'll post more about this with more pictures of the other crafts.

Bored?

2011-07-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

Try this for a little summertime fun. Lie down without touching the ground!

Learning Something New!

2011-06-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

My very first pine needle basket! There are all sorts of decorative stitches that could be done, but I'm just concentrating on sewing this first one up as simply as possible. I collected some darker pine needles. I'm still not too sure if I should collect the needles dried or dry them out myself before soaking them? It's a slow process making a basket! I've put about ten hours into this little bowl shaped basket.

Iguana Go To Mexico

2011-06-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

We did see some iguanas, but the pictures weren't very good. We went on a snorkeling excursion that was, I think, the highlight of my trip--I say I think, because the whole trip was so spectacular to me--being in a very different land, the hot days, the people, the colors and the creatures!...

These are the only underwater pictures, since my waterproof camera started to leak. It was difficult for me to manage a camera with mask, snorkel, fins and then swim, so maybe the faulty camera was a good thing, but what we saw was so amazing--we swam under a cave to a small beach surrounded by volcanic cliffs--I was falling over with delight!

A whale!...
A sea turtle!...

Blue footed Boobies!...

The blue footed boobies followed the boat back, flying, dipping and diving into the water around us--being playful! And this was my birthday--what a great time!

Lets Go Back To Mexico!!

2011-06-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'm using my ceramic skeleton as a segue back to Mexico, where we, my daughter and I saw some memorable sculptures!
(pictures by Michaela)

I can't believe Michaela caught these shots of an entrance to a bar? (that's my guess) --we were driving by at a pretty good speed!

Sand!!

again...Sand!!!

These are bronze seats overlooking the water created by Guadalajara native, Alejandro Colunga

This bronze lady was tucked away inside the back of a building--I don't know the artist

"Lonely Planet" by the Mexican artist, Sergio Bustamente

A great stone archway!

Dusting off an Old Skeleton

2011-06-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun and unexpected ceramics project, given by my life drawing instructor, many years ago. We had a skeleton to refer to and with a blob of clay were told to "unearth" a skeleton. Even though I like to draw, it was nice to work in a very different medium. She then had them kiln fired, so the next week we rubbed on oil pastels.
After taking my indoor plant out for some much needed air and rain--hanging beneath and behind the leaves was my dusty and forgotten skeleton.

Adding Some Color

2011-06-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

These colors will deepen with the application of oil paints. I first use some color pencils and then acrylics.

Rainbow Around the Sun

2011-06-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday this rainbow was around the sun foretelling rain. Today, in our dry season, we have rain!

Very Old Notes and a Very Old Doodle

2011-05-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have no recollection of this class and this spaced out self portrait goes so well with these notes--pretty funny!
In searching for my little astrology drawings, I came across a very old stack of drawings and doodles from high school--I just may have to post a few--lots of self portraits--kind of faded so I've had to enhance the contrast a bit.

Seagull Eggs

2011-05-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Seagulls were flying close overhead, squawking and I didn't see their eggs until my son pointed them out to me--under a fence and close to the ocean cliff--they camouflage with the grass and dirt--pretty big eggs!

Drawing in the Zodiac

2011-05-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

First with Charcoal, then painted over with acrylic medium.

Painting a Natal Chart

2011-05-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

It's time once again to paint a natal chart.

I'm pushing myself to take up some creative pursuits I've let slip to the side.
Why is it that when caring for a child, I put my art endeavors on a back burner--is this a motherly thing that I do?

I'm finding--this time around--being a grandmother/mother, looking at that back burner, my creative ideas are not actively simmering like they did as a young mom.

I don't want this part of myself to slip away--I want to still be enthused and involved with my art work.

I'll say that last sentence as a prayer and put some matches in my pocket!

A Quick Friendship

2011-05-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

How amazing to me that two little girls can meet for the first time--make friends--and splash cold water at each other! I have a lot to learn from these little ones!

A Mother's Day Hat

2011-05-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

posted a little late, but my son's fiancee and my granddaughter wove flowers into my rattan hat for mother's day--this creation was also inspired by the Kentucky Derby, since it was made on the day of the race.

picture taken by my granddaughter sitting in the back seat

picture by my granddaughter

Shops and Shopping in Mexico

2011-05-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

I bought a piece of jewelry at this table, so I felt I could ask to take this picture, otherwise I didn't feel entirely free to take pictures. I don't often feel comfortable taking pictures in public even here in the states, so in Mexico, I didn't know if I was being incredibly rude--I did risk it though...

Dog hot and tired--he didn't move as people walked past for a few hot hours in the afternoon.

This is inside a large supermarket--it really felt risky taking this photo, I felt like a health inspector, but I was amazed to see these big balls of dough sitting out in the open--probably waiting to be made into fresh tortillas--could be a large tortilla press to the right.

On a Beach in Mexico

2011-05-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shiny gold flecks in the wet sand--heat--sweat--burning feet in the dry sand--70+ sunscreen that doesn't completely protect--a need for shade--cool ocean waters of Puerto Vallerta--always, people wanting pesos for food, trinkets, pony rides and for taking a picture!

Palm Trees in Mexico

2011-05-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

We stayed at the Flamingo Villa de Palmar--it was so nice to come back here, sweaty and dusty, to swim in this pool and the ocean--very easy to get used to this life style!

On a bus in Mexico

2011-05-04T10:19:00.000-07:00

Every time the bus stopped I tried to sneak in a picture.

Mexico!

2011-05-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a trip to Puerto Vallerta--This was a gift from my daughter and her husband--I can't even tell you how great it was--so here's a little sight and sound while riding on a bus. I now wish I had taped this whole song, but I didn't want to take up too much space on my memory card.

Seedlings

2011-04-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

What a good idea this was--we went to an earth day event where children could plant their own vegetable seedlings in these newspaper cups--the whole thing can be planted right into the ground. We chose Bok Choy and Chinese cabbage. I'm going to try cold whether vegetables this year because of our summer fog.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Black Sage at Dusk

2011-04-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

The black sage is in bloom--a native wild plant--what a very beautiful bush this is with a delicate ring of flowers around each bud. When the buds are full of seeds you can shake out the seeds and eat them--I found this out on a nature walk--but the seeds don't really taste like much--I wonder what kinds of vitamins or minerals are in the seeds. The native American Indians toasted and ground the seeds.

Bread and a Colorful Potion

2011-04-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's spring break for my granddaughter--she had a play date with a friend--they made bread animals and other shapes and ended their play with a potion--wood chips, charcoal, sweet grass, rose petals, a few sugar packets and hot water, (hot enough to see steam, but not too hot to burn--the steam was the special ingredient--making the potion real)

Swim Lessons

2011-04-14T14:23:00.001-07:00

A break in my sewing to show you swimming photos! My granddaughter is loving her swim lessons--I'm so glad her mom signed her up for them!

Just the Hem to do!

2011-04-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

She likes it! Because of her skin sensitivity I've had to finish all the seams on the inside--this takes a bit more time, but the dress will last longer.

My granddaughter wants some lace around the bottom edge--I only have on hand a very thin delicate trim, I thought perhaps it wouldn't go with the heavier lace, but I'm going with her opinion, and she likes it--it's a go!

Almost done.

The Sleeve Dilemma

2011-04-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

I sewed the sleeves to my granddaughter's costume--I'm trying to follow her design--We both drew pictures of what her sleeves looked like after I sewed them, but they looked even worse than these sketches--I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't--not enough light and I quickly wanted to seam rip them apart!! Too embarrassing! It was worth a laugh, and those sleeve ends would have been great in some scary theater show, but not for her role in Toy Story. She's playing Syd's sister--Syd is the scary one--the sister likes rescuing toys and having tea parties.

I used the sleeve ends on this pattern, but I cut the length of the sleeve end or "bell" in half then added the lace--it was not meant to be!

Here's the altered sleeve, I got rid of the "bell"...

Even without it, it's big enough!

Beginning to Sew

2011-04-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

Black on black--I need the bright daylight to sew a black dress!

Making a Costume

2011-04-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter will play Syd's sister in a production of Toy Story--she designed her dress and I'm going to try to follow her design as much as I can...

Time to cut out the pieces...

We Found a Feather

2011-04-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Our guess is it comes from a quail?

Feather with skulls,

Feather and fur

Bobcat

2011-04-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

My husband took these pictures of this bobcat. He often sees some great wildlife while working. I brightened the last two pictures so you can see its spots.

Fairies

2011-03-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter's fairy on the left--grampa's fairy on the right. She directed the making of these, every step of the way. From what I overheard, the cut pieces of paper had to be just the right shape and size.

More Pictures

2011-03-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not done--here are a few more pictures from my stay at the Steep Ravine Cabins...

(two little black birds sitting on a hill--one named Jack the other named Jill)... in this case, two big crows. I saw these crows here on two different mornings--this must be the meeting spot to talk about their plans for the day.

What a fantastic view from our window--and what do I zoom in on?

My neighbor's sweater as she does her dishes--nice sweater--do you suppose this is a variegated yarn? The skein would have to be half light, half aqua? Do they make skeins like that? If you look closely it has a nice wide ribbing that goes almost up to the waist--hmmm...(Yes, truthfully, these are my thoughts as I gaze out the seaward window).

Leave it to my daughter to bring these skulls for a great game of hide the skull--hidden in the darkest corners of the darkest rooms--fun!!

Are you tired of seeing Steep Ravine pictures yet? I think I'm done...I'm not sure...

My Granddaughter's Point of View

2011-03-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I've shared with you words written by Margaretta K. Mitchell that were nailed up on the wall of cabin II, now I've been given the OK to post my granddaughter's writing!
Sorry Margaretta , but even though your words resonate with the deep peace I felt right on down to my bones, you've got to admit this piece of writing is supreme!

Steep Ravine Cabins on a Cliff
By Patience Hinson

I went to the Steep Ravine Cabins. They were as pretty as oak trees. My grandparents and I went to the cabins in a full packed car. I thought it was magical and I thought it was forever. I also loved the wood burning stove. It rained a lot. The rain sounded like hammers and saws. I enjoyed crocheting and weaving it felt like being curled up in the sun. I loved wading in the Steep Ravine Creek. The cabins feel magical.

Days before leaving on this vacation my granddaughter broke her glasses, so had to go without them, that didn't stop her from jotting down notes along the way.
You can guess that I must have done nothing but take pictures while staying at the Steep Ravine Cabins--that's about right!
You can also guess that I can't help but take pictures of my granddaughter--I'm smitten with her! She brightened up the cabin better than any LED flashlight or Colman lantern.

Similarities

2011-03-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Photo by Dorothea Lange

These are photos from the book, To a Cabin, by Dorothea Lange and Margaretta K. Mitchell along with some similar pictures I recently took at the Steep Ravine Cabins...

Photo by Margaretta K Mitchell

Photo by Margaretta K Mitchell ( This reminds me of my series of paintings of ropes or knots)

Photo by Dorothea Lange

Photo by Dorothea Lange (looks like they were there for the summer season--notice there was a sink inside back then!)

Photo by Margaretta K Mitchell

Photo of Dorothea Lange, photographer unknown

I'm not trying to compare myself to Dorothea Lange or Margaretta K Mitchell, well... maybe I am, but not as a photographer, no--I'm just noticing the similarities of the subject matter. I suppose any one with a camera while staying at the cabins would have many similar pictures-- that would make an interesting show!

Bubbles at Steep Ravine

2011-03-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dorothea Lange, before she died, wanted to put together a book about living in one of these cabins at Steep Ravine. She wanted to express freedom and of living very simply and close to the elements.
I think she would have loved to see these bubbles sailing over the ravine--some going on and on till we couldn't see them any more...

With the lid of our kitchen box--(very important to have a lidded container for food and dishes--the mice came in each night!--we got very good at keeping things cleaned and put away before bedtime--but then the mice started to nibble on my granddaughter's doll!--I'll tell you about that later) so, with this precious lid, the bubbles were ever so gently wafted up high enough to make it over bushes, house tops and stovepipes--set free to sail over the cliff, over the ocean, where the breaking waves sent up a jet of air that jiggled and wiggled the bubbles and on they went, some to the beach below, others sailed so high that I'm sure motorists could see them riding by on Rt. 1

Some didn't make it very far at all.

After Dorothea Lange's death, Margaretta Mitchell , A photographer, writer and friend, saw to it that a book was made. With her own poetry and pictures from both she and Dorothea, Margaretta put together a peaceful little book that captures the essence of what it's like to live there in a cabin by the sea. The book, To a Cabin, is a combination of photographs and writings of both women. There are lovely black and white photos of the same cabins I've stayed in with my family. Even though the pictures are from the 60's and early 70's, much looks and feels the same!

Yellowed with age, nailed on the wall under a broken piece of Plexiglas, in cabin #2 are written these words by Margaretta K Mitchell:

Here is
A different state of being
where a morning cobweb becomes a fairy handkerchief
where I can lie against sand and stone
Face the rim of the globe
Feel waves wash over me
and crisp breezes refresh my skin
Listen to children's laughter like blowing bells
Watch dogs race the beach with numb joy
Know "freezing quiet" (Anne says)
Smell the spices of the season
(it is early spring now)

I awaken
by the ocean
in a cabin
gazing seaward

TO A CABIN II
Margaretta K. Mitchell

Arts and Crafts at the Cabin

2011-03-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

While it rained and the pounding waves sounded a deep bass rumble, we kept the wood burning stove fed--so it wasn't long before I had the entire table covered with crafts...

We played Exquisite Corpse, (a game of folding a paper three ways and drawing while folded so no one sees what the other drew until it's unfolded)...

I tried my hand at following a crocheted pattern of a funny little doll...

A small pouch was made to hold a few special beach rocks...

The crazy little doll finished and ready to go spear fishing. The absolute best thing we created while at the cabins were bubbles!! My daughter had the most brilliant idea of bringing her bubble wand. I'll post those pictures tomorrow and possibly the next day since I took an endless stream of pictures!!

Steep Ravine Cabins

2011-03-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

For my birthday I was given by my daughter and son in law, a weeks stay here at Steep Ravine.

I was to choose a place and having been here before, I knew I'd love to spend a week here.

I also knew that we'd see lots of rain--booking the week in mid March, but I was looking forward to the stormy weather on the cliff overlooking the ocean.

I took so many pictures, I'll have to post in installments.

My Living Room

2011-03-12T21:59:00.000-08:00

A rare view of my living room, cleared, dusted and swept. I'd like to leave it this way before I leave for a vacation trip up the coast, but it's enough to get myself and my granddaughter packed and out the door. See you in a weeks time.

Stella Jay

2011-03-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

Taken on my walk this morning.

Tax Lady

2011-03-02T16:19:00.001-08:00

I created this super heroine about 9 years ago, when I was having so much trouble figuring out my taxes. My sister called to offer her services! She became my hero! She did my taxes for a few years. This is my last drawing of the Tax Lady.
She's flying away after tax season...

My first doodle of the Tax Lady.
Now there's super hero computer programs to save the day.

A like Note?

2011-03-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

I was granted permission to share this page of a journal--no names.
"A boy on the bus wrote me a note, but he's teasing me, he likes me."
We laughed and laughed at that little face!

More Pouches

2011-02-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

I've been doing paperwork--(not even taxes, they're yet to come), but other paperwork that seems to follow our every step in living. Since I have to have something to create, these pouches are easy to pick up on the side, weave a few rows and put down. With taxes to contend with, you'll probably be seeing more pouches...

Bathing Suit Lining Man

2011-02-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

My family pulled names the winter I traveled across the country--I was to be my grandmother's secret Santa. Mike and I were in our early twenties. We traveled south, keeping close to the water. Mike surfed, I fished, swam and collected shells...

We had a small tent, a sleeping roll, a few belongings, a dog and a thousand dollars each, that we had saved from our summer jobs. I had to send a gift back home to my grandmother--I was her only gift giver and here I was, on the road...

This little guy is made from the lining of Michael's worn out bathing suit, a few shells, a feather and a needle and thread. I mailed him back for Christmas. I was so glad to hear that she really liked the gift. When my grandmother passed on, she must have given the little guy to my mom, who then took him with her to her assisted living place, her room in the Alzheimers wing and then to her final room at a nursing home. When mom passed on, her remaining belongings were laid out on my brother's table--(from a house just full of everything to a few possessions lovingly arranged on a table)--and there sat the bathing suit lining man. I took him home with me.

Funny Valentines

2011-02-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

My daughter sent these--fun with a large hole punch and some pictures of Dad!

Some Time Alone on a Rainy Evening

2011-02-19T21:19:00.000-08:00

Dusk

I often work at this spot--cut, measure, think...thinking this time of shutting off the light to take a walk.

A wet evening in the campground.

Tending a Foot

2011-02-19T20:45:00.000-08:00

I finished a collaboration I had put away for the longest time. My granddaughter laid the paint down, then after about a year? I came up with this.
I felt a need to start painting collaborations again--painting the images that I see in the blended washes on the paper.
Kind of like pulling out little scenes that want to be told.
My feet do need tending to!

Beginning and End

2011-02-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

With one freshly finished, I'm starting another pouch.

An Evening Walk in the Dunes

2011-02-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter packed this basket for a picnic in the dunes. I carried this while she and her grampa played hide and seek. We never did stop for the picnic she wanted--we were only there for a short time.

These soft dolls were made by me and my sister a very long time ago--before either one of us had children. I made the white doll about 35 years ago! I did a watercolor painting of it here. I believe my sister Amy made the doll with the yellow hair maybe about the same time?
I must have been about 20--she was about 13, and here, on the opposite coast of their creation, both dolls are being played with by my granddaughter--I'm amazed at this!

Here's grampa hiding in the dunes.
Back home while putting things away, tucked under the dolls were a few pieces of bread and a stick of butter! That's what she packed for the picnic and what I had unknowingly carried all along the dunes that evening.

Birthday Planning Notebook

2011-02-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

My granddaughter's notebook on birthday party themes. I did help her color this, but the drawings are hers--I love this cover!

A New House!

2011-02-14T21:33:00.000-08:00

My daughter and her husband bought a new house...

I took some pictures in and around the house, knowing it will look very different some day...

A green house out back...

A rare sunny day drying off the roof. My daughter and son in law are working hard to make this house their home--I can't wait to see what's in store for all the changes! Congratulations to you both!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

In the morning--A fuzzy valentine--a new dress for Princess Emily the paper doll and some sweet little toys. The table runner is from my sister's Etsy shop.

Here's a look at a Valentine's celebration in the classroom--much more candy, a candy with each card! That's 22 sweets!

Sweets on and in the mouth!

Breakfast...

Of course we sweetened up the heart pancakes! Hope you have a good Valentine's Day!
Word for the day--sweeet!

Valentines for the Classroom

2011-02-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

We did it! My granddaughter and I made all 22 valentines last night--I loved how we worked together--she stuck with it and wrote every single message on the pink hearts and wrote her name on the backs. She helped fold the doilies, stuffed them with the pink heart and a candy. Then we both sewed them closed with a length of red yarn.

While making these, she said how much she liked them, but then later said she's going to be embarrassed by these, because all the other kids will have the great little store bought ones with sparkles and colors.

I think homemade things are special, but that might not be the way of it for most people?--I forget that, and then I think I'm causing my granddaughter more embarrassment!--but she's right there beside me, making these and having fun--I don't think these homemade valentines will traumatize her too much?--geez!