Autumn Colors & A Lovely Swap

Autumn is my favorite season---that little nip in the air, the scent of wood burning in the fireplace, all those lovely, spicy, apple-y things coming out of my kitchen these days.

We have had an extremely dreary start to autumn here in northern Louisiana--- practically non-stop rain for almost two weeks, with nary a hint of sunshine. But just when I was ready to go out and buy one of those lights that people in the upper latitudes wear to ward off darkness-induced depression, the sun appeared! I wanted to capture that feeling of sun and autumn colors, so I hung the quilt top I am working on for my son in the sunniest window I could find, and "Voila!"---a tribute to fall. I know it's a bit wrinkly, but I was afraid the sunny moment would pass before I could capture it---doesn't it look like a stained-glass window?

This past few weeks I have been having a ball creating a package for my partner in the Sweet & Sinister Swap hosted by the amazing Kari Ramstrom over at A Year of Color blog. My joy in creating Lorraine's package was eclipsed only by the gasping delight I experienced on opening her surprise to me. Here are some photos of just a few of the fantastic things she made and found for me:





And the "piece de resistance"........



I have several other pictures over on my flickr site. Thanks so much, Lorraine! Please go to Lorraine's blog and read her beautiful writing accompanied by gorgeous photography---she even has an etsy shop with lovely vintage goodies and her original collages and other creations.

Have a sunshine-y day!

Autumn Ride !

Autumn Ride !
Originally uploaded by Ming chai

Heroes of the Craft

Hi friends,

Well, I've been in the land of "y'all" for a couple of months now : ). Here in our temporary home I've got a little corner set up with my sewing machine and easel, working away at several projects that I will show & tell in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I'd like to share this video from Etsy with you. Mimi Kirchner is an amazing doll maker---her attention to detail blows me away and her sense of humor always makes me laugh out loud. Things to aspire to. Enjoy!

Daily Doodle 4: Spring Fever!

Here's my latest doodle ; ).   I'm starting to think maybe I should call these "quarterly doodles!"  At the moment life is so crazy, I'm doing good to get up here and do anything but sort and pack.  I did have this image pop into my head and just had to get it down on paper.  I have drawn in a small book I made a couple of years ago with paper I love, but it's not the best for photographing----hope you can see what I've done.  If you click on the photo and then go stand a few inches from your monitor, you can actually make it out, LOL!   I know I will do something more with this---stayed tuned........

Once we get settled in Louisiana,  I'll be posting a "farewell to Belgium"  with some photos of some of my favorite things about this wonderful place we've called "home" for the last nine years.  I think you'll see why we have loved living here so much~~     

The Language of Flowers

This is a mixed-media piece I made using techniques I'm learning in Creative Textures.  I'm not really sure that this style of painting is something that I will do again,  but I had a lot of fun creating this one.

The title "The Language of Flowers" refers to the french text that is collaged to some of the flowers.  I cut the lines from a book that I found in a flea market that is a series of weekly stories that were printed on newsprint and later bound into a hardcover book.  The stories are dated from November of 1886 to October of 1887.  The tales are accompanied by wonderful engravings.

Some of the phrases on my piece are: 

 "Parce que, parce que....."  ("Because, because....")

 "jusqu' au bout,  mon cher"  ("until the end, my dear")

  "la bonne nouvelle"  ("good news")

                                                                   

I hope you all have someone speak in the language of flowers to you soon~~*sigh*

Daily Doodle 3

Here's my doodle today : ).  I'm experimenting with pastels---I love the seemingly endless variety of textures that can be created with this one simple medium.  This is a quick little study for a bigger piece I want to do on canvas in acrylic and pastel as a gift for some dear friends who have five daughters. 

A favorite artist of mine, working in acrylic and pastel, is Sophie Burbaloff.  You can see an example of her work here.

What are you experimenting with these days? 

How Do You Know When It's Finished ?

This is a small watercolor I've done for my Mom for her birthday.  It recalls a visit to Westminster Abbey in London.  This is the gate to a small secluded garden in the middle of the church called the "Little Cloister."  It is the first "real" watercolor painting I've ever done, so I realize that it is far from perfect ; ).  

I need your help, though.  I sense that I could do a couple more things to this before pronouncing it finished, but what do those of you with a lot more experience than I have think?  I want it to retain a soft quality---to evoke a memory, not do a photographic reproduction. Also, how would you mat this?  I was thinking of a white mat next to the painting (since I didn't do a great job with the edges), then a black one surrounding that--much like what I've done with the paper here to do the photo.  I had thought of a red mat to echo the flowers in the center, but maybe that's too informal?   I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Daily Doodle Number Two

I don't know exactly why;  but,  the idea of animals in mary-janes appeals to me.  Here, Gladys, who is a circus chicken, is stepping out in her brand new, shiny mary-janes and she just feels that she has the world on a string.  There will be more to come about Gladys and her special talents.   Sometimes silly is good ; )

Daily Doodle Number One

I have begun a new challenge, hoping to develop my drawing skills.  The amazingly talented Alicia Padron has been posting "Daily Doodles" for a while now.  She has invited any one who wants to, to join her in this fun exercise, (there's the button, right over there to the right & down a bit).  My first offering is one of those random pictures that popped into my head one morning while I was drinking my coffee and I finally got it down on paper.  I know there are some problems with it, but I think I can make something out of it ; ).

Illustration Friday: Celebrate

Remember when it wasn't your party?

I have finally managed to post another illustration----by the skin of my teeth!  I am still trying to grasp this medium.  I'm sure I'm not spending enough time with it,   but any pointers you can send along would be greatly appreciated ; ).  I am printing them out and tucking them away to pull out any time I can sneak up here and paint.  Thanks so much for those of you who have emailed me with tips and for all the kind comments---especially on my "Sailing"  post.