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Saturday, February 28, 2015

One Word Weekend

One word. On the weekend.


Hope your weekend is full of happy moments!

Friday, February 27, 2015

Pinstriping Love

There is a piece of my heart that beats faster for all things automotive - especially classic cars. Give me some shiny chrome and a red metallic flake paint job and my knees go weak. Maybe it's because my dad was a gearhead. Maybe it's because I grew up in Michigan, land of the automobile. Maybe it's because I worked in the auto industry for a time. Or maybe it's just because those curves and smooth lines of perfectly formed sheet metal speak to me. And I confess watching the movie "Cars" gets me every time. Vrroom. Why did tail fins ever go out of style?!

And so, I also love all the pinstriping and hand paint jobs that go with it. Von Dutch, flame jobs, you name it. Lately I've been watching some pinstriping how-to videos and had to give it a try myself.

This was so much fun! I totally don't have the right tools or paints, but made do with some watered down acrylics and a liner brush. 


This is not something you want to try when the morning's caffeine is pulsing through your system! A steady hand is key. Mine was not so steady, but I learned a few tricks along the way.


Also line thickness is key. Didn't quite nail that either, but hey! This is practice! It was just fun to compose on the fly and see what happened!


The above reminds me of a little red rocket ship.

My husband informed me that I may NOT start pinstriping my minivan. No flames either. Bummer.
But I've seen some fun purses, wallets, and even high heels with pinstriping details that are calling to me to try - after I practice a bit more. :)


Thursday, February 26, 2015

Do you want to build a snowman?

I know, I know. Most of you are so sick of snow and winter - but our corner of SE Virginia usually doesn't see much snow, and we are super excited to have 8 inches on the ground! Woot!! Of course, everything is closed down, roads are a mess, and some folks are downright grumpy about the white fluff.

But not us! This is perfect snowman snow!!

A couple days ago we had a 6-inch cover of snow, and the boys built this little guy. About a foot and a half tall. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed. I dug out all our snow pants, hats, and mittens for this?? The first thaw came and his little head shriveled up and fell off. We'll call this a practice run.

But after last night's snowfall, they got a bit more intrepid. They informed me I wasn't allowed to look into the backyard at all. They were up to something. I guessed what was up when they asked for a carrot and a spare scarf. :) Finally they let me open the kitchen curtains....ta-da!
Meet our new backyard guardian.

An impressive guy, isn't he? I love his self-satisfied expression. As if it just feels good to exist.
He's almost six feet tall!


Anyone up for some warm hugs?

And yes, those are plastic shopping bags tied around my son's feet. Didn't your grandma put bread bags over your feet when you went out in the snow?? 

Big, fat flakes are falling again - looks like we'll be snuggling under quilts and sipping hot cocoa for a few more days while Spring takes a vacation. Stay warm! 

Sunday, February 22, 2015

One Word Weekend

One word. On the weekend.


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Va-LENT-ine's Day

Valentine's Day around our house is pretty low key. With four kids, there's not much romance in the day, but we do try to have fun and focus on loving each other. My kids offered to make all 3 meals during the day so I could have the day off from cooking. My ever-so-sweet husband bought me a dozen white roses for Valentine's day. I, however, managed to forget to give him the card I had for him! (I'll let you in on a secret: I've been giving him the same exact card several years in a row - and I don't think he's caught on yet!). The sentiment printed inside it is perfect - so I just hide it away for next year when he's not looking. I'm so sneaky!

Before the roses faded, I wanted to capture them on canvas - maybe now he will re-gift me these roses year after year! :)


I've got to dig up that missing card and see if I can somehow turn it into a Happy-Valentine's-Day-First-Day-of-Lent mashup. Now there's an interesting holiday idea!

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Friday, February 13, 2015

Aspens

Trees will always hold a dear spot in my heart. I grew up in the woods of Michigan, in a log house. Rest assured, we had running water, electricity, and even an Atari! I always loved how the sunlight filtered through the leaves above, especially in the fall. Then the forest was transformed, and I found myself walking under a living stained glass window.

The sunny  yellows and golds of these aspens bring me back to the oak and maples of my childhood.

Here's a little sunshine for your winter day! Enjoy!


This painting can be found in my shop. See you there!

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Believe

Playing around with new artist "toys" today - specifically the Faber Castelle Pitt Artist Brush Pen. I really like it! The tip is a bit more rigid than the brushes I'm used to, but after a bit of doodling, I feel like I'm getting the hang of it.

There is something about black and white lettering that makes my heart beat faster. I can never get enough!


Trying to grow my art business seems pretty daunting. There is a lot of risk involved (mostly emotional: the risk of REJECTION). But I will keep trying - and believe that it will eventually take off! So in the mean time, between schooling my kids, keeping this house neat and purty, and feeding my growing family, I will keep on practicing and drawing. A lot of ideas are swimming around in my head, and it's just a matter of getting them out onto paper and into the world.