My Melange

Bunny's Garden

2012-02-13T09:18:00.001-08:00

Bunny's Garden
I love this.
Done while visiting Grampy on Sunday afternoon.
It looks like she didn't have time to finish coloring.
There is broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, and I'm guessing lettuce.

Monday Haiku

2012-02-13T04:02:00.001-08:00

Monday's Haiku on Monday

TRYING MANY TIMES
TO DRAW A PERFECT BUNNY
PERFECTION ACHIEVED

Supplies Me

2012-02-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Supplies Me
Supplies Me is a Jane Davenport on line class on supplies - journals, gesso, pencils, watercolors, acrylics, pens and markers, and pastels. In the process of learning about supplies the class offers
lessons on drawing faces and bodies, and mixed media.

This is a mixed media page done in my hand made journal.
The journal was made with watercolor paper and coated with gesso.
As I worked on my background for this page,
the shape of a face serendipitously appeared.
I outlined it in my drawing.

In the lesson on colored pencils Jane suggests that you're more likely to use your pencils if they are within reach. She had hers in a biscuit truck tin. I was able to find a similar tin on ebay for my pencils

and I made short work of using them drawing faces.

Pursuing Portraits

2012-02-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

Pursuing Portraits

Pursuing Portraits is an on line class with Pam Carriker.

Last summer my interest in drawing and painting faces was piqued when I was introduced to Pam Carriker and Jodi Ohl. Last summer I took Jodi's "Let's Face It" on line class and am currently taking Pam's class. I'm not sure what direction my faces will take but I'm having fun drawing them.

Monday Haiku on Friday

2012-02-10T04:59:00.001-08:00

Monday's Haiku

USING A RULER
DRAWS A HOUSE WITH MOON AND STAR
INSPIRED BY LIFE

Susan Tuttle Workshop

2012-02-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

Toy Camera With Photoshop, is a new workshop by Susan Tuttle and she is having a give away to win a spot in the workshop. Take a look.

http://susantuttlephotography.com/?p=1497

My Sketchbook

2012-01-29T04:04:00.001-08:00

My Sketchbook Project Sketchbook

With the help of my husband, I randomly chose “Untitled” as the theme for my sketchbook. At first, I thought this was a wonderful theme, but then as I began to think that it meant that I could do anything, I was at a loss as to what to do. And so, I did what I have often been known to do, I procrastinated – for about 7 months. This brought me to the beginning of January with only a month until my sketchbook was due to be mailed. My husband gifted me with an online class which involved drawing faces and so I decided to use my sketchbook as practice for drawing faces..

The center of this page pops up to reveal 2 profiles.

Who Am I?

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and student.

I have been creating in some form since I can remember.

I recently retired after teaching family and consumer sciences for 41 years, and I am now free to pursue my art at my leisure. Most of my previous work was in fiber. I have now expanded into working with paper clay, drawing and painting. Life is good.

Monday Haiku on Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

Monday's Haiku

A FIVE YEAR OLD'S PLANS
BROUGHT TO LIFE BY HER AND GRAM
LET THE SHOW BEGIN

No school today, let's make a puppet stage.
We need a cardboard box, we'll make a hole in the bottom,
and we'll make a curtain from fabric. We need to write instructions.

This is how our Monday started with our 5 year old granddaughter.
She gave the instructions and I provided the materials and help when needed.
We had a wonderful day.

Monday's Haiku

2012-01-16T19:08:00.001-08:00

A LAKE IN WINTER
SHIVERS IN THE NOON DAY SUN
LONGING FOR SUMMER

ATC December

2012-01-16T18:56:00.001-08:00

The Theme for December's ATCs was Christmas.

By Linda

By Christy

By Cami

By Mary

By Becky

By Marcy

ATC September

2012-01-16T18:51:00.001-08:00

The Theme for September's ATCs was "My View".

By Linda

By Marcy

By Cami

By Becky

By Mary

ATC July

2012-01-16T18:46:00.001-08:00

The theme for July's ATCs was "Favorite Things".

By Mary

By Linda

By Marcy

By Becky

By Christy

ATC April

2012-01-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

Potpourri
I haven't posted any of our ATCs yet this year. I now have them all together
and photographed and ready to post. My daughters, granddaughter, sisters and I
have been doing an ATC challenge for the past two years. We take turns choosing
a theme except December which is Christmas.

The theme of our 5th family ATC challenge was "Potpourri".

By my sister Becky.

By my oldest daughter, Marcy.

By my granddaughter, Camilla.

By my youngest daughter, Christy.

By me, Mary.

Two versions by my oldest sister, Linda.

Monday's Haiku

2012-01-02T04:21:00.000-08:00

I DON'T WANT TO THINK
OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO US
IF THEY HAVE THEIR WAY

Monday Haiku on Friday

2011-12-30T04:08:00.000-08:00

Monday's Haiku
December 26, 2011

SAD THAT'S IT'S OVER
IT WAS ONE TO REMEMBER
BUT HARD TO MAINTAIN

Monday's Haiku

2011-12-19T13:58:00.001-08:00

FAMILY GATHERED
TO SHARE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
AND HEAR A STORY

Monday's Haiku

2011-12-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

WE’RE DOING OUR PART

TO HELP OUT THE POST OFFICE

CATALOGS ARE HERE

Monday's Haiku

2011-12-05T07:17:00.001-08:00

MY FAVORITE LETTER TO SANTA

LETTER TO SANTA

WITH A CHIL'D SIMPLE REQUEST

MAKING SANTA SMILE

Sunset in Old Lyme

2011-11-28T19:45:00.001-08:00

Monday's Haiku

2011-11-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

Another two Monday's have come and gone without a haiku. We were in Indiana, PA visiting my mother who was on her way to the ER as we were on our way to visit. She had to have surgery for an infection in her knee as a result of a previous fall. Time and lack of access to the internet didn't allow for posting.

Monday's Haiku

MY GRANDDAUGHTER'S GIFT
A REASON TO BE THANKFUL
THANKSGIVING FLOWERS

Monday's Haiku

2011-11-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Monday's Haiku
I have missed the pass two Monday's and thought of making up for it by going
back two weeks and also doing one for today.
But after being without power for a week, I decided to just write two for today,
one from an adults point of view and one from as child's as witnessed by the photographs.

SNOW CAME TOO EARLY
WEIGHING DOWN THE LEAVES ON TREES
LEAVING A PATH OF DAMAGE

SNOW CAME TOO EARLY
IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SITE
AS SEEN BY A CHILD

Finished Doll A Year Later

2011-11-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

My youngest daughter took a doll sculpting class with Colleen Athens
at the Art Is You art retreat in Danbury a year ago. Until now her doll had remained unclothed.
At this year's retreat, Colleens helper, Heather began to costume her doll by adding the dress and shoes. I completed the costume with undergarments, sleeves, and hat.

Dutch Touch Doll Class

2011-11-06T16:30:00.001-08:00

The Dutch Touch

My Dutch Touch dolls, Champagne on the left and Celeste on the right.

Champagne created in 2011 and Celeste in 2008.

Celeste

Champagne

The Dutch Touch
with
Ankie Daanen
Marlaine Verhelst

I was again fortunate to be able to spend 5 days with Marlaine and Ankie in their Dutch Touch class hosted by Barbi in Ryebrook, NY. The last time was in 2008. Barbi and her husband are the ultimate hosts making us feel comfortable and accommodating our needs. And, Ankie and Marlaine are extraordinary teachers. The twelve of us in the class were assured success as we started out on what was a new adventure for some and not so new for others, but still an adventure, and we weren't disappointed. Marlaine and Ankie definitely have the Dutch Touch and "subtle" was the word of the week. Our first 3 days were spent sculpting and painting with Marlaine while Ankie, with input from each of us, was working on designing and partially assembling the costumes for our dolls. Our last two days were spent assembling and costuming our doll. It was a truly a delightful 5 days with outstanding results for everyone.

Sculpting The Head
We started with sculpting the head. Mine required some further adjustments to the chin.

Marlaine demonstrates making the doll's hand.

The beginning of our costumes.

Unpainted faces.
We all started with the same styrofoam egg and the same instructions
and the results were amazingly different.

Painted faces.
As we painted our faces, our dolls began to come alive.

Without knitting needles at hand,
Becky knit a hat for her doll with paint brushes.

The class busily works away in Barbi's studio.

Ankie helps with my costume.

Our last day was Saturday and the dolls were ready to be photographed.

Close up of Barbi's doll.

Barbi's Doll

Becky's Doll

Ceceily's Doll

Celia's Doll

Elisabeth's Doll

Ellen's Doll

Irene's Doll

Joclyn's Doll

Margot's Doll

Mary's Doll

Raye's Doll

Sandra's Doll

Marlaine smiles for the camera while the dolls pose on the sofa.

Ankie and Marlaine always have a little ceremony at the end of the class
to pass out certificates. They finished with their own surprise Dutch Touch.

While we were indoors celebrating and admiring our creations,
mother nature was outdoors playing tricks on us.
And a Noreaster greeted me for my drive home
turning a 70 mile ride into a 4 1/2 hour nightmare.

Monday Haiku on Wednesday Tribute to Art Is You

2011-10-12T06:44:00.001-07:00

ART IS ART IS WHO
CREATING WITH ABANDON
SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS

Monday Haiku

2011-10-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Monday Haiku

MY VIEW FROM ABOVE
AS SUMMER SLIPS INTO FALL
AND SHADOWS DEEPEN

Monday Haiku

2011-09-26T14:55:00.001-07:00

Monday Haiku

ROSE OF SHARON BLOOMS
USHERING IN THE END OF
SULTRY SUMMER DAYS

Painting

2011-09-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Untitled
I am taking "Let's Face It" an online class by Jodi Ohl at Creative Workshops.
The class is described as a creative discovery of ourselves using paint, collage, portraits, and journal writing as forms of expression. The class takes you through a series of lessons using a board book as your canvas. I branched out and did my first painting on a 12 x 12 canvas to donate to a fund raiser for the arts in Hartford. The photos show my progress as I worked on my painting. I now plan to go back and complete the lessons in order in my board book.

Fairy House

2011-09-25T11:18:00.001-07:00

Fairy House
And as the seasons come and go, here's something you might like to know. There are fairies everywhere: under bushes, in the air, playing games just like you play, singing through their busy day. So listen, touch, and look around - in the air and on the ground. And if you watch all nature's things, you might just see a fairy's wing. ~Author Unknown

Hand in hand, with fairy grace,
Will we sing, and bless this place.
~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

I got together with a few friends last week for an afternoon of creating.
Some of us made fairy houses. In the garden, mine awaits it's new residents.

Monday Haiku

2011-09-18T17:22:00.001-07:00

Monday Haiku

DEAR SISTER DON'T FRET
VISITORS COME TO SEE YOU
THEY WON'T NOTICE DUST

BEFORE

AFTER

Monday Haiku

2011-09-12T14:17:00.001-07:00

Monday Haiku

DRY LEATHERY SKIN
WITH SHORT LEGS AND WART LIKE GLANDS
MY PRINCE IN DISGUISE

Monday Haiku

2011-09-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

MONDAY HAIKU

POWER HAS RETURNED
GENERATORS CEASE TO HUM
BIRD'S SONGS CAN BE HEARD

Monday Haiku

2011-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Monday Haiku

MAKING ELLA'S BED
ALL THREE WORKING TOGETHER
A LABOR OF LOVE

Monday Haiku on Tuesday

2011-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Monday Haiku

THE SUMMER RAIN FALLS

PROVIDING TRANQUILITY
QUENCHING MANY THIRSTS

Monday Haiku on Tuesday

2011-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Monday Haiku

NORTH COUNTRY SUMMER
THE CLOUDS HANG ON THE MOUNTAINS
BECKONING US ON.

Monday Haiku

2011-08-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

Monday Haiku

HOT SUMMER SUN SHINES
BRIGHT DAFFODILS HAVE FADED
AND THE GRASS IS BROWN

Monday Haiku

2011-07-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

Monday Haiku

THE ARTIST WITHIN
CONTEMPLATING HER CANVAS
CREATES PURPLE BALL.

Monday Haiku

2011-07-19T19:09:00.001-07:00

LONG THE SUMMER DAY
PATTERNS ON THE OCEAN SAND
OUR IDLE FOOTPRINTS
Shiki

Party At The Carousel

2011-07-11T12:41:00.001-07:00

Granddaughter's Birthday Party at the Carousel in Bushnell Park in Hartford.

A 24-sided pavilion houses a vintage 1914 Carousel with 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two lovers' chariots that swirl around a booming Wurlitzer band organ.

It was fun afternoon for everyone!

Monday Haiku

2011-07-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

SWALLOW IN THE DUSK...
SPARE MY LITTLER BUZZING FRIENDS
AMONG THE FLOWERS
Basho

Grampi's Birthday

2011-07-11T08:27:00.001-07:00

A Great Birthday Card From A 5 Girl

Two Ducks and a Fish

From right to left - Grammy, Grampi with a cane and beard,
an easel with a painting of the sky, a rainbow and a dog,
balls, Bailey, Cami kicking the balls, and Chase.

Fat Belly Babe

2011-06-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

I had another opportunity to take a class with Ankie Daanen and I couldn't pass it up.
This time we made Fat Belly Babe to go with our Fat Belly Boy. This is Ankie's sample without her skirt.

A close up of Ankie's doll.

Some of the finished dolls.

Painted Heads - Unpainted Bodies

Hands in the process.

High heel shoes.

Sculpting the face.

Bodies with jackets.

My doll parts ready for assembly.

Diane's almost finished doll.

Barbi's Doll

My Doll - Spikey

A Thought For Today

2011-05-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

A thought for today and everyday from a favorite actress.
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others." - Audrey Hepburn

Mangler Retreat

2011-05-01T16:45:00.001-07:00

Fabric Manglers Retreat
Camp Hazen
April 29-May 1, 2011

"A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles"
Tim Cahill

"Expectations"
Expectations with a
talented group found a groove
after a slow start.
(A newspaper poem)

It had been 8 years since the last Mangler retreat at beautiful Camp Hazen on Cedar Lake in Cheshire, Connecticut. It was time to re institute the retreat. It was our weekend to relax, rejuvenate, reconnect, and create. We planned some group activities and some time to work on our own projects. The resident chef prepared gourmet meals for us and accommodated our individual needs. The staff was always there for us whether is was to take our picture or show us the walking trail.

Friday evening, after arriving and settling in we gathered in the lakeside room, which would become our studio for the week end, to create crowns and scepters compliments of Colleen.

We shared information and techniques.

We started Saturday morning working on our Standing Guardian dolls compliments of Patty.

It wouldn't be a Mangler Retreat without the company of dolls.

We seemed to have brought everything except the one thing we needed most, but someone would always come to the rescue. You would think there wasn't much left at home. But if you know a doll artist, there is always more where this came from.

We used paint sticks to paint on fabric complements of Angie.

Gail shared her Zentangles with us.

A work in progress.

Sunday morning came and after cleaning up we had time to relax and work a little before lunch
and saying our good byes until next year.

Today
Water rushes past
Youth meets time and pays no heed
Shrubs grow and wither
Memories flash and are savored
Maturity takes its price
(A Tanka poem)

8th MS Walk

2011-04-14T03:14:00.001-07:00

Team Chase For The Cure

This is the eighth year that we have participated in annual MS Walk.

Early into the walk Chase says, "Come on Princess, you can do it!",
as the actress pretends to be tired.

The Princess gets to ride on her Daddy's back.
The rest of the team still had to walk.

I think I see the finish line.

We were greeted at the finish line with bagpipe music.

PHS Student Art Show

2011-04-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Student Art Show
Portland Library

I took my granddaughter to the student art show at the
Portland Library. There was an activity scheduled for
the room so we only a few minutes to view the artwork.
Upon entering the room my granddaughter exclaimed,
"Grammy look at the octopus!!". After walking around the
room, she asked, "Grammy when is the show going to start?"

Sand Garden Museum

2011-04-08T09:52:00.001-07:00

The Sand Garden Museum
It was a beautiful Spring afternoon and The Princess
wanted to open her sandbox. And open it we did!
It was in pristine condition after a very long winter.
First she wanted to make a garden in the sandbox using
dried leaves and sticks. Then she wanted to plant daffodils.
As the play progressed, she began creating museum pieces for the
Sand Garden Museum.
There were nine exhibits created for the museum.
I sat by and threw a ball for Bailey, as I wasn't permitted
to look until the exhibit was complete. Photography was
allowed, so I grabbed my camera before entering the museum.
Admission was a twig, and the curator, creator took down
each exhibit and placed it on a stand as she told the name
and described the piece.

The Museum

The Princess as creates the museum exhibits.

Exhibit 1 - Sand Pile Rock

Exhibit 2 - Rock Sand

Exhibit 3 - Bird Flier

Exhibit 4 - Sand Rock

Exhibit 5 - Pot For Delicious

Exhibit 6 - Beadie Rock

Exhibit 7 - Elmo Pot

Exhibit 8 - Flower Delicious

Exhibit 9 - Sand Experiment

I hope your enjoyed your virtual tour of the museum.
The pieces have been carefully preserved under the cover of the sandbox
for future exhibits of Sand Garden Art.

Early Mother's Day Weekend

2011-04-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

A Mother/Daughter Week End Trip to Ogunquit

My daughters and I have spent the last several years doing a weekend retreat for Mother's Day.
We started with the Woman's Wellness Weekend at Camp Hazen in Chester, CT. Last year we spent the weekend in Providence, RI, and this year found us celebrating Mother's Day a bit early in Ogunquit, Me. We chose Ogunquit because we were familiar with Gorges Grant Hotel and the area, and we wanted to be close enough to Portland, ME to visit the exhibit of the Sketchbook Project at the Space Gallery.

We arrived at Gorges Grant on Friday afternoon to newly fallen snow.

And we thought winter was over!

Before venturing out for dinner, we exchanged our Mother's Day gift bags.
They were filled with both edible and non edible luscious treats.
That evening we had dinner at the Maine Diner.

As we headed off to Portland on Saturday morning,
we found a perfect place to spend eternity, if one is a fan of the ocean.

Walking to the gallery, we came across this example of sidewalk art.
I'll leave the completion of the sentence above the drawing to your imagination.

We were very excited to be able to view ours and other sketchbooks
that were part of the 2011 Sketchbook Project Tour.

The founders of the project were at the desk to sign out the sketchbooks.

There were 10,000 books on exhibit and available to view.

We each requested one of our sketchbooks and a random book of
the same theme to view and read.

Christy is looking at the sketchbook that her dad and daughter
collaborated on.

Marcy is perusing a sketchbook chosen randomly for her.

We were joined by Christy's friend who is now living in Maine.

Christy with her sketchbook.

The Space Gallery filled with those who wanted to view the sketchbook project.

The four of us had a delightful afternoon enjoying sketchbooks
from Texas, New York, Australia, Oregon and more.

Marcy with her sketchbook.

As we explored Portland, we came across Marcy's Diner.
And it was even spelled correctly!

One of the many interesting buildings in Portland.

An elaborate wall of grafitti.

After strolling through Old Port we made our way to Kennebunk
and Federal Jack's for dinner. My husband declared the day,
"Thank You Mary Day" and treated us to dinner.

After dining on lobster, turkey Ruben, Irish potato soup, salad,
Irish cream cheesecake, and chocolate raspberry cake with chocolate ganache
accompanied with Federal Jack's rum punch and Irish coffee,
we retired to our hotel room to watch the Red Sox and Uconn Huskies.

On Sunday morning we're up and ready for the day.

After a gourmet breakfast in the dining room, we posed for
a mother daughter photo in front of the fireplace in the lobby.

A lobster looks out at Main Street , Ogunquit bidding us farewell until next time.

Thank you Dear Daughters for a wonder weekend together.
I love you more than lobster, chocolate, and woopie pie!

2011-03-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Reina Mia Brill Class

Millie and her pet lizard, Green Purpley Blue

I was privlidged to spend two fun days in the company of Reina Brill and 11 other artistic souls.

Reina demonstrated painting our sculptures.

Our classroom was Barbi Kantor Goldenberg's studio.

We started with a ceramic figure, apoxey sculpt and sculpting tools.

Reina demonstrated some techniques to begin our creations.

Reina's sample shares self space with some of Reina's "Devious Little Children".

Reina worked along with us and effortlessly produced
a one of a kind creation that she is known for.

Starting with the same raw materials, we each set about
bringing our ideas to life.

Doll Made From A Sara Austin Pattern

2011-03-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

This doll was made using a Sara Austin pattern.
It was made for a doll challenge that required using the fabric that her costume is made of.

Alice Box

2011-03-06T08:03:00.001-08:00

This is a box that I made to carry my supplies to "Art Is You 2010".
The theme of that year's East Coast Art Retreat was Alice in Wonderland.

The 2011 theme is "Art is ...Who?" This year marks the 5th annual "Art Is You" retreat, and it has expanded to the west coast as well as the east and will soon be coming to Australia.

Making The Box
The box now holds my button collection.

I started with one of my husband's rather large shoe boxes that was bound for the recycle bin.
I laid it flat and covered it with handmade purple paper.

For the inside of the cover, I did a watercolor painting of teacups,
which I then added to with image transfers, stamps, ephemera, and lettering.

For the top of the box I did one image using three different techniques.

For the front of the box, I stamped teacups on watercolor paper and
inserted cut out of the characters from Alice into the teacups.

For the final touch I added a bit of lace and gold trim to the top of the box.

Original Dolls

2011-03-06T07:52:00.001-08:00

Fish and Chicks
The doll was made for a WOW challenge several years ago.

Visual Caffeine
This doll was made for a "visual caffeine" challenge for our doll group
The Fabric Manglers. She is painted with acrylics on a muslin base
and sits in a mug of coffee beans.

I'm A Fan
I scanned one of the blades of my paper I'm A Fan collage.
Each blade of the fan has a collage of something that I am a fan of.
I scanned my chocolate blade into the computer and printed it on
fabric. I then stuffed and embellished it to make this doll.

Doll Exhibit

2011-03-06T07:43:00.001-08:00

This is a display of my dolls at our high school library before I retired.
There are dolls made in classes with Judy Skeel, Annie Hesse, Susana Oroyan,
Patti Culia, Pamela Hastings, Marsha Acker-Missall, Ute Vasina, and Sandi Bard who started me
on the road to doll making. There are also doll made by various artists that I have collected.
There is a doll by Li Hertzi made in my first on line class. There are a few
other non items in the display.

Drawings of a Princess by a Princess

2011-02-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is a drawing that our 4 1/2 year old granddaughter
did of her princess doll at preschool yesterday.
She put her in a rainy day scene.

This is a photo of the model she used for her drawing.

Mangler Tea Box Challenge

2011-02-21T12:18:00.001-08:00

The Fabric Manglers Tea Box Challenge Doll
We were each given a pyramid tea box and kit with an assortment of supplies to be used in a doll.
Below are some of the results.

Angie

Gail

Julie

Mary

Patty

Terry

The head of Terry's doll is made from a miniature teapot turned upside down.

Challenge Doll

2011-02-20T17:11:00.000-08:00

These are the items that were in the challenge kit.
The main focus of the challenge was the pyramid shaped tea box.
We had to use a little of each of the additional items and they had to be visible.
We could add whatever we wanted. There were no other restrictions.

I started by painting the wooden bead and spool to match the box
and adding some paint to the box as well.

Next I strung the bead, spool, bells, and other doo dads to the box.

I had additional tea boxes which I cut up and arranged as a fan.
I used a stuffed base for the head and shoulders, complements of
Pamela Hastings a few years ago.

I sewed on a face from a piece of sun and moon fabric and beaded around it.
A braided the yarn and sewed it to the head,
and attached a halo of the gold fabric.
I backed with fan with a piece of green paper.

I glued triangles of the suede onto the ends of the box,
and used it to make a triangle shaped body which
I attached to the head and shoulders.
I added the ribbon around the waist.
I added the beaded heart trim at the neckline.
I shaped a hanger from the large wire and
wrapped it with the smaller wire and attached a bell at the top.
I added gold foil to the fan.

Everything was assembled with wool roving tucked in around the top of the box.
The large green bead was sewn to the back and the purple seed
was attached to the front of the box with beading around it.

Where Am I??

2011-02-14T04:04:00.001-08:00

A bird's nest in winter, taken outside of Starbucks.

Coves in winter.

When was the last time you saw one of these?

A new thrift shop opened. I didn't buy anything, but had fun looking.

Closed for the season.

The Famous Flo's. We didn't eat here this time,
but are taking home a jar of her relish from
the ____ Trading Post.

Where else can you buy bait and chocolate?
I did enjoy those champagne cordials for Valentine's Day,
and got some beautiful tie flying feathers for my dolls.

Brenda's Bloomers.
I didn't capture all of the colorful bird houses in this photo and we didn't stop,
but driving by you can't help but smile. Maybe next time.

Our home away from home.

And soon it will be back to phone calls to answer,
bills to pay, appointments to keep.....

A Year For The Record Books

2011-02-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

This winter has been one like no other. We have now had a total of 82.6 inches of snow this season and have the record for the 4th snowiest season on record which dates back 106 years. This past year was the warmest on record with 34 days above 90 degrees. The average temperature for the year was 52.9 degrees which is 2.5 degrees above normal. July 6th tied a record at 102 degrees.

I have recorded some of our winter in photographs which are included in subsequent posts.
We started the season with the blizzard of 2010 on December 26, also known as storm Adrianne.
It was followed by an unnamed storm on January 7; storm Benedict on January 12 which brought 24 " of snow, an all time record and the greatest amount recorded in a 24 hour period; storm Clare on January 21 dropping another 6"of snow; storm Dennis on January 27; and storm Ella, a two day storm on February 1 and 2 with a combination of snow, sleet and freezing rain. There have been 300 partial and complete collapsed roofs. It is now February 12th and we have had a week without snow. The temperature is predicted to rise to 50 degrees this coming week.

It has been nerve wracking at times, and although I don't mind relocating the snow, I have resented the amount of time it has taken from other things I could be doing. But it has gotten me outdoors in the sunshine after the storms were over and given me the opportunity to walk as I transferred snow from the driveway to back yard as there was no room left in the front. I have enjoyed sitting with a hot cup of coffee and watching out the window as the snow either drifted or pelted down. The best part of this winter has been watching our granddaughter enjoy the snow and ice. We have broken up and stacked chunks of ice, slid down our piles of snow, played with the dogs, and caught snowflakes in our mouth. I wouldn't trade this winter for any other.

Building Collapse

2011-02-12T10:07:00.000-08:00

Just one many in the state!
505 Main Street, Middletown

Roof Rake February 5

2011-02-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

With there being a shortage on roof rakes in the area, our neighbor,
being the ingenious person that he, is created his own.

Snow/Ice Storm February 1 & 2

2011-02-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

And just we were hoping for a break we got hit with a
two day storm. The was a mix, of snow, sleet and freezing rain.
The birds seem to know what's coming.

And the breaking news of the day was a building collapse
Main Street in Middletown. The was to become one of over 300.

The ice remained for a couple days. It was too cold for even
the bright sun to melt it.

Preparation January 30

2011-02-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

They know what's coming and are getting prepared.

Kabuto January 29

2011-02-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

A Sunday morning visit from our youngest daughter
who know that the dogs are not allowed on the sofa.

Saved by our very nice neighbor and his Kabuto.
Notice the smile on his face? He is having fun!

Snow Storm January 27

2011-02-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

And now we are beginning to wonder where we are going to put it all.

Snow Storm January 21

2011-02-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

So now we're thinking, "Is there an end in sight?"

The Calm Between The Storms

2011-02-12T09:28:00.001-08:00

Good morning moon.

Snow Storm January 12

2011-02-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

This time there was a prediction for up to two feet of snow and the forecast didn't disappoint.

Connecticut beat its all time record snow fall and also set the record for the greatest amount of snow in a 24 hour period. Along with enjoying the snow we got to have our granddaughter for a sleep over since her preschool had announced the day before that it would be closed. Our daughters didn't expect that they would also being staying home with many businesses closing for the day.

We awoke to several inches already ont he ground and the snow continued until early afternoon.

And the snow was as deep as the dogs are high. Walking was not easy.

Once the snow stopped it was 'Play Time!"

And then it was time to dig out!

The next morning the sun shone through the trees casting shadows on the new fallen snow.

And the following day greeted us with a beautiful sunrise.

Snow Storm January 7

2011-02-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

An then we had our second major snow fall. And still we didn't know what we were in for.
And the dogs could still walk in the snow. It really looked pretty in the early morning dawn.

The Blizzard of 2010

2011-02-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

The Blizzard of 2010

Little did we know that this would be the start of record breaking snow falls. The snow started to fall on Sunday afternoon and by the time it was done we had over a foot of snow. There we wind gusts to 68 miles per hour across the state.

Christmas ATCs

2011-01-07T06:31:00.001-08:00

Christmas ATCs
This is our 4th family ATC swap and our theme this time was Christmas.
My oldest daughter with the help of my granddaughter made recycled envelope books to hold this round of ATCs.

She used the ends of recycled business envelopes for the inside of the book.

My youngest daughter and my granddaughter worked together on their ATCs.
The only help my granddaughter received was with cutting out the Santa.

They used old Christmas cards to create their ATCs.

My ATC was done in Photoshop by scanning, painting, and stamping.

My oldest daughter drew a winter scene using watercolor pencils.

My oldest sister created her ATC using her vast array of computer technology.

My youngest sister created a drawing of Christmas memories from when our grandfather visited at Christmas time.

Mother Daugher Drawings

2010-12-30T08:17:00.001-08:00

A Trip to Northampton * Webs

2010-12-30T08:00:00.001-08:00

Tuesday brought a trip to Northampton to go to Webs,
America's Yarn Store,
with my youngest daughter.
We just happen to hit their end of the year sale which allowed access to their warehouse.
It was all a bit overwhelming.
After much perusing we made our purchases and
headed downtown for lunch at Jake's
where we both had a delicious Turkey Ruben Sandwich.

A Trip to Northhampton * Ana Brahms Window Display

2010-12-30T07:07:00.001-08:00

Dolls by Ana Brahms

Window display at the Don Muller Gallery in Northampton, MA.

When my daughter asked if I wanted to go Webs, the yarn shop in Northampton,
I knew that we would have make a stop to see the window display at the Don Muller Gallery.
This year's display was the "Story of Cinderella".

Ana Brahms began making dolls from Fimo in 1978 when Fimo was new to the market.
Her dolls have been exhibited world wide.
She lives in Massachusetts and this is the third year that her dolls have been displayed in the window of the Don Muller Gallery at Christmas time. Her dolls are are between 12 and 35 inches tall. Their bodies are made of cotton on a metal armature. The heads and limbs are formed of clay, fimo, prosculpt, paper-mache',wood and plaster and painted with acrylic paint. The hair is goat's hair or silk threads and the eyes are glass. Her work is just amazing.

Blizzard of 2010

2010-12-30T07:02:00.001-08:00

Christmas Around The House

2010-12-25T13:07:00.003-08:00

Christmas Around The House

Snowflake Ornament

2010-12-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

Teddy Bear Christmas Tea

2010-12-14T09:06:00.001-08:00

It was another Teddy Bear Tea at the Florence Griswold Museum.
And this time the Princess went with Grammy and Grandma
which caused a lot of excitement.

There were projects, and stories...

and looking at the decorated trees.

The highlight of the event is Miss Florence's Tree.
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree is back for its seventh year with additional painted palettes, bringing the count to 120 artists from across the country who have donated works to this one-of-a-kind tradition. The 12-foot tree has become a holiday icon for the region. The idea of artists painting on palettes relates directly to the Museum’s history as the center for the Lyme Art Colony, and alludes to the doors and wooden wall panels the artists painted throughout Miss Florence's house over a hundred years ago. The palette artists’ styles and subject matter are as varied as the individuals. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, collage, and even glass are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes, and more than a few surprises!

The Princess is looking for the palette that matches the picture
of a part of a palette. Binoculars were provided to help in the search.

A close up of the tree.

Other trees on exhibit were...

The Old Lyme Tree,

the Needlework Tree,

The Liberty Tree,

and The Knitter's Tree.

More trees were displayed in the gift shop.

Making Bahtoos

2010-12-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Many years ago, when Princess Buttercup was a small tyke, there was a toy turtle that said,
"Bahtoo, Bahtoo, Bahtoo, as it walked and hence forth turtles became known as "Bahtoo".
Shortly before Thanksgiving, Grampy woke up in the middle of the night with the idea to make turkeys out of styrofoam balls and assorted other objects. Then a few nights later, it was the idea to make Bahtoos out of styrofoam eggs. Who knows what he will think of next??

Christmas Wrapping

2010-12-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

When you don't have enough wrapping paper what can you do? Paint!
Princess Buttercup helped me paint the cardboard box containing her parents Christmas present.
I just thought we would do a tree, but she wanted to add a Santa, and then walls and floor. The next time she is here, she wants to paint Mother, Father and kids in bed waiting for Santa on the other side of the box.

Fat Belly Boy

2010-11-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to spend 4 days with the wonderfully creative,
talented, and original Ankie Daanen making my own version of her "Fat Belly Boy".
Ankie traveled from Spain to Ryebrook, NY where she guided us through the steps of
sculpting, painting, and costuming our dolls.

Ankie's original Fat Belly Boy.

When we arrived at the home of our hostess, Barbi,
we were greeted with hugs, coffee in our personalized mug,
and our own work area set up and ready to go.

We started with the body of our doll.

Then came the hands.

And then the head.

After sculpting, the dolls agreed to a group photo.

Then it was time to paint the features on the face.

After painting, the head and hands lined up for a coat of varnish.

And then the fun began as each of us costumed our doll
and watched their individual personalities come alive.

Diane's Doll

Becky's Doll

Deb's Doll

Clare's Doll

Barbi's Doll

Cookie's Doll

Margot's Doll

Alina's Doll

My Doll.

Halloween Weekend

2010-11-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween

This leaf was outside our front door and looked just
like a Halloween mask waiting to be snatched up
and worn for the day.

Trick or Treaters were greeted with three friendly ghosts,

and one smiling pumpkin.

Another friendly ghost and smiling pumpkins were hiding
at the back door.

On Halloween morning, The Princess worked on a Michael Albert
style collage to pass the time while waiting for trick or treating to begin.

The finished "doggy" collage.

PaPa Bear rakes leaves while The Princess
inspects a wiggly worm.

The "Bag Lady" joined in the festivities.

And it wouldn't be Halloween without the Haunted Graveyard
that our neighbors started a few years ago.

The Princess and the Queen inspected the cage to see
what was inside. Oh, rats!!

The Royal Family scurries away.

Last Flowers of Summer

2010-11-01T09:43:00.001-07:00

Last Flowers of Summer

Family ATC Swap

2010-10-27T17:52:00.001-07:00

This is our 3rd family ATC swap.
The theme this time was "The Sea".
And we had a surprise addition to our group.

Our 4 year old granddaughter,
the newest member of our group, created this ATC.

Both of my daughters created mermaids.
This one was done by my youngest daughter.

And this one was done by oldest daughter.

My youngest sister created this collage.

My oldest sister did a photoshop sketch.

I used 4 different mediums to create my Nautilus ATC.
I included an excerpt from The Chambered Nautilus by
Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Michael DeMeng Ballerina Slippers

2010-10-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

One of the Manglers had this piece commissioned
from Michael DeMeng using her daughter's ballerina slippers.

Manglers Meet

2010-10-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

It has become a tradition to present each Mangler
with a Dolly Swag on her birthday.
This month it was our lovely Terry who was the lucky birthday girl.

Our activity this month was a pass around doll.
Each Mangler passed a blank doll for others to add to.

Our completed creations.

Spinning

2010-10-27T13:52:00.001-07:00

My youngest daughter and I are taking a drop spinning class at adult ed.
She is much better at it than I am, creating nice smooth yarn,
whereas mine is very lumpy and bumpy, but I just call it novelty yarn.

My Mess

2010-10-27T13:40:00.001-07:00

My Mess
is never ending.
I clean it up only to find that
in a short time it needs to be cleaned again.
This time I am trying to be ruthless. I did sort out enough books
to go from three shelves to two on one bookcase. But I had enough books
sitting on the floor to fill the shelf I had emptied. And then there are the magazines,
and the yarns, and the lace, oh, and the fabric,
and the found objects,
and the,
and the,
and the............

Decorating Masks

2010-10-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

We got together to eat pizza and then decorate our blank masks from Dharma Trading.

It didn't take anyone long get started.

Doesn't it look like they are having fun!

The Princess added the pink, yellow and blue glow in the dark paint to her mask,
and it worked, although you can't tell in this picture.
Scary!!

Posted by hattie at 8:44 AM 0 comment

Soccer Game

2010-10-27T09:14:00.001-07:00

Granddaughter's Soccer Game

GO White!!!

This is one interesting soccer game.

Teddy Bear Tea

2010-10-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT

Princess Buttercup and Grammy were welcomed to the Teddy Bear Tea at the Florence Griswold Museum by one of the "Scarecrows At The Museum".

The crow was there to help us if we were cornfused.

The table was set for tea. We dined on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cupcakes and
haystacks.

Almost everyone, got a rug and sat on the floor for story time.

After story time, we were off to the kitchen to do "projects".

Next we went outside to visit the "Scarecrows at the Museum".

Willard Maizecalf

A little fairy stopped to gaze at Willard Maizecalf
This scarecrow was based on the life and work of Willard Metcalf, using natural objects
similar to those Metcalf may have found as walked the Lyme countryside.

Frida Kahlcrow

Kahlcrow is in bed, representing the artist's year of bed rest after an accident
during which time she decided to become an artist.

Magpie Magritte

What is he painting? Why it is the Lieutenant River landscape, complete with fluffy clouds.

Belgian Surrealist Rene Magritte challenged people's perception with his paintings which blurred reality and dreams. His painting often included giant apples, clouds, and bowler hats.

Magritte's paint box.

Scarecrow Scotty and His Boo-st Friend

This boy and beagle were favorite models for Norman Rockwell. They were featured in a series of paintings depicting the four seasons in New England.

Wilde Childe and Sillie Tillie

These scarecrows are based on Lyme Art colony artist Childe Hassam and Matilda Brown.
Both artists are pictured in The Fox Chase which hangs over the fireplace in the dining room of the Griswold house. Painting en plein air, without a shirt, Hassam's skin would often burn in the summer sun, inspiring a paint color called "Hassam Pink".

Wild Childe's easel.

Madame Pompadour Spaventapasseri

This scare crow is based on the style of Italian Painter Amedeo Modigliani.
His figures were often painted with stretched faces atop long necks with blank almond-shaped eyes. This scarecrow represents Modigliani's portrait of a South African poet.
Spaventapasseri is "scarecrow" in Italian. (Sorry her face got cut off.)

The Rambles

The Princess and her new found friends explored the stickwork sculpture
created by Patrick Dougherty.

Oh to be young again!

Indiana Crow

This scarecrow is based on the work of Robert Indiana, an American sculptor and painter.
He created sculptures from items that he scavenged among old building and crumbling piers near his New York studio. These are the same things used to create Indiana Crow.

Crowlotta Grisi

This scarecrow represents the work of the French Impressionist Edgar Dega.
Degas captured the movement of ballet dancers in many of his painting, drawings, and sculptures. Carlotta Grisi was one of the most famous ballerinas of the time.

Paul Crowguin

This scarecrow is based on the French artist Paul Gauguin, a friend of Van Gogh.
Gauguin traveled to Tahiti and was inspired by local Polynesian art, especially ceremonial masks. Gauguin made wooden sculptures and carved wood blocks to make prints.
Notice that that Crowguin has no ears.

Wassilky Cordinsky

This scarecrow is based on the workof Wassily Kandinsky, the Russian born artist who made some of the first modern abstract paintings.

POP!CORN
This scarecrow is based on the Pop artist Andy Warhol.
Warhol is famous for turning everyday items into art.

Jack The Dripper

This scarecrow is based on the American Abstract Expressionist Jackson Pollock,
famous for his action paintings created with paint dripped, splattered, and thrown onto large canvases. Pollock used sticks, basting syringes, egg beaters, and stiff brushes to splatter paint on his canvases.

Chriscro

This scarecrow is based on the work of Chriscro and Jeanne Claude, a husband and wife team known for large scale environmental art. They are famous for orange fabric, and wrapping whole bridges, buildings, and trees in cloth and rope.

Strawsby Matisse

This scarecrow is based on the work of French artist Henri Matisse.
Matisse is know for his use of pure color and strong pattern.
Strawsby's pockets held many treasures that introduced young visitors
to Matisse's life and work.

Alberto Giacrowmetti

This scarecrow is based on the sculpture Walking Man by Swiss artist Albetto Giacometti. He was known for his spindly metal figures.

Mondrian Man
Composition in Re, Yellow, and Boo!

This scarecrow is based on the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. The artist simplified his
interpretation of nature to basic lines and shapes. He often limited himself to the primary colors plus back and white.

Marc Strawgall

This scarecrow honors the work of French painter Marc Chagall.
Strawgall is dressed like one Chagall's painted musicians.

Kornshucka Hokusai

This scarecrow is based on the self-portraits painted in ink by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. His innovative woodblock prints, such as The Great Wave, influenced the art of French Impressionists.

Glittering Gus

This scarecrow is based on the work of Gustav Klimt, the Austrian-born painter and leader of the Art Nouveau style. His favorite subjects were the beautiful women of Vienna.

Gammycrow

The Princess took the last picture as she directed Grammy to stand behind the tree and be a scarecrow.

Information from the "Scarecrows At The Museum" brochure.