The work break, that I’m becoming accustomed to, was interrupted yesterday for some necessary fine tuning. Putting to bed my Spring fabric line finally and it feels good. I’ll offer one hint, it involves beans but not from a beanstalk!
When I saw this old book for sale and in pristine condition, I could not resist purchasing it. Upon receiving the book, I was finally, able to see what I had been missing on pages 78/79 in my dad’s well loved copy, that had been torn out. This is one of the books that I grew up with, looking at the pictures mostly, and I was probably the one responsible for the torn pages. “Favorite Tales” is a favorite book (sentimental) in my collection of antique and vintage children’s books.
Today I’m off to my first regional SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) conference. I can’t wait to see, hear and learn more about Children’s books and all of the aspects that will be covered there. Plus, for added fun, there will be an illustrator workshop and portfolio review with Deborah Zempke!
Time to trade in tricks and treats for the turkeys!
And start thinking about those pumpkin pies, eh?
Does anyone remember the construction paper turkeys we made in school by tracing our hand? I think I may still have one around here, somewhere.
… and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. Rev. 7:17
Flowers for Norma
Don’t forget to vote!
John F. Wecker – July 3, 1925 – November 1, 1998
John F. Wecker© - early piece, watercolor
Happy Hallowe’en!
Chapter VII, A Mad Tea Party
Costumes and candy…..oh boy!
Creating a home made costume has always been my favorite part of all the fun festivities. This time was no exception.
I had the pleasure of helping to dress up this little lady as the “Mad Hatter” from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
We all roared with laughter seeing her transformation.
Trick or Treat!
"Hair-Raising Halloween" fabric collection
The 500 Year celebration of the Decorated Christmas Tree!
“Christmas Traditions” New product line now available.
About a year ago I was introduced to the fascinating commemorative event. It started me on a captivating journey into the Christian efforts of a 500 year old tradition! As I began researching the subject, it was surprising to learn about the many customs that have evolved through the centuries surrounding the Christmas tree. Quickly, I experienced a strong connection as the story unfolded.
Last November, I was privileged to be the artist chosen by the National Christmas Tree Association to illustrate the celebration of the event. In the weeks that followed, the challenge to depict the various traditions began. The decorated fir tree originated in Riga, Latvia (northern Europe) in the 1500s and the custom has continued these many years to be the central focus of Christmas traditions today. Perhaps, like me, as you read the recorded facts, you will come to sense the strong Christian influence, continually at work impacting the decorative elements.
The Christmas tree traditions are conveyed in a series of six classic storybook style, illustrations of the popular decorations over five centuries. The glass ornaments, cards and textiles also include six children in period costume. Within all of the designs, the popular trend of decorative text, enhance the images with historic dates and details.
Products include dinnerware (Canterbury Potteries), glass ornaments, cards, limited edition prints (Fine Art LTD.) and high quality quilting fabric. All are accompanied with the printed story of each century’s significant decorative contribution.
Availability:
Country Door & Bass Pro shops – dinnerware
Fine Art LTD. – Glass ornaments, cards & prints
Quilting Treasures – Quilt fabric available March, 2011, exclusively in quilt shops
Riga – Be sure to watch this, it’s really fun!
Tomorrow, my big announcement.
"Circus Menagerir" collection
[tuh-dah]
–interjection
Also, ta-dah .
OK, yesterday was golden but today, yikes! Since taking time off, I’ve been catching up on the many areas of the home and studio that needed my attention, desperately. I feel pretty good about the main level, regaining control there, except for a few over due closet renovations, and have even completed a few projects. However, today, I moved to the studio area, dunt, dunt, dunnnnn, a personal stronghold, well one of them. I am determined to conquer the “messy” studio before going back to work. Who can create in chaos, right? I will not give up until I have the organized, artful place restored to it’s original order. I insist.
Perhaps some of you remember my posting several messy studio photos (above) last March, titled “Good, Bad & the Ugly.” Those were suppose to be the before’s and then I planned to share the after’s. Well, these several months later, I looked around this morning, not sure where to begin so, I started with the most dreaded. The shelves of magazines.
Magazines,
magazines…
and more magazines! Oh brother. Does anyone else suffer from this addiction? I mean what do you do with these beauties? Well, they have to go, but not before I sift through them of course. Yikes, how long is that going to take? Can I do it in this lifetime?
The shelves are getting there. Am I half way yet?
No, not even close. Well, it’s a start. Yeah!
