The COLORS of EARLY SPRING

Spring doesn't just pop out overnight here. It creeps in rather slowly. Sometimes, we get a little 70 degree surprise to remind us that winter really is coming to an end. The next day it could be snowing and 20 degrees. Mother Nature certainly has a sense of humor. She also has a way with color in early spring. She likes little touches of it here and there. Just like the 70 degree surprise that is gone before you can say 'Spring has Sprung!' She tosses in a little dab of blue...I think she likes blue the most...amidst the brown and gray. By the time green and yellow arrive we know that spring really has sprung!

 Hello Scilla!

 She returns every year, with her man in tow. She will be here by Easter.

They live a good life in the pond out back.

 Spring has sprung!

Stretch out those leaves...spring is finally here!

The COLORS of WINTER

Looking out my window, I wonder if spring will ever return. It's been a long, cold winter and we just got another downfall. Not a bad view, despite the cold. And the sound of snow is so QUIET. If you don't live in the north, you can't really understand how quiet the world becomes when winter blankets the earth with a fresh layer of the white stuff. I love the quiet. In a couple of days it will be gray and full of animal and people prints. The quiet will be replaced by the splishing-splashing of cars navigating a salted road.

 A closer look.

 Closer.

 Somehow, when I wasn't paying attention, the Witch Hazel bloomed.

 The birds have left a few barberries on the bush.

 Maybe winter isn't all that bad, afterall.

Ceramic pitcher and 'lil platters LOVEBIRD theme

Creating ceramic gift favors for my daughters LOVEBIRD-themed wedding shower was almost as much fun as giving them away! I combined textured items found in nature and my own handmade stamps to create a collage of scattered impressions.  I continued working with the organic composition by adding and overlapping splotches of pastel low-fire glazes. The loose form of the small platters (approx. 6 inches across...perfect for mints or mixed nuts) and the cheerful bird on the rim of the pitcher (an excellent vase for flowers) added to the earthy, casual theme.
To make the pitcher I wrapped the clay slab around a cardboard cylinder AFTER making the impressions. They I closed the seam and added a few more texture impressions to camouflage the seam. I placed the cylinder atop a circle of clay that was about 1/2 larger than the diameter of the cylinder. I folded the half-inch excess up along the bottom of the cylinder and used a carved dowel to make the impression on an angle. This secured the bottom nicely without having to be too particular about a perfect fit. I added the handle and removed the cardboard cylinder.

50's Vintage Style

Vintage Design

I've always loved vintage designs, especially those from the 50's. Teacups, aprons, baking cookies....just thinking about it gives me the warm fuzzies.
The styles worn by the era's most elegant ladies are captivating. Have you ever watched a film made in the 50's and noticed how ridiculously tiny the waistlines are? Impossibly small! I can only imagine how tightly those ladies were packed into girdles. I recall my own mother wearing one. Today's SPANKS couldn't hold a candle to the holding power of 50's era girdle!
After looking through some old sewing patterns I came up with this idea for an acrylic painting. It was so much fun to create I think I will work on a whole series!

 

 

Chicago Navy Pier Christmas 2012

Christmas in Chicago 2012

NAVY PIER

Visiting Chicago during the holiday season is sure to be a memorable experience. There is so much to do and see in the windy city. At Navy Pier you will find a spectacular 'Winter Wonderland' complete with rides, games and even ice skating. Plan on seeing over-the-top holiday decorations such as the massive red tree in the background of this picture. I'm not sure of the height, but I would guess it was about 50 ft. tall! There was a small kiddy train that rode around the tree with some very happy little riders! There is a fee for rides and activities but simply walking around and enjoying all the gorgeous decor is absolutely FREE.

Stained Glass Exhibit at Navy Pier (year-round)

Once you've had your fill of the Winter Wonderland, head towards the end of the building to see the display of stained glass windows. It is a huge, permanant collection of some of the most beautiful stained glass you will ever see. You will find traditional religious designs as well as modern, artistic works of art. Colors, Craftsmanship and Creativity all vie for your attention during a leisurely stroll through this FREE exhibit.

Christmas Fruits

Food that's FUN to eat is at the top of my list over the holidays. Okay, I'll admit that cookies dominate the list, but these fruity treats are close runner ups. STRAWBERRIES dipped in 'candiquik' (I actually like this better than white chocolate) and green sugar. ORANGE JUICE made fresh from fruits sent to me by a good friend in Florida. The best tasting ones are those with the ugly, brownish peels. I can see why they wouldn't be very marketable in the grocery store, but they sure make great juice!

Christmas Ornaments CERAMIC

 

This year I'm making ceramic ornaments.1. Newlyweds and a new home are the theme for a special couple. 2. My owl-loving daughter will add this bird to her collection. 3. The TWINS have just arrived! SO happy they are here....'Two Pea's in a Pod' will mark this year as a very special one.

Christmas Cookies

Spumoni (or 'Neopolitan') Cookies

Today...rainy and cold. PERFECT for baking Christmas cookies.

This is a favorite recipe. I'm making these to hand out at a nursing home tomorrow. Lots of fun to make...more fun to eat! Sometimes I keep the green dough white and call 'em Neopolitans!

                                     Spumoni/Neopolitans

NOTE: Chill dough overnite

375º         bake 9 minutes

1 Cup Butter

1 ¼ Cup Sugar

1 Egg

1 teas. Vanilla

2 ½ Cups sifted Flour

1 ½ teas. Baking Powder

¼ teas. Salt

a)      ¼ cup chopped maraschino cherries mixed with 1 heaping TBLS. flour

b)      ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (green dye optional)

c)      1 melted square unsweetened chocolate

Mix ingredients, divide dough onto three equal parts. Mix each with a, b, c.. Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil large enough to cover bottom, sides and fold over top. Press dough into lined loaf pan one layer at a time. Fold foil over top and chill overnite. Cut lengthwise. Cut the two long pieces into 1/3 “ slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake in preheated 375 oven for about 9 minutes. Do not overbake.

      

Vintage Christmas Cards

It's time to start addressing those Christmas cards! These are a few I've had stashed away for years. I find it interesting that color schemes and design concepts contribute so much to defining an era.

These adorable choir boys are another favorite vintage accent. They add a touch of cheerful nostalgia amidst my nature-inspired holiday decor.

Scarves: Organize.

Love, love, love my scarves. The problem is there are so many of them and they are hard to keep organized. A few days ago I was cleaning out my closet and came up with a solution. I had some old purses that were going in the trash.  I cut the straps off a leather purse. The 15" straps have a sturdy metal ring at either end. I slipped the rings over the pegs on a coat rack hanging in my mud room. I can easily stack more scarves by opening the loop, draping the scarf over the others and replacing the ring back on the peg. Voila! Problem solved.

More TEA anyone?

I was digging through a folder full of photo's I took over the summer but never got around to sorting. I am reminded how much I love teacups and saucers. So delicate, so feminine, so lovely to behold. Gone are the bright hues of summer and the warmth of the sun, but my teacups still smile from their little perch as happy as always.
I made the teacup sconces by painting and collaging on some old style wall candle holders. They look great with some votives glowing from within.

Nature Inspires Art

I'm not surprised that artists are often nature enthusiasts as well. When we observe the world around us we are inspired by the beauty that lies hidden in our midst.
I can always count on nature to provide me with a bounty of photo opportunities. The challenge to create art inspired by my photos is always intriguing. What artistic challenge do these images present for you?