Feathers on top

I love wrapping presents.  Merry Christmas!!

xo

-C

Fake plastic petals

Line study using botanical forms. I chose fake flowers as subjects since they were readily available at the moment, but I see now it would have made no difference if they were from the dirt outside my door.

{Contour with varied line weight. Bamboo pen & India ink}

{scribbled gesture line in 4B graphite}

{hatched line}

{cross hatched line}

{Calligraphic line with drawing brush & ink}

{Contour varied line weight in soft graphite}

{Scribbled gesture line in ink}

{mixed hatched line in hard graphite}

{HB, 2B, 8B graphite poppies.  Just for fun}

Happy Friday to all. 

The weather report is showing rain drops...ironically, I am scheduled to be part of a parade tomorrow morning and attend another involving boats adorned with Christmas lights at the harbor in the evening (my favorite!)  So it may just rain on BOTH my parades.

Oh life.

xoxo

-C

Office space

I am quickly approaching some job-related changes.  In a few days I'll be in a new work space with several more things to keep organized.  This means possibly investing in some pretty to-do lists and other office supplies that serve no purpose by being pretty except to make my days a tiny bit brighter.  I know this does not apply to everyone, but I can actually improve productivity by making slight adjustments to my surroundings.  Especially if those adjustments have flowers on them.

2011 Calendars - 2011 Snow & Graham Wall Calendar - Paper Source, $30
Fashion File Folders, $10
Office Organizer - Vinea Paper Tray - Paper Source, $16
Thumbtacks - Prairie Flora Fabric Push Pins - Paper Source, $8.95
Inspiration Yellow 1955 Vintage Pen, $17
Picture Frames - Birds on a Wire Photo Display - Paper Source, $12
Curry Dots Bracket Label - Paper Source, $4.95
Ace Pilot Stapler - What's New - See Jane Work



Refracted Ambiance Jar, $18
Paper Sketch Vase, Buds - Anthropologie.com, $98
Flowering Twig Pencil, $5
resolution pencils, $8
Desktop File Holder, $20
Spiral Notebook Series, $8
Spiral Notebook Series, $8
Amazon.com: Day-Timer Self-Stick Hot Lists, for To-Do Actions, 5 pads..., $12

Mousepad, $10 Etsy.com

All pretty things aside, I'm looking forward to new challenges and a new direction. 

xoxo

-C

Book report # 8

These images are from a 1974 French comic book style beauty how-to guide.  I found it in the for sale section at the library which means I paid about a dollar for it.  I always have these ideas about framing a bunch of book pages and using them as wall decor, I think these would look cute hanging in a bathroom someday.

Crafting a countdown

I have fond memories of taking home colorful cardboard advent calendars from the grocery store.  I recall choosing between 3 or 4 themes: a decorated tree, a Santa, a snowman, or a group of people caroling.  Each tiny numbered flap held a waxy chocolate shaped like a bell or a boot and I enjoyed pulling the plastic mold out of its cover after the countdown came to an end.  This year my nephew is finally old enough to appreciate this holiday tradition so I decided to make my own version just for him.  A good excuse to go to the candy store and get out the craft box.

                     

YAY for opening a present everyday.

-C



Cupcakes, strawberry, teapot.

The other day my mom called and told me she was on her way to a bakery near my home.  She said she was in persuit of some pretty treats to use as still life props.  I gave her a few suggestions and hung up, happy to hear she was planning an afternoon of painting.  

The other day I stopped by my parent's house and although my mom wasn't home, my dad directed me to this canvas and informed me that the props were delicious and they ate the treats together after they'd served their purpose.  My mother is an artist who used to draw coloring books, mazes, paper dolls, and educational materials for myself and my three siblings growing up.  I don't think she ever took the time to take classes or draw/paint what she really wanted. She has taken up a Saturday oil painting class in the past few weeks and I just love what she's made so far.  As an adult, it's so nice to see my mom persue what truly interests her instead of constantly tending to the needs of other people. Lovely.

 



This magic moment

Right now is a time to treasure.  It seems as if there is a lot to celebrate lately, even aside from the upcoming holidays.  I don't know about you, but I like to celebrate by going on adventures.  Recently my special man and I took a trip to Costanoa to soak up some beachy wilderness.  It was our first time there and I'm already drawing little hearts on my calendar to mark possible return dates.  Looking back I wish I had taken more photographs (next time!) Here's a little glimpse anyway.

Our little bungalow. We checked in after dark and it was a very clear cold night, luckily the mattress pad was heated. SO cozy.

(Costanoa = camping + real beds - tents + still walking up a dirt path to take a shower)

                                                     

It's a mere half hour drive up the coast from where I live, but it was the most perfect retreat. Yummy restaurant, big outdoor hot tub, fireplaces, gorgeous views, horses, gardens, giant chess board with giant pieces (yep), good coffee, and walking around holding hands with my love.  Best weekend ever.

-C