Mini Time Machine Museum

Recently we visited a miniatures museum that I absolutely loved.  I only wish we lived closer so I could go again!  I cut up the brochure, added the entry stickers, made a mini book, and painted over some parts to bring it all together.  I now have a fun page to remember a great trip!

Mosaic bird

Just one of those days where I set my daughter up to create a mosaic and couldn't let her have all the fun!

Sizzle for IF

Breyer horse repair

I have discovered in keeping an artist's journal, that there are some pages I just don't want to share with anyone.  (Who really wants to see my terrible drawing about a dream of Johnny Depp as a college English tutor). But since creativity comes in all forms I will show you the project my daughter and I worked on today.  Repairing Breyer horses.  Some are hers and some are from my childhood.  We've been playing around with this moldable plastic called InstaMorph and found it to be a lot of fun!  This was one of the old horses from over 30 years ago who survived but was missing two feet and a tail.  We rebuilt those parts out of plastic and glued them back on.  It's a little tricky since it cools quickly, but a quick dip back in the hot water makes it pliable.  Once the glue dries we'll try acrylics.

sketchbook pages

A few recent pages.  Our young cat, imaginary birds, copy of a work by Don Blanding, and the Monday obsession with the setting sun as I drive home from "the farm".

Spark for IF

When my kids were little they liked to watch sparks rise from the fire.  "Sparky Friends!"  they would shout excitedly, and follow it until it burnt out while they chattered about Spark's adventure.  We all need to have more of that childlike wonder.  Today I saw a boy step onto the sidewalk and freeze in his tracks because he saw a bird (a beautiful great tailed grackle).  Seconds later he told his mom he just saw a BIRD and it sounded as important as if he just saw the president of the world.  His reaction made me smile, partly because that's how I feel when a bird lands beside me, and also for the simple fact that I got to witness his enthusiasm. 

Voice for IF

Rainy Day Build

This week my daughter and I took out the unfinished houses from the village we started at Christmas.  There were only two left: the schoolhouse and church.  We built them quickly but I spent the better part of this very rainy afternoon adding the finishing touches.  These are model train size, so they don't take up much room, but I think our next project will be to work on a 1/2" scale house together, and try making some furniture for it.  I love that it is something we can enjoy together.

The garden grows

Here's a little sketch I made while enjoying the flowers growing in the garden.
Progress is good.  Both the carrots and beets have sprouted.  There are baby tomatoes, strawberries and a squash plant.  So far, the squirrel has stayed away.
I love spring!

Happy Valentine's Day

A great day for painting on the patio, playing with a colorful palette.