Pretty little things

What I've been doing.

Sorting and assembling pretty little packages.

Find them in my Etsy shop.

 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

AQS

 I'm very happy to have contributed to the new issue of Art Quilting Studio.

 My article

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 This week I switched to sketching. It's something I used to do that fell by the wayside so I'm a little rusty. These sketches were made with water-soluble colour pencils - Inktensive by Derwent. When I first tried them, I used a wet brush over the pencil marks but I didn't really like the effect. So I dipped the pencils in water before I used them and that really worked for me.

 


Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Week 4 of self-isolation

We are making memories.

Every day at 7:30 p.m., the hospitals' shift changes, and every day at that hour all over the city people come out on their balconies and front doors to bang pots and pans, cheer, clap, and lately there's even been a foghorn, to support our healthcare workers.

We have our share of troubles but I am incredibly grateful to be living under a very caring and proactive federal government. I give thanks daily.

Indoors, I'm triaging old artwork. I came across this one, acrylic and oil bar on stretched canvas, that I painted in the last century (haha!).

Dans le Midi (South of France)

 And this one, acrylic and collage

 

 Be well. Stay Home. Wash your hands. xoxo

 


Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Blogging in the time of the coronavirus

 I hope you're all doing well. I don't have much to say, as I spend most of my time at home.

I make two trips out for necessities, wearing my mask and gloves, and a daily evening walk in an isolated part of my neighbourhood. The exercise is a must and luckily anyone I come across respects distancing.

Indoors, I do the usual:

Playing

Stitching

Discovering old sketches

 

 Be safe. Be well. Wash your hands. xo






Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Wash your hands

 Long after this Covid is over, I will remember "Wash your hands" as being the slogan for 2020.

If you're reading this, I hope you're taking care of yourself and yours, and sending you positive energy. All is well in my little corner of the world; we're taking precautions, and helping those who need help.

 Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Social distancing

I'm hearing a lot about social distancing. I think I've been doing that for a long time ... I work at home. That said, I acquired some good habits back in 2003 with the SARS outbreak which are proving useful today.

Anyway, I painted this over the last two days. I call her Angelica.

Take care, be safe, wash your hands. xo


  
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Art Quilting Studio

 I was invited to contribute to the Summer 2020 issue of Art Quilting Studio, and today I finished writing the article, a week before the deadline. It's always a great feeling to finish a piece. I wish I could show you the art quilts, but I can't. We have to wait until publication - June 1.

Meanwhile, a work in progress.

 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Japanese story

I love the concept of furoshiki, the traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. So I decided to make one .............

............... using Western fabrics.

I listed it in my Etsy shop, and it was purchased by a Japanese buyer in Japan. So I sent it off, feeling a little nervous for obvious reasons, but to my surprise and relief, the buyer loved it.

Sign me grateful!

Arigato

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

New painting.

Ginger

 The photos don't do it justice. The colours are warmer in reality. Anyway, I'm just happy that I'm painting again!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The new year began with spring flowers... a lovely bouquet from a friend brightened up a grey day.

 

New work, getting off the ground slowly but surely. A quiltie showcasing an antique baby bootie.

In progress

Finished

 Available in my Etsy shop

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Tags and ATCs

 Triaging my collection of rubber stamps, I came across this one. It was probably the first one I ever purchased, and I'm still very fond of it, not just for the image but also for the style.

TAGS

 And an ATC

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Hello!

Snows came early this year and caught me unwares. My old winter boots are a disgrace, so I had to hunt for a new pair. The dog I occasionally dog-sit doesn't like the cold so he's a bit of a challenge, and now we're indoors where he's snoozing while I make my Christmas cards. This year, I'm doing trees again, but in a different design.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving Day in Canada.

 Happy Thanksgiving! 

May light penetrate the darkness.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Enjoying the cooler fall temperatures. This time of year always energizes me, so I've been more active. I celebrated another birthday a week ago which brought on the perennial question: Where does the time go?

I listed two new items in my shop today.

Another ATC: I drew in ink, and plopped the wee girl onto the chair. I added a 4x6" black mat board with rounded corners for framing.

 For this painting, acrylic on paper, I referenced a vintage photograph of two young women.

 Inbetween art work, I continue to write. It's slow going, but it's going well.

Thank you for stopping by!





Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 My last post was titled Summer Discomfort. Because of that discomfort, I haven't blogged in ages. But you hold on, do what you must, and it passes. So, it's been a difficult summer, but things are getting better. I'm back to writing and making art again. Giving up is not in my DNA...

 Visiting my sister in Seattle, I came across a package of these cutouts. I couldn't resist them. I used to spend hours printing and trimming old photos, so finding these was a relief.

 I made ATCs with them

 I put this lad on a horse on an existing painting.

 

 All these pieces are available in my Etsy shop.

And now I have to put my author's cap on and do some more writing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Summer discomfort

Life has been a little difficult lately.... a lot of construction noise going on around my home, added to a back injury that's forced me to stay in. I take a walk every evening and do core exercises - recovery is slow but steady.

As for the noise, earplugs help a little, and so does sitting at my work table (I have to keep remembering to sit up straight and not give in to slouching) making artist trading cards. These two have just been listed here.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 And just like that it's July.

Revisions on my manuscript are very nearly done. Meanwhile, I followed my mentor's advice and sent a sample off to a literary agent that she recommended. Whatever happens next is in the hands of the Unseen.

Some 20-25 years ago, after I'd written 3 novels while holding down a full-time job as a magazine writer/editor, I sent out queries all over the place, more than 100. The replies I got were soul-shattering but I persisted and one well-known publisher almost published my second novel. At the 11th hour, they pulled out due to funds. Since I had already worked for a book publisher and the slush pile was one of my responsibilities, I knew better than to give in. I was also glad that I had been kind and diplomatic when writing rejection letters.

I knew what I was capable of and no amount of rejection would change that. But there came the time when I was exhausted and I turned to art making. It saved me.

Fast forward to last year, and this wonderful (and competent authority on publishing) came into my life and talked me into resurrecting one of my manuscripts. For that alone, I'm grateful.




Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Little collections

New in my shop.

Little collections of little quilties.

Two sets of 3

On sale with free shipping to Canada and the U.S.

 

SOLD.Thank you. 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The laptop is dead, long live the laptop

My trusty computer breathed its last and for about a week everything came to a standstill. The unfortunate thing about getting a new one up and running is hours of work, the loss of some programs and getting used to new stuff. Feeling like Mr Duffy, but I'm getting there.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Two collages

Listed today in my Etsy shop, two collages on antique papers.

Alternative methods of travel series

Peculiar people

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Books and art

Way back when, I wanted to design book covers. Many years later, I was given the opportunity to design a cover by a friend who is publishing her books on Kobo.

This was the first one - I created the artwork, not the title and cover lines.

 

This is the second one that I just finished - I designed the whole cover, cover lines and all.

 

 All I can say is that I really like designing book covers....

 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

I just listed another art bundle/instant art collection in my Etsy shop. Six original pieces. You can view them here .

 Meanwhile, I'm working on my manuscript and some new artwork, too.

And occasionally taking care of Gustav. He likes to look out the window...

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Dog story

 For the past two weeks, my friend's dog, Gustav the dachshund, has been staying with me while she and her family are on vacation.

Gustav is one of the most affectionate dogs I have known. And because of that, he managed to completely take over my life.... It's just as well that he goes home tomorrow night because the temptation to spoil him is strong.

As for me, it will be back to work - something I haven't done much of since he arrived!





Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Writing.... and drawing.

I don't know where she came from, but she means something to me and maybe one of these days I'll figure it out.
  
 

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Books

Writing fiction activates the imagination, so when I took a break, I got the idea to combine my quilties into a fabric book.

They are in a sense like finished "pages".

 One of the spreads

Another spread

 

 You can see the whole book here

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

I have a book project to work on this year. It's already written, and now it needs to be amplified from a novella to a full-length novel.

It's not easy to revisit a story, but I'm committed; I got the push from someone I trust and who knows what she's talking about. It's never too late!

That doesn't mean I don't continue to create my artwork. This is a brand-new listing in my Etsy shop.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

2019

Wishing you all a very Happy and peaceful New Year.

So does Gustav the Magnificent!
Sometimes I take this little guy out for a walk, and sometimes he spends the day with me.
He's small but his psychology is big...

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown