Paper and Threads

Santa Christmas Ornament Collection: EDM Challenges #19 (A Collection) and #46 (Holiday Themed)

For approximately 30 years I have selected and made a prototype ornament each Fall and then made 20-24 of the same ornament for gifts for Family and Friends.  Each of these is made entirely of fabric, usually scraps from my many quilting projects.  I couldn't think of any specific thing that I collect for EDM Callenge #19 until I started to decorate our Christmas tree this year.  Although I have a small collection of reindeer, angels, and birds, the Santas are my favorite.  Each of my children have a full set of these ornaments for their Christmas trees.  It was fun to paint the fabric designs.

Posted by Shirley at 8:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The top 2 Santas are flat.  The star Santa is heavily stuffed.

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This 7th Santa is made on a large red jingle bell and is the family favorite.

Posted by Shirley at 8:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had trouble deciding how to draw an animal - none around - and how to honor my Father.  He was an amateur photographer during his retirement and I have several mounted enlargements in my apartment.  I walked past this photo many times before suddenly realizing that it was perfect for EDM Challenges 20 (Draw something "Dad) and 44 (Draw an animal). 

Posted by Shirley at 11:39 AM | Permalink

Dreams for 2006 - on Paper

I would love to establish the habit of never going out without my sketch journal so I can draw daily throughout 2006.  My current angst:  which journal should I use? 

I regularly use the Aquabee sketch book because it is cheapest and I can add watercolor washes.  I am just finishing Volume 3.  I'm not inhibited by the journal itself and can therefore sketch freely.

 I loved using my Moleskine journal in Italy - the size was great for one page or doublepage sketches and it was easy to do fast sketches while standing because of the hard cover.  But the pages don't take watercolor as well and they scan too yellow.  I only filled half of Volume 1 in Italy and Volume 2 sits on my shelf.

The Cachet watercolor journal is wonderful with its bright chartreuse linen cover and great watercolor paper.  I have a purple one that I used intermittently "for special entries" since June 2003 and just finished it.  But its specialness makes me more cautious, and that is stifling.  

My current thoughts:  Use an Aquabee every day, take a Moleskine as a travel journal, and develop some of my fast sketches into "slower" sketches in the Cachet. 

Posted by Shirley at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)