Lazy Spring Nap

Lazy Spring Nap
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

I had been using left over paint on a sheet of watercolor paper just randomly to avoid wasting the paint. The risk is wasting the paper. After the paper was mostly covered, I left it sitting where I could see it. I was hoping my muse would see something.

A couple of days went by and something tingled. I grabbed a brush. No, that wasn't what I needed. Finally I spotted a little bottle with a pointed nib. It had white gesso in it. PERFECT. I picked it up and started drawing on the paper. I suppose that the warm days and my desire to find a place to snooze inspired this. Soon, I had outlines of trees, with a hammock stretched between them and some other (somewhat strange) linework too.

A day passed as that stared back and taunted me from the easel.

I started by grabbing a brush and painting in the tree trunks with a thin wash of burnt sienna (I think.) Then some dabs of green for leaves on the trees.

I let it rest and waited. This evening I started with plans to enhance the leaves a bit. Ha, the best laid plans of mice and men.... Not to mention artists at the mercy of a muse. (A muse, amused ? hmmmm.....)

Much later I stepped back and beheld this.
I am not sure if it is finished, if it will be painted over or what, but I thought I would share it with you.

Comment freely, but be gentle.

Mom Purse Front

I finished Mom's purse. It looks better in person than in the picture. There is a flap to fasten it- with velcro so it is easy for her.

The design on the back is a little different. Since yellow is a favorite color of hers, I used more of it.


And inside it is lined with a lighter grey and has two contrasting pockets - all the better to be easier to see inside.

I hope she likes it.

Starting on Mom's Purse - Pieced Front and Back

Mom Purse Pieced Front and Back
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

Mom saw the other purses and ooohed and aaahed. So I am making one for her.

On the left is the back, on the right is the front. I love it. This purse will be similar in design to the Nana Purse. I haven't decided on a closure yet. I am thinking maybe a magnetic catch or velcro for mom. I may call and ask her.

I am thinking that this pattern would make an awesome quilt.

Nana Purse

Another adventure in sewing today. After seeing the purses I have made for my nieces, my Nana (adopted grandmother) said "When are you going to make a purse for me?" So I asked what color and she said " Something dark, since I like to wear dark colors." Nothing is darker than black, so I got these two fabrics and dat down and designed a purse.

I love using the buttonhole feature and sewing on buttons with a machine. I have used a button on every purse so far. Maybe I should branch out and try some velcro or a zipper. I really think a button makes it pop a little bit more though.

Oh yes, it is lined in gray to make it easier to find things inside. And there are two pockets inside-done in the dotted fabric, just for fun.