Current Creative Pursuits

 I'm just dropping in a few pictures of what I'm working on lately at the doorstep.

The following are a couple of snippets of Christmas presents currently in progress.  It's okay to post, because the two recipients aren't likely to check my blog.  These are still in the experimental stage, so I'll post finished projects when they're complete.

 

Last weekend I took my first pastels class.  Below you'll find the completed project.  It's, what I believe to be, an English robin.  It's a rather large piece.... took three hours of class time, then I worked on it for a couple of hours at home.  I really, really like working with the pastels... lots of blending and layering.  Quite relaxing, actually!

Next month we'll be working on an owl, one of my very favorite birds!  We hear them, and when we're lucky, see them roosted in the trees around out house.  Hope you're enjoying a beautiful fall day!

xo

dulcy

A HodgePodge Of This And That

Well Hello!  Ok.... I am trying to keep everything that's still with me in the garden going.  I got this same way last year, where I started to feel a little blue about losing my flowers, blooming trees, shrubs, etc.  I love watching all the leaves fall, but feel a wee bit melancholy about winter coming on.  I sort of go into a kind of denial about the eventual freeze that will leave everything laying over wilted, soggy, and gone for the year.  I continue to water, prune, and deadhead my little ones as though it's still the middle of summer.  You may remember a recent post about Ms. Toad.... now known as Pansy because I believe she (?) has moved into my pansies for the winter.... well, she made an appearance the other morning.......

She spent most of the day in that spot contemplating whatever toads contemplate about.  I checked on her frequently, and eventually she dug back down until I could see only the her eyes peering up. 

Besides garden brooding, I've been working on my drawing.  You may remember that I started a class this summer, and was happy to report that I had drawn a passable eye.  Well.... I've been working on an entire face.  You may be able (hopefully) to recognize the subject of this portrait.

Yes, its Albert, or Mr. E=MCsquared..... I actually had a lot of fun with this, and tomorrow am starting a pastels class.  We'll be doing an English robin.  Finally some color!

 

I'm still working on bags.  This is my latest.  I really enjoyed working with neutrals and black.  Below is the back view (where I concentrated most of my design).

I guess that's about it here at the doorstep.  Thank you for taking time to read this little hodgepodge of stuff going on in my world here at the end of the lane.  Looking forward to another lovely weekend, and hope you're able to do the same.

xo

dulcy

Oh... once again... can't say "thank you" enough for leaving all the lovely comments about the magazine thing.  But I will..... THANK YOU!

The Best Part Of Blogging Is You!

Dear friends...before I show you the results of my "Haute Handbag" drawing, let me please take a moment to thank all you fabulous blogging buddies who have been so kind to leave such sweet and touching comments to me about my little foray into the world of publishing.  As I said in my previous post, this was just a lark.... can I do something like this?  Will anyone be interested enough in my bags to include them in an issue?  Well, after that hurdle, I thought the best part was getting accepted, then I thought the best part was seeing my bags in print, but....BY FAR.... the best part was hearing from all of you!  I mean it!  You guys are just the best.... and if I haven't gotten to you yet to thank you for your comment.... please know that I intend to.  I can't begin to tell you how moved I was by your kindness and the feeling of joy each time I read a new comment.  I'm not used to getting a lot of comments on my blog, so 24 was like Christmas for me!

Also,  in my previous post, at the time I posted..... I was not aware that my blogging buddy (and I know she's several of yours) Mary Stanley from Art Spirit was also included in the same issue.  Mary does fabulous work in several different mediums, rug hooking being only one part of her vast repertoire of skills.  If you haven't yet, please visit her blog.  I'm sure you will soon become a regular like me.

 

And now for the drawing........I was going to put more energy and creativity into this..... but we're on the way out the door to the Sequiota Art Fair.  My hubby is waiting patiently for me to finish this post.  So I put all the names entered into my little worm basket I use when hooking a project.

 

Then....I pulled the name myself.... I really hope you don't mind.....I was truly completely fair.  And the winner is (drum roll please).....

Miss Maggie from Grandma Yellow Hair!  I couldn't be more thrilled!  Maggie has become a dear bloggy friend of mine, and has the most wonderful blog.  She writes from her heart, and has me either laughing, crying, or both just about every time I check in.  Maggie dear, I have your email, so I'll get in touch with you this weekend to get mailing details.  

Have a lovely weekend!

xo

dulcy

"Haute Handbags" and Me!

Dear Friends..... I have an article and a selection of my bags in the October edition of "Haute Handbags" published by Somerset Studio.

Last fall I decided, basically on a lark, to read the submitting process and see what was involved.  I took it step by step.  My husband photographed the bags and I wrote an article.  Sent it off, and what do ya know... I heard from them in about two days!  They wanted me to send my bags to them to shoot for  April's magazine.  Did all that, and then was pushed back to this issue.  So... here I am page 67!  If you get an opportunity, you can check out the article.  I found mine at Borders, but "Haute Handbags" is usually also carried by Barnes and Nobles.  I haven't gone over the entire issue yet, but if you like unusual and handmade bags, there's lots of fun and creative ones to see.  Most of them have "how to make" instructions.  Oh..... one more thing..... I bought three copies, but just checked the mail and Somerset sent me another.  So, if you would like me to send a copy to you, please leave a comment and I'll draw a winner next week (probably Friday).  Here's to a fabulous fall weekend!
xo
dulcy