Sharing A Bit of What I've Been Up To

I miss the blog world that I was so 

involved with. So I thought I'd share 

just a little of what I've been up to. 

I still journal with sketches

 in fact, I have several journals going. 

But they are more private 

than the old drawings I used to post here.

Here is a sample.

I've been studying beginning Italian for Travelers,

as well as advanced French.

If the world will permit me, I hope to go to Europe

one more time.

I make little flashcards & study aids for the Italian.

It's a beautiful language, but it's new.

I recognize words, but I'm not memorizing them 

as quickly as I would like.

I've been playing around with my watercolors & colored pencils, 

creating postcards for friends. Valentine's Day.

Some one introduced paper weaving to my art group. 

It was fun to play with my painted papers, like a kid in a grade school art class.

Lately, I'm reading books about art & making notes in my Art Learning Journal. A friend & I have formed a mini study group, we give ourselves assignments. This reading in Affirmations for Artists sparked some good personal writing. 

With spring on the way, going sketching outdoors is moving into the forefront again. With Covid maybe out of the way I'm hoping for some new adventures out in the world.I hope your lives are getting back to normal & that adventures await you!

PS I wasn't able to leave comments on your posts today. I will try again though...

Journals Dioramas Boxes Handbags & Postcards

I've been away from the blog world for so long. 

Thank you Catherine with a C for your sweet note 

on my previous entry.

Above, an illustrated journal entry 

in the form of a diorama foldable card.

A lot of my writing & art has been in my personal daily journal. 

It serves as a modified bullet journal/organizer. 

It grounds me each day. 

It's a place where I collect & sift through 

my thoughts, feelings & observations.  

Rough & Tumble handbags also help me to organize my life.

I love them as art objects & for their wonderful functionality.

They are designed & made here in Maine, one bag at a time,

though they sell online worldwide.

I've been creating in postcard formats lately.

I copied the Irish blessing from a postcard 

that someone in my art journal group sent me. 

The bottom part, "For Today"

is an excerpt pulled from that day's personal journal page.

In the art group it was my turn to present an activity. 

I taught folded boxes 

& during the week we used our boxes to collect

words, ideas, images & expressions. 

Another form of personal journaling.

I made mine from paste papers that I'd painted 

in some workshops during the last several years. 

I was introduced recently to the white ink Uniball Signo pen

which creates beautiful lines over color. Love it!

So, I've missed you all & over the weekend I look forward

to reading & commenting on your blogs. 

 

Things are looking more hopeful than in 2020.

Someone reminded me recently,

"Spring is a process, not a moment."

So I can wish you a good Spring before the official 1st day,

with a virtual card.