Watercolors

 Last night I dug out my watercolors for the first time in months. I love to paint in the summer- there's such great light! I realized when Mom and I were setting up for the show last weekend that the paintings were looking a little picked over. I didn't have many cottage paintings left, so I'm going to try to work on more over the next few weeks.

 I've only worked on this one so far. It still needs a lot of work. The frame is only laid on top as encouragement, and to check that the darkest colors are dark enough to show up.

While I had the camera out, I snapped a shot of this painting as well. I painted it for Mom a few months ago, but don't think I ever posted photos of it here. We both love Jane Austen, and while Persuasion is my favorite of her novels, we watch the 1995 addaptation of Pride and Prejudice quite often.



You can see that the paint bled horribly around the edges, which is why the painting is still unframed. I usually tape the edges of my watercolors to keep them neat. My favorite tape is extra-narrow masking tape from the model train shop which gives a nice clean line, but it's a bit difficult to find. I used a different brand of masking tape on this painting, thinking it would be the same, but as you can see it was terrible!

Some Projects, News, and Advice Needed Please!

Mom and I had a great time at the show on Sunday, but we came back home exhausted. Yesterday was a bit crazy as well, since we had a new stove and dishwasher installed in our (real) kitchen! I only have a few quick photos of my recent projects.

I got a really good deal on this chair from Eileen Godfrey. It was an old Bespaq piece in overall good condition, but the white upholstery was no longer pristine. I pulled the chair apart and reupholstered it in silk from an outrageous zebra tie I found at the thrift store a few weeks ago.

 I've never tried an upholstery project more complex than a simple seat cushion, but this chair was surprisingly quick. While I had the chair apart, I also painted the frame black with gold accents. I have no idea what I'm going to do with it yet, but if I don't find a spot for it, Mom may use it for a doll.

 I've also wanted to try Paperclay for years, but never got around to it. So when I saw it for sale at Michael's, I snagged a package. I had a witch's workroom in a book shaped box which had been hanging around for a long time half finished. The witch room had been done in a hurry with horrible quality, so I stripped everything out and started over with paperclay. After the basic walls were dry, I wanted to add some details that would look like crumbling cast plaster. I glued in some crocheted lace around the top of the room, then mixed paperclay and water to a pudding consistency, and covered the lace until it blended with the wall. I'll include more about this box as I get further along in the project.

 Lastly, I have a really exciting time ahead. I'm going to the Guild School in a few weeks to make this. I've admired Nell Corkin's work for years, and am over the moon that I got in to the class. I've never been to the Guild School before, so I'm a bit nervous along with all the excitement. If any of you have advice about things to pack, things to do, or the best ways to bring supplies along (I'm flying there), I'd really appreciate it!

Another Miniature Show!

It was a last-minute decision, but Mom and I are going to split another table at the show in Norwalk, Ct this weekend! The show is Sunday, May 22 at the Doubletree Hotel.

 Mom's bringing some of her dolls. . .

and I've been framing watercolors and digging out the various miniatures we stashed away over the winter. The weather's been gloomy and gray all week. I'm hoping it clears up soon, so I can take better photographs of everything before the show.