getting started

Yesterday, in collage class, everyone was getting a good start on their pieces.  The start of mine, above, couldn't wait to get those "encased" leaves in and so now we will see what evolves.  We were busy with sharing other things, starting backgrounds for some, some making a few more papers, painting and other busyness that I almost forgot to take some pictures, but here are a few...

Inspiration coming mostly from nature quotes and poetry, I will collect and tell you about those as we get closer to finishing.  This is Sandy's and I can just taste the smell of the sea...

Lora Lee's has an exciting feel of the universe.

Maryann's has a lovely mysterious feel.

And Barb inspired us with this wonderful "book" piece that she is working on for an exhibit.

Next week, we will be moving along and I will have lots to show you!

book club

Today was our book club and this was the choice for this session.  I love historical fiction and I loved this book!  I love the way the mystery is carried through the book.  Some parts are very sad.  But, of course, I loved reading about the illustrators and the calligraphers of the time.  I could not put it down.  Everyone did not love it as I did...and some did, but I think everyone knew it was worth reading.

new session; new theme

This time, in my collage classes, I've decided to start with a "peeled paper" background.  Always an interesting way to not have to face the blank canvas.

Then, with nature themes, I have encased painted photocopies of leaves and feathers in between tissue and covered with another wash of paint.  I also added some gold threads inside too.

Making "serendipity" paper is always fun and is a good addition to our papers to choose from for our collage.

Now to choose the right scraps and get started!

Yesterday's winter

It was so pretty at The Center yesterday.  The snow laying on all the branches of the trees; so quiet.

Maybe the last big snow...Spring is just around the corner, right?

Brrrrr.....

Here it comes...

sunrise

Such a pretty sky yesterday morning!  Sometimes the camera can't even capture the colors that are out there but I tried and I can remember the oranges and the pinks and the purples.  Amazing!

And then there was the white; such a contrast against the bright colors of the sky.  A watercolor!  The weatherman is saying there will be a lot more of that white today, so we'll see.

a special birthday

Yesterday was a celebration for our special friend, Mary Ann's, birthday!

Cynthia set a beautiful table and we were ready when the guest of honor arrived...

"Happy Birthday", Mary Ann!

Cynthia served a delicious and beautiful lunch...

And her Mom's favorite, cherry pie, for dessert.

Make a wish!

a la mode...yum!

Time for presents and cards and ...

more goodies!

And a very special moment...Cynthia had lettered a lovely little book in calligraphy class for her Mom.  Yes, a very special birthday.