Nesting

Last summer I created one of my favourite paintings and sent it off in trade to Alice. I was a little sad to see it leave and so I made plans to create something along the same lines for myself. Shortly after giving my studio a thorough cleaning I discovered these wooden nesting dolls in their box begging to be decorated. Sidebar: How awesome is discovering treasure hidden away in your old boxes?

I had one failed attempt at recreating my layered watercolours with acrylic paint so I went back to watercolour for these. On top of the washes of colour I used Sharpie Paint pens to ink in triangles and trees.



I'm really happy with how they turned out. Working with bright, vibrant colours improved my mood each time I would paint or draw this piece. I think I will pick up more wooden nesting dolls so I can create another set of three for the other end of my mantel. I also think I'll be using a similar style and colour palette in more of my future work.

For the Tooth Fairy

My daughter's recent trip to the Dentist led to the discovery of her first wiggly tooth! On our way home we stopped at a craft store and I let her pick out the felt and ribbon. That evening I made a simple tooth door hanger so we'll be well prepared when the Tooth Fairy arrives.

There is a small pocket on one side for the tooth and a large pocket on this side for money. What's the going rate for the Tooth Fairy? I believe I received twenty-five cents, but there has been a tiny bit of inflation since the 80s. Is a dollar enough and perhaps a little extra for each tooth thereafter?

~ jeannine

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Two for Tea

Remember the Tea Box storage bins I made? Well I made two more. They are part of a pretty set of three sitting on a shelf in my studio.

One is filled with stamps

One with postage

One with tape

and they all still hold the scent of lemon verbena

~ jeannine

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Mail Art: Hand Painted and a Poem

This is a long overdue post about the packages I sent to my very patient friends since this past summer. I see that I am in need of another session in the studio putting together envelopes with art, images and letters.

Barbara received my first of several hand painted envelopes. Inside was a collection of pictures and handmade treats.

Kimi received another hand painted envelope and a hand painted card along with pictures, a postcard and stickers.

Sumi received a sketch on handmade paper which shares a similar colour tone with the photos. Gold letter, hand painted and space stickers rounded off the package.

Marcus opened a package to find our next trade. A BC sunset and two pressed sweet pea blossoms along with a painted cardboard postcard. At the time our prolonged summer was coming to an end and we were about to hit 80 days without a drop of rain. A few days later it began to rain with a vengeance.  I found a beautiful quote online and created an illustration to match.

The rain began again.
It fell heavily,
easily,
with no meaning or intention
but the fulfilment
of its own nature,
which was to fall
and fall.

- Helen Garner

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