Ms. Moffatt

Helper... not so much.

2012-01-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

Tinkerbelle has found a new place to hang out; Under the warm light of my studio desk lamps. When she gets bored with watching my pencil sketch across a page, she helps herself to the supplies and do-das I keep on the Lazy Susans.
Sometimes she is just so cute I have to let her stay and nap! Here she was not about to nap and was promptly removed after this shot.

Special Party

2012-01-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

My step Dad turned 90 this weekend! We celebrated during the "Model T Social" with cake and song held at the Asa Waters historical House in Millbury Ma.

Most members dressed to match the date of their Model T's. Some as old as 1916, ours as young as 1924. We all looked at home in the beautifully restored home.

Have a Happy Healthy 2012!

2012-01-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!
I've been blogged about. Check out Erica Szuplat's link here.

Oh Christma Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

2011-12-24T11:07:00.000-08:00

I love a Christmas tree! I'd say over 1/3 of my ornaments are handmade by fellow artists, family and friends. The Angel topper I made in 1980. Sturdy little thing.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

The Christmas Button Tree

2011-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

I have a great collection of buttons and saw a festive use for them the other day. A button tree! So how hard can this be? Just pinning buttons onto a Styrofoam tree. Well not as east as one would think. Here is my tree four hours latter (it is 6" tall). Now that I've gone this far, I'm thinking of re-doing it. This time covering the Styrofoam with a shiny green fabric.

Don't ya just love Bambi, the button that spells out "BUTTON" and the topper?

Candy Village filled with dogs

2011-12-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

Two days ago I decorated chocolate animal cracker to look like dogs and added them to the village. I think these crackers started out as a giraffe and a buffalo. Today is the last day to get in your raffle. Also about 50 kids will be at the library down stairs making their own Candy Houses. Medway Library Rocks!! (Husband Bill Hoffman works there too).

Candy Village, all about the Dogs

2011-12-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

The Medway Library is holding a raffle for gingerbread and candy houses.

Here is the village created by my sister; Susan Harte, niece; Emma Harte and myself for the "Friends of the Medway Dog Park" (if you can get to the library be sure to find the 9 cookie dogs roaming around the candy house yards).

Raffles tickets are $1 each and the drawing is this Saturday December 17th, so hurry on over if you are local! To see more raffle houses go to http://medwaylib.org/gingerbread.html.

Illustration Friday #24 "Brigade"

2011-12-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

A Brigade of Boys Bearing Gifts. My mind is on the Holidays, so when the word of the week came up brigade I thought "Toy Soldiers". These guys are similar to the close-pin solders I illustrated in my book "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" for the page, 12 drummers drumming.

Illustration Friday #23 "Round"

Round is my favorite shape. With Christmas just weeks away, my studio is hung with ornaments in various stages of completion. "Round" is an ornament for me this week.

GumDrop Tree or Bell?

2011-12-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

Ever make a Gumdrop Tree? I thought it was a simple thing to do...NOT! If sister Sue had not been here to educate me, I could not have managed.

First of all start at the bottom with most of the toothpicks showing. Next row make the toothpicks a tiny bit shorter and nestle them in tightly so there no Styrofoam cone shows through.

Easier said than done! I could not (nor did I have the patience) to control my gumdrop placement and I ended up with this loose looking bell shape. Working with pliers and a thimble this 8" tall tree took hours! (thank goodness I choose the small cone shape).

You see before you my first and last gumdrop tree. This one will be donated to the Medway Library for their gingerbread house festival and raffle.

Medway Annual Christmas Parade

2011-12-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Husband decorated the model T with many strings of battery operated lights, for the Christmas Parade.

Above Lula-belle watches the action from the windowless 1924 Model T.

Mike Carey (who took the great photos except this one of himself) kept Annie and Lula-belle company in the back seat.

Visit to Lilja School

2011-12-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

Last week I visited Lilja school and made cut paper self portraits with the first graders. These smart kids already knew all about symmetry and did wonderful portraits. The teachers and volunteers were very helpful, and the children seemed satisfied with their wonderful works of art.
Above is a simple slightly 3D self portrait I brought with me as an example. Below, a student shows off her own wonderful piece.

Illustration Friday #22 "Vanity"

2011-11-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

"Mirror mirror on the wall"...vanity is what gets all these fairytale queens and fairies in trouble. No good will come of it.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Illustration Friday #22 "Silence"

2011-11-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Fox sleeps silently while the snow falls.

Meeting of the Minds

2011-11-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

I started the Freelance Artists Network about 20 years ago. Once a month we meet to show and tell, and do some creative eating (cupcakes by Sandy). I hosted the Halloween meeting.

Here are some of the members and their links. Lesley Breen Withrow, Susan Novich, Jean Cotton and Cheryl Kirk Noll who now keeps our merry little band organized. Thank you Cheryl!

Nicole Wong, Erica Szuplat, Christine Hannon and Nicole Tamarin.

Nicole shows us fabric she has had printed with her latest designs. Sandy Cordts and I check it out.

I love the colors of Halloween!

Illustration Friday #21 "Stripes"

2011-11-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

I see them all day long... I see them in my sleep. Tinkerbell has "stripes!" This new kitty is stuck to me like glue. She sits on my shoulder while I work on the computer. Her gold eyes stare at me when I close mine at night... and when I open them in the morning.

There's a cat on my shoulder!

2011-11-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

So this is how it starts. My new kitty Tinkerbell sits quietly on my shoulder. This lasts for a few minutes before she spies the arrow moving on the computer screen. Then "let the games begin!"...attack...get the bug! (pictures taken on my computer).

Happy Halloween

2011-11-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

Halloween night. Woody (sister Sue), Daphnie (niece Emma) and The Queen of Halloween!

Illustration Friday #20 "Fuel"

2011-10-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

Around four o'clock I need a little extra fuel to get me through to the end of the day. A cup of tea and a wee crumpet does the trick.

Tinkerbell

2011-10-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this is "Tinkerbell's" third week in her new home! It was one year since the passing of my sweetest cat Minky when "Tinker" came into my life. I had slept over a girl friends house and fell in love with her 6 month old kitten/cat. She told me two of her siblings where up for adoption. They had all been in a foster home with a dog and had wonderful temperaments.
Tinker's favorite place to hang out is on my art table or beside my computer. It is very hard to get anything done these days! She and our 6 year old Airedale Terrier "Lula-belle" will (eventually) live happily ever after.

Illustration Friday #19 "Contraption"

2011-10-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

The Venus Fly Trap is a "Con" and a "Trap" to the unsuspecting insect. Venus draws in her prey with luscious colors and an intoxicating scent. The bugs days are numbered when they stop by to check out this carnivorous contraption of a plant.

Illustration Friday #18 "Hibernate"

2011-10-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Like the woodland creatures I'd like to Hibernate. As daylight grows shorter and the dark fills the rest of the hours, I feel the urge to curl up in a warm nest and sleep. Adieu sweet sunshine, hello chilly moon. Until spring returns, goodnight.

Illustration Friday #16 "Ferocious"

2011-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

The tiger, one of the most ferocious of the big cats.
But they just look like beautiful over sized house kitties!

Highlights for Children Illustrators Party

2011-09-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

Each year Highlights has a weekend long party for all it's illustrators. The costume party is my favorite event. This years theme was "Hidden Pictures". Bill and I are living black and white hidden pictures. If you look carefully at our clothes you may see the white felt shapes of animals and objects. Easy to see is the bat hanging off my umbrella.

New Illustration Friday Blogger

2011-09-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited Susan Novich's lovely new home. Here she is setting up her blog, making ready for her first Illustration Friday piece. I adore Illustration Friday and have been putting up a new piece of art a week for 15 weeks now!
For more about I.F. check out my info and MY NEW ART entry every Friday.

Illustration Friday #16 "Mesmerize"

2011-09-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Moffatt sat on her toffet and was mesmerized by the huge spider that landed beside her. "Egad" she gasped "that's one big spider!"

Illustration Friday #15 "Boundaries"

2011-09-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

Due to Hurricane Irene I was with out a computer, so I make up for three weeks of lost time:

This duck spent a happy life safely enclosed in his yard by boundaries of Hosta and other beautiful plantings.

Illustration Friday #14 "Mysterious"

"The apple of my Eye". A mysterious quote.

Illustration Friday #13 "Disguise"

Two little dogs disguised as sheep.

Illustration Friday #12 "Burst"

2011-08-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

So I say to my sister, "look at the weird split lines in my tomato, what's that about?" And she replies "Well it's ready to burst, you have to pick it off the vine and eat it soon!" This is a painting-with-paper of my first successful tomato plant. More about size etc. on my Etsy shop.

Dale Chihuly Art Glass Sculpture

2011-08-07T14:22:00.000-07:00

What an amazing show of Contemporary art glass at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This is the ceiling of glass. It was breathtaking!

Dale Chihuly taught at Rhode Island School of Design where I teach classes now. He was long gone off to fame and fortune before I had even thought about teaching, but it's cool to think he was here. I took lots of pictures but these are my two favorites. So glad I got to see the show it before it left.

FEATURED BLOGGER

2011-08-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm a featured blogger on Best of the web "Be @Home"blog #34. Check me out this week here!

Illustration Friday #11 "Obsession"

2011-07-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

At first I thought blueberries would be my "obsession" for this weeks word on IF. But as I was choosing from my MANY boxes and canisters of tea this morning I realized my obsession is tea! So here is my illustration for this weeks word. Thought you'd enjoy a picture of my pantry shelves dedicated to tea.

I also have a collection of tea pots and tea cups and hats to go to teas in. I quite enjoy going to tea rooms and giving teas at my house. Why I just had one two days ago...my 14th annual tea I share with my illustrator confidantes.

So I think I can officially say I'm obsessed with tea...in a good way!

Illustration Friday #10 "Perennial"

2011-07-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

From my perennial garden.
6 1/2" x11 1/4"
Available in my Etsy Store

King Fido's Faire

2011-07-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Whew! After months of planning, the 3rd Annual King Fido's Faire fund raiser happened this past weekend. In spite of a rainy start the Medway Dog Park was filled with vendor's, park patrons, and their happy four legged friends.
This is my 3rd year as president of Friends of the Medway Dog Park, and my dog Lula-belle loves me for it. Above you see her shopping the Raffle Baskets, picking her favorites.

With funds raised over the past three years we had enough to purchase materials and have a shed build for our tools. Dan Bergeron of Bergeron Installations in Medway donated his time and skills. Dan is pictured above with the shed and his dog Paddy. Dan is an amazing cabinet maker, but don't call on him to build a shed. He built this one out of love for our dogs.

Lula-belle and Husband Bill won first prize for "Dog that looks most it's owner".

Illustration Friday #9 "Gesture"

2011-07-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

For this weeks word "gesture", a phrase I learned in high school french class came to me: "C'est Dommage", meaning "that's too bad". Or "Its a pity." She looks a little European to me.

Illustration Friday #8 "Stay"

2011-07-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

"Please! Can he stay?" The age old question, how could you say no?
Original 3-D Cut paper for more about it see my Etsy store.

Lula-belle with bloomin' Hosta

2011-07-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

In the spring I sent a pic of Lu with this giant "Blue Angel" Hosta. Now it's even bigger with huge flowers. This spot is so good for Hosta I moved a few more into the area. Next year their won't be space for Lula in a picture like this. I LOVE HOSTA!

Woodshed Gallery Opening

2011-07-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Having such a good time gallery hopping! Three days after my opening in NH, I attend an opening in the town next door. The Woodshed Gallery in Franklin is a lovey little gallery run by wonderfully talented artist/owners, Mary Ann & Bruce Wood. Pictured here are Linda Smith, Me, Alice Stewart and Mary Ann Wood (wearing a really fine necklace available at the gallery). The show was all local artists.

Mill Brook Gallery Show

2011-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is my colorful corner arranged by gallery Mill Brook Gallery owner Pam Tarbell, (pictured against the rust colored wall)...

...who got my name from artist Ilene Richard with the great smile (wearing green), who is with another excellent smiling contributing artist Denise Ortakales.

Do these girls look like they are having fun! YES! It was a great opening at this BEAUTIFUL colorful gallery. If you are ever in the area stop by, you'll love it. The Sculpture gardens alone are worth the trip.
Alice and Linda My friends that came with me from MA with local NH gal Cheryl C. pictured below.

Other talented artists at the opening were Sandra Bartholomew (with the cool necklace she made), Will Harney (Holding his most excellent book), and Sarah Brannen in her lovely art space.

Illustration Friday #7 "Remedy"

2011-07-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

I.F's theme is "Remedy". I already had a sketch and started the finish last Friday. Pleased to be early to post!

This is how my mermaid started. I am always surprised at how the finish differs so from the original sketch. This technique is new to me and I can't predict the out come like I could with my 3-D cut paper work.
I loved this stage with the bathing cap look.

Fourth of July

2011-07-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Bill & I are in the Sherborn MA 4th of July Parade. Here we wait on a side street for the cars to line up. And wait!(this great car below is my dad's 38 ford).

When we finally get going, Lula-belle and I sit in the back seat of the open Model T with a parasol to shield us from the sun...and to look cool. She behaved beautifully and stole the show!

Before the 4th of July, July 3rd.

2011-07-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

With VIP passes Husband and I get this excellent view of the Boston Pops performance on the Esplanade. This is the dress rehearsal to the 4th of July performance. We enjoy the whole show minus the fireworks and the larger crowds that will come tomorrow night on the 4th.

After hearing the US Army field band and Soldiers chorus, music preformed by Norm Lewis, Michael Chiklis and a great sing along, Martina McBride sang 3 of her pieces. Then came the 1812 overture with the national Guard shooting off cannons, while the crowd was blasted with red white & blue confetti

At the very end we had a bit of fireworks over the Esplanade. SO MUCH FUN! Our VIP seats included refreshments served at our seats. YES seats! We didn't even have to sit on the ground. OMG!

Children’s Book Illustrators: Illustrations & other Art Work they do:

2011-07-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

If you live in the area don't miss this gallery exhibit!
Come see me and other artists for the

Opening Reception on Thursday July 7th
From 5-7PM
At Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden.
ARTISTS EXHIBITING:
Sandra Bartholomew, Sarah Brannan, Robin Brickman, Tomie dePaola,
Vicky Enright, Jennifer P. Goldfinger, Will Harney, Erick Ingraham,
Judith Moffatt, Denise Ortakales and Ilene Richard
Show runs through September 4th

This piece will be at the gallery along with others.

Illustration Friday #6 Midsummer Night

2011-06-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

The last page of "Starry Nights" a "Nightglow board book" I wrote & Illustrated, seems to be the perfect Midsummer's Night Dream piece for Illustration Friday. Here, my third Airedale "Raisin" guards her boy as she watches the man in the moon and fireflies glow. The moons face is only visible in the book with the lights out.

"Bullfrogs" are from the same book. A school of glow in the dark fish swim beneath the big frogs lily pad.

Illustration Friday #5 "Launched"

2011-06-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Robins everywhere! Every year I find them hiding in my garden. They have launched them selves from the nest before they really got the hang of flying and now hide out while Momma bird feeds them on the ground. Here is a happy baby on it's first flight, hopefully to a soft landing of ground cover.

Here is my big mess created for my little 4"x 6" art piece.

Illustration Friday #4 "Swept"

2011-06-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

I started thinking about this piece on Friday as soon as the subject Swept was announced. It didn't come out like I pictured it in my head so I'll start a re-due tomorrow. But for I.F. it's a go. Notice the bluebirds in the finished piece. I'm so excited to have bluebirds nesting in my back yard for the first time. It's Blue heaven over here!

Here is my original sketch and the eyeball globe as I begin assembling the piece.

Bridal Birds

2011-06-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

After playing with all the free supplies at the ETSY PARTY I settled back to making tissue paper cards. I was going to a Bridal Shower the next day and the invitations had brown bird silhouettes with pink flowers. I wanted to make a card to go with the theme.

ETSY CRAFT PARTY! The early Birds get the best Seats.

2011-06-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Etsy an online store for crafters held a party night all over the country last night. Did anyone else go to one? Pictured is Susan Novich painting on glass, and me making headbands. Like the one I just made? All materials supplied by ETSY & Craftland in Providence who hosted the local event. We had a blast.

Chris in the Orchard- "Shadow" Illustration Friday piece #3

2011-06-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

This piece is from a Scholastic book "I Am an Apple". When I present my work at school and library talks, I always tell the kids how much I enjoy using Silhouettes. I explain how they are simple shadowy shapes that tell a story. That's why I've chosen this piece for "Shadow".

I had a couple of friends that picked apples for a part time job one summer. "Chris in the orchard" was the inspiration for this piece.
I have listed this piece in my Etsy Shop with more information.

Humongous Hosta

2011-06-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have two of these "Blue Angel " hostas in my yard. This one is so happy with it's environment in just 3 years it has grown to this amazing expanse. My other one is 1/2 it's size, I should really move it.

2011-06-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

javascript:void(0)

Tornado skips our house but strong winds and weather gets Mrs. Robin's

2011-06-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Never in my lifetime do I remember being in danger of being hit by a tornado, but the weather these past few years has been crazy! The tornado did damage to towns an hour away from my house, we got a dark windy storm with hail the size of quarters! It proved to be too much for the robin family. What a lot of work went into this nest of mud and grass!

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY #2 "ASLEEP"

2011-05-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is a published piece from "Jack and the Beanstalk". One of several stories from Dorling Kindersley's "P.B. Bears Favorite bedtime stories". Here we see the giant sleeping as clever jack nabs a couple coins to bring home to his mum. I must say I always felt a little bad for the giant losing all his stuff to Jack. But I guess he was a pretty mean guy.

NEW WEBSITE OPENER

2011-05-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

Finally after thinking about it for YEARS, my new website page is up! Take a look . The page illustrates me in my shiny red VW bug (note the logo is not VW) with "Lula-belle" catching some fresh air from the sunroof and my kitty cat "Minky" frolicking in the flowers. "Minky" was living when I sketched this page, she shall live on forever in my art.

PS thank you Marion Eldridge for showing me how to make a screen shot!

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY #1 "Soaked"

2011-05-26T11:06:00.001-07:00

Here's my first piece for Illustration Friday. The theme this week is SOAKED! Now to link this piece to the site...so much to learn!
I have also put the piece up in my ETSY shop (Link in right column). It is framed and ready to hang or stand!

Blue bird Blast

2011-05-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

OMG I am having so much fun with these Blue Birds.
Last night I finished the bird on the left. This morning I was wondering how it would come out if I made it again. So here's the new one on the right. I like a parts of both. It's strange for me working in a medium that I don't have complete control over. Once the tissue paper is down it stays.

2011-05-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today Husband Bill got this great picture of our Blue Bird. I've been waiting for a blue Bird to nest in one of our houses for 20 YEARS!! So beautiful!

Inspired by it's gorgeous colors I made this tissue paper bird. It's almost finished here. Just a few little touches needed to finish.

Keep an Eye out!

2011-05-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out for more art! I'm joining the 100's of illustrators on Illustration Friday, a site that posts a new piece of art from artists all over the WORLD each Friday. This weeks theme is "soaked". I don't know if I'll be registered in time to make the page, but I know just what I want to post. This means every week I'll have a new piece of art on my blog and on the Illustration site...If I can keep up!

Huge Open Studios Event in Newton May 14th & 15th

2011-05-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

My friend Christie Allen-Piper will be showing her incredible pastel works "Figurative Pastels on Paper" at the Auburndale Community Library in Auburndale MA. She is one of many artists at many locations celebrating the open studios of Newton. For more information click HERE. Christie does amazing full size portraits in pastel. She frames them in plexiglass so you can see the front AND the back of the subject!
Pictured is a girl she is working on. Trying to decide if she will be cut out, or kept as a more traditional full size portrait. Below a boys portrait framed. See more of Christie's art HERE.

The Newburyport Literary Festival A couple of my crafty Attendees

2011-05-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

The festival was a lot of fun. We made Bunny and Bear paper chains, and Kitty Cat Snowflakes.

The weather was excellent and we had a good turn out. Pictured from left to right: Sophia, Angela and Jessica.

Newburyport Literary Festival 2011 Coming-up SATURDAY APRIL 30

2011-04-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

At our Easter get together I practiced the crafts I plan to do at the Festival this weekend with some family members. Along with critter snowflakes we'll be making cut out critter chains. I discovered they can also be worn!
Pictured above: Emma Harte, Steph Marble and me.

Flash-back Newburyport Literary Festival 2009

2011-04-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I spoke at the Newburyport Literary Festival. This year I am returning with a reading from one of my recent books and some clever cutting crafts for anyone that can work a pair of scissors. Click HERE to find the schedule of events. Dozens of Authors and illustrators will be giving presentations through out the day at various locations all in walking distance in picturesque downtown Newburyport. Come and enjoy the day...it's all FREE!

Provincetown Getaway

2011-04-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend and I took a trip to Provincetown last weekend. We stayed at an excellent bed and breakfast on commercial street called the Anchor Inn Beach House.
Although the weather was cold, the people were warm and friendly. And the art! OMG, so many beautiful galleries and shops with fine crafts. I was drawn to POLI GALLERY. The bright bold dog paintings in the windows called to me. The colors were rich and the painting so delightful I wanted to meet the artist. Turns out she was sitting at the desk with her 4 legged muse Pablo, it was HER gallery. Nicoletta Poli has owned and run her gallery on the main street for 11 years, Bravo Nicoletta! Pictured above 15 year old Pablo is lounging in the gallery.

Provincetown Getaway Next Day

2011-04-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

The weather was freezing! I'm so glad I wore my winter coat. The purple feather was celebrating spring with a chocolate festival. Chocolate and my favorite color, of course I was there!

Every restaurant is a gallery in Provincetown. This restaurant had especially appealing artwork. I begged a shot from the gal in the hat.

Look Familar?

2011-03-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

This GIANT Sculpture is in Key West Florida. A first stop on our seven day cruise.
I knew it was from a Renoir painting, but guessed the more popular "Dance at Bougival". I looked it up and found it was from a piece called "Dance in the Country". When ever you go surfing you learn a little more about your subject:
In 1913 Octave Mirbeau stated that Renoir never painted an unhappy painting: “His whole life and his work are a lesson in happiness…Perhaps Renoir is the only great painter who has never painted a sad picture”. Renoir’s dancing couples seem to be exceptions, unhappy canvases. The frowning mouths of the women in Renoir’s dancing couples imply that Renoir was uncomfortable with the women who were dancing and in painting them, would not allow them to have fun during the activity.
You can read more these sad girls here.

Tea Time on the high seas

2011-03-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ah tea, the elixir of life. Before I begin any morning in the studio I must have my cup of tea! Every so often I enjoy my tea out of the studio. This post shows an especially good tea.

Here are Husband and I at high tea on board ship cruising the Caribbean. It was so excellent to get away from the exceptionally bad New England winter this year. Each day at about 3PM there was a tea on board. Unfortunately we missed the cupcake tea because we were off climbing waterfalls in Jamaica!

Gallery Show in Norfolk

2011-02-15T03:46:00.000-08:00

The Gallery show was great! Karole Nicholson's pastel flowers were a bright burst of spring wrapped up gold. There was a good turn out and the gallery rocked with the music from the Shane Wood's Jazz trio. Also there was impressive art by Madeleine Bolger and Michael Evans that I didn't get photo's of, you'll have to see the show if you live nearby. Show will be up thru February 26th.

Gallery Exhibit Tomorrow! Feb. 12th 4-6

2011-02-11T12:31:00.001-08:00

YOU'RE INVITED Tomorrow I'll be in a gallery show put on by the Norfolk Cultural Council. Drawings and paintings by 4 artists will be displayed Feb. 7th-26. The opening Reception SAT. Feb. 12th from 46PM will have refreshments and live entertainment featuring the Shane William's Jazz trio. Come if you're close! Cut paper Kookaburra is one of the pieces in the show.
Norfolk Public Library Meeting room 139 Main street Norfolk MA

Inspired Brunch

2011-01-23T07:51:00.001-08:00

I've had a bit of an upset stomach lately. What to eat, What to eat? Checking my e-mail I see this GORGEOUS oil painting by my friend David Galchutt. He calls it "The Breakfast Ritual". I look at the tea and eggs and decide that's what I want. I'm most inspired by the egg cups...must have a cupped egg. I know a gal who has bunches of cups, so I'm off to beg an egg. (see post below). David opened a store on Etsy last year. His small oil Paintings are literally flying out the door. Have a minute? Check out his site, the pieces are awesome! David Galchutt Art.

Egg Cup Collection

2011-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have admired my girlfriend Mairead's vast egg cup collection for over 20 years. Today is the day I am finally going to have an egg in one of her many cups! She will be assisted in the cooking of the breakfast by her daughter Fiona pictured in their kitchen above. Mairead is a freelance designer. Also crafty, she painted the cupboards on the left in this pic. Pictured below is about 1/3 of her amazing collection. The piggy in the top picture was my dad's. It has tiny leather ears.

The Christmas Revels Performance

2011-01-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

For Christmas husband Bill and I get tickets to the Revels in Cambridge. This is the 3rd year we have attended this amazing event. Sanders Theater is an incredible old building, perfect for this medieval celebration of the winter solstice. Our friends Anne & John have been going to this celebration for about 20 years. Anne who introduced me to this performance is a former music teacher and knows a lot of the old music. Check out The Revels, they have summer events too.

A Talented Tea Party Plus

2011-01-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

My tea party/artist gals gather at my house for a winters brunch. We celebrate our friend's Cheryl Birthday (bottom right). Colorful and merry was our theme for the day.

A Gift for me In Memory of my Pets

2010-12-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

These are Memory Bulbs created by a fantastic artist Susan Miller Ceskavich. We reconnected shortly after my cat Minky passed. I commissioned her to make me a special one of a kind bulb. Then I remembered the dogs I'd rescued and Minky helped me train. So Susan made me a memory bulb for my four Airedale terriers who Minky is probably putting in their place right now. Check out Susan's Holiday Bulbs at Jinglebulbs.com.

Yummy Dog House for Library Raffle

2010-12-08T05:23:00.000-08:00

Each year after the turkey dinner is put away, the table is cleared and my family creates their candy houses for Christmas Display.
Last year husband Bill and I made a small Dog House that we donated to the Medway Library's Gingerbread house raffle. This year our house is twice as big and has a cookie with graham cracker Lula-belle sleeping inside. It will on display along with many other works of confectionery art on Monday Dec. 13th. The raffle starts Monday and the winners will be announced on the 18th. Add this viewing to your Holiday list of things to see!

Cookin' Koulouria

2010-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Spent half the day making these Greek biscuit cookies with my girlfriend. The recipe is her grandmothers and she makes them every year. Corey's cookies are always natural colored. When she told me I could color the dough, I was very excited about helping out. Now I want to make Koulouria cookies one of my Christmas traditions too. Lula-belle likes that idea!

Christmas Parade

2010-11-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

Three gals getting ready for Medway's Christmas Parade. We were bundled and ready, our driver Bill Hoffman below was turning on the battery powered strings of lights that outlined our 1924 Model T Touring Car. The weather was about 20 degrees and windy. Pictured above are passengers me, Lula-belle and friend Annie...note the tiara. Parade lasted about 45 minutes followed by a beautiful display of fireworks. I have never seen a more enthusiastic crowd...could it have been the weather?

Bugs

2010-11-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Added some bug Art Cards to my Etsy shop. Here are a few. I have a bunch of them. If you're looking for a particular critter let me know. Leave a note here or on Etsy.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

President Obama Sighting

2010-10-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

And I was this close to president Obama!
I was teaching at RISD this past Monday night. I had been warned to get to class early as the president was visiting at an undisclosed location. No sooner had I parked when the street in front of the school was closed off. People began lining up by the barricades, when they were told there would be a 1/2 hour delay.
I took this picture from my classroom window. You can see the people waving and the stream of car lights as the president and about 20 cars whizzed by along with motorcycle police, ambulance, and fire trucks. Helicopters where buzzing about... OOooooh it was so exciting.

Fall Leaves

2010-10-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh. The leaves in Massachusettes are looking beautiful. Now when the wind blows they are falling like a colorful slow and steady snow. This is my street. I believe this beauty is a sugar maple.

"Desi where have you gotten off to now?"

2010-10-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Lucy has lost her lamb. Read more in the post below.

2010-10-13T07:38:00.001-07:00

The Highlight of my Year

2010-10-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Bill and I attend our 14th Highlights for Children Illustrators Party in the picturesque Poconos of PA. The costume party theme this year was "That's Silly" from a page with the same name in High 5 magazine.
Bill was the "Silly PASTUREpedic Mattress Sheep (So punny that husband), and I was Lucille Ball. SO MUCH FUN!

Belle Of The Ball

2010-08-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was the Medway Dog Park's second Annual fund Raiser. "King Fido's Faire".There were Vendors, Photo ops, Raffle baskets and a doggie Contest. Husband Bill came to the park (a rare occasion) and won "looks most like his dog". Our Lula-belle also won for one of three of the best costumes. Above are the the awards a woman from the park and myself made. The buttons are from the art I created last year. The rosette is made from a circle of cloth and gathered into what's called a YoYo in quilting terms!

My Treasures...and they are falling apart!

2010-08-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

These are my Journals. A pictorial diary of sorts I started when I was 16 years old. They are my most cherished treasures. I hope to repair all 20 of them with the help of a professional this fall. To see more of my journals click here.

Model T Tour

2010-07-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Husband Bill and I go to the annual Model T BBQ and tour. The tour included a showing at the Codman Estate in Lincoln MA. We walked the grounds and saw at least 100 antique cars along with a beautiful Italian garden. The kid in me was excited to finally score a flower from the balloon man, I've tried for the last 3 years to get one!

Feature artist at the Five Crows gallery....ME!

2010-07-20T13:31:00.001-07:00

A beautiful night at the gallery. Maybe a little hot outside, but perfect weather inside with lots of visitors. My biggest critic, Dotty (AKA Mom) was one of the first to arrive then surprise guests who had seen the add in the newspaper kept on showing up...people I have not seen in years! It was an excellent night.
If you are local and interested in purchasing art, all my work is 20% off as the feature artist until August 12th! See Five Crows info & directions below.

Art Demo at FIVE CROWS Gallery in Natick Thursday July 15th

2010-07-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Come visit me at The Five Crows Gallery during "The Art Walk"From 5 to 7PM. Light Refreshments will be served. More info and directions HERE.

Come see a demonstration of how I make my 3D Art Cards. These are tiny works of one of a kind original pieces of art. I'll tell you why, and what I make them from. Stop by and say hello.
More about Art Cards HERE.

Multiple Cards

2010-07-04T07:57:00.001-07:00

When you're hot you're hot! Had a cut paper card idea and went to town with it. I made birthday cards and a graduation card. Actually easier and less expensive than going to the store...and more fun!

Illustrators from 3 States meet at the Quadrangle

2010-07-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

The illustrator/tea party gals have been meeting for 12 years. This year we meet at the Quadrangle in Springfield MA. It's a grouping of four Museums forming a square with a courtyard/sculpture garden in the middle. Dr. Seuss's bronze characters frolic in the garden along with a giant book perfect for posing.

Cupcake Popularity

2010-06-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

Is it happening in your area? Cupcakes are becoming more and more popular. For a friends B-Day I went to three cupcake shops displaying all kinds of beautiful exotic flavored little cakes, the average price $4. Here is a tlny beauty made by someone in my town for a library bake sale, a fruit pie with M&M cherries.

Highlights Foundation Workshop Retreat

2010-05-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

I traveled to PA for a "Highlights Foundation Workshop" called "writing memorable non-fiction" taught by Peter Jacobi (far left) with guest speaker Elizabeth Lindstrom (second from right).
It was a weekend of excellent information, superb food and great company. I learned so much about writing non-fiction I don't feel I'll ever need to take another class on the subject. It will take me months to absorb this new knowledge. I am brimming with excitement and ready to write!

Pictured above are students and teachers:Peter Jacobi, Marianna Randazzo, Cara n. Davies, Judith Moffatt, Elizabeth Lindstrom and Carol w. Doss.
Middle shot: Kent Brown Owner of Highlights, myself and Elizabeth Lindstrom, editor for Odyssey magazine. Bottom: Cara and Carol enjoying lunch on the veranda. Everything was done so well. I highly recommend the Foundations Workshops.

Happy Mothers Day!

2010-05-09T08:27:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! My cat Minky Mouse was waiting for her breakfast with this little note hanging from her collar! The weather is cool but sunny with a brisk breeze. Perfect day for hanging clothes out on the line (I'm on my second wash) and sitting in a sunny nook out of the wind.

Art & Treats for Man, Woman & Beast... At The Big Biscuit

2010-05-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

There is always something happening at The Big Biscuit ! A retail store with treats for dogs and humans.
This is Eric, the owner with my 48 pound Lula-belle. I spent a pleasant hour or more sipping tea and visiting. If it's customized art you're looking for, there is a variety to choose from. I have my tiny cut paper dog and cat art (framed and prints). Susan Harte makes the amazing pinwheel portrait photos and there is a wonderful painter represented. The shop has a comfy sofa and nook where you can have a beverage and treat along with your dog. Tell them Lula-belle sent ya! (one more cute picture)

Handmade Treasure

2010-04-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

In the early 60's my mom made this dolly for me, complete with this extensive wardrobe. Many of the perfectly sewn articles were identical to the clothes she made me as a child. The evening gown (I did not own one at the time) was made from the dress my grandmother got married in!
This week I found my little"Linda" washed her clothes and ironed them. She looks happy. As happy as a little monkey faced dolly can look.

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day!

2010-04-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Beginning in New Zealand World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, will spread time zone by time zone across the globe through 60 countries and across six continents today. Students (that's me) teachers and practitioners everywhere, will gathered at local parks and public places to preform this martial art form for one hour. My mom and I were at the comon in Framingham MA this beautiful morning gathering energy from the universe.

Take time to breathe today,
the energy is good!

Pop-Up Card Class

2010-04-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am teaching a class at my local Senior Center. I have dozens of ideas with directions, but what do I do the day before class? Become inspired, and spend 1/2 the day creating the perfect May Day Card. It folds flat then opens to a free standing bouquet.

Easter Cookie Art

2010-04-08T11:55:00.001-07:00

The Decorating of Sugar Cookies is an Easter family tradition set forth by my sister Sue. each year after Mom prepares the Easter feast for seventeen, the family clears the table and decorates cookies to take home, admire and eat. I usually give mine away 'cause I have a difficult time eating my works of art.

Pictured above from the left are: Cousin Stephanie, Niece Emma and Cousin Jennifer. All happy cookie decorators.

HAPPY SPRING

2010-04-04T06:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, Happy Passover.
Happy Spring! It's going to get up to 76 degrees today in Massachusetts! This maybe a record breaker for us. Spent a lot of time last week bailing out the cellar. Mass. got it bad with the flooding last week. This is my back yard. The river tripled in size and came right up to the fence gate, about 12 feet closer than usual! Cold rainy miserable.
But you know what they say about New England;

"If you don't like the weather,
wait a minute!"

Beyond Cut Paper

2010-03-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Recently I decided to use paper in a different way. I always wanted to try Paper Mache animals. So here is my first attempt. Flying kittens!
I started with a styrofoam ball for their round little bodies, stuck in
paperclips for arms and a wire for the tail.

Next I covered them in wet Paper Mache pulp and waited a day or more for the pudgy pets to dry... then painted the base coat...and waited for them dry. Then added the spots and details...and waited for them to dry. Sprayed them with a gloss coat...and waited for them to dry. All in all it was fun but tedious..and I hated the wating for things to dry (including the laundry that I usually use this drying rack for). But in the end I loved the spotted kittens. Now I think I'll try Dogs.

BA BA BLACK SHEEP, Have you any WOOL?...

2010-01-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

....Yes sir, Yes Sir three bags FULL! After a LATE winter clipping, Husband put her wool in a bag that weighed 3/4 of a pound!!!
With temperatures below freezing most days, our little sheep will have to wear her store bought coat for a while.

Hmmm what shall I do with her wool?

Lula-belle contemplates the first Snow

2009-12-06T10:52:00.001-08:00

Daybreak and fuzzy wuzzy Lula belle sits atop her deck viewing the first snow of the season. A winter wonderland!

Bill, Dermott & Lula-belle

2009-12-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Years ago I created illustrations for a series of PB Bear's adventure books for Dorling Kindersley publishers. PB Bear and his friends where all 3D stuffed animals. Dermott was the adorable dog in the book. As my Lula-belle gets fuzzier (growing her winter coat), she looks more & more like Dermott every day!