Happy Birthday G!

This was George's birthday card this year. This vintage style is everywhere right now and I love it!  Instead of going out to dinner George requested an evening of baseball watching at home. So we ate dinner by the fire and had cupcakes for dessert.  Happy Birthday G!

Spring Grove Beech Tree Sketch

My friend Christina and I walked at Spring Grove Monday and we stopped and sketched at one of my favorite spots.  I decided to sketch this beech tree because I love all of its gnarly bumps and ridges.  The bare lump and the folds surrounding it reminded me of an elephant knee.  Christina sketched the incredible fall color below.  You can see her awesome sketch here.

I have been trying to loosen up my sketching and watercolor a bit and I would like to take it even farther.  I am so inspired by the sketches of Marc Taro Homes... they are amazing the way they are detailed and loose at the same time. I guess if I aspire to improve I need to practice, practice, practice.  I wouldn't even have brought my sketchbook if it hadn't been for Christina.  She is good about prodding me to sketch but I am always torn between photographing and sketching.  I suppose both are possible and they support each other, so hopefully I will be posting more sketches soon. 

Rusty wrenches

When my mom and I were at the Springfield Antique show we came upon a table chock full of junky junk.  And what caught my eye?... but these wonderful wrenches.  For some reason I am completely drawn to old rusty metal objects and I was immediately in love with the curvy one shown above.  I noticed how beautifully the big wrench fits right into the curve of the curvy wrench and I started arranging them as I am wont to do.  The owner of the junk noticed my interest and approached.  Although I had no intention of buying them I asked, "How much for the wrenches?"  He replied, "Three dollars."  Without hesitation I said, "I'll take them!"  And that is the story of how I became the proud owner of these gorgeous wrenches.  

Heirloom Pumpkin Love

One of my absolute favorite fall activities is picking out a pumpkin.  When my mom and I were at the Springfield Antique Extravaganza I found this heirloom pumpkin that now graces my entry table.  It's hard to put into words, but something about those deep grooves and the squat shape of the pumpkin makes it insanely cute to me.  What that says about my personality I don't know, but I do know that every time I come down the stairs and see this pumpkin I am absurdly happy.

Spring Grove Sketch

My friend Christina and I walked and sketched yesterday at Spring Grove Cemetery.  We ended up sketching this mausoleum that belonged to the Robinson family (click to enlarge).  Christina is an incredible illustrator and never fails to inspire me.  Sometimes I just sit and study her beautiful watercolor sketches.  You can see her sketch here.  Thanks Christina for getting me out sketching!