San Francisco de Asis Church

I am finally getting around to posting some photos from my Cincinnati Art Academy sketchbook trip to Taos, NM.  One of my favorite places we went was San Francisco de Asis mission church in Rancho de Taos historic district.  The church was built between 1772 and 1816 and made famous by several Georgia O'Keefe paintings.  She made the back of this church as famous as the front.

We woke up at 5:30 so we could arrive at the church before sunrise.  I was excited to capture the sunrise on the beautiful odd-shaped adobe walls on the back of the church.  My favorite drawing in my sketchbook is of the back of this church.  I'll do a post later with some sketches from the trip.

I love this quote from George O'Keefe about this church:

"The Ranchos de Taos Church is one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States by the early Spaniards. Most artists who spend any time in Taos have to paint it, I suppose, just as they have to paint a self-portrait. I had to paint it—the back several times, the front once. I finally painted a part of the back thinking with that piece of the back I said all I needed to say about the church. I often painted fragments of things because it seemed to make my statement as well as or better than the whole could. And I long ago came to the conclusion that even if I could put down accurately the thing that I saw and enjoyed, it would not give the observer the kind of feeling it gave me. I had to create an equivalent for what I felt about what I was looking at—not copy it."

Scandinavian Napkins and Tablecloth

I bet you thought I was done with the whole red, white and blue theme, eh?  Well I couldn't resist posting these beauties.  I found both the napkins and the tablecloth at Punzel's in Michigan last year.  I already posted the beautiful red, white, and blue linen table runner I bought there last September and I have been itching to put these up ever since.  

According to Wikipedia, the horse you see here is called a "Dala" horse.  The Swedish started carving wooden horses long ago as toys that then became a popular item for trade. Different locations had differing styles, but the red horse with the detailed harness in white, green, yellow and blue became the most widespread and is now a popular symbol of Sweden.  

Originally the horses were just carved from wood and not painted.  According to legend a wandering painter came across a plain horse and painted it in the kurbits style.  What is kurbits you ask?  It is "an invented, fantastical symbol of vegetal fertility based on a gourd or pumpkin of biblical legend, principally used for ornamentation in Swedish folk art and on painted furniture and domestic objects."  I had to google it and it is totally awesome!  I am totally crazy over kurbits and I didn't even know it!  You must google image it!  When I bought these I knew none of this...I just thought they were super cute and beautiful.  Now I like them even more!

Vintage Tablecloth - Happy 4th of July!

I had such fun making the image above.  When I was looking through all my tablecloths I realized this one was perfect for making a nice square 4th of July card.  The tablecloth didn't really have that message in the middle (you can see it in full below), but I Photoshopped it in there.  Wouldn't it be awesome though to have a great big 4th of July party and to print your own tablecloths with that in the middle?  Maybe some day...but today I am content to put out all my red, white and blue tablecloths on the porch tables and sip lemonade.  Stay cool and HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

Pennsylvania Dutch Pillow

This pillow is one of my favorite flea market finds of all time.  As soon as I saw it I knew it was coming home with me.  Of course I was drawn to the red, white, and blue, but just look at that cute lady churning butter! 

Honestly, I'm not quite sure if it is officially "Pennsylvania Dutch", but it had that air to it so I went with it.  If anyone out there knows more about this pillow please let me know.  Oh, and it appears to be made with high quality dyes because it is the only thing on the porch that has not faded from all this sun. 

Vintage Clothspin Bag

Last time I visited Gary Neltner at the Antiques Warehouse I was telling him that we have been hanging our laundry out to dry instead of using our dryer.  He responded that he had something I might like and voila!...look what he pulled out for me! 

Of course I loved it with it's awesome vintage illustration and typeface.  If you can't read it, it says, "The Champion, Stay Open, Clothespin Bag".  It reminded me of my childhood because my  mom always had a clothespin bag like this.  I don't know if it was a "Champion" but it had the same general bag-on-wire-frame appeal to it. 

Not only has it come in very handy when hanging out the laundry, but the color scheme fit perfectly into this week's theme.  Nothing says summertime like a vintage red, white and blue clothespin bag!

Mahonia Fireworks

I know I already posted about mahonia just this April, but when I was thinking about my red, white and blue theme of the week I just had to include this photo.  The color on these berries and their stems is so amazing...and what a difference from April!  We didn't get around to making jam with them but the mockingbirds were quite happy to scarf them all down.

Vintage Tablecloth

I bought this tablecloth a few years ago at the flea market in Burlington and it has been one of my all-time favorites.  I love the red scalloped edging and the painterly blue and red flowers...so vintage!  I think this tablecloth is the reason I keep collecting red, white, and blue linens...I just keep looking for more just like it.

So when your out at the flea market and you find a tablecloth with this color scheme I suggest you snatch it up and have a wonderful patriotic picnic.  Because if you don't, I will.

Vintage Flour Sack Cloth

Even though I just got back from Taos and I have a ton of great travel photos to share, I thought this week I would post things that are mostly red, white and blue.  Last year I had the idea to do it and time just got away from me.

It was funny because one day it dawned on me that most of the linens I collect are red, white and blue.  It wasn't a conscious decision, but when I look at my tablecloths the majority are in that color scheme.  The blue is often more of a sky blue than a flag blue, but blue nonetheless.

The fabric above is from a flour sack I bought at the flea market.  I am currently using it as a pillow case on our screen porch outside.  It is amazing how the sun has faded it but I kind of like it that way...  and the pattern is one of my favorites.  To me the design has a slightly Asian flair.  Gorgeous!  So check back because there will be lots of patriotic posting all week!

Father's Day Succulents

I know, I know, I am cactus crazy over here!  Last year I made my dad a succulent arrangement in this strawberry pot.  He gave it back to me so I am filling it up again this year for father's day.

I had so much fun choosing these plants.  I love the way the chubby soft fingers of the green succulent contrast with the sharp spines of the three cacti.  And just look at the nice blue, green and yellow in the photo above.  I am in love with cacti!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Roasted Summer Vegetables

This week we got lots of vegetables from our CSA (Hazelfield Farms).  George was cleaning them and they were so pretty he called me over to see them.  Of course I had to blog them because of their astounding beauty.  Just look at all those colors!

I have to admit I haven't been the best vegetable-eater my whole life,  which makes it all the more amazing that I just can't get enough of George's roasted veggies.  Whenever he makes them I just loooooooooove them.  So here is the recipe if you would like to try them.

George's Roasted Vegetable Recipe

Ingredients
Any summer veggie (zucchini, squash, potatoes, carrots, beets, whatever you like)
Olive oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Soy Sauce
Salt
Basil
Thyme
Cumin
Tony Chachere's Spice mix (optional)

Directions
Clean and slice vegetables (I like them thinly sliced).  Spread in roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.  Add a little soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt, basil, thyme, cumin, and spice mix (optional).  Stir to mix everything together and then roast for an 45 minutes to an hour at 325-375°.  Stir halfway through.  We let them coast in the oven after we turn the oven off for about a half an hour.  Serve warm and enjoy!

Last Peony of Spring

When I got back from my trip to Rochester I was so excited to look out the window and see one last peony still in bloom.  It was perfect timing too because I just bought this nice blue bottle at the Springfield Antique Show.  I also have to mention this was the first time I have ever used lamb's ear in a vase and I totally love it!  Its soft hue and texture were a perfect accent for the pale pink peony and it lasted a long time as a cut flower.  I guess you learn something new everyday! 

Homemade Sketchbook

This summer I am taking a sketchbook course from the Cincinnati Art Academy.  The course takes place in Taos, NM and is taught by Amy Bogard, artist extraordinaire (check out her website here).  Our class met once at the art store where we discussed sketchbook options and Amy mentioned that she could also show anyone who was interested how to make a homemade sketchbook.  She brought her own beautiful handmade sketchbook that was to-die-for so of course I had to try and make one.

Amy was nice enough to invite me over one day and I watched how she made one.  Many years ago I was into making books from scratch (buying the bookboard and covering it with bookcloth).  Although I loved the results, it was time-consuming and tedious.  So when she described her method of buying an old book and re-purposing it I loved it.  Basically you buy a used book (preferably with a good title if you are going to let it show), cut out the pages, reinforce the binding with paper (or bookcloth), and sew in new blank pages with the paper of your choice.

In her sketchbooks she left the title of the original book showing.  I liked the title of my book (Blessings by Belva Plain), but the title was so big my sewing would have to cover it to properly hold the pages.  I therefore decided to cover the title with bookcloth.  I ended up making this bookcloth because I found this beautiful southwestern-looking fabric that I thought was perfect for a "Taos" sketchbook.  To make your own bookcloth you just have to iron heat-n-bond onto your fabric and then iron tissue paper onto one side.  I learned this by watching this youtube video.  I also ended up doing a little sketch on the front and back in the style of my favorite New Mexican printmaker Willard Clark.  I think I am going to glue some of my favorite prints of his onto the inside covers for extra inspiration.  The course hasn't even technically started and I am already loving it!  Hopefully I will fill it with something blog-worthy.  Will keep you posted!
  

Mother's Day Succulent Arrangement

When I was a little girl my mom used to take me to Knollwood Garden Center and let me pick out a succulent.  I remember standing in the hot greenhouse with sweat trickling down my back, struggling to choose because I liked them all.  I don't know if that's when my fascination with succulents began, but I do so love their stout little bodies.  My favorite has always been the soft, chubby ones like the one in focus above.

In honor of that wonderful memory I decided to make a succulent arrangement for my Mom.  I bought this snail pot for her a few Mother's Days back at Home Emporium. This past summer she gave me a plant that was in it so I still had it.  I put calla lilies in it the first time around, so I wanted to do something different and the succulents were the perfect choice. And just standing in Lowe's today trying to figure out which cacti to buy put a smile on this girl's face.  Thanks Mom! 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Flower Fabric

I created this sketch for another Spoonflower contest.  The theme was pen and ink colored with watercolors and the winner of the contest has a chance to start a new career as a fabric designer with Robert Kaufman.  The judges narrowed down the 750 entries to 100 and unfortunately I didn't make the cut (c'est la vie).  But you should still pop over to see all the great designs and vote for your favorite here.  Below you can see what my pattern looks like with a half-brick repeat.

Forget-me-nots & Heuchera

The other day my friend Annie hosted a get-together for the women of the neighborhood and I was struck by the simplicity and beauty of her flower arrangements.  She had Lily of the Valley and Forget-me-nots in mason jelly jars with just the donut outer lid screwed on so the flowers could come through.  The next day we were having a house guest (who happens to be a botanist) so I decided to make this little arrangement of  heuchera and Forget-me-nots for his room.  I love the color combination of lime green and purple-blue and the fact that it was so easy to make.  It may not be the world's best flower arrangement, but I love the idea that I can run outside with a pair of scissors and a jar of water and come back in less than five minutes with something that brings so much joy.

Oregon Grape

Although I first learned this plant by its genus name, Mahonia, the common name of "Oregon Grape" describes the most memorable part of this plant...its beautiful berries . There is something so amazing about their soft dusty hue and the way they practically glow from within.  I photographed these early this spring so they are still green, but later in the season they turn a wonderful cornflower blue (you can see some here tucked into a flower arrangement).

Technically speaking they are not a grape, but they are edible.  I have not tasted them because they are described as extremely tart.  I did find instructions on how to make Oregon Grape Jam here and the author claims it is "one of the world's most delicious jams" when mixed with blackberries.  George is always adventurous so if we have a good crop this year we will try it out.  But even if we don't make any jam, both the birds and I will enjoy the berries.

Bleeding Heart

Vintage Egg Tray

The story behind this photo began in my neighbor's basement about two months ago.  His basement reminds me of a curiosity shop filled with interesting odds and ends, antiques, and vintage furniture.  While I was hanging out watching him stain a leather chair (yes, he actually does a gazillion interesting projects like that that I might think about doing but never actually do) I came across this beautiful, vintage egg tray.  And every week since then I kept saying, "Let's go do a photos shoot for Easter with the vintage egg tray!"  So we finally pulled her out and brought her outside this week for a little fun in the sun.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend filled with colorful eggs and chocolate!

Easter Bunny Candles

 
This week I decided to treat myself to a little dress shopping.  I have a terrible addiction to summer dresses and one of my favorite places to go is Kismet in O'Bryonville.  As I was perusing the dresses I spied these incredibly cute bunny candles.  I love vintage Easter decorations and as soon as I saw their waxy, vintage-looking bodies I knew they were coming home with me.

When I got home I decided they were so adorable I had to take them out for a little photo shoot.  The top photo was taken in my weedy front lawn. It made me think the bunnies were racing about trying to hide all their eggs.  In the bottom photo I imagine they all met at the local dandelion to relax and discuss more egg-hiding strategies for the big day.

Homage to Sloane Tanen #2

A couple years ago I bought my first pom pom chicks and did a blog post about how they reminded me of Sloane Tanen whenever I saw them.  If you don't know about her books you should check them out on Amazon where you can look inside the books at some of the incredible pom pom chick dioramas.  They are hilarious!

So this year I was at Michael's and I couldn't resist buying another box of chicks.  When I got home I was upstairs opening the box and there was Sunshine (my cat) sleeping so peacefully.  I just tucked a few chicks right in the crook of her tail.  She lifted her head and gave me that Mom-what-are-you-doing-now look, but tolerated the impromptu photo shoot well and eventually went back to sleep. When I first saw the photos,  the expression on the chicks' faces made me laugh so I thought another homage to Sloane Tanen was in order.  And if you were worried, the chicks did make it out of there and are now happily on display amidst daffodils and Easter eggs.

Periwinkle

Last year I planted this periwinkle (Vinca minor) in my yard because I love its soft purple pinwheels.  However, once I started doing a little research I realized it is non-native and can be aggressive.  It spreads by sending out runners and will choke out weeds, but also your more desirable plants too.  As with many non-natives, if you don't want it to spread you must be very vigilant about cutting it back.

Even though it is an "evil" non-native, I have to admit everything about this flower is cute...from its adorable shape to its interesting name.  While looking up periwinkle I discovered it shares its name with a small edible sea snail called the common periwinkle or winkle (Littorina littorea).  The word "winkle" is also a verb which means "To pry, extract, or force from a place or position. Often used with out."  There is an interesting discussion here about the name and I liked their suggestion that both the snail and the flower are difficult to extract. 

I also discovered it is sometimes called pennywinkle (my favorite), blue buttons, creeping myrtle, wilk, cutfingers, cockles (another mollusk reference!) and in Italy, centochhio, "the hundred eyes" for its "impressive mass of blooms that peer out from the plant’s foliage" (source: Gardening Central.org).

Redbud Tree Flowers

 
The redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) around my house have been especially bountiful this year.  I took this photo yesterday in my neighbor's yard because he has a tree with low branches.  I love the way the flowers come right off the branches.  Apparently the flowers are edible and the bark can be used to treat everything from upset stomach to fever to congestion.  I will probably not be boiling bark infusions any time soon, but I am open to tasting a flower or two.  I'll let you know how that goes.  In the meantime I am signing off to go lay in the hammock!

Spring Table

Spring has sprung early this year and I am loving it!  The other night we hosted the Xavier Bridge Marathon at our house and it was so warm we were able to play out on the screened porch.  I randomly grabbed this vintage pineapple tablecloth and threw it on the old yellow table that we keep on the porch. I think I did a double take when I saw it... just look how the butter yellow legs perfectly pick up the yellow of the pineapple!  All day I kept looking out the window because this little scene made me smile.  Happy Spring everyone!

More Antique Door Knobs!

Alas, this is the end of my Antiques Warehouse posts and I saved my favorite photo for last.  I love the movement created by the beautiful texture of the knob in the foreground, the chipped blue paint of the cart, and the ruddy-colored knob in the back.  Who knew I would develop such door knob obsession?  You just never know where life will take you. (click photo to enlarge)

Bowl of Rust

The day I went to the Antiques Warehouse, Gary's cousin Al was showing me around, helping me move heavier pieces into better light, and making suggestions about interesting pieces.  As I would find something to photograph he would tell me about it's history or some interesting factoid about this or that.  Well, when I saw this bowl full of rusty metal tabs I was super excited.  I love how the orange rust contrasts with the bluish grey color of the tabs...so wabi sabi!  Al's only comment was, "I was with you until now."  We'll see what Al says when he sees the photo.  Maybe he'll still think I'm crazy, but maybe he will fall in love with this bowl of rust like I did.

Antique Hooks

It was hard to leave the Antiques Warehouse because I kept seeing things I thought were interesting.  I was on my way out the door when I spied this old board with these incredible hooks.  All that beautiful repetition was like a Vanessa magnet (that perforated circle motif is just too much!).  It's amazing I ever made it out of there!