Tuesday Drawing Class

A cropped version of a drawing that turned out okay, after I put in some work on it today. If my drawing is going well, a half-hour pose isn't quite long enough, but if it's going badly, then five minutes is too long! This was a pretty good session for whatever reason (okay, it's me, not the model). And yes, I'm humbled to the point of feeling like I should pack up and go home when I'm in the presence of all those much better artists at Neilson Park. But you gotta keep trying.

Finally...

it took a while, but I just have to assemble the cover, bind the book and give it to my Mother. And it's only three weeks late. I had fun with the felt and embroidery. It's been awhile since I played around with this stuff. What brought me the idea for this cover solution for my pop-up book is a bit of a convoluted path: I have a new gig (just started 2 weeks ago), teaching crafts at a Toronto Seniors' Centre. I've spent my two sessions there just doing inventory and they have a ton of felt. More than we can use in our collective lifetimes. Somebody must have got a deal on this stuff, or carte blanche on the credit card. I was asked to use up the supplies they have before I start buying new stuff. Fair enough. So I've been cruising the 'net looking for felt crafts and one thing led to another and to a bit of inspiration. I've had this stuff lying around for years. Glad to be able to finally put it to use.

Now I'm afraid my pop-up book is going to get all bent and torn (being a pop-up book), before I can get it to my Mom.

Page Two

of "The Book of Vi".

Pop-Up Books and Other Fun Stuff

A couple of benchmarks to be celebrated - my venerable Mom turned 80 this January. All four siblings managed to put differences and distances aside and got together to take her out for a lovely meal (sans Dad - who isn't into restaurant dining...even for very special occasions). All the cousins congregated at the Homestead to babysit the little ones, so their parents could properly enjoy their 'Adult' evening. A good time was had by all and Mom was overwhelmed to the point of tears by all the fuss AND the presentation of a beautiful 'family' ring. I'd say it was a successful event and way more fun than Christmas (maybe something to do with not having to cook, nor do dishes??).

The second benchmark is a year doing this blog. Been intermittent, I know, and my biggest reader is the one for whom none of this is real news (my husband...you reading this honey?). I guess it's good to have it in writing.

Oh yeah, the pic above is from my soon-to-be-done-finally 'Mom's 80th Birthday Pop-up Book' (working title), I think I'll title the finished copy - 'The Book of Vi'. I'll include a few pages for your viewing pleasure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!