Sunday, April 25, 2010

Creative Cue : Band


My friend Mara McDonald runs a bird-banding project at Picnic Point in Madison, WI. This picture just floors me--she has a WILD BIRD in her hand, about to get its very own band.

[Do not try this at home : Mara has all the required permits with the Department of Natural Resources, including a PhD in Ornithology. Although, if you're interested, she'd welcome your volunteer time!]

Here's where I wish I has a little more time to try sketching, and even thread-sketching, but alas--family duty calls ...

See some of the other Creative Cue interpretations for Band.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Cathedral Windows


Several years ago, I started this handwork project for when we take overseas trips and I am without my beloved sewing machines (I can honestly tell you that's a hardship for me!) I finished it early on this trip to France. The goal has been 1 window a day while we are away from home. The colored bits are made entirely from scraps in my stash. I'm not much for handwork, but my skills did improve as this project progressed.


Here's a close-up of one of the windows.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Everyday Inspiration : Another Look Down


Any ideas what this might be? Scroll down for the answer ...





















Keeping with the theme of found objects (otherwise known as trash), I took this picture at a wayside in France. It's the crushed and discarded foil and wire from a champagne bottle. I thought it looked kind of neat against the morning pavement.

Gutter Flowers in Pink and Gray









A while back, I came across a blog that offered a new daily photo of trash, very artfully done. (Sorry, I haven't kept track of when or where, or I'd tell you here ...) The idea intrigued me. On a recent trip to visit family in France, I took these photos. The cherry (?) trees were blooming and the blossoms were falling to the pavement and littering the gutters. I love the color combination of pink with grays. Enjoy!

Creative Cue : Shake


Francoise, a long-time family friend, shaking vinaigrette in a Tupperware Quick-shake container." Her hands are blurry due to the shaking motion. It's an action shot.


I was also thinking about a tall, cool vanilla shake at Leon's, a local drive-in restaurant -- one of those classic shakes in a tall glass with whipped cream and a cherry on top ... Mmmh! Here's a quick sketch.

See the other Creative Cue interpretations for Shake.