All Hallow's Eve

"The wind outside nested in each tree, prowled
the sidewalks in invisible treads like unseen cats.
Tom Skelton shivered. Anyone could see that the
wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness
took on a special feel because it was All Hallows' Eve.
Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet or gold
or orange velvet."
        ~Ray Bradbury, The Halloween Tree

   When I was little I loved Halloween. It was exciting and fun and I got to dress up and there was oh so much candy! As I have grown up Halloween has become a little more spooky and sinister and since I am something of a 'fraidy cat (I haaaate horror movies, the dark, and various other sinister and scary things - give me a good fairytale with a happy ending and not a zombie in sight and I'm happy) it's not my favorite time of year anymore! My sister on the other hand LOVES it quite passionately and I can't help getting caught up in her enthusiasm. She plans her costume months in advance and since she is recently married her and her husband coordinated their costumes this year complete with wigs and full outfits. I didn't want to feel left out so in contrast to their black goth/emo costumes I donned a pink tutu and went to a Halloween dance with them this week as a ballerina! Anyway, I found myself in the "spirit" one evening and edited some appropriately spooky photos (not too spooky though :). I hope you enjoy them and have a happy Halloween!

                             

Mummy's Collage

“Gilbert put his arm about them.

'Oh, you mothers!' he said. 'You mothers!

God knew what He was about when He made you.”

          ~ L. M. Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams

 

    I have had a touch of the flu lately and have been busy trying to cope with work and the general busy-ness of life. Still - I managed to finish an extra special project! I have been taking commissions recently for 'about me' collages inspired by the one I did about myself and all of the things I love. My Mum has looked at each one I have finished and exclaimed at how beautiful it was and then, with a sad face, helped me mail it far away. Finally I told her it was her turn and asked her for a list of things she wanted in her own personal about me collage! She gave me a list (more complex, specific, and labor intensive than every other list I have been given - but rightly so!) and I went to work. The main difference between my Mummy's collage and every other one I have done including mine is that she requested her own personal Marie Antoinette. I looooooove drawing anything marie antoinette-esque including shoes, gowns, carriages, etc. and drawing Marie Antoinette herself is the best of all! ---but also a bit tricky. All of that hair! Anyway, here is the finished project which my Mummy loves and has been insisting for a few days now that I share with everyone! Enjoy the pictures of this 'About My Mummy' collage...

 



Ribbons and Trims

"She used to tie her hair
up in ribbons and bows.
Sign her letters with x's and o's."
                 ~unknown

    I have had a bit of trouble with my computer lately - hopefully I can get it fixed soon! I recently discovered a wonderful little shop in town. It is a sewing/quilting shop that I happened to pop into one day and tucked into a corner were spools and spools of gorgeous french ribbons and beautiful trims. I was in heaven! Silk and ombre ribbons, little embroidered rosette trims, lace so silky it slips through your fingers, ribbons with sparkles and beads, and so, so much more! I loved it all! I bought a few things to add to my collection and then decided to photograph everything. I keep my ribbons in pretty boxes and china bowls at the moment so that I can look at them whenever I want to. I also drew a new little doodle inspired by an antique vase I saw a picture of. So many pretty things to see lately!

I am sharing with:
What's It Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesdays

Drawing by Jennelise