Easter Stash!

Several years ago, my blogger and PBS buddy Shelley gave me a marvelous CD with a variety of images on it. (Shelley closed her beautiful blog, but some of you may remember her!)

I thought I'd share some with you -- feel free to copy them for your own holiday stash.

I'd like to think I'd make place cards from them, putting the name on the golden egg...

...or if I used this one, on the toadstool.

I could make Easter cards...

Yes, I could!

But as usual, I didn't do this earlier! Maybe you will!

Grow Faster

The title of Greg's senior art show was "Grow Faster."

It seems like he's grown up overnight.

Last Wednesday night we attended the opening of the exhibition, a collection of drawings, which were both projected on the wall in sets of contrasting yet similar themes...

And the originals seen through a giant (and I do mean giant!) View Master.

The interactive exhibit was the brainchild of Greg and his "Master" builder, Dustin.


The idea behind it was to show contrasting but related images related to children and war.

They described it this way.


Or, to interpret: As we are children, we play at all sorts of things -- perhaps shooting, or playing war is one of them.

As we grow up, those games can take on a deadly meaning, when war becomes all too real.

A march is a patriotic parade, with flags unfurled.

And yet one day that flag is folded with deliberate precision.

The images themselves -- the originals -- are so rich in lined detail. These photos are of the projections on the wall -- the detail breaks up some (and shooting in low light didn't help either!)

But you get the idea.

What amazes me most is that this complex correlation of thoughts came from the brain of a kid of six years ago thought primarily about designing cars.

The kid who read Harry Potter, played video games.

I was one proud person attending. But I can show you who was prouder -- Greg's dad!

Here's a 30 second video! Take a look!

A giant View Master -- looking at the world. What do you see?

A postscript to all this -- Greg was one of two Kendall students chosen to attend an illustration conference in L.A. this spring. I think his next assignment is business cards and building a website portfolio!

The Bunnies are Coming!

(This is part of Pink Saturday. Please visit Beverly's site for more pink fun!)

I saw my first bunny this year in February. Each year I count them. I can't wait to count more!

Meanwhile, the bunnies in the basement have made their way upstairs! (With tipsy eggs to prove it!)

These cheery friends always as winter struggles for one last push and we anticipate spring with great eagerness. (Though I confess this year, spring seems to be early! I suppose it all depends which day you're dealing with!)

I'm simply wild about Easter decorations -- pretty colors, and so cheery!

This white sweetheart has such cute pink ears!

And I love this lovely china bun.

The detail is beautiful!

Of course, not every bunny is pink! I love the stone bunnies...

And this one serves double duty!

I have to say that this is one of my favorites...

As is her relaxing friend!

Of course, for me, Easter doesn't come without an egg tree...

I had so many eggs, I decided to take a cue from Iris at Herzblatt. She made a beautiful hanging grapevine wreath with eggs danglng from it. I decided to make use of the chandelier instead!

It was such a wonderful idea, Iris! Thanks for letting me borrow it!

As part of Pink Saturday, we mention another blogger participating whom we've never visited. Well, I just got back from Anne's blog and she is showing a lovely teapot! Stop by!

And, just in case you have time for crafting before the holiday (I don't!), I'll be sharing some Easter images in a couple of days! So stop back!

Once an artist, always an artist! (We hope!)

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved to draw.

He got older, played clarinet in school -- that's him on the right...

But he never gave up drawing, not for a second.

Back about five years ago or so, he was painting murals at the U of M Children's Hospital. They were fun, they were fanciful. A good way for the most compassionate kid I know to volunteer.

Then he moved on to designing chalk boards for restaurants and delis.

But you've come a long way, baby! This is my favorite Greg Oberle piece of all time!

Greg is having his art show for a project at Kendall Art and Design, 17 Fountain St. NE, in Grand Rapids today -- (March 24) -- at 6:30 p.m. We'll be there, that's for sure! If you're in the neighborhood, drop by! (Note! The show was great! I have wonderful photos and I'll be posting them in the next week or so. Thanks for all your lovely comments!)

Bags!

I haven't posted photos of any of the knitting I finished before Christmas.

So here are a few of the bags! I died the yarn for this one last year -- it's one of my favorites!

You'll note some have polymer clay buttons -- those are by Joanne.

I swear, there isn't anything this wonderful woman can't do.

This one is just a little fun fling kind of bag. Furry, cute, and not very large!

I hate putting on clasps -- on this one, the button is for show; the flap just folds over.

Can't remember if I ever posted this one -- maybe. I love the button on this one too, which came from Williamsburg.

And then, there is always a job for the executive assistant.

Note to cat fans: six or eight inches of i-cord, tied in a knot, make for one of Mr. Gyps' favorite toys!