Friday, March 1, 2019

Travel Break: A Little Art and Life in the 'Hood

We're rounding the winter corner! I know, it doesn't seem like that some days and I'm sure we'll get slammed again in a week or two (like we did last week). But it's nearly March, nearly spring, nearly Daylight Saving Time. Bring it on!


This means that someone who starts bugging me for her five or six o'clock dinner at four stands a reasonable chance of not bugging me till five. I hope.


Apart from Cork Popping and Birthday Partying it has been a mostly stay-within winter. I did hit one estate sale and found this rather tall, Royal Doulton Winston Churchill mug for a dollar. It was chipped and cracked enough to not even merit that, but a little black paint on the chips and a tall enough placement to make those less noticeable and I had a nice container for extra tall brushes!


I've been playing with my brushes, too. In this post I showed you a few rough drawings for Christmas ideas for next year. (I figured I might be more inspired to do them when there is actually snow on the ground versus in July at the cottage!) Here's one in watercolor.  To be honest, I'm not totally happy with him yet and will probably do him over but it's a good start. He needs shoe buckles and a more water-colorish feel to his suit. And a pom pom on his hat. And a cat.



I started this one last summer and finally finished it. See what I mean about motivation to do holidays in the summer? Took awhile, didn't it?!


And while I was in the mood, this happy one.


I also finished this wreath which is actually Jemma's. Her original photo said "spring" which didn't fit so I swapped out with one of my favorite words! I love this wreath and I think I'm going to do this one over too, in Christmas colors!



I totally bombed the duo in the tub and this little guy looks nothing like our Little Big Guy, but he is a cute anonymous baby!


I've been so totally absorbed by felting I will probably get a repetitive stress injury from all that poking! Here's my bluebird of happiness (perched on some of my favorite books!)


More to come. I have bunnies and cats without eyes and noses because this is where I mess up most! But you've gotta try! Meanwhile, I'm starting to spring up the house!

Sharing with:  Pink Saturday     /     Let's Keep In Touch     

41 comments:

junemac2 said...

Hello new friend thanks for coming on over to my blog. muchly appreciated. I am loving your blog and those watercolor paintings are gorgeous. love the santa and love love love the others too. I have never tried needle felting but love that fluffy little creature. You are so clever.

Hugs June x

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I like your new brush holder! Your Christmas paintings are sweet. Happy March!

Valerie-Jael said...

LOVE those paintings! Spring will come soon for you! Love your Winston jug, too. Time for bed here, so I'll say good night! Hugs, Valerie

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Oh, my gosh, I love the Easter Bunny with the Christmas tree! If you could tuck a small heart-shaped candy box in there it would be the funnest holiday painting ever.

Barb said...

What? Already thinking of spring? I know better here in the mountains of CO. We're under a Winter Storm Warning, and it's supposed to snow through Sunday (started Thursday night). We already have about 9". It's only around freezing though so doesn't feel bitter cold. I like seeing your paintings. The bunny is my favorite. Lizzie is looking like she needs to hit the treadmill! (Don't tell her I said that!)

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Darling watercolors, Jeanie. The bunny is my favorite! He's got personality galore. The heart tree is nice as well. I love hearts.♥

William Kendall said...

She may bug you, but she'll be completely freaking adorable when doing so.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I think by now those of us who live in winter climates are all looking forward to Spring. And we are starting to see early signs. Today and yesterday have been gorgeous, bright sun, little or no wind, and you really start to feel some warmth in the sun. It won't be long until little green shoots are poking up through the ground.

bobbie said...

My miniature irises have buds even though they are just under 2 inches tall, and we have a week of mid 40's to low 50's coming up!
That is finally my clue to start in on home spring decorating ~ I enjoy the blankness after taking down the winter decs, but now it is time to change!

Joanne Huffman said...

Happy almost spring! I always love your watercolors.

Iris Flavia said...

Oh, I am so lucky this time for near to no winter - but you make it sound like not too bad!
And I sure love the Easter bunnies!! Amongst, it's all beautiful! :-) Thanks again for giving me a smile today (we have to leave Perth and I feel like.... buhuuu....

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I've been out and about the last day before a big storm is to hit this area. Had to stock up on food and supplies in case I lose power in the next three days. Snow and ice up to 5 inches tonight and more to come after that. We are under a winter warning through Tuesday. Prediction is -5 F for Sunday night. Winter won't quit in the midwest.

I love your Easter tree and the heart tree, too. Very clever. I also like your baby. Reminds me of a Cassatt.

If only Squiggles would quit asking every five minutes for food. Forget 4 pm or midnight. This cat is hungry all the time. Bleubeard not so much. Sounds like Lizzie is a cross between the two boys.

Have a great Saturday and I hope it isn't as cold there as it is here.

roughterrain crane said...

Wow. You still have a big snowfall. Yes, it is March now. Warm sunshine is welcoming you. Have a nice weekend.

BeachGypsy said...

Love that sweet bunny holding the lights!!---how cute!Oh yes!!--I hear ya girlfriend....I AM SO READY for daylight savings time to come back. I struggle so with the whole getting dark early thing, it looks and feels like spring here....but I eagerly await the time change. Y'all dong anything fum this weekend?

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Love the bunny yard art. Your kitty is adorable, I am looking forward to longer daylight hours. The Churchill mug is an awesome find. Your Christmas watercolors are lovely, they will be beautiful cards. The bluebird of happiness is cute. Happy weekend to you!

Pam said...

You have been really busy! HAHA...me not so much except for the things I threw together for my nieces shower. With what I deal with from the Fibro, packing, learning to deal with three more dogs, and just get through my emotions. You watercolors are great. Keep on going. I wonder if the wreath was suppose to be Easter eggs?? As for you comment on my blog, yes, I have time to pack and do what needs to be done. Moms house is paid for and I am taking my time yet I am putting more pressure on myself to get things done cause I want to go home. 2 months at months has been really hard on me and I need my home and my stuff.

shoreacres said...

I could no more do that felting than I could fly to the moon. I wouldn't have the patience for it -- but I love the result. I laughed at your comment about the little beggar. In the fall, when we go the other way, does she start begging for breakfast at 4 a.m., like Dixie used to do? What a pain that was!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I don’t think anyone appreciates spring more than those of us who live in areas that have to enduring long winters. I can hardly stand the wait but I know I must pace myself. Love your paintings!

La Table De Nana said...

Hi Jeanie..I love the bunny with the lights!! It's wonderful..They are all so you!I love that about art..so funny..your bird? I made it..and the pic I posted was it w/ my books too..years ago..I have to find it to show you:):)
Bon weekend.

The French Hutch said...

The snow is really pretty but I'm sure if I had to deal with it like you do it would be getting old by March. Here, a lot of rain and I'm looking forward to a lot of sunny days soon. Lizzie looks like she's giving you the "what's taking you so long" look for her dinner! She's so pretty. I'm sure it's easier to paint for the season while in the season. Pretty watercolors Jeanie.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Good morning and Happy March, Jeanie! I do love your paintings, the santa has such personality to him. Also, love your 'bluebird of happiness.' Bluebirds are special to me. Happy weekend to you and yours!

NanaDiana said...

I visited here yesterday but didn't have enough time to comment. Love your artwork--what fun that you are able to do that!
Glad you are starting to spring up. We got another 4 or 5" of snow last night. We are at almost 70" since the first of the year! UGH!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo Diana

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Such a great post, Jeanie. I absolutely love the bunny with Christmas tree painting and your little blue bird is spectacular..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Jeanie, your paintings get better every time I see them. Love the rabbit by the Christmas tree. I bet you're happy Spring is on its way with all the cold you've been having. It's still raining a lot here, and appreciate it so much. The felted blue bird is sweet. I have a blog friend whose felting is exquisite. What a delightful mug, and I couldn't even see the chips. That is one beauty of a cat. Always love your charming posts, Jeanie.

~Sheri

Susan Kane said...

Such a sweet set of paintings! Just saying the word "baby" turns me into Grandma Goo.

Sally Wessely said...

Love the watercolors. I love the bunny and Christmas tree. That is how it is around here some years. There is a mix of Christmas and Easter because I always miss some Christmas decoration until I decorate for Easter.

I am so ready to spring up my house! The girl friends are coming in a few weeks, so that motivates me to do a bit of decorating.

I've always wanted to try felting. The bluebird is so cute!

Running on empty said...

Great work, Jeanie!
Watch out for that Winston, he will fight you on the paper, he will fight you on the canvas...

Cath

Sami said...

I can imagine you would need the snow to feel inspired to paint Christmas cards. My favourites are the Christmas tree and wreath.

Victoria Zigler said...

Sounds fun, relaxing, and cosy.

thepaintedapron.com said...

It is wonderful to see your happy art Jeanie! Don't know anything about felting, but your birdie is adorable! Hang in there Spring is coming! Blooms are bursting out all over in Alabama but we are supposed to have temps in the low 20s this week, so I'm afraid everything will be affected...Yay for Daylight Savings Time!
Jenna

Miss Val's Creations said...

Spring will be here before you know it! The clock change always makes a big difference with feeling like that days have become longer. The holiday paintings are all adorable. I particularly love the bunny stringing Christmas lights. Cute felted bluebird!

Carola Bartz said...

It seems felting becomes more and more popular - I see many people try it out right now. My friend introduced me to it several years ago, I did a little bit, but it's not really my thing. It's hard for me to give up the knitting needles, so I stick to them for the time being.
Lovely watercolors. I do think it's easier to work on holiday themed art while it's still winter outside. It's much harder to get that winter feeling at the height of summer.

Tammie Lee said...

Such sweet paintings. I enjoy seeing what you have been making.
I sure don't want to think of Christmas in July ;-) In fact I would be happy if it came once every 5 years.

Wishing you a lovely end of winter.

Pamela said...

I love seeing your art. Spring is coming!

Marilyn Miller said...

Love, love your art. You always inspire me to want to pull something out and work on it; though often the inspiration leaves me too soon.

Olka said...

I hope that winter will go away soon! I'm so tired of this weather. It's the worst season ever.
But luckily I see first Spring signs!
I really like your pictures :) I like the Christmas wreath the most :)
And felting! Yay! I need to try it too!

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Oooh! My favorite is the tree with the hearts!!!

We got close to 6" of snow on Friday. Womp womp. I'm so over winter! It was -23F with the windchill when I was waiting for my bus this morning. My usual bus didn't come so I stood outside for 20 minutes waiting for the next one. Burr. I'm so very over winter!

Karen said...

I can't believe how well our pets can tell time! Ours start driving us crazy at 3:45....four being meal time for the critters.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thanks for sharing your Christmas paintings, I like them :)

All the best Jan

Little Wandering Wren said...

I reckon that Winston Churchill was quite a find, here's hoping that later cat dinners and Spring are truly on their way for you!
Wren x

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, I must be losing it. I read this post and would have bet money that I commented, but I don’t see it. Anyway, I love your happy art work and it always makes me happy to see it. I don’t think any of us escape from having to deal with some kind of bad weather. The Churchill mug was a good deal!

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