Recently I had a wonderful art day with my son's girlfriend. She suggested we start by both creating a painting, setting a 5 minute timer, then swapping paintings, adding something to the one in front of you, 5 minute timer, then swap again. We carried on for some time until the paper was filled - right down to the wallpaper in the little cottage and the clouds on the salt lake forest cottage - see how this sparks the imagination?!! who knew you could have a salt lake by a forest...
We also played around with sewing and I made a little blackbird.
My dried wreath is now finished. The hydrangea ran out, but a good friend cut some heads from her garden for me to finish the job.
I will add some greenery at Christmas time.
Here's a brief video of my windswept soggy allotment. My Autumn raspberry canes arrived by post, but in poor condition - they weren't kidding when they said 'dry root' as they were bone dry, were in transit with no moisture for 5 days, but I am hopeful they will recover and sprout green in the Spring.
Plot 60 (link to 40 second video)
With UK temperatures plummeting and the first frosts arriving I have only been swimming once a week but have been on my rowing machine at home daily. We have had walks out in the woods around here and I have had day trips to Brighton several times.
This is my favourite shop to browse lately, they have an amazing hothouse display worthy of Kew Gardens!
Wonderful art projects and love your wreath too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra, everything was fun to make
DeleteMore adventures?!! Your wreath is so pretty, especially with cat included!
ReplyDeletePhotogenic cat!
DeleteI think the "art work swapping idea" is just fabulous Betty - how awesome. I might try this with my Grandsons. Your bird & your wreath are just wonderful & I love the photo of Mollie sitting in the middle of it all - she obviously approves. Always love your Brighton pics.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie, the art swap was so much fun.
DeleteCanes shouldn't arrive dry...they should come wrapped in something damp then another layer to keep the moisture in. That company needs to know (and send a properly wrapped replacement).
ReplyDeleteAllotment looks good...looking forward to spring!!
You're right GZ, I did complain and they are sending me some more and refunded me.
DeleteThat painting idea is so wonderful. I think I'll have to do that with one of my art friends!
ReplyDeleteOh good - it was so much fun!
DeleteI love the sound of your art day, what a great idea. I'd love to do that with Liz but I'd ruin her work! Your results are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYour little felted blackbird is so cute and the wreath is lovely, Mollie looks very much at home in the middle of it.
That florits shop is incredible, what a dreamy place to visit.
It is a bit of a challenge leaving the house at 7am to go swimming in the Winter but once there we love it - I went four times last week!
Happy Birthday to Steve! I know that you'll be celebrating in style! xxx
You're right, once I get in the water it's fine,, it's just the getting in!
DeleteThat looks like a perfect way to spend your time. That wreath is beautiful. Did you dry the flowers yourself? Retirement, how exciting xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Louise, yes they are just hydrangea heads and dry so easily, the gypsophilia was from the supermarket, they had died it and it was easy to dry.
DeleteMy artist pal is exhibiting at the Royal Scottish Academy Christmas Show. Very excited to be going to see it this weekend. I love yours and the young lady's artwork. Nobody would swap with me because I can't even draw a tree!!
ReplyDeleteanyone can have fun doing this game with swapping pics, you could do it with the girls, its not so much about creating a masterpiece as making the picture into something meaningful. I would do it again, it was fun. Your famous artist friend does some beautiful work, I hope you enjoy the exhibition.
DeleteGreat idea, swapping paintings! Love the results! And I absolutely love your wreath! That plant shop looks great!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your hubby! And can't wait for your adventures.
What a wonderful idea. I must try this with my grandaughter.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your husband and also happy retirement!!
ReplyDeleteI like the wreath and wondered what the pretty little pink flowers were. Luckily I read your reply to Louise so I now know. I wonder if I could find any here.
I do like your dried wreath.
ReplyDeleteWishing your husband a happy retirement.
All the best Jan
PS Good wishes for the new month of December - it's almost here!
Beautiful sharing as always dear Betty 🥰👍
ReplyDeleteHow lovely you and your would be daughter in law painting together and doing other creative projects 🤗👌♥️
I so enjoyed reading how you made your time together so interesting ☺️
Happy Birthday to your hubby and heartfelt best wishes for his retirement and future adventures 🙏🥰🥹
Beautiful colorful 👌
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