It's Tax Day here in the U.S. It used to be a bigger deal ("a party," according to this story from 2019) when people would mail their taxes at the post office. One of my favorite stories is how there used to be a band that would play in the Lawrence, Kansas post office to entertain those last-minute tax filers. My understanding is that they no longer do this since people have started filing online in much larger numbers. I've been musing lately about what we've gained with technology and what we've lost. I'm not sure I can mourn the loss of standing in line at the Post Office, but being able to write directly to you without worrying about what a publisher thinks is definitely a win!
On My Work (Art) Table
I joked last month about drawing designs for Christmas, but it turned out that I did start sketching a few ideas for Christmas cards!
In the Kitchen
I'm still working on that chai tea concentrate recipe that I mentioned last month. I even bought a wide-mouth funnel set that specifically works for mason jars. It's made the process of getting the tea from the saucepan to the jar much less messy!
What I'm Reading
I actually read Unraveling awhile ago, but I think I forgot to recommend it! You might enjoy this if you're interested in knitting or fiber arts. I like the idea of taking a crafting project from its fundamental roots (such as shearing sheep) all the way through a finished sweater; it's the crafty version of a "farm-to-table" meal.
On My Library Hold List
I just had that experience where all your library holds become available at once! It's going to take me a little time to get caught up again.
What I'm Watching
I've started watching the new Elsbeth TV show about an attorney who helps solve crimes alongside the police. I love her quirky outfits and accessories like the granny-square crochet scarf she wears in the first episode.
Art I Admired
I'm always curious to see how other people work, so I often check out how-to books even if it's not a craft I intend to pursue. The month I flipped through Abstract Embroidery by Emily Botelho of Salt Stitches. I loved seeing how she worked from photos (mostly nature). She concentrates on the textures in the environment and then mimics them with beads and thread. I liked her ocean pieces the most. I also appreciated that she got into this art form as a way to help her deal with her mental health.
Made Me Laugh
Did you see the eclipse on April 8? I liked this cartoon "Types of Eclipse Photo."
Do Good Opportunity
The Postcard Art Exhibit is collecting postcard-sized original artwork to auction to raise money for an organization that helps female artists. This organization was formerly known as the Twitter Art Project and takes place in a different part of the world every year. This year's location is in Texas.
New in the Shop
I've been working on some new fabric and wallpaper designs for my Spoonflower shop. The Spring Garden collection is based on an illustration I made a couple of years ago. I updated it and recolored it, plus added some new coordinating prints. I think I might want to do a second colorway, but haven't decided.
I am also working on a Chalk Batik collection which has a rougher line than I usually use. That one is in progress; I have a couple more ideas for coordinating prints that I might add.
See you next month!