Hi,
Hope you've been well since my last blog post! Here's what I've been doing since then:
On My Art Table
I'm trying to take advantage of this typically slower time of year to do more drawing, painting, and designing.
Earlier this month I was happily painting along when I looked down at my sketchbook and realized that my brush hadn't made that mark near the corner ... my sleeve did! Luckily I noticed it right away and the paint did come out, but now I'm thinking maybe I need to make myself a long-sleeved smock.
In the Kitchen
I've been trying to drink more decaffeinated or herbal teas, so I ordered some decaf Earl Grey with a special Republic of Tea coupon I got in the mail. The tea's flavor is very mild compared to the caffeinated version, so I've been adding some Ginger Lemon Honey to it. The honey arrived on one of our sub-zero days, so it was frozen solid in its jar by the time I made it out to the mailbox. I'm not sure if the texture is what it's supposed to be (it's super thick, more solid than liquid), but it is delicious!
Also, this tip might be too late for you, but save it for next year: If you love avocados, be sure to shop for them right after the Super Bowl! My grocery store always offers a deep discount because they have so many left over. (I guess not as many people make guacamole for their parties as expected.)
What I'm Reading
I enjoyed Fly Girl by Ann Hood, which is her memoir about being a flight attendant starting in the late 1970s. It'd be interesting to read a book by a current flight attendant to see how much has changed. The perceived glamour of flying definitely seems to have worn off, but maybe it's still an inexpensive way to see the world?
My propeller earrings seemed like a good match for this title!
On My Library Hold List
I'm looking forward to seeing the cookbook Smitten Kitchen Keepers. This one is supposed to be recipes that you'll want to make over and over again, which sounds very appealing. I feel like I'm always adding the author's recipes to Pinterest when I hear people talking about them online. (Here are two I've saved: Cranberry Pecan Bread and Crisp Black Bean Tacos.)
New (Online) Tool I Tried
When it came time to describe the color of some new fabric designs I'm making, I couldn't quite settle on the colors. I found this new-to-me website (Color Name Finder) that allows you to upload an image and it give you several suggestions for color names. It's fun to play around with. Some suggestions seem better than others. I uploaded this new floral design of mine that I thought might be a deep teal and it came up with the color elephant as a 98.3% match!
Art I Admired
I admired the teacher in this article: "Devoted Teacher Makes Personalized Plush Toys Based on Students' Drawings." Definitely a labor of love on her part. Imagine the delight of all those kids!
I also found it fascinating to see how this Anglican priest was able to restore an old teddy bear that was washed up on the beach.
What I'm Watching
I watched the first episode of Poker Face which is being described as a modern version of the old TV show Columbo. I was annoyed that I can only get the first episode for free. I don't want to subscribe to yet another streaming TV service right now, but hopefully I can watch it sometime in the future.
Made Me Laugh
Have you been told that you need to "create a story with your art"? If so, you might enjoy this cartoon, too.
I also liked this Valentined-themed cat photo from "Cats with Jobs."
New in the Shop
These pink butterfly stitch markers use this pretty pearlized acrylic that has a subtle swirl pattern. It resembles mother-of-pearl. I didn't realize when I made them that I don't have any more of this color, so these will be the last ones at least for awhile!
See you in March!