Paper mache' mermaids... Check!

Hello!

I am now checking the paper mache' mermaid boxes off of my "need to finish" list!

Yes, indeed. I finished these little jewels today and they are available at "Missy Trent Art".

 

I have truly enjoyed painting for fun and mermaids really are one of my favorite subjects to paint! Now it's time to get back to commission painting!

Hey! We have witnessed some amazing skies here on the prairie and you can bet that I am always ready to snap some pretty pictures for you!

Last night we had just a very soft rain. You know...the type of rain that rocks us to sleep?

This morning I bounced out of bed and out the front door to see what gifts Mother Nature left for our pleasure...

Oh my!!!!

A dewy piece of art created by one very talented spider! Just look at this pattern and detail! The drops of dew look like tiny diamonds.

After photographing this perfect web, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to the patio to savor each sip. I felt thankful. Thankful that I am up so very early and that I am so appreciative of the small things in life. I am thankful that I am present and that I do observe.

Friends, I try my best to create my own fun and to find the beauty in most all things.

Even laundry...

No. I don't always enjoy doing the laundry but when I make it into a photo shoot or inspiration for a painting... It's not a chore anymore! Oh, and I must tell you that freshly hung bedding is a great way to sleep peacefully! The scent is amazing.

Simples pleasures are the best!

Until next time...

XO

 

Too good not to share...

Fall has officially arrived!

A big hello to you...

and to the spooky month of October!

I get extremely camera happy this time of year and find myself photographing pumpkin displays when I am out shopping. True story.

Displays make lovely photographs, don't you agree?

While out shopping, hubby and I also stumbled upon something that is just too good not to share with you!

(If you are a coffee drinker, that is).

 

Normally, we do not buy flavored coffee because we really do prefer a plain ol' cup of joe with our choice of flavored creamer. We are strange like that...

one morning we may be in the mood for a simple French vanilla...

but by evening, we may want Irish cream or caramel macchiato in our coffee.

However, when we saw the clearance shelf in the store for "Blueberry Muffin" coffee, $1.00...

we both agreed that it was certainly worth a try for that price.

So, "how good was it", you may be wondering.

Oh, my.

 

Friends, this coffee, topped off with vanilla creamer, is absolutely heavenly and too good not to share!

It also earned a spot in my art journal!

That's how good it was!

It does not have a fruity taste. It's a sweet coffee and very smooth. I'm so glad that we picked up two bags and I plan on trying more flavors from the bakery series, including more Blueberry Muffin!

I painted in my art journal using Faber-Castell watercolor pencils, Albrecht Durer-

Something else that is seriously too good not to share!

I splurged and chose the full set of 120 pencils. After reading such wonderful reviews, I felt confident in my decision. (I went back and forth with sets and added single pencils to my cart as well... For two days). Do you do that?

When I opened the metal box, my eyes lit up.

Color does that to me!

This metal box holds three layers of beautiful watercolor pencils.

I will say that I have no regrets and I'm very pleased with my purchase.

The pencils are creamy, vibrant and don't seem to leave a pencil mark residue on the paintings after water has been added.

Once again, all paintings shown in this post have been created with these Faber-Castell watercolor pencils.

I will close for now. My work for the day is done.

I'm now sipping on a cup of Blueberry muffin coffee and ready to play again with the new pencils!

This is a perfect day!

 

 

The Red Christmas Box...

Hello!

A new week, it is!

Did you have a nice weekend?

 

We made our trip to the big mall on Saturday...

And even captured a glimpse of Santa Claus! Oh, yes. He says that he is soon heading our way!!!

After a full day of shopping, browsing, tasting, and dining out...

It was so nice to be back at home, in the warmth... With my art journal that had been neglected for weeks.

From where my plush recliner sits in the living room...

This is my view. The Christmas tree...

And a red box that sits beneath it. Oh yeah...

I can't wait to show and tell what hubby got me for Christmas! He refuses to let me have them now. I have wanted these for a year or so...

And now just seems like a more fitting time to own them.

 

I spent a very good portion of Sunday cleaning and organizing my art studio.

I have a clean work table now...

Ready to be loaded down soon with January and February art!

Here's a little peek at a sculpture to come!

I am ready to get started so I shall close for now.

I wish you a magical day and I'll see you again real soon!

 

Friends, Mermaids, and Starfish...

Good morning to you!

I sit here in the morning light, outside on the patio with a cup of coffee.

Pondering. Reflecting.

This patio has been the host to many memorable occasions!

Over the weekend, it was a perfect place for two longtime friends and a beautiful mess!

Together, we enter into a whole new world where the creativity flows for days and we bounce from one project to another. Even after the sun sets, we remain, under the patio lights...

Working away, like little elves. Building, assembling, painting, talking, and laughing.

A block of clay becomes a starfish...

Mounted onto a painted, wood box.

Some of our projects,such as the box, do not get completed...

Until the next time we meet...

Or, we may work on them from miles apart and share the process by phone- sending text messages and pictures! Either way, the projects are shared together. Isn't it just the greatest thing, to have a friend who is much like yourself and has the same interests as you? I do hope that you have one of these friends... Or two!

A friend who adores a silly little sculpture to set on a shelf!

So, our hands knead and pinch clay for hours...

Until mermaids appear.

Meet "Mable"!

She is my mermaid friend. Lori chose her name. I'm not completely satisfied with her face, but I shall work on her a bit more.

Even mermaids need a friend, right?

Here are the girls, together! Don't they make you just smile big?

Oh, how we enjoyed playing with the clay and glitter!!!! I am now inspired to do more sculpting for sure!

In between projects, we break for a snack.

Zucchini on the grill was a very nice treat!

We brushed each slice with olive oil and then topped with herbs from my garden, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sun dried tomatoes and peppers. You must try this!!!!

It was a glorious weekend and always difficult to say our goodbyes. ( I still cry when my loved ones leave). Sometimes I do feel so far away from all of my people and familiar places...

Way out here, in the country.

But then my husband returns from his fun weekend in the Ozarks...

He and I take a drive...

And I am reminded once again, just how grateful I am to live out in the country. It's so very peaceful and serene.

We resume our normal routines here today- he back to work while I tend to the home and the gardens...

And of course, the creative projects of my own.

I will grin each time that I pass by "Mable"...

And think of Lori, of course!

Blessings to you all!

XO