White rabbit on my work table...

Hello, friends!

Are you as excited as I am, that tomorrow is Friday?

I have completed my first full work week (with students). I must say that it's been quite enjoyable getting to know each and every one of them! When one spends nine months with kids, Monday through Friday, 7:45 am until 3:00 pm...

A very special bond develops. Although it's not always easy, and every day is different with so many unique personalities...

We do laugh often and try to make learning fun!

We have a great group of students this year!

Just as them, our schedules change with each school year so it takes us adults awhile also, to adjust and to know which classrooms to go to once the bell rings.

Dash, dash, dash.

All day long. (Good exercise)!

Still, I come home...

Brew the coffee.

Pour a cup.

And paint...

Or not!

Some nights I prefer to tidy up our house and just sit! (With coffee, of course).

Other nights I may read, as I did last night while eating a yummy bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt.

Tonight I resumed my mini "Wonderland" series. Those itty bitty canvases and acrylic paints.

 

Mr. White rabbit has been the most challenging character so far. Strange, but true.

Layers and layers...

And more to come. It's okay. I paint to relaxe and to clear my mind.

My sweetheart and I will be traveling this holiday weekend. I look forward to that and playing "miss photographer" for a couple of days, in a different state and new cities to explore!

How about you?

Any plans for the Labor Day weekend?

Whatever you do, enjoy and be safe!

Until next time...

XO

 

More Tea... With Three?

This morning while out in my herb garden, I sensed someone present. Do you know that feeling? A bit creepy, it is.

I peeked out of the corner of my eye.

 

Then I heard, "tick tock... tick tock".

 

I saw the white rabbit, glaring at me...

That's when I remembered that I failed to include him in yesterday's "Mad Tea".

Oh, dear. Oh dear.

In the midst of my wedding planning and all,

It simply slipped my mind to deliver his invitation.

I quickly began gathering some chamomile flowers to brew...

 

When through the branches and leaves,

I could see

The rest of the crew!

""Hello, Alice and rabbit", I said with a smile!

"Is that you, Mad Hatter"?

"Please, do come on in...

It's been awhile"!

"I do hope that you all can forgive me", I pleaded.

There was a long silence.

"I am a newly wed, with my head in the clouds...

So, do join me for tea, it's very much needed"!

So Alice winked and gave me a grin.

The others followed

And one by one,

They came in!

Much of this story is very true.

It's been a crazy, busy Summer...

With so much to do!

I hope that you enjoyed yesterday's tea.

Have another cup today

And spend some time with these three!!!!

Xo

I created each character used in this post! Quick sketch, micron pen, one quick coat of watercolor on watercolor paper. The clay clock wasn't so quick! (the only baking that I did on that day)!

Cut, cut, cut!

Much enjoyed!

Tea time!

 

 

Missy's Mad Tea Party... Come on In!

The invitations were delivered, one by one...

I watched from behind the bushes with excitement as ribbons were un-tied, envelopes opened, and smiles appeared on each recipients' face. Yes! They would attend!

"Attend what", you ask.

It's that most wonderful event that comes once a year!

It is a Mad Tea Party that all began by Vanessa dear! I will provide you with her link at the end of this post!

For now I must dash. We must not be late!!!!

I dig deep into my trunks for the finer treasures that I store-

My china, my fancy linens, hats, and bags.

Ah ha!

There it is!

My tea party purse!!!

How do I look? Aren't the feathers just grand?

Off to another trunk I go. It's the trunk that holds my tea sets...

And a bit of magic too. Shhhhhh.

I reach for each piece and dust them off clean.

After draping the table with a crisp table cloth, I begin setting each place for each special guest.

Oh my, oh my...

I look at the clock.

I have run out of time and desperately need help!

Hmmmm.

It never fails me, when I'm in a pinch.

My magical wand...

Just watch this!

I wave it around and say a few words.

Wa la!

We now have a true tea party with fluffy, pink cakes...

And cups filled with hot tea, ready for sipping!

Have you tried this one?

It's a dreamy delight!

I have saved the very best tea for you!

Filled with blessings and love...

And may all of your dreams come true!

Hurry, hurry!

Drink it up!

I want to thank you for dropping by!

I love how the blogging community comes together for fun and creativity!

A big, big thank you to the charming Vanessa, who hosts this event each year...

This being the 6th!!!!

You can visit Vanessa right here.

Be sure and view the right side of her web page for a list of all Mad Tea Party participants.

Grab a cup of tea...

Or two,

Click on each participant's link to "blog hop" from one fabulous tea party to the next!

I plan to sit down and visit each one...

But for now I must go.

There's a knock at the door and my guests have arrived!

How to Draw a Cup of Tea...

Wanna draw a cup of tea with me?

It's really quite simple!

All you need is a piece of paper ( I chose watercolor paper), a pencil with eraser, a black Micron pen, a paintbrush, and watercolors.

 

1. Draw an oval. If you want to look down into a cup, your oval will be wider. If looking up at your cup, a thinner oval. I'm going to keep this tutorial very basic, providing you with just a general idea. We will discuss more on perspective another day!

 

2. Now draw the sides of your cup.

 

3. Add the bottom, keeping your line somewhat curved.

 

4. Draw the handle. I always think of the human ear when drawing handles!

 

5. Draw the inner handle line, eyeballing the width. You don't want a cup or mug handle that is so thick, one could not slip fingers through it to hold!

 

6. Now add your "coffee" or "tea" line. Leave room for cream!

7. If you want to, you may pencil in very soft markings where you plan to leave white. Some artists prefer to use masking fluid. I have tried several brands and types... It just doesn't serve me well and bottles end up in the trash can because they dried up.

Ok. Now you have a mug (or tea cup) drawing. You could begin painting it now.

Or

Why not shake things up a bit and transform this chunky mug into an elegant teacup with curves?

 

8. Just erase and repeat the steps, only this time, YOU be the designer and create your own teacup. Add a base and a thinner handle with some swirls!

 

9. Let's add some color... Or shall I say, tea!

I'm using an aqua brush. They hold and release water as you paint, keeping your paper damp and watercolors flowing evenly. These brushes come in various sizes. If you often paint on the go, you may want to buy one... Or two... Or all sizes! You will discover that each size is very useful!

 

Oooooohhhhh!!!! How about a bright pink teacup?

I'm also using my portable Koi watercolor set, perfect for patio painting! Can you guess where I am sitting?!!!

By layering watercolor applications you can create darker areas and shadows.

 

10. These next steps are totally optional and you may tune me out at any time and choose your own path! Good for you!!!!

I am going to use my Micron pen to outline my teacup. I don't always like dark lines so I only use it when I want a more illustrated look, not a realistic look. I mainly use my Microns in my art journal. These pens will not bleed when used with wet mediums. Love, love, love my Micron pens- all tip sizes!

11. I want to create a pattern on my teacup. I simply dip my brush into a dark color of paint ( one that I think will look nice with bright pink)...

Then by using the side of the brush, I randomly push down, making petal-like marks on the teacup.

12. Once the lowers have dried, I outline them with the Micron pen.

 

Doodle until your heart is content!

13. Go make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy!

Blessings! XO