Mummushka's SketchJournals

Top Blogs Awards & Gonna be a Bear

2011-11-17T09:01:00.002+11:00

Dion Dior from the Every Day Matters group has had her blog nominated in a contest for Top Blog of the Year. Dion is a beautifully creative artist and blogger.
Please click below to vote.

http://www.blogguidebook.com

I received this in my inbox this morning, it started my day off with a smile.

Poster-a-holic!

2011-11-14T09:02:00.001+11:00

I couldn't stop and have made another poster, 'Bunny Girl'. I must say I'm partial to "Bunny Girl" and 'Green Bunny' was chosen by 'Uncle Bob's' from my first set. Maybe they could use both.
Here is the final look.
Now I can get back to playing in my sketchbook, that's if I can stop making posters.

'Bunny Girl'

'Green Bunny'

Easter Poster Version #2

2011-11-03T08:31:00.000+11:00

After some wonderful advice, (Thank you EDM'ers), on my last post I have taken heed & and this is another version of my Easter Poster. I still think it needs work.

Fay, I originally had an egg shape for the sign but it did not stand out so I was hoping a star burst would. I will keep my thinking cap on!

Thank You!!

WIP... 1st Version of My Poster

2011-11-02T22:46:00.000+11:00

Any comments on how to improve are most welcome and appreciated.

A Commission/ Easter Poster

2011-10-30T19:55:00.000+11:00

I have been commissioned to do an Easter poster for a local 'Charity Raffle'.

Not having done anything like this before I am concerned I will not deliver! I planned to draw a bunny holding a flag with the important info on the flag. Then adding the charity logo somewhere within the poster. Bunny is drawn, however, I am having a bit of strife trying to add other drawn elements with photoshop. I am self taught and have not 'taught' myself how to add layers in photoshop! I just wondered if I could have feedback on what I have come up with so far??..............Thank you in advance for any suggestions on how I can improve!!!!

Playing Small

2011-10-25T17:46:00.000+11:00

Good things come in small parcels, or so the saying goes.

In this case good things come on small bits of paper...

I caught up with a friend, Jenny, over coffee and cake last week. We realised we were both very passionate about all things art. Jenny & her friend Jen make the most beautiful mixed media works on canvas, hand bound journals and magnets and also run classes; their latest class is Fabric Paper .
Getting back to small parcels/bits of paper. Jenny makes ATC's and she inspired me to have a wee try at some. I must say I am quite pleased with my results although the camera does not show the true shine and colours. I know these are made to trade, but I'm not parting with mine.

A Girls Best Friend.......

2011-10-20T15:14:00.000+11:00

A Stump For A Tail

You can't buy loyalty, they say,
I bought it though, the other day;
You can't buy friendship, tried and true,
Well just the same, I bought that too.
I made my bid, and on the spot
Bought love and faith and a whole job lot
Of happiness, so all in all
The purchase price was pretty small.
I bought a single trusting heart,
That gave devotion from the start.
If you think these things are not for sale,
Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.

Anonymous

Dragonfly

2011-10-17T22:40:00.005+11:00

A little watercolour, paper and ballpoint pen is all I need to keep me content.

Looking at this once I have published it I can see all my mistakes and what needs to be changed so
he will have to come out of the frame and get a makeover.

Practice for a Gift.

2011-10-17T14:15:00.001+11:00

A friend of mine recently had a birthday and I bought her one of my favourite trees, a Crepe Myrtle.

I also wanted to give her something I made myself and thought

a little painting might be nice. A good opportunity to practice watercolours.

I painted a little blue wren. I went back into the painting with an ink pen after

I had scanned this picture and it looked much better than this one, however I

forgot to scan it again before I framed and wrapped it.

Daily drawing. October 15th 2001.

Daily Sketching

2011-10-14T22:27:00.000+11:00

I am keeping up with just one sketch a day..............And Loving it!

Happy Birthday

2011-10-12T09:54:00.000+11:00

Happy 90th Birthday Mr Art Clokey!

Image Via: http://www.tuxedomanchildren.com/

On Journaling

2011-10-11T21:36:00.000+11:00

…writing a journal implies that one has ceased to think of the future and has decided to live in the present. It is an announcement to fate that you expect nothing more. It is assertion that you take each day as it comes and make no connection between to-day and other days. Writing a journal means facing your ocean you are afraid to swim across it, so you attempt to drink it drop by drop. It means that you count the last leaves of a tree whose trunk has lost its sap. ~ George Sand

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Sketchbook Delight

2011-10-07T08:16:00.000+11:00

Alisa Burke's Online Class:
Sketchbook Delight

Some of my sketches from this fantastic online class.

Wattle in my back yard

Sketch Journal

2011-10-07T07:35:00.000+11:00

The tangled, twisted family tree. I can sit for hours practising the knots and twists of tree branches. One day my trees will look realistic but I kind of like the practise ones.

Scribbling away while half watching some rubbish on the TV.

Practicing Faces

2011-10-06T09:05:00.002+11:00

Colourful Girls

As I wait, rather impatiently, for my Uni course to begin in November I keep playing with my pencils and practicing faces. I love the buttery texture of prismacolor pencils and the colours are insanely gorgeous. These are not real people but in some ways they do look familiar.

A Crazy Headpiece!

Down the Rabbit hole

2011-09-14T13:51:00.001+10:00

My own Personal Sketch Crawl

2011-09-14T13:45:00.004+10:00

Audrey manipulated in Photoshop

My final entry in Melissa's Moleskine.

2011-09-07T07:36:00.000+10:00

I think I may have one more book to do which will be Harry's Moly.

Melissa's theme for our moly_x_25 (round 2) was 'Things That Go Round'.
I hope I have not spoilt her book with the addition of a watercolour background. I am still only new at playing with watercolours but, I Oh, So love plashing them onto the page.

Three Posts In Two Days!!

2011-08-28T11:01:00.000+10:00

Heck, I'm on a roll.
Saturday night music, a few beers, sketchbook & pen...
Couldn't ask for more.

Phun with Photoshop......

Books On the Cheap

2011-08-26T12:49:00.001+10:00

I have been a dedicated opp-shopper since my late teens, back when it was not 'trendy', back when one wouldn't dare say 'Oh, this dress, I got it from Vinnies'. Now everyone is doing it. It is 'In Vogue' to recycle, re purpose, restyle or re-anything. This is all good 'specially when the world had started to become a throwaway place. But it is hard to find the really good stuff I used to get all those years ago....

Here are some Fabulous books I purchased recently all for the princely sum of: $20

This book is Absolutely Gorgeous.......$2

Remember Those Orchids in My Garden?

2011-08-26T10:49:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I had a go at drawing my orchids. Hmmm not really happy with the first one, but I kind of like the 'quirkiness' of the blind contour one. Hey, I didn't look at the paper once! I think I may draw better this way.... :0)

EdM Challenges In no Special Order.

2011-08-23T08:51:00.000+10:00

In no Special Order is how I operate best.

I believe if I practice often enough I will improve my drawing, painting skills. I try to get the time whenever there is a gap of 'me time' throughout each day.

I have worked as a cleaner, hospital domestic, book binder, shop assistant, owned my own fashion store, furniture removals packer and a child care worker.
I am a stay at home house wife now, just my husband and I. I lost my career about twelve years ago when I became ill, (long unnecessary story). I am doing well now as long as I pace myself and take breaks when I do anything strenuous.
I cared for my Dad when he was living with cancer and lived with him until the end of his beautiful life. I occasionally look after my grandchildren and I keep a very clean home and try to make all our own food. No takeaways or purchased baked goods here. We are not wealthy we are not poor, nor are we in debt.
My partner says all I do is sit at home drawing all day! Oh how I wish this was so!!! Imagine the journals I would have filled with the bestest works of art. They would be absolutely PERFECT because I would have practiced SO MUCH! Good one partner, you know how to bruise.

EdM Challenge # 209 Draw a shadow

EdM # 214 Draw something representing a fave hobby.

In real life.

EdM # 190: Draw your Palette.

They are all a bit wonky considering all the practice I get!!!

Attempting to draw

2011-08-16T07:41:00.000+10:00

My beautiful orchids which flowered very early this year. And so prolific too, I have 25 flowers in one pot.

Another try at downloading my previous picture

2011-08-13T22:17:00.001+10:00

IMPERFECT:

Technique via Mr E.

My Meditation is Making Marks

2011-08-11T09:44:00.003+10:00

I spent last weekend in Melbourne visiting my kids. It was fun and relaxing.

I have been unwell for quite some time now and I realise I have to slow down a bit, stop trying to get everything done 'Yesterday' and enjoy the moment without thinking too far ahead.

So how to stop the constant mind chatter? Yoga, meditation, massage? Nah, I like to open my journal and draw, write or doodle, my mind instantly quiets down and concentrates on the marks I am making on the paper. It doesn't matter if my drawings are not spectacular works of art, (as if!), it's great practice, it clears my mind and I have lovely little memories to look back on.

Is there ever enough time??

2011-08-02T21:02:00.002+10:00

Right now my mind is overwhelmed with the many projects I keep coming up with, and they all want to come to fruition at the same time. I am bursting at the face seams, or at least, it feels that way.

There are my 'Flora Inklings' to finish for a commission, at least they are started.
There are unfinished house softies, (sewn from scraps), these too I have made a start on. I have three sockies on the cutting table where I abandoned them a month ago. I have become so excited with my wacom bamboo that I can't stay away too long or I get withdrawals, seriously I do.
I have sorted out a huge bag of re-cycled patterned papers I am planning to use in a collage. I have new watercolours, inks & lino sheets all waiting to be broken in & my sketchbook is looking lonely.

Then, of course, there is all the other real life things I must do in day's work. Would it help if we had an extra day in the week?

More Bamboo Practice

2011-07-30T07:25:00.001+10:00

I really quite like these wee little scribbles:
I can see there won't be too much house work done on this fine Saturday morning

Foxie tidied up a bit

Playing with the Wacom Tablet

2011-07-29T14:26:00.000+10:00

I have had my Wacom tablet since last Christmas and have been too scared to use it. I had a dabble when it first arrived but then decided it was too hard to work out. Today I decided to try again and I have doodled a rather cool looking pic of my darling lily.
Can anyone share some Bamboo Wacom Tablet tips with me? Please leave a comment if you do. Thank You. Clare.

Ink and Pencil

2011-07-18T06:47:00.000+10:00

Just playing around with my favourite toys and relaxing the best way I know how.
It is amazing what appears on the page when I don't think about or plan what I draw.
Two things always seem to happen, faces and circles.

Reality Check

2011-07-15T09:34:00.000+10:00

Busy sewing little houses and making party food.
Here is a 'quickie' post, something to mull over.

Scribbles, sayings, textures & practice.

2011-07-13T16:10:00.000+10:00

Loving the feel of my ink pens.

Since starting Sketchbook Delight Course with Alisa Burke I have become re-aquainted with my love of
black ink pens. I find myself impatient for our evening meal to be done with so I can sit and doodle while
Mr H watches, 'helliloggers', swamp people, or one of the many, ick 'man shows' he loves.
I'm also obsessing over wee little houses and have been madly pinning, sewing and doodling the quaint little dwellings. Not sure what all of this is about or what it might lead to but I do know it's lots of relaxing & creative fun for me.

left side unfinished

Not 'High' but T, Cake & Atmosphere. A day in Melbourne.

2011-07-13T08:03:00.001+10:00

Did go to Hopetoun Tea Rooms , did have cake and Chai Latte.
And clicked some pics to sketch when time permits. I don't really
think it would matter which cake you chose, they would all be as delicious
as each other. My day-trip compainion, Julie, and I decided to go again
whenever we are in Melbourne.

Then on to Federation Square.

Light Hearts, a communal art sculpture by Bruce Ramus, was a 13m-high pyramid built during

'The Light in Winter'

Over the course of the season, opportunities existed for people of all ages to come and contribute by making a lantern, by bringing a working light from home, by knitting a lampshade, by writing a word or a poem.

Light Hearts was a joyful, communal celebration of the creative spirit of all Melburnians/ Victorians.

And lunched at Crossways enjoying the delish Friday menu of

Thai Curry & Jasmin Rice & Pineapple Halava.

Definately go again when next in Melbourne.

A random scribbled sign above the door on leaving Crossways.
'Maaaate, Love it'.

Came home with sore feet, full belly, lots to think about & sketch and a feeling of 'Life is Good'

Visual Journal Pages

2011-06-27T17:02:00.000+10:00

Dragonfly Commission

2011-06-27T05:22:00.000+10:00

In answer to Lynda's question: Do you ever frame them up or do bigger versions?

Yes Lynda, occasionally I get asked by Friends & Family to make a print or paint an original
Below are some I made for a friend.
Not very good photos but I had to rush them; almost forgot to take some.

A Place to Do High Tea Soon, Very Soon.

2011-06-21T09:13:00.003+10:00

Hopetoun Tea Rooms

Finishing off some pages with words and colour

2011-06-16T10:02:00.000+10:00

In Awe of His Holiness Dalai Lama XIV

2011-06-16T09:53:00.000+10:00

I spent a beautiful Melbourne Saturday with a Gorgeous Friend.
We took a train to Melbourne to hear and see The Dalai Lama.
'A Conversation with the Dalai Lama- HAPPINESS, LIFE & LIVING - KARMA AND REINCARNATION'.

''I AM like you - we are all humans,'' said the Dalai Lama, slapping on a goofy burgundy sun visor with comic flair.

Even though I found it difficult to understand His English at times, already I am making
happy & positive changes in my life.
Thank You!!

Sketching and Learning.

2011-06-10T13:51:00.000+10:00

I bit the bullet and splashed out on an online Sketchbook Course.

It is Called 'Sketchbook Delight' and is designed and run by Alisa Bourke.

And I must add it is indeed 'Delightful'. I can't wait for some, free, me time so I

can return to where I left off each week.

Journaling when time......Permits.........

2011-04-06T07:44:00.001+10:00

Some of my Stuff.

2011-01-24T15:26:00.001+11:00

Caramel Butternut Snap Cake

2009-11-27T07:39:00.001+11:00

Easy No Bake

Two packets of Butternut Snaps
Big tub of cream, whipped
Tin of Top n’ Fill Caramel
Fresh Berries

Layers of Butternut Snaps, cream, tin caramel. Starting with a layer of cream on the bottom of your plate, spread caramel both sides of Butternut Snaps, place flat on cream layer in two rows, spread more cream on top & repeat as long and as high as you like ending with cream all over the cake. Top with berries and drizzle with ice magic. When cut you have lovely layers

Meme - My Place & Yours

2009-11-05T00:27:00.005+11:00

I came across Pip's meme ::Meet Me At Mikes:: I think this is how it goes: Each week someone suggests a theme related to 'My place & Yours' for participants to blog about.
This weeks' theme is 'Blog HQ'

I have Blogged about it here

So Much I want to do Today

2009-09-10T10:17:00.014+10:00

And of course there is never enough time.

Just able to squeeze in a cup of tea brewed in my favourite teapot before I start on the next job.

I have a lot of baking to do for Sarah's 30th Birthday Party which is only two days away. Yesterday I made 98 sausage rolls and this morning I have made 48 egg & bacon tarts. I have gathered the ingredients and crushed the bikkies for the rumballs and will start thinking about making the 'Cup Cakes' Birthday Cake.

98 sausage rolls

48 Egg & Bacon Tarts

Ingredients for rumballs

These ones I made for another party.

don't have to do the salads, sweets or decorating cakes until the day of the party. I think we will have a Pav and I might, MIGHT get time to make the Scrumptious Icecream Berry Thing.

'Scrumptious Icecream Berry Thing'

I have some little 'Babybushka's' to finish for an order. I really want to get these done today if I possibly can.

Ebony the Emo & BabyBo unfinished.

There is washing spewing from the machine and the floors need to be mopped. The phone has rung twice and I have not even gone into the bedrooms to tidy and make the beds in preparation for visitors.

I have to go into town with Sarah to 'haggle' for her new 'Whizzy Bang', PFAFF sewing machine she is getting for her Birthday!!

After making dinner I really want to sit here at my 'puter with a glass of white and browse my favourite blogs!!
****************************************

Feeling Under The Weather Today...........

2009-08-17T13:47:00.008+10:00

.......And because I had to go into town I was also feeling sorry for myself.
Big Time Pity Party was playing out in my head...

After doing the list of errands I realised I had not had breakfast so I treated myself to yummy raisin toast & a delish 'FAIRTRADE' coffee at my favourite cafe 'Peppers Deli & Cafe' . I perched on a stool at the sunny window bar and my thoughts turned to the Oxfam pamphlets on the counter. I read the info and began to see that I truly have no reason to feel sooo sorry for me. So what if I feel a Little bit unwell? I have a good Doctor who I can see any time. I have money to pay the doctor and money to buy medicines I might need. I live in a country where women have far more opportunities than those in third world countries! I dropped the self pity and began to feel very lucky to never have known what Poverty feels like!

I bought a 'White Band' there and then and vowed to do something positive to help this cause.

This morning reminded me of when I stayed a week in Melbourne with Amy & Glen.

I was too busy to do much shopping but having spotted a St Vinnies in Victoria Street I knew I would not be able to pass it on the tram everyday without a wee scrounge, if only once.

I did manage a scrounge and was disappointed I found nothing to satisfy my addiction for vintage stuff.

I did however spot the OXFAM on the other side of the street and on the Saturday before my return home Amy and I went there and bought the most gorgeous handmade zippered pouches/purses. Mine is a pencil case, (pic below), now. The goods in this shop are *Beautiful!*

I wanted to buy so much more but I decided to go back in November and buy some Christmas gifts. If everyone bought some of their Christmas gifts at an OXFAM SHOP imagine how much we would be helping our Sisters in other countries to support their families with dignity.

Oh and if you do go shopping there you should try the chocolate!!! Sensational!!!

A Hard Decision

2009-08-16T22:37:00.005+10:00

Do I sell Or keep

because these are things I may never aquire again?

Vintage 'Womens Day' Souvenier Edition of the 'Opera House Opening'. October 29 1973.

Vintage, pale pink, crochet collar raw silk blouse.

Very Vintage, 'Fifth Avenue' 'Granny Dress'.

These are some sketches in my Moly

2009-08-16T22:17:00.011+10:00

Doodling in my Moly trying to design some characters for simple doll faces.

I NEED SLEEP!

Making wee Babushkas

2009-08-16T21:55:00.006+10:00

I have been getting back into sewing of late. I stopped making my art dolls several years back because it was difficult to stuff them with 'rheumatoid fingers'. But I realised if I make something 'desirable' yet simple they are just as fabulous!. I Just don't know if I should sell or keep? I do become attached to my creations, after all, I am their Mum. Yes I have simplified my dolls, but the quality and originality are formost in my creations.

Look What I Just Bought!

2009-07-15T07:04:00.006+10:00

*Needful Things*

From my favourite shop.

1x O-Check Rubber Stamps 'Vintage' - Vintage Rubber Stamps 1x Cavallini and Co. Rubber Stamps - Par Avion Rubber Stamp Set
1x O-Check Designer Sticky Tape - Harmony 35mm,
I ordered the 'Duck Tape' ;o) Now we won't tell **A‹(•¿•)›** how much the goodies were, will we?! He would not understand the desire us creative souls posses for such essential items.

I can not wait to get my paws on these treasures and play in my molys .

Owly Doodling

2009-07-03T06:33:00.003+10:00

Bright, happy & colourful owls from my 'Swap Card Collection'.

My Last Entry in Tracy's Moly

2009-06-09T13:51:00.006+10:00

Blinky Bill

These are my drawings in Tracy's Moly. For Tracy's Moly I decided to carry on with Jan's themes being Williams', which became Bill & The Boys' Own annuals which became The Adventures of Blinky Bill.

Blinky Bill is an anthropomorphic koala and children's fictional character created by New Zealand-born Australian author Dorothy Wall. The character of Blinky first appeared in Brooke Nicholls' 1933 book, Jacko - the Broadcasting Kookaburra which was illustrated by Wall. Wall then featured Blinky Bill in a series of her own books, including Blinky Bill:

The Quaint Little Australian, Blinky Bill Grows Up, and Blinky Bill and Nutsy. The books are considered quintessential Australian children's classics, and have never been out of print in Australia.

Inspired by Browsing

2009-04-22T13:46:00.003+10:00

I should be hard at work with my card business, I have a big week with two bookings and have done no preparation yet......... But I can't draw myself away from some gorgeous websites I have discovered.

This one in particular, Book By It's Cover , has me drooling all over the place. I could stay in there all day and get nought done, OR, I could get on with my card displays.

Ahhh Well..... At least my browsing has inspired me to catch up with scanning & blogging my sketchbooks.

Check out today's updates below. You can click on the images to enlarge them.

Alrighty Then..........I am away to do some work.

Drawing my Favourite Stuff

2009-04-22T13:33:00.001+10:00

Some of my favourite things. I absolutely love having pretty serviettes on my kitchen table. And I always insist they be used so I can change them often. I have to use them because I am one of the messiest eaters I know.
I believe blue wrens and flowers come to us straight from Heaven.

2009-04-22T13:31:00.000+10:00

2009-04-22T13:28:00.000+10:00

Drawing my Favourite Stuff

2009-04-22T13:14:00.003+10:00

Pasting Away 2

2009-04-22T13:11:00.000+10:00

Keepsakes and Scribbles 2

2009-04-22T13:06:00.003+10:00

Keepsakes & Scribbles

2009-04-22T13:01:00.003+10:00

The cats print is from an old poetry book. Of course the rest of it is my stuff.

Pasting Away.

2009-04-22T12:53:00.001+10:00

Closer

2009-04-22T12:38:00.001+10:00

Patterns, textures and doodles.

Patterns

2009-04-22T12:34:00.002+10:00

Thinking of trees with pretty patterns.

Some more of my doodlings

2009-04-22T12:25:00.002+10:00

A doodled Good Witch & another self portrait minus wrinkles and zits,

Moleskine watercolour Sketchbook

2009-04-22T11:49:00.005+10:00

Happy Easter To All My Blog Visitors

2009-04-10T22:29:00.008+10:00

Thank you to everyone who has come

here to visit my Sketch journal.

Queenstown New Zealand September 2007

2009-04-04T07:07:00.003+11:00

The scenery was absolutely Spectacular!

Brighton Beach Huts

2009-04-04T06:55:00.004+11:00

My entry in Kerry's Moly for our Moly_x_25

Every day Matters # 211

2009-03-04T05:55:00.008+11:00

Not exactly an everyday object, but rather, something I see everyday.

Out to art.

2009-02-26T07:58:00.002+11:00

Having a dabble in photoshop. My original drawing was done with prismacolor pencils.
I copied it several times to play around with it in photoshop.

I used the artistic cutout option in Filter

and played around with it until

I liked the results, 'Night' & 'Day'

Finished in Alison's book.

2009-02-25T01:34:00.004+11:00

In keeping with Alison's musical theme for her Moleskine in our Moly_x_25 exchange

I wanted to use a slip of old paper I had. It was shoved away with all those, "Might need one day" things. I was going to paste it into Alison's book and then draw over it....... But I couldn't......

Sorry Alison ;0), I might need it one day........ Next best thing was to draw it so I attempted to

render it onto the blank Moly pages. That done, I was not satisfied, it looked boring. So for a week or so the dull, lifeless pages sat on my desk waiting for inspiration to hit. I was way overdue with the posting deadline and beginning to think I would have to send it off as is and hope Melissa could rescue my efforts/lack of.

Eventually inspiration did come from the cover of a book I am currently re-reading,

'The Year of Wonders'by Geraldine Brooks. It's a story about the plague of 1666 and how it devastated the lives of hundreds of villagers in town of Eyam, in Derbyshire. I made the connection of book with paper through the use of Latin in both. And of course I adore the cover art: Amarilla by Frederic Lord Leighton .

Of course my Amarilla is nowhere near as sensuous as Leighton's but I am satisfied with what I have achieved and so pleased to be able to put the LONG OVERDUE Moly into the post.

1666 was a year of war, plague, and fire. In November 1666, John Dryden wrote an epic poem chronicling his year.

from, Annus Mirabilis

O let it be enough what thou hast done

When spotted deaths ran arm'd through every street,

With poison'd darts, which not the good could shun,

The speedy could outfly, or valiant meet.

The living few, and frequent funerals then,

Proclaim'd thy wrath on this forsaken place:

And now those few who are return'd agen

Thy searching judgements to their dwellings trace.

These words could have been penned in February 2009 after the horrific deaths and destruction caused by the bush fires we have experienced here in Victoria.

Unfinished in Alison's book.

2009-02-24T01:55:00.003+11:00

moleskinex25.blogspot.com/

Have I blogged this?

2009-02-24T01:32:00.003+11:00

My lizard.

Proximité

2009-02-13T04:14:00.005+11:00

Being unable to compute for such a long time I was thrilled to find I had received this award from kazumiwannabe

Thank you for your interest in my blog.

Proximidade is described as follows:
This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes for self-aggrandizement!
Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!'
The rules are: This blog award should be sent to your favorite eight bloggers and they, in turn should forward to eight of their favorites. You should include the text for Proximidade (above) in your announcement blog.

I wish to forward this honour to eight of my favourites.

Alison
Jan
Kerry
Melissa
Tracy
Sandy
Deborah
Margaret

Cupcakes for Jen

2009-01-05T23:57:00.008+11:00

*SWEETS FOR A SWEETIE*

My Niece Jenna.

December 20Th. I had lots of fun making these pretty little cupcakes for Jen's 21st Birthday party. I couldn't buy edible decorations I liked, at a price I liked even more, so, keeping the (KISS) rule in mind, I made these cute, wee icing flowers and hearts from Orchard Icing and tiny little cutters from Spotlight . EASY PEASY!I am pleased to report my little cakes disappeared in no time. And Jen loved them all especially the 'big' one with an icing figure of her lounging on top. :O)

I bought the gorgeous wire stands from Target on sale. The tray, printed with darling cupcakes cost me five bucks at the Reject Shop .

Being such a 'Hit' I made them all over again for New Years Eve.

Dead Paper

2008-12-05T07:49:00.004+11:00

" Watercolor" By: HARKER

This morning I found on my blog a new 'Follower'. Intrigued by her photo/ avatar I looked up her profile and visited her blog . I love her sketches, especially the birds and the cats eyes.

She has a unique style in design & pattern. She has a love of 'Victorian Horror', poetry and art, with some interesting links.

Take a visit when you have a moment to spare.

Nice indeed.

Dead Paper: "Watercolor"

Billy Boy

2008-12-01T23:27:00.004+11:00

This gorgeous little / big bundle of pure 'Cuteness' is our second grandson,

Billy. H. Fisher. This is my first attempt at sketching him.

And this is the photo I copied from.

'Cover Up' & Colour

2008-11-19T04:55:00.002+11:00

Couldn't stand the picture I drew of Lily..It was not at all like her so I had to cover it up with the real thing. She is so cute.
Added colour to my pages using W&N watercolours.

Ideas & Scibbles

2008-11-18T18:47:00.002+11:00

Trying out some ideas for Jan's Red/Read themed Moleskine for Moly-X- 25 .

Playing Around in Watercolor Moleskine

2008-11-18T18:36:00.002+11:00

Not brilliant stuff here but am trying to keep up drawing something every day without erasing mistakes.

Daily Zen

2008-10-06T08:57:00.005+11:00

Taken from:

Daily Zen: Friday September 26, 2008

Where he lives is indeed most

Elegantly secluded,

And the people who live there

Have all attained tranquility.

Dense groves of bamboo line

Both sides of the road,

The clear brook flows by the hut.

How free and relaxed is the monk,

Having abandoned all the worry

And anxiety of the world,

The four meditations unite him

With Suchness so that he regards

Everything as illusory.
- Meng Hao-jan (689-765)

Yo-yo's & cuttings

2008-10-05T09:03:00.001+11:00

2008-10-05T08:57:00.001+11:00

Tulips & Dandelions

2008-10-05T08:50:00.001+11:00

And an odd looking chair.

Drawn from Dad's front verandah.

2008-10-05T08:41:00.002+11:00

Sketching Dad's Garden #2

2008-10-05T08:31:00.002+11:00

Sketching Dad's Garden

2008-10-05T06:54:00.005+11:00

Taking care of someone you love is a privilege; taking care of some you love that is dieing is a privilege and a blessing.

My Sister, Jo and I nursed Dad in his own home for six weeks up until his death on Friday Sept 26, 2008. Dad never, ever once complained. His sense of humour was always there even when he couldn't talk well; he found a way to make us smile. He loved us and taught us so much during those final weeks.

We gave him a personal door bell to use to call us if he needed anything... It had the loudest alarm in a compact little box that we would cart around with us. He would not use the thing and had several falls trying his hardest to remain independent. After being scolded many times he decided to try out his new gadget.
Jo and I were sitting in the dining room, I was quietly drawing and she was doing her sudoku. Next thing a hideous screeching alarm pierced through the silent air * &*^%$ %$#@ *&#@^% we stared at each other for a split second and then both flew to his room in a panic. There he was sitting up in bed, confused look on his face..... We both thought something must be terribly wrong for him to finally give in to the bell. "What's wrong Dad, Do you need something?" we asked in unison. "Yes", he replies, "whose car is that in my driveway?" %$#@^*!

Later that day while he told Jo's husband the story he rang the alarm again!! Again we both flew off to his room on a mission of mercy................. Yes, he and Son in Law were sitting on the bed watching the clock to see how quickly we answered the call.

We all commented that he might not last as long as God was planning if he kept playing tricks on us!

My Hero, My Dad. I would spend any spare time wandering around Dad's big beautiful garden collecting things to sketch.

Derek The Duck

2008-10-05T06:41:00.003+11:00

Amy and I were shopping for Birthday cards when she came across this one about
a Farting duck named Derek. He does all these loud farts for your birthday. Hmm, well of
course she bought it and of course she hasn't sent it to anyone.
I painted this one afternoon while Dad was sleeping. It kept me amused!

Time Out

2008-10-05T06:30:00.002+11:00

Took some time out and went to the movies with Sarah, my Cousin Josie and her daughter Emma. We all got a good laugh.

Black Dog Revisited

2008-10-05T06:07:00.003+11:00

My Beautiful Dad

2008-10-04T05:29:00.005+10:00

In Memory of My precious Dad.

The loving gifts you've given me as my father

have shaped my life and made me the person I am...

Your unconditional love, gentleness, strength of

character and kindness will continue to inspire me

throughout my own life.

You are always with me, Dad....

in my thoughts

in my heart,

in the very fabric of my life...

you are always with me.

Forever in my heart until we meet again.

"5000" Visitors!

2008-08-24T18:26:00.006+10:00

Amazing, I am speechless, if that is possible!

Fancy, 5000 visitors to my humble little sketch blog. I suppose if I count out my family and friends it might be a lot less, but, still, 5000 all the same. Oh, and that is from when I put the counter on in March 2006. So, there would have been a couple more since June 2005.

Thanks to all who have popped in to have a squiz, and 'specially to those who added comments and critique's & award it is all appreciated by me.

I have a new found enthusiasm to blog my stuff more regularly. I'm all revved up and ready to go finish some of my sketches to scan & beam 'em up!

THANKS.

Black On White

2008-08-16T22:37:00.003+10:00

I am learning not to be so 'Precious' with my Journals

And.............
.....finally gave in to doodling in my watercolour Moleskine, I'm so pleased I did.
How silly to think it would spoil my book.
I like these black circles so much so that I did not want to stop making them and now I am finished I love looking at them.
Doodling patterns with circles, dots, blobs, lines and swirly bits is a wonderful and mesmerising pastime. Just the thing for stress relief and for me it is an enjoyable meditation.
I zone right out, get lost in the lines and feel serene.

I know him well.

Watercolour Moleskine

2008-08-16T22:05:00.002+10:00

Owls are my favourite birds......

And then ducks come in at second....

New Journal Entries

2008-08-16T21:11:00.010+10:00

Finally had some spare time to scan and post my latest entries in my Moleskine watercolour journal.

Trying out a new set of Winsor and Newton Cotman student W/Colours

In my first watercolour Moleskine...... I Love both!

What a Thrill...............

2008-07-16T21:33:00.008+10:00

I Received this award from Margaret Hunt : Thank you Margaret.!!.

I received this award from Pamyla Floyd Another big Thank you!!
It is such a thrill to be recognised by these two super-creative women!!!!!!!

The rules of accepting are as follows:

Put the logo on your blog.
Add a link to the person who awarded you.
Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
Add links to those blogs on yours.
Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.These are a fun way to share links to blogs. I enjoy reading through many artists' blogs for there is always inspiration to be found and encouragement to be shared. But to choose only seven to pass along the award to is tough. Here is my list of seven, out of the many wonderful blogs .

1: Lin. Beautiful sketches, disciplined at daily blogging so there is always something new to drool over! http://viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/

2: Sandy. Another journal filled with lovely loose sketches & watercolour! http://myfiddlestix.blogspot.com/

3: Sharon. Yummy Pen and watercolour sketches, makes me hungry! http://flatsoundofwoodenclogs.blogspot.com/

4: Andrea Joseph. AWESOME ARTIST BLOG! Inspires me to practice daily! http://andreajoseph24.blogspot.com/

3: Jan Allsopp. You just have to go and see this blog! Sebsational Goco prints. http://janallsopp.blogspot.com/

4: Margaret Storer-Roche. LOVELY ART BLOG! http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/

5: Alison. Her memories will take you back to the 'Simple Days' when Children were able to be Children! http://scribblesadagio.blogspot.com/

6: Shirley. Another delicious sketch blog! http://www.paperandthreads.com/

7: Robyn Sinclair: Two delightful blogs you must visit! http://havedogswilltravel.blogspot.com/

http://ourtuscangarden.blogspot.com/

One Moleskine closes...Another Opens...

2008-07-10T12:00:00.009+10:00

I can't believe it has taken me almost three years to fill this Moleskine. Admittedly 2007 was a missed year but still it is a long time to spend in one journal. Now that I am into better journaling habits I would imagine my next one will be filled in no time at all.

The biggest problem I face now is which shall I choose? My Moleskine watercolour, my Moleskine Japanese fold or my M sketchbook? Too many choices, but, the Watercolour Moleskine is so fine and is tempting me to take it on........

My Moleskine Journal

2008-07-04T08:19:00.004+10:00

Keeping up with my daily journal is an exercise which keeps me sane during emotional times.

Often I forget to draw or write and before long I get the feeling there is something important missing. Then suddenly I pick up my journal, open a page, sketch, write or doodle and the balance returns to my life.

Doodling on paper is the most relaxing escape for me.

Coloured in Photoshop

2008-06-30T04:02:00.002+10:00

Experimenting

2008-06-29T06:22:00.000+10:00

Playing around with photoshop / Moly_x_ 25

2008-06-29T05:30:00.004+10:00

These are some rough sketches I have come up with during the planning stages of my entry in Tracy's Moly. Sketched with 05 Zig pen, coloured in photoshop.

Bedroom in Arles was one of Vincent Van Gogh's favourite paintings, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedroom_in_Arles , http://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/18/554.htm
http://www.webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/18/B22.htm
It is one of my favourites too., particularly his first version, with it's sensuous colours and interesting angles. Melissa's picture frame kept coming into my mind as the window in Vincents bedroom and I have attempted to create my own version of 'Bedroom in Arles". At this stage it is very rough and scribbled.

EdM # 73, 81, 83 / journal entries

2008-05-21T23:00:00.002+10:00

Mummushka's SketchJournals

Top Blogs Awards & Gonna be a Bear

Poster-a-holic!

Easter Poster Version #2

WIP... 1st Version of My Poster

A Commission/ Easter Poster

Playing Small

A Girls Best Friend.......

Dragonfly

Practice for a Gift.

Daily Sketching

Happy Birthday

On Journaling

Sketchbook Delight

Sketch Journal

Practicing Faces

Down the Rabbit hole

My own Personal Sketch Crawl

My final entry in Melissa's Moleskine.

Three Posts In Two Days!!

Books On the Cheap

Remember Those Orchids in My Garden?

EdM Challenges In no Special Order.

Attempting to draw

Another try at downloading my previous picture

My Meditation is Making Marks

Is there ever enough time??

More Bamboo Practice

Playing with the Wacom Tablet

Ink and Pencil

Reality Check

Scribbles, sayings, textures & practice.

Not 'High' but T, Cake & Atmosphere. A day in Melbourne.

Visual Journal Pages

Dragonfly Commission

A Place to Do High Tea Soon, Very Soon.

Finishing off some pages with words and colour

In Awe of His Holiness Dalai Lama XIV

Sketching and Learning.

Journaling when time......Permits.........

Some of my Stuff.

Caramel Butternut Snap Cake

Meme - My Place & Yours

So Much I want to do Today

Feeling Under The Weather Today...........

A Hard Decision

These are some sketches in my Moly

Making wee Babushkas

Look What I Just Bought!

Owly Doodling

My Last Entry in Tracy's Moly

Inspired by Browsing

Drawing my Favourite Stuff

Drawing my Favourite Stuff

Pasting Away 2

Keepsakes and Scribbles 2

Keepsakes & Scribbles

Pasting Away.

Closer

Patterns

Some more of my doodlings

Moleskine watercolour Sketchbook

Happy Easter To All My Blog Visitors

Queenstown New Zealand September 2007

Brighton Beach Huts

Every day Matters # 211

Out to art.

Finished in Alison's book.

Unfinished in Alison's book.

Have I blogged this?

Proximité

*Cupcakes for Jen*

Dead Paper

Billy Boy

'Cover Up' & Colour

Ideas & Scibbles

Playing Around in Watercolor Moleskine

Daily Zen

Yo-yo's & cuttings

Tulips & Dandelions

Cupcakes for Jen