Penthouse Hermit. gouache on black 8 x 8 There was a video about Hermit crabs using garbage as homes.. not because of excessive garbage but because people keep beach combing and taking the shells, of which I am also guilty nut now that I know better, I won't do it again. Isn't that life in a nutshell - seashell? When we know better we simply do better, that's how everyone benefits. The guy walks the beach with a bucket of shells and when he finds a hermit crab he puts it in his bucket and lets it pick a home - how wonderful... he has saved all the caps (and other junk) that they used and I couldn't believe it's not just a few buy a huge drawer full. Clearly, that human is making a difference no matter how small it appears. I wanted to paint a hermit crab and thought I'd give him a creative home to match , the penthouse of homes, heehee. Painting warmer days ahead... We are tired of snow, it's that time of year, especially since no one seems to have any, but it's good for the forest so I am not complaining, just anticipating warmer weather. There has been so little snow in Canada they are already concerned about the prospect of forest fires this summer, venues are being pushed ahead or back - avoiding the hottest months for safety reasons. Everyone is more aware of fire hazards, so hopefully there will be fewer. Othe than that -Im excite for new blooms after all this white stuff, Poppy & Ginger too! If you are taking a vacation to a sunny destination - Please leave the shells where you find them, on the beach, for those that need them - Help keep hermit crabs from being homeless! Have a great week ahead.. the snow will be melting soon, may as well enjoy it. If you want to see who inspired this Hermit crabs home - search 'Stephen Boehme, glass artist'. I am a friend & admirer of his work & he is a wonderful human too! This week I'm going to share a few humans I am fond o & what they are up to. Created to create Santa Frog card. 5 x 7
Tis the Season for Christmas Cards! 'm ahead this year with a few cards ready to go! Why a frog? Why not. He looks great in the snow and was fun to paint! What's in the package? Your guess is as good as mine. Perhaps homemade cookies? Cookies! It's baking season too & I found a terrific recipe for easy, fast, fluffy cookies. The 'viral' recipe was seen on Instagram. You need: 1 cake mix, 1 container of cool whip, (1 egg optional) . Mix them, the dough will be very sticky. drop cookie dough off spoon into a bowl of icing sugar & roll - this helps them keep their shape and be less sticky. Place on parchment on cookie sheets and bake at 400 for 15 minutes. That's it! Easy, fast fluffy, tasty cookies. We made a plain cake mix batch & lemon cake batch. Both were good - the lemon was preferred. It was mentioned the egg makes them a little crunchier', I added the egg but others online only used the 2 ingredients & said they were terrific. Speaking of cookies... There's still time if you want to donate a gently used coat, mitts or hats! My friend Amy does this every year and it's a wonderful success! Information below: Created to create - cards & cookies! , Got Smores? 8 x 8 gouache on black
This Bear has the expression as if I've caught him off guard, roasting marshmallows, the metallic embers lifting into the sky (you can't see them here) on a beautiful summers night. I love the light of fire, candles an campfires, there's nothing like the warm glow & feeling of the wood stove when you come in from the cold. Campfires especially are mesmerizing as they hi light the trees and rocks closest to us... This bears fur is shimmering with gold to reflect the fire. ...For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness. Not summer, snow on the ground, it's snowed twice already... it will melt. Yesterdays bear (you'll see her next) I remembered to record but did so on slow motion - so NO bear video. Too bad as I painted 90% of it with a wide flat brush to show you the difference. I'll just have to do it again. I was trying to think of famous bears - can you think of any? Please, let me know. Theres Yogi Bear & Booboo, Smokey The Bear, Baloo (Jungle book bear) and the 3 bears... that's all I can think of, there's got to me more. Oh and Pooh Bear of course... Paddington Bear too. Can you guess when I'm using sad bear? We will have a few more outdoor fires, as long as the fire pit doesn't get covered in snow. Tis the Season! Clocks go back this weekend, I tell you having chickens proves how time/light effects us. They went from an egg a day - to none, maybe one a week... so imagine how the time change messes with our human internal clocks. We are giving the chickens a rest but will soon turn the lights on at 6 & off naturally , to try to get some consistent egg laying, at least for weekly baking. I understand why people kill their chickens in the fall for stewing, and save eggs in water, it's less work in the winter, for birds not producing. No chickens will be killed for stew... this year. It's all lessons in life. Ducks still like to venture outside for a stroll but the chickens prefer the warmth of the coop. Time to get cracking with painting lessons & painting. Have a creative day! Green Pastures. gouache on black 8 x 8
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures... He restores my soul. This curious bear with his nose in the grass has a metallic background, he took several hours to paint using a #1 fine point brush. Love painted in every stroke. Theres love everywhere, in the grass, leaves - even on the bee... see it? You just have to look harder. The Pumpkin patch. sketchbook gouache. Happy Friday the 13th! A wonderful day to paint - I have a few things to tell you about... mostly - paint! A while back I read: if you soaked wine corks in rubbing alcohol, they become great fire starter - its true! I had some soaking in a jar, took them out, put them in a bowl where they dried and when I start a fire, I pop one in! They burn for about 10 minutes, enough to get the wood stove going, no more need to buy fire starters, made with who knows what. Yay. I want to encourage people to paint but Gouache in particular can be an investment, most individual tubes I purchase are about $11. -up to $25. each, add brushes, canvas (paper) and it can be costly to start. The other day I visited a dollar store in Minden and they had CHEAP gouache, so I thought I'd try & give you my opinion. Images bellow, I also purchased brushes, mini pallets & water spray bottles all for under $10. The painting I did below, this is a great way to find out IF painting is something you might like to explore, especially for kids. It was o.k, the colours not so vibrant, after several coats much better, but it is a basic kit that you can play with, colour mix, paint and see how the colours dry. It also works like gouache where you can come back later- give it a spray with water and it re activates the paint, and your brushes don't get destroyed if you forget to rinse them. If you have never painted or have a child interested, I suggest it's a great place to start, safe, non toxic, affordable. If you decide to to continue it's only cost you $10, to figure that out. The next kit I'd recommend and I'm getting better with practice, actually I use it when painting my lessons -like the pumpkin patch above is the HIMI kit I bought - now even more affordable! It comes with brushes & a pallet built in, the colours are more vibrant and many to choose from, I just had to re order the white, which was expected... you always need a lot of white for gouache. Below is the kit I have & the kit I would order -now knowing, when this one gets low, I might get the other with more & metallic paint. Both are on Amazon... what's not available on amazon. Now, when I 'paint' a image I've sketched -a 'painting' I prefer to use my Windsor & Newton - it is the most vibrant, even after it's been dried out on my desk, it re hydrates wonderfully! Yes, it is more expensive but I found this perfect started pack that's very affordable - all you need to mix many shades -if I was to purchase them individually from DeSerres (best online for Canadian art supplies, fast & usually free delivery), they would cost more. I picked this up as I always run out of the primary tubes and always need more white anyhow. You do need brushes. As for a pallet - a simple white plate works perfect! Also washes easily to clean. Now you at least have an idea. Finally - if you want fast easy lessons - step by step - I recommend Ruth Wilshaw - 30 day gouache pass. It cost me $16. Canadian - a great $ for as many lessons as I can fit in in a month & perfect for beginners as she covers it all. I am painting from it daily, I always change them slightly. Many lessons to choose from & Ruth teaches enough basics you should be able to apply them to your own style. I hope this might assist anyone considering learning gouache! It is a wonderful way to spend time - created to create!
Time for me to paint a deadly cartoon... ;) 3 little demons. gouache on black. 8 x 8
It's hard to believe The Nightmare Before Christmas is 30! Jack & Sally, another ultimate spooky couple, surrounded by a cast of some spooktacular characters & stop motion animation! It's a must see if you appreciate animation & understand the work that went into it. I've painted a couple ideas inspired from it & will share this month. I have to say, it's vey cool to be able to go out & pick your own mushrooms for an omelette or fried rice or whatever. When the vegetables were done - due to frost, Storm replenished the garden beds with straw and mycelium and now I can go out and pick a mushroom for my meals. Wine Caps! Fresh, tasty and good for the brain, we have mushrooms with almost every meal. He said they should also come up in the spring before I plant the next vegetables and improve the soil! Have a peek below, it doesn't seem like many but they pop up over night! They are also large so you only need one. It's one of the coolest experiences - I mean it's one thing to go out and pick a tomato but this is a level up as far as I'm concerned. I am really looking forward to the Shitake from the Shitake logs he has prepared in the woods! That's for the spring. It's absolutely beautiful out! It's as if a July afternoon, shorts and a tank top - getting some sun, lounging with my girls -in between painting lessons :) I am forcing myself to take 2 hours of lessons a day! Later I try to incorporate what I've learned into my own paintings, very stimulating. :) *Note: see the white of the tub above? They grey on the rim of the tub and a bit on the base - is NOT painted... I let my gouache white get too runny and then when it dried -it actually fell off the paper, in this example it actually works'. The way to prevent this is NOT let your paint get too watery, I simply added more white from the tube & thickened it up, problem solved. Gouache can be a little fickle - not as much as water colour. Enjoy this terrific day - the next couple are said to be the same - reaching a high of 29 two days -for October it's perfect - a fantastic opportunity to explore the woods, see the leaves, crunch along in the sunshine. Created to create. Heaven on Earth. gouache on watercolour sketchbook 2 page spread
This painting started with a sketch from the day, done late at night in pen while in bed, messy and quick it captured the peaceful mood of the moment. It's now my favourite, simply because it's a memory captured in paint of me & my girls. Luckily, this sketchbook I just discovered, fits on my scanner -just. This is heaven on earth, for us. I captured all the girls in their moods, Poppy forever by my side. Arrow close by always on the lookout & Ginger eating bugs or chasing butterflies. I did note -in the sketch I was wearing P.J.'s - as I was in the woods - lol, an advantage to have a private forest on the property, in the painting I put on normal clothing. Maybe I'll go back and correct it, maybe. Daisy, I have sleeping on my leg - earlier in the day I was NOT pleased with this sneaky girl... we went for a short walk but I noticed she seemed preoccupied, on the walk back she ran ahead instead of playing ball. When I turned to go to the deck I saw her already there - with my last moon cake in her mouth! Arrrrgh! I was saving to savour with a fresh cup of coffee on he sunshine filled deck, she beat me to it. She NEVER takes food of the coffee table - they know this is a 'No-No'. I guess the temptation of moon cake was too much to resist. When I saw her I yelled "DAISY!!!" & she spit out the mooncake... lol. Now covered in dirt and slobber, I decided to let her enjoy it and said 'O.k.', she quickly grabbed it and went to lay in the grass to finish. Daisy is our oldest girl, a very good dog so - I let it slide. She is also very vocal, I tell her 'no barking' but then look at her grey whiskers and remember: she won't be with us forever & she likes to talk'... so I let her talk (a bit). It was enjoyable to paint, occasionally glancing out my studio window and noticed overnight the leaves have changed, now there's several patches of yellow, it's raining and leaves are starting to fall. This makes me savour summer more than mooncake, heeheehee. I often paint from sketches that I enjoy, they are the seeds planted in my mind. Below is the sketch, scribbled in pen, I think I did a pretty good reenactment. I have a journal sketchbook, instead of words I draw things on my mind or events of the day, it's easier than words & a lot more freeing and fun. Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe - creator of trees & dogs! Give thanks! 2 of the greatest creations, hug a tree and your dogs, you'll feel better... you'll feel peace. Created to create Hello Friends! 8 x 8 gouache on watercolour
Jut a happy little kermit wishing you a "Hello!" My intentions were to paint more mushrooms but then Kermit appeared. and made me realize, I need to clean my scanner. Such a happy go lucky frog, he brightens my day. I hope he brightened yours. It's not easy being green - not during fall as it all starts to yellow, orange & brown. It went from a heat wave to a chilly damp day overnight, the fire was started this morning & Poppy was thrilled. The next few days are going to be busy! Marigolds have to be picked and dried for the chicken and tea for me, other herbs will be cut & hung to dry and the remaining vegetables will be plucked and processed for the freezer. Cherry tomatoes freeze great - and add a burst of fresh to recipes during the inter, they are also delicious roasted. The usual search for mushrooms in the woods provided it doesn't rain. The last two days have been spent painting backgrounds & letting them dry, now to decide what to paint on them. Some are looking quite funky' - funky = Fun. Enjoy the weekend. You were created to create! What will you create this weekend? Holy Heatwave Batman!
Leave it until the end of summer for a heatwave! It’s so hot after stepping outside I was covered in sweat after only 5 minutes, it had me wondering how people survive it down south -I forget where this summer but I was reading one place in the USA had a record of 20 consecutive days over 40 yikes. Storms said it’s the humidity here 0that makes feel so “heavy”. Painting is tricky too- gouache (any paint) dries very quickly so painting outside it not an option… I sketch outside - paint inside. Still -thankfully it’s cool inside (we don’t have air conditioning) it’s because the trees! The shade is so much cooler & thank God for trees -you know- those things Doug Ford is selling off. I’ve been painting things I can paint pretty quickly, in an hour or less. The bear above took a while longer. He’s on his own foray with a look that says- these Amanita belong to me. The mushrooms below are inspired by an online course I’m taking. I know how to paint but watching someone else can inspire new directions, each lesson I notice I end up giving my own Georgia touch’ - ‘tweak’. The course is by Ruth Wilshaw : https://www.ruthwilshaw.com. she has mastered gouache and I like her style, you can see many of her tutorials on YouTube for free but I took a course to see what it’s like & I’m pleased. There is no excuse for learning how to paint - I started with YouTube videos & Gouache is obviously my medium of choice. Watching and learning, I will use some ideas to transfer to my own creations. It’s to cool down tomorrow - it’s bitter sweet -as we know what’s on the way - snow… so get out your speedo and be sure to enjoy the last dog days of this glorious summer! The blackberries are also ripe - time for pie, jam and blackberry flakes'. Created to create Hello Barbie! Let's go party! gouache on black
Thinking about Barbie & all things Pink... Pink Kush (not really pink) use to be one of my favourite strains. Hello Barbie! Let's go party.... do do do doooo This idea gave me a chuckle & I couldn't wait to paint it. Weeee! a fun party with pink Kush - ken - let the adventure begin. I actually preferred 'The Sunshine Family & craft camper' .. I played with them, more than Barbie. Have a creative day! Enjoy ... Cannabis is safer than alcohol (proven), still - everything in moderation. Created to create. Next Jesus & "Follow me," gouache & white gel pen on watercolour. Poppies for Poppy
If you think I spoil Poppy.. you would be correct. I hope I do. She loves me and expresses her love every day- all day, of course I spoil her. When we wake I say good morning and she rolls over for a tummy rub and makes me smile- ready to enjoy the day! Poppy goes where I go, if she can. She follows me everywhere, if I'm outside, she's outside, in the gazebo -so is she. In bed, you bet, Poppy is always right beside me. If I stay up late watching T.V. so does she. When I go Pee.. she follows me & usually uses this opportunity to stretch on my knee. We communicate many times just by looking at each other. We look at each other with LOVE. Poppy never shakes as I have heard they do - I think it's because she has been so loved and protected, if she does (rarely) it is because she is cold, there's always blankets waiting to cover her. Poppy has a cup of fresh water on her side of the bed, she drinks from it a few times a night and has no problems letting me know when it gets low, she will then step over me to drink mine. She gets special food and her treats (meat) cut small for tiny bites. I am happy to do what I can for Poppy as I love her very much... seeing her grey' over the years, can actually bring me to tears so I force myself to 'be here NOW' and not think of the day when we might not be together. Instead I smother her with kisses. Poppy is the boss of the dogs, including Arrow. Tiny but Mighty - I've no doubts she'd attempt to chase a bear for me. She is so sweet in appearance, often people try topper her -as one gentleman found out at the farmers market recently... Poppy was fine, strolling around with me and he tried to pet her- she then lunged and started barking! More or less to say: "Back off buster- did give you permission to fondle me, Im with my mom -keep your distance or else!" hahaha I never need an excuse to paint any of my dogs but I'm especially fond of painting Poppy, I love looking at her. As I painted this -she lay at my back on my chair, I could feel her warmth & breath... and love. Arrow was getting jealous though. I've had the biggest dog - Great Dane & the smallest - Chihuahua, I can tell you the size of love they provide is equal -massive. Dogs are angles without wings. I am grateful for all dogs! P.S. if you have a problem with dog hair & shedding - perhaps avoid a German Shepherd. Happy Sunday - what a lovely Sunday it is. The sun is shining and the snow is melting! I found a photo on my phone from 2022, March 20, and the snow was gone.. not yet, not this year... soon.
After 3 years watching tutorials on (YouTube) gouache painting, I decided to try new paint and the following is my review for any who might be interested. The paint is Himi gouache and it comes in a kit (also one larger than this) with 24 colours. I usually use Windsor Newton but, it is expensive -ranging anywhere from $7 to $25. each tube 14 ml & the consistency can be different & occasionally sometimes it dries in the tube prematurely (even with a tight lid) & you may as well toss it. That being said the quality is vibrant, consistent & the options of colours to choose from is plenty. It has been my preferred paint since I started, I have a nice set now' but it took me a few years to grow. It is also not easy to travel with so I paint at home. The Himi has 24 colours, 30 ml per 'pod - twice as much paint and all for $100. (just under on Amazon) if I paid that in WN, it would be a difference of over $700! The box has a snap on lid & came with 24 colours & 3 good quality brushes! You only need the 3 to accomplish pretty much all you want... & a plastic white pallet! I had trouble opening the box - lol (I'll practice) and could not open the pods, difficult for fingers that don't bend and I was making a mess at my first attempt so I called in reinforcements - Storm! Storm opened each pod and I placed them back in the container in the order I desired, I was thankful he was home or I would have had to wait. I must say, Storm does most if not all food prep for cooking (chopping and can opening lol) & all the dishes & laundry, he is also a great cook .. I am grateful he is around & no longer in the city. Anyhow - after he opened them I went straight to painting 3 Easter Cards to try and see, how I like the paint. I like it! The colours are vibrant, the paint has the same consistency, it's always wet & stays that way in the container, I have read comments some wrote about it getting mouldy' -but it sounds like they don't use it regular - which I do not foresee as being a problem. I also purposely put some on the pallet and left it over night, between that & the sun beating through the studio window- it dried completely... the next day, I wet it with water, as I do with my WN pallets and it reactivated - fantastic! That is one reason I prefer gouache compared to acrylic. You can walk away - return 3 days later and continue painting & not ruin your brushes if you happened to forget to rinse. * I still recommend you was your brushes after each use - it's a good habit to get into. The plus - if I want to travel, I have a full set of paints to take with me. Because it is a slightly 'greasy' feel to it -compared to the WN, I'm still learning how it works, I found it was a bit streaky, especially for large background areas.... I shall practice. I'm forcing myself to use it for a couple of weeks to really become familiar. In conclusion, if you are a new to gouache this is a terrific set' to start with! You can't beat the price for the amount of paint, brushes and pallet & case & it's nice paint with vibrant colours and great coverage -even with light colours on top of dark. One thing I haven't done & am currently experimenting with 'portraits in gouache. There are many tutorials to watch just DuckDuckGo : gouache tutorials Himi. We were created to create! Have a terrific day . Where the Wild Things Are. Gouache on water colour 8 x 8
This was a gift for a tiny human to welcome him here to earth! A connection through social media with his mom, I knew she was expecting & knew (how I'm not sure) that he had arrived, before she announced it. & oddly enough his name is Norman. I know 3 'Norman' now. I'll probably never meet him, we are not close (his mom & I) we have just been 'friends' on social media a few years. I just 'felt' an overwhelming urge to gift this tiny being a painting. His mom told me this is how they decorated the nursery... what fun! Believe it or not - I have never read this story, inspired by images online, I re-created this & included Birth information -including Normans name in the tail... & now -it's in the mail! I have ordered the book from my favourite bookstore (Masters Books in Haliburton) & look forward to reading and studying the art- it was NOT easy to duplicate but I loved every second. I am grateful for all artists who have inspired countless to re create their work form love & admiration. Note, my colours are a little bolder than the originals. Welcome all tiny humans! I hope you get the love & encouragement you all deserve. Also sending out a Happy Birthday wish to my brother Pat - where ever he be... I hope he is happy & healthy. Forest find! Gouache on watercolour. 4 x 4
Pooh & Piglet discover a fantastic fungi in the forest - oh, just imagine the adventures! I enjoy these tiny paintings as they encourage play' with paint, I also enjoy using a tiny brush, painting fur & blades of grass is meditative. Enjoy your day and all you discover... on your own, or with a friend. Give thanks, for another day. The Reluctant Dragon released in 1941 June 20th. gouache on watercolour 6 x 6.
This is Disneys 4th film released - as a short'. The DVD has 3 other short cartoons on it including Ferdinand The Bull & Johnny Appleseed & Goliath 2 (a very tiny elephant), from what I read the film when released was different than the DVD version. I was reluctant to share this gem, heehee it is not a favourite. I can't deny, when painting the dragon, I thought- he is cute lovable & kind. The reluctant Dragon - is reluctant to fight & kill - he's more interested in poetry & picnics. It's cute. The animation not to the scale as the first 3 features - but from the dates I can see & assume Disney was putting something out- while working on the next full feature... Dumbo! The film was released in the middle of the Disney animators' strike of 1941. Strikers picketed the film's premiere with signs that attacked Disney for unfair business practices, low pay, lack of recognition, and favoritism. It reminds me of Jurassic Punk - documentary - a tale as old as time? Same issues & concerns for cartoonist, decades earlier. Where would Disney, Warner Brother - pretty much "Hollywood" be without the people behind the scenes - who literally are the ones "creating"? As well as camera crews, electrical people... Actors also deal with more than they anticipate, it's got to be difficult on family life - especially for small children who don't understand "all the hype". Still, I am grateful for many who do share their gift to entertain & educate. I am thrilled & a cartoonist because of Disney, grateful for the introduction to my love, passion and now painting! I only painted one image from this film but already have a few ideas of what I'll paint from Dumbo. I am learning about each film as I go along and watching with wiser' eyes than I watched many, many moons ago. Seeing much of them in a new light. A sign of the times. - Wait - holy dragon... it just hit me- this might be my favourite Disney ever. We need to be the Reluctant Dragon, enjoying himself, her self - I don't know. Choosing to have tea, before fighting. Always. Fighting over what others "think", about how someone should be. Hmmmph... I might paint another. Time - to paint and keep it toasty', the dogs are not allowed out to roam, nor are they expressing any desire to do so. It's gonna get cold. Frostbite happens! A friend had a cat with no ears, found outside freezing one night. To pets & humans. Stay safe but enjoy all this beautiful snow! There are all kinds of activities happening, amazing trails with nice restaurants, skiing, wolves, restaurants - I've yet to sample one my tummy' didn't like. There are also many small business Hotels, motels, that usually come with stunning views & all sorts of suggestions on what to do'. It's a healthy way for a family to BE active & happy, enjoyable weekend! It really is a 'winter wonderland'. Canada in the winter! Nothing like it, eh! Be the reluctant dragon - Go have a picnic! A tribute to Bird. Pumpkin Peep gouache on watercolour. 7 x 11 Two of my favourite things... birds & pumpkins, I can't seem to resist turning pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. The bird painting class on Domestika was enjoyable. I did understand most of the colour explaining, still I learned a few things. Above all else, it inspired me to paint. I enjoy the looseness' of her style. I always thought water colour had to be 'Trish Romance ish' - beautifully detailed paintings; I wish I had the patience & skill for such details. This technique is loose and creative with abstractish' splashes here & there. It's always enjoyable to explore new ideas & styles & alway a pleasure to paint birds. She teaches you how to trace, I prefer to draw freehand. Fall is here - the leaves have let us know it! Soon they will be gone & I'll miss them all. This is Canadian Thanks giving weekend, everyday is a reason to be thankful - another day to create. Time for me to paint something thankful! Some might wonder if I get my artistic ability from my mother... perhaps.
Below is a photo of one of my moms current creations: heeheehee E.T… grow home. Who needs a green thumb when you have a glowing, growing finger? A cute idea I had while pondering green thumbs. Storm (who has the greenest thumb I know- heehee) planted an amazing garden this summer- Broccoli, cauliflower & heirloom tomatoes so big they have buckled the branches over, a slice would easily cover a slice of bread! & the chickens & ducks love the leaves of the broccoli & beets!
It’s been a while since I paint with gouache on black paper… always a pleasure. Tomorrow I’m showing you my brainwork sketchbook with simple line drawings and simple ideas to exercise my mind & pen before I paint or when I’m chilling out on the deck or in the gazebo. For any aspiring artist - it’s a wonderful habit to get into! I also use it when watching T.V. and not overly interested. I started a new book - a classic 1984. I never read it & I’ve noted a few people these days commenting on it, so I decided to take a gander. Have a creative Friday as you adventure into the weekend! Created to create - you are! Me too. Happy Halloween Weekend!
Count Dracula & a Bleeding tooth Mushroom - I have seen one of these if the forest before & they are quite fascinating! There are several mushrooms that come to mind for Halloween, deadman's fingers, death angel, witches butter & ones even called the devils mushroom, it looks like a long red fingered hand reaching up from the earth. You'll never know what you find in the forest - each mushroom is interesting but when you come across one like this you can't help but take a closer look. What better mushroom for Dracula to be interested in? I read there's a costume shortage this year, that can be a good thing! Hopefully, it will bring out the inner creative beast beings and use what they already have, I recall many guys in high school being "greasers" from the 50's with a white T-shirt- folded sleeves and tight jeans with greased back hair. A Poodle skirt isn't that difficult to make, add a Beehive hairdo & you're set. Of course there's always the old faithful ghost - a sheet with 2 holes in it like Charlie Brown. Zombies are easy too.. just dirty your face, throw on some old tattered clothing - the Zombie walk will be what sells the concept most of all. Some of my favourite costumes were ones I made (sewing & glue guns) & made for Storm like a Furry Beaver, Frog and one year a Pokeman player with Pikachu on his hat. It's a creative eve to express your inner beast, I was looking online at costumes we had in the 60's and it definitely brought back memories of Casper the ghost & classic Creatures with those thin plastic masks and slip on outfits that were destroyed after one evening out trick or treating... ah, the good Ol' days. My favourite Halloween pastime now is painting something that reminds me of the evening & maybe watching a classic movie. I hope everyone enjoys their parties, events & evening and doesn't get a rock in their trick or treat bag. ;) If you want to see some spooky mushrooms - google 'Blood tooth mushroom. Stay Safe. Happy Halloween. Ready? Got kids?
Take some carrots on Christmas eve and tell your kids they have to throw them on the roof for the reindeer! You are welcome. It’s funny - they try very hard to get the carrots up there - fun photos.. eventually you might have to throw them up. After they go to bed- you put chopped up carrot on the lawn & explain that they must have knocked them off when Santa arrived and sat on the lawn to eat them. A silhouette of a boot print (cut out of paper) then placed and sprinkled with baking soda - will look as thought: Santa walked through the house and left magic snow prints! Easily vacuumed up. Simple & easy for those who believe - it makes believing a bit easier! Why not? Children learn soon enough about “Christmas” & Santa, they are no dummies… just innocent kids. I love painting reindeer & mushrooms - that make them fly. Did you know that indigenous peoples would drink reindeer pee which had consumed mushrooms.. look it up. Kinda fascinating. Might want to make you switch up the eggnog this year. Hahaha. |