Art-full January / February

I've SO enjoyed making time to be creative in a different vein lately.  When I sew purses or wallets I relish the feeling of creating something out of nothing but pieces of fabric. However, everything has to be done 'right' for it to turn out well.

Since I've been feeling more free-spirited, I decided to try my hand at art journaling. I bought watercolor pencils, a book, and jumped in.

The above is my first attempt, and is a complete copy from a true artist!  With my daughter in our classical education, we always begin by 'copying the masters', and so I did exactly the same.

For my sweet niece's birthday, I made a personalized candle jar for her.  I copied a lot of her Instagram photos, arranged them, and added quotes at the bottom. After figuring out the right sizes of photos to fit the jar (from Ikea), I printed on vellum and attached with double-sided tape.  My niece is an amazing gift-giver, always so thoughtful, and I was very happy to create a little something for her, OF her!

Our homeschool co-op had an 80's dance the first week of February and I was privileged to do the decorations.  I'm an 80's girl at heart so the giant Rubik's cube, Pac Man, and big hair was easy as pie for me. I was even more thrilled when I found WHAM's first album at Half Price Books!  I used to own it, and mine had their group name as WHAM! UK.  Displaying THAT album would have fulfilled my inner 13-year-old self even MORE!

My trusty sweet girl helps me make samples for the Geography through Art class that I teach on Fridays. Last week we celebrated China and the Chinese new year. We both noticed creating the Chinese letter symbols was very therapeutic!

Favorite Books from 2014

My husband and I challenge each other every year to read one book a week.  I don't think we've ever made it to 52, though!  It's still a worthwhile goal, though, so we're trying again.  Here are some that I enjoyed this past year.

 

  

Why Shoot a Butler? by Georgette Heyer.  My first Heyer mystery and I am hooked!  I'm always thankful when I read Ms. Heyer on my Kindle because she uses exquisite language and I am always looking up so many new words!
 

 

A Yorkshire Christmas by Kate Hewitt.  A fun Christmas read.  The writing evoked a lot compassion for all three of the main characters and the ending was satisfying. Even though I haven't made it to Yorkshire yet, I could well imagine the snowy roadways!

 

Death at Blenheim Palace by Robin Paige.  I read this in England after touring Blenheim Palace so that may be why it's one of my favorites!  The grandeuer of the grounds, buildings are stunning, and the village of Woodstock is lovely. An intriguing mystery. 

 

A Place of Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada.  Joni has suffered so much in life, and continues to trust God, and in His goodness.  This spoke to me on many different levels.

 

 

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller.  Katie Calloway endures a cruel husband, and when she has an opportunity to escape, she doesn't hesitate.  I admired her determination in the face of obstacle after obstacle.  Love the description of the Michigan woods as well.

 

 

Free Country by George Mahood.  This is a FUN book!  Two men decided to rely solely on the generosity of strangers to travel from Lands End to the northernmost point of Scotland.  Definitely some laugh out loud moments!

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis. Beautiful, heartfelt, inspiring.