Day 6

This is officially my first day to cheat. I am showing an alphabet I lettered a bit ago. It's done with sumi ink and a 'coke' pen (folded ruling pen). Going out of town tomorrow and have plans to post on the road.

Day 5

I finished it! It required quite a bit of altering as the original pattern was for a very loose, floaty garment and I wanted it to be closer fitting.

My friend, Chris Boyd, brought this fabric home from China and gave it to me about 15 years ago. He knew I loved to sew (then). His wife, Nina, got a piece, too. I wonder what happened to hers. Well, mine is finally a new silk blouse that I'm excited to wear. Thanks, Chris!

Day 4

I spent the afternoon sewing on a piece of silk that I've had for years (maybe 15). I only saved a couple of pieces of silk from when I used to sew. I've usually never worn this color, but I like it with my new hair color (natural).

Day 3

To pay homage to the second day of summer, I've lettered a quote by Thomas Carlyle, written in 1839. I would imagine in that day, summer was truly welcomed and may have felt a long time in coming. Written with a broad-edged pen. The paper is paste paper I made a couple of months ago.

The second piece is written with a brush. The alphabet is probably my most favorite thing to write out.

Day 2 Dad

It's Father's Day, and I was unable to be with my Dad who lives a couple of states away. He is truly one of my favorite people in the world. He's a man who enjoys simple things - mowing his lawn, helping his friends (and strangers), a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream with Hershey's chocolate syrup, his church. His example of being a servant is one I will do well to emulate.

His name is Delmar which seems just perfect for him. I like how this lettering turned out and enjoy the obvious disconnect between the memories the name conjures for me and the way the fluid, formal letters look. I drew the letters by hand and then outlined them in Illustrator. One could finesse this type of lettering forever, but I've just given a good first try.

I love you, Pop.

Day 1

I suppose it would have been more logical to begin on the first day of the year or at least the first of a month. I'm only one day away from the first day of summer, so I guess I'll claim that. But really, it was just time to begin - time to take the act of creating seriously.

It's an interesting time as I will be in town for just a few more days before being gone for 10! But that just means I have to be MORE creative in how I post.

To combat my perfectionism, I will post my best tries, even if I am not happy with them. I don't expect to create a masterpiece every day (okay, maybe I do, but I'll get over it). And after today, I promise to keep the text brief.

Well, here goes (and I must admit it feels a little like a repetitive dream I have where I am in a car climbing an enormous hill, fear building as I get closer and sure enough, when I reach the crest and go over, I am airborne!)