Kinda Like A Turtle

  Once upon a time in February, I spent an evening working on a couple of journal pages. I found a few drawings of some mushrooms that were inspirational. I copied some of the sketches almost exactly, others I made up as I went along.   I actually learned a bit when I was making this journal page. (but it was so long ago, I can't remember what!)   I decided to play with some ink I have in ink droppers for the next journal page. I don't know why,  but I love working directly with the dropper in a jar of ink rather than using a paintbrush or something. It's super soothing. I was just playing around with this one, but think it's quite pretty. That's all for now, folks! Until next time......

About a month ago I asked my niece what kinda cake she wanted for her birthday. (cuz I make the cakes) After making some suggestions, (fairy, monsters, flowers) , she said, "I want a witch cake. With green skin, a hat, and a cart. (aka a cape) I went on an exhaustive search for some ideas on Pinterest and the world wide web, I discovered there weren't that many ideas. I also knew I didn't wanna bother with fondant.  It looks pretty, but lacks in the flavor department. In the end, I just winged it.  I made chocolate cupcakes and some homemade creme de menthe  butter cream frosting. (Which was the best icing I've ever made,  in my not so humble opinion). I used fruit roll ups for the capes,  a dark chocolate fudge stripe cookie, frosting and a Hershey's Kiss for the hats, and candy eyes I acquired from the local baking supplies shop. (Where, I swear, being rude and exhibiting poor customer  service skills is a prerequisite of all applicants....

Which includes being more intentional about pursuing the creation of art.   Years ago I picked up a book called The Creative License by Danny Gregory. Keeping true to my turtle-like form, I'm just now digging into it.  If you're a little creatively rusty or never believed yourself to be a creative type, (but feel the "ember," as he calls it, burning) you really need to think about picking this book up and reading it.  (and do what it says too) . The first part of the book I covered tonight directed me to draw a chair, mug, person and table,  and I wasn't allowed to erase anything. To remove the erasing temptation, I drew in some oil pastels: It was actually a lot of fun.   But now I must sleep.  Will share more of my artsy fartsy adventures soon.   I promise!