WE BLOG ARTISTS

I know it's not just me...

2012-02-02T11:28:00.001-05:00

But is it weird to take so many pictures of food? Seriously?
Here are just a few from these past months...
I love making dinners... And enjoy making it look pretty...
Do you take pictures of food?
To me food has always been a very important part of the day... A time to sit, relax, enjoy each others company and taste what we are given from the earth...
So I suppose it's not so weird after all.

It's Groundhog day today, we'll see if we're in for 6 more weeks of Winter!!!! I'm hoping we get a break from the cold this year.

I'll be starting the snow hill mural next week...I'm looking forward to painting those tranquil ski runs and lots of snow covered evergreens.

Until then, have a wonderful day!
Have a great weekend too, and thanks for passing by.

Hugs
Char

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T12:15:00.001-05:00

Finished tree mural

2012-01-29T08:11:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday!!!
I finished the tree and animal mural on Friday .... I will go back and take photos of it when the curtains are up and new bedding is on etc... But until then here are a few pictures.
I loved painting it. I loved how the animals are all friends... It was a very special project.
In a couple of weeks I am painting ski hills and the inside of a ruined turret of a Castle. Exciting!!!!
I hope you're all well.
I'll be passing by your worlds later today... Until then... Enjoy your Sunday.
Hugs
Char.x

Spike and Bunny

2012-01-24T16:19:00.001-05:00

I finished Spike the hedgehog and Bunny today...
Tomorrow I will paint the cats and the remainder of the flowers.
Thank you for all your very sweet comments, I love reading them and knowing you've passed by.

Have a lovely Tuesday!!!

Check back tomorrow to see the kitties ,until then…

Hugs
Char

Birch trees and ribbons

2012-01-23T18:10:00.001-05:00

Hello, if you have been following me on Instagram you'll know I am in the middle of a mural with I'm painting in a little girl's room...
The images may be scrambled as I'm blogging from my phone...but they give you an idea of how things are turning out.

We're being rained out again here in Toronto … it's a shame really as we all expect to have snow for months here and to be able to ski etc... hopefully we'll get some more snow soon.

Hugs to you all... Enjoy your week.
Char.x

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T06:26:00.001-05:00

The Mamas and Chicks Spring Market

2012-01-13T09:56:00.001-05:00

This is what's occupying LOTS of my time at the moment...

IF YOU live in the Durham Region or in the GTA and if you're interested in becoming a vendor please email me!

HUGS

Char.x

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T16:38:00.001-05:00

Working on it

2012-01-10T09:33:00.001-05:00

There's so much to do... But I'm working on it.
This is a mock design for the new poster for the Spring Show... If you live in the GTA and have some things to sell... We love anything new and handmade!
Hope you'll forgive me if I don't stick around too long today.
Hugs
Char

Raw iron

2012-01-08T23:02:00.001-05:00

Whilst in England we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum… have you been?
Such an incredible museum full of amazing artifacts.
Here are some wrought iron designs for fences which are over 100 years old.
Have a great week... We're back in Canada and getting back to normality and work.
What did you get up to this weekend?

Hugs
Char

2012

2012-01-05T15:39:00.001-05:00

Will be chocka block full of creativity... I hope you'll all join me on the ride :-)
Have a great weekend… we're flying back to Canada over the weekend... So I'm sure you'll see some real Winter pics in the near future... Until then, have a look at the flag how it was flying this morning. Oh, and a few watercolours I just completed.

How's your 2012 so far?

Hugs
Char.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T02:16:00.001-05:00

Up in the City

2012-01-03T02:47:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to you all!
We took the girls up to London yesterday… it was such a beautiful day, we were so fortunate as today it's blustering a very strong wind!
Here are some photos of our day out.
Hope your Tuesday is a great one.
Hugs
Char

Before the years out…

2011-12-29T16:46:00.001-05:00

A final project before the year's finished...
I'll show you the final images of these watercolours on New Year's Day… that's when little K will receive them as his Christening gift.

Must go… I have a few more hours working on them!

Hugs to you all...
Char.x

So grateful…

2011-12-26T03:02:00.001-05:00

For a life full of love.
For family so dear.
For children so sweet.
For friends who listen and care.
For readers who I know are there.
Thank you!

Mr R so wonderfully gifted me new art materials... So I dabbled yesterday with them... They're almost like watercolour pens... Faber - Castell make some fabulous project.
I just have to practice a little more with them.

Have a wonderful Boxing Day!
Hugs
Char.x

Merry Christmas to you ALL

2011-12-25T02:35:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a lovely festive day today... Here are some pics from our Christmas.

The pics are not in order as I am blogging from my phone...
I am looking forward to wishing you all a Merry Christmas today.

Hugs
Char.x

God Jul!

2011-12-24T02:14:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas, God Jul to you all!!

This could be one of the most exciting days of the year for our girls...
Father Christmas came down the chimney last night and left their stockings stuffed with goodies.

We'll be instagramming all day today ... I love seeing everyone's photo entries around holidays...

Thank you all for an incredible year... Last year we were under a blanket of Snow ... This year it's 12 degrees out, damp and muddy... But the weather really doesn't change the spirit of Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry holiday weekend.

Hugs
Char.x

Almost Christmas

2011-12-23T08:49:00.001-05:00

It's almost Christmas here... These are a few pictures showing what we've been up to in the past 24 hours...
The girls can't wait until tomorrow morning...
I don't think we'll be getting a white Christmas this year... Oh well... It will still be special.

I have been instagramming recently... You probably recognise the filters I used on a few of the above pics... Do you instagram?
I think I'll track our days activities tomorrow through instagram...

Must dash... The goose is in the oven and lentils are simmering.
Hugs and Merriments to you ALL!

Char.x

Carol singers

2011-12-22T13:11:00.001-05:00

Love the Christmas season... Carol singers and all!

Hugs
Char.x

Wordless Wednesday - December crafts

2011-12-21T01:31:00.001-05:00

Predictions

2011-12-13T12:10:00.001-05:00

I hope you're all well. I have been an awful blogger this month...and haven't gotten around to visiting you all... But I will soon... Things should start to calm down a little now that Christmas concerts are almost over, packing for our trip to Europe is almost done... We are still without snow up here in Ontario... Well those of us who live near the lake, I know just 2 hours north of us has over a foot of snow.
How about you? Do you have snow yet?
Last year this time, our girls were playing outside in it and making snow forts...London airports were being shut down because of the amount of snow they had!
Are we in for a mild winter ? What are your predictions?

I will leave you pondering whilst I show you a few pics of what we have been up to…

Hugs
Char.x

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T21:04:00.001-05:00

Off to print

2011-12-02T06:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!
What do you think of my family Xmas card?
Hugs
Char

December lists

2011-12-01T11:15:00.001-05:00

I think lists in December are probably the longest out of all the months... Gift lists, shopping lists, house cleaning lists , mailing lists, Xmas card lists, project to do lists... It goes on and on...
How do we manage it all?
One day at a time... That's how.
I'm finishing this Xmas card for our family today... I had other plans but non panned out.

Hugs to you all.
Happy December !
Char.x

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T21:55:00.001-05:00

Sweet little tweet

2011-11-28T21:47:00.001-05:00

Have you had a good day?
I have thanks... I have been painting creatures all day...
This is my favorite.
Do you know what kind of bird this is?
Have a lovely eve...

Hugs
Char

Creatures evolving

2011-11-28T13:20:00.001-05:00

A stroke of colour... A dab of water... Slowly slowly the animals appear...
X
Char

Woodland creatures

2011-11-28T09:53:00.001-05:00

Good Monday morning... I hope you all had a wonderful weekend...
I'm excited to start this week... I'll be taking you on a journey with these adorable woodland creatures.
I have a mural to paint... And am looking forward to bringing this girl's room alive again...remember her last room I painted? Well...they have since moved ...so it's time to paint again.
I hope you'll check in to see the progress... These are just the preliminary sketches... Now I have to work the animals with more details.

If you get a chance pass by my Etsy store for a 25% off special especially if you are looking for a special gift for those who live far away... I can ship it directly to them!

Happy Monday !
Hugs
Char.x

Gifts for the whole family

2011-11-23T12:55:00.001-05:00

Hello, I know I haven't been very great at blogging recently... Not sure what's changed other than me becoming extremely busy with projects...
I hope you are well...
Here's my latest grouping of portraits... Gifts for the whole family!

Hugs
Char.x

Red red blue blue

2011-11-15T10:52:00.001-05:00

So now the boy in blue has a friend in red...I can't wait to see these 2 brothers hanging side by side!

Have a great Tuesday.
Hugs
Char.x

Remembering

2011-11-11T14:12:00.001-05:00

Lest we forget...
We spent the morning up at Miss A's school listening to all their sweet voices singing about this special day in our history... I love how our schools here in Canada and in the UK make Remembrance Day an important part of their calendars.

Have a lovely weekend.
Char.

Yearly wishes

2011-11-11T08:17:00.001-05:00

Wishing my Mr.R a wonderful Birthday...may you/ we celebrate MANY more years together!

Have a great weekend everyone...
Leaving you with the custom Xmas cards designed for a lovely client.

Hugs
Char

Bonfires and puddings

2011-11-11T04:14:00.001-05:00

Last weekend here was Bonfire night, we went to a local bonfire that I had been watching grow for weeks, it was huge and the children were really looking forward to it. When we arrived they had a fence to stop people getting too close and we thought we were really lucky to get a front row view but after only about 15 minutes of them lighting the fire it was so unbelievably hot we were all backing away it was really funny, you needed someone in front of you to shield you even when really far away to be confortable! I got glow bangles for the kids so that we could see them in the dark. Seemed a great idea but after a couple of minutes Beth decided to bite hers and ended up with a glowing mouth... warning to all make sure you watch kids with these as although she was fine it did scare me and the ingredients in them are not nice!
All week I have been wanting to make the christmas puddings so that they have time to mature, but as they needed 8 hours to steam I had to have a 'free' day at home! Typically this week has been the maddest, my grandma was discharged from hospital after 2 months (after having a stroke) yesterday at a few hours notice so whilst I had mixed my puddings I had to leave them as I had to go to her house and get some things to try and make her new room in the care home a little personalised for her. We wanted to make it a little nicer as we were all so worried as to how she would take it being moved there. I don't think she will ever be able to get back to her own home so it was a day of mixed emotions. One lady at the home had a really true expression 'we are all once an adult twice a child'. My grandma was always a huge character during our Christmas celebrations and whilst I hope she will be able to come over on Christmas day I just don't know. This is unbelievably my first Christmas in our house cooking for my family, I have always gone to either my parents or my in-laws so it's a momentous time for me!! Anyway the puddings got steamed last night the proof will be in the eating I guess!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T08:27:00.001-05:00

Handmade cards

2011-11-08T06:18:00.001-05:00

I'm up early this morning before the girls wake up as I have projects to finish...sometimes trying to complete work at one in the morning doesn't pay-off.
It's so lovely and mild the temperature here at the moment...we try and take advantage of it and stay outside after school for a while so they can let off some steam before coming in for the evening.

On a different note:
How are you all doing with your Holiday preparations ? You realize we only have 47 days until the 24th of Dec!
I am helping others by creating their holiday cards...I still have to think of ours!

Enjoy your Tuesday...see you tomorrow.
Hugs
Char.

I heart tranquility

2011-11-07T06:42:00.001-05:00

Hello Monday readers...
I thought I'd share a few images of my weekend which I spend with a group of lovely girlfriends up in Muskoka...
I hope yours was as blissful as mine.
It was great preparation to a busy week ahead.
Enjoy your Monday...
Hugs
Char.

Such a beautiful day...

2011-11-04T11:25:00.001-04:00

Right now:
It's 11am
I have been in to the girls school and dropped off Geronimo Stilton sketches for Miss A's class to use whilst their teacher reads to them... A form of passive art...the kids will colour them eventually... Miss A can't get enough of Geronimo!

I have done my grocery shopping for the weekend. Yay, I love getting that out of the way.

I had an appointment with a lady who wants portraits for Christmas gifts... Always a lovely gesture, especially when I am the one they are asking to paint them!

The sky is a gorgeous blue today, there was the first sign of frost on the roof tops this morning... Which means the temperature dropped below 0 last night!
Winter is on its way!

Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs
Char.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T06:45:00.001-04:00

On my shelves

2011-11-01T11:37:00.001-04:00

I found some more of my art books in bins we have been moving to start phase 3 of the basement construction.
It's so good to have all my books in one place now...
I love looking at bookshelves and finding treasures... Many of my larger books are stuffed with beautiful dried maple leafs and summer flowers.
I'd love to see what's on your bookshelf... Please share a link in the comments below.
Have a lovely Tuesday... I hope many of you who were effected by the early winter storm have power back up and running...
Hugs
Char.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T10:34:00.001-04:00

This is one excited house here this morning ... I think this holiday could be one of our girls favourites although they're still spooked by the VERY scary houses....the streets will be packed this evening of little ones trick or treating...
Happy Halloween to you all!
And a happy Monday!
Hugs
Char. X

Her pet bear

2011-10-29T23:54:00.001-04:00

This little bear is heading out to Spain.
Are you going anywhere today?
Happy Sunday!
Hugs
char

An observation

2011-10-29T17:36:00.001-04:00

Apples eaten by children are often wasted... Unless you cut them into slices.

I hope you're enjoying your weekend, I had to post this image taken from Miss J's field trip the other day ... It made me smile.

Hugs
Char

Out-there

2011-10-27T06:51:00.001-04:00

Hello out-there ...I know all too well that in this blogosphere we only get from it what we give... Unless of course we have published a book of some sort, and then our readers are not only the blogs we visit but they could be random on lookers who have stumbled upon our blogs via a URL in the book for example.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is...I know I haven't left comments on many of your pages recently... But I do visit and read about your days... And I wish I had more time to always comment... So forgive me if I don't always leave my little "hello".
I have wondered how sometimes my stat counter would say I have had 245 visits and yet just 2 readers have commented ... Now I understand as I have been one of these readers to many of your blogs.
My apologies .

I finished my piece for the Hospital Gala event. It's a 1920's themed event and I'm donating this piece for the silent auction .

Have a wonderful thursday,
I have lunches to make for my lovelies.

Hugs
Char.x

Wordless Wednesday contd part III

2011-10-26T16:56:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday contd.

2011-10-26T09:50:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-25T23:58:00.001-04:00

Hugs
Char.x

Maybe Monday

2011-10-24T16:51:00.001-04:00

This weekend I just wanted to relax and do nothing...but deadlines have to be met ... These are a couple of commissions I'm working on.
Hope you're all well.
Hugs
Char.

HUGE PRINT SALE

2011-10-23T10:28:00.003-04:00

I thought you may like to know...
I am having a HUGE PRINT SALE until the end of the month...that gives you a whole week to purchase Christmas Gifts for everyone!
50% OFF all my Once Upon a Time prints...just enter THXMAMAS on check-out.
HAPPY SHOPPING
:-)
hugs
Char.x

The clean up

2011-10-22T07:34:00.001-04:00

Thanks goes to all my friends who came out to see me yesterday at the Mamas and Chicks Show. We had a good steady turn out...thanks to all the vendors too... Tara,a blogging
friend from On A Branch Soaps sold her soaps at the Show yesterday, it was great to see new faces and reconnect with vendors who have been great supporters over the years....
Now...I will be cleaning up and organizing the house...as these past couple of weeks have neglected so many household chores...
And, I can visit your Worlds again...

I hope you have a wonderful weekend...
Hugs
Char.x

Just finished...

2011-10-20T12:28:00.001-04:00

Just wrapping up things before the Mamas and Chicks Show tomorrow.
Im hoping my tooth fairy pillows will be a sell out...I used the most beautiful Belgium linen and some fabrics I ordered from Bookhou.beautiful mix.

Praying that the Show is a success ...hope you're all well, life will get back to regular v.soon.

Hugs
Char.

Quiet or noisy?

2011-10-19T10:21:00.001-04:00

I am definitely quiet...or that's what I enjoy...
And you? Are you quiet or noisy?

Hugs
Char

PRINT - COLOUR - WIN

2011-10-18T20:29:00.000-04:00

Only 3 more...well 2 really, until our Mamas and Chicks Show...oh my, it always creeps up on me WAY too fast.
WIN WIN WIN...if you have little ones...OR if YOU would like to enter...I would LOVE to see what you come up with.
I will be colouring mine too...and the WINNER will WIN either one of these or their own custom Once Upon a Time watercolour...where YOU can choose the animal...etc.

HAVE FUN with it...and post the picture on my BlueshineArt Facebook Page with a link to where I can contact you :-) If you don't have a FB page...email me your coloured page.

Have fun with the colouring pages...I can't wait to see what YOU and your kids get up to :-)
HUGS
Char.x

Autumnal glut!

2011-10-17T07:58:00.001-04:00

Today I am clearing my allotment and garden of all edibles before the frosty nights come, our tomatoes are a bit later than yours Char, but the best year I have had for them ripening, so many I really am having to think what different things to make with them, pasta sauces, passata and roasted ones to freeze have been done, I've also put some roasted in jars with Balsamic vinegar. Today it's soup as it's windy and chilly outdoors. Not that you'd believe it from the middle picture from the other weekend. We went to some friends and they had this big paddling pool out in their garden, it was a day for July not October. When we arrived all the adults were sitting around the pool with there feet in the water up to their knees to cool off, their 4 children were paddling sweetly in the middle, there were loads of Canada Geese feeding on the apples from the orchard at the bottom. Our two children arrived after a 3 hour car journey stripped off and within seconds all the chairs were soaked the adults back up the hill far away from the exuberant monkeys that had descended on them and even the other kids evacuated their little pool! It was gorgeous but I did feel as if maybe I'd caged my children for weeks the way they acted! The last picture is of my little one, so proud of drawing her first rainbow all by herself. Such a cheeky face I know! The only other thing I have been up to recently is many many visits to hospital, my grandma had a stroke recently and sadly it really affected her this time, so we are trying to get someone there every day to see her. It's a mindblowing time, and has turned our normal life upside down. Anyway off to get some more produce in, hoping the artichokes haven't flowered before I can eat them!

Tam, Lincolnshire, UK

claro oscuro

2011-10-16T18:50:00.000-04:00

hello...
I hope you've enjoyed your weekend...
I do feel bad I haven't visited this past couple of weeks...Life is crazy at the moment...I am juggling way too many balls...
I have been concentrating on our Mamas and Chicks Show which is in 5 days!
On Saturday I had my second Art Class "Learn to Draw"....this week we concentrated on proportioning and Claro Oscuro...otherwise known as Light and Dark. (mine is the top image...and the student you see working away was working on her second one in the middle image) They did really well for their first time working with charcoal...you have to remember to not mess up the white of the image...keep it clean...a little like watercolours!
I have to go...I'm off to make Tooth Fairy Pillows.
hugs to you all.
I'll post my progress throughout the week...and you'll have to forgive me if I am not visiting this week again...each second is precious!

Char.x

A Deer, a Fox and a Squirrel.

2011-10-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Working on these....
Have a great Thursday.
HUGS
Char.x

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T09:38:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T08:21:00.002-04:00

hugs
Char.x

bye bye bols...

2011-10-03T08:59:00.000-04:00

hello lovelies...I know I haven't been around for a few days, I have been enjoying my parents whilst they're here in Canada visiting.
My Mum gobbled up all these Cafe Bols and Tea Cups to take back with her to England. So these are a few which I won't be selling on Etsy.

I painted a few new Cafe Bols which I will also be placing in the shop...they're a little larger than the 5x7 watercolours...I think they measure 11x7 inches.
Below you can see one of them framed...

so, after being super productive...it's good to see many of them going to new homes...

This week is the start of another VERY busy crazy week...I am delivering tickets and flyers to our Mamas and Chicks vendors.Our Show is in 3 weeks time...
I'll be making more Gift Cards,Tooth Fairy Pillows, Lavender Pillows and selling my prints at a great discount...

Did you know my Esty Store has a SALE at the moment? EVERYthing is 25% off!

I'll be passing by to say hi to you later...until then have a fabulous Monday.
HUGS
Char.x

a portrait of an incredible boy.

2011-09-27T12:25:00.001-04:00

it's been one whole year since little Hayden first stepped onto Canadian soil...since then he has gained a wonderful family...mother,father,brother and a sister ...he has learnt to speak English. He has been to mexico and has swam in the Ocean...he has tasted EVERY kind of food imaginable(and he LOVES every kind of food there is to love)...he is not always a good boy...but he is learning to be...he is only 3...so really he is a typical child.

This portrait was a Baptism gift to him and his family...

Our children are precious...and our family's and friend's children too.

Have a great Tuesday...
I will see my dear parents tomorrow...can't wait.

HUGS
Char.x

crostini per tutti!

2011-09-26T12:58:00.000-04:00

thanks to all your suggestions last week...the avocados ripened really well with the apples and bananas...
I made my crostini...or bruschetta...(Crostini are usually smaller,thinner pieces of bread toasted with toppings on)...for Saturday's get together...everyone LOVED them...my favourite were the tomato crostini.They were like an explosion of flavour in your mouth...YUM!
I think I could have added a bit more heat to the guacamole...

TOMATO CROSTINI
the tomatoes I roasted in the oven for 40 minutes...drizzled with olive oil,balsamic vinegar,basil and sea salt...
Toasted thin slices of Focaccia in the oven with Olive oil drizzled on top.
I then sliced some mozzarella, laid the cheese on top of one basil leaf and added half a tomato...grilled again for 5 minutes until the mozzarella started to melt.
EASY and delicious.

GUACAMOLE CROSTINI
This is my recipe for my guacamole...every time it changes depending on what I have in the fridge.
Take 4 well ripened avocados.
Chop up and place in a bowl
Add a pinch of salt and pepper
one whole banana chile pepper(hot but not too crazy) chopped up finely.
6 of the grilled tomato halves chopped up
juice from one whole lime
1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Mash it all together...but don't blend.
YUM!

BTW...you may already know this...you can prep the guacamole ahead of time, just keep one of the avocado stones and place it on top of the guacamole and cover with cling film.THIS WAY it won't turn brown.

I hope you're having a lovely Monday.
I'm counting down the days until I see my parents...

HUGS
Char.x

French coffee bols

2011-09-25T09:41:00.000-04:00

hello ... did you know in France they drink Coffee from "Bols" (bowls in French) in the morning for breakfast...many say it's so they can dip their delicious croissants and tartine's in their coffee.
I love going over to France and having a BIG BOL of coffee... so... here are MY French Coffee Bols...all original watercolour paintings to accompany my T-cups HERE and HERE.

Have a lovely day!
hugs
Char.x

will they...won't they???

2011-09-23T09:32:00.002-04:00

please apples...help me out...we're going for Dinner on Saturday...and I'm making this Guacamole Bruschetta...

I bought the avacados yesterday...and NOW I need them to ripen.
will they...won't they?

do you have any tips other than placing apples in the same bowl??

Have a great weekend,
HUGS
Char.x

BTW...Miss A got a bad stitch during the race and came in 65th out of 300 runners. she had a blast and wasn't worried about the placing.(oh to be young again!)

eyes on you

2011-09-23T00:43:00.000-04:00

happy Friday lovely....thanks for passing by.
I finished one commission but can't show you the completed picture until Sunday...JUST in case it's seen by the wrong eyes!

HUGS and have a great weekend!
Char.x

just going with it.

2011-09-22T09:07:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone...and a very lovely Thursday it is....beautiful blue skies...great for a Cross Country race...which Miss A will be participating in this afternoon. And neither I nor her daddy can watch unfortunately...BUT I am and will be thinking of her speedy legs...and hoping that she doesn't give up half way. I was never good at Cross Country but I do think she has her daddy's power legs...so we'll see.

T-CUPS...what do you think? I think this will be a new theme for my Mamas and Chicks Fall Show this year. I am going to be selling the originals in my Etsy Shop as soon as I get a chance to post them...

I have plans on making pillows, posters and embroideries.
Along side selling these originals...they can be used as gift cards or framed in a sweet antique white frame...I must try and find a couple of examples...

In one week's time...my Mama and Papa will be here...flying all the way from the UK. I can't wait to see them...9 months is a long time away from family.

I have a little dog portrait to get started on...and a baptism gift to finish...so busy hands are waiting to get started.

HUGS and have a wonderful Thursday.
Char.x

wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-21T12:05:00.000-04:00

x
Char

a humming Sunday...

2011-09-18T19:04:00.000-04:00

I know many, many of you don't just live around the corner...BUT if you do...be sure to check out my Saturday Art Classes.

So this is what I've been doing the majority of the day...who would have known that figuring out and planning could take ALL day!?

Hope you've had a glorious weekend.
HUGS
Char.x

HYPE DANZ...the dancing mural...

2011-09-17T10:08:00.000-04:00

Hello weekend readers...I have to say, this week was a busy one...but I love finishing projects and I am really very happy how this one which I did for a wonderful lady called Margarita who runs a fantastic Dance studio just minutes away from where we live.
The girls have been dancing at Hype Dance for the past 4 years...this will be Miss A's 5th year.

She started just a few years ago and has grown on her reputable reputation as an excellent dance instructor in many different areas of Dance.
Margarita now has other instructors working with her. She also offers adult drop in classes in Ballet/Jazz...Ballroom and Hip-hop...I hope I can gather enough adult ballerinas to do ballet again this year!

IF you live in the Durham Region of Ontario Canada...and are looking for a Dance School to put your kids in...or yourself...please visit HYPE DANZ's website HERE.

Well...now I am warm again indoors...and am about to organise my Saturday morning Art Classes.
They'll be running from October 8th all the way through to December.
If you're interested please email me and I can send you more information.

Have a lovely day.
hugs
Char.x

wishing you a...

2011-09-16T08:26:00.001-04:00

lovely weekend.

hugs
Char.x

dance dance dance...

2011-09-15T00:13:00.000-04:00

Such a beautiful day...fresh...sunshine and a breeze which clears your head, especially when you're working outside.
I started the dance mural...remember the preliminary sketches HERE?
Look at the landscape I have behind me to look at when I need a break from painting...beautiful isn't it!
There are areas I need to correct. Like the tap dancer's HUGE left foot...lol...miss J was with me and questioned 'Why is her one foot SOOooo big?", she notices everything...which I love about her...she also hears everything...she doesn't miss a beat.
So...I'll be back up there finishing off the figures and then the logo has to be painted.

**excuse the photos...I forgot my camera!

I know I haven't been able to visit your Worlds this week much...but I will get there soon, I promise.

Have a great day.
HUGS
Char.x

BTW : yes, the last post's silhouettes are for Miss A and J's daily school notes and can also be used as bookmarks. Thanks for all your sweet comments...I hope you know they're very much appreciated.

wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

hugs
Char.x

so simple

2011-09-13T09:57:00.000-04:00

so simple...so delicious.

Have a great Tuesday.
hugs
Char.x

en plein air

2011-09-12T08:12:00.000-04:00

Hello MONDAY....good to see you here...

My Tea Cups are back...original one of a kind watercolours...will...be added to my ETSY Store over the next couple of days.

Whilst we sat and watched sky-divers this past weekend...I painted some T-cups.

Painting out side is just wonderful...

Have a great week. I start the Ballerina Mural on Tuesday...oh, that's tomorrow!

hugs

Char.x

being flexible

2011-09-10T13:28:00.000-04:00

hello dear readers...
I am working on an exterior Mural this coming week...just presented the sketches and received the ALL STEAM AHEAD!

I feel like I'm Spring cleaning in the Autumn at the moment...finding I have been quite disorganised over the past couple of months...

Hope you're enjoying your weekend.

HUGS
Char.x

Purrrr-fect love notes

2011-09-09T12:35:00.000-04:00

A tradition started when Miss A first went to school...so for 2 years before Miss J started school she received notes in her Lunch bag...I couldn't stop the tradition when Miss J started last year...
This one is a "cat bookmark" which Miss A would have found in her Lunch bag today....they're always kept a surprise...even though they try and sneak a peak when I am drawing them!
So, this is the 4th year in the running...wow...that's a lot of love notes! I try and draw something on each of them...but sometimes a note is all they get.
I didn't realise how much they love them until one day I forgot...I had better not repeat my forgetfulness...

You can see some of the Love notes here and here and here.

What do you do to tell your family that you love them everyday?

Have a great weekend.
Char.x

figurative drawings...

2011-09-08T22:23:00.000-04:00

I found a few old drawings I used for gift cards approximately 8 years ago...I really love some of them...which is your favourite?

HUGS
Char.x

colours in nature

2011-09-08T10:35:00.002-04:00

Hey, good morning...although the day is flying away from me as it always does...and afternoon will be here sooner than I wished for.
Our girls were given 2 beautiful Sunflower's at the weekend by one extremely kind gentleman at our local Farmer's Market...
They have been sitting in a vase in our kitchen all week brightening up our days until this morning when their petals started drooping...
So...as I am on a cleaning spree this morning I decided their time was up...took the flowers out of their vase...and almost all the petals fell...
As I picked them up I was truly amazed at how nature can produce SUCH an incredible colour...so much that I knew I had to take a photo of it.
Do we appreciate every day what our World gives us?
Nature gives...we take...but do we really give back to nature?
I'm not so sure we do...

Thank you Nature for being SO beautiful...

Have a lovely day everyone...
HUGS
Char.x

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-09-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

hugs
Char.x

It's been a long time coming!

2011-09-06T09:40:00.002-04:00

Hi Char and all, it's been a long time I know I've been terrible at blogging.. but the summer ran away with me, I too now sit in peace as the kids are back at school, the only sound is the wind blowing a gale outside. I've been busy working, I'm doing more illustrations now which is great. Today's project is for a fabric to be used on weaning bibs I've also done a seaside theme for bags and aprons and mugs. The first pic to add is one I've been meaning to do for ages, the herb planter we got sent has provided so many chives, I've now planted them out in the garden and they are still growing strong, It was a great little project from Lovethegarden.com and the miracle gro worked a treat! I'm going to bombard you with a few pics from our summer and my new projects just to bring you up to speed. It's been an exciting time and I've been growing a huge amount down at our allotment too... hugely satisfying to have almost an entire meal grown by us, only needing to get the protein and olive oil to cook things with!

Our homegrown peas, took an age to shell but tasted great!

My first Radish

Yummy marshmallows toasted over the chiminea!

My little fairy at the bottom of the garden!

the quiet...

2011-09-06T08:46:00.005-04:00

Our 2 pretties are enjoying their first day back at school as I type...it was cold outside, which could have been the reason for Miss A's "PULLED" high short socks...I didn't notice until posting the picture. (got to smile)

I think they were both excited this morning. I know Miss J was a little teary yesterday...but I'm sure she'll warm up at school and be just fine.

Can you hear the silence? It's been 9 weeks since I have been able to sit in silence and have this...my first breakfast alone...I do enjoy breakfasts...time to think about things which need to get accomplished in the day.

Have a wonderful day, thanks for passing by...oh and BTW...I still have spaces available for "Craft IT Forward"...funny, I thought so many people would jump on the chance to play...

HUGS

Char.x

CRAFT it FORWARD...

2011-09-04T23:13:00.000-04:00

Let's play Craft It Forward?

I recently saw on Kerry's SeventyTree blog was hosting a "Craft it Forward" opportunity...I of course missed out as there had already been 11 readers who had left comments before I could even play.

SO...now it's my turn to give a little and start another "Craft it Forward"

Here's how to play?
I will send something handmade (by me) to the FIRST FIVE people who leave a comment on this post.
They must then post what I have sent them on their own blogs and pass it on (send something handmade to the first five people to comment) and so on. It can be anything, as long as it is handmade by you, and must be sent out by the end of 2011.What do you think?

Want to Play?

I'll confirm my five craft buddies tomorrow, that's if you want to play!

Hope you're having a great weekend...

HUGS

Char.x

ALL MIXED UP- collaborative portraits

2011-09-02T08:43:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was a FUN Camp Day...we finished all our projects for the Day and then moved onto our Collaborative Draw time... I love working with the kids on this as they get to use their imagination and bounce ideas around with others in the class.
Before we drew anything I asked them (and I participated too) to section off their paper into 6 sections...and number them.
Then in section one and 2 draw the outline of a head...and in section one draw eyes...

When everyone had finished we switched places...and drew a nose on section one...eyes on 2 and a new head on 3....and so on and so on...until all of the sketches were complete...

Once complete they were allowed to colour them...no one wanted to other than Miss A and me...so we sat and detailed these MIXED UP collaborative portraits!

SO much fun, and I am really happy about the results...oh, mine are the top 3 and Miss A's is the one under that, I think photo#4.

Today is my last Summer Camp day until next year...

WOW...time has flown by this Summer...but it has been wonderful.
Thanks to my wonderful husband for getting the studio finished on time!

Have a great weekend all of you...
We have a long weekend here in Canada...

HUGS

Char.x

round-up

2011-09-01T08:49:00.001-04:00

I feel so blessed to be able to share with you all and have such heartfelt comments in return...thank you for visiting,reading and following our Summer Art Camp...and ofcourse our Blog.

We were so fortunate as well to have had just 1 rainy camp day...but were still able to sneak a 20 minute walk in!

I have learnt so much this Summer and now know that my Campers need to LOVE Art to participate in our Camp...it's not just a daycare...if you know what I mean.

Also, I am increasing the minimum age to 7 next year. 5 is WAY too young...even though Miss J could do everything,she really surprised me in a good way.

Some days were a challenge...but we got through them...and there were FAR more great days than not so great ones.

I'm setting up Saturday classes...and they will be drawing and painting classes...not a daycare drop off so that parents can get chores done!BUT I'm sure it would be a BONUS if their kids loved Art and would want to enroll them.

We have 2 more days of Art Camp...then a lovely long weekend...and Tuesday is School for our beauties.

I'll probably post a few more pictures of today's classes. Then it'll be back to "Char's" work...which I have to catch up on!

So...how was your Summer overall?

Have a fabulous Thursday and HAPPY SEPTEMBER!

I'll be back with a "Craft it Forward" which I saw on Kerry's Blog this morning but didn't get in on it...so I'm doing my own!

HUGS

Char.x

the grass is always greener...even at 7 and 5!

2011-08-31T08:33:00.001-04:00

Good morning, I know this is not a very artsy post...but thought it may hit home with some of you...

Our girls are loved more than you can imagine (I know you know how much...but writing it seems so little)...Their family adores them...they have everything ...they have great friends around them...and we are fortunate to have a roof over our heads and are healthy.

BUT...

They still wish they had straight hair...not such a big deal you may be saying....but hair is quite a big deal for 2 little girls with SO much hair!

This is a picture of them this morning after having washed and conditioned their hair...."Can I leave it down so it looks pretty??WOW...it's getting SO long"I say....but "NO...JUST a poney-tail please so it looks straight"...

Miss J is worse about her hair than Miss A...and I do and have tried to chat with them about others being not so lucky...and some children don't even have hair...and how there are other things to worry about...etc.etc

I try and figure out where it has stemmed from...is it because washing their hair is a BIG occasion...and takes longer than they would hope?

Is it because since they were small people say to them "I love your puffy hair?" and always want to touch it?

Who knows?

All I know is that they are beautiful...and their hair is too...

I have straight hair...and would LOVE curly...

The grass is always greener...

Be happy that you have your health I say to them...

We are who we are, embrace it and love it...

They want me to buy a hair straightener, but I don't have 2 hours a week to sit and straighten their hair...so I refuse to buy one until they can do each other's hair...

Am I wrong?

I can't remember WANTING something so badly to change about me when I was little...

Do you?

Have a good Wednesday...I know...not the usual Wordless Wednesday post...

HUGS

Char.x

working on...

2011-08-29T20:22:00.000-04:00

AIR-DRY Das clay beads with Art Camp this week....this week they're NOT getting stuck on the wooden skewer as they dry(this happened 2 weeks ago...not funny, half of them cracked)...you really do learn what to do and what not to do through trial and error...lol.

I love working with clay...any readers out there know of a good Pottery class to go to anywhere East of Toronto?

Off to visit YOUR Worlds.
Have a lovely evening.
HUGS
Char.x

sunny Monday...

2011-08-29T08:28:00.000-04:00

GOOD MORNING my friends...wishing you all a SUNNY MONDAY!
These are our skies at the moment, which makes for a beautiful day...
I hope you're all keeping safe on the east coast of America...Hurricane Irene certainly has been making it's mark...hopefully it dies down very soon.

This is my last week of ART Camp...then the girls start school next week.
I'll be running Saturday classes too starting in October which I am excited about.

What have you been up to this weekend?

We took the girls camping for the first time ever...I think they enjoyed it...but we weren't completely in the wild...it was a warm up to the outdoors at night...next year we'll go portaging...
Have you ever been portaging?

Well...campers will arrive very soon.
Have a wonderful week...I'll be posting Camp pictures and I have 2 new projects to work on in September so you'll get a sneak peek at the preliminary sketches.
Until then...

HUGS
Char.x

BOOKHOU mail...makes me happy

2011-08-25T08:12:00.001-04:00

Last night was frightening...lots of warnings of Tornados around the Toronto area...I took the girls down to the basement at 9.30pm...and camped out in their playroom...

Our Earth is changing...I`m not sure I enjoy all these crazy storms.

On a happy note...10 days ago I ordered a *wee* pack of Arounna's printed fabric swatches...she had a special sample pack on sale.

It arrived yesterday! I LOVE it!

I have some certain projects I would love to get finished before our Mamas and Chicks Show on Oct 21st...so the planning will begin and projects will be worked on as soon as the girls start school again.I'm sure I will be incorporating the fabric above in many of them too!

Thanks Arounna...I adore your shop and ALL your incredible work.

(Mum...you would love everything about Arounna's work!)

Go to BOOKHOU here and enjoy a wealth of creations using texture and patterns...

Have a great day...we have camp again today...my favourite day as I teach them all how to draw portraits!

WHAT are you up to today?

hugs

Char.

Wordless Wednesday...this week so far.

2011-08-24T08:01:00.000-04:00

hugs

Char.x

fishy...

2011-08-23T08:02:00.004-04:00

Hey, this morning I woke up to find the bag of shells which Miss J had found in Port Clinton,OH, to be broken into on the deck outside...I wonder if they smelt fishy?
Some animal had thought so I'm sure...
I do know the girls skin smelt fishy coming out of that Lake...which kind of grosses me out!

Anyway...we founds a great array of shells and sea glass too! TREASURES...that's what we call them.

Have you found any treasures recently?

Have a lovely day.
Char.x

will you join me for chocolate croissants...

2011-08-22T08:21:00.000-04:00

Good morning, it's SUCH a beautiful morning here in Canada and it must have rained during the night as the temperature has dropped outside. I can feel the Autumn approaching...which means we must enjoy these warm days we have left.

The girls requested chocolate croissants this morning...what would be on your order for a delicious breakfast?

hugs
Char.x

CARS...finished.

2011-08-20T13:18:00.001-04:00

HAPPY DAYS!
I finished it the other night and it's being delivered this evening...but I doubt the client will check our blog...so here you are...from start to finish.
It was a challenge...but a good one.
I always enjoy a new project.

We're relaxing at home today...corn roast at the local Farmers Market, bike rides...laundry and cleaning the house a little...perhaps we should call it a movie night this evening...we'll see...I usually fall asleep on the sofa half way through.

Have a great weekend...what are you up to?

hugs
Char.x

***WE BLOG ARTISTS***

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