Midsummer Garden

Once again, my front yard is a riot of colors from Impatients.  My secret:  I use Grow More Premium Orchid Food 20-20-20, they get a good drink when I first plant them in the spring.

My narrow back yard is a jumble of different plants and colors. 

I really enjoy my time spent in my little garden areas and always give thanks for San Diego's great weather.

The Big Reveal

After 16 weeks of color challenges, my quilt top is finally done.  It measures 46" x 46" and I am planning on having it professionally quilted.  I still can't believe I made 72 1" half square triangles for around the center star - WHAT WAS I THINKING?

I am very happy with it's bright and cheerful colors and I really stepped out of my comfort zone with this quilt.  It was a fun, fun challenge.

EDM #16

I'm still playing catch-up on Danny Gregory's daily art project, he's on #22 and I just finished #16.

Day 16:  draw your favorite tool

Kelly Green

This is the 16th and last challenge color selection.  I was lucky to find all of the green fabrics from the color charm swap that I was in.  It's not my favorite shade of green.

I am starting to sew my blocks together for the quilt front, it's looking really good.

Birthday Bash

Our home life is getting back to normal after celebrating July birthdays for Storm, Paige and Parris.  What a great 3 days we spent with our daughters and Parris.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

EDM #8

Wooden beads, metal trinkets and colorful strands of twine - I just had to buy this necklace about 25 years ago.  I used colored pens and colored pencils to illustrate it in my journal.

I have never worn it.

Day 8:  Draw your watch or other piece of jewelry

Remembering Chelsea

Last March my friend Michelle, my husband Storm and I participated in "Finish Chelsea's Run" - in honor of Chelsea King whose life ended way too soon.  Everyone was given sunflower seeds to plant in her memory.

I only planted 3 seeds in my small garden and all of them have grown to tall, vibrant flowers.  A beautiful tribute to Chelsea King.

EDM #5

We were suppose to draw OUR bed, but it seems a certain big red cat spends more time sleeping there than we do.

Day 5:  draw your bed

Lime Green

Lime green, my favorite color!!  I'm so happy lime was added to the color challenge.

Next Wednesday is the last color - also my husband's birthday.  Let's see:  celebrate with family and friends or sew???

Art Class - Day 2

On Tuesday, we made mono prints by using stencils to layer colors on paper.  I outlined shapes with a white poster paint pen and added some small darker flowers using a stamp I had made.

Once again, I was inspired by a very creative teacher, Jane LaFazio, and had a great time with my fellow students.

Art Class - Day 1

On the first day of class with Jane LaFazio, she instructed us to paint anything we wanted.  I chose items from my purse.  It's amazing how you notice the small details of everyday objects when you draw them.

What's next for our 2nd class on Tuesday?

EDM Challenge

Danny Gregory, artist and author, is sharing a challenge on his blog at dannygregory.com  It is based on his book "Everyday Matters" and each day he presents a drawing challenge - a perfect way to keep a creative journal.

Day 1:  draw your shoe

Maroon

I had a feeling maroon would be included in the color challenge.  While my fabric may be more of a burgundy color, it fits in the reddish/purple tones of maroon.

Only two more Wednesdays of colors, can't believe it's been 14 weeks since we started with mauve.

Road Trip

My husband Storm (second from right) and his friends rode their bikes 70 miles to Lake Elsinore on July 3rd.  The rest of us followed in cars.

That evening, we all attended a baseball game at the beautiful Lake Elsinore Stadium.  We watched the Lake Elsinore "Storm" beat the Bakersfield "Blaze" with a score of 11 to 0.  The fireworks after the game were great and everyone had a wonderful time.

It was really a kick to see my husband's name written on everything and to hear the crowd cheering for Storm.

Home again on July 4th just in time to watch the fireworks at Sea World from our front deck. 

Red, White and Blue

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Coneflowers

I have a small coneflower plant growing in the garden and I love the shape and color of the flowers.  The inverted petals in vibrant pink/purple tones always add a pop of color to my small garden.

I'm starting a new watercolor class next week with Jane LaFazio, two full days of instruction and fun!!