Artsy Friends

One of the things that I've come to appreciate most in the past year are the talents of my friends.  Sometimes their efforts just truly blow me away...an example:

These sketches and watercolors were a result of the Sketch Crawl we had in the historic area surrounding the library.  The artist is Ronda Haley, a multi-talented new friend.  In addition to her artistic talents, she's also musically inclined...she's been teaching a small group of wannabe dulcimer players.  I am among the wannabe's...and we're gearing up for a Christmas time performance at a holiday tea.  Ronda is also very crafty...she does paper beading and fabric beading.  Read more about her here, on Lynda Heines' blog BloomBakeCreate.

Lynda's gate sketch

Lynda is also a super-talented new friend. She features so many wonderful tutorials and demos on her blog. Here's a link to her article on our Sketch Crawl. There's always something new to learn at BloomBakeCreate!

Fun is just around the corner...

My addiction to Pinterest continues...and it has inspired my programming activities at work.  Don't you just love this artsy little traveling art supplies poster?

 via Pinterest

The group of four crafty things are on the agenda for Quick Holiday Gifts...a series of three programs featuring make and take crafts...glass magnets, ribbon bookmarks, tile coasters, and a sticky note memo set.  Cute, utilitarian, and my favorite...cheap 'n easy.

 via Pinterest

Next on the agenda...a series of weekly classes beginning in October...Fearless Art Journaling, led by Lynda from Bloom, Bake, & Create.

via Bloom, Bake & Create

 And lastly...but really first on the autumn schedule, Water~Paper~Paint, an introductory art series with projects from Heather Smith Jones' wonderful book.  This class will be led by Connie Walts. 

I can't wait!  We're going to have an Artful Autumn around here.

New (to me) Book

After class last night, I decided to go to Barnes & Noble. I've picked up this book a few times in the past, and knew that I wanted it--Collage Lost and Found: Creating Unique Projects with Vintage Ephemera by Giuseppina "Josie" Cirincione. I love the way the projects are presented...this is a whole new world for me---and I need guidance! The projects include soldered charms, personal shrines, and loads of other creative things.