From the sketchbook...

See, I haven't been totally idle with my sketchbook...

This is a Stillman and Birn hardbound Gamma Series Sketchbook

 and then there is the sock that I'm knitting...

Time to Refocus

Newest Addiction: Knitting!

Over the holidays I decided that I wanted to learn to knit. I am a long time cross-stitcher and my grandmother taught me to crochet many years ago, but I always thought that knitting was too difficult. I mean what's up with two needles?!? 

So, my mom gave me a book which included some basic tools, then I got online to some awesome websites like KnittingHelp.com and NewStitchADay.com.

Then, of course, there was the enabling  encouragement of my Twitter friends, @AndiMN and @bakanekosan

Then, there is Ravelry - it goes on and on and on - not to mention all the pretty, pretty yarns....*SIGH*

But I ramble - so here is my first completed project - Handwarmers.

I finished these this morning, just in time for a little cold weather (it was 37F this morning). Hopefully, I'll get to wear them tomorrow.

Here is a link to the pattern, Emerald Green Handwarmers. These have 24 rows of stockinette, rather than 12, before starting the Double Moss pattern.

I used Plymouth Yarns Gina, 03, from Jimmy Beans Wool.

Watercolor January 2013

Watercolor - Jewlz Eyes

Watercolor Play

Are you familiar with the website deviantArt?

If not you really need to get over there and check it out, it is an great place and if you need something to do to kill some time this is a great place to do it. I am simply amazed at the number of truly talented and creative people that exist all over the world.

I always find inspiration on the website and since I am still searching for my own style, checking out and playing with other styles is a must, not to mention fun.

This past week I stumble across deviantArtist PixieCold and was taken with her "splash eye" watercolors, so I used one of her photos as a reference and created my own. She has also posted a wonderful Splash Eye Tutorial on YouTube: How to draw a Splash Eye

Here is her photo:

And here is my attempt:

This was done in a large Moleskine watercolor portfolio with a limited palette of Sennelier Aquarelle using only Cinereous Blue, Sennelier Yellow Light and Opera Rose.

sketching practice