White Owls and a Bagpiper

As I wrote in an earlier blog, I like to paint discarded figurals white. For some reason, that process just seems to lessen the flaws for me. This antique bagpiper lamp had several flaws and, although I found it endearing in multicolors, for me, it needed to be white. I left the base and rod an antique brass which went well with the color of the lampshade. It just updates it...to me.

I painted these ceramic owls white too. They weren't really flawed, and not antiques, but I wanted to mix them in with some white pieces that I keep on shelves above my desk in the kitchen.

And the owls, the ironstone and other pieces all hold desk supplies within handy reach, so they're not just pretty faces!

Thanks again to Kathleen at Faded Charm for hosting White Wednesday and while you are there, check out her giveaway!

Alice in Wonderland

I haven't seen the new movie "Alice in Wonderland" yet. Who am I kidding? I probably won't see it until it is in reruns on TV, if then. I have read some good comments about it....I just don't have time to go to the movies anymore. Now I have very little possessions from my childhood, but last year, my brother surprised me by sending me an Alice in Wonderland book that I had as a little girl. I had written my name in it and even made my own little "library checkout" page in it (I guess in case someone wanted to borrow it). It must have been in a box with some of our mom's old photos or mementos. Anyway, I am so proud of that book! The pages are all old and brittly and brown. The cover is in pretty bad shape, so I just leave it open to a page that shows an illustration of Alice in a perfect color scheme that matches an antique French bergere chair nearby. Thanks, Gene!

Ballet Shoes Watercolor

I kept way too much stuff from when my daughter was a little girl. She is now 30 years old (I can't believe it) and some of the keepsakes have been transferred to her home and her children. Toys, art projects, costumes, dolls...so many memories take us back as these treasures are returned to her care.

She started taking ballet and tap dancing classes when she was just 3 years old. Above is my favorite picture of her taken during her recital days. I am going to paint this portrait one day. I am, I am. Sadly, I did not keep her ballet shoes. What happened to them? How could that have happened? Years later, I painted this watercolor. I placed it in a frame made from old boards and took it to the shop recently. It reminded me that I really wish I still had her sweet little pink-painted-white ballet shoes!

Thanks to Kathleen at Faded Charm for hosting White Wednesday!

French Clown Figurines

Recently I ran across an estate of someone who had been a clown collector. Now I've never been too fond of clowns, but these little vintage French tumbling clowns were impossible for me to resist. I dont' know if I like them because they are already white (most figures and animals and figural lamps that I buy I end up painting solid white) or their cute little poses or happy faces. I guess I don't really have to have a reason to like them. Don't you think they're cute....even if you aren't really fond of clowns?

Prayer Candle Stand

I just love this Hayes Parker prayer candle stand. Remember, tomorrow is election day. I am thankful that I won't have to be standing out in the cold, cold wind at the polls. I have done that before...and on a day that caused severe wind burns on my legs. Yes, I am very thankful...and prayerful.