BISHOP HILL DAY TRIP

Tuesday was a lovely dry Spring day, so we decided to take a day trip to Bishop Hill IL a historic Swedish village set among cornfields and windfarms.  It was a quiet day, with only a few visitors and most of them were there to have lunch at P. L. Johnson's, which is where we also ate.  Irv had traditional Swedish meatballs and a salad and I had a turkey/ham sandwich on the most delicious Swedish rye bread.  After lunch we visited a pottery, one of the few places open on a Tuesday, where we saw a variety of decorative pots and a few Christmas items.  

     Since it was still early afternoon, we got back on the interstate and headed several more miles to Dick Bliicks, an artist supply store where I made a couple of purchases.  Then it was time to head home. Pictured below is a photo of Mr. Kitty who greeted us at P. L. Johnson's and some photos from the pottery.  

                                                                  

 

 

Hope you enjoyed our trip and stop by again.

GERANIUMS IN BLOOM

      

I just couldn't resist posting a couple of photos of the three potted geraniums sitting in front of our house.  They are loaded with buds (one has 30) and are rather remarkable as this is the third year for them.  They wintered in our walkout family room where they sit in front of a large sunny window.  The first year, I cut them back, but this year I didn't as they were full of blooms when we brought them in.  They need a little trimming now, but we're very happy with all of the blooms.  I hope you enjoy them too and thanks for stopping by.  

  

                                 

TIM'S APRIL TAGS

I really liked Tim Holtz's April tags and followed up by ordering the "Flower Garden" stamp set by Stampers Anonymous.  I had never used the watercolor brush/pen before, and that proved to be a fun experience - one that I want to use again.  I am entering my tags in Tim's April Challenge - another first for me.

        

       

BEAUTIFUL SPRING FLOWERS

Just trying out some new things using the Blogger app.  Would like to make the font larger, but at least I can import pictures from my iPad.  I composed this piece using Dina Wakley stencils and paints.  The circles were painted on deli paper which was a new and fun experience.

     

    I hope you enjoyed your visit and that you come again.

      

         

Spring Comes Again

I'm trying some thing new with my blog.  I'll be surprised if it works.  I want to post a picture stored in my iPad.

 

SNOW AND MORE SNOW - - - -

     Enough of this Winter cold and snow I say!  I know it's not as bad here as it is in lots of places around the country, but nevertheless, we're tired of the abnormal temperatures and snow falling every other day.  Irv just came in after snowblowing the drive which was covered with about 5 inches of fresh snow.  The wind will probably cause some drifting, but at least he won't have to start from scratch when he goes out the next time.  Temps are going to drop again, but hopefully I'll get into town on Friday.  We did go in Monday for some grocery shopping and lunch.
     Since I've been home for a few days, I've been catching up on some laundry and playing with some stencils and other things, including a 4" x 4" canvas.  I'd really like to get into mixed media and did a little experimenting on the canvas with acrylic paint, Wendy Vecchi paste, die cuts and embossing powders.  Finally, I added some embellishments.  I thought it turned out all right, but I definitely need to loosen up and do more experimenting.
     I'm posting a picture of the canvas and the snow that looks like frosting piling up on the deck stairs.  Enjoy!