July 23, 2022

Eyes Wide Shut

 It's been a rough couple of weeks.  I haven't felt much like doing anything creative.  I decided it was time to get back in the studio and paint something.

20x20 stretched canvas layer of gesso with lots of texture!  
Background painted with acrylics - just slap some paint on canvas to get started

Charcoal sketch 
R&F oil paint sticks used for portrait - blend paint with finger tips - messy!




July 6, 2022

For My Beloved Husband

My darling husband, Richard, passed away on June 2, 2022.  We enjoyed a wonderful life together for well over 31 years, but when you love someone it is never long enough is it?  

I usually don't save birthday cards and the like.  I received so many beautiful condolence cards - from family and friends sharing their thoughts about Richard, there was NO way I could just stash them in a box to be put in a closet.  I decided to make a book to house the cards instead.  I just love the way it turned out!

Punch holes in cards


Cut canvas to about the width & height of the smallest card


Using waxed thread sew cards to canvas (leave a 2" flap on each side of canvas)


Add folded black end leaves to both sides of card stack (heavy card stock)



Cut chipboard covers and spine


Book cloth made using cotton fabric, Heat & Bond Ultra Hold, and tissue paper


Cut book cloth leaving 2" on all sides of covers and spine - 1/4" space to accommodate the fold of the covers and spine; glue chipboard to fabric with PVA glue - let dry; 
cut book cloth corners at 45-degree angle - glue down with PVA glue.


Using a mixture of prepared Methyl Cellulose and PVA extends the drying time of glue enabling me to place a ribbon (not shown) in the center of the spread; canvas flaps followed by cover leaves in place making sure it's all squared up (mostly!)
Use heavy books and bricks to hold the covers and end leaves to lie flat when dry. 




One of my favorite photos of Richard - glued to mat board and front cover using PVA glue.