Morning at the Pops!

For the second year in a row, we went to see the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Pops! This year we had breakfast first, and Amira had her picture taken with Santa (and Daddy-who she is calling Papa occasionally suddenly?) She also got to meet Minnie and Micky Mouse, who she LOVED! She was obsessed with Minnie, and kept going back to her for hugs. I don't think she had ever even seen Micky and Minnie before. So all in all, lots of fun. Amira clapped after every song, and colored with the girl at our table. She liked seeing the pictures with the music, and loved the ceiling. Looks like we are starting a tradition!

A little Glitter

This was a long week at work, and there is still one more day-but I did get out a little early today. So Amira and I made cookies and tacos-her request-proof she is my daughter:) We finished up our pine cone project, ate some more cookies, then bath and bed. Bedtime has been a little difficult lately, she wants us to hold her until she is asleep. And while we enjoy holding her, this has been a recent request that we have indulged too long. It is important she is able to go to sleep on her own, so there is a little battle at bed time. I would love to give in to her. But I sit calmly next to her bed, and eventually she lays down and goes to sleep. With time this should get back to normal.

Decorating for Xmas

This has been a busy weekend.

And I still wish we could have fit more in.

But we did get to do a lot of our decorating.

Glittering and painting pine cones we found in the park last weekend.

We picked up the tree and two wreaths.

Put the ornaments on the tree.

And lights up in the house.

We still have the exterior decorating to do. And our pine cone project is left half done and not cleaned up on the table as I write this. Yesterday we spent the day at the RISD holiday sale, selling hats and making friends. We have made significant progress organizing Amira's room and our Studio. Our house feels cozy and warm with Xmas lights and being relatively picked up this Sunday night.

New Windows means Art Cleaning

Our windows were replaced today. We are excited to see some savings on our heating bill as we approach the coldest months of the year. The installation process required that we move everything 3 feet away from the windows. This wasn't a huge problem, but in the studio, we had many of our old sketch books and portfolios piled up against the wall with windows.
Having pulled this stuff out, we are taking the opportunity to sort through these piles of old art. Or so far, I am. I am reviewing this old work and deciding if I should keep it or toss it. Purging art can be difficult. When I was a teen, I participated in NYSSSA, and one of the teachers gave a lecture and told us about a time when her studio burned and she had to part with all her previous work. She said this was one of the best things for her, because it is important not to fall in love with our work, but to always push forward. I am trying to keep this in mind. We will see if I can be successful in this task.

Our Little Artist

Adrian and I agreed that we would raise a scientist, and not another artist. It appears we are already failing in this area. Amira spends most of her free time at home drawing and painting. And of course placing stickers on everything. She asks us to draw all kinds of characters for her, Shrek, Fiona, Batman, Aunt Alima, Mommy, Daddy, Amira etc. Now she is starting to add parts of the people in herself, "Mira draws eyes" drawing two little scribbles for the eyes, or a scribble for the mouth. She colors on top of our drawing attempting to "trace" which she does at school with her name. So, I guess we have another artist to add to the family, but we will still strive to have a well rounded child, science included.

A November Walk

We had a wonderful long holiday weekend.

Family visited for Thanksgiving-we pot lucked this year. We participated in the Festival Fete craft fair. Amira got to go to the Roger Williams Park and Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa. We went to Ikea to try to organize Amira's room. And still we had time to go to the Arnold Arboretum and pick up pine cones. The beautiful weather we have been experiencing this late November has helped facilitate our productivity. Once the weather is back to freezing, I will be hibernating inside again.

A Few Samples

Happy Halloween

"Get the Joker, Batman!"

The audio of which sounds more like "Get em yogurt Batman!"

So we made Amira a Batman costume. She, for once, was excited to wear her hat, and did so until the rest of her costume was complete.

At first she was hesitant to put on the costume, until she had the cape on. Then it all came alive for her, and she was hooked.

The introduction of candy to this holiday has sealed the deal.

We have been looking at these scare crows all month.

Amira was a little shy to go up to the houses without being held by mom and dad. Though as the candy kept coming, her confidence built up.

Adrian tried to decorate our house to lure some trick or treaters to our street. Our adjacent street is mobbed with kids, but as a side street, it is a little quite here. That's fine, a peaceful night to eat our booty. I mean, Amira can't eat all her candy:)

Felting

So, I am back in hat season. Once I start, I just keep going!

I have started experimenting more with pattern and felting.

At the beginning of the season, I was designing very graphic looks. But in the course of just a few weeks, I feel like I have done a 180.

Meanwhile, we are also busy making Amira's Halloween costume. At least we didn't wait until the night before. We plan to trick or treat for the first time. Adrian and I will just have to try to leave work a little early so we have time to go around the neighborhood.

And now off to bed for me!

RISD Sale 2011

Today was the RISD 2011 Alumni & Student Sale.

I got off to a rough start, forgetting a few key items, but my neighbor was helpful-and I was able to make do.

This year I really focused on the Crochet hats.

The old fashioned helmet/1920's flapper style was clear to everyone who came by.

I did a couple felted hats. They turned out well, and I think I will expand in this area.

Headbands also made a comeback this year. I sold nearly all of mine, which was fantastic considering there was some steep competition with that product!

My hats did well also!

I plan on updating my etsy site this weekend with the remainder product.

I had a few helpers today too.

Grandma and Amira spent the day with me. Amira took Grandma all around! Grandma and I both were exhausted! Amira has boundless energy. But for being at a fair all day, she was really in good spirits and even helpful. I showed her my old studio, the printing presses, and an old teacher of mine did a silk screen demonstration, which engaged Amira.

And now to bed!