I have been reading a library book about life in Paris in the early 1920's. It has a rosy view I know, but it reminded me of many of the things I love about Paris. I have been lucky enough to have had four trips there. The first couple of times we did lots of touristy things such as the Louvre etc, but the last trip we simply enjoyed being there. We wandered around Montmartre, along the Seine and ate at cafes. We used our limited French whenever possible , received many laughs and raised eyebrows from the Parisians, but Paris wrapped itself around our hearts as it has done for many others before us. I did lots of little drawings and notes in my journal. This helps to keep it all fresh in my mind as we are in winter on the other side of the world.

It's a crisp , cold morning so a warm smile is needed. This is one of the paper mache figures I made a couple of months ago. It has a wire armature, paper pulp, a coating of plaster filler and PVA and then is painted and varnished. They were a lot of fun to make. Available for sale, so contact me if interested.
Today we are off to Ruby Bay in the Moutere to 'do' the Ruby Coast Arts trail. A lovely day to go looking at art.

Colder weather has meant that there is a need for some warmer clothing. We were lured into a false sense of warmth by the long hot summer.
For the past two years I have been doing a postcard swap with a friend in Australia, about once a month. The 'rule' is that each piece has to have some stitch on it. I usually make mine from scraps on my painting table, or offcuts from my journaling. This one uses paint, stencils and a cutout from an old catalogue. I have stitched little French knots on to her hat and neck ruffle. There is also some stitch around the edge. These have been such fun. Each one has become a little exercise and I often do them as a way of getting my head into a creative space when I go to the studio in the morning. The envelopes have now become part of it and I decorate them to link in with the theme of that particular card.