30 Days of Gratitude - November 6th

Do you find the color changes in the Autumn leaves as interesting as I do?  We didn't have much color this year.  Oh, there were a few fabulous trees that seemed to shout their personality, but they were far a few between. The one Ginko tree, that I know of around here, turns really bright yellow.  I have a vivid memory of finding those leaves when collecting for a project in 1st grade.  They were so different and a bit exotic and mysterious to me even then.

As it turns out, the tree really is somewhat of a mystery.  They are the sole survivor of a group of trees from when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  The parts of the leaves, seeds, and bark, for medicinal use in Asian cultures has been known for thousands of years but remains a little mysterious to those of us who do not study that type of medicine.

Today I am Grateful for that Mystery and the Curiosity that led me to research the information.  I used to be known as the "Research Queen".  Maybe I will be again some day!  Follow me at Cindy Rippe - Artist on facebook to see some of my November Sketching Challenge posts.

As we struggle to make sense of things, life looks on in repose. Author Unknown

Colored Pencil Play Date - Snow Drop Love

Snow Drop Love - a beginner class in Colored Pencil Play Date 2015 ©CindyRippe2015

I taught this class in the online workshop "Colored Pencil Play Date".  14 teachers and 16 projects over the course of 16 weeks.  Students were able to watch the video lessons at their leisure and create new projects along with each teacher as many times as they like for 9 months.

I sketched the idea for this design around Valentine's Day.   Taking a few creative liberties, with the way the plant actually grows, I styled it like a heart.  The flowers nodding toward each other was originally sketched to create a more pleasing design but I noticed later that it looks like they are connecting with each other.  Like two flowers in love.  My class started the week that Spring began so the Snow Drop seemed like a good choice.

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
Song of Solomon 2:11-12 ESV

The importance of Color Charts - What I found in my Studio Today

Working with Color Charts ©CindyRippe2015

OK... so this post is part of my "What I Found in my Studio Today" series  EXCEPT that it should be entitled "What I couldn't find in my Studio Today!".   You see, I've been working on a video for the upcoming Colored Pencil Play Date online class about Color Charts.  It's something I've done for many years while I've worked as a Designer for the Creative Industries.   There were times that companies would provide me with samples of their products.  I would create the color charts as part of my process to research the paint/pencils/fabrics etc.

When I prepared to record the video this week I searched everywhere for those charts.  You may remember that I've downsized my studio. Well there are BOXES and BOXES of supplies and reference material that I haven't put away yet. I thought they were pretty well sorted but... apparently not enough.  

As I was looking through my digital files, for an image to use for facebook post, this picture popped up.  I can't remember why I took the picture but I'm glad that I did.  I was with my friend Kelly Hoernig as she taught a colored pencil class.  She let me come along for the ride and I worked in the back of the class on my own projects.  

So.. back to the Importance of Color Charts....most paints, colored pencils and markers look very different in their packaging.  If you take the time to make samples you'll see what they look like on the surface you normally use.  It's so much easier to choose colors this way. 

Art is the triumph over chaos. John Cheever

Bella and the Lightning Bug

Bella and the Bug - photo ©CindyRippe2013 - quote - Author Unknown

Bella celebrated her 5th Birthday over the weekend.  We had so much fun at her carnival themed party with Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Hot Dogs and Nachos.  Oh, sure, we had a fresh veggie tray as well, but the idea was fun, fun, fun.

The kids had a great time playing carnival games, jumping in the "bouncy castle" and creating crazy designs with face paint. As evening approached the girls started chasing fireflies, or lightning bugs. After I shot this picture I realized that it is the perfect representation of our little Bella.  She is a very sweet "girly girl", loves shopping for cute outfits, jewelry, manicures, flowers, Princesses, Barbie, and Paris.  She is a graceful ballerina and loves gymnastics and swimming. But there's that other side of her that has always loved trains, running, and Star Wars. She doesn't mind getting dirty, has times where she just doesn't care what her hair looks like and her best friend is Larry the stuffed monkey.  We think all of this makes her just perfect!  I bet you know a little girl that's a lot like her.

A little girl can be sweeter (and badder) oftener than anyone else in the world. she can jitter around, and stomp, and make funny noises that frazzle your nerves yet just when you open your mouth she stands there demure with that special look in her eyes. A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot.
-- Alan Beck

My Yellow "Brick" Road

Finding my path - quote from The Wizard of Oz - photo ©CindyRippe2013

Throughout my years as an artist and designer I've found myself on many paths.  I've searched for knowledge, and practiced my skills, as I worked towards each goal. Some of the goals were personal, others for my design business but all fulfilled a need in me to create.  I've been very lucky to use these experiences in my design business and have shared the knowledge that I've gathered during all those years as an artist, teacher, author, and consultant.  I've always hoped to inspire others to find the creative spark inside them, as I share a bit of my faith and love for family and friends along the way.

The other day I came upon this bed of seeds that had fallen from the trees and covered the street.  I was intrigued by the colors, as usual, and shot a few photos.  Later, while I reviewed the images, it reminded me of the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz stories.  On second glance I noticed the stop sign.  The entire scene seemed to sum up my creative life over the last few years.  I have been letting life's struggles get me down and every time I try to follow my path I let the stop sign become the focal point and just quit.  Or worse yet, I would think of an idea, make plans and then just stop there.

Thankfully, over this past year things have changed for me.  I'm still working on new, design, ideas and plans.  There are still stop signs, but now I take the time to make a complete stop (like I should, according to the Rules of the Road book) and then I carefully continue on my path.  I may not be able to move forward as fast as I want to, there are speed limits after all, but at least I'm moving forward. After all, I have a huge sketchbook and portfolio of ideas to complete!  Take another look at the picture.  After the stop sign there is a clear path ahead.  That's where I'm going.  I'll be making my own path and hope to inspire you to join me on my creative adventures!

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions. Albert Einstein

Decisions, Decisions - Having fun selecting fabrics!

Fabric Swatches from JoAnns  - Cindy Rippe 2013

Making the decision to move my office space home was easy.  Deciding to paint the room blue and put down a new wood floor was easy for me since Lee did most of the work.  (His choice to do that - my choice of materials - Thanks Sweetie) Today I took a trip to Joann's to select a piece of fabric for simple curtains. ....Not so easy....but kind of fun!

As a person who loves a neutral background in my home, lately I've had this little voice in my head whispering, "you really do like color and pattern" and "don't you love all these bright, pretty colors?".
What the heck?!?  I live in a very tiny house and when we finally went with a neutral or monotone color schemes the rooms seemed bigger.  We've been happy with things this way for a while.

So I sit here this evening trying to decide which fabric color and print I'll choose.  The fabric on the bottom left is actually brighter with a light cream background. (camera phone pic) The one on the top left is the first one I selected. Once I brought the swatch home realized it was the old me trying to sneak back in so that one is off the list.  All of the fabrics are a bargain price so that doesn't factor in. The one thing I know for sure us that at least this is a fun choice to make.

Which one do you think I'll chose?

Searching is half the fun: life is much more manageable when thought of as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party.  Jimmy Buffett

March Weather and Garden Wonders - You never know what to expect!

You just never know about the weather in March...."Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder". ~ E.B. White - Fritillaria meleagris,purple striped crocus,and snow on pine branches ©CindyRippe2013

 

It's been snowing here for the last 12 hours.  (One of the joys of living in Northern Illinois.) You just never know what to expect.  While I know that we need the moisture, snow in March is not my favorite for sure!  I started wondering what it was like last year at this time and found pictures from two prior years during the same week of March.  What a difference!

I chose these three, captured on my garden visits to Lake Katherine. It's one of our favorites for walks around the lake.  There are perennial, butterfly and herb gardens as well as a conifer garden near the waterfall.  I have to admit the snow is really beautiful but of course I'd rather see the flowers. The photos remind me what is waiting under all that snow.  Maybe that will make it a little easier to handle as I shovel and sweep my way out tomorrow morning!

O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom has thou made them all: the earth is full of your riches. Psalm 104:24

Working as an Artist - Is it all or nothing?

This quote by van Gogh, combined with the orange tulips I saw today, will help to inspire me as I work this week. ©CindyRippe 2013

"Working" as an Artist doesn't just mean you sit and paint all day.  There are so many roles to play that sometimes it becomes a treat just to find the time to sketch, paint or create a new design.  Lately I've been doing everything but that!  As I work to find a balance between my home and work life I find myself wondering if I can separate the two.  I keep thinking I should "give it my all," but then again, maybe that's not the best course for me.  Creating a Website, Developing my Online Classes, Social Media, Research, Organization, Marketing, Bookkeeping, and more....I need break!

I'm grateful that part of my research includes photographing plants and flowers and this month is filled with trips to garden shows and other trade shows.  The time I'll spend there will not only fill my files with lovely photos and trend resources but will restore my creative spirit.  The camera and my notebook are ready but no more than I am!

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.  Colossians 3:23

The Garden Fairy that reminded me about having Faith.

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Garden Fairy ©CindyRippe2013

We went to a small Garden & Home show today.  While most of the exhibitors were there to showcase their talents and products for home improvement there were a few garden themed exhibits.  This lovely fairy was perched along the edge of a little creek that flowed from a waterfall.  She seemed to be contemplating whether she should jump in. It reminded me that instead of getting frustrated with my progress in my business, or having a fear that things won't work out, that I need to rely on my faith that God has great plans for me.  I just have to trust him and keep working towards my goals. If it's what is meant to be it will work out eventually. I'm not saying it's going to be easy..... I just have to keep trying!

 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Grateful Abundance - A Gathering of Friends, Family and Orchids

Grateful Abundance - A Gathering of Friends, Family and Orchids ©CindyRippe2013

I had the most wonderful visit yesterday with friends and family!  Lauri and Paul came in from Southern Illinois and our mutual friends, Jeanette and Larry, invited everyone (including the kids and grandkids) to gather at their house for the day.  I met Lauri and Jeanette while working in a preschool 30 years ago.  We've been like sisters for all of these years and have become family.

For me, the opportunity to have everyone together was made even more special because our children were all able to be there, which if you know me at all is the best thing ever!  I can't explain it.  It's just so good to be with them.

After all the kids left there was a knock at the door.  What a surprise!  Jeanette had invited Mrs. Carver to stop by for dinner.  She was the sweetest and funniest Nursery School teacher that we worked with all those years ago.  It was such a special treat.  So many memories, catching up on our lives apart and rekindling a special bond. She's still very sweet and funny by the way :)

As we left to go home Larry gave us each a bouquet of orchids.  As I photographed them for you today the only word that came to mind was "abundance".  My heart is full of love, beauty and the little sparkles of joy that carry special memories with you long after a special gathering like this.  The abundance of the orchids (I don't think I've ever had so many at one time) and their beautiful flowers give me a visual representation of that joy and gratitude for an abundance of special moments in my life.

... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present--love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure--the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.  Sarah Ban Brethnach

Simply, Magnificently, White - Hyacinths that stopped me in my tracks at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show

White Hyacinths at the 2012 Chicago Flower and Garden Show ©CindyRippe2013

It's no secret that I get lost behind the lens of my camera at a Flower Show or Botanical Garden.  If I've stepped in front of you while trying to capture an image (like I did to a family in Disney World one year) I don't mean to be rude.  I just can't see what's going on around me.  It's like I have tunnel vision, with or without the camera up to my eye. Many times I'm just snapping away for research.  The way the bud emerges, the leaf uncurling, the shapes, the colors.  Other times I take the time for an artistic shot.  I move quickly - afraid I'll miss something - and continually suggest that others can go past me or explain that they aren't in my way. 

I was about to leave the show last year and almost missed this small display of white flowers in vases.  It was up against one of those giant cement pillars that they use in exhibit halls.  I stopped dead in my tracks (I was in a hurry of course, Lee had been patient long enough I thought).  There were bunches of Amaryllis, Roses and Hyacinths.  All of the flowers were white with black accents around the display. Stunning!  Maybe this isn't the most artistic photograph (line of design, background distractions, etc) but I'm sure glad I took a moment to capture the details and beauty that nature provides in this simple white flower.

I looked back through my files and found that the display was by Surroundings by Colin.  I hope he returns to this years Flower and Garden Show.  I'll be looking for his display!

I must have flowers, always, and always.  Claude Monet

March Flower of the Month - Waiting for the Daffodil and New Beginnings

Daffodils - Flower of the Month for March - ©CindyRippe2013

The Birth Flower of the Month is Daffodil (or Jonquil). The Victorian meaning is New Beginnings.  Very appropriate for me right now.  I am patiently waiting for the snow to melt, the flowers to start blooming and for my business re-organization project to finish (or get to a point where I can think of something other than the mess) I've often thought that the new year should start in Spring when everything is bursting with new life.  Maybe that does happen in some part of the world.

I'm still working hard at the organization and prep for my design business.  There are days when I feel like one door after another is closed to me and others when I get excited over something simple that I've figured out.  That's life I guess.  I heard something the other day about those doors.  I think it was Joel Olsteen that said something like; Just imagine that there are 37 doors that you have to face.  Each time one closes say "well, there are only 36 more to go".  Isn't that a cool idea?  To be honest I've probably faced more than the 37 already but I still trust that it's all going to work out.

It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Fabric Painting - The Artist Palette Design Fail (AKA "stepping into the puddles of creativity)

I'm currently designing patterns for my fabric painting classes and books.  My goal is to make it as easy as possible, target beginners, and take the fear of failure for this technique out of the picture.

In my mind this was such a cool design. Combine my love of flowers and art.  I figured that I'd continue the color wheel with this combination of paint and flower colors.  Since I was using a VERY limited palette of fabric paints I just couldn't get it right!  The more I mixed and blending the muddier the colors became.  I was so disappointed. Ugh!  Finally I gave up, started over (for the fourth time) and just kept it as simple as I could.  A little bit of blending and layering, less detail, and I gave up on using so many colors.  As I finished I realized that I had been struggling with those puddles for a few hours when the completed design and pattern would take less than an hour to complete.  The colors are still darker and more intense than I normally paint with but I think it's OK. Adding the little gem drop was a good finish as it combines the idea of paint drips or water dripping off of the tulip.

If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing. Marc Chagall

Happy Blue Mixed Media and the Morning Glory Vine that ate a birdhouse

"Blue Heaven" because blue can be happy too!  Mixed Media Art on Paint Chip Card ©CindyRippe2013

As I searched through my files this morning I found this piece that I created for one of the artAmusement challenges on facebook.  I had this paint sample card in my color files and used it as the background to paint the morning glory flowers.  After it dried I added a little bit of detail with colored pencils, a blue scrapbook embellishment butterfly and feathers from my "little pieces of nature" box, the quote (cut from a magazine long ago) and one final little white butterfly stamped in the corner with acrylic paint.

I've had some beautiful and interesting experiences with growing Morning Glories over the years.  There was one year that the plant grew so tall that it reached for the telephone line that hangs across the back of my yard.  There was a 2 foot tall birdhouse at the top of the pole (about 9 ft high) that the vine was climbing.  The vine wrapped it's way up the pole, past the birdhouse and attached to the phone line.  There were about a million flowers up there and one morning they ate the birdhouse!  It detached from the pole, was being held up inside the vine, and hanging from the wire above.  This all took just a few days!  It seemed like we noticed that the vine needed to be cut back mid-week and planned to trim it on the weekend.  That photo ended up in a Birds and Bloom calendar but they didn't print the back story about the "Vine that ate a Birdhouse".  I'll have to find that photo and post it here someday. 

Blue is a close second to my favorite color, pink, and morning glories can't help but make you feel happy.  They seem to smile at the sun each morning and the yellow glow in the center of each one reminds us that being happy comes from inside.  A lesson I needed today and I hope that inspires you to be happy too.

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23

Surprise Lilies - So many names, so many surprises, and then again...not!

A few surprises and then again ... not. - Lycoris squamigera - ©CindyRippe2013

I posted yesterday's picture of leaves peeking up through a late winter puddle as I headed out the door to pick up my Granddaughter for a surprise visit. (Her Mom called with a last minute request for babysitting help which was a nice surprise for me!)  On my way to get her I had lots of time to think about those leaves that I saw.  I felt sure they must be the Surprise Lilies but it seemed way to early for them.  You just know I love to figure things out .... and lucky for me I have tons of pictures of our garden to search through.  Found it!

They ARE Surprise Lilies. The leaves emerge in late winter or early spring and then wither and die away. The plants go dormant (and need no water) until the flowers emerge in mid-summer (hence the 'surprise'), which allows them to survive prolonged periods of summer drought. (source)  The leaves above were photographed on March 12th and the flowers on July 29th of 2012.  That reminded me of our early spring last year.  Several of the flowering bulbs came up early but then wilted away quickly due to the heat.  Maybe this year will be better for them.

Back to the Lilies...  I knew they had lots of names but I was surprised to find so many!  The botanical name is Lycoris squamigera and they are a part of the Amaryllis or Amaryllidaceae family (that shouldn't be a surprise - they look alike).  The list of names include: Autumn Lycoris, Guernsey Lily, Hardy Amaryllis, Hurricane Lily, Magic Lily, Mystery Lily, Naked Lily, Nekkid Lady, Pink Flamingo Flower, Pink Lady, Resurrection Lily, Spider Lily, and Surprise Lily.  Do you know any other names for them?

So the surprises are many: Finding the leaves in a deep puddle, not recognizing them, finding so many different names, the last minute opportunity to visit Bella and the surprise the plants got today with our snow storm!

Not a surprise???  The flowers are PINK!  My favorite as well as the dominant color in my garden. Why wouldn't I plant them?

Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all the day long. Psalm 90:14

A Peek at Spring through the melting Snow.

Quote by Virgil A. Kraft - Hope for Spring photo ©CindyRippe2013

It's warmer today and the snow is melting so I took a walk through the back yard. About this time I gather pussy willow branches to share.  There aren't many this year and I counted only 5 little "fluffs" peeking out.  They're not ready yet.  As I turned around I looked at the puddles of melting snow and saw these leaves peeking out.  I'm not even sure what they are; could be daffodils, surprise lilies, day lilies....there are so many things planted back there.  But whatever they are, they made me smile.  Even with the forecast of more snow in the next few days I know that they are waiting to reach out for the warm sun!

I've added a "Countdown to Spring" clock on the right side of the blog - are you as anxious as I am?

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. Bern Williams

Note: Wow!  That's a lot of blue in the photo!  Reminds me of the other night when Jon and Tawn took us to see Blue Man Group :)

Anticipating Goodness

Anticipating Goodness - Flowering Pussy Willow Branches - ©CindyRippe2013

It's been one of those days.  The time went speeding by as we tried to get a few things accomplished around here.  I should emphasize the word "TRY".  It seems like everything we want to do takes so much longer than we anticipate and we end up feeling like we failed.  Well, instead of thinking that way I've decided to look at what we did get done.  NOT what we didn't.  As long as I try to do my best I'm not going to dwell on the negative.  Just make a plan to try again tomorrow.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Psalm 27:13

I Believe in Pink - Apple Blossom Amaryllis and Audrey Hepburn

Apple Blossom Amaryllis and Audrey Hepburn ©CindyRippe2013

I gave my neighbor, Grace, an Apple Blossom Amaryllis bulb for Christmas.  It's blooming this week and she called me to run over and photograph it.  It's beautiful!  It made me think of one of my favorite pink quotes by Audrey Hepburn.


I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles. Audrey Hepburn

Late Winter Snow Day

This quote by George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones, seems perfect for the storm  ©CindyRippe2012

The late winter storm we've been promised is finally here.  Cold winds, stocking up on groceries and preparing for a snow day.  It's one of those times I'm so grateful I can work from home (or in this case, from Mom's home).  I'll worry about Lee as he drives in to the office.  Not about his driving but about those that don't seem to know how to drive when it snows (or rains, or is too sunny, or have their own set of road rules...) and will glad to have him safely home again!

He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.' Job 37:6

Making Cookies - Family Traditions

It's the same in every family.  There's a food that you grow up with, homemade ... or not, that is a family favorite.  There might be an adaptation of a recipe, a favorite flavor or just sweet memories.  This cookie recipe is all of that!

The Kolaski Cookie Experiment - ©CindyRippe2013

My mother-in-law has been making this version of "Klatchkys" for as long as I can remember.  Lee loves them and his favorite flavor is Apricot.  When I got my "new" stove last month I wanted to try and make these for him so I asked for the recipe.  After all of his hard work over the weekend it seemed like the perfect day to do that.

When I saw the list of ingredients I could hardly believe they would turn out to be as good as his Mom's.   After a few phone calls, confirming that "no, there is no sugar in the dough", and purchasing the supplies, I was ready.  I mixed up the dough, wrapped it and refrigerated it overnight, and the next day set up everything to begin the baking.

The instructions said to roll the dough about the same thickness as pie crust.  What !?!  I've never made a pie crust! lol.... I experimented with one small pan of cookies.  They tasted great!  Like warm pastries. I set them aside to cool and anxiously waited for the official taste test, when Lee got home from work, before making the rest of the cookies.  Guess what?  I did it wrong..  I made one pinch, on a diagonal.  MIL makes them with two pinches to make a square. (Did I tell you I've hardly ever eaten them because the batch she makes is always small and I leave them for her 3 kids to enjoy?  I guess I never really paid attention to what they looked like.)

Lee would have been OK with them but I wanted to make them correctly.  He was happy to show me the way his Mom's look and we had fun trying to get it just right.  I still like the diagonal shape, Lee likes the squares.  I guess, in the long run, we started a new tradition of making them together.

They turned out great and there were plenty for him to take to work for his coworkers to share. I found out (too late) that they need to be wrapped loosely so they don't get too soft.  Should have asked before I packed them last night. 

Just in case you want to try them here's Alice's recipe.  Now that I've made them they'll be much easier next time.  I hope....... :)

 Notes:
1. I can't believe how many different spellings there are for these cookies.
2. I also can't believe I didn't look up the recipe or hints for making them on the internet.  I usually check everything out first!  I did have more fun talking to my sister-in-law, Elena, mother-in-law, Alice and Lee to find out what works best for them though!
3. Turns out that Larry and Elena make theirs with small curd cottage cheese and don't sift the flour and they are delicious.  Try experimenting and do it your way!
4. A printable version of this recipe is available HERE.

And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.   Ecclesiastes 8:15