The Amazing Adventures of Us

Weekend

polka dot wooden doll
Originally uploaded by artfulblogger.

One of the people at the kid's school asked me if I'd consider making sock puppets for their history classes. Naturally I said yes, how exciting is that?

But sock puppets? bleh. So, I've been working on some real puppets (with some help from Joss!). I've got 8 heads ready to put faces on, most of the bodies sewn up (basic bodies by the way, just like a glove), and a few of the accessories done.

I'm trying to make them as generic as possible so that they can be all sorts of history characters. Some will be black, some brown, some pink. They will have changeable hats, clothing, and I'm hoping facial hair (just need to figure out how to do that one first).

I've drawn out the hats I think we'll need - a stovepipe, tricorn, pilgrim, feather headdress, crowns, etc.... I'll stich up some kingly capes, an apron, ties, throw in a few pieces of jewelry and maybe a pipe, and I think that'll do it.

Am I missing anything too obvious?

2 theaters
Originally uploaded by artfulblogger.

I haven't really been in the studio in days now. Most of my time during the week is spent at the kid's school helping out. I love it there, but I'm aching to have some uninterrupted time working on new art.

Speaking of art. I spent last Saturday selling my work at a street art walk. I sold one necklace and the ferris wheel, so not too bad. While I was sitting there, two different people at two different times during the day told me that I was by far the most talented artist there (!), and one guy who owns a cafe I tried to get some art work into, walked up to me and asked me to please put some of my stuff in his cafe (!!). I guess he didn't recognize me.

Melanie, if you read this, your raven bag and your umbrella bag both sold (Stu bought the umbrella one!). And I'd love to trade you some flags for the red heart bag. We're all looking forward to you being back.

The kids are doing fine. Robin is participating in more classes at the free school and having fun with it. Stu is playing with clay, riding her bike (before the rain starts), and wishing I would take her home before clean up time.

Bruise like a heart

Bruise like a heart
Originally uploaded by artfulblogger.

School is in full swing and the kids are SO happy to be back. Playing with friends all day, bike riding, scootering, hanging out in cafes, listening to music, playing dolls (playing sprout and getting bruises). It's good to unschool with friends.

Today Stu and I went to the OMSI with friends and saw the Bodyworlds exhibit. We saw this same one in LA a few years ago. The one is LA was better. It was a little disappointing today, still good though.

Oh, when I was driving home after dropping the kids off at school I drove past a sofa just sitting on the sidewalk. So I stopped and sat on it, then I stretched out on it and called the number for the person selling it and told her I'd take it. It's gorgeous! Dark blue velvet with a three humped back (that doesn't sounds good, but it really is). I feel SO lucky to have this beautiful and comfortable sofa sitting on my front porch. Now we just need to shove it in through one of the windows - it's too big to fit through any doors.

Wish us luck.

NEW POST ALERT

Portland street performers
Originally uploaded by artfulblogger.

This photo is from Last Thursday on Alberta Street. I'd never been before, so when Melanie called and asked if I wanted to go with her I jumped at the chance! We had a great time. Saw so much art, most bad but some excellent. Walked our feet off, had a drink in a funky cafe with risque art (which Robin and Stu had fun with - Melanie and I laughed our heads off - that's another post). I'm looking foward to going again at the end of this month.

School started 2 days ago, so life has been busy busy busy. I'm one of the new Core Volunteers, that means 12-15 hours a week at the school. But we get a great discount. My niece is now going to the Free School with her cousins and she's just loving it! I couldn't be happier for her.

I'm busy at work in the studio when I can find the time, getting ready for the art walk on Foster on the 15th. I really only need to finish up 2 projects, both of which are almost done. Anything made after that is just gravy.

Speaking of which, here I go, back into the studio. Hopefully Melanie is bringing her camera light box with her this evening so we can photograph all the new art work (I'll put them on my Flickr site as soon as I can).