Pumpkin Patch

I like odd shaped pumpkins because, like people, we are all different and special. This picture was done in watercolor and, if you look closely, you will see that it is unfinished; the upper leaf is only a pencil line and has yet to be completed. I see this picture as "a work in progress", as we all are. Fall is quickly approaching and I'm looking forward to decorating the house and preparing for all of the festivities!

Carrot Top!

I painted this picture based on a little sweetheart who was in the class I read to as a part-time "storyteller" at the local elementary school. She liked the story and it showed all over her little round face. The book was "The Secret In The Matchbox", which was very special and enjoyed by the children.

Remembering My Brother Bobby

My brother, Bobby Hart, died tragically in a car accident in the fall many years ago, along with his two best friends. He was only 21 years old. All of them were wonderful young men. He was the light of my father's life, and they were very close. My dad never drove a car again after Bobby died and never completely recovered. This watercolor is my adaptation of him at this age, and although it may not look exactly like he did, just seeing it makes me happy...remembering. Sometimes art, in its many forms, can be very healing.

Crochet Baby Hat with Flower Accents

I have crocheted these baby hats for many new babies of friends (primarily from my stitchery group) and also for family members. These pictures were taken of a doll modeling my latest hat--front, side and flat views so you can see how it looks. If you love to crochet, as I do, try making one of these. I crocheted this hat based on a pattern I must have found years ago and embellished it with tiny roses you can buy at a craft store or make yourself with ribbons. Below is a very similar pattern I found online that you can use for free. I would love to see what you come up with!

www.crochetnmore.com/babyruffledsunhat.htm

Once-In-A-Lifetime Flea Market Find

This angel was stuffed head down in a box at a local flea market. When I pulled her out and looked at her, she was wingless, and I made a pair for her so she could fly. I realized she was a Venetian Angel similar to those that Loretta Hines Howard collected and donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for their annual Christmas Angel Tree. Years later, I took a trip to New York just before Christmas with my daughter and son-in-law and will never forget the sight of this tree and all its beauty. If you ever get a chance to see it, do. I believe it will be as unforgetable an experience for you as it was for me. To find out more about this exhibit, view the Met's website here:

www.metmuseum.org/special/Christmas2005/images.asp

Mother and Daughter in Watercolor

A mother and child...what could be sweeter. It says a lot without words. Speaking of words, I love this poem my sister Vanessa sent to me and hope you can relate to it too.

You Tell On Yourself

You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,

By the very manner in which you speak,

By the way you employ your leisure time,

By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell on yourself with the things you wear,

By the spirit in which your burdens you bear,

By the type of things at which you laugh,

By the records you play on your phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,

By the things of which you delight to talk,

By the manner in which you can bear defeat,

By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the library shelf,

By these things and more, you tell on yourself

- Author Unknown

Christmas Is Coming!

Christmas is coming! I know it's only July, but how quickly the months go by; it will be here before we know it. This is one of my hand-made ornaments from my "Lil Kids" collection. Each one is different and customers have often asked me to make ones that looks like their own children. When she first saw these years ago, my mother commented, "Rina, this does not look like your usual work." Although different than my angels, these have been very popular with my customers and I've loved creating them. I will be making a select number for Christmas. They can be customized to your liking. If you are interested, please contact me.