Unknown Plant - Discovery Gardens

This is another plant I saw last week at Discovery Gardens that I have no idea what it's called.

UPDATE:  This is called a Cardboard Palm

I'm hoping to get by there again tomorrow to see if the Prickly Pear is in full bloom yet and hopefully find out the names of those plants I couldn't find a tag on.

Strathmore 500 / Sharpie pen

Leaf-Footed Bug

Yesterday while my husband and I were outside, this bug landed on a hibiscus close to where Terry was standing.  Not one we normally see, I ran inside to grab my cell phone to take its picture.  Terry trying to hold the limb from blowing in the breeze startled him and he flew off.  A little while later either he or another one returned and I was able to get a few photos.

Looking it up, I've learned this is called a leaf-footed bug.  It's quite large and not exactly one I'd want landing on me.  I was fine getting close to it as bugs don't normally make me crazy (except bees and ticks) unless they unexpectedly land on me.

Stonehenge Aqua / Lamy Safari with De Altramentis Document Brown ink.  I used Paynes Grey and Bt Sienna for this (QoR watercolors).

Found Treasure - Dried/Hard Tree Fungi

Terry was out weeding and mowing taking advantage of the really beautiful weather we had yesterday.  He came across this attached to a left behind tree stump from where we had to thin trees and shrubs a few years ago from our yard.

It's light weight but hard as a rock.  The tree stump it was attached to is a Camphor Laurel tree. 

Right off it looked like a foot to me.  One way like a foot and the other way like a boot. 

Decided to sketch this in carbon pencil - 2B.  Stonehenge 90 paper. 

Pen/Pencil Case

Today has been one gorgeous day!!!  Sunny, breezy, and low 80s.  Husband was weeding and cleaning up a small garden bed in the back while I supervised (ha ha) and worked off and on sketching this pen/pencil case.

I started the sketch with pencil late last night and added pen and ink today.  Then had to leave it for awhile as I tried to decide on what medium I wanted to use.  I was trying to decide on watercolor or watercolor pencils because of the texture of part of this case.  I ended up using both........watercolor and then taking some black watercolor pencil adding a little bit of texture on the inside part of the case that folds over as shown.

Candle Holders and Pot Sitters

Although I've titled this candle holders, I'm really not sure what they are.  I found two of these years ago and was drawn to the crackled glass and metal stands.  They look like something one could place a small candle in so I'm guessing that's what they are for.

The pot sitters are two lizards on one and I have two turtles hanging on the other.  I chose the lizards to sketch as they are more colorful. 

I came across these pot sitters at ACMoore, an arts and craft store in Clarksburg, WV   Used to be one of my favorite craft stores before moving to Florida.

The little dangly balls comes from when I used to do beading for miniature Christmas tree ornaments.

Stonehenge Aqua 140 lb watercolor paper

Lamy AlStar with Urban Grey ink for the main sketching and writing. 

Lamy Safari with the same ink as the extra fine nib leans more towards a dry feed I preferred to depict the crackled glass.

My Everyday Sketch Bag / Handbag

I bought this bag specifically for a sketching bag through Amazon.  I've tried various different bags but this one is my all time favorite.  It's not too big but big enough to carry the essentials I need for sketching.  And as a handbag, I don't normally carry very much with me beyond what I really need....wallet, keys, phone, IB, lip balm........and mace.  I'll often clip a small camera to one of the metal rings to the shoulder strap if I plan to be on a sketch crawl but if I forget, I have my cell phone.

Sketching gear that goes with me everywhere includes:

Thin customized palette made from a NeoColor II crayon tin
Small sketchbook (no larger than 4x6")
At least two fountain pens
Micron and/or sharpie pen
Mechanical pencil
Kneaded eraser
Mini sprayer
Ballpoint pen
Waterbrush
Tissue.

Fabric Traveler's Journal, worked on Strathmore 500 Imperial 140lb watercolor paper / Lamy Safari with DeAltramentis Document Brown ink / QoR watrcolors

Three of My Fountain Pens

After sketching the trolley dolly, I decided to sketch three of my fountain pens I've been using lately.  These are by no means all of the pens I use as I bounce around like I do with journals.

Worked in the Fabric Traveler Journal on Strathmore 500 Imperial.  Sketched with the TWSBI and Urban Gray and lettering using the Lamy AlStar and Lexy Grey ink.

The more I work between the three papers I loaded in my journal, I'm leaning towards the Strathmore being my #1 favorite paper.  It's very forgiving and I just like how one can blend on it.  Stonehenge Aqua comes in second and then Stonehenge 90.  Each has its attributes and I can use all three the way I like to work with a few adjustments in application of watercolor.

And here lately, I've been using a Silver Black Velvet #6 round.  I love how they maintain a nice sharp point.   

Loving My Fabric Fauxdori Traveler Journals

It's been months now since I made these journals and I'm loving them!!!  I have two active with one as a combination planner, art pages, and section with different papers (dot, graph, blank) for note taking.  The other is strictly for sketching, mixed with three different type papers - Strathmore 500 Imperial 140lb Cold Press, Stonehenge 90, and Stonehenge Aqua 140lb Cold Press.  In both I have pocket folders I made to carry smaller loose sketches (on scrap size paper), business cards, or loose notes.

I LOVE the freedom of removing pages when I want to sketch or paint flat.  Also makes it easier to scan.  Then there's the option and freedom of moving pages around in any order I might like.

I'm still undecided what I want to do with the finished pages.  Maybe down the road I might remove the sheets creating signatures and binding in a hand sewn hardbound book... or ... I might just keep making new fabric traveler journals and keep my full ones as I would any other type journal book.  The different patterns and colors of the covers look neat on shelves, along with the charms hanging.

Additional Wobble Mini Figurines

Today's sketching pulling additional figurines out of the curio cabinet.

Additional information not put on page is the color mix I tried for the shadows.  Normally I use Daniel Smith premixed Shadow or Moonglow color but didn't have that palette out.  I mixed QoR Fr Ultramarine with Dioxazine Purple and a touch of Aliz Crimson.

Mason Art Center Leesburg

Today at noon three of us met up to go over setting up a Facebook account, joining the sketcher's group in Facebook, and using Facebook on tablets and phones.  

Arriving 20 minutes early, I parked and decided to sketch what was in front of me while sitting in the car.  Worked a quick pencil sketch and started with pen and ink when it was time to go inside Starbucks for coffee and working on our tablets.

This art center is right across the street from the Library and Starbucks.

Worked in Fabric Traveler's journal using Strathmore 500 Imperial watercolor paper / QoR watercolors.

Lamy Safari EF with De Atramentis Document Brown ink.  

**Was a nice surprise to find after my pen sitting unused for several weeks that it started feeding ink immediately.  Didn't have to work with it to get the ink flowing.

What My Day Was Like Yesterday

Our sketching group was scheduled to meet up at Simons Seed and Garden Center in Leesburg yesterday.  I got up with all intentions of going; however, I didn't make it.  Woke up with a horrible headache stemming from the base of my head/neck.  When I get these type of headaches, OTC medications will not help.  Fortunately they don't hit me as often like they used to :-)

This traction unit has been a real blessing and was so glad my physical therapist talked with my doctor to prescribe it......along with a Tens Unit that I use all the time.  That was back when you could only get these with a medical prescription.  Now you can get them online at various places to include Amazon (at least the Tens Units).  Both units I have are from the company Empi and back when I bought them, were very expensive but to me well worth it.

Sketched in my fabric traveler's sketchbook on Strathmore 500 watercolor paper using a Sharpie pen.  Only color used was Paynes Gray.

Wobble Critter Figurines

These remind me of wobble heads due to different parts that wobble at the slightest movement.

When we were in Texas six years or so ago, I found these at a shop in Rockport, TX, while visiting my sister.  They are tiny little figurines I keep in a curio cabinet.......made of resin (I believe).

Worked in my fabric traveler's journal on Strathmore 500 Imperial watercolor paper.

Testing Watercolor Papers

Recently I ordered sheets of Fabriano Artistico Soft, Strathmore 500, and Stonehenge Aqua to do some experimenting for future handmade journals.

I've learned that Fabriano Artistico Cold Press has changed and my feelings for it have changed as well.  It used to be my #1 favorite.  Now I'm trying to find another paper that comes close to the characteristics I loved about the FA Cold Press of years ago.

Here are examples of my playing.  Way too soon to say a whole lot about the papers and my feelings.

Strathmore 500 Series 140lb:

Fabriano Artistico Soft 140lb (haven't worked too much with this paper yet......more to come)

Catching Up with Latest Sketches

I've fallen behind again posting what I've done.  A lot going on between starting the new project mentioned in post prior to this one and a family member in the hospital that's struggling.

This is the monthly sketch I chose to put in my Fabric Journal/Planner for May.  I worked this when our sketch group went out last Saturday and a young man (about 8 or 9 years old) sat next to me watching what I was doing.  His mom was interviewing us about keeping sketch journals and our sketch outings that we plan.

This next one is worked in the Fabriano Venezia sketchbook.  It's one of the flowers growing where we went on Saturday.

Also from Saturday's outing, I worked a quick sketch using the Ipad.

This too is a sketch on the Ipad of my Mom in the hospital.  What a way to spend Mother's Day :-(

Mom was checking her message from me that I sent via Facebook Messenger sending hugs from all of us for Mother's Day.  My brother took the picture this is from to share with me that she was reading what I sent her.

Folding and Cutting Paper for My Fabric Artist Journal / Traveler's Notebook

I thought I posted this but looking back, it doesn't appear I did.

My fabric journals are an odd size compared to how others might size theirs.  Definitely different than the standard size Traveler's Notebooks.  The paper folded is 5" wide by 8" high with the fabric cover measuring approximately 5.5" x 8.5" (closed).

Fabriano paper is my #1 choice to make these from so I needed to learn which direction the grain runs for best folding (so paper doesn't crack at the fold after a period of time opening and closing).

Although there might be a better layout, this is what I've been using to save on any waste after cutting.  I've also included the layout for Arches and Lanaguarelle since the grain direction runs differently from Fabriano (at least from the time of this post.........that could always change at some point with the manufacturers changing how they make their paper from time to time).

My Personal Fabric Artist's Journal / Traveler's Notebook Update

Thought I would share how I've set up my personal Fabric Artist's Journal / Traveler's Notebook created last month.   For now it's trial and error and I'll probably change or expand on this as I use it.

I'm taking a little from the Bullet Journal concept making mine into a planner/art journal to help me keep better organized with our sketching group.

**For more details / photos in the make-up of this particular AJ / TN.........follow this link:  http://sbwatercolors.blogspot.com/2018/04/my-second-fabric-fauxdori-artist.html

**To follow along with this journal concept project, sharing just how I made them, follow this link showing all related posts:

http://sbwatercolors.blogspot.com/search/label/Traveler%27s%20Refillable%20Notebook

 (I've shown the URL's in case anyone has trouble on a direct link)

**SIDE NOTE**

All of my page inserts are only folded strictly being held in place with the elastic bands.  I do plan to sew each insert group with the Saddle Stitch........although I might save the watercolor pages for AFTER I have finished sketching on them.  That way if I need to slide a page out to make it easier to sketch on, I can do so.

The large square beneath the calendar I'm leaving open for possibly a sketch for the month.  I haven't quite decided yet just how I'll use that area but that's the way I'm leaning.

Today's Custom Fauxdori Cover

Today besides sketching, I also completed another fabric cover.  This one was special with my Leesburg "sister" picking out the material she liked.  We stopped off at JoAnn Fabrics after the sketch crawl and I came home and immediately got to work making it from start to finish.

Inside has an insert of regular paper (20 pages front and back) with a cover and a six-pocket folder.  I made an extra band for her to use to add her watercolor paper.  Inside I included a printout of how to cut her sheet of watercolor paper to fit this size cover.

I absolutely love the material and pattern on it and my dear friend loves the results.

Making these are addictive.......lol

Yet Another FauxDori Cover / Step by Step

With each one, it's getting easier and easier to include operating my sewing machine and how to line up the Crop - A - Dile Big Bite hole punch/eyelet setter.

Out of all the YouTube videos I've watched, this one is the one I found to be my favorite and the one I'm basically following to create my own covers.

For the video version on how to make these, I found this one to be my favorite and the one I'm basically following with the exception of how she folds the finished cover.    Brandy Michelle Plans  She's very thorough in her presentation.  She also shows how to handle placement of center hole and eyelet for those who do not have a long reach punch / eyelet setter like I am using.

For those who are interested, please feel free to right click on images and "save image as" for your own reference.

My Second Fabric Fauxdori Artist Travelers' Notebook

This Fauxdori turned out nicer than the first........although there are some things I learned with this one not to do next time.

This one includes an insert section with mixed lined, graph, and dot paper I printed off so I'm not having to carry an extra little notebook for notes and reminders when our group gets together.  The insert section has a piece of Bockingford watercolor paper as a cover only because that's all I had strong enough.  I went shopping last night and now have some nice patterned card stock I can use for future insert covers.

This one also has the pocket folder I made and shared in my last post.  I have several business cards tucked in one of the pockets that has contact information about our sketching group for interested people who check us out when we're out sketching.

And as you see from the photos, I'm now getting into adding charms and beads to hang just to dress the notebook/journal up a bit.

Notice my eyelets are lined up better than my first but could still be improved upon with lining.  I'm finally getting a "feel" for the crop a dile big bite gizmo.

I found cone bead caps that work perfectly for the bottom strands of the elastic bands made to hold everything in place.

**Now if I can just find a better way of attaching the closure loop without having to use a big knot to keep it from slipping out the center eyelet hole.

First Fabric Sewn Fauxdori Travelers' Notebook Cover

For days now I have been looking into an alternative method of making my own artist journals.  I've made accordion and hard bound hand sewn journals.  And I have made a couple leather Travelers' Notebooks.

My new venture is learning to sew and create hand sewn fabric covers along with adding various inserts and embellishments.

I've spent days and days viewing various videos on the subject getting a feel for the different methods people use to create their own.

The following is my very first sewn cover.  From this I've learned quite a bit:

1)  How to set up and use my sewing machine (this was a BIGGIE for me);
2)  What 72F Pellon is and how to use it plus the best way to cut so the fold looks better when cover is folded in half;
3)  How to size material and pellon for the dimensions I wanted my cover to be compared to the size cut watercolor  paper signature insert I wanted (a big thanks to Laure who helped me with that);
4)  How to trim seam allowance edges and corners to look right when material is turned right side out (after making a pocket);
5)  How to get those inside corners to fill out nicely;
6)  Getting a feel for different diameter elastic cords providing enough HOLD and yet not be too tight;
7)  How to better use a Crop a Dile Big Bite hole punch/eyelet setter.  Mainly gauging how to line it up is the trickiest for me but I'm getting better (as my next post will show); and
8)  Where to mark and cut a sheet of watercolor paper for the size pages I wanted making sure the folds were parallel to the grain.

Closed with loop finished cover.  I've left the cords long at the bottom as I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do with them.  Either cut off short or maybe add beads or something.

Would love to find a better way to attach the cover loop rather than having to make a huge knot so it doesn't slip through the eyelet.

Need more practice lining up the holes with the crop a dile punch/setter.

I don't think I did too badly for my first one :-)