Championing the makers, artists, and wanderers in all of us.
I took this photo of a tree covered in white blossoms against a brilliant blue sky during our recent camping trip at Chiricahua National Monument.
It was outside the old Faraway Ranch house. I’m not sure what kind of tree it is, but the bees sure loved it! The blossoms make me so happy that I’ve made this the wallpaper for my phone’s lock screen.
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When Phillip and I took our anniversary trip to Florence, Arizona, we saw a handmade sign in front of a house that just said “winery” with an arrow.
Obviously, we had to investigate.
It turns out the winery in question was not, as the sign seemed to suggest, in someone’s backyard, but a totally legit operation down the street. The Windmill Winery was quiet except for a few donkeys, and it turns out the tasting room is closed on Mondays. We moved on with no wine and only a little whine.
The scene was very different when we were back months later. Even though it was early Sunday morning, people were already bustling around and a DJ was spinning. The winery was hosting the Dionysus Dash, a 5k run for a charity that Phillip’s work supports.
After the runners were done running and we were done running the raffle booth, we got to visit the barn for a special tasting set up for the event, then say hi to the donkeys and chickens and check out the lake and the outside of the actual tasting room.
Maybe one of these days we’ll actually visit during regular hours and go inside.
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The envelope travel journals we made in my most recent Southwest Maker Fest workshop came from a combination of this upcycled junk mail project and a simplified version of one my friend Trish came up with.
The idea is that you can make them from just a couple envelopes and some string, and then have a pocket-sized way to record memories from your next trip.
1. Fold an envelope in half – use a #10 (DL) envelope or experiment with other sizes, upcycle junk mail or reply envelopes, etc.
2. Punch a hole or two in the center (on the fold).
3. Cut the top flap at the fold or remove it altogether.
4. Repeat with one or more envelopes.
5. Thread yarn, string, or twine through the hole(s) of all the envelopes and tie them together. (Alternatively, you can bind the envelopes with ring binders, paper clips and/or rubber bands.)
The envelope outsides have become pages for writing, drawing, or collaging the story of your trip, and you can tuck momentos inside.
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I met artist Betsy Halford at the Hidden in the Hills Studio tour, and I really dig her work. She does really interesting mixed media pieces, work in wax, collaged cards, and jewelry from found items.
She is working on a new piece that will incorporate advice people would give their younger selves.
You can take part in this collaborative work (anonymously, if you wish) by emailing her at betsy [at] monkeygirlartwork.com and answering this question:
If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, wisdom or support, what age would you go back to and what advice would you give yourself?
So, what advice do you have for a younger you?
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I almost forgot about My Photo of the Month. I guess I’m still getting into the habit.
Anyway, here’s my pick for February.
I already shared about my watercolor painting (and you guys floored me with your encouraging comments!) Last month is when I started doing it more frequently, and something about the colors just fit.
Did your February feel colorful?
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