boot camp is kicking my a**

chipmunk -view 2 Originally uploaded by dressform.

i joke with my students that we are in painting boot camp. the first week is always this giant adjustment. i have to get used to riding the bus [i get carsick for the 1st week and 1/2 or so and then settle into it]... i have to get used to being "on" or avaiable for the 4 hours of class 4 days a week. here's the funny thing. i sometimes have to teach 2 almost 3 hour classes back to back with a short break between and somehow that is LESS tiring than the 4 hour stint. is it the days in a row thing?? what is it??

that said. i am loving this class. they are all smart and willing to experiment... and talkative [thank goodness].... this is going to be a good summer.

i promised some mail right?
above is the 3-d chipmunk puzzle that came in an amazing package from alison !! so, i knew that i'd be in for a real treat here, but golly does she make gorgeous detailed things.



the pin cushion and needle holder button INTO the basket bag. incredible..... she took some cool photos too here, here, and here.

also - vicki was offering some scraps from her sewing... all i could think of was more zakka beads!




thanks vicki!

EDIT: i forgot to mention the incredible mailorder from the fabulous amy k that you can get on her website . #3 has an embroidery stitch booklet to put together. so ME or what?? we also did a little local store goodies swap which was really fun. she says she doesn't leave the house much, but man when she does, she does it in style!

seeing that i have a wedding invite to design, a website to attend to, my drawing for today and some sketches for an upcoming show due... i think i should motor [remember that phrase??].

i definitely want to talk about artemesia and other things... but i get to get back into gear/routine first....