May Day

There is a poem I have always loved about May Day that I used to do in Calligraphy. It goes like this:

Do you remember back in childhood
How we loved the first of May
When left out flower-filled baskets
On doorsteps, then ran away?

Do you remember how the gayest basket
Was for the one we loved the best.
And in it were the blossoms
that were fairer than the rest:

Such a beautiful and gracious custom
Somehow lost along the way.
But its memories come surging
As we welcome in the May.

May Day in Hawaii is a big deal. It is called "Lei Day" here. Free orchid leis are given away at local shopping malls and many people wear flowers on this day. In the schools, the children put on colorful productions with singing and dancing. Happy Lei Day everyone!

Hawaii Flower 1

One of the joys of living in Hawaii are the beautiful Hawaiian flowers. I have been trying to capture some of them with my watercolors to take back to the Northwest with me. This is, of course, a Plumaria.

Les Miserables

This quotation comes from the wonderful play, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I have chosen to paint the background of this quote only in black and white because as it was said, the bottom of the stage was all dark to signify death but the top of the stage was light to show a glimpse of heaven.

April 19, 2009

It is a beautiful Sunday morning here in Hawaii. I am peeking through the palms to see the sun come up. Feeling inspired.
Have a happy day.

Questions

Questions

I love this quote and I have used it in many ways. It speaks to me of being content, living with the unanswered questions in our lives, giving them to God and one day, the answer comes.

The quote is lettered with Italic calligraphy, shrunk and then washed with layers of watercolor, stamping and white gel pen letters in the background.

Easter Monday

Easter Sunday

This is part of the front from one of my Easter Cards. It is a gorgeous day here in Hawaii, warm and sunny, perfect for Easter. Have a great day!

Happy Spring Day

Wedding Albums

These are just a few examples of my handmade Wedding Albums. Each one is hand crafted, using acid free unlined paper and handmade paper covers. They usually feature a calligraphed quote and embellishments like charms, ribbons, flowers and paper castings. Wedding Albums used to have lines and each guest would sign their names. It is a trend now to offer guests unlined paper so that they might write a personal note or memory for the bride and groom.

Palm Sunday