Thrift Store Find

My friend Susan and I went thrift store shopping over the weekend - with my now limited energy we only got to two of them.  But really scored with this hand full of books from my elementary school days, including,  3-count 'em-3,  Happy Hollisters and a baseball book.  And all for a mere $5.00.
Guess what I'll be reading this week?!

From the Bookshelf

As we all know, Christmas isn't Christmas if you don't get new book.  And this is the one I found under the tree.  Maira Kalman's latest - full of her wonderful paintings and stories.  Partially based on the collections at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City, it's a fascinating look at the the beautiful things with which we love to surround ourselves. It's impossible not to smile, laugh and think, just a little more than usual when immersed in one of Maira's books.  Highly recommended

.

From the Bookshelf

When I was in fifth grade back in the early '60's, my best friend Linda gave me a book for my birthday.  I was a voracious reader then - just as I am now - and books were just about the best gift I could receive.  The book she gave me was Trixie Belden and the Gatehouse Mystery. I absolutely loved it. I was able to amass many others in the long running series over the next few years and I read them often. I don't know if it's being retired or being sick or whatever, but recently I had an urge to read them all again.  The first, Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion, was written in 1948 and the books have a charming vintage feel. I've owned the first six (in the old original Whitman cello versions)  throughout my life, so I started my Trixie Marathon with those.  Then I was able to find the later paperback versions in lots on eBay for not much per book.  There are 39 all together and I now have the first 32.  I am really having a blast revisiting these.  Talk about literary escapism.  Hey - it keeps me off the streets and it's lots cheaper than drugs!!

Three of the Nicest Things about being Retired

Lattes

Ginger Scones

Books, and the time to enjoy all of the above!

From the Bookshelf

T

For all of us that loved Diehn's The Decorated Page, this second volume is a must have as well.

The first book is what got me started art journaling ten years ago this summer, and I've never looked back.  If you're not familiar with these books, get copies now - you won't be disappointed!  Highly, highly recommended. Great techniques, great ideas, and eye candy to the max.

From Amazon website - This follow-up to the highly popular Decorated Page offers even more great ideas for beautifying a journal, more breathtaking photos to inspire, and more smart (and simple) ways to endow even the artistically timid with confidence. It simply brims with suggestions and instructions. Find out about the wealth of contemporary supplies, from papers and adhesives to paints, pens, and pastels. See how to create the actual journal from scratch, including a quick-to-complete Three Minute Pamphlet. Use the tips for customizing a store-bought book that could use a little flair. Build layered pages, take advantage of the creative potential of transparencies, and more.

From the Bookshelf

The third volume of Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities is now available. Like Volume 1and Volume 2 it is full of dozens and dozens of techniques and projects to get your mixed media juices flowing.  Step by step instructions, each accompanied by a photo - you can recreate a particular piece or - as I do - use the techniques shown to come up with your own ideas and projects.  I've heard some people complain that these books are just an excuse for Tim to sell his many products, but I find that most of the bits and ephemera used can be found in my stash that I've amassed from flea markets, swap meets and rummage sales.  And if I know my readers - I bet that's true of you also.  So check these out, not for the marketing, but for the ideas and techniques - and, as always - the eye candy!

From the Bookshelf

This is a wonderful book. It spans the time of one summer season, while Renoir races against time to complete his huge canvas, while the summer light lingers over the river and the terrace restaurant, where his cast of 14 models gathers every Sunday for lunch and posing. Each person in the painting becomes a three dimensional character as we learn about their lives and loves.  Also captured is a delightful sense of the countryside outside Paris and the artist studios and haunts of Montmartre.  I was privileged to view this monumental painting several years ago when it made a visit to the LA County Museum of Art.  It's size impresses, as does the individuality of each figure. Reading the book I felt totally immersed in the 1880's French art scene.  One suggestion - when you read it, find a good sized print of the painting and keep it with you, you will want to keep referring to it to remember who's who and check details.

From the Bookshelf

I love this little book - don't leave for your next trip to Paris without it!

From Amazon -Travelers who follow the walking tours in The Impressionists' Paris will never see the paintings—or the city—in the same way again. From the historic Paris along the Seine, through the bustling grands boulevards, to the cafés of Pigalle and the dance halls of Montmartre, this guidebook pairs some of the world's most beloved masterpieces with the exact locations where they were painted. Readers follow in the footsteps of the artists from the pont Neuf depicted by Monet and Renoir to the intersection where Caillebotte painted his haunting street scene; from the balcony of the Louvre where Monet literally and figuratively turned his back on the establishment to the Gare St. Lazare, the train station from which he departed for his home in Giverny. Also revealed is the view out Manet's window, where he watched—and immortalized—a one-legged veteran hobbling down the flag-draped street. Period dining recommendations and the addresses of the studios where the painters worked, the buildings where they lived, and their birthplaces and gravesites complement this delightful guide.

From the Bookshelf

This is a charming and informative little volume that wanders its way through different neighbourhoods in the city by the bay.  We meet a divergent group of people, architecture, activities and a myriad way of getting words down on paper.  We see the city through Maisel's eyes and his writing.  Beautifully illustrated by Paul Madonna, it's the perfect size to slip into your journal bag and take with you, pull out and peruse while you're at the cafe or the park.  For journalers, writers and anyone who loves San Francisco.

From the Bookshelf

My friend Leanne (whose studio we visited on the blog awhile back) sent me this book.  She is a fearless creator and will try anything, using anything, to feed her artistic soul.  This volume Paper, Metal and Stitch -Creating Surfaces with Color and Texture is full of fantastic projects that combine disparate materials to make gorgeous, over the top patinas and textures. Amazon says "Textile artists eagerly continue to explore new and exciting surfaces for their work, and paper and metal are among the most popular materials for adding color and texture to stitched pieces. Incorporating everything from cut, molded, and shaped handmade papers to glittering meshes, wires, and coils, this essential collection—created by two world-class artists and authors—offers great suggestions for producing books, panels, icons, frames, and more. Just bring your enthusiasm and a swing-needle sewing machine!"

We are planning to pick a few projects from the book and see what we come up with.  One thing I know for sure - if Leanne's involved - it will be a massive amount of creative fun!

From the Bookshelf

On the second day of spring I thought this an appropriate tome for the new season. Almost 40 years old now from it's publication and 108 years since its original creation, Edith Holden's book is as fresh and beautiful as ever.  Wonderful illustrations of the flora and fauna surrounding her English countryside home. Detailed notes on the first blooms, the nesting habits, the emerging fruit, the turning of the leaves and falling of the first snow.

I was blessed several years ago to spend a week in a little Cotswold cottage in the country and got to see so many of the birds, flowers and small animals that I had first met in the pages of this delightful book.  If you've never read it, you're in for a treat and if it's an old friend - pull it out and revisit.  Either way - what bliss!

From the Bookshelf

Here's the second book  Lisa gave me for my birthday.  Beautifully constructed with wonderful photos and clear directions.  Amazon says How does Isa Chandra Moskowitz make flavorful and satisfying vegan meals from scratch every day, often in 30 minutes or less? It's easy! In ISA DOES IT, the beloved cookbook author shares 150 new recipes to make weeknight cooking a snap. Mouthwatering recipes like Sweet Potato Red Curry with Rice and Purple Kale, Bistro Beet Burgers, and Summer Seitan Saute with Cilantro and Lime illustrate how simple and satisfying meat-free food can be.

The recipes are supermarket friendly and respect how busy most readers are. From skilled vegan chefs, to those new to the vegan pantry, or just cooks looking for some fresh ideas, Isa's unfussy recipes and quirky commentary will make everyone's time in the kitchen fun and productive.

I'm not a vegan, but there are a ton of recipes in here that I can't wait to try! Thanks Isa and thanks Lisa!

From the Bookshelf

As promised here's one of the books my friend Lisa  gifted me with for my birthday.  As many of us know, Lisa is a closet New Yorker, so it seemed extra appropriate.  The author began taking pictures four years ago, starting out with buildings and eventually finding his metier with portraits.  His faceBook, website and Tumblr have attracted millions of visitors and that all led to this, his first book.  It is delightful, poignant, funny and will be bring a tear to your eye.  From high style to street style, he covers the countless neighbourhoods of the Big  Apple. Some photos are captioned with a story and others with just the location.  The faces are amazing - young, old, male, female, all colours - all Humans of New York.

From the Bookshelf

I was thrilled a few months ago when I learned that Nick Bantock was releasing a new book, his first for many years.  And even more thrilled when I found out it was a creativity manual.  My copy came last week and I love it.  Nick has given us 49 creative exercises to unblock, kick-start and unleash the artistic brain.
Several of these are ones I was familiar with, having done them in a weekend workshop at Nick's Salt Spring Island Studio back in 2008. They range from absurd to fascinating to fascinatingly absurd - and they work.  Beautifully illustrated by a variety of Nick's collages - and a handy smaller size - this should be on everyone's studio table and used on a regular basis.  Highly recommended.

From the Bookshelf

 This was a recent arrival at my library

 and we are all drooling over the massive

 amounts of eye candy within in covers!

Brilliant photography by James Merrill, choice text by Tricia Guild.

 Marvelous shots of pure colour - blues,

 greens, pinks, lavendars, white & black.

And great room shots showing how 

to use said colour to decorate your home.

Hoping for a second volume that will have

 orange, yellow and red in it!

From the Bookshelf

This delightful children's book follows a family through the entire holiday season, from baking and decorating, visiting and shopping, from the first sight of red ribbon in a shop window to the boxes of used wrapping and dangling tinsel put out in the dustbins. All through the book are the wonderful pictures of Peter Spier - this is a "true" picture book - no words. And yet, the story is told in the bright, ringing tones of a Christmas bell. Out of print and rather expensive (even on Amazon) you should find a copy at your local library.

From start ...

...to finish!

From the Bookshelf

I came across this delightful book at a library book sale and was charmed by the wonderful watercolours and tale of a seaside journey in Northern France.

From Amazon - Just across the Channel lies a different world, the north coast of France, celebrated by generations of painters and writers, from Eugene Boudin to Marcel Proust. It is a world of picturesque fishing ports like Treboul, of genteel resorts like Cabourg, which Proust called Balbec, and where he fell in love with Albertine and of old-fashioned sea-side towns like Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, the setting for Jacques Tati's "Monsieur Hulot's Holiday". Glynn Boyd Harte evokes this lost domain. Setting off from Wimereux, he journeys unsystematically westwards, painting madly-turreted villas, pre-war garages, their walls plastered with old advertisements, cafes with their red-checked gingham table-cloths, sea-side stalls, with rubber tyres and buckets and spades, and fishmongers' slabs covered with oysters, mussels and langoustines. He stays in elegantly faded hotels with bizarre wallpapers. The book finishes in an end-of-season sadness as the last visitors depart, the hotels are closed and shuttered and the long autumn shadows creep across the empty sands.

Not an area of France that one hear of as much as Paris or Provence, but one that provides rich inspiration for the author's pen and paintbrush.  I think you'll enjoy this.

From the Bookshelf

Did you want to be a graphic designer when you were a kid?  Create ads, invent logos, come up with just the perfect image to promote a product?  If only this book had been around then.  Chip Kidd presents the hows and whys and wherefores of graphic design in a down-to-earth style that captivates all ages.  The graphics, as you would expect, are superb and the writing style fresh and clean.  With the holidays coming up this is an excellent choice for any artistic type on your list.  I loved it so much I'm sending a copy off for a favourite birthday girl.

From the Book Shelf

This book just arrived at our library and we're all quite taken with it. Sized small (5x7") to fit in your coat pocket or journal bag, it's full to the bursting with nearly 200 techniques to use in your drawing and sketching. Complied by Helen Birch with contributions from dozens and dozens of artists.  The table of contents includes a small thumbnail of each spread,  And a great index divides sections into Principal Element, Medium,Type of Drawing and Subject. Lots of tips, techniques and eye candy. Published by Chronicle so you know you're in for a treat.  I plan to delve into it more deeply when I can wrest it from my co-worker's hands!

From the Bookshelf

I spent the weekend with my books - 

 rearranging, going through, 

and picking out ones to donate, give to friends,

 keep for the next ephemera sale, and of course

 deciding which one's I can't live without.

It used to be really difficult for me to part with a book,

but over the years I've come to realize that

 there are some I read or use once, 

some I love having for awhile, 

and the ones that I know I'll keep forever.

I was able to free up an entire 5 shelf bookcase which I "gifted"

 to Margot to display more of her Sassy Feet collection.

So it was a win-win situation all the way around.