Tea

Gaze into the chocolate . . . Chocolaaaaaaaate

How's everything going so far? I come from a large family of eight, so when everyone comes over and the house is full of conversation, food and hugs it all feels perfectly right.  My husband has one older sibling and hasn't quite mastered the art of hopping in and out of multiple conversations...or tuning it all out for a little "me space".  Either way, I've set up a quiet spot in the studio where you and my fluffy little buddy can sip a cup of tea, gaze out the window and let the chocolate do it's thing. 

Don't you just love my tea cosy? Quinn's Crochet Corner made it for me!

I set out the double handled cup for you. It was designed as a bouillon cup. My mother used to make it to build up our strength if we were sick. The two handles were also used for the infirm or elderly to make it easier to hold the cup for tea. I figure it as a safety measure in case there's a heavy slice of lemon and a little dram or two in your second cuppa. Don't want to lose your grip now do you?

Anyway, I trust you enjoy the company of friends and family every time you are together and keep it as a treasured memory. I do. 

What's in your cup?

 Sunday usually involves taking a little time out to slow down, reflect, enjoy a cup of --------(fill in the blank). And then enjoy an art break. Whether it's the contents or the cup itself, why not make a sketch of your favorite?

Art in a cup! Make it, paint it, drink it!

 Coffee or tea? Cappuccino or Darjeeling? A cozy white mug or a delicate heirloom china cup?

Section of my sketches from last Friday. See full two page spread here.

Tip: Make two: one to use as your model and one to sip while you paint. Otherwise, trying to wait for your treat while you paint is just too much to ask on a Sunday!

Tea with WIsk at One Spirit Garden

I added more sketches as the dishes kept coming

It was the perfect late summer day, between 11am and 1:30pm at One Spirit Garden on Whidbey Island. I am grateful to Whidbey Island sketchers for allowing me to join them for sketching, chatting, laughing and tea. There were 18 or 19 of us. Some found a spot in the garden or at a table on the covered deck, while Glo, the owner and her assistant treated us to a fabulous afternoon of pampering. You two outdid yourselves! Thank you!

Two page spread in my Stillman & Birn Beta Sketchbook-Micron Pen and Watercolor

I chose Glo's homemade crust-less cheesecake for dessert. Hard choice from the other delicacies offered, like hummingbird cake, rich chocolate bundt cake, another one with carrots, pecans and a lemon drizzle, I think!!!!!! By this time, I had to decide between finishing my cheesecake or my sketch of it. I opted for half of  each.