Secrets of Paris Newsletter

Here is another great site if you are a francophileSecrets of Paris Newsletter. Go have a peek...I think she updates the newsletter every couple of weeks...and you can have the newsletter sent directly to your inbox if you would like.

Paris' Urban Graffiti

If you have ever been to Paris and walked around any of the 'regular' neighborhoods you might have come across some amazing graffiti. The graffiti in Paris is different than the graffiti you might see in a US city...In Paris the graffiti is made up of detailed stenciling and sometimes political commentary. Take a look at Paris Pochoirs - Au rendez-vous des pochoirtistes and see what I mean. It is in French, but you should be able to figure it all out by clicking on different headings. Also check out Roswitha Guillemin's journals of Paris graffiti.

*update* After further exploration of this topic...I have found that there is indeed traditional graffiti in Paris as shown on FatCap Graffiti. Check it out!! So the graffiti mentioned above is called pochoir...if anyone knows any other sites to check out...drop me a comment.

Tour de France

Well, today was the day I have been waiting for all summer. Okay-not really, but it sounded good. Take a look here to see what is happening on "THE TOUR". GO LANCE!!!

Voila la Crepe

Jun_20_002
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

the other entry for the Everyday Matters Challenge...number 7, which was draw a bottle, tin or box from your kitchen.

Everyday Matters Challenges-You get 4 for 1

Everyday Matters Challenges 4 for 1
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

For just one peek you get FOUR challenges...I am trying to play catch-up on the everyday matters group. So here are my entries for challenge numbers 8, 11, 13 and 16. Which were a watch, glasses, telephone and a tool. Enjoy. Click on the photo for a bigger picture. Thanks for looking.

New Paris Photo Site

Since the photographer at Paris Photo Journal has decided to take an extended vacation...I give you
Paris, One Photo a Day. Take a look.(Via A Day in Paris and then An American's View of Paris)All of these blogs should be on your "daily visits" list if you are a francophile.

Need I say 'Amour'?

paris 080
Originally uploaded by ddotpalmer.

Found this on Flickr...ddotpalmer's photo blog. Check out their other Paris photos.

Finished Quilty Round Robin

Finished Quilty Round Robin
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

This quilty returned home quite a while ago, but I am just now having time to scan, adjust and post. So here it is...the finished product. The artists who added beads and trim, etc...were L. Cook, K. Henderson, S. Luck and J. Stroyeck. Didn't they do a great job. And of course, like everything else, it looks superb in person.

Oh la la! My Paris trips

This website Oh la la! My Paris trips is absolutely fabulous if you love Paris or are planning a trip. So have a little peek and daydream of walking next to the Seine eating a baguette. OHHHHHHHLLLLLLLAAAALAAAAAA!

sketchel's-customized satchel show

You have got to check out this website about sketchel's! What a great idea. Lots of great links to other websites to look at also. A websurfers dream. This site was originally posted on Moleskinerie. Let me know what you think.

Wendy Hale Davis

Okay, now you are wondering...who the heck is she talking about! In order to learn more about this great journal writer, check out wendy hale davis. Her journals are superb. I first saw her work in the fabulous book, Making Journals by Hand. Maybe you remember? Her pages are divided into columns with great writing and lettering. Sometimes she adds in little drawings. Now you are starting to remember. Go dig your book out and take a look and then check out her website.

Poisson-d'Avril-postcard

Poisson-d'Avril-postcard
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

A lovely vintage French postcard commemorating Poisson d'Avril...these are lots of fun to collect.

Happy Poisson d'Avril or where did April's Fools Day go?

A few years ago when my mom and I were in Paris we found a paper fish in the gutter. What is this we wondered outloud?? We did realized that it was April Fool's Day, but I guess I was assuming that only American's celebrated...something like a Hallmark holiday. duh,WRONG! Anyway, we also noticed as the day went on that there were fancy chocolate fish in the chocolatier windows and school children with poisson(fish) on their backs. So when we got home we decided to look up this holiday and Voila...Poisson d'Avril is now a part of our yearly celebrations! Go take a look here to learn more.Poisson d'Avril History and Games

French Mail Artists

If you are looking for some inspiration in the mail art department, then be sure to take a look at Christine LE ROY. Her artwork is definitely unique. The French mail artists have a style all their own.(Sort of Nick Bantockish, but more...if that is possible.) It is in the placement of their postage stamps and the way they roll the addresses around the envelope....I don't really know how to describe it so be sure to look for yourselves...
and be sure to visit her friend's site Roswitha GUILLEMIN Equally as impressive. After you visit roswitha's mail art contributions, be sure to click on carnets which are her journals.

EM Weekly Challenge - Bed

EM Bed Challenge
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

This is a pen drawing of my bed. Didn't quite get the proportions right because I ran out of room on a 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper. Go figure...Have to practice getting that right. Now for a bit of visualizing...imagine if you you will...green checked sheets, lace bedskirt and a purple toile comforter..and white iron bed...now you've got it!!!
Now to ponder next week's challenge...a favorite childhood item or toy...

a little quilty

Beginnings of a Round Robin Quilty
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

so here we have a partial view of the beginning to a "quilty". I made this square for a round robin project in which other artists will add fabric or fibers to the piece and in a few weeks I will get the square back a bit more elaborate than when it left me. I will try to remember to post a pix when it returns.

EM Challenge-Favorite Cup

EM-Challenge-Cup-3-5-2005
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

I finally got around to drawing my favorite cup for the EM Weekly Challenge. The reason it took me so long is because I don't drink coffee or hot tea, so I don't have a reason to have a favorite cup or mug. And I did NOT want to draw a glass of iced tea(definitely too much of a challenge at this point)...so I had to look through all the cups that I own in my china cabinet and come up with something. Voilá...a mug bought in Paris with little French drawings and writings...it fits right in with all the Paris comments lately. Note: The little blue thing floating above the cup is actually the china mark from the bottom.
Technical info: same as last week. Vision Elite pen and prismacolor pencils

Another virtual visit to Paris

This is another great French website...
PagesJaunes : Photos de Villes On this site you are able to pick a street and then 'walk down' it as you look at the buildings. So click on the link and then plug in your favorite Parisian street and take a virtual walk. For example, when you get to the first page pick Ville: Paris, No.: 3, rue: quai Voltaire and you will end up in front of Sennelier, the famous art supply shop! (Other French cities are also available.)

armchair traveling

I suppose I should mention(for those of you that are visiting my blog and know nothing about me) that I love Paris(as in France). I know, I know, everyone that has been to Paris falls in love with Paris...but this is serious. I won't go into how serious and whether I need intervention or not, but suffice it to say that I will now share my addiction with you and periodically add an entry or two devoted to Paris. Or better yet, how to travel by cyberspace for a visit. To the right I have a couple of websites and blogs that can take you there for a minute or two...but I would like to also point you in the direction, if you are so inclined, to a few other places I have found on this gigantic world wide web. So pack your virtual bags...we are off...

If you are interested in cemeteries, more importantly, Père Lachaise, then be sure to take a look at this site. This photographer will take you on a virtual tour of some of the most beautiful statuary to be found in this famous cemetery.

EM Challenge #3

My current purse
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

Here is my current purse(drawn for the everyday matters challenge). It is the latest in my search to find the perfect purse/bag/sac. For now it will do, as it is denim(even though you can't tell it from my interpretation) and it goes with my wardrobe, which happens to be denim jeans. so a perfect fit, but that does not mean that it won't be replaced tomorrow if 'THE BAG' comes along.
technical info:
prismacolor pencils
canson scrapbook paper(yuck-too textured)
uniball vision elite pen

Cherry Garcia Box

Cherry Garcia Box
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

favorite secret treat...prismacolor pencils on canson scrapbook paper

EM Weekly Challenge #2

desk-lamp
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

I keep thinking this lamp looks like it is getting ready to eat something. I am not thrilled with this drawing, but since I am determined to draw, learn and move on I am posting it. I think the problem is that I drew it almost life size, not good! And so lesson learned...draw smaller. It if doesn't look any better at least it will be cutier.

Picking Up Rocks - Paris site to visit

Now I love picking up rocks and other fodder off the ground as much as the next person, but a recent article on Bonjour Paris
sheds new light on the subject.

The article states that if you like to pick up rocks or run sand through your fingers then Atelier N'O is the store for you. Sounds like this is a store that the character Amélie would love...21, av Daumesnil, 75012

"Thou canst not mean the wenches?"

"Thou canst not mean the wenches?"
Originally uploaded by kelley123.

a Valentine collage....The tiny writing to the left of the woman is the title of this piece....

tennis-shoe-1

tennis-shoe-1
Originally uploaded by abeillemere.

Here is my drawing for the EM Weekly Challenge...my Avia Tennis shoe...

As it was in the beginning....

So you are HERE and you are wondering "WHY?" and to you I reply..."WHY NOT?" This is my first foray into the blog-o-sphere. And yes, I see you cringing, because I cannot even get the terminology right. But bear with me and I shall continue to massacre it before your very eyes.

Check back later. I am hoping to post some of my drawings on the net...so that I can share with others from the http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everydaymatters/. If you are into drawing in your journals, then this is the group for you.