The Golden Hour

Penelope J. Nicholls

In regards to my painting “Chicago Sunrise”...

I approached my subject as an experimental piece that I’ve had on my mind for a long 

time. I wanted to incorporate gold leaf along with oil paint to help me to express the 

beauty and power of our sunrise over Chicago’s lakefront setting. 

Chicago is depicted in silhouette against a purple (violet) sky. 

The sun magically turns into gold to show its viewers how beautifully we 

complement each other.

Parchment of Many Colors!

Olivia H., 18 months old

Finger paints on parchment, unabashed enthusiasm, zero fear of criticism. 

What's this? What's this?

Clint S., South Bend, IN

This is called my Jack Collection. A stool to accompany these little fellows is in the works.

"Oh, there's an empty place in my bones, that calls out for something unknown." — Jack Skellington

Unexpected Connections

Sara M., South Bend, IN

I have always liked making collages...probably because it's easier than drawing, and I don't really know how to draw! I like to find weird old books at thrift stores and antique shops to use. Ss I learned more about art history, I realized some other reasons that collage is really cool. In surrealism, it's one of the techniques used to tap into one's unconscious and form unexpected connections. It can be used for social commentary and critique. This 1956 work by British artist Richard Hamilton ushered in the Pop Art movement. It's called Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing? and features carefully-selected clippings from American magazines. 

A Rose By Any Other Name!

Erin L., Plymouth, IN

Watercolor exploration results in a relaxing evening. 

Mask Me A Question!

Erin D., South Bend, IN

Mask making is all the rage, not just for the pretty colors and patterns, but because they are so needed. People all over the country are stepping out to help the cause, and so our the residents of St. Joseph County!

The Golden Stitch!

Rachel Y., South Bend, IN

Golden Girls is one of my favorite forms of comfort entertainment, and I'm looking forward to getting this into a frame at some point. It was a pretty quick project, and I got the therapeutic satisfaction of stabbing something over and over again :)

3,2,1... Blast Off!

Amy R., South Bend, IN

To infinity and beyond! Our amazon boxes have come in handy in providing us with materials for our imaginary intergalactic travel adventures. The possibilities are endless with a little packing tape, some cardboard, and a healthy dose of imagination.

Cabinet of Curiosities!

Debbie O., South Bend, IN

I decided to paint the cabinets in my art/craft/office room. I went from a gingham pattern to classic white. I painted the knobs to match the back door hardware. I painted the cabinet doors a gingham pattern using a glazing technique 11 years ago and decided it was time for a change. Change is good!

Pesto Change-O!

Matt H., South Bend, IN

More from the Great Baker, a pesto swirl loaf that whisks you away to a land of delicious goodness and light fluffy delicacies. Imagining how good this tastes is almost as good as having it in reality. Almost. 

UPDATE: Recipe can be found here: Swirled Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

Things Are Heating Up!

Matt H. South Bend, IN

The competition between Matt and his sister continues! This artisan loaf made from his sourdough starter, Hestia, is a perfect 10!

Collaged in Your Own Image!

Dana L., South Bend, IN

Collage and Draw...

Create your own greeting cards!

Your Friends and Relatives will 

be thrilled to receive them. 

supplies:

Paper 8.5x11 - folded to card size 

Color pencils

Ink Pen

Magazines, catalogs, paper scraps

glue stick

Snow Fun!

Julie C., South Bend IN

Dwight Schrute snow fun!  I couldn't resist.  I named my cat after him too.

A Bicycle Built for You!

Patrice D., South Bend, IN

Enjoy this video guide to a beautiful new watercolor painting!

Finding Friends in New Places!

Miss Sandy, South Bend, IN

DIY Pencil Decorating - Parents & Kids 

Tired of your boring, blah school pencils?  Then jazz and bling your pencils!!  Use any craft supplies you can find at home and tape. Simple, low mess and lots of possibility to create.  

Ms Sandy 

Sibling Rivalry at it's Sweetest!

Matt H., South Bend, IN

Since the start of quarantine I've probably doubled the amount of time I can devote to all of my lovely hobbies. The biggest one has been baking with my sourdough, Hestia. One of the things we've made are cinnamon rolls, among many other baked items. We've had an ongoing competition with my sister in Madison and things have only been heating up with the stay at home order. 

Ignite the Spark!

Grimm Esme, South Bend, IN

I've been itching to do something productive with my time. I've always had four dreams in life. 1. Work at a library (check). 2. Work with animals (check). 3. Become a published author (not there just yet). And 4. Open my own business selling candles, jewelry, soap and other things I hand-make. Well, this lock up made me take the plunge and start mass producing candles to fill the time and actually take steps towards my business. Here's the progress so far!

Rooting for the Little Guys!

Erin D., South Bend, IN

Tenderly making these dainty, white and purple flowers in the backyard!

A Tale As Old As Time!

Rachel Y., South Bend, IN

This in-progress cross stitch project brings a smile to the face as it's incompleteness does not distract from it's true nature! Song as old as rhyme...

No Canvas, No Problem!

Dana L., South Bend, IN

Draw On Your Walls...using your own live model

Supplies:

Color Pencils,

A Wall 

A Model

**Disclaimer: You should always ask your parents, spouse, roommate(s), landlord, etc. if you are allowed to draw on your walls BEFORE you plan your masterpiece.**

The Cruel Fuel of Space Duel!

Andy S., Granger, IN

A couple of years ago I wrote a song about my one arcade game, Space Duel. It's about how great the game is and how tricky it is to maintain! 

I performed and recorded the piano part a while ago.

I made the video with PowerPoint and synced everything up in iMovie (including some sound effects from the game...cool!)

Egg-stravagance at it's finest!

Katie W., South Bend

There's nothing that gets your creativity going like trying to figure out how to use up ingredients before they go bad. Why did I end up with a single beet that was slowly shriveling? How can I use this root abomination without eating it? The perfect answer for this time of year was to use it as a natural dye for eggs. 

After some brief investigation I also found turmeric in the pantry that never gets used.

Combining these overlooked ingredients with hot water and a splash of vinegar resulted in a potent dye for some plain looking eggs. The end result was some beautiful pastel colored eggs, no egg dye kit needed! 

Now if only I can figure out what to do with the turnip hiding in the refrigerator...  

Scrappy Little Guy!

Katie S., South Bend

This blanket has been in process for quite awhile. It was started to use up scraps of yarn. Can you tell??

Just Add Paper!

Missy M., South Bend

Finally had time to make an origami tulip after my pup ate the first one!

A Real Puzzler!

Theresa H., South Bend

Rainbow puzzle to lift the spirits! Trying something new-ish, I have been seeing lots of people doing puzzles so I decided to give one a try. I can't decide if it's relaxing or frustrating. It is a nice activity to do to keep my mind and hands busy.

Plastic Bag Poetry Part 2

  Plastic Bag Poem 

Part 2

by Julie Calhoun

March 15 was my last working day

At German with Tisa, Latoya, and Ross I may say.

I  took my blue gloves just in case

But no one donned masks then

So I felt out of place.

What happened next 

Is the world closed down

To workers spread wide 

And even the clowns.

A new invisible agent

That no one can see

Wreaking havoc on lungs

To young, middle, and elderly.

 It’s name is Covid 19 or coronavirus 

Gliding on airways and surfaces

That are porous.

Here’s where the bags come in

I hate to admit

The same ones I resisted 

Are now legit.

At Fresh Thyme reusable bags are banned

To hinder bad Covid germs

Perhaps from home cans.

A man entered this store 

With  Fresh Thyme bags in hand

The manager sternly said,

“Those kind have been banned!”

I felt like the joke was on me!

I couldn’t hardly believe...

Now I choose polyurethane when I pluck

A vessel to carry groceries.

Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!

So, being safe at home with my family nearby,

Catching up with chores, working from home, exercising,

At any time on the fly.

Contacting my senators about bag laws has halted

But we can all keep clean our areas which should be exalted.

One day we’ll return to normal routines

Of play, social interactions and our work teams.

Plastic Bag Poetry Part 1

   Plastic Bag Poem   

by Julie Calhoun

We need to ban these plastic bags

Please pass a bill to hinder harmful environmental pollution

So future generations will honor,  they’re lining our highways, roads, and hard to believe.

Instead of leaves blooming on high,

The colors will surprise you

And you might say “Oh My!”

And not just the trees

That house this new feature,

But the bushes and shrubs trapping God’s creatures.

Waving and trapped

On their branches attached,

Colors of opaque blues, tans and white bags.

The farmers new bumper crop of shredded polyurethane

That shines daily on the city landscape’s wide plain.

How can I change this view?

Personally pick up is what I normally do.

Write letters and voice opinions until I turn blue?

Spread information to others with no clue?

The high winds make it worse

They scatter them EVERYWHERE

Causing me to curse!

So..Until that ban is passed  

Here’s what you can do.

Think conscientiously 

And stick it like glue.

Hoosiers can help by bringing their own

       Recyclable bags to carry their scones.

It takes patience and practice 

To remember those bags

Like tying your shoes

And zigging your zag!

Adventures in Photography!

Brenda H., South Bend

Brenda's photography adventures continue!