Pastels Are Retired

As this Pandemic wears on my enthusiasm for the pastel medium has waned.  Tried to paint several times, however they did not flow, or ask to be framed. So, last week I packed them all away, to be discovered again someday.  My creative soul has moved to paper, yes paper.  Many years ago I made all my own cards, even 100's at Christmas. And Origami has always been a fun diversion.  Have you folded the good luck crane?  I have folded 100's of those. I also love maps and have many, just setting here waiting for.....What?  

So my first endeavor was the Kusudama Flower, created from the Wyoming State Map.  

           Begin with a 4 inch square and fold 5 petals.  Instruction on link below.

We love to travel so this little bouquet enlivens the shelf where some art is displayed.  Damn Wind is Don's iconic photo and the Wyoming state flower, the Indian Paint Brush, is a pastel painting from the past. 

I crafted a stem out of wire and wrapped it with glue soaked map paper as I couldn't find my green floral tape.  I am committed to using all the supplies I have on hand.  The bead is the Tagaua nut, a souvenir, from our South America/Antarctic cruise.  Try this at home.

    

A New World Order

Nothing like self quarantine to refocus our day to day existence.  Don and I have worked puzzles, played cards, read, binged on streaming services.  We walk when the weather cooperates.  We are shopping once a week, carefully.  I am in touch with our friends across the world. Several were on cruises, cut short and amazing stories on how how got back home.  Cousin Donna is stitching masks.  Kristin and Michael are adjusting to their sequestration by offering yoga online via zoom.  Jim, Liz and all the boys are all home working.   Our neighborhood did chalk art in their driveway.  We created a labyrinth. 
So it made sense to pull out the pastels and begin again. 

Sun Seeker 9x12 Pastel

Fresh Cut 6x8 pastel

My gallery is still open.  Check out Deselm's Fine Art.  Stay well.