What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
I finished my set of mandalas, and did another batch of Celtic knots, all with backgrounds created with Distress Oxides, and the motifs coloured with Tombow Dual markers.
However, before I forget again: the answers to the Bird Quiz that I shared with you a couple of weeks ago.
- Pheasant
- Curlew
- Corn Bunting
- Nightingale (one of my favourites!)
- Spoonbill
- Kittiwake (my other favourite!)
- Toucan
- Kingfisher
- Nightjar
- Waxwing
- Nuthatch
- Magpie
How many did you get? I struggled with 7 until my hubby gave me a pretty veiled hint, and 11, which I got eventually, by taking a closer look.
Anyway, to the business of the week – what’s on my workdesk!
Mandalas
The colouring of the four small quadrants, all of the same design, were the least satisfactory, I think. When I first did them, I hated them and was about to bin them, but adding a bit of shadow helped, and the following day I decided I quite liked them after all.
They were a bit small to work with, really, and not the best examples of the set.
Moving up in size, I coloured three of my complete mandala drawings. The first was the Spiral Mandala, in pink and yellow.
Next, the Floral Mandala, using similar colours. In this one, I coloured the small circles with dark blue which added a bit of emphasis.
Finally, the Fleur de Lys Mandala, in two different colours. First, in blue, with a touch of yellow. This one is quite subtle.
Second, in a green and gold colour scheme.
The final two mandalas were also quadrants, in the same design (Fleur de Lys), but larger than the first set. The first one was the rainbow one.
The second was a turquoise and brown colour scheme. Here, I have already made this one up into a card topper with some matting and layering with some card from my stash.
I then went ahead and made this up into a card to send to an old friend of ours whose wife has just died. There was a message of sympathy inside.
I cut a small piece from the turquoise cardstock and gold heat-embossed the sentiment. I made an envelope which I inked around the edges with co-ordinating colours (Distress Inks).
The envelope was lined with more of the same spotted cardstock on the card front.
I thought this was an appropriate design for a bereavement card for a man; not too flowery, and the colour scheme not too feminine. Also, they had visited Nepal and India a number of years ago and I thought he might like the mandala design.
I think these drawn, printed and hand-coloured motifs make very nice card toppers, with some matting and layering in co-ordinating colours and the addition of a sentiment and matching envelope.
More Celtic knots
I found a few more sets of the small Celtic knot motifs on my desk, printed and coated with white gesso and ready for embellishment, so I decided to colour another set.
Here they are after their initial inking, using Distress Oxides. The outlines of the Celtic knots are just visible.
On some of them, I spattered on some water, left it to sit for a minute or two, and then blotted it off.
Once they were dry, I lifted the ink from the motifs, using a fine wet brush and dabbing with kitchen paper.
The next step was to colour the motifs using my Tombow Dual markers. I tried to keep this set quite subtle, echoing the colour of the backgrounds as I coloured the motifs.0
Knitted Bunting
What with all the cooking and painting I’ve been doing this week, I haven’t had a lot of time for knitting, just picking it up and doing the odd row now and then. I have been working on a plain dark blue one which is going to have white crochet flowers appliquéd onto it.
Food
Recipe of the week
To coin a phrase: “And now for something completely different”: Banana Curry! This one came from the Co-op’s free Food Magazine for February, and my hubby has been chivvying me to make this ever since he brought the magazine home.
I know, it sounds really bizarre! – but my hubby and I loved it! Definitely one to go in the Favourites list. Really easy to make, too. I had some frozen bananas that I wanted to use up, and some of these did go a bit too mushy, but there were plenty more banana chunks that retained their texture. I served it on a bed of brown rice with a good dollop of home-made live natural yoghurt on top.
Other cooking
We had the second serving of the Kale Caesar Salad that I featured last week, and this time, I remembered to stir in the croutons before serving. (I didn’t mix all the croutons in when I first made it, because I knew these would go soggy after a couple of days in the fridge.) This is what it was supposed to look like.
My hubby brought me the latest free Co-op Food Magazine for April, and I made their Spanish Style Smokey Salad, which was very good. I had not cooked lettuce before. I did this in my sauté pan rather than under the grill and it seemed to work very well. The smokiness comes from smoked paprika. This might as well feature as a second Recipe of the Week for this week!
The Co-op’s free magazine has excellent recipes in it every month. They are imaginative, and suit many tastes. There are always plenty of vegetarian and vegan recipes, too.
Kitties
There is no accounting for kitties, we are always saying. Why do they suddenly adopt a new favourite place, for no apparent reason? The knitting wool box is now mostly out of favour, although in the early part of the week I got the odd picture of them using it.
Ruby has decided the best place now is one of the little houses on the cat tree in the flat. When she’s not in the garden, that is where she’s spending most of her time, which also means I haven’t had so many cuddles with her of late!
One day, though, she decided to make herself useful, and helped my hubby in his office.
Lily likes to go on my fleece blanket if I’ve tossed it onto the back of the settee.
Not a great choice of sleeping place because she keeps getting disturbed when I want the blanket! (My beautiful quilt is rolled up underneath. When I was undergoing cancer treatment 5 years ago, a wonderful lady in the USA contacted me via my blog and said she wanted to make me a chemo quilt – a quilty hug! What a generous gift.)
Lockdown News
We are highly delighted that Boris, our Prime Minister, is now out of hospital, and recovering at Chequers, the official country residence of the PM. He gave a moving speech on TV when he was first discharged from hospital, thanking the wonderful NHS staff individually by name, for saving his life. In his own words, “it could have gone either way.” It was certainly touch and go for a few days. We wish him a speedy and full recovery, and a soon return to Number 10 to resume his official duties – but not before he’s fully recovered! He’s got a lot of hard work ahead of him and we don’t want him falling by the wayside again.
Good news also that Prince Charles has fully recovered from the virus, and the Queen and Prince Philip are still safe and well. The Queen also gave a moving speech to the nation, to encourage us all in isolation, ending with the words of the famous song made famous by Dame Vera Lynn in World War II, “We’ll Meet Again,” which also encouraged a very troubled nation at a time of national and international crisis. Dame Vera is now 103 years old.
On a personal note – not much change! My hubby continues to work hard in the garden and around the house, fixing things, going out for food shopping when necessary, etc. The other day he took down the very grubby net curtains from the sitting room window and after I’d washed them, he put them back up again – I can’t reach that high up! (Our ceilings are very high.) What a difference! Despite the double glazing, I think quite a lot of dirt from the traffic comes in; we are very close to the road at the front of the house. I continue to struggle to get Tesco delivery slots and after this week, have two weekend ones booked (one is on a Sunday, which I don’t really approve of, but in these bizarre circumstances, we have to compromise a bit!). It’s all very uncertain, whether they will have on the day, what I’ve ordered in advance. Toilet paper seems to be more available now, but pasta and flour are still very hard to come by. Not too much of a problem with fruit and veg, but lettuces are pretty rare – at least, the nice dark green nutritious ones. I’m not a fan of iceberg lettuces which have little goodness in them…
We had lunch in the garden for the first time this week, down in the patio, which is too hot during the summer unless we have the umbrella. The kitties were out and about, keeping us company, and rolling about on the warm concrete.
I can’t remember the last time I left the house and garden!! My little world is all here – everything I need and want. My hubby, the kitties, our lovely home and garden, plenty to do (almost too much!), lots of contact via phone and Internet with family and friends, cooking, my studio and endless creative possibilities, plenty to read, TV… I consider myself to be very blessed, and feel for those whose lives are not so conducive to being locked down – the lonely, the sick, the elderly and disabled living alone; those in tiny flats with lots of children, domestic abuse, fear of job loss, financial worries… Our thoughts and prayers go out for them.
I hope you all had a very happy Easter. My hubby bought me a nice big chocolate Easter egg. This is a real treat as I don’t eat stuff like that any more, but it’s traditional after all! (That’s my excuse, anyway…) I am rationing myself and savouring every bite.
Continue to keep safe, everyone, and keep cheering us up by sharing your lovely photos of your creativity and your beautiful surroundings.
Morning Shoshi. Goodness, the number 1 slot. Well done with all those printed designs you had made. They look good now they are coloured. Short comments this week as I need to get down to the painting and decorating… can’t leave gloss painting until late in the day, or it isn’t dry before bedtime…
Take care. Stay safe. God bless.
Margaret #6
The manadalas came out really well. I particularly like the floral one and the fleur de lys sections. Just right for that sympathy card. Ruby looks so cute in her house. I will have to check out that magazine from the Co-op, the recipes sound interesting. I have to venture out to the post office later and it will be the first time I have left the house in ages. Meow to Lily and Ruby, stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah #7
Happy WOYWDW
WOW what a lot of lovely work it must have taken an age, Love the colours they are all striking. Love the cats they look so cosy,
Lilian B #8
Ooh what gorgeous pieces – the mandalas and celtic knots are all beautifully coloured and I like the subtlety of your shading. The card topper is perfect and I love how you matched the envelope to it – little touches like that are really classy.
Lovely pics of the kitties – it’s so nice they have a secure garden to go out into as I heard recently that cat owners are being encouraged to keep them indoors as they can pick up the virus. All quite scary and not very nice for the poor cats. Yours look like they are getting 5 star treatment!
Hope you have a good week, stay safe and well,
Diana x #16
Well done on completing all the mandalas and I really like how you have adapted one for the card. Always nice to have a new recipe and even better when it is liked by all. Hello to kitties and stay safe in your little haven.
Sandra de @10
I love the mandalas – that card is beautiful! Well done on getting the food deliveries – I guess we just have to go with it. I am also okay with being in lock down although i do go out once a week – to get supplies as so have not been able to get a delivery for a while. Luckily , we will in the country so not that many people about. Take care Soojay#19
I like the bird quiz and did quite well on it! I see what you’ve done with the shading on the mandalas and you’re right, that together with the outlining has transformed them. They really do make for great card toppers, suitable for many uses!
Hugs LLJ 5 xxx
And my little world is here! I am beginning to worry I won’t ever want to leave the house again. Still keeping well apart from my continuous cough (I’ve had it years – damaged easophagus (Sp?) due to reflux) but it does seem worse at the mo, probably aggravated by tree pollen. Another reason not to venture out!! You have been so busy, myachievements pale in comparison. Well, you learn something new every day – cooked lettuce? I guess it’s not much difference to spinach but seems wrong!! Love the kitty photos as ever. and ytour mandalas are awesome. I am not sure I would have that much patience for colouring though. Good to hear you are keeping well and hopefully sane. Stay Well, Stay safe, Happy WOYWW Cindy #12
Hi Shoshi, like you I’ve not left the house for weeks. If I didn’t have crafting and reading, I’d be climbing the walls about now! Love the colouring you’ve done with the mandalas- they’re beautiful. And yes, such a perfect idea for a sympathy card, especially for a man to receive. The kitties are so funny, aren’t they? Stay safe, love & hugs to yyou both, Shaz #8 XxXxX
Lovely artwork and I had fun doing the bird quiz. I am going to try out the banana curry and will look out for more Co-op recipe books too. Thanks for sharing your post with us. xx Jo #13
just having a “speedy” (ha ha lol) run round some desks in my ever shortening lunch break…. love the cartoon birds! Glad you are bearing up. So am I really but it gets a bit much all this solitary confinement!! Have as good a week as you can Helen #4
I’m sorry, I can’t get past the Banana Curry!! Wish I had a Co-Op nearby, the magazine sounds an interesting read.
I remembered Bread and Butter pudding the other day …. made the recipe up as I went, turned out more egg custard with bread and sultanas I think!!!
PJ has slowed right down along with me, he had CV19 not long after me but much milder, Praise God.
Stay safe, keep experimenting and hugs to you both.
Christine #22
Hi Shoshi, great post today. Mandalas are gorgeous and the kitties are doing well. Sounds like you’re finding plenty to keep you occupied too. Take care and have a lovely creative woyww, Angela x17x
Sorry I missed you last week, I went back to read last’s weeks blog to see how you made your exquisite mandalas! They are SO beautiful! I will check out the Procreate app! Your Celtic knots turned out well too, I love the blue/green one! Of course, the best part of this post are the cutest kitties in the UK! We have a similar cat tree in our living room for Inky and Mittsy. Inky has slept in the box a couple of times, Mittsy only once (because Inky did, of course!). The two of them in the knitting box are too cute! Glad you are enjoying the outdoors, still way too cold here for any of that! And you seem to be becoming a world class gourmet cook! Have a great week, enjoy your chocolate bunny, Lindart #28
Hello Shoshi, I started writing my comment two hours ago, but the BT engineer came to fix the line. He wasn’t wearing a mask and came right into the lounge as he said he wanted to check everything indoors first! We were not expecting him to come in at all! Anyway he said the wire on the house was the problem and he has relocated the hub and hall phone, to the dining room. I am not sure how convenient that is going to be, we will just have to see. One of the connections was in my workroom, so a load of stuff had to come out, yet to go back ?. Enough of me –
Your art is just fabulous ? You have managed to get such depth, My favourite is the gold one, closely followed by the pretty coloured one. This is something I would really like to have a go at.
Can’t leave without a word about you beautiful kitties. They seem to have been exploring different places this week. Love the picture of her(?) looking out of the cat game, they are so similar in appearance, but probably not to you. Sending love Angela #24
Gorgeous mandalas and celtic knots. So pretty when they are coloured in. Sorry for the late and rapid visit – it has been back to work and school at home here today sadly. Happy WOYWW. Stay safe! With love and God Bless, Caro x (#3)
Oh great work with your mandalas and Celtic knots, they look wonderful, and the card for your friend is just the job. Loving the way you echoed the background in colouring the knots. And erg, what’s the syn value of the banana curry, it sounds fab!
Hi there Shoshi, well done on your post full of news love you colouring wonderful work with the DI Tombows etc ..l cooking a success and as always cute kitties.
Yes do feel for so many not copping so well in lockdown I’m very busy too but do miss church and family too …
Thanks for being a blessing, and may God bless you too, especially in these troubled times, may we look up in faith! Praying you’re all kept well too!
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x ?
{Wonderful Words of Life – Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards – Shaz in Oz}
Hi Shoshi
I’ve been chuckling at your spilling the beans facts over on my little blog. It’s been fun what people have come up with heehee.
Your post today is so lovely and colourful, just what needed.
I hope you keep well.
See you next week
Lynn xxx
Your mandalas make great card toppers I love the colours also. Your kitties are beautiful all mine does these days is sleep and eat! Now banana curry that does sound interesting. The other dishes remind me of typical Spanish dishes. Have a good week and stay healthy. Ani #15
Shoshi, I’m sorry I’m trying another web browser last night and got two error messages after leaving a long comment saying I was not permitted to comment on this blog.. or some such.
Lovely colouring, cooking and well done on friends card too, good to make a project up that quickly … love your kitties too..
Now we will see if I’m allowed to comment!
Lovely desky share sorry I’m late…
Thanks for being a blessing, and may God bless you too, especially in these troubled times, may we look up in faith! Praying you’re all kept well too!
Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x ? #23
{Wonderful Words of Life – Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards – Shaz in Oz}
Good morning, Shoshi.
I will try once again to post. Keeps telling me I am blocked from your site!
Adorable kitty pictures. I do love kitties. Guess that’s why I have 3 very spoiled babies. LOL
so happy to hear you’re doing well. LIke you, I have everything I need right here.
Love & Hugs! Kelly #26