Bibliosophy Handmade

a little art-away

ETA: I wrote this post over three years ago, and, two children later......we visited the IMA again.  Always such a pleasure.

Sewing, by Louis Ritman (1889-1963)

 

Sunlit Window

We went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art last weekend with Little Guy, and I have found my new favorite artist, a little known American painter, Louis Ritman.  The picture above, Sunlit Window is in the IMA's permanent collection, and is a beautiful study of patterns and light.  The coloring of this image does not do it justice.  Nearly every area of the painting, from her skirt, to the tablecloth, to the plant leaves, Ritman has treated as a kind of stylized pattern.  It's wonderful to see in person!

And his painting, Sewing...!  It is my perfect painting, from the subject matter, to the clashing colors and background patterns....I love it.  Why have I never seen his work before? I believe these colors will be influencing my spring and summer wardrobe plans...

The Little Guy enjoyed his art too, particularly the paintings of babies and their mothers.  It's so sweet to hear him squeal as he recognizes other little beings like himself!

What are some of your favorite little known artists?

Vintage Children's Book Fridays

I decided recently it would be fun to do a little link-up party every Friday to share quality children's book suggestions.  Our family has been fortunate enough to find some great reads for the under 4 years set, but we are always looking for more to add to our favorites.  Please share a book that you and your family love, and let's say it has to have been published before 1980 (I can't stand to qualify myself as vintage yet:).  Write up a post on your blog, with pretty pictures of course, the illustrations are so important, and leave a link to your specific post in the comments.  Hopefully we will all benefit with some new titles!  Please grab the linky button in the sidebar to display on your blog.

So, today, I bring you Cowboy Small, by Lois Lenski.

Published in 1949, Cowboy Small tells the simple story of a cowboy and his horse Cactus.  There is great terminology in the book, as well as a glossary in the front to explain any unfamiliar terms.  The perfect length book for 2 and 3 year olds, it has bright, engaging illustrations.

The endpapers are some of my favorites of all time, with a labeled picture of Cowboy Small, Cactus, and all their gear and tools.

Cowboy Small is one of a series of Mr. Small books by Lois Lenski, and luckily most of them are still in print.  I first found this at our local library, along with Policeman Small, Papa Small, The Little Train (Engineer Small), The Little Airplane (Pilot Small), and The Little Auto.  These are lovely books for little boys, with educational pictures, and a requisite amount of adventure. 

Link up in the comments if you like, and check back next Friday for another vintage literary find.  Happy Weekend!

 

Snowy Village

More fun with salt dough lanterns....they sparkle in the sunlight, and glow at night.  A new winter tradition, I think.

Slow Weekend

We recovered from Thanksgiving with a quiet weekend at home.  A football binge for Dad, and some arts and crafts for the kids and I.  I purchased Jean's latest e-book, The Artful Winter, and knew immediately that we had to make the salt-dough lantern.  How brilliant!  And what a great replacement for the ever-frustrating gingerbread house.  We decorated our house with glass beads as she suggests, with a coating of diluted white glue and snowy glitter.  Love it!  I am now envisioning a whole little Christmas village of snowy glowy houses, yes?

Rhythm of the Home

 
We are finding new rhythms in our home as we wait for our little girl, and will no doubt be finding even more once she arrives.  Meantime, I'm trying to keep cool, and keep the other babies happy.  Today though, I'm going to be enjoying the new edition of Rhythm of the Home, and gathering some ideas for later in the summer.  I have an article in this issue about creating a keepsake art portfolio to fill with your child's artwork.  You can check it out here, and enjoy!  Also be sure to enter the giveaway on their blog for some beautiful items.

Yarn Along

 
Well, my posts here are few and far between as we wait for #3.  My energy with two other little ones 2 and under is waning, and there is only enough for simple things these days.  I told my husband yesterday, I only have fight in me for about 10 toddler battles a day; our son won the 11th battle yesterday, and got to wear his slippers out to dinner, in the rain:) 

But knitting is still a comfort, and I'm working on a pretty sweater for my oldest girl for the fall, Springtime in Hollis.  I'm really loving the Dream in Color Classy yarn still, and I have some more in the stash for a matching sweater, in a different color, for her new little sister.

And still reading Adam Bede, usually in the bathtub, which I am again enjoying as our weather has turned cool again.  I also picked up Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer; what a great reminder of the privilege it is to live freely and fellowship with other Christians.  We are blessed.

Looking forward to seeing what others are knitting and reading at Ginny's...

Simple days

 
 
 
 
Simple meals....stuffed pretzel recipe found here; absolutely delicious and everything could be found in leftovers or the pantry

Simple projects....watercolor painted wooden Easter eggs

And simple play....who knew a $1 bag of plastic eggs would provide such hours of amusement?

We're keeping it simple as we head into the last 7 weeks of waiting for this new baby! 

A little break

 
I will be away from this space this week, as we enjoy a visit with family!  I look forward to rejoining you the next week, after Palm Sunday, and sharing my newest knitting pattern, seen in Friday's post. 

This Moment

Joining Soulemama with a moment from our week.... 
 

This Moment

 
Joining Soulemama with a moment from our week....

Don't forget to enter my giveaway from yesterday for a chance to win a copy of my newest pattern "Aubrey"!