Sleigh Bells

 

It has been cold here lately in Central Alabama: we've even had a few snow flurries.  I've been reminded of the coldest I've ever been in my life: a nocturnal sleigh ride to a "cowboy cookout" in Breckenridge, Colorado many years ago.  The name of the dinner and ride was called 2 Below Zero; that should've been a warning that I was going to freeze my butt off.  

I remember it as if it were yesterday:  We dressed warmly and boarded the one horse open sleigh that held about 4-6 people.  On board there were two skins for warmth that covered maybe two people.  There was a lot of pulling and tugging on them, if I recall!  We took the sleigh up the mountain where we were anticipating a delicious cowboy steak cookout.  Everyone in our party skipped lunch because we knew we would be fed well on the mountain.  During the ascent, we were offered champagne.  Did I mention we were freezing?  The champagne was politely declined.  As beautiful as the scenery was, the light breeze made the wind chill almost unbearable, and it seemed to take forever to reach our destination: a mess tent where dinner would be cooked and served.  Fortunately for our frozen selves there were warm cast iron stoves inside.  Toasty!

I can remember that the dinner was excellent: Everyone in our party enjoyed it. Having been warmed by the stoves, delicious food, and hot cocoa, the descent was faster and more bearable.  I would do it again, only wear more layers!  The ride up and down the mountain truly was beautiful and fun; I can remember the sound of the sleigh bells, too.  I found these sleigh bells on the internet and drew them in honor of cold weather fun.  

I'm still enjoying my silverpoint sketchbook.

You can read about it HERE.

Can you remember the coldest you've ever been in your life?  Please share it with us in the comments section below.

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

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Baubles and Bells

 

Pre-primed silverpoint paper is expensive.  I wish I could afford to draw on my favorite paper everyday, but I can't.  Imagine my surprise and excitement when I found a silverpoint drawing journal/sketchbook on Etsy: I was thrilled!  The name of the Etsy store is Pulp4Papers.  I am so pleased with my journal.  Here are the qualities I love most about it:

1.  The paper quality is very good, and there is a little bit of tooth to it.

2.  The handmade cover is so pretty and sturdy: it will hold up well in a bag or backpack.

3.  The journal opens-up flat.  This is a feature I always want in a sketchbook or journal.

I have no complaints about it at all, and I highly recommend the books if you are interested in practicing silverpoint drawing.  

I found shiny objects in the studio including satin ribbon, craft bells, and Christmas ornaments.

I love how portable silverpoint is because we like to go back and forth to the lake.  Now all I have to take are my stylus and sketchbook.  Before, I was worried about my loose paper getting bent or creased. I will probably use the sketchbook for practice and then use my drawing paper once I find interesting subjects I've practiced in the sketchbook first.

Christmas was a sad time for us this year as we were not allowed to attend church and celebrate the birth of our Savior.  I probably should've created more art because it would've made me feel better about the isolation from my church family and lack of Christmas activities with friends.  This is the first page in my sketchbook, and it was nice to see 2020 end.  I have no way of knowing what 2021 will bring: things could get worse.  But I'm hopeful!  I refuse to give-up on the things important to me and my family.

What are your hopes for 2021?

Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill

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