-
Mary Cassat’s Girl In The Blue Chair
Rather than share a whole bunch of great paintings from one museum in one post, I decided to share some of the highlights of my museum extravaganza (this past August in Washington DC and NYC) in shorter posts in order to really give credit where credit is due, and to enable us to focus in on several works at a time. Introducing this fabulous painting by American impressionist Mary Cassat (1844-1926) Girl in A Blue Armchair, 1878. Really truly a special painting, and just love the juxtaposition of the girl’s tight rendering versus the loose brushstrokes on the armchair and blanket. Truly stunning, hope you are inspired to take a…
-
American Impressionist Painter: Childe Hassam 1859-1935
I have to be honest, I have a minor’s degree in Art History, and I really don’t recall learning about the amazing painter Childe Hassam. I have a feeling we just skipped over American Impressionism, and that sure is sad, because on my Washington DC museum extravaganza this past August I saw a few Childe Hassam paintings that were just truly captivating. You know the kind of paintings that make someone like me actually stop and take a closer look when I’m speed walking through the museum in order to see it all! It turns out Childe Hassam was quite prolific, so there are many many of his works that…
-
Luncheon Of The Boating Party, Seeing The Real Deal In Washington DC
This Chanukah has been so packed I haven’t even had a moment to wish all my dear readers a wonderful light-filled Chanukah! Now, on this eighth night of Chanukah, called Zot Chanukah, I have realized that it is high time I start sharing photos from our summer adventures, and boy do I have a lot to share! Having written an article about the Hamptons this week, and given that the Hamptons was home to several well known Impressionists, I thought I’d start by sharing with you some of the really great Impressionist art I had the pleasure of seeing in Washington DC this past August. And, since Impressionist painters were…
-
Ten Things To Do In The Hamptons With Kids
It is true, beach season isn’t for another six months, but I encourage you to start thinking about your summer vacation plans now, when most properties have not yet been booked! Yes indeed, now is time to find the vacation rental that suits you perfectly rather than having to choose from what is available by the time you actually get around to planning that vacation. (I’ve certainly been there.) And if you have a special occasion you’d like to celebrate or a family get together is long overdue, all the more reason to start planning early. I love vacation destinations that include the ocean, and I also jump at every…
-
Mini Tassels From T-Shirt Yarn Scraps
If you are like me and hate wasting just about anything, these mini tassels from yarn scraps will be right up your alley! Now of course you could make mini tassels from yarn that isn’t scraps, but using up those little scraps that result after weaving in the ends is oh so satisfying, especially when the result is something as sweet at these multi-color t-shirt yarn tassels! No you won’t have to sigh over leaving ends that are much too long, you can make use of them, and use the resulting tassels for keychains, wall hangings, and even gorgeous gift wrap. Next time you knit or crochet, and especially if…
-
Granny Square Trivet With T-Shirt Yarn
Looking for a quick handmade touch to add to your holiday gift giving? This t-shirt yarn granny square trivet is perfect! Quick to make, useful and even easily re-purposed as a tiny crocheted wall hanging (that is my real plan for this one, if I can find the time to pull it off.) Depending on the content of the t-shirt yarn you use, and the thickness of the yarn, a little beauty like this one can also be a pot holder. Add a little loop at the corner and maybe it is a decorative crocheted pot holder? And trivets are great for protecting furniture, or using as a giant coaster…