October 11, 2010 by Simone
Don’t you love it when you come across a discovery you feel was intended specifically for you? A while back, I was given a treasure box that belonged to an old French woman living in Marseille. The box held years of her crochet handiwork – test samples, personal stitch notes, and bits and pieces from her various hours of exploring. I came across the box this weekend – and was immediately drawn to the purple newsprint pattern. The paper has yellowed and become delicate with age – I believe it’s from the 1950′s. I also noticed something I hadn’t before – a handwritten recipe for Escargot. I need a true French speaker to help me translate, but wouldn’t it be amazing to try out her recipe? I added a picture of my grandfather as well, sitting down with a group of men – probably from the same era as this recipe. He was a Cajun man, born and raised in New Orleans. True to his own French heritage, he was a lover of all meals rich, savory & decadent – escargot of course being one of them.
Categories: sketchbook •
October 4, 2010 by Simone
I had such a great time with this week’s sketchbook post. I turned my kitchen into a (messy) color lab this weekend by test dying a bunch of fabrics. I added some of my favorite color concoctions, below. I love the surprise of how differently the colors take depending on the content blend of the fabrics – any knit with a touch of rayon will shine and glisten, while cotton, for example, acts as much more even overall color absorbent. I honestly could spend days just experimenting! I made the sketch below at a cafe while waiting to meet a friend for brunch. Somehow, colors and shapes always mesh and work together naturally – even if they originally come from a completely different thought process.
Tags: sketchbook
Categories: sketchbook •
September 27, 2010 by Simone
One of my favorite ways to begin my week is by adding something new into my sketchbook. This has been a habit of mine for a while – a simple Sunday ritual that closes one weekly chapter and welcomes a fresh one. Looking back through my books, I can always tell where my head was at – by using fabrics, wrapping papers,inspirational pics and drawings, it shows a snapshot of the creative projects that were on the table. Sometimes the colors and patterns set the tone for the week ahead – what wrapping paper am I using? What event am I pulling clothes for? When can I actually design that wallpaper I have in my head? Other times the ideas make sense at a later date and are logged safely in the creative file cabinet in my head. Judging by the one below, from this week, I’m thinking about a Gustav Klimt meets India type of Holiday season. Whoa, hold on tight…
What about you? Do you keep sketchbooks? They show a wonderful personal history don’t you think? Show me some of yours – I’d love to see! email me your favorites at info@simoneleblanc.com and we’ll put some up for readers!
Tags: sketchbook
Categories: sketchbook •
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