Bright Threads Studio

I love to read. I really can’t remember NOT reading…well, I do remember learning to read. I was three and in the kitchen with my mom. I had a Little Golden Book about The Runaway Pancake (think a slightly different version of The Runaway Gingerbread Man). I was determined to read it and kept pestering my mother to tell me what the new words were. By the time dinner was ready I was reading.

I think it is a shame that reading is not valued as it should be. I see writing prompts that ask “What one famous person no longer alive would you like to meet?” Well, books are an excellent way to meet famous writers because reading their book is like looking into their mind and heart. In the US we have the freedom to read anything we choose. Shakespeare, Hemingway, Thoreau, or King. We can educate ourselves on just about any topic from learning new languages to economics to lockpicking.

I have seen bumper stickers that say “If you can read this, thank a teacher”. I don’t think I ever thanked my mom for teaching me to read, and it was the greatest gift she ever gave to me.

The Toymaker is another person that loves reading. If you haven’t been to her site you definitely should. The Toymaker. She has a new set of bookmarks with some of her favorite quotes about reading. If you haven’t been there before take some time and explore all the toys. They are simply charming. She also has a blog here. Whether you have children or grandchildren or just like to play this site will give you hours of fun.

I made my first altered book in June. It was one of those things I had meant to do for years but just never carved out the time to try. So when the Flagler Altered Artists Group was offered the opportunity to display altered books at the local library in July I had the motivation I needed. Not to mention a deadline.

Spending time with other artists is important to me. I have these wonderful images in my head about artists hanging out in Paris arguing about impressionism or the art establishment. There is energy and inspiration crackling in the air when our group gets together. I am always eager to get back to the studio afterward. And a few deadlines never hurt.

I am experimenting with painting on little bags for cellphones. This is the first one…and I learned a lot. Such as quitting when you are ahead. lol

Cheap Joes is having a sale on their Golden fluid acrylics. Time to stock up.

I was busy this morning finishing up some small projects. I made another dozen inchies, postcards and a bag for my etsy site and two bookmarks for my sweet husband. His morning started off by being rear-ended. He and the car are okay, thank goodness.