FEB from Maggie - Dior's collaboration with real people

 

It looks like Maggie is taking my advice to print the address clearly for the scanner. I should probably be noting how long it takes for envelopes to arrive - but we never know if there will be a clear date on the cancellation. This one looks pristine.

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I took a couple weeks off from blog posting and have lost track of my add-ons. Apologies if this is a repeat. Also, it comes with an emphatic disclaimer that I do not share every perspective in this hour long documentary. The women's liberation movement was launched during my teen years and while I was not loud about any of the issues, I still have feelings and opinions....and this blog is not about issues. It's about art and design. [to be blunt - I have never cared for the work of Judy Chicago]

If you have an hour to kill and are interested in some unlikely collaborations between Dior and some women artists who were quite surprised when they were invited to collaborate in the world of fashion - you might enjoy this documentary. During the first half, it did not seem like something to share on the blog - but the second half has a couple artists who are delightful. They start around the 47 minute mark.

One of them (Isabella) didn't start her career until she was 50 and is now 94.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V0T-3H-Ro

FEB from IRENE

Irene's happy place is with her nibs and ink - as well as a pointed brush (or brush marker) and probably one of those wedge brushes. 

I'm writing this on March 11. I have my March envelopes done and will be heading to the post office as soon as I finish my noon coffee. Surfing around IG and Pinterest is a good combo with the coffee. The first thing to pop up on IG were some beautiful shots of Irene's March envelopes followed by a seriously Oh.My.Gosh posting - on Irene's IG - about some attempted climbing followed by falling and breaking a rib. I checked in with Irene - and she's doing well.

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OK - it's a month later as I write this. I think we can all have a group learning experience. Let's not attempt to climb on things if we are old enough to have grandkids. If you are too young to have grandkids - then continue to enjoy your climbing years. 

Periodically I remind people in the grandparental age group to be vigilant with any kind of a fall where a person hits their head. It's always better to have a quick scan of your head to make sure there is no internal bleeding. I could give you several examples - but, my memory has been affected by my own bonk on the head - and I wasn't attempting to climb on anything. I was just making coffee.

 

FEB from Sharen - Smithsonian Conference on Stuff

 

I have corresponded with several people about different styles and I'm pretty sure Sharen said that she had done a lot of copperplate - and was interested in trying Spencerian. I hope I have that right. I think your Spencerian is looking good, Sharen.  All you people who send me real nibs-and-ink work remind me how pretty it is...and maybe one of these days I'll get my nibs and ink out. Better yet, I will retire that broken record comment and find someone who wants my nibs and ink - or bottles of dried up ink.

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This is a fun tidbit about how the staff at the Smithsonian observes April Fool's Day. This is the caption to the photo that I found at the Smithsonian's Flickr account.

Because a faux conference needs a real poster: The "Salt" edition of the Conference on Stuff

For most of the year, the museum staff are serious and committed public servants, toiling away on behalf of our many publics and the collections. That is, until April Fool's Day, when we loosen our ties for a bit of silliness with the Conference on Stuff. In years past, we have presented modest, tongue-in-cheek, but earnest impressions of academic symposia on such stuffy topics as Jell-O, beans, pie, corn, and marshmallows. This year, our worthy subject is Salt, selected after an extensive literature and pantry search and semi-serious deliberation.

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I wonder how hard it is to get a job at the Smithsonian. Maybe the part where you'd need to live in the DC area reduces the number of interested parties. 

Shout out to the exchangers who live in the DC area. I might be asking the three of you to tell us if you are local pals - or is it a coincidence that we have new exchangers - one from Chevy Chase and two from Bethesda. 

FEB from Susan - April exchange sign-up

Susan sent these very pretty watercolor hearts in February. Notice the nice wide spacing on the lettering. I counted the little hearts - groups of three + one more because that space needed one more and nobody wants to just follow a recipe when they know how to make it better. I'm writing this on March 1st and there was a valentine themed exchange envelope in the mail today. It was postmarked Feb 11. Hearts are pretty enough to be an appropriate theme all year long. 

Time to sign up for the April exchange. Such a pretty month.

Today through April 4th is the window to sign-up. Lists are sent on the 5th.

If you participated in the March exchange - just shoot me an email that says: SIGN ME UP - you do not need to retype your address and info.

Send to PTEnvelopes-at-aol-dot-com

Let me know if it is your [Birthday] month or if you are willing to be on [2 Lists].

If you were not on a March list - or if you only sign up occasionally - or are a new exchanger - please send your information in the following format:

Jane Doe

123 Oak Street

Ames, IA 50010

janedoe@aol.com

[Birthday]  [2 Lists]  -- if those items apply

Send to PTEnvelopes-at-aol-dot-com

Thank you.

LINK to additional details about how the exchanges work