A fun new Hobby!

My sweet husband is always encouraging me to develop my hobbies, or find new ones. He loves working with wood, and suggested that I try learning how to use a scroll saw. It feels a lot like a sewing machine, and in case you are intimidated by power tools like I am, this one is pretty safe, and fairly easy to handle.
Here is a photo of my first scroll saw projects.

I'm particularly proud of snoopy, since that is my first, mostly original project, and I learned how to do some wood burning along the way too. The other patterns came from various sources on-line, mainly http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.ca/2011/11/five-simple-christmas-ornament-scroll.html, I love that website, it offers a number of free, and simple patterns to use.

Here is another attempt at a water color sketch. I've always wanted to paint a picture of the Eiffel Tower, this sketch is basically a copy of an image that I found online, but hey that's how the Masters learned, by copying those who came before them ;)

American Girl Knitted Dress

Here is my latest creation. I follow a pattern from ABC knitting. I really like how it turned out. I was my first try with circular knitting needles.

Almost done...?...

So here is it, I think I am done, but it need a bit more detail...or maybe not.

Watercolor wash before taking the masking tape off...

Now to wait until the watercolor dries up, and I can take off the masking tape.....so nervous! ;)

Another try, and a different medium

So I try adding color to my last picture, and I'm not happy with the result, therefore, I think I will try a new method.

Here is the oil painting that I believe is NOT working out...

However, I might go back, and keep trying it out. So here is another drawing, this time I'm attempting the same painting with watercolors, and pen and ink. I'm trying out masking fluid for the first time. Wish me luck! I'm using "Fineline Resist Pen."

And here it is, the new under painting, after applying the FineLine masking fluid, the idea is that all those areas that look blueish will be white.

The under painting

So my Sister in law gave me a beautiful image from her trip to Rome to attempt to paint. I love the perspective of the picture, and since today my little ones were gone with grandma, and grandpa, I spend the afternoon working on the under painting.
Sometimes, I actually like under paintings more than the finish product (maybe watercolors with pen and ink could be something to try soon). I hope that's not the case with this picture, even though I really love how it is coming along so far.
I can't wait to get going, and add some color to this painting.
I don't think I'll include the original photograph at this point. But maybe once the whole painting is completed, I can put them side by side.
Yeah for awesome grandparents, that take amazing care of our children, so I can draw, and listen to 90's tunes for an afternoon. I guess grocery shopping will have to wait for another day.