2023 Year Wind-up

It's the last day of 2023...  Hello 2024!

I made this Up-cycled Ornament Wreath!

I had goals for 2023.  In the beginning of 2023 I made the goal of posting a blog post at least once a month. Truly a modest goal, but something I hadn't done since 2009. I made this goal! As an additional "stretch" goal, I thought I should try to meet or exceed 15 posts. This will be my 16th post in 2023, which means I made more posts in 2023 than I have since 2011.  

[Notes:  1.  I love the blog archive gadget on computer viewed blogs (you don't see the gadget with cell phone viewing.)  2. There were multiple months where I needed to "post soon, just to get the post in before the end of the month."  I only posted because of my goal.]

Conclusion: My stated, intentional goals worked!  And these goals kept me more in touch with the blogging world, and my nascent writing skills.

Last year, I said 2022 was probably my most creative year to date, and yet in 2023 I feel I explored, expanded and created more than in 2022, especially when including writing as a creative skill. (Which it is...)

In 2023 I traveled a lot, and still did a fair amount of creative projects.  For me 2023 was a good year, even though I recognize that it wasn't a good year for many people, and I reflect on this a lot.  

I went on multiple vacations this year: Arizona in February; California in March-April; Paducah's quilt show in April; a Down South road trip in July to Charleston, Savannah and more; two camping trips, one a Canoeing Overnight on the Wisconsin River, and the other to a dark sky sight to see the Perseid Meteor shower, (which was just awesome); a trip to Canada and a wedding in Minnesota.

Now I am setting goals for 2024: 

• My daughter decided to set the goal of seeing all the National Parks, so I copied her and added that goal to my long-term goals.  (I saw 7 US National Parks in 2023*).
• I am again planning on a blog post a month.
• A new "stretch" goal is now more than 16 posts in 2024.
  
• I want to post more (short) travel photography posts, reviewing and using the incredible library of photography I have amassed.  (Photography is definitely a creative effort, as is writing.)
• I want to enter and exhibit at least one of my artwork's in an art show (and I have two framed pieces ready to go!)
  
• Creating more in 2024:  Mosaics, needlework, printmaking, calligraphy, iron-work, writing and more.
• More travel!
  

I hope that 2024 be a blessed year for you, and the world if possible. 

Happy New Year!

May 2024 be a blessed year 

for you and the world.  

Sending wishes for a 

Great 2024!

 

* National Parks seen in 2023: Saguaro National Park, Grand Canyon NP; Yosemite and Pinnacles NP; Mammoth Cave NP, Smoky Mountain NP, and Congaree NP, and Canadian National Parks Banff, Jasper and Kootenay NP. 
 

 I find Goal setting fun and motivating.  Is that your experience? Feel free to share your thoughts, (and links!) in the comments if you have time...  :)

If you want to see some of my top posts from 2023 you might like:

Glass Flowers

Mosaics

Hutches

Autumn Wreath

Oak Leaf Print

Glass Leaf

Mosaic Chair

Lilies of Valley

Spring Nest

Flowers

Grand Canyon

Vintage Linen

I am linking up to these parties:
Sum of their stories: Handmade Mon 356 (Entry 16x of 52x)
My Random: Anything Goes 401 (Entry 61)
Good Random Fun: Good Fun Mon 4a (m Entry 14 of 22.)
*BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry 18x of 25x.)
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 508 Mon 1p (l Entry 19 of 59.)
Keeping it Real: Party 395 (Entry 16 of 22.)
Kristin at Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me 302 Mon 2-4p (m Entry 15 of 33.)
* Marty at Stroll Life: Inspire Me 711 Mon 3p (l Entry 15 of 119.)
Fifth Sparrow: Whimsy Home 63 Wed (Entry 11r of 74r.)
Jenerally informed: Happy-now Link-up 406 Tues (m Entry 4 of 85.)
Master pieces of my life: Home Imagined 34 Tue 6a (Entry 37)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 19 of 20.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tues with a twist 558 (l Entry 4 of 26.)
Eclectic Red Barn: You're the star (l Entry 30 of 62.)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 570 5p Tues (l Entry 1x of 89x)
Eclectic Red Barn: Wonderful Wed (Entry 12r of 50)
Artsy mama: Artsy Party Wed 10a (Entry 3 of 62)
Ridgehaven: Homestead 478 Blog Hop Wed (Entry 6 of 41.)
My Thrift Store Addiction: Vintage Charm 420 Wed (m Entry 7 of 36.)
Grandmas house: Grandmas house 381 Wed 4p (m Entry 22 of 59.)
Answer is choco: BFF open house Thur (Entry 25 of 99.)
KatherinesCorner: Th Fav Things 10a (Entry 71 of 152.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Thur 470 8p (i Entry 32 of 104.)
Also Try It Like It: Creatively Crafty 413 Th 4p (Entry 32 of 104.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks 599 Fr 8a (L Entry 63)
Modern on Monticello: Home matters Fri 461 (s Entry 4r of 116r.)
Pams Party: Dare to share 456 Fri 11p (m Entry 3 of 48.)
Its a small town life: Thankful Th 24 (Entry 13)
Natalie: Coffee Share Th (Entry 4)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of Joe 172 (L Entry 17 of 73)
Shabby art boutique: Create-gather 604 (L Entry 16x of 109x.)
Momfessionals: Fri Favorites (Entry 31)
Crazy Little Love Birds: Party 19 (Entry 27 of 37.)
Countyroad 407: Farmhouse Fri 329 (Entry 10 of 105.)
Weekend Reflection: reflections (Entry )
Nixpixmix: Sunday Best (l Entry )
The house on Silverado: Sun on Silverado 179 7a (Entry 88)
Ducks n a Row: Happiness is Homemade Sun a (Entry 87)
Life and Linda: Dishing it Digging it Sun 234 3p (l Entry 92)
A pinch of joy: Busy Sun 602 even (l Entry 54)
Sew can do: Craftastic Mon Su (Entry 17)
A Labour of Love: Happiness is Homemade 512 Sun a (Entry 87)
Esmesalon: Salon Pit Stop Mon 4a (Entry )
Create with Joy: Mir Inspired me Sun-Mon (monthly)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 9a (m Entry monthly)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 62)

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Top10 DH    Photo mosaic   Top10 MP

Calypso

Autumn Wreath Monoprint

I created my "Autumn Oak Leaf Wreath" monoprint while playing with a collection of oak leaves that I had created because I couldn't draw an oak leaf.*  (Cause and effect relationships are fun to ponder!)  In fact, I created a whole series of monoprints while playing with oak leaves, but this one has turned out the best, (to date).  I love the result and hope you do too! 

Image 1: Autumn Oak Leaf Wreath Monoprint by Jeanne Selep

The printmaking methods I use create an organic texture that would be nearly impossible to draw, or paint, or even predict, which is why "pulling" a print can be so exciting.  

Image 2: Oak Leaf Detail showing Texture

After making the print, I hand-colored the oak leaves in using autumn colors seen more often in maple leaves.  In my experience oak leaves colors in fall are mostly green to yellow (briefly) and then brown, but I wanted maple leaf like colorations on my oak leaves.  

Image 3: Some actual Maple Leaves Fall colorations

And so my oak leaf wreath becomes a fantasy wreath, inspired by the fantastic colors maple leaves turn in fall.

Image 4: Detail with Green Leaf of Hand Colored Leaves

Some definitions and notes: A monoprint is a form of printmaking where the printed image can only be made once.  The transfer of (usually) hand inked surfaces, images, and/or shapes to paper will result in a unique print.

Image 5: Wreath Monoprint and Mirrored Ghost Image

If enough ink remains on a transfer surface, a second print might be able to be created (or "pulled"), but the ink will be lighter and create a noticeably different work.  This second noticeably different image is sometimes called a ghost print.  

Image 6: Brown Oak Leaf wreath Monoprint

Ghost prints can also be made as mirror images via other methods.  Look closely - the two wreath monoprints shown side by side in image 5 above are basically mirror images.   

I printed multiple wreaths with oak leaves.  Below is another wreath monoprint I made, using 2 colors of ink.  I plan on hand coloring this image in the future.  The extra layers of leaves is otherwise confusing.

 

Image 7: Red and Brown Oak Leaf Wreath Monoprint by Jeanne Selep

I tried multiple concept wreath arrangements before I printed the versions I am showing you today.  You can see preliminary wreath layout using brown oak leaves below. 

Image 8: Oak Leaf Wreath Layout 'Auditioning' leaves

Other Notes: 

* I posted an Oak Leaf Monoprint post that elaborates on this story.

Individually inked leaves were pressed onto paper using a printing press.  The overall print dimensions are approximately 20 inches by 20 inches high (50cm by 50cm high) on Arches paper.  I framed the print in a resale shop frame that was 24inches x 24inches, (61cm x 61cm). 
 

Image 9: Framed Autumn Oak Leaf Wreath Monoprint by Jeanne Selep

"As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see"

                                                -  Vincent Van Gogh
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"Winter is an etching,
Spring a watercolor,
Summer an oil painting, and
Autumn a mosaic of them all" 

                                                -  Horowitz

Click on the images to see them enlarged.  Leave a comment if you have the time, they brighten my day!

If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

Oak Leaf Print

Glass Leaf

Pumpkin Pour

Halloween Hutch

Harvest Plates

Autumn Fun

Autumn Art P2

Kaleidoscope 3

Autumn Art P4

Glass Flowers 2

I am linking up to these parties:
Create with Joy: Inspire me 575 Sun-Mon (Entry 40 of 301monthly.)
Sum of their stories: Handmade Mon 350 (Entry 16x of 69x.)
Mostly blogging: Inspire me Mon 444 9a (Entry 7 of 87.)
Rachel Swirl: Sunday Snapshot (Entry 9 of 10.)
Good Random Fun: Good Fun Mon 4a (m Entry 21 of 59.)
*BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 9a (s Entry 8x of 39x.)  has veterans posts.
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 501 Mon 1p (l Entry 10 of 66.)
Holly pinklady: Hello Mon (l Entry 13 of 27.)
Keeping it Real: Really Crafty Party 388 (Entry 3 of gone.)
Grammys grid: Unlimited Link Party 138 (Entry 65 of 94.)
Grammys grid: I made it Mon 32 (Entry 22 of 26.)                       I was featured here!
Lifetales books: Will blog for Comments (Entry 25 of 26.)
Kristin Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 297 2-4p (m Entry 1 of 116.)
* Marty at Stroll Life: Inspire Me 706 Mon 3p (l Entry 70 of 145.)
Pienilintu.fi: Finland party (Entry 32 of 32.)
Jaipurgardening: Garden Affair (Entry 10 of 10.)
Rain Frances: Thurs Art and Dinner (Entry 9 of 15.)
Jenerally informed: Happy-now 399 Tues (m Entry 21 of 126.)
Master pieces of my life: Home Imagined 31 Tue 6a (Entry 11 of 69.)
My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 19r of 161r.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tues with a twist (l Entry 11 of 30.)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 563 5p Tues (l Entry 1x of 116x.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Wonderful Wed (Entry 17 of 100.)
Artsy mama: Artsy Party Wed 10a (Entry 8 of 125.)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 40r of 52r.)
Ridgehaven Homestead: Homestead 471 Hop Wed (Entry 12 of 92.)
My Thrift Store Addiction: Vintage Charm 414 Wed (m Entry 9 of 48.)
Grandmas house: Grandmas 374 Wed 4p (m Entry 18 of 63.)
Always Write: Wednesday Quotes (Entry 1 of 7.)
Answer is choco: BFF open house Thur (Entry 78 of 126.)
KatherinesCorner: Th Fav Things 10a (Entry 50 of 194.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: TFT 10a (Entry 50 of 194.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Thur 463 8p (i Entry 65 of 144.)
Try It Like It: Creatively Crafty 406 Th 4p (Entry 16 of 40.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks Fr 8a (L Entry 126 of 133.)
Countyroad 407: Farmhouse Fri 326 (Entry 43 of 128.)
Fiesta Friday: Fiesta Fri 511 (Entry 15 of 53.)
Modern Monticello: Home matters 456 Fri (s Entry 13r of 138r.)
Pams Party: Dare to share 456 Fri 11p (m Entry 28 of 125.)
Its a small town life: Thankful Th 24 (Entry 2 of 20.)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of Joe 165 (L Entry 29 of 70.)
Shabby art boutique: Create-grow-gather 597 (L Entry 32x of 113x.)
Momfessionals: Fri Favorites (Entry 56 of 67.)
Pandora and Max: Nesting Season (Entry 5 of gone.)
The house on Silverado: Sun on Silverado 172 7a (Entry 35 of 141.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Happiness is Homemade Sun a (Entry 20 of 113.)
Life and Linda: Dishing it Digging it 228 Sun 3p (l Entry 92 of 138.)
A pinch of joy: Busy Sun 596 (l Entry 62 of 125.)
Sew can do: Craftastic Mon Su (Entry 18 of 133.)
Nixpixmix: Sunday Best 353 (l Entry 4 of 10.)
Esmesalon: Salon Pit Stop 287 Mon 4a (Entry 131 of 222.)
Perfect time to craft: Open Challenge (Entry 163 of 301.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 9a (m Entry 5monthly)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 28 of 100monthly)

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NY Christmas Windows Part 3

The Christmas Windows at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City surpassed anything I had ever seen in a retail window display.  This "Black and White" window was one of my favorites.  

New York Bergdorf Goodman Window Display 2018 (at night)

There is just so much going on here!  It's easier to see the 4 horses, two mannequins, a duck and a squirrel during the day, (see below).  
(Unfortunately, there are also more reflections during the day.)

2018 Bergdorf Goodman Window (during the day)

All of the animals, crafted with such imagination and creativity, appear to be made out of black and white candy!

Duck from 2018 Bergdorf Goodman Window Display

This duck stands out better in the daytime, at night he is mostly in the shadows.  

Candy detail on duck from Bergdorf Goodman Window Display

Look at the incredible detail of the "candy" construction on the body of the duck.  Do you see the white gummy bears?

Bergdorf Goodman Window Display 2018 New York

The window includes four horses with black licorice manes to grab your attention.

2018 Bergdorf Goodman Window Detail - Horse Head

I love the horses!  Such creative candy crafting!

Bergdorf Goodman Window Detail - Candy Swirl

More candy details...

Bergdorf Goodman Window Detail - White Candy Swirl

The dark squirrel in the lower right corner is harder to see, and I didn't get a close up photo.

2018 Bergdorf Goodman Window during the Day

How about wearing the zebra coat and boots (above) to your next party?  Mask optional.

Sweet Dreams!

Sweet dreams are made at Bergdorf Goodman!
(located at 754 Fifth Ave, the corner of 5th avenue and 58th street)

Christmas Wreaths on the Tommy Hilfiger Store, New York City 2018

Other decorations nearby included the Tommy Hilfiger Flagship Store, decorated beautifully. 
(This store was located at 681 Fifth Avenue and closed in early 2019, so I guess I saw it's last year of Christmas decorations.) (photos above and below.)

Tommy Hilfiger Store decorated for Christmas, New York City 2018

The wreaths and ball ornaments glowed even on a gray day.

Free Desktop Background

The image above can be saved as a desktop background - Merry Christmas!

Another Free Desktop Background!

The image above is another free desktop background.

Wreath Dreams (is this a wreath?)

Another nearby building with a sophisticated reception area had this massive wreath(?) glowing above the seating for visitors.

Festive Free Desktop background

Above is another image that can be saved as a desktop background.  
(To set an image as a desktop background, Click on the photo, then right click to open a small menu and select the line "Set as desktop background")

Christmas Wreath in New York City

I might not get to more posting this year, so I'm wishing my readers...

Merry Christmas
and a
Blessed Holiday Season!

_____________________________________


(This is the 3rd post in my series of Christmas Windows and Decorations in New York City from my 2018 NY trip.  See Part 1 here; Part 2 here; Part 3 here; and Part 4 here.)

_____________________________________

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy...

NYC Christmas

NYC Windows 3

NYC Windows 2

NYC Windows 1

NYC Easter

Japan Memories

Dogs of New York

Canada Autumn

Italian Garden

Yellowstone

Chicago Xmas

Gr Canyon View

El Capitan

Washington DC

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Xmas Tree Sweater

Christmas Hutch 2

Angel Window

Madonna Window

_____________________________________
I am linking up to these parties:

Across the blvd: Create-bake-make 313 (Entry 40 of 137.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Friday (Entry 27 of 36.)
Weekend Reflection: reflections (Entry 23 of 24.)
Pams Party: Dare to share 395 (Entry 51 of 80.)
Commonground: All-about-home Mon 6p 18 (Entry 96 of 102.)
Our mini family: Our mini party 253 (Entry x of ?)
Finding Silver pennies: Silver Pennies 339 Sun 6a (Entry 21 of 94.)
Life and Linda: Love your Creativity 22 Sun 3p (Entry 2 of 123.)
Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon 412 (Entry 37 of 165.)
Good Random Fun: Good Random Fun Mon 4a (Entry 23 of 39.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 566 6a (Entry 7x)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (Entry 5 of 107.)
Maria Elena: Tue at Our Home 337 Mon 12p? (Entry 11 of 59.)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 11 of 24.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 17 of 62.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 21 of 66.)
Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 3 of 7.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday 213 (Entry 7 of 16.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tues w/ twist 345 (Entry 18 of gone.)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 6 of gone.)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 1 of 10.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 28 of gone.)
My Random: Anything Goes 217 (Entry 35 of 38.)
Shelbeeontheedge: On-the-edge 174 Tue (Entry 87 of 101.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 142 (Entry 12 of gone.) 
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch Tue 92 4p (Entry 6 of 50.)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About 29 5pm (Entry 13 of gone.)
   Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About 28 (Entry 13 of gone.)
Interior frugalista: Talk of the Town Tu 203 6p (Entry 8 of 52+ gone.)
Shelbeeontheedge: Spread the kindness 152 (Entry 87 of 101.) fashion
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me Tue 433 7p (Entry x of gone.)
Girlish Whims: Whims Tues 437 8:50p (Entry 28 of 90.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed (Entry 66r of gone.)
Applestreetcottage: Party-in-your-PJs 288 (Entry 25 of 64+.)
Delightsome Life: Home and Garden Wed 5p (Entry 1x of gone.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 235 Wed 6p (Entry 16 of gone.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thurs Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 61 of 209+.)
Also KatherinesCorner: Thur (Entry 61 of 229.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Thur (Entry 61 of 229.)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Fri 132 (Entry 20 of 32*.)
Imparting grace: Grace at home 360 (Entry 11 of 81*.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 202 Th 8p (Entry --)
FromGardners2Bergers: Handmade Hangout 290 Thur 6p (Entry 2 of 38*.)
Myslicesoflife: Encouraging-hearts-and-home Thur  (Entry of 67r of 70r*.)
Twochicksandamom:Funtastic Thu 8pm (Entry 59 of ??.)
Petals pies: Handmade Weekly 29 Fri (Entry 88 of ??.)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 144 (Entry 36 of gone.)
Calypsointhecountry: Best of weekend Fri 7a (Entry 89 of 116*.)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party 194 (Entry 105 of gone.)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Wonderful Wed 185 (Entry 127? of gone.)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe 9 (Entry 64 of 70.)   I was featured here
Life with Lorelai: Home Matters 262 (Entry 113 of gone.)
Little Kimono: Link Party (Entry cool)
Shabby art boutique: Create-bake-grow-gather 397 (Entry 24x of 88x*.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks Sat 353 8a (Entry 29 of 99*.) 
Myslicesoflife: Encouraging-hearts-and-home (Entry )


Related link to see: Henri Bendel 2017 

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