Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Christmastime!



Hello Everyone :)

I'm so pleased that I found some time to rejoin Michael's Scribble Picnic, the theme today is Christmastime! I decided to share some watercolour/acrylics that I did this week. They are all part of a Christmas card for my darling Alex, who promised not to peak on my blog, so I can post them! (Follow the link above to see other scribbles or to join in!)

For his Christmas gift this year, I have a theme going...I'll blog about that AFTER Christmas though! :) I'm putting the cards together like a little story book about the gifts, the theme is "A Cozy Christmas". 


I've enjoyed painting these little winter and Christmas scenes, they were a lot of fun to do.


I have made so many of these little cards this year, and surprisingly haven't run out of ideas!


This was my challenge. I've mentioned before that I'm not good at portraits, but I wanted to try to do a cardinal because Alex's grandmother used to paint them. He has such fond memories of his grandparents so I try to bring back these memories by adding these little touches when I give him gifts and cards. :)


I love this time of year, I don't even mind the deep freeze lately! We're having a grand ol' time! It snowed BUCKETS the last few days! It's so beautiful outside! 


Guess who this happy couple represents? :) Alex with his fedora and me with my knitted hat! I feel like such a kid, I really can't wait until Christmas morning!!
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66 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 20, 2017 at 12:08 PM

    what a beautiful gift,, wonderful paintings,, the first painting is an amazing view of the exspance of a night sky,, I love it, Merry Christmas Rain if we don't hear from you again this season,,

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  2. SusanDecember 20, 2017 at 12:12 PM

    You are so talented! I love your little paintings. I miss creative work something fierce, but there always seems to be other things sucking up all my time. A very Merry Christmas to you, Alex and all the 'kids'! I can't wait to see what 2018 brings! xoxo

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  3. Debra She Who SeeksDecember 20, 2017 at 12:32 PM

    Your little cards are adorable!

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  4. jaz@octoberfarmDecember 20, 2017 at 12:55 PM

    i just love these cards. nothing is as good as homemade!

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  5. MrsDuncanMahoganyDecember 20, 2017 at 12:59 PM

    Perfection at Christmastide! :)

    Love these!

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  6. PamDecember 20, 2017 at 1:30 PM

    Love, love, love those little paintings, I thought that the Cardinal and the Lamp were just the bees knees till I scrolled down to the snowmen. I used to paint once upon a time but have no room for the equipment now.

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  7. JennDecember 20, 2017 at 2:01 PM

    Rain those are fantastic!
    Funny you painted a cardinal, I have been making cardinal ornaments all week. Maybe I will post some of my projects one day!

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  8. lissaDecember 20, 2017 at 2:50 PM

    these are wonderful. I especially like the snowman/snowwoman couple, they're adorable.

    have a lovely holiday.

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  9. StefanieDecember 20, 2017 at 4:23 PM

    My gosh, I do declare, that sometimes, when I look at your watercolor/acrylic work, I think I'm looking at something that was bought in a store. I love the first one, moody and atmospheric. The snowmen are very cute.
    I know it's hard to want to do all things but are limited to this and that. I've always loved to read ever since I was little. The librarian used to be impressed and remark upon who I'd come back to return a tall stack of books and then check out another big bunch.

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  10. John MDecember 20, 2017 at 6:48 PM

    You made wonderful cards.

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  11. PamDecember 20, 2017 at 6:49 PM

    Very nice Rain. I love all your pics of Christmas Time.

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  12. ChristineDecember 20, 2017 at 7:37 PM

    Enjoyed your beautiful Christmastime art, thanks for sharing your joy of the season! You two make a cute little snowman couple.

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  13. WandaDecember 20, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    Oh Rain, your Chrismastime cards are delightful...love the snow on the branches. I feel the love and the chill....burrr. Love your work. Merry Christmas.

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  14. BirdieDecember 20, 2017 at 8:44 PM

    You are so talented! I love all of them.

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  15. Sunnybrook FarmDecember 20, 2017 at 10:06 PM

    A pair of snow men, perfect since you guys live at the north pole. That is my favorite one. I haven't painted in a long time, always something else to do. Maybe next year.

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  16. MarthaDecember 20, 2017 at 10:58 PM

    Aw, so sweet! I love all of them, especially the last one. You are so thoughtful :)

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  17. joeksDecember 21, 2017 at 2:39 AM

    What a beautiful series of paintings, and a very thoughtful gift!
    Merry Christmas!

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  18. Pioneer Woman at HeartDecember 21, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    Those are beautiful cards, and the recipients could frame them too.

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  19. bailiDecember 21, 2017 at 8:06 AM

    How lovely to draw this adorable cardinal for Alex dear Rain!

    I am fascinated by the memories of Alex grandma who used to paint this gorgeous bird!

    LOVED the Happy Couple Sooooooooo....much!
    your heart seemed to be filled with joys and love which is shining through your paintings and sharing my lovely friend Rain!

    have more and more joys in life with loving companion ,amen

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  20. LeftycrafterDecember 21, 2017 at 10:16 AM

    How lovely those cards are. You really put a lot of thought into each one. Alec is a very lucky man to have you by his side.

    My personal favorite is the one with the lantern. It reminds me of my grandmas farm and going to the outhouse at night and using a lantern to find our way. I loved going to her farm. We coukd run and hollar and be kids without being told to settle down or be quiet. Thank you for the memory.

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  21. Andrea @ From The SolDecember 21, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Alex is blessed to have you ... you have captured the love that Christmas is supposed to be about in all of your paintings and childlike joy. This post warms my heart and lifts my own excitement and joy. I have no doubt that you will have a Merry of Christmas with Alex.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  22. BeckiDecember 21, 2017 at 1:08 PM

    I love your painted cards, Rain! How sweet they all are. And special that they came from your own hand.

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  23. SandiDecember 21, 2017 at 4:28 PM

    So pretty!

    Love the snowflakes and the cardinal especially!

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  24. Harry FlashmanDecember 21, 2017 at 4:58 PM

    Rain, I think your paintings are really beautiful. So peaceful and calming. Wish I could paint like that.

    Just a few days to Christmas. I will put up my same ferrets/angel/Christmas tree picture I do every year, it's kind of a tradition with me, on my Christmas post. I have to say though, that your original paintings are fresh and new, it's nice you can do that.

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  25. Cozy Thyme CottageDecember 21, 2017 at 11:09 PM

    Hi! Your cards are beautiful. I like how you are making Christmas so special for you and Alex. Merry Christmas! Nancy

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  26. Donna OShaughnessyDecember 22, 2017 at 1:51 AM

    Rain, those cards are wonderful! How lucky are those who will receive them. My father used to make all our birthday cards, anniversary cards for my mother, graduation cards. He died 25 years ago and how I wish I knew where all those cards ended up.

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  27. MaryDecember 22, 2017 at 11:34 AM

    What an amazing set of cards you've painted Rain - I really think they would be perfect printed and sold (and definitely in a set) perhaps for next year!

    Sending best wishes for your Christmas holiday with Alex and the animals.
    A very HAPPY CHRISTMAS and wonderful New Year ahead.
    Thank you for all you have shared this past year - especially the cheese-making, haha! This cheese-aholic wishes she lived closer!
    Love, Mary x

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  28. ConnieDecember 22, 2017 at 3:50 PM

    Your cards are wonderful . . . so creative:)
    Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!
    Your blogging sister,
    Connie :)

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  29. Serena LewisDecember 22, 2017 at 7:02 PM

    A wonderful array of Christmas cards, Rain! I might add that you did a lovely job on that cardinal too! I'm a sucker for snowmen which is ironic considering we never get snow here in Brissie, Queensland. haha

    Wishing you and your family, including the fur-kids, a very Merry Christmas!

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  30. Lorraine December 23, 2017 at 10:58 AM

    I love your cards - all of them. What a fabulous idea. You've inspired me to give this a try for next year. All my cards are handmade, but I've not tried painting yet. Maybe with my days off from school next week I will start. Thanks so much for the inspiration. Sending you the warmest holiday wishes and hoping you have a stellar 2018!

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  31. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    Thank you Laurie :)) I love doing landscapes and the watercolours make doing those kind of skies really fun! Merry Christmas to you too! :)

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  32. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    Thank you Susan :)) I think 2018 will be an amazing year! I hope so. I'm hoping for a better summer that's for sure! I know what you mean, with all the furry happenings, it's hard to find time to paint. And you are working full time too...I hope you do find a little time for creative work in the new year! :)

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  33. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    Thanks Debra! :)

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  34. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    Thanks Joyce! :) I love homemade too! :)

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  35. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thanks Dianna! :) Christmastide...I haven't heard that in a while, beautiful! :)

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  36. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thank you Pam :)) You should see how I store all of my painting stuff...it's all over the place...I have easels hanging behind the curtains of the patio doors because there is nowhere else to put them lol...

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  37. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thanks Jenn :)) Oh yes, I want to see your projects! I do hope you post them!

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  38. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thanks Lissa :) Have a lovely holiday too!

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  39. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thank you Stefanie! :)) I do wish I had your passion for reading. I did at one time, but after I had that burnout I lost a lot of my concentration skills. I have a stack of books just ready for porch season though, I'm hoping to retrain myself to pay attention more.

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  40. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thanks John! :)

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  41. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    Thank you Pam! :)

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  42. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Thanks Christine :)) Lol...we do make a cute snowman couple...and the proportions are about right with all the food I'm making! :)

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  43. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Thanks Wanda :)) Merry Christmas to you too! :)

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  44. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Thank you Birdie! :)

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  45. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Thanks Gill :) You are still trying to stay on that naughty list I see lol...good job at it! ;) I hope you find time to paint again, your work is really nice.

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  46. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Thanks Martha :)) I like to make those homemade cards, shows people how much I care. :))

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  47. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Thank you Jolene! :)

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  48. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    Thanks you Kristina :)) That is a nice compliment :)

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  49. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    Thanks Baili :)) Alex's grandma loved the birds here in the Laurentian mountains. She painted them. She also used to do a kind of 3 dimential art with the cardinals. She would layer paper on paper to build up the bird, then glue it on a background, paint it and frame it. We called it the bird boxes, they were lovely. I think this will make him happy to see the cardinal. Last year I made a painting for him from a photo of his grandparent's cottage and he just loved it! I hope you are doing alright...I'm sending you hugs and hopes for a Merry Christmas and good health dear friend. xx

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  50. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    Thanks Marsha :)) Oh that is a very nice memory! Thank you for sharing! Though I think in my climate, I'm most grateful for indoor plumbing in the winter lol...

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  51. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    Thanks Andrea :)) You always have such sweet and supportive comments, I'm so happy to read them! :) I hope you have a Merry Christmas too!

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  52. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    Thank you Becki! :)

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  53. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Thank you Sandi! :)

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  54. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks Harry :)) I am off to read all my friends blogs after I post these. I love to see how people celebrate holidays! I love that you have ferrets in your life! I really did enjoy this set of paintings, it's kind of an escape for me. It makes me think of the type of area where I want to live and what kind of lifestyle I want and gets the creative juices flowing! :)

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  55. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks Nancy! :) Merry Christmas to you too! :)

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  56. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks Donna :)) What a treasure if you found those cards...I wish I had a lot of things from my own grandparents, but unfortunately they were all discarded (for lack of better word) when they passed away. A sore spot for me, but we do have our memories!

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  57. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Thanks Mary :)) Wow, thank you...that is a very nice compliment! Oh trust me, 2018 will be a cheesy year!!! We are testing out the Cheddars next week and if all goes well, there will be lots of Cheddar making. I want to try some new cheeses too, but with the holidays, it came to a halt - just a temporary one though!! :) Merry Christmas to you too! :)

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  58. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:48 AM

    Thank you Connie! :) Merry Christmas to you too! :)

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  59. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Thanks Serena :)) Interestingly, I was just wondering if Australia got snow. I think, despite my whining lol, I couldn't have a winter or a Christmas without it. A very Merry Christmas to you too! :)

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  60. Rain December 23, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Thanks Lorraine :)) Your cards are beautiful! And you're welcome for the inspiration! I would love to start making cards earlier this year and not wait until the last minute. I get so many ideas and it's really a lot of fun to do! Sending you wishes for a Merry Christmas too! :)

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  61. wisps of wordsDecember 23, 2017 at 12:03 PM

    Delightful! Both the cards themselves, and the fun of making them. And of course, the love with which you made them.

    Delightful!!!!

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  62. Rain December 23, 2017 at 3:30 PM

    Thank you Wisps of Words!! There truly was a lot of love painted in every card I've done this year! :)

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  63. MichaelDecember 23, 2017 at 6:52 PM

    Aw, you are so cute with your excitement there, Rain, and these marvelous, adorable, cards. Alex will love them! I especially love the top one with that magical sky - so very much a part of this season on wonder there. Having snow as you do would only add more to the Christmas feeling. I have so enjoyed having you be a part of our picnics and reading your writings along the way. Thank you.

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  64. Sam I Am......December 24, 2017 at 7:00 AM

    What beautiful paintings! I know I cherish mine! What a wonderful idea to make a little story book. No snow here and I miss it...just cold and gloomy out but warm and cozy inside here so I can't complain. I can't wait to see what you 2 give each other for Christmas! You are both such creative people. Enjoy!

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  65. Rain December 27, 2017 at 1:26 PM

    Thank you Michael! :) I'm so glad that Tammie Lee invited me because I kept going over and seeing the scribbles and thinking I'd like to join...glad I took the leap! :) It's been a lot of fun and I can't wait for what the new year brings!!

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  66. Rain December 27, 2017 at 1:26 PM

    Thanks Sam :)) Alex loved those paintings, it was such fun on Christmas morning! I hope yours was fun too! :)

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❤ Thanks for your comment, I love hearing from everyone! ❤ Why not join me and my fellow artists every Thursday for TADD? That's Thursday Art and Dinner Date! It's a lot of fun!
Love,
Rain

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