tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45550991782474482392024-02-20T19:13:47.553+00:00Marina Cerranature illustratedMarina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.comBlogger358125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-28364199222336347612017-12-01T14:15:00.004+00:002017-12-01T14:15:53.493+00:00December Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1484" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsnDhrfwikXXsln9Wyr8KVmq2xGPeycnky4ygCavb4gXQk-3b_RyuBWbf8L-JnMxurGO7ym11fb1NKldCgtHKGCUxJ80F6J92cJadXBjoG468g3qlGsvwJg8W9_XjjpwLVTdQ7X4x9xE/s640/IMG_6670.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I enter the last month of the year with excitement and anxiety all at once. December is the month where I'd love to finish all the things that I had planned back in January, a time to tie all the loose ends, but it is also a month with lots of expectation, preparation for the holidays, family gatherings, presents to buy. I wish I could slow down this time of year to just enjoy the season and savour the Christmas spirit. But it takes a lot of self discipline to say "no" to things and avoid being hit by the Christmas craziness.</div>
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I hope you've enjoyed my monthly planner and I'm hoping to create something similar for next year (talking about things I'd love to do in December!).</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyj1GhhGJA2jS7cXMYFl1Glfpw5MBJgUe-ZwXVH4X5oweC59h4qQkWbVP2Kkub0dttcIxVgLtQ8Av2ZUPQXn0XoXicju7XhoNrFdUYMTdhIvtXQ00WDZdL7ofK172jMEXW4wKrp34nLoA/s640/IMG_6422.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Enjoy the holidays, and thanks for stopping by.</div>
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Happy December!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcyBi8lbWBUwlMOmFmETGj0vfNJdPsyAFtR2mylhRHF_46tkQn7BiyohB8s656Bn2bauK1OR7bxit5yDWiZo8nl06Ej2eRlIpLTRwnAqrbtUVw7QhxABm1lK6fEYAtlWyHgVLfrlmtRY/s1600/December+2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcyBi8lbWBUwlMOmFmETGj0vfNJdPsyAFtR2mylhRHF_46tkQn7BiyohB8s656Bn2bauK1OR7bxit5yDWiZo8nl06Ej2eRlIpLTRwnAqrbtUVw7QhxABm1lK6fEYAtlWyHgVLfrlmtRY/s400/December+2017.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-1850151674662829142017-11-01T09:00:00.000+00:002017-11-01T09:00:00.322+00:00November Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOxonC5joWKykL1rlqoDxrod8RC_Naz4llYEjlfQNQn6PRzE27WcCTeOn5mt69jSa8bfFRtcawygT0LkCLlzSfCawZCEYhMBRVFXby9vj8sbcnNPPRnKFM5Y8kuVbn1fOVgiNBPfXZwI/s640/IMG_6420.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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And so come November! We start the month here in Italy with a public holiday called All Saint's Day. I don't recall any particular tradition while growing up, except we were home from school and work and we would have a big family lunch. Nowadays, my kids are more into Halloween as they get to dress up and eats candy and chocolate. But I'm hoping to bring some kind of family tradition for the day this year.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzrk7qo0YvD2ERgIL8QiPuCpeAJb4vtH-4eXAvY93OC6sxAddpKgFZNyA-9Szersoz1HRL7EiTr-sWp-T2uHDTsB0xz3u45gzIbRFWD1Ekbm0B_CrgrNBe3-WLwYx7r32OUSp2WWbm2o/s640/IMG_6421.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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But past the holiday, we tend to start thinking about Christmas already, which is both exciting and stressful at the same time. We also have two family birthdays coming up which require planning and preparation.</div>
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So this year I'm making a conscious effort to live the month of November day by day, not making the Christmas/birthday rush getting the best of me and enjoy the small things everyday.</div>
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I have a little project coming up for this month which is getting me excited. I will tell you all about it in the next few week....it will involve little time and trees, so stay tuned.</div>
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In the meantime enjoy the calm of November before the December storm hits!<br />
(click on the image below to download)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hT5dEGRSIA_jPHVQB9LJRSnd5tFZnaMktv1JXv9ijqpHFKMfgFiBH_VDM3dIJqWvj0H075OTXJ_GROaWmIolVMlux1qT9TZRhZsCbomjVCGk4PmNQyWp9MB1vzzlYqIX2mLrEtB3JJw/s1600/November+2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hT5dEGRSIA_jPHVQB9LJRSnd5tFZnaMktv1JXv9ijqpHFKMfgFiBH_VDM3dIJqWvj0H075OTXJ_GROaWmIolVMlux1qT9TZRhZsCbomjVCGk4PmNQyWp9MB1vzzlYqIX2mLrEtB3JJw/s400/November+2017.png" width="267" /></a></div>
Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-37854507508200364332017-10-01T07:30:00.000+01:002017-10-01T07:30:17.540+01:00October Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3r0p08nZ_fhBlz8hKYlxY361uiXhYcEIFTOEYOk1AhKMouSpqWhHJ6Ja2y_mnr0v_SMcj9T-NjyCffFQkFK4UUSQj9FvPfHAuY6w6jMWoFSbISkDqApM8E8DM0oOY4bLMb13oRm_u7Q/s640/IMG_6246.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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We are slowly moving into autumn, savouring these last warm days, spending time outdoor as much as we can, changing our weekly menu to add more soups and comfort food, enrolling into after school activities and attending birthday parties. It's almost time to bring out jumpers and blankets, time for afternoon teas and apple cakes, time for slowing down after a fast going summer and a hectic back to school. I'm starting to like this season, even if it means shorter days and cool mornings.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtT3AgLBZk_qt3rbu7Zq-M-TPkiO7rl4SjIidITn4EjIPUM9Vpilk8eHP_zs8EDo0fTBhcKy2qkZ-pBeCNj6bMFY94b_WdIYdC62ffg3W1ol9QPkYRc3EjtafafrpS5upRqAw1paxv8Tk/s640/IMG_6245.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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What are your plans for this month? Hope something exciting!</div>
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Click on the image below to download.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboyhuPXc5YCCi4wB9cdxdfSRlYrlq9P6T0XCYRSnPni6I5s7vell5kodAmiN_QaYsxCWrLKRxTwClinMzIsmmefVLRrN8T5YiLSxbK55k1s3-1lDEvwdc_k4MCzTJJ26RHVYcuPCFWk8/s400/October+2017.png" width="267" /></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-48432428408762198452017-09-01T08:30:00.000+01:002017-09-05T20:41:09.158+01:00September Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdTCl-46IR-tgiiapwpvGfdzOJbcVyL2jeMf0jg0xNDPTzlIntso9OCOgfY8DX_oqjZDESNUrLM-MdT3ZBdHNtW4JP2omyHqkBAHE_n2b8C8MLbHXCw_YvI5P9dQCzo_-gGg79Jo4z7w/s640/IMG_5997.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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September is like a new beginning. We had a long summer this year and getting back into a routine feels like an hopeless task. The new school year is just around the corner with Vale starting kindergarten and Olivia primary school; needless to say their approach to school is completely different, if not the opposite. I'm back at work this week, but I feel as I would need a few extra days to reconnect with myself and my home, which are both upside down at the moment. </div>
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Endless to-do lists are in order, as well as strategic planning.</div>
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Hope you are having a slow "back to school" time and enjoying the last of these long days.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Click on the image below to download.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sDFWcDyppAu_ibYUGxxvXnfuiTWbcAGXKMxTgMiXOAA1l2Xj165jo6dWIvVfsKi_XDVlx0uCixOInhDsPxHLuR10UVAu69DixZpyP0c7GfTHm8Gb9uq5DZAWJKACWwFnlQexMNx4tvU/s1600/September+2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sDFWcDyppAu_ibYUGxxvXnfuiTWbcAGXKMxTgMiXOAA1l2Xj165jo6dWIvVfsKi_XDVlx0uCixOInhDsPxHLuR10UVAu69DixZpyP0c7GfTHm8Gb9uq5DZAWJKACWwFnlQexMNx4tvU/s400/September+2017.png" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-29131961845926419422017-08-01T08:30:00.000+01:002017-08-02T08:12:08.407+01:00August Calendar Free Download + some photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlwuP7rLgcDaBh_sYBs0jYeNcbyfOXdkGF4Ep5OV7FPxfGFeDMG-pwfIHIQ5X0rbf72Fjm6HN5f1XoKTh_bIvzFdw78kTXIY9W2FjrzXhI4IQlatI7Zydk-DqSVFmA6lc-7uZqi_vtGo/s640/IMG_5698.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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We are in the midst of summer, along with school holidays, high temperatures, afternoon naps, al fresco dining, water games and biking rides. Yet, we have to wait a few more days for our family holidays to begin.</div>
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In the meantime, we start the month celebrating my 3 year old birthday and savoring the memories July has brought.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">Happy August!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , "freemono" , monospace; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">Click on the image below to download the monthly calendar. </span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_esETYvPi6xGH4begBikeUVMJgT5hVJ-c4NCFoKbE51C5gd1GujmALfqcpxsm39DZoqVu6Klg6JzJvSkjIiSYV8vd8m22lkwoRUR6y124-zK6PdyteIylWXuGVB01MjPZv4_MYTs_Vls/s400/August+2017.jpg" width="266" /></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-59457446570054940312017-07-01T07:30:00.000+01:002017-07-01T07:30:25.833+01:00July Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVg8ktGRmEwUoRwjtjBi8siOVUWAOSF7Vlv5wk3UIqp-IaxidubvW688Z_RvD2wzKGoM57pVOxXe7H-2Ajrj-MlEfMYSoIsb-Wl3saQQLCpCWkpqydr_5MeRSCrC3QhPfMmOF79Uh-t8/s640/IMG_5438.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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July is the middle month. It sits between the excitement of June, with the beginning of summer and the end of the school year, and the freedom of August, with the family holidays and lazy days on the beach. It's the month with lots of plans, weekends away, holidays prep and anticipation. It's the month where the usual family routine feels a distant memory and the unscheduled holidays activities are still far away. It's the start of the second half of the year, and Christmas feels already around the corner.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgbQMi5qyuK720U5zRtZu7zZSNh8kqEktGaQ0m4VHo9VrnBgIVDVeYCYGVf-lvEfdVvA_qplnghIYuiAyOPlz7Lx0cUUv9YFRtOEjcaNn4xoTaq5AVns7iZUv2VmdT99OLvaD9YXnC88/s640/IMG_5437.JPG" width="640" /></div>
Wishing you a wonderful month; h<span style="text-align: justify;">oping the weather will be temperate and not too hot!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Click on the image below to download the monthly calendar. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5FNRCmZCcmbBoGfTK6YpzyMmuZsL9BU5One4vyWo7tuwUNdeBYImAUvzFQ8-psrHbFfDwUDbFvZNH6H6DQ_bCdwXSftB20F3d582aV2QmID1AhIs8z464qXPTbNoo4Jkw175vynrYWg/s1600/July+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5FNRCmZCcmbBoGfTK6YpzyMmuZsL9BU5One4vyWo7tuwUNdeBYImAUvzFQ8-psrHbFfDwUDbFvZNH6H6DQ_bCdwXSftB20F3d582aV2QmID1AhIs8z464qXPTbNoo4Jkw175vynrYWg/s640/July+2017.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-59790155968093380372017-06-01T09:00:00.000+01:002017-06-01T09:00:21.188+01:00Monthly News and June Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjl7Ol7w9FFJCrEQYbpD8rTsYGNgcLf7i0CI8WHZFt_W-rLtMuZYsPqThwJJpeAEPgibS1U8Wh4Dj6ZIYOOENrhxcxv0omSBj0Ojws-tL3_4EXiVRqVguFQAHQQ7IuhYXjYgnBh8SL7FU/s640/IMG_5206.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD2jAHDbFFJXUDFRzVBWT0cPSpcGzgQYg3Anz1NTq4mNhmgz6kkMu21TBboDPSwL0qyoYA_H0MOcmtluqx8GMl7QAkP7zI9fhPy9RRTkSGNEaJsuZa0A3nzNyZsTXH-FrEGkfNV3XsWM/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Summer is around the corner, and although we are eagerly waiting for beach days and mountains hikes, the holiday season is still far away.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF4g3u0fpRlwmATSd0m6iN8Mi5G2faFGBybmTOjwdOIyww6FNPntI-aIJsNg3M9Iee_ttaaGwcGL_1o11ayM7rgzoCsbHBwHUH2Yt5K-U_nbg3Vup3e4_fzXWlKcCmP8btXlYx7csqLQ/s640/IMG_4948.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">We are slowly changing our daily routine, adding more outdoor activities, lots of ice creams, pic nics and, much to our dismay, a later bedtime (it's difficult for the kids to go to bed when there's still light outside!).</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxXIgbmtPm86SD-FKzW_ny-Q5cFNZ2qiTHdIfFKtjMZsvwEGxf7K4VEmenohib27-GmYNn1bXv1ZxqQDvpiy3c9L2fBfXX-PC0EkYkzTWu7kS4CxFr2dEx72yJhZn8_lLnfr62mgrYbM/s640/IMG_5052.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I'm carrying on with my #100daysofwildflowers project on Instagram, even though I'm a bit behind. I'm learning a lot about wild plants, to take notes and to identify different species.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLq5-gLUGdHQpRGkr0OuvihaV0EU0MSe11LuZMHYstebkVYaA5vhU8BPu0TdyFia-KfTfcqq35hznqR8UDN82XGPqXhbxcJk7qKTcqe_dHRcZF-0ZkPrmHer_WUgk4tEEOHtYE_dcHes/s640/IMG_5177.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">My perpetual nature journal is being filled every week, slowly transitioning from wildflowers to wild grasses as the temperatures become higher and the rain disappears.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkvGetLS-G3nzPjYmmlXn2x2cDUZqpOXoRmmK6sNLtgrktlrsHSjA1DFqGLvgu04Ov_R3LZ1PTnIUoUXwYAuFN-3Jd-xs5BfSU9ewXffAxQcn7f4bXTMICQb_yAn4pGm3JL6IhfMekBg/s640/IMG_5068.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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Our balcony garden is slowly, very slowly, growing. Unfortunately we have a north facing balcony, so the plants don't get much direct sun, and are in the shade for most of the day. Nonetheless, the kids are excited to check on the plants and water them every day after school. </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3HXtZUFL7-NUDXSyAehK5d21frkgCZ9S8PYpK4VlSK5FPAghMRnv1Lh-6i1w81XNX15qpIYKPT3Clx5lNpx2iFoEW2TOznAaeRmxvtzmDb7_-kpIA-6bAV6bt3Ep1M47iiCmxgT1T9g/s640/IMG_5203.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I've finally made an attempt at making elderflowers syrup. I've discovered it about two years ago, somewhere on the internet, and have been obsessed ever since. This year I finally picked the right time for harvesting the flower heads. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">This is the recipe I used, which was adapted from an infinite amount of online recipes:</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">50 flower heads</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">3 lemons (sliced)</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">2 litres hot water</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">2 tbsp white vinegar</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">2 kg white sugar</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Pour the hot water into a bowl (I used an alluminium pan with lid) with the elderflower blossoms, the lemon slices, the vinegar and 200g of sugar. Stir gently, cover and leave it for 3 days.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">Strain the syrup, add the remaining sugar and bring back to a boil. Pour the hot syrup into sterilized jars or bottles, and carefully close the lid.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">The syrup can be stored in a dry cool place up to a year, or in the freezer. Once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for about a month. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">I'm planning popsicles, aromatic cold teas and fizzy drinks!</span><br />
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How are you getting ready for the coming summer months?</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Click on the image below to download.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uKav4d_ErAhjaEVueacjawAaV34_2ahUK-MTdTNgpI2PVc1cFYBv98ivT_i_oWkkR7EG4YaA_2CTNVBsbgia-pW8VN2zDtfx149eexBGmYwx7AFRCFRI6Ky-Oh36aG-QDQ6ZzvlR4-s/s400/June+2017.png" width="267" /></span></div>
Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-72863088156349283612017-05-01T17:14:00.000+01:002017-05-03T17:14:23.577+01:00May Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkViGMXV7dgvXKNSF8CtVIwZ88i02PHdoy9dBjiGwL7pj1hsTNSvncTYcmMySj9b021jpIC6iBfIVbMs-o43BcoHrLkYh8KJf49S80i7VAlC89l9HDr3rqA00p_4n3b1NulRVMhl79mY/s640/IMG_4881.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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May has arrived in the blink of an eye, leaving behind April's holidays, chicken pox and the initial stage of new projects. Summer is slowly making its way with warmer temperatures, short sleeves and longer days. I don't have too many things planned for the month ahead, just keeping up with the things I've got on my table feels enough. Enjoying the outdoors, caring for our balcony garden, carrying on with my #100daysofwildflowers, eating ice creams after school seem to be just right! </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEBwUv1-958bgQdKsNwiJOHic11jLRiyhHscIlhjjiwjvrkpogEiFbKS4ojAg85dmxe-jPzFv1x8b9gp5aALU3GbuSVrS-mgjL3rZRCoYiOarSC5iP5-isYl6muRSH-7Wq9ceuLL8LHU/s640/IMG_4882.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-twK8TllFpNF0CQ4ba6t-Y98udShXwSiLOdPyNDCdw7GH-IntOLZDmu1sdluRAuVjd5okb7y8cfJxNK3glHyLGT-bRv83867DChvFWnfkVxQNLpvnVFamtwFipftSg4EcJNHYxu8XC4/s640/IMG_4632.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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Have you got any exciting plans for this month?</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Click on the image below to download.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50nvO16NGjsinfR6dflHm1fFLYKW6UvJkD5LGYUPqfkzmUA_nXgK4TeWN__bKOcoqU8EEnI5ObSMPnXtvClTJD1pIqLjiCcHPJSj0FHQj5yEB81H2eaqlovkjawZEqUpjUt7LX1iaK8c/s400/May+2017.png" width="267" /></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-72141341346932519092017-04-01T07:13:00.000+01:002017-04-02T07:13:40.406+01:00April Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBZM00NZERYBlcSp1Q0D6AslyNCeG5jqo8iI3RtdnqYPm4rJqkzVoih32T5-cMQpqyeRPLpXZqArVELGjHQ95GpUjKg2IiHg66WjplUiwr49JLVnxVYzqWko-t9ja-sm9M_YoReE2lkw/s640/IMG_4473.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Welcome to April! It's probably my favourite time of the year. It's the first full month of spring, the days are longer, temperatures are just about right, nature is at its best. And is also my birthday month. My new day job is not leaving me with much time to paint, as I hoped, but I'm doing my best. My perpetual nature journal is being filled in every week, my current everyday sketchbook is coming to its last few pages and I'm a bout to embark on the "100 day project" (you can read about last year's challenge <a href="http://creatingincolour.blogspot.it/2016_04_01_archive.html">here</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nLfgGg5huqXmHXXjOCre4ERTyBE2TaiC2tRbc4B6-D2jT2wdhJgbvn9Zc_Lvg9At6F0nnVb9aj7nJDMwBcKLgwrij2FfebzDm4bHLLkP5OWygp0FhPAC9C2w3Qf-kl-ba3mEtLHwcZA/s640/IMG_4471.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
Hope April brings you lots of beautiful and happy moments!<br />
Click on the image below to download.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAxQ6aou07uBFE7FJ1n6vPNPyE9PJVaZVGzgPDnyVWSolgfqw14hnqNQFUdIRynw-gEF1lWplFjI9ct42BoH6YW3_LHgXioEYt8EFUS31jn1RCywSoP2l0HIrW5fEwuQ_g15xitLvJcE/s1600/April+2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAxQ6aou07uBFE7FJ1n6vPNPyE9PJVaZVGzgPDnyVWSolgfqw14hnqNQFUdIRynw-gEF1lWplFjI9ct42BoH6YW3_LHgXioEYt8EFUS31jn1RCywSoP2l0HIrW5fEwuQ_g15xitLvJcE/s400/April+2017.png" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-77456418496711971642017-03-04T09:15:00.000+00:002017-04-02T07:15:09.900+01:00March Calendar Free Download<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6e0Awts6pUlA3_r8CqLUrsrrBwIZH531Pp1gSOCa4weffpZIDTXmlvFroI25Ca0OfdNNtRMHM_eUCk7uyOwnkfDUGq8V2xsN9FRa1515jrIbcLswzH-hELTY0W4nk-iBeYZJpmXjMAw/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6e0Awts6pUlA3_r8CqLUrsrrBwIZH531Pp1gSOCa4weffpZIDTXmlvFroI25Ca0OfdNNtRMHM_eUCk7uyOwnkfDUGq8V2xsN9FRa1515jrIbcLswzH-hELTY0W4nk-iBeYZJpmXjMAw/s640/IMG_4304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">March starts the beginning of a new phase of my life. A new day job, which means lots of adjustments, lots of planning and lots of work trying to find a new balance. Our family routine hasn't been shaken up too much, but surely my daily rhythm has had a sharp turning point. Sitting at my desk to paint daily is going be a distant memory, nonetheless I'm planning to carve out time to create, anytime, anywhere I can. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGq5ymrqW3onfzazE9We0k1JY5xzoi06YiyhF4VicBHFqWE70RAT2eykBosyNcKjOkqnpy98VL0tvX8Sp6Pw1JcN_V19TPs_gTw1ZZJjbojC8lxCPrNT0vezqwiBo7x2KtnlB76azDco/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGq5ymrqW3onfzazE9We0k1JY5xzoi06YiyhF4VicBHFqWE70RAT2eykBosyNcKjOkqnpy98VL0tvX8Sp6Pw1JcN_V19TPs_gTw1ZZJjbojC8lxCPrNT0vezqwiBo7x2KtnlB76azDco/s640/IMG_4305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Digging out my pen and brush while out and about with the family during the weekend will be on my wish list. And I'm surely will be carrying my painting travel kit everywhere.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlV4BpSDxFKKNo-DUoBz65tYqjwM_4NJAzfrqk2N88S3aX8d11bxsenSlwTQiXmPfPJj6mE5gkOK7RL2RarDV3ArmadUKnzZL9ziDL4yogfLtnBCCFV6tzgauY9QGMUI5Y50x492wrlc/s1600/IMG_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlV4BpSDxFKKNo-DUoBz65tYqjwM_4NJAzfrqk2N88S3aX8d11bxsenSlwTQiXmPfPJj6mE5gkOK7RL2RarDV3ArmadUKnzZL9ziDL4yogfLtnBCCFV6tzgauY9QGMUI5Y50x492wrlc/s640/IMG_4306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bedtime doodles is another option, less viable as I'm not a night owl and I find working after the kids are asleep almost impossible.<span style="text-align: justify;"> But a late afternoon coffee could be of help!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOT2P_mfzuMhyphenhyphendEnQF2mx5fMMRb4T6h44e49lKvIdHiCWaf01shZU6_7O2AgwQG7zuUjC5OUCOambkyfMbSGosp4_unoo82jHTWYGcwRGRqrU52GZ8Mk5dkDkhvWSKGDZArEtDGADgwE/s1600/IMG_4307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOT2P_mfzuMhyphenhyphendEnQF2mx5fMMRb4T6h44e49lKvIdHiCWaf01shZU6_7O2AgwQG7zuUjC5OUCOambkyfMbSGosp4_unoo82jHTWYGcwRGRqrU52GZ8Mk5dkDkhvWSKGDZArEtDGADgwE/s640/IMG_4307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I love sketching in the car before and after work. It's becoming my favourite quiet and creative time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOK7r0-EPEOTOj89XgX-8K2dHtVTR1iNernkZan2SJtd8gwHtwnlY1dGHlkLKWTS5SlL7o0BbaumPwpxqAWWi6ptHwLVVtEazFOuahZuPYmGWhzciiN2OqZtUiH2d6F1D38Ml_0Yq5oJM/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOK7r0-EPEOTOj89XgX-8K2dHtVTR1iNernkZan2SJtd8gwHtwnlY1dGHlkLKWTS5SlL7o0BbaumPwpxqAWWi6ptHwLVVtEazFOuahZuPYmGWhzciiN2OqZtUiH2d6F1D38Ml_0Yq5oJM/s640/IMG_4308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And maybe doing a bit of planning and research during my lunch break could help making the most of my free time. Life with kids and a day job is hard, but fulfilling nonetheless.</div>
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Enjoy your free monthly calendar and happy March everyone! Spring is on its way.<br />
Click on the image below to download.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuuAseD4nw3hA0TiHdc01Ao7bsuFwMaXnJoQ7sdJV2hasbvlxi8vGnhyo9d3GZWL0Xpo7izVDZVZX_2Xkfis8iMeSi_uPp9R-yL40kDeECjKSdngdNAcTakXO59UYtSrg-tbMYBIamhs/s1600/March+2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuuAseD4nw3hA0TiHdc01Ao7bsuFwMaXnJoQ7sdJV2hasbvlxi8vGnhyo9d3GZWL0Xpo7izVDZVZX_2Xkfis8iMeSi_uPp9R-yL40kDeECjKSdngdNAcTakXO59UYtSrg-tbMYBIamhs/s400/March+2017.png" width="267" /></a></div>
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Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-3976672466563153062017-02-01T13:41:00.001+00:002017-02-01T13:41:11.446+00:00February News and Calendar Free Download<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I feel like we had the longest January ever! The Christmas holidays are by now a long distance memory and we are already longing for the first signs of spring.<br />
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I have been busy painting lately; the more I do it, the less I feel the pressure to make a masterpiece everytime I pick up a brush. My preferred subjects are dried leaves and small branches; anything that doesn't tilt or fade overnight. And I'm getting obsessed with olive green!<br />
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I have also started an annual perpetual nature journal. It is a simple concept that doesn't require too much energy and most of all doesn't have to be completed in a year. Basically you take a blank journal, I'm using Stillman and Birn Zata Series, and date the first page to represent the first week of January (Jan 1-7). Then continue dating the pages to represent each week until you get back to January. Each week you put an entry, it could be a sketch, a painting, some notes, and carry on to the following year by turning the journal to the current week and entering a new drawing.<br />
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I'm currently working on a new website and shop, which I'm hoping to launch by the end of the month. Fingers crossed I don't get swamped by too much coding.</div>
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Enjoy your free monthly calendar. Click on the image below to download. </div>
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Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-46239598615853344022017-01-13T14:25:00.001+00:002017-01-13T14:28:09.554+00:00January Calendar Free Download<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn-MGdgxv00XTBgHxgrlw0DD1IfOHPhLH6dbwnGwqLUoxx8fzXzRE5safYxsjTAAtEt-cdPD4cPmJrLiH8LZBwTX9lj8B5HgB2oTLwOLMPL0L-Mrx3FXOHR0-AxQoSUt3cRDavORWsWU/s640/IMG_3189.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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I know we are already halfway through January, but I finally dug out that illustrated monthly calendar that I started back in September. Since I'm still working on some of the months, I will make each calendar available for download every first day of the month. </div>
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Click on the image below to download. Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmVfdWmVOtA10cfKYk6r1hckLQWq2rO6Ii4xpo68lYBvHjrlvyiCUlKIgzGxtebuMbzKfJXkRLC5jJDx7BfNw8YENPT6Sfkc-rALTJfCKZrgaldzozsZyVroymyGcM6FK-UHw2UOtxiU/s1600/January+2017.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmVfdWmVOtA10cfKYk6r1hckLQWq2rO6Ii4xpo68lYBvHjrlvyiCUlKIgzGxtebuMbzKfJXkRLC5jJDx7BfNw8YENPT6Sfkc-rALTJfCKZrgaldzozsZyVroymyGcM6FK-UHw2UOtxiU/s640/January+2017.png" width="429" /></a></div>
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<br />Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-82304394002473997692016-07-08T09:56:00.001+01:002017-01-13T14:15:49.394+00:002-week holiday sketchbook challenge<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsEQYXWJUr9Sm8HGCLzH4RzmkR2wZ8T8uCQ3uXbxyB2_IHbPRv7Btiy-BoFUxFtlFMvgufrW6XZvTnRtSAORyUaxLMOc_bWB9fN3kdveGg7p_JrntUqzccNPBCPo1qIZDjaivytxl9BA/s640/IMG_2251.JPG" width="640" /></div>
The holiday season is upon us and like every year I like to set out some plans for creating memories and recording the summer time in a way that is not just taking pictures and let them sit on my laptop for the years to come. I love travel journals, but with a busy family schedule during the holidays is becoming more and more difficult to set aside the time to fill in a sketchbook.</div>
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This summer I'm going to try a different approach and inspired by <a href="https://books.google.it/books/about/Sara_Midda_s_South_of_France.html?id=O63Eiinqma8C&redir_esc=y&hl=en">Sara Midda's South of France - A sketchbook</a>, I've put together an easy sketchbook challenge to help me make a visual record of my two week summer holiday. </div>
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<b>How does it work</b></div>
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The challenge is open to everyone interested in creating a holiday sketchbook. </div>
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It contains a total of 7 prompts + 1 for the cover page. Each prompt will be developed over two days on a two-page spread to give me, and you, the chance to plan the page, gather informations and make up the time to complete it.</div>
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I will be using mainly watercolours, but really any other material or technique (photos, collages, etc) will do.</div>
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<b>List of (suggested) materials</b></div>
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<li>8 loose sheets of paper (I will be using A4 watercolour sheets)</li>
<li>pencil + eraser + pencil sharpener (I will be using an HB pencil)</li>
<li>black sketching pen (I will be using a Staedtler 0.1 black liner)</li>
<li>brushes (10mm flat sable, no. 5 round sable, no.1 round synthetic)</li>
<li>watercolours (I will be using a travel set I made out of a mint tin, containing: winsor yellow, indian yellow, scarlet lake, alizarin crimson, cerulean blue, french ultramarine, turquoise, winsor green blue shade, olive green, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, raw umber, burnt umber, titanium white)</li>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrspRrTgNEj8P8tBQtGQYKJoaKgSsoEqRBwCd9nxg6TuNwSM35SDZtQS5ZmSx4Q876XbWo8FUDLBU2j_0I6Ug8hFZsODrvD663yBccWfGc0YbvZVAa-abVevXanauj8y7WnhWGY9Heao/s640/IMG_2252.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<b>List of prompts</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Cover Page:</b> </i>Create a front page for your sketchbook. It could be a fun and colourful front cover or a more descriptive one, adding places and dates of your holiday.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Colour Chart:</b> </i>Create one or more colour palette based on the surroundings. It could be based on the colours of a landscape, a garden, a house, whatever catches your eyes, or all of the above. Next to each colour write down the object it refers to; i.e. olive tree, rose, shatter, plate, sky, etc.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Food:</b> </i>Create a page to depict the local food. It could be seasonal food, a special recipe, a list of favourite plates, a restaurant menu, your breakfast, a holiday treat.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Weather:</b> </i>Create a page to take notes about the weather during your holiday. It could be a weather legend, a 24-hour pie chart with the sky's colour for each slice, the weather forecast for the 2-week holiday.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Journaling:</b> </i>Create a page for your journaling notes to include facts, quotes, dooddles, weather, feelings, daily routine.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Landscapes: </b></i>Create a set of thumbnails to show the surrounding landscapes or local sceneries (beachscapes, cityscapes, local markets, etc)</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Patterns:</b> </i>Look for patterns around you and create a series of small thumbnails adding some notes.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>A collection of...:</b> </i>Create a spread of objects that caught your attention. It could be something from nature (flowers, plants, trees, fruits, stones, etc.), from the surroundings (house numbers, windows, signs, etc) or simple objects (vases, bags, shoes, mugs, etc).</li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I've created 2 different downloadable summaries of the prompts to use as a reference (look at the end of the post), so you can have it with you the whole time during your holiday.</span></div>
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There's really no right way of doing this; you can finish off each page spread or leave blank spaces to add things later on; you can add more prompts or complete the given ones within a week. </div>
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The challenge can be tailored to meet your specific needs.</div>
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I will be posting each prompt and my personal take on it on Instagram every other day starting <i><b>Friday <span style="background-color: white;">15 </span>July 2016</b></i>.<br />
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Everyone is welcome to join in! Simply use the prompts as your inspiration and use the hashtag #2weekholidaysketchbook <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">if you are p</span>osting your pages on Instagram so we can all see your work and tag me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marina_cerra/">@marina_cerra</a> if you are joining in. </div>
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You are more than welcome to do this challenge on your own blog, just link back to this post. Thanks! Also let me know in the comments if you decide to join in; I'd love to see where your creativity takes you. Feel free to share the list and invite your friends to join along with you.</div>
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Happy creative holiday!</div>
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<i>Downloadable jpgs (for personal use only)</i></div>
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Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-16404772031529954232016-06-20T11:52:00.002+01:002016-06-20T11:52:52.947+01:00Working through the middle of a project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_fn5tnxGAcee6gy1_wZgMHtLfqBMt-lHYymDHXBc6CMX4r9vu766lY9FRrc3yI4jbfxsHEHJz7k-3g9McpX18h63mEVKrnIaS2NoaPwg3xIWPFKx-fcEuis9_MnBYrPxSrdAWYjYmQY/s640/IMG_2064.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I'm one of those people who tends to jump right into a project with a lot of enthusiasm, hard work and big ideas. But also, with not enough planning and thinking through it. This leads most often than not to be completely burned out half way through the process, bringing depression, self doubts and the lot.</span></div>
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I had already recognised a few years ago, that short term projects do work best for me as the initial momentum is enough to get me to the end; we are talking monthly commitments tops. Although, even in those instances, sometimes my interest shifts after a few days or weeks.</div>
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I guess it is totally normal to feel like this at times, but I felt the need to dig a big deeper and figure out why this happens.</div>
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I recently started listening to some podcasts while driving back home after my morning school run, and a few weeks back I came across the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/creativepeptalk">Creative Pep Talks</a> by Andy J. Miller. In one of the episodes (sorry couldn't figure out which one was) he talked about the some of the key factors one should have to accomplish anything. And apart from familiar terms, like skills, planning, etc. the phrase the most resonated with me was "knowing the whys". Knowing why you are doing some particular project, why you are committing to this particular job, why you do things the way you do it.</div>
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It is not always easy to answer, at least in my case, but asking oneself the question at the beginning of a project (and maybe writing it down) I think will help keeping in mind the end goal, and will serve as a motivation to get through the hard part of it. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdKKuv0rlx5Y1ht85lqR8PhLjv4drFadUKddczX2Od5EvpSWOIO3T6mnLQeT3MB_nR9mszAwwJyAtWG2FI1CZu2DYRcPwQk_baAP8Pt3-JDMPAddh0npGspRxFMYvohF2fclEEB9BJIg/s640/IMG_1689.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
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When I started my <a href="http://creatingincolour.blogspot.it/2016/04/100-days-of-leaves.html">#100daysofleaves</a>, the idea was to, and I quote, "commit to something just for fun". Well, the fun ended about half way through it, when I realised there were other things I wanted to do and spend time on. The motivation, the why, behind starting this project was not strong enough and not well thought to keep me afloat during the dry spell. We are now on day 64 out of 100, and I just posted on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marina_cerra/">Instagram</a> my group picture for the past 4 days....</div>
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Clearly I feel like there is no point in carrying on with this project, yet my tendency to self destruction and stubbornness is keeping me from leaving it.</div>
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I also feel that the failure for not keeping it up is equally depressing that the failure for doing a bad job. So there's no win here.</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIJoT0Af5Y4gbfXG4GsZ06zL-4_kYLjfqrIuiu4V-xAE53uHrmuRdvSfFlMLO0AsqoY7Bk-MyPAHL7iHM9Foi-JVFee6zCaxFE9fChsDCNxj5uPBANREavFOMjfFH4gRB6ipBPUCIUhA/s640/IMG_1938.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
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However, finding new motivations, creating new goals and actually shifting the why of this commitment from "doing something just for fun" to "create something good everyday", or "make a small leaf painting everyday", could bring the spark back and help me reach the end in a much better state than I feel right now.</div>
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What keeps you motivated throughout a project? Any tips you want to share?</div>
Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-45455511162491369982016-04-15T10:36:00.002+01:002016-04-15T10:36:15.117+01:00100 days of leaves<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXaHwhzG4KpVoDGmv8Cvq08m4ekQRTGNIlmpCGSHW6JJMUDF1cYFawbSUPka1kkkHhFFfy9iLAWZ0LRQOzM7eJtfzC1a4cdHJ404Rbr2lHk3AKhVEPRBuQ4DK2hHiGdprgknlfvGzhVc/s640/IMG_0918.JPG" width="640" /></div>
It feels like a lifetime ago when I had time to plan year long projects and play monthly challenges. Two kids later and an overseas move, I think it's about time to commit to something just for fun.</div>
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<a href="http://thegreatdiscontent.com/100days">The100DayProject</a> with Elle Luna & The Great Discontent has been on my mind since it launched back in 2014. It's a community based making project, open to everyone with basically no rules, if not public commitment to make/do something for 100 days; showing up day after day is the actual goal.</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/elleluna/"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLZK1-FwycfQNUDiOkQN5D6naNlSXFOfQiT3yQ1xgSZg1Ntp9sW6Sb0JhnUEhUkkzTgOelPsnC09ap9RY0j3KDMJbsQPzPYsN00K39orwvrRZfzdu1tXBWCwF1h7eSo4FbfATi6_ZCiw/s640/luna-100dayproject-hero-xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>illustration by Elle Luna</i></div>
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My action for these 100 days of making will be to create a page depicting a leaf; it could be a drawing, a painting, a collage, a print, a dried leaf. I want it to leave it as open as possible to experiment and also to make it easier to stick to it.</div>
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I've already made a small journal to simplify the process. Let's see if I can get to the end of it!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyJ7f0GiIyydr_pkb1WL8eXoVpxFCIyFoy1YLwwRgQ_J5rmhHj32Yk5eZ12j8XmX-fV9XTzGEKDMRhIWVFkgB69iGZiTd4nQrYtSi51nIHIoB24BU_qzD-q3ejMgjlMNrMdyy2pDkk7k/s640/IMG_0920.JPG" width="640" /></div>
Follow the hashtags <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/the100dayproject/">#the100dayproject</a> and #the100daysofleaves on Instagram to see all my instances in one place!<br />
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The 100 day project will start next Tuesday April 19th and end Wednesday July 27th 2016. </div>
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Are you in?</div>
Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-71123035463535767262015-12-09T11:05:00.004+00:002015-12-09T11:19:42.595+00:00Sketchcrawling in Rome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf40mT6jHu5euPMEqktq77FhfI2NyHvXZjUQwyQrqmn7ml_oCgbIXDhNzpVtKSTSKZS_G0YZk456YqwSGbXBguKZdnb3WN2ffZySewcB5ntS2CBRy-dfppRFDfY9XSM3_REcwlSBA8DU/s640/IMG_0780.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Everyday I get to drive past the Appia Antica. Some days I stop along the way for a quick sketch. </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgqRS2ukOncRkAkTcBi2N1I4kyIfh6pH1Ol-M3xRu5VUT5lT1F_9S8gDDcBbVOSwyIikJrUUIeRadH0fYqkfbZrETx55eTMHvUKuUWMxKM6cetXLFgQmwxxtC1F8syl585CXF8yFfdRM/s640/IMG_1110.JPG" width="640" /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WNsUMu91bNzXv66sDxIEVENWDa4iMqVKoi3UaKOGfGl9cFKCbDfqE7O69GU_KwF93dFe7ocIpwd2NU8HT54RdJ4u37Ty0UGkjn5tSdG8k1UyKnGpGBVTj5isvl9P9qBLJ0dm0LI0q1E/s640/IMG_1106.JPG" width="640" /><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtYXa11lPXpooFp5tUhaKJ2JWSA82EFLPynr_PHUDPUoCL3GHPA7knCOxHrxnpdHcbD12JjUwxz54eiiRDCLMoQgmi9Q0STqm1t_XSAXp40rxc8-aJZLCKqaZ3bCQiw6qT2ZmRdzQNC0/s640/IMG_0933.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Paper:</i> <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/en/collections/model/product/watercolour-notebook-pocket">this</a> pocket watercolour Moleskine.</div>
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<i>Colour:</i> Winsor & Newton artists' water colours. I made myself a tiny colour box using an old mint tin and watercolours pans.</div>
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<i>Brush:</i> <a href="http://sakuraofamerica.com/component/product/products/396">these</a> Koi water brushes.</div>
Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-18256976250671104002015-08-01T14:08:00.001+01:002015-11-18T22:16:49.070+00:00One year on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxvi23_-o9kyt2jASLGfawQH-UGKxf2aFZ4Eqre12vDuTIitPgJJoqranSNF-PWPTvd5XbfRss6_XgqD7f2opftGTxMHYg6UAR-vTWS1wjn5wBhzZrbSzCwWVYlG_Yxu5FW8RWUJUDi0/s640/IMG_4654.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfQuReyOKChCcNJXGdpnM4miR7rnxTlH1rNGsEf6fagY1rbHKhz5cfvYwCtaYOwUt-PJxyz2A6U61h6u45JikgyAtX6_bYhjMbdVs8-nCwD_P2Y8Yoep-00mfsurTC0mKF7Cv-hr18-Q/s640/IMG_0647.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzrgJ2ar2flqydH4b5vOB49v29O7eVZaZn2d4G8vjPja1SaGWRtrhmfZGf-9s7xwgFfikTvPipjglR_vc_pDQnbX0dzRNK3TRkUKr4C5m5BD7ahu9eVszljKCaZiLGsDk_wEe4rrqeZg/s640/IMG_0651.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Vlt8cYfSMJK-l_1HMvRXGbG77duM15q0oUDFqFA_CA_LvFjM8GKyffzf4bo-EL4DqWuEFeygFYNTQ4B-v3hS86vt0kZTdXStRTnfkwyY2-4H2KVTu6zF6bbqGN6fr0qQED1kkh6vzJ8/s640/IMG_0653.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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A year ago today we took a cab to the hospital at around 8am to have an induction and get labour started. I don't remember vividly that morning; the only thing I knew for sure was that I thought we had waited long enough (too long!) and that I wanted you out as soon as possible. I was feeling a bit frustrated as all my pregnant friends had given birth already and I was the only one left still with a huge belly. You were 10 days overdue and were not giving any signs to wanting to meet us. It was hot, everyone had already left town to go on holiday and the streets were empty. We checked into A&E and waited together with other 6 couples. It was a very long wait and only one topic to talk about: babies! Around midday we finally got our room and at 2pm we headed to the delivery room to get induced. We stayed there for two hours but nothing happened if not just us taking pictures, looking at the beautiful views across Rome from the window, complaining about the heat and wondering what would be happening next. We got sent back to our room and spent the rest of the afternoon chit chatting with our room mates who were expecting twins and booked for a c-section the next day. I was due for another induction shot at 8pm, but at 7.30 while talking with our friends my water broke. We waited about 15 minutes before calling the midwife and by the time she arrived contractions had started. I remember leaning against the bed frame trying to remember what I had learned at yoga classes, the bee breath, the golden thread exercise, and so many other things I didn't know I'd be able to remember. All the delivery rooms were full and we were assigned to the emergency one. I remember being able to walk out the door of our room and all of a sudden contractions getting too painful I needed a wheelchair. I took my time to get off the chair and climb to the bed, I wanted to stand, but they made me lay down. There were about 10 people in that tiny room and so much light I could hardly find Gianluca's face. I was conscious the whole time, I remember exactly what I was going through; the pushing, the pain, me saying: "I don't want this baby anymore..", and just like that you were born at 8.50pm on August 1st. They put you on my chest, I looked at you and said to your dad you were absolutely beautiful! It was a strange feeling, different from what I experienced the first time around; it was love at first sight. So here you are, one year later, walking, talking, laughing and making our lives full. Happy first birthday my sweet little one!</div>
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With love, mama.</div>
Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-35887405983124778862015-07-26T10:00:00.001+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.914+01:00Colouring pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBmTTBgDomEoJuSI-VvtLWBg0WEKWKwty0p9o8ST5zE0y4Z4XxIUVHiqRyCeGgV8umEQres0EZaY_kX-8V3aj9AsZtfTQxnWuLB8qH6j928KNbxBoiEd7FuVjIjyTWGbUYCa8W3ms_qA/s640/IMG_4741.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone seems to be obsessed with adult colouring book these days. And to be honest some of them are so beautifully drawn that it is a bit intimidating to even start colouring. Considering my love for gardens and flowers, there are two books that I particularly recommend:</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Therapy-Extraordinary-Sophie-Leblanc/dp/1910254061">Art therapy: extraordinary gardens</a> by Sofie Leblanc; and</span></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Garden-Inky-Treasure-Colouring/dp/1780671067/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437740802&sr=1-1&keywords=Secret+Garden%3A+an+inky+treasure+hunt+and+colouring+book">Secret Garden: an inky treasure hunt and colouring book</a> by Johanna Basford.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspired by these books and by some vintage fabrics I had around I gave line work a try and made two colouring pages.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MJTVj5MWGmrs7FSmOoPqjbTb8P1TkpYcOmXNcc4Ma2_2ATgd_h48JetE-W9Rt_8NnhnhjHgZleRJYHhyphenhyphen0EnE7l-xkUDk1DaUctF96DiJo4KZhrcBpD38LYpOZiGaZqY3Db1czYYp_Zk/s640/IMG_4733.JPG" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I printed them out using different types of paper and had so much fun using different colouring techniques. Even Olivia gave it a go and asked for more copies a few times.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrfa2Vi7f3EUZPnOPNoeiXJuWz8n7gS1uK6nB6Rq-kCy3QU4AzOlayVKRskVOiuyObmXAthZ2LGr8SZlwyW1tu2HNcGqgLnM-NCePrRnE-URamyoqDsFboiR5jXKkEJFERVMC9GWABlM/s640/IMG_4735.JPG" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk8sGBbjuBJcPDHU6xo_YflppUVFEa7Tt9FcoTNd1ZpX_B9e80HNVxzUvGRfuCmvjA8HWFFqCaKHLQOfLt5lyWBnCp8Kg3gbp5iYdzeuoCUz0b-sBIJaZ6PiM7HJnmGdWGf1jlsdIvcI/s640/IMG_4770.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdGPSs0Q5GGt12YwV2Q8Hinc_p65UpMCeSR4UIO3nop-hJjfHpN9U3NaXpLoGB_SFaKPSzfdADPgsVRzyT91J896Pxo7tTdgKA_U3rn1u_RQ4hq1SG2xAVwFsCwsUHWuiBE41iFCqHGA/s640/IMG_4758.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you want to give it a go yourself, feel free to download a copy and let me know how it goes. Tag me along if you are sharing your coloured pages on Instagram (<a href="https://instagram.com/marina_cerra/">marina_cerra</a>) so I can see it too. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="goog_219119776"></span><span id="goog_219119777"></span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/325/19814448558_93ec28284b_o.jpg"><img alt="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/325/19814448558_93ec28284b_o.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT_krplrMPiqmi79a3109y_Ao-GSHMdSlEScdGRz9tfrzCr8lkGkPnuBr-bbCDq7b5nik3pdaA0bivrX2zkrtLPGrsJm3GdOqo18lB_MO_EamRQCSCwbPzbDDktWIjHnxcCyGldinDH4/s400/Colouring_1.jpg" width="290" /></a><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/19815860619_a4551e3276_o.jpg"><img alt="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/282/19815860619_a4551e3276_o.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tiZMVoby-JDlxtiP7MgCylVttf5ILp5En8MwbtJIVug1S22eJ3a5y8ov2A4zwvI35hUbzeGB9j8Oo4wAj3sTWw45yhdAIOoajuFKDmETkJIhJDVzyNpRYajT0h69DsrYV8TSh3LWfug/s400/Colouring_2.jpg" width="290" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy colouring!</span></div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-30742858886625195442015-07-23T16:38:00.001+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.890+01:00Blog re-design <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSNNyeKlQzJf4AfrWBfewE-0b4XkfA2oOezxNsKEkuhqmTCE1ihibK9NAXOJHhyphenhyphenuu8JiknjxscD7JC1bX3RwlD-dfRffAjhoAQvpYOChJuqrZPOaKKO3r2lMtMScosfrttrcijVW6NYA/s1600/photo+%252852%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSNNyeKlQzJf4AfrWBfewE-0b4XkfA2oOezxNsKEkuhqmTCE1ihibK9NAXOJHhyphenhyphenuu8JiknjxscD7JC1bX3RwlD-dfRffAjhoAQvpYOChJuqrZPOaKKO3r2lMtMScosfrttrcijVW6NYA/s640/photo+%252852%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm currently working on updating this blog. It will take a while before things are final, and since I haven't figure out what to change and how, this space will be a work in progress for some time. I hope I will get a new final look soon. In the meantime, please be patient!</div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-76548723451816315572015-07-20T10:00:00.001+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.991+01:00Creating with kids<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ps8m_TXIv308_iQaRe_NnbuEyvmDYfgKMY4ri5U6gqDYiQ8zO_n4vLfFFgSvSSE-CXTT5RJv4WNbclcKev5kL7Ud4BkUpka5dRpT8lSTei2QLEMoXUCiSUaNUk-nyX0B_mrSE-kXuuk/s640/IMG_1054.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">I never had a fixed routine for making art at home; and since it was (still is!) just a hobby I used to squeeze in some time only when I felt like it. Of course things have changed tremendously since having kids, and funnily enough, my desire to paint has increased as much as my spare time has become almost not existent.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_tAxCbUIjm7flJNtZjtNohUszBIlFcRr8ull51SJCbqq06FbwUooTRK142FiCbb5nn7AAIFHYNIzFzYvDWN4aHwWoyhI46DYUYsxKJ8IALCHBuXRNDnj6nEDRdXbtRlCcnGUHILn8Jc/s640/IMG_2874.JPG" width="640" /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I have been browsing the internet trying to find out how people with kids manage to find some time to dedicate to their hobbies or interests, without neglecting their children. I asked some artist mums for advice and they told me the key is to either work while they are asleep or involve them too (or call a sitter!).<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Working in the evening has become more difficult as the only thing I'm able to do after the never ending and exhausting afternoon is to just sit and watch some tv or go to sleep. Early morning rise is not really an option...waking up even earlier than 6.30am is just cruel. So what I have been left with is my littlest's nap times while my eldest is at school. This worked out great until the school holidays! Now that they are both at home, using that time has necessarily meant involving my daughter in the process too.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9giMw1xz7mbO6taiX-HLKvsk2yTeYx9f0MNsMnhzVn8ix9xn5qkTrXMRYXyJbAYVkhupCpGfLVU6T0W_O4BnwnSOQViqJL-i9JLkyKcTGTUoxDkEjroB19PY3dli-9dEwSJ5rNp2VAyY/s640/IMG_4128.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately this option doesn't always work; kids get distracted easily or sometimes they are just not interest. But it's always worth a try, so more often than not I give it a go.</span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On a regular day, as soon as her brother is down for a nap, I ask Olivia if she wants to do dome painting with me. Most of the time she gets excited enough to say yes with no hesitation. I normally set us up on the big table in our dining room where we spend a good half hour painting, drawing and colouring. She usually works on her own piece, while I work on mine, and although I have to deal with few interruptions, most of the time I manage to get something done. Of course this is not always the case; sometimes she asks me to do stuff together, either me colouring on her book or her using my tools. But that's ok too, it gives me that peace of mind to recharge doing something I like.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are other times when her brother wants to join in, but that's a different story which I still have to figure out how to tackle!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDjhQV00medSWgWIP-vS5KJ6_dpTItbJaNK4t0Qu3M1ntNzwpWD1QP5yGubhQM93-ymUXvH34WleO-4EPSiuushNYg5bjUCCDK5NfyyHMFW2nLR_Ejj2IbCpqd_F1wdifD9n31Yjgf7A/s640/IMG_3879.JPG" width="640" /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few tips I want to share with you that I learned along the way:</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. prepare your own stuff first and then your kids's otherwise by the time you are ready to start, they are already bored and want to move onto something else! </span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Create an area in your house where they can keep all their painting stuff ready so that they can create whenever they fill like. We use a small coffee table in a corner of our living room where she keeps an easel, her colouring books, pencils, paints, etc.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWZIVr1nEP-8btHtI3MATr0HGgBdYdu1dh05Fe-8ktNhOwr5nj8nj1byjohLa3I0hRa5rp1Nom-h9jbdsS9z-Zbse_w__YQ2201PInStGqZQv6t6qMpbzSVnkiUzp4Bz9o9Nz_rHaZfs/s640/IMG_4166.JPG" width="640" /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Let them use your tools once in a while. I found that my daughter loves to copy what I do and that of course means using the exact same materials. That doesn't include my expensive brushes or watercolours or paper, but I have a few sketchbooks, old brushes and paper scraps that she's allowed to use when we paint together.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfOZC2eNtfmiD-qQ4yNejccW4oH-D4JaBZgdw901Z0-tGJTOmvseXvi_cf3xLA3-8KWu4WvUW1ZTHYBTiNfszNCF3A237Ss3eHf5QNQspYzEmPQFVTmQfow4yM87tnPosueZSVBVhJV8/s640/IMG_0606.JPG" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Let them explore different mediums and techniques. They get more engaged if they are trying something new and might stay focused for longer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNplD4kKN293FLBeL2kl2_-7RLEiRhpHSKoxoHEUAdveeEG6SYyfJOKWej2jnnpyn8jXGQn18Di8nQMqoGU-FeNdJOK9-Vo4LFI2lonXvccCEE62i3GYmJAi1LHlCi1D_Bk65sQIagZFU/s640/IMG_2705.JPG" width="640" /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope you'll find this useful!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">What works for you? Do you have any useful tips you'd like to share? </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Happy creating!</span></div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-73210989018205916522015-07-09T10:00:00.001+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.982+01:00July: Around here<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11wIdx0rqNbXOmBfDaPXGO3NpMScAbkrmi-6TqEvESxGL2r_D3VjXhGNrTxtn0ZgJBmNtqnSwQmzfuKyL4xKfMb_vyqSSKlZP9nfM7G16cy1EZr8eTAR2ZUIw2FeRgMm5sLnTUvZQSu4/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="540" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This year summer caught us by surprise. We headed up to the mountains for a long weekend, but the epic heat wave forced us to make our stay a little longer.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ten days on and, apart from having the kids with me all day long, we are enjoying this early and unexpected summer holiday. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCVfbXkow68TYDbjMOiDJ-OFptUacloEpUWvaOGC-FT5QwTN_qf_hfT_pvSCOcGkbHX1DmkCt4PToaCiffl76z8a0TsUk_LVlmdbpXf4sNEJgteCbfSHMiRKGuvm4i6Nuqqyv95RU7yA/s640/photo+4.jpeg" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges-n5nRSjstOgqv8975IdW486NaQUkrl7ubqNa-N2uYA9M2qdN-mgpLesZ4XKz3NXLThRGDadXEQA-YE6OFeAHkgrCh3cU7ivSTtOe-N6S90tJyqn4lVT-h8L9SPCYCXBdXjuYS1k0pA/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LwZvJznDhxACNDi5kKcxFhVtCMzX80dI-INJ0BoGHkGbLKE_rzoVITbfOuurmYIXVg9hWv50RqUWtxJG4GEfb95RpgEA4imMnvytgkya8T8Xad38I5BbG9AXpJqH7uG09O65LRYXWOQ/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfEMXX4XUAkDY6M3i_6WyUJ3E_9DlPQ5TZO2ZKtYZutuLtB74ub6uSgq5EExUhv3aCdR-JNYFQOkOoPDQ3ftIpDKYH5EAD4cMnrWLDdFRyFAYYk5Puj5iQhgOUTcYzo6iHHgArIPngnQ/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4BD0yVYGSIDLVZnRa6jm_REM6Y3imjqc5E5qFEpArCwz7AxwBzFhSrRop0b9-kAdVWpRrP2RDPwSN6PihyphenhyphenPwQKIkv8xfKI9SDDQlc0YFhUDJWS7ZNWg6HPRCSsj8C40Yr_DKoRho08s/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHzBIx7aNu6WJ7cPCfwR39JAnA-GOdneVuwsV7J27nEUOPtbDFMW6ck6nutfijcFsrtLaHa-mQYSZBHwqEoqtu2GJ71T4QX7899Qu9ai0Wco0_DcYvSP9eTABGfaydgPoo8HN4NcOctU/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8962z62LsLubLeAue0qH4fqRLXBYmf8DRCca9X_i4t_LaJpYna2XuXfcK7sye8-pNikUGlzWUoK4w43iLDxqYKfChKYZ8BYWG-XxXnBWkBKFTBoZySc6UjwpZmOMDTaXePycIaBspHwU/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HgXUKd4UWDv2eVTOONpBlWDQT_3UUGxMmO39Ah8yOdUyaQmg17_w9Ifs25vaIuzuUbi6lKfdo187x1D8bpC0dSECPtI9UX5Zw9Ba3SCAlxfEfDBn2Pd0SYJBDOmMycOpwHNuHE5LoHQ/s640/photo+3.jpeg" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hope the season is being kind to you! How are you escaping the heat this summer?</div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-32785738811510634582015-05-24T10:00:00.003+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.898+01:00A day at the beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7N1J4m_tAm6dPFgR9OudH-HlDO0XEMq9IGG7RcGixwZQAQJHquJC2cHYGa-qoJE64XNYlyqXJxr6c3N679vy561d_mZEBJRJ-1QkcIdtgKU4d6UtRFmsCQ_f0bQBcJc8qIhQtt6NQOQ/s640/IMG_3965.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Last weekend we made the most of the beautiful weather; we loaded the car and headed to the beach. It was a bit windy and the water a little chilly for a dive, but surely the kids enjoyed playing with the sand on the endless and almost empty beach. We ended the day with a pizza over a spectacular sunset dreaming about the summer to come. Here's to a beautiful day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs1OIxH6Y6iWSgpyJLhYhQugXRfc-qWXyy1PFXgmGcIbXMcNMxeLhjpyB7CLqvr01mqAlheY7clOm5mp_H-x5jgXFn3xd5DP1mjpuuZWIsmhSGwdvgqxY22p5_K7l-88Bx-N_oEzNp7Q/s640/IMG_3971.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYlkPrNAE5WpSiliLgaw7MoZl-bKxZUxMcp2GxtnuVgKftbpo5S5_J9GPbI2elSEnvUohUBOPum1UHcGcQ0M5mmcgGC5hO_Lb6W5pqIcV5REdCkAJIf06AO9j1qOOj2GrdtLJKAtUta0/s640/IMG_3973.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54WB3FPLarqZ-X1nFM5qb5yiWSKOLqz6qkl3uHBfd4aQJoC94Ob3LnTkWDi0yspHLfinckzV-2wwd8vg81VpsbIXddYgagoTn7O1p60HkAwVlHE1foDT3G8_acTWPGt5Qp1jbVjiW8PA/s640/IMG_3975.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFpA4hjDRNf1b3Iwd8DQ9CdT9XSQ3I_O4wq_9LLqDR8_SnJOAalAbKKaDvQkP7Z8fe8jhwrY3sRIK4ksO_sNTAzkbLRkUYV_Ave897iR45W2cOz9ouNuJdjaYxjgzVG2nlAcK4l6wGl4/s640/IMG_3979.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRQvW83RsqXucT_eXJ9hkgrXvUy1h4GOgLPcpjLUAj5awtdxh5ga0lDqO2qUf7EaWGYl0EA_tC8fzdRTJ3o2gp6Mwve0fyqbHIdFE191NiiCgzEk-_TjSCCfJTbUX19StyCvUzHuSxmM/s640/IMG_3982.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznnX_MwhdqdpEvpYXTO1XMXMDEon7IUsLj7-rOF91XHgW8JRic-79IXKUvflZt3OadBBfKrTeTDlld8nhFr4-eXq6GyMtczQoDM04ioEht8qDsMUPSvw_oFlgOaxCntYCIea54Vrlies/s640/IMG_3988.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28lGTxqt1gz4nj8kPXeJYgGVYmHNnm3EY1rDAnU5o95yDoCuUwyYMAn5ApwHKD7TyJsLG2t12RgCeN38KIgqd7GHqBhH1z091Devwr81_JZFTETIaSBQPw7bh2nMDlxmUEsGA7OWg8Zs/s640/IMG_3989.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxF-BbVcOVmywpC9wIh8sX6QhmbQ04VigSiDwRRG3N7mTg0WgMvOJ-qfA4DwE2SHXJvDkkrPLbQhTPfduaMfZqKcq4guq4kXl4MDIDjmii0EbgH-iLYTtzT5070fcGlPnrvvT_z1ltpQ/s640/IMG_3991.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyAD7I-hZp2-p-BcO-zy00Pfoh8wpEX4i3OVtDNLjNmYN3SbZ0T6XHIdz8WXtMPsyaoByau4S-f6B7AuKdPKIXB-4iJn0W8s-9VQp-R7GwpwWqYYDd95FOLd4RMRo2aPPaXCcoTjpVPE/s640/IMG_3996.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1oRdV9lKMz-9TSq79EVaMviujQRFYJc-cvghU5Vcm7yNqjgNXOSB2B9XvPh3FR6gfjLGshV9g1Gzh2yzJiBW5uFMD3sFpugLRAOSVCrAfg1-Wcks-CjKpIQ1xCtay5CYmW1xPFUkMc8/s640/IMG_3997.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMc0Ubk2_LDr8X8Iq9OwD52oBHbJubA8QA7p5jClnHuCRmtggBbFJfXd-pJIs3a2qs7xx7M41-BoGM6GZjGM1Qw34oAUCR2t2FLu0Ig_eNgHIFXK3fwrJnWeEPnQBAhYn6CijXHhEtLg/s640/IMG_3998.JPG" width="540" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26rDJhcFqSGBgXryoPRPqCtzr-GvAkq0654Ucg9-CX7Y_Keh18smOrlZhi8ECh5Glg0fPK2M5B43CMsnYjlZpzHxoflqJRSMgaSn7cr0ukJXoioWuVBWU1UWcB9Ib5wviD1y2JbqQ_2w/s640/IMG_4005.JPG" width="540" /></div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-83300279871557682212015-05-24T10:00:00.002+01:002015-10-19T09:12:54.010+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR81Hy1mFik/VWDwgNsnWiI/AAAAAAAAIlk/iynbeLT4Hxw/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR81Hy1mFik/VWDwgNsnWiI/AAAAAAAAIlk/iynbeLT4Hxw/s640/IMG_4023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Remembering our first day at the beach with a quick watercolour sketch in my weekly art journal. Happy Sunday!</div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-77416925192855902472015-05-17T10:00:00.002+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.996+01:00A peak inside my new b/w sketchbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw0A69q61T7ySjRitZ5nvKhsn1HHe0yeX65YnErJMdDZwRGkh3GHlQWR3AksaNVaStwcAuWQItPJKwlWkuDFl1M_RuaLjKLxLo-3Y9u54VXGbxHVNF2-weEhA7y-gdV8W-hhEE29WnOY/s640/IMG_3932.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As I don't have already enough on plate these days, I bought myself <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Signo-Angelic-UM-120AC-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.7-mm-White-Ink/pd/1319">this</a> white gel ink pen to try out. I had some black paper scraps and started doodling. The results were very effective and loved the white marks on the black background.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SqxucL91OQMmtEufdQAgYVsMFEjxImB6zyNjPSKbXtKdMU2MFz3nAu_OJWgihzjCApTeglgxznwSH3yAAQf9HofZwMo17jeEdyXp8tlLzNBjrRSl2zOoHOdXQrysU4UsigA5kqI5WUo/s640/IMG_3581.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukni7TmcQuZhbYzLUpNt91HgcjVnKuRyhNMj9UamiokwCnUAD0bhmvrWG9o5CBUJkCOHkszENP-nyeX2BdNA4ehmkMuDvepH4yIwvJK1cy07it6kjZMJ_Ed23kxZlMEQWkTKGNo9YdWo/s640/IMG_3580.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So I thought I'd buy a pocket moleskine with black pages, but couldn't find one easily, so I made my own little book (about 12x12cm) to experiment with instead. I used <a href="http://www.artmaterials.ie/paper-pads/paper-card/canson-colorline-poster-card-50-x-70cm-220gsm-ebony-black.html">this</a> sheet of black paper and <a href="http://hemptique.net/hemptique-products/hemptique-hemp-cord-cards/">this</a> black hemp cord to coptic stitch the pages together. For the cover I used some cardstock covered with a sheet of paper designed by <a href="http://suzyultman.com/">Suzy Ultman</a> for <a href="http://www.flowmagazine.com/product/flow-book-pa">The Book for Paper Lovers 2</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJggWu_HF-dNKVnMF2GtUlVxKCin2GSWctTdMvF8Kcoq5M8lySijmMN2xOzvnLmPJ1pFIBpsXLAe2LDvlGrNBzoWFfFYeicN4TMe7sdknRHkTHq83f7uLioSdBUKx0wFnGHzRMT7S6hqI/s640/IMG_3867.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0T71x0uJO4YjaMUYPsZPVsf5FNz9ooEdUKaFxotohtNqnYxsAbmb8l9l7sVBjU4n9Qkfnh6TfSdOv87Y8WRhG8sTJtDha81wcd1Z7VUl_WNJZ4b3ppJfMGESedXi81cdwcJdDuGzMM6o/s640/IMG_3868.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP0gCvXG_r8ck3I1B3wXHnyroqbExLFHAUKisCpfczMmN6w3SgL9rav3sMbjeai0Hth3vXbJKVysTC87RwpfZDWRHojwmNMf9LqGu3PNNY7qvyzgebvxfhGHZ9wZbX8XHoF0KZgjRKJ8/s640/IMG_3931.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjm-lKL_D4YI13aiAcHeRGWXAae9CFMt98QwnmfGLO3XWVGMiWfNL1UxpG8owc0CYnRWH5vpWgGjrWqLZ-cRq4Sl6J4Cya3yHIDPJncnefl6OdgyCXVwbGekEIgdFaaLUwQHZeKvrk6Q/s640/IMG_3933.JPG" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfIa2-Bezwqe65KoHizrGsOzqlKh9eQJnBDlUYDlz7ppLGQpwf32zkEBvqVXNsftaFkVzneeeNVIlED1HqKUycaRvmMGKKM0_JvMh5aOXM7ch2e8-xc3fCBsu7uRipsykvIsYHGb-Aw4/s640/IMG_3934.JPG" width="640" /></div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4555099178247448239.post-4496539276433705942015-05-10T10:00:00.003+01:002015-10-19T09:12:53.927+01:00Happy Mother's Day<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZLk6Oy1L3p5v6fCZTQom6hcS0GvwQHYT2PTlYeSeGq9XCbPHX8qrKpstKCyQG03p1omZ6xBi18WDp3PKNTN5qWRB5jQdqTe_jDWE9yrtRKH60ysb2jHD6hb6tW01zAnytCApls2Ev4U/s640/photo+(51).JPG" width="540" /></div>Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mums out there! you are all doing an amazing job, whether you are a mother of one or ten kids. Being a mum is no joke and the painstaking job we are all doing should be celebrated and recognised every single day (I'm typing this single handed while my 9 month old is trying to climb over my shoulder). We all have ups and downs, joyful moments and tired tears, but at the end of the day there's no one else in the world that can replace us. So to all of you, who are struggling in your role as a mother, as I am right now, hang in there and let the world celebrate you on this day. Happy Mother's Day. xoxo</div>Marina Cerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15432321860941461188noreply@blogger.com3