Back from Boston

In the end, the elegant outfit Charlotte had ordered for our friends’ Boston wedding last weekend did not get delivered in time, so she was forced to make the trip sans chapeau. It all worked out fine in the end, though, as within minutes of meeting the lovely (and accommodating) bride, Charlotte’s little cat head was swathed in exquisite Chantilly lace. (Which it has been, on and off, ever since.)

The whole trip was great! Not only did I get to see two old friends tie the knot, but I also got to mingle with our mutual pals, the fabulous Boston-area illustrators whom I do not get to see too often, now that I live in the Midwest.

On a bit of a whim, the bunch of us collaborated on a hush-hush secret project for the bride and groom—a wedding banner that spelled out their names, one artist to a letter. (Thank God all the letters got claimed, leaving me with the comparatively easy job of playing art director.) All the finished artwork was sent to me ahead of time, so I could add the finishing touches—a decorative paper backing and a dangling charm to each piece—and then string them together on a silver cord.

While each and every one of these was a little masterpiece, I’m going to attach enlargements of just the first two, so you can see the kind of detail that was typical throughout. (The finished pieces were about 6 inches square.)

“D for Diana” was created by Elizabeth Traynor, who cleverly incorporated Dianthus blossoms (AKA “pinks”), to echo the bride’s name. (Lovely work, as always, Ms. Traynor!)

Robert Saunders kindly allowed me to adapt an image from his rights-managed stock art collection for the letter “i.” (You can see how for this one, the charm was a tiny engagement ring. Amazing what one can find at Hobby Lobby, isn’t it?)

Speaking of Rob, it was his birthday recently, and since I didn’t get a chance to post it at the time (except on Facebook), here’s the cat doodle that marked the occasion.

Blackie and Charlotte are doing their best here to jazz up the traditional Happy Birthday song, in honor of Rob’s musical contributions to the acoustic gypsy jazz quartet, Sinti Rhythm.

Connecticut Bound

The day after the wedding, Charlotte, Daisy, and I drove down to visit with two of my favorite Nutmegger illustrators, Cora Lynn Deibler (author of an improbably charming graphic novel about another Deibler, Anatole, the last public executioner of France), and Patti Argoff, a gifted children’s book illustrator (whom I like to tease about being the most steadily-employed artist I know—since she is). While in Connecticut, we were hosted overnight by some canine friends, Sammy, Roosevelt and Calvin, who graciously gave Miss Charlotte (and me) their undivided attention—especially over breakfast the next morning. (Daisy Mouse hid in my purse until we left.)

Gayle Kabaker (left), Jean Tuttle

Before flying out of Boston the next day, I made a detour through Northampton, MA, for lunch with one more illustrator friend, the fabulously creative and talented Gayle Kabaker. (Gayle, thanks again for making the time, and the trek: So wonderful to see you, and to get to talk shop face-to-face for a change!)

All in all, it was a super trip—lots of fun, great memories and inspiration, all packed into a few short days. (And of course, for Charlotte, there was that pretty new veil!)

I hope all of you had a wonderful Labor Day last Monday, wherever and however you spent it, and are enjoying a relaxing Sunday today. Have a great week ahead, and see you on here again real soon!

Special Note

—“Soon” meaning, “in about a week.” Yes, the Daily Cat Doodle indeed continues to be a daily thing—for Dad, anyway, in scribble form, on our breakfast table. But putting together actual Cat Doodle posts has had to become a more occasional enterprise for me (as I’m sure most of my subscribers have noticed!).

I may slip in some of those looser “Dad doodles” though, now and then, in briefer, more informal posts. Just for fun. —And because there is a huge, enormous pile of them, that I have no clue what else to do with! 😉

Meanwhile, here’s a parting “Dad doodle,” from right before my trip…one more view of that lovely wedding banner. (Thanks again to all the amazing artists who took part: Elizabeth, Rob S., Scott, Kristina, James K., James S., Rich, Leo, Rob D., Tamar, and Jim.)

Take care, everyone, and, as always, many thanks for stopping by!