an invitation to tea

The dollies and I would like everyone to join us for tea this afternoon.  There will be biscuits and little cakes fresh from the oven.  Perhaps some tiny fruit tartlets and chocolate as well.  You may wear whatever you like for we are all friends and appearances mean very little.  Just bring your own sweet and loving hearts and we're sure to have a grand time!

And, Miss Corey... we know it's not  polite to ask but would you please, please bring us some of your sinful-looking pastries, too.  You have tempted us so with those photos that we can't stop thinking about them!  Oh, and I'm certain we'd all love to see Mademoiselle's trousseau list as well, although I cannot guarantee it's safe return ;0)

The image is a lithograph I handprinted some time ago.  Printmaking had never really sounded like anything I would be interested in but after just an hour or so in the litho studio and I was in love!  There's such a ritual to the process that it seems oddly spiritual . Choosing the perfect stone, hand grinding the surface until it as smooth as glass (and scratch free), all the preparation of the surface and then drawing the image (in reverse so that it prints correctly)... even preparing the paper for the edition has a solemness.  And each turn wheel on the big handpress is a labor of love.  I lived and breathed lithography for many months and thought I had found what I was meant to do.  I'd never done anything that I enjoyed more than that.  Then something interrupted it all.  I can't even remember what it was but it broke the spell, I guess.  It still haunts me now and again.  The scents of turpentine, stone and ink, the quiet hum of levigator on stone, the water trickling through the sinks... I do still miss them, I guess.

The doll on the far right (without a party dress) is my very first doll, Lisbeth.  I decided to portray her in her authentic well-loved condition.  The poor dear has very little hair and has survived more than a few surgeries to her cloth body.  One of which was caused by my sister who tugged poor Lisbeth right in half all because she wanted to play with Lisbeth rather than her own doll.  Lisbeth is still with me and looks about the same but she is loved even more if that can be. 

(Don't worry!  When you come for tea Lisbeth promises to have put on her nicest frock!)

Comments

[Tongue in Cheek]

Rosie, I'll bring the cakes, two for each person, but the "Queen Amen" is for me. Please let me know who is coming and what is your favorite: Chocolate, Chestnut, Strawberry, Cream whatever, or Raseberry. Thanks for inviting me i love parties!!

[Enid]

I'm marveling at this lithograph. It is so lovely. I feel like when I come here I'm stepping into the chapter of children's book from long ago. BTW, put me down for a Strawberry cream pastry;)

[Sweet pea]

This is lovely! And it still has the feel of your watercolours, at first I thought it was pen and ink.You have such talent!

[Heather]

Oooh goody! I love tea parties! I'll bring some cucumber sandwiches and maybe a few sweet treats to share.

I love the print and how it is both grown up and child-like, slightly dark and still full of light at the same time. I especially like the fact that you incorporated your dearly loved doll from child-hood into it. And I must say that I adore that lovely polka dot dress!

[Ulla]

Goodness Lulu, may I come too? I looooove teaparties and get invited to so few... If you can spare one, I'd love a chestnut treat. I am curious as to what interruped your reverie in Lithography? You have such talent there. This image is touching and lovely in its tilted perspective. The details speak wonders... I hope you will one day try again and see if the stones still speak to you.

[lauren Mumford]

So this is why I am on the computer today, to accept your invitation to tea! Thank you so, for the invitation. I will be prompt and bring a dolly. And I would love a cream cake please Corey. And the invitation? Beautiful. I'm on my way...!

[linda harre]

WOW...........this is gorgeous! i couldn't figure out what it was at first (method i mean). You need to revisit the process someday....you are so good at it! your approach is unique and interesting. love the hint of watercolor as well....GREAT! ~L.

[linda harre]

just read your comments on my blog and coming from one as talented as you...i really appreciate it! thank you so much!

[Claudia]

I love your work, and your blog! I just came across it tonight. Your writing took me back to college and the little shack the printing press was in. Funny how smells make such an imprint on the brain! It's a very happy contented memory. I share it with you. I'd like to link you to my blog if that is ok with you.

[Anastasia]

This is one of my favourites - its moody and the fact that its black and white is unique!
its beautiful illustration!