Today’s the day! It’s finally here. This afternoon I’m flying to Paris! I’ve been dreaming of this for years. I remember buying a Paris guidebook almost twenty years ago in the hopes that I would somehow find a way to visit that magical, mythical place one day. It all seems unreal, the fact that I’m now one of those people who flies off to Europe to see the sights and visit all the places that have starred in the books I’ve read, the movies I’ve watched, and the songs I’ve listened to all my life. But it’s real! And it’s happening in just a few hours. Yippeeee!
I’ve been awfully busy this past month getting everything ready for the trip. I had to write up all my lessons and print the handouts for my French Escapade workshop in Provence, send preparatory emails to my students, shop for a comfy pair of shoes, figure out what sketchbook to take, fill my palette, and gather my supplies, plus my garden had to be planted and the flower beds whipped into shape. But all that is done, and I’m ready to go.
I packed much lighter this time than I did last fall on my trip to Italy. It’s going to be hot in France, so lightweight summer clothes are the rule of the day. I did a sketch the other day of the clothes I was loading into my suitcase, and then, as I painted it, I thought, “Gee, do I really need that many pairs of capris?” Nope, so I pulled a pair out. I’m ordinarily a fairly heavy packer (“Oh, but I MIGHT need it!”), but I amazed myself this time. My suitcase isn’t even full. (That leaves more room to bring home lots of irresistible goodies from Paris and Provence!) Anyway, here’s the first sketch in my Provence 2017 sketchbook….
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| 12″ x 8″, ink & watercolor in a handmade hardcover journal with 140 lb. Kilimanjaro watercolor paper (Click to enlarge) |
Comfortable shoes are a must on any European trip, since we do so much walking. I’m taking my black SAS sandals, which feel heavenly on my feet…
and my blue Teva sandals, which I also love…
and a pair of flip-flops for the pool and to use as slippers in the hotel room. And since it’s going to be in the 90s when we get there, a dip in the pool will feel really good at the end of the day, so I packed my cute polka dot swimsuit, and a cover-up.
PJs are a necessity – I packed my black and white polka dot ones. I didn’t realize they matched my swimsuit until I started painting the sketch. Funny. Wish I hadn’t put them right next to each other on the page. Oh, well…..looks like I have a theme going here.
The main staple of my travel wardrobe is going to be summer dresses. They’re the coolest thing to wear when the temps are in the 90s. And at night, if it cools off, I have a couple of pairs of leggings to slip on…
and a sweater or two…
Wait, I almost forgot my cute white denim jacket….
and a pair of shorts for hanging around the hotel.
One last thing…
the hat I bought at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Florida when I was teaching there. My friend Judy talked me into it (“It looks SO GOOD on you!”), so it always reminds me of her when I wear it.
The sketchbook I’m using for my Provence journal is one that’s really special to me. It was made for me by my friend Susan, from Ohio. We had been online friends for a couple of years before we finally had a chance to meet at my Cheap Joe’s workshop last year. Sweetie that she is, she had made me a beautiful, perfectly crafted hardbound sketchbook as a gift, which she gave me on the final day of the workshop.
Besides being a dream of a sketchbook, there’s something else that makes it one-of-a-kind. The last two pages are filled with warm wishes from each of my students from the workshop.
Now that’s a pretty special sketchbook. One that seems almost too wonderful to use. I’ve been saving it and admiring it, waiting for the perfect reason to actually take a pen and start desecrating those pristine pages. And then I decided, if PARIS doesn’t qualify as worthy of this sketchbook, then what ever will? I know Susan made it to be used and loved, so it’s coming along with me to France!
The sketchbook has a hand-sewn binding and a pretty floral cover. It’s filled with 140 lb. Kilimanjaro watercolor paper. I’m really looking forward to filling it with happy memories. Starting it at home with my packing sketch was a good way to ease myself into it, get a feel for the paper, and relax about using it.
While I was working on the sketch, I realized that the off-white cover fabric would likely get soiled on the trip, either with paint or just from normal wear and tear, so I made a temporary plastic book cover for it.
I took a sheet of lightweight plastic (like from a Ziploc freezer bag) and cut it to size, then used a sewing machine to stitch the top and bottom edges. I sized it to cover the entire inside of the covers, so wet paint won’t slop onto them.
Now my Provence sketchbook will stay as clean as the day Susan gave it to me.
In preparation for the trip, I’ve been taking care of a few things that have been nagging at me for years. I finally made time to put decorative covers on my Italy sketchbook from 2015. I covered the Stillman and Birn Beta sketchbook with a dish towel I bought in San Gimignano specifically for that purpose. It has a map of Tuscany woven into the fabric.
For the back cover, I used a compass rose from another section of the towel. I pieced the border designs on the sewing machine to make the compass image fit onto the sketchbook cover.
The end papers were made from watercolor paper and sized to fit the space exactly.
To complete the sketchbook, I finally made a title page for it…
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| 10″ x 7″, watercolor, Stillman and Birn Beta series sketchbook |
The lettering and borders were all painted by hand after being drawn with pencil.
My last tying-up-loose-ends project was to make a decorative cover for my 2016 Tuscany travel journal. For this one I used the stash of tickets, wine labels, business cards, brochures, and other paraphernalia that I had collected during the trip.
“Yes! Paste” was used to glue the pieces onto the cover of the 10″ x 7″ Handbook Field Watercolor Journal. After everything had dried, I brushed on a couple of coats of Mod Podge clear acrylic sealer.
For the end papers on the inside of the covers, I used the floral wrapping paper that I saved from the thank you gift my students gave me at the end of the workshop last year.
It felt so good to get some of these little projects wrapped up before leaving on my trip. I’m packed and ready to go. Now, let the fun begin!
into unknown lands.
16 Comments
Enjoy!!
Have a safe trip and a wonderful time, Lesle!
You'll love Paris! Remember to get off the beaten track, eat fabulous cheese and bread, search out shops and restaurants at least a few blocks from the tourist spots (they're cheaper), and go to Berthillon on Ile St Louis for ice cream! Buy yourself a Plan de Paris (a complete map of Paris in a pocket sized book, and wander until you are lost, then use the Plan to find yourself. It also makes a great souvenir. I traveled to Paris every two months for a year, then worked there the summer of 1990. Incroyable! I'm jealous 😊
Oh enjoy! There is a dear little cafe right near the Eiffel Tower that has the best Beef Bourgeoisie! Have a blast!
Best wishes for a wonderful trip & workshop. Looking forward to your new trip watercolors! Have fun.
Happy for you
Bonjour, Leslie, mon amie! I’m so excited for you! And the amazing part for me is, I feel like I’m going along with you via my sketchbook. It was made with love and obviously given with love from all your students, and I know it will be filled with love too! I can’t wait to see all the beautiful work you will create in it.
After your super busy month, I hope you were able to rest on the flight and land refreshed and ready to experience your dream-come-true. I, too, have bought a few guidebooks over the years and have since added a European workshop with you to my wish list. Someday… Dreams do come true, right!
Love the cover and title page of your Tuscany sketchbook!
Bon voyage!
So excited for you! Have a wonderful trip.
I absolutely love your posts and the details you share! Have a wonderful trip to Paris and Provence. I have been to both and loved it all.
PARIS! How exciting for you! I hope you will be posting as you travel. Paris is a marvelous city full of beauty and atmosphere. Enjoy!
I really love the sketchbook covers, will have to try something like this. I hope you offer your course again. Happy Travels!
Leslie, you have such a remarkable talent for expression and art that makes us all feel as excited as you are about your adventures. I love traveling with you even if I just stay home.
I adore the Italy collage sketchbook covers. Perfect! And I'm happy you took your hat.
Safe travels!
Loved this post! Now for your wardrobe: adorable outfits!!! Where do you shop? I love those dresses. And the tops. And those pj's. And and and!
I mostly shop at TJMaxx and Marshall's, plus Amazon for leggings. I pick up a few things here and there at Macy's and manage to find some cute outfits when I'm traveling, too.
Thanks for the info on your journal itself. It's always tricky when you're getting started to know which is best for the occasion! (Oh, and in your other post — title page and Susan Branch? You're right. She IS a national treasure!)
Beautiful Italy journal cover ideas! And what a sweet present from your student!