Mr. G's Clipboard

A while back I showed you a couple of clipboards I painted/collaged which launched me on a search of the local flea markets for old clipboards.  I found a couple of them.  Then, I mentioned to dear Mr. G that I was looking for them.  The next month at our little group meeting, he brought me a bunch of them. Vintage, very used, and one beautiful one made from wood.  (I'm keeping that one for myself, as I doubt we ever run across another one like it!)  Mr. G knows everyone in his town and I DO mean EVERYONE, so once he put the word out for clipboards they arrived at his door and he gave them to me.  Nice, huh?

I asked Mr. G what he'd like for them and he said..."a painted clipboard."  So, of course, he must have one.  Now, let me say this...he is an art teacher.  He could certainly paint his own clipboard and do a much better job that I could...but then, he couldn't say it was from ME, could he?  So, I did the best I could to create a clipboard he would feel was 'just for him.'  And, it is!

Mr. G and I have been friends for a very long time, so I kind of think I might know a thing or two about him...and vice-versa.  He has a little house collection and I love houses myself, so that got me to thinking about 'house sayings.'  This one is just about my favorite..."the way to a friend's house is never long." So, I decided to collage two houses on his clipboard and connect them with this saying.
And, it's true...the way to Mr. G's house is never long (even though it is about 75 miles from me)...and when you get there...you will be entertained.   The day will fly by and soon you will have a lovely memory.  If you are ever invited there...you should GO.

In our long history, we have been on some trips together....and traveling with Mr. G is great fun.  I can remember one trip to North Carolina to visit the Biltmore Estates.  Driving was our dear friend, Sharon H. and also along was our dear friend, Deon.  I don't believe I have laughed that much...before or since.

He has a way of making things happen that make you say...WHAT?  On the back of this clipboard is a copy of a black and white photo Mr. G once sent me.  At the time, I was considering making a quilt of St. Basil's in Moscow.  Why, I don't know and I never did actually do it, but Mr. G being like he is, found a picture of St. Basil's and placed a cut out photo of the two of us over it (taken at an earlier quilt show)....then sent it to me with a note...as if we had REALLY been there.  Hilarious!  I don't know why, but I thought it should be on the back of this clipboard.  By the way, I wrote on the back of the original photo...."October, 1998 - My famous art teacher/traveling companion and me during our infamous and entirely fictitious trip to St. Basil's.  What fun!"  Now you know, only two completely nutty people would do these things!!

Mr. G always wants to know what my words mean on these collages I make.  Rarely do they mean anything...but on this one, I put "birds of a feather."  Pretty accurate, if you ask me.

So...there are houses, birds, butterflies and trees...some of my very favorite things.  There is my house and Mr. G's house.....and the road to a friend's house really is NEVER long....hope you enjoy his clipboard and I hope he will too!  Of course, he has to wait until next month to get it!!  take care, pat

PS.  Oh, I learned something too.  It's just a little thing, but I had never done it before.  That yellow square on the back with the bird in it....I painted the square, then pressed a dry rubber stamp on it....a reverse stamp, so to speak.  I love that!!!  Never had tried it before and really, never even thought of it before.  I try to learn something new every day!