February 1, 2010 by peggy fussell

….we made goat cheese

….and had a party.

The recipe for the goat cheese was courtesy of kiss my spatula. Goodness, I love that blog. The cheese came out so well that I can’t wait to do it again. But it was a close call. I bought ultra pasteurized goat’s milk because it was all I could find. The milk wouldn’t curdle. I almost threw it all out but I took a chance on adding the juice of another lemon. I poured the liquid into a dishtowel that was draped over a colander and walked away, sure that nothing would come of it. But surprise! In a few hours I unwrapped the towel and found some very lovely cheese! Here is a photo of the unveiling. Do you see a face? Is the moon made of goat cheese?
Next time I will search the farmer’s market for pasteurized, or (dare I dream to find it?) unpasteurized goat’s milk.
Posted in Feasts, Kid stuff | 4 Comments »
January 25, 2010 by peggy fussell

2010 has really taken off running! I can’t believe January is almost over. The first thing off the presses was this portrait of Katrina Wagner, the “head bean” at her marketing firm, Graphic Beans. The illustration was commissioned for the cover of a New Years card sent to their clients. The copy reads… “This New Year’s it’s important to remember the old adage: You have to experience the bad times to really appreciate the good times.”. Inside the card Katrina looks skeptical about that…

It was such a joy to work with Katrina. Her open, friendly and clear communication made for an incredibly pleasant experience (it was so much fun I feel like I can’t even call it a job) I am looking forward to working with the Graphic Beans team again!
Tags: Graphic Beans, Illustration, Katrina Wagner, portrait
Posted in Illustration, Life drawing | 6 Comments »
December 24, 2009 by peggy fussell
Posted in Feasts | 4 Comments »
December 18, 2009 by peggy fussell
Yes indeed, it has been busy around here. Above is an illustration I did for TreeBaltimore. I am pleased to say that it has been accepted into the Illustrators Club of DC, MD and VA members show. The show will be at the Art Institute of Washington- Arlington and runs from January 9, 2010 – February 7, 2010
I’ve learned a lot about the benefits of urban trees. This illustration is a diagram showing the various types of locations where trees can be planted in order to increase our tree canopy. It will be used on a website to promote the Million Trees Project in Baltimore (more on this project when the website goes live!) In the meantime, here is a fascinating article by Jonah Lehrer, How the City Hurts Your Brain. The largest percent of available planting area in Baltimore and many cities is residential. If you’re planning to buy a Christmas tree, think about getting a live tree that you can plant later. I know, they cost a bit more, but check out this nifty benefits calculator. Or, if the weather outside is frightful, snuggle up with a book of trees and dream about what you’ll plant in 2010.
ps last minute gift idea… adopt-a-tree in your community!
Tags: diagram, Illustration, map, Tree Baltimore
Posted in Garden, Illustration, Maps | 10 Comments »
December 7, 2009 by peggy fussell


Caught me by surprise.
Posted in Garden, Kid stuff | 6 Comments »
November 25, 2009 by peggy fussell

They dined on mince, and slices of quince,
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
.
Best wishes for all of your journeys and feasts.
Posted in Feasts, Kid stuff | 5 Comments »
November 23, 2009 by peggy fussell

Last week’s rain turned pine needles into hedgehogs. Is that you Esme?


Posted in Found, Garden | 3 Comments »
November 15, 2009 by peggy fussell


I am by nature a collector. I accumulate a LOT of stuff. Every once in a while I attempt to tame and organize it.

Thank goodness for my IKEA guru. She is helping me reorganize my studio.


We live in an old house and are always discovering things left behind by previous owners. The best was $2,000 cash in an envelope under a radiator cover. I insisted on returning it to the lady from whom we bought the house. I was spurred on, no doubt by my love for Edgar Allan Poe’s story, The Tell Tale Heart. I do live in Baltimore after all. I am sure that if we had kept the money that radiator would hiss at me until I went mad. We also returned a diamond ring. But we kept the cement Indian head and the old toys and watercolor instruction books.

This was found in the rafters on a recent trip to the attic….. Should I save it? Or is it a sign from above that I should be getting rid of stuff??
Tags: housekeeping, IKEA, sign
Posted in Found, Kid stuff | 11 Comments »
November 5, 2009 by peggy fussell
Posted in Garden | 4 Comments »
October 31, 2009 by peggy fussell

Y manana, El Dia de los Muertos!
Tags: catrinas, el dia de los muertos, sugar skulls
Posted in Feasts, Illustration, Kid stuff | 4 Comments »