Written by So as October begins, so does another doodlewash tour, and this time, we’re going up close and personal. After two months of painting complete scenes and urban landscapes, I’ll instead be building a little virtual Cabinet of Curiosities this month by collecting drawings of things that inspire me. I used this same concept for my photography blog years ago, so I thought it might be fun in doodlewash.
For those of you who don’t know what this particular type of cabinet is, I’ll let author Patrick Mauriès tell you: “Cabinets of Curiosities, or rooms of wonders, were the astonishing creation of collectors who wished to gather together everything, all knowledge – animal, vegetable, or man-made – into a single unimaginable space. An entire universe in miniature.” Cool, huh? The unimaginable space, in my case, will simply be my new miniature Moleskine.
I’m starting this journey with a little doodlewash of little bear that used to belong to little Charlie. He’s practically the only clear memory I have from childhood, but probably because he’s been on a shelf in mother’s house for as long as I can remember. Last Christmas, I noticed him again, and since my mom was present at the time, she said, “Awww, I think he wants to come home with you.” (which is universal mom code for, “isn’t it time you got your crap out of my house?”)
I named him Buff, not because it had any personal significance, but because that’s what the branded tag had said. We were inseparable. And best of all, my mother was a talented craftsman and created matching pajamas for the two of us. He also had a few seasonal sweaters to add to his reputation of being the coolest bear on the planet.
It seemed fitting to start this journey with the first object I remember so fondly. Though it’s really not proper to call dear Buff an object. At the time, he was simply my best friend. Today, he’s a gentle reminder of how simple life used to be and how the simplest of objects can become so important in our lives. They’re a path to some our best and worst memories as we collect them each day in our own Cabinet of Curiosities.
What a great new doodlewashing series Charlie! Love that little bear and your story 🐻👶🏼
Thanks Fiona!! 😃❤️A whole new beginning, and a new Moleskine to boot! 😉
Pretty cool. I like the notion of a cabinet of curiosities.
Thanks Kirk! I’m curious to see where it will take me 😉
Oh no Charlie – I think I am going to love this month of doodlewashing toooo much! I am already smitten! 🙂
Awww yay, Jodi!❤️ I hope you’ll like it! It’s a bit of a departure for me, but I also need to practice new things.😊hehe
Meeee toooo!
What a face! You two must have made quite the pair. (K.)
Hehe…he never left my side! I’m just happy my mom kept all of his outfits! 😊
Beautifully adorable painting, this is a great beginning …;D
Thanks friend!! ❤️Anxious to see where this will go next! I honestly haven’t a clue! Lol 😊
I’m cracking up at “isn’t it time you got your crap out of my house?” Hahaha! My dad keeps trying to pass *his* crap onto us! I have pretty much nothing at my parents’ house anymore. Buff is adorable!
Haha…one man’s crap is another man’s …well still crap actually. Don’t take it!! I spoke with my mother this week and she said, “I still have your large R2D2…the new Star Wars is coming out and I thought you might want it!” Yeah…that wasn’t even subtle this time. 😉
Wow! She hit you right over the head with that one…hahaha! But she’s right: you NEED that R2D2 to help celebrate the new SW movie! 😀
Yes…but THEN what do I do with it?! Lol
Umm, build it a shrine to house it? Hahaha!
Ugh…too much work!! 😳
Sell it on eBay! I’m sure you could fetch a decent price. 😉
That was actually my first thought! Lol😊
You could probably get more money if you try to sell it before the movie premiere! 😀
How cute, teddy bears are such good confidantes. I’ll look forward to your future curiosities.
Thanks Sharon! 😃❤️This journey could get a bit random. Hehe
What a beautiful memory and a wonderful doodlewash! My youngest has a bunny (named Bunny) that she still sleeps with. I know how meaningful they can be (as I’m remembering the night the whole family was looking for Bunny at 1 am because my daughter woke up and couldn’t find her). I look forward to what other item ends up in your cabinet of curiosities!
Thanks Kari! 😃And a bunny named Bunny is too adorable! Love that story!
Wow something interesting! Buff is really cute 🙂
Thanks Snehal!! ❤️😃Glad you think so! He’s a pretty special little guy!
Awww, what a sweet bear. Love this doodlewash and can’t wait to see all the things October will bring. Now get that crap out of your mom’s place already! LOL
Haha! Thanks Carol! 😃😊 Yeah…I’m sure I’ll be coming home with “extra” Christmas presents this year.
Beary sweet Charlie! ❤️ How big is your tiny journal? I had a stuffed mouse that I named, “Dixie” as my childhood buddy. I loved its nose off. LOL! I drew it and posted it awhile back. Not easy to do. Buff looks super great! Love how you added all the details! 😄🎨💜
Thanks Jill! ❤️😃 I bought a fresh 3.5×5″ Moleskine…I love it because I can actually pocket it, so never worry about taking it with me places. I got the next larger one, but haven’t opened it yet. 😊 I think I’ll wait until December’s doodlewash stories to break it in (I love Christmas!!) And awwww…Dixie was sweet! Well loved buddies are the best!! 😃😊
Awww… So interesting… As I’ve been contemplating my upcoming Doodlewash expedition I’ve traveled my memories thinking of what to paint first….Between your captivating buildings… to your extraordinary guests to your fabulous new series, you have sparked a gazillion ideas 🙂 Great little bear 🙂
Thanks!! 😃Yay! My master plan to get Nicole doodlewashing is working!!! 😎hehe… I love that you’ll be start your own doodlewash expedition! I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us! 👍🏻😃
Great project – it’s a term you used in a comment on my blog a while back so I know this has been on your mind for a while just from the title of your post. Nice transition from outdoor streets and buildings of KC to your personal world. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to see more.
Thanks Cynthia! 😃Yeah, I’ve been noodling on this one for awhile! Hope you like what pops up in the cabinet. As ever, I have no idea what will happen next! 😊Lol
This has made me smile. It’s just too adorable – all of it, right down to the matching pyjamas! I wish my PJ’s matched something. My teddy bear was called Dinner… I don’t know what that says about little me. I’m not sure if Dinner is still with us, actually.
Cracking start, Charlie – looking forward to more!
Haha!! Thanks!! Dinner? That’s totally awesome Jacob! I think that reveals much about little you! You had your priorities straight.
What a cute idea. Now draw the rest of his clothes please!! 😊
Hehe…I should someday, Maggie! He has quite a little wardrobe. 😎😉
Wonderment! Love it Charlie and looking forward to your treasures this month!
Thanks Laura!! ❤️😃 I hope you’ll like them…curious to know what I’ll include myself! Hehe 😉
I know I will like them. I’m absolutely sure of it!
Awwww, too cute!!! Love Buff!!! And the little story about your Mom telling you gently to go get your stuff! 😉 Too funny!!! Great post, Charlie!!! 😊
Thanks Ann!! ❤️😃 I’m actually really glad Buff came home with me. 😊😊
So charming! So nice to meet Buff, adorable.
Hehe…he’s quite s cute little guy isn’t he? 😊😊
Ahh! I love your Buff! Mine is Old Teddy – he was Old Teddy even when I was too young to go to school, given to my parents to keep for me before I was even born. He’s lost and eye, and all of his fur, and his stuffing sticks out here and there. But he’s still a good friend, who sits on my dresser and keeps watch over me while I sleep!
Aww… so sweet!! I’m so happy you still have your friend near you! 😃💕
Aww, I’m so glad I got to meet Buff and to read your memories in this post. Especially liked the matching pajamas bit! I love Cabinets of Curiosities – real and virtual. Great topic, cute little bear.
hehe… thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Buff was so special to me!