The Competition

For Christmas, my older daughter gave my younger daughter a do-it-yourself kit, that when constructed, becomes a miniature library/study. The picture below shows the finished product if all instructions in the guide included with the kit are followed to the letter.

Sam’s Study: the kit available on Amazon

I liked the kit, as did my older daughter. She thought it would be great fun to purchase one for me, as well as for herself, then have a competition while we build, and it seemed like a good way to relieve some of the boredom brought about by the pandemic. We were to decide on a theme for our rooms and construct ours with that theme in mind. Of course this meant our rooms would not look like the picture when finished. Elements of the build were given a timeframe in which to complete, and the categories in which to gain points would be skill and detail, creativity, and humour. The judge, my younger daughter, would score points based on these categories.
I thought, since I’m very short on blog subject inspiration, I’d let you follow the progress of my entries, and ultimately let you know who won. Below are my first two entries for the competition. Unfortunately, one piece on the second bookshelf was warped, thus it looks a little off-balance. I don’t suppose anyone will be able to guess the theme of my room until it’s completed, but I hope you enjoy following the competition as it progresses.

part one

part two

Architectural Art

My home city doesn’t have much in the way of outstanding architecture, but we do have a mix of old and new styles. I especially like the details on some of the older buildings like the coat of arms on the examples above and below.

Of course there are some ultra modern buildings covered with mirror-like glass.

There are a few old style churches that have undergone expansion and restoration throughout the years, and our legislative building has undergone extensive rehabilitation, including the replacement of the copper dome four years ago, that has now darkened to its permanent colour.

Here’s a close-up of the detailed sculpture above the columns.

The Legislative building was started in 1908, and someday I’ll have to do a post on its elegant interior.

This isn’t really architecture, but I love the ironwork on this door, the decorative tiles and marble on the entry floor, and the aged brick facade.
I love to find new examples of artistry and creativity in local buildings, and wonder about what inspired the architects and builders.

More Traffic Control Boxes

Many artists of my province have had their works showcased on walls and alley doors in the downtown area of my city, several of which I’ve shared on my blog. Some time ago I posted about traffic control boxes that were also embellished with local art. I recently spied a few more examples.

These decorated boxes certainly make the downtown more interesting and attractive.

Remembrance

Another Remembrance Day, commemorating the sacrifice of those who died during military conflicts of the past. This monument was erected to honour those who perished at Dieppe, during WWII. It stands in a park in the neighbourhood named for that battle. It features the flags of Canada, Saskatchewan, and Regina, as well as three plaques.

Lest We Forget.