Watercolor Journaling Sessions

(photo from Downtown Milford, Inc website)

January at the Milford Museum

Yesterday morning I held the second of my Once-a-month-on-Sunday-morning "Watercolor Journaling Sessions." I've been on the lookout for interesting places to take my "students" that are indoors, since it's way too cold to stand (or sit) outdoors right now, with temperatures in the 20s and 30s. This month, it was a trip to the Milford Museum! They are not usually open until 2pm on Sundays but I thought it was worth asking if they would be able to accommodate us in the morning and was delighted when Barbara Jones, one of the volunteers said she would be happy to do that. Surprisingly, some of my students who have lived in Milford for years had never been to the museum and enjoyed reminiscing over some of the exhibits and the history of this town.

Gwen, Janice and Maha decided to sketch the stuffed mountain lion that is on display at the museum. Stories were shared about how it used to be part of a window display at a bar called "the Zoo Bar" in downtown Milford years ago.


Rusty, antique tools on the porch of the museum caught the morning light and my eye.


The Milford Museum is housed in the former Post Office building and presents permanent exhibits that "...tell the story of the city from its earliest beginnings on the Mispillion River. Exhibits include model ships representing Milford's maritime past and a 300 piece silver collection of coins, spoons, and novelties. Other exhibits explain the early settlement of Milford, the city's variety of architecture, prominent citizens, interesting artifacts, photographs, and historical memorabilia. Changing exhibits mean there is always something new to ponder on each visit, like the antique dental tools from the local L.D. Caulk Company or an antique doll collection. The museum also houses an extensive library on Delaware history and features selected world war participants from Milford and beyond."

Guided tours are available for school classes and other groups. Groups may visit by appointment during times other than normal operating hours, with ample advance notice

Location: 121 S. Walnut Street, Milford, DE 19963, 302-424-1080

Open Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday 2pm - 4pm. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

Here's Vaya sketching a pair of boots that were worn in Iwo Gima, part of the World War II exhibit


Leah finding something to sketch in the Civil War exhibit


December's session was held at Pepper's Greenhouse

Pepper's has been a family owned and operated business since 1985. They have a wealth of knowledge about all things green and growing and the service is excellent and friendly. Since we live in a condo, it took me a while to find Peppers. But after admiring a friend's potted plants and hearing her extoll their virtues, I made a trip there. I was blown away by the sheer size of it - covering a large area of land with greenhouse after greenhouse of the most gorgeous, healthy-looking, well-tended plants! They also have gift items, baskets, containers, plant stands and absolutely everything you can think of to do with gardening, indoors or out.

For the holidays there were row upon row of every conceivable type of poinsettia known to man, I swear, and an excellent selection of fresh and artificial wreaths and holiday decorations. They also do mail order (click here - for a sampling of what they offer in the shop. They ship only within the U.S.)

When I visited Pepper's to ask if we could hold our watercolor journaling session in the nursery they graciously agreed. I believe the visitors to the nursery found it interesting to see a group of artists sketching there and several of my group made purchases, so it was all in all a great experience for everyone!

Store Hours: Mon. – Sat. 8am – 5pm. Closed Tuesdays during mid summer & winter, Sunday 8am – 4pm

Location: 13034 Cedar Creek Road, Milton, DE 19968, (302) 684-8092 . Find them on facebook

Vaya working on her journal


Our hosts - Peppers Greenhouse


Maha and Mimi - mother and daughter journaling together


Janice journaling among the poinsettias


There was an entire room with nothing but Christmas decorations


(shameless promotion here: If you are reading this and have a group you think might be interested I am available and can tailor the workshop content to beginners or those with more watercolor experience.)