An Artful Day

Yesterday was an artful day for me, meaning that I accomplished a lot artwise. I finished up 29 inchies, made the two ATCs you see here, started an art journal page and did some materials testing for a future project.

That's not to say that I only worked on art yesterday. I also completed some ordinary (read "not-so-fun") duties, as well. We won't get into those!

There were off-and-on thunderstorms yesterday, so I stayed away from the computer, otherwise I wouldn't have had so much art time. That means today is a writing and computer tasks day, so I won't be immersed in art today - at least not unless I get a huge amount done! Well, we'll see about that! Wishing you artful days in your future :)

Challenge To My Creativity

The weather has been HOT! Good news, though: it might be a little cooler the next few days. We also might get some rain, which we definitely need around here!

Here are two more collage cards, still using the printed papers from the ephemera book. On these two, even the person images are from the ephemera book. Ususally when I make cards, I'm used to adding a little bit of this and that from here and there, but with these, I've been challenging myself to use just the printed stuff, and occasionally some of those leftover transferred images. Sometimes it's harder for me to limit the materials used. Somehow it seems easier to allow myself to use any supplies I have available. I think that it's good not to do art/craft projects in the same way or with the same materials all the time. Change is good; it makes life interesting, also stretches our imaginations!

No Worries, Be Happy!

The best thing about participating in art/craft projects is that it can make a person feel better. I don't mean that arts/crafts can cure illnesses or anything like that, but they can help people forget about their pain or illness for a little while.

Likewise, creating art can help people temporarily forget about their troubles and concerns. Sometimes crafting can clear a troubled mind, almost like meditation. Making art can have a calming effect, allowing the artist to focus on creating rather than focusing on problems.

Participating in arts/crafts can also be a great way to relax and ease out of a stressful day. Make art, relax, feel better - you will be very glad that you did!

Recurring Themes

Looking through pictures of projects I've created, I wasn't surprised to find that I've made many projects using a heart theme. Hearts are one of my favorite designs/themes to use. I don't create with hearts only around Valentine's Day, I make use of them all year around. Think back to some of your past projects - you may find a recurring theme, probably several of them! I also like to use angels in my art, and to a lesser extent, flowers and butterflies.

Here is an unusual heart project, at least for me. It's a papier mache' heart, painted and collaged with papers and charms, filled with potpourri, then the hole is covered with lace.

So Many Arts/Crafts, So Little Time!

I don't know what kind of art/craft project I'd like to work on today! After doing a few things that needed to be done and completing a project that will be due soon, I realized I had some time on my hands. The problem is, I love too many arts and crafts! Over the years, I've tried (and enjoyed) so many different techniques and supplies. At the moment, I have quite a few favorites. By the time I run through the favorites list in my head, there probably won't be much time left for working on a project. Hurry up, brain, decide - I want to do art NOW!

Mothers and Creativity

One of my favorite blogs is "Art Junk" by Lia, and today she wrote some things that struck a cord with me. Lia was wondering about why she loves "bits and pieces" and collage so much - she thought it might have something do to with seeing her mother working as a seamstress while she was a child.

Some of the things that Lia describes sound very, very familiar to me, like the part about her mother holding pins in her mouth (my mom used to do that all the time). There was always plentypins on the floor and fabric around our house, as well.

Although there are similarities in our stories, some situations were/are strikingly different. For instance, my mom sewed a lot of our clothes and household items, she sometimes sewed for other family members and occasionally was paid to sew for others. And since my mom sews now for fun and profit (for craft shows), she understands my desire to create for income, enjoyment and expression. Having a mom who supports my creativity makes me very lucky, indeed!

We're All Unique!

Welcome!
I love to go blog-surfing, looking at people's arts/crafts blogs. While I was doing this the other day, I was thinking about how many different kinds of creativity I saw. Everyone has their own unique talent. To me, an artist is someone who interprets what he/she sees. Since we all have our own unique vision, we all interpret things in our own special way. "Vision" doesn't only have to mean seeing with our eyes; we also see with our hearts, minds and imaginations. A group of artists can see the same subject, but each one would interpret that subject differently. That is what is so great about arts and crafts!

Summertime!

Welcome, summer!

Since it is now officially summer, I thought I'd post my "By the sea" plaque. The base is a large (5" x 7") countertop tile sample. Torn paper, Creative Paperclay shells and paper bathing beauty on cork are layered on the tile, with wire and beads through the hole at the top for hanging.

Creative Paperclay is an air-dry material, so the shells were painted and sealed with a pearl varnish. (If you can't find pearl varnish, add a tiny bit of white pearl paint to your favorite varnish to give it a "pearly" look. Make sure that your paint and varnish are compatible, i.e. acrylic paint with acrylic varnish, etc.)

First Post!

Hello, and welcome!

As you can tell by the title, this is my first post! I've been a fan of arts and crafts blogs for a while now, and I've read quite a few of them. The more I read, the more I wanted to start a creative blog of my very own. You see, I've had a lot of experience with many arts and crafts, and I feel the need to that with others. I don't know everything about all arts and crafts - I'm always learning and growing and trying new things. If you feel the same way, come back here and check out my blog again! Thanks for coming, leave a message any time, or just stop in and say hi!

So far, I have some of my very favorite arts and crafts blogs on my list (check 'em out!), I'll be adding more as I get organized.