How To Fit More of Your Passion Into Your Life

If you love what you do as much as I do then you are probably trying to find ways to do more of it.  I'm a wife and mother with many responsibilities.  I am also a designer and crafter and I'm constantly trying to find more time to either start or finished art-based projects. It can be a real struggle.  Rarely do I get the opportunity to spend the entire day working on my projects.  Below you will find the top 5 things that have helped me become more productive. 

1)  Make A Plan:  Yes make a plan and stick to it.  I'm not saying you should be rigid, just focused.  Plans have to be changed when unexpected issues arise so be flexible.  If you are as busy as I am then you know time is valuable and should not be wasted.  It's very important to prioritize your day to get the most out of it.

2)  Be Prepared:  This motto is not just for the Boy Scouts.  I keep a work box in my car.  This is a simple container with a project that needs to get done.  This is not just busy work but an actually project that may be somewhere in the middle of my to do list.  Your work box can even contain a book that you need to read in order to improve your skills.  Having this box in your vehicle ready to go will enable you to pull it out when you go to the doctor, or while waiting in the pick up line at your child's school.

3)  Get Up Early:  I have found that getting up an hour or two earlier than the rest of my household gives me enough quiet time to think, plan or put the finishing touches on a few projects.  It also alleviates the guilty feeling that I should be doing something else like cooking or cleaning.

4)  Stay Up Late: Staying up late after your household has gone to bed is a great way to fit more of what you love to do in your schedule.  Of course, I'm not saying you should make a habit of this, because we need our sleep to keep our creative juice flowing.  One night a week will probably suffice.  Staying up late, like getting up early, gives you the opportunity to finish or start projects.  It can also provide the quiet time you need to reflect on the day and plan for the next.

5)  Keep Yourself Healthy:  Good health is priceless so be sure to take time to do the things that keep you physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy.  A healthy mind and body gives you the energy and appreciation to keep doing whatever it is you love to do!

How to Do Freeform Crochet (before you start)

blue freeform crochet necklace from msbusyhands.com
My Latest Obsession is freeform crochet.  When it comes to freeform crocheting there are no rules, and yet it can be very intimidating because most of us have been conditioned to follow rules.  During the freeform process we may second guess ourselves; we wonder if we should use this stitch or add this color thread.  We simply may not be comfortable with the idea of not following a pattern or foregoing the rules we’ve spent so much time learning. We become frustrated and we put the work aside until another day.  I encourage you to try freeform crocheting at least once, because it allows you to break the rules, have fun, and express your creativity.
  
crochet choker from msbusyhands

There are a couple of things to remember.  First, there are no mistakes when it comes to this style of crocheting.  Allow the crochet hook and thread/yarn to drive the design; in most cases you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.   Second, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiment with the crochet stitches you already know, and to build your repertoire as you explore new stitches. To keep your designs fresh and interesting there are two very important questions you should ask yourself as you take this journey into the unknown, and they are “what if?” and “why not?”   


 
The following guidelines will help you get started on your first freeform beading project:

Start with the end in mind, in other words have a goal and work towards it.  Determine whether your freeform project will be a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or just a swatch.  This takes away the fear of the unknown. 

A bracelet is a great place to start because the shape is usually simple, a rectangle, and the piece is long enough for you to get the look and feel of the freeform process.   

Create a template out of cardstock.  As you work your piece check it against your template to help you keep your shape on track. 

Next choose a focal point, this can be a stitch that is a different shape, size or color than the other stitches. It can also be a cluster of beads.  A freeform design can be busy, so having a focal point gives the eye a place to rest.  There are many ways to create a focal point, and it does not always have to be in the center of the piece, but making it the centerpiece gives you an easy starting point, creates an obvious anchor for your secondary stitches, and it lessens any intimidation you may be feeling about where to start.

Build a monochromatic color palette that compliments your focal point.  Choosing threads in the same color family is easy and it helps take the guess work out of which colors to include in your palette.  Use threads of various thicknesses, and textures, this helps to create contrast and gives your work the organic look and feel we love in freeform pieces.

Complete the project and then analyze it.  Determine what you like or don’t like about it and use this information to improve the design of your next piece. 

Most importantly get started and have fun!

How To Make Your Own Earring Cards

How to display your earrings is a question you might struggle with when you are ready to present your lovely creations to the world.  Purchased earring cards are great, but doing it yourself is fun, easy, and can be personalized.

Take one of your business cards,  

 
 

and punch holes in it.  I also punched a hole in the center of the card to facilitate hanging the card on a spindle or hook.




Voila!  there you go an instant personalized earring card.

Working With Embroidery Floss

I finally finished the "Flower Necklace" using embroidery floss.  See the image below, I even made a pair of matching earrings.  I really enjoyed working with the floss, I especially loved the huge variety of colors that are available.  I will continue to use the floss in my designs.
 
 
To make the necklace part of this design check out the pictorial below:
Chain 8

Connect the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip knot to form a circle, then chain 1


Yarn over
 

  
Insert the hook into next stitch
 
 
 Yarn over and pull through all three stitches on the hook
 
 Continue the pattern until you reach the desired length