Back to the Beads (for a minute)

I'm currently finishing up this necklace made up of large loops.  It was inspired by a necklace worn by a national news reporter.  The stitch I'm using is cubic right angle weave or CRAW for short. This is a stitch I learned a few years ago from a David Chatt tutorial.

I thought it was a neat stitch at that time if you wanted to make geometrically shaped jewelry.  Now I appreciate the stitch for the beautiful drape it gives my pieces, and it's much more fun to work with.  The colors I used in this necklace are 2 of my favorite and are on trend for 2014/2015 season.

Scrapping Project #2 - BRAVE

This is my second scrapbooking project.  I'm trying to be freely creative , but part of me wants steps to follow or a process.  This is part of my process - it helps me get started and then I feel my way through the rest.  Maybe it will help you too!

Disclaimer:  I love the shabby chic, imperfect look.  I'm not that into the picture perfect layout and I love to embellish!

INTERESTING PHOTO

1.  Pick an interesting or sentimental picture.  It's true a picture says a thousand words.  The subject matter gives you a lot of direction on how to proceed, when it comes to what type of embellishments to use, and how to title your layout.
    
2. Choose the layout papers. Use the colors in the picture to help you decide if you want to go monochromatic or complementary with the embellishments.
3. Mat your photograph - it helps it to stand out as the focal point and it gives the eye a place to rest when you use a lot of embellishments.
4. Of course you need to consider the elements and principles of design.  I'm working on this right now I just rely on my eye and what I think looks good to me.  I do know colors are important because they add to the story you are trying to tell.  Color evokes emotions and feelings.  Contrast helps give your layout interest, and Texture is just amazing - I love texture because it brings life to the layout.  More later, most importantly have fun showcasing your memories.

 

COORDINATING PAPERS

 

ROUGHED UP AND TORN EDGES THEN INKED

 

 

ADDED STAMPING, STENCILS, EMBELLISHMENTS FOR A FINISHED PRODUCT

 



Supplies Used:

Stamps

Stencils

Die Cut Flower Shapes

Embossed Die Cut Flower Shapes

Dry Wall Tape (for texture)

Inks, Dyes, and Paints

Cheesecloth

Alphabet Stickers



Obsessed with Paper

Okay, now my latest obsession is paper (again).  This time I'm delving into the world of scrapbooking.  I have no interest in the cutesy, perfect, looking scrapbooking.  I want to scrapbook the way I make jewelry:  with no boundaries, and no rules.  A little shabby, a little chic, and a whole lot of adventure!  So here goes - my adventure into scrapbooking. 

PROJECT 1




Mallory on vacation

The picture was taken in the Bahamas while on vacation - her beautiful smile reflects the fact that she was enjoying the moment!  I took my cues from colors in her top, and the blue of the ocean.

Supplies Used:
Core'dinations Paper
Drywall Tape
Buttons
Stencils
Die Cuts

On to the next. . . .

How To Choose The Right Beads For Your Project

Last year my daughter Mallory and I attended the annual Rock and Gem Show in our county.  Mallory bought a beautiful, but rather large stone, even though at the time she had no idea what she would do with it.  After a while she decided she wanted a bracelet.

We took the stone to our local bead shop to find seed beads to help build this bracelet.  Needless to say, Mallory was overwhelmed at the choices available.  She didn't know where to start.  I taught her a quick 3 step process to help her choose the beads needed to complete her bracelet.

Mallory's bracelet

1). Decide if you want a monochromatic palette (subtle shades of the same color as your focal piece), or a complementary palette (colors that are opposite your focal piece).

 2). For a monochromatic palette look for hues that are lighter, darker and a different texture than your focal piece.  For a complementary palette get your clues from your focal bead - look at the bead or stone and search for subtle flecks or variations of colors.  These variations become your complementary colors.   If you are unable to detect any variations, then use a color wheel.  Search for the color of your focal piece on the color wheel then look at the color(s) directly opposite of it - these will be your complementary color(s).

3).  Add some metal accents (gold, silver, or copper) to your piece, it also serves to provide interest to your piece.
 

Hancock Fabrics Button Haul

I love interesting and unusual buttons, so I have been collecting them for a long time.  I usually have no idea what I will use the buttons for when I purchase them.  I just want to have them in my stash.  Recently, Hancock Fabrics had a great sale on buttons and I went crazy!  See Below :)

 

How To Follow Crochet Instructions

I saw a headband in one of the popular crochet magazines and I thought I'd give it a try.  I read through the instructions before I got started and I felt I had a pretty good understanding of what I needed to do.  I finished the base chain and row 1, everything went well. 

Then I started on row 2 and realized something was wrong and it had nothing to do with the crochet symbols, or stitches.  I did not understand what the writer was telling me to do.  No problem, I'll just read through everything again.  I did that and there were no revelations for me, nothing clicked, I read, reread, and read again.  I studied the few images that accompanied the instructions and I got nothing.  I became frustrated and angry with the person who wrote the pattern. 

Then I started to doubt myself, I couldn't sleep, it really bothered me that I couldn't figure out this pattern.  It was a rough day.  The next day I reluctantly picked up the magazine and read and reread again, this time I read the entire set of instructions.  I also examined the pictures more closely.  I finally figured it out.  I slapped myself and I continued crocheting.

My Lessons Learned: 
1).  Read the entire set of instructions from the beginning to the end
2).  Have an open mind
3).  Use the pictures as a reference
4).  Recognize that writers have their own writing style and may omit information they feel you should know
5).  Look for a similar pattern by a different writer
6).  Don't doubt yourself, keep trying
7).  Enjoy the process

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!