The gift of inspiration

Posted: January 20, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Crafts and the human experience | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hi Sunday Projecteers!

I most certainly have been MIA but it’s not without good reason. The holiday season took over, winter has hit Seattle, I’ve been persistently trying to finish a 1000 page book, and I’m training again for a race. I have missed my crafty days, ideas and projects. Have no fear! There are some brewing and boiling in this brain of mine for me to share in the near future, but for now I search for projects easily available to me and am loving the ability to try other creative things!

I trust everyone had an enjoyable holiday season, I know mine was most fun. It was my first here in Seattle and the first away from family. dAVE and I exchanged gifts this year, last year we did not, but this year decided why the heck not?

I got a most special gift, one that was very thoughtful, and one that has given me the confidence that something I enjoy doing has not been lost. What is it  you ask? Well, it is a stunningly beautiful cedar  Sketch Box French easel from Julian. The smell alone is incredible. Not to mention it has a “drawer” for my paints and brushes (so happy they will be out of the pit that is the craft bin!), cleaning cloth, replacement nuts and bolts, a paint panel, and super cool carrying case. I can take tis easel anywhere and with ease, and that is pretty awesome. I had mentioned a while ago how I wanted an easel, I’m getting tired of hunching over my desk or table to paint, not to mention my shoulders and back are thankful. And now, I have one. I can’t wait to use it outside in better weather. For now, its assembled and displayed with pride, awaiting my next creation. Each time I see it, it reminds me that along with running, and reading, painting and crafting is my therapy. My inspiration has been restored!

Crafting funk

Posted: September 1, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Crafts and the human experience | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Hey there Sunday Projecteers.

It has recently come to my attention that I am feeling myself getting into a crafting funk. And it sucks, a lot. It could possibly be that there has been much buzz recently in life. I started a new job here in my new home of Seattle, not to mention the constant adjustment that has been my life for the last 30 days given the fact that we relocated at the beginning of August. Then there is the fact that I am training 3-4 days a week for the Seattle Iron Girl  which takes place next weekend. I have to shower, read, eat and maintain life, my hair and my sanity. So, my creative mind has decided to go kaput.

Have no fear, it hasn’t gone completely awry. I did complete a project (95%) that I have wanted to for a while which was re-painting my furniture. The end table I painted came out awesome, now I am just waiting to get the right hardware for the awesome pull knobs that are being added. I plan on posting this once I finish the other piece of furniture that will be painted. We also just recently got permission to paint our apartment, and this makes me one happy camper. Chevron pattern anyone? Hell yes fantastic accent wall, here we come! So, that’s in the works. The crochet bug bit me once more a couple of weeks ago and I spent a weekend hooking my fingers off. I made an awesome doily for my new end table, started a pair of slippers, and have been working on some very special crocheted flower fascinators for a very good friends wedding in March. Oh, and I took a two-day sewing class. That was cool. It has been a long long time since I touched a sewing machine so it was fun to attempt a new craft. I made an apron. It was pretty neat. There are more classes offered at the location I signed up at, Stitches, and think I just might try my hand at another class coming up. There was an attempt at some awesome newspaper flags, however, I need to figure out a better method, last Sunday and I think that is what has me a little discouraged.

Crafty brain I summons you to come back and flourish! I need you! Let’s hope it comes back soon friends.

In the meantime, here are some of the projects I did while in this little funk….