Handwork Happens

Stitching with the Girls

2012-01-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I taught 11 3rd and 4th grade girls how to embroider hearts onto a dishtowel. A friend of mine started an after school girl's group similar to Girl Scouts at our school this year. She asked if I could come in and teach her girls how to sew. I decided to start with a simple back stitch. The girls did really well considering none of them had ever stitched before. The were lots of "Miss Suzy I need help!", "Miss Suzy my thread came out!" and "Miss Suzy what did I do wrong?!", but it was really fun teaching them something I love to do.

I guess it went well, because I was invited back. What to teach them next?

Clean Studio

2011-04-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

I just finished (mostly) cleaning my studio that has been trashed since about mid March. I love a clean workspace but in doing so I unearthed about 50 unfinished projects. Ugh. I think I should finish them off before starting on anything new. The key word here is 'should'. We'll see...

These are some initial necklaces I made for a friend who is getting married next month. They are gifts for her bridesmaids.

Made for Another World

2011-03-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

“If I discover within myself a desire

which no experience in this world can satisfy,

the most probable explanation

is that I was made for another world”

- C.S. Lewis

Portrait of Mama

2011-03-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sammy draws pictures of me a lot.

He had me pose for this one.

Pretty good don't you think?

Poem

2011-03-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

I like this poem - Prayer for Our Daughters by Mark Jarman.

I don't have daughters, but I am a daughter and my nieces are like daughters to me.

I love the last paragraph:

"May they be themselves, long after we've stopped watching.

May they return from every kind of suffering

(Except the last, which doesn't bear repeating)

And be themselves again, both blessed and blessing."

Silk Screening

2011-03-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

These are some shirts that I designed a couple of weeks ago.

They were for our Church's youth retreat.

I didn't silk screen them, but I wish I could have.

I have wanted to try out silk screening for a long time.

I actually bought a kit, but have yet to try it.

I want to make shirts for our family, but can't think of a design.

Any ideas?

The Giving Tree

2011-03-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

I finished the 6th grade Gala art project.

I think it turned out really good.

I decided to title it 'The Giving Tree' because it reminded me of Shel Silverstein's book, "The Giving Tree".

"Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk

and swing from my branches

and eat apples

and play in my shade

and be happy."

Hoping that the kids and parents will like it.

I am glad to be able to check it off my to do list.

Party Day

2011-03-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Sammy went to a birthday party today.

One of his classmates - a very sweet girl.

He's got a lot of very sweet girls in his class.

I love it when the boys go to a girl's party because then I get to make something girly.

So I made sweet Emma this purse:

And a personalized necklace with a butterfly charm.

I also started on the 6th grade Gala art project.

I am excited to see the final product.

Dishtowel

2011-03-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my finished dishtowel I started at the Craft Night.

I find embroidery kind of like knitting.

Very relaxing.

Today was a very busy day.

We displayed all the Gala baskets and art project for the parent.

It looked great, but now I am exhausted.

Time for me to crawl into bed with a good book.

More Gala Creations

2011-03-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

A couple more items I made for the Gala.

Another ribbon board.

I love these antiqued copper brads.

A birdhouse.

Dan made it and I painted it.

This is a practice project I made today.

It is for the 6th grade class art project.

Yesterday a friend and I took photos of all the 6th graders in different poses.

I am going to make a big painting of a tree.

Then cut out the pictures of the kids and put them into the scene.

I think it will come out really cool.

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T21:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the start of the Lenten season.

I have been thinking all day about what my significant sacrifice will be.

I am still thinking.

If you have any good ideas let me know.

Well, I am starting to get into full Gala mode.

With only a few weeks left until the big night, it is getting to be crunch time.

I made this ribbon board today to hold some gift cards that will be auctioned off.

I decided to go with neutral colors this year so it would be able to go into any one's home.

I like making these boards.

They are very easy and come out looking really nice.

They also work really well to hold all sorts of odds and ends.

I also finished up Sammy's class art project.

You can't see it in the photo but there is a layer of resin on top that gives it a glass like finish.

Trust me it looks awesome.

Many thanks to Brooke at Fire and Flowers who gave me the idea and taught me how to do it.

I will definitely be bidding on this one.

30 day Challenge: Day 30

2011-03-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Day 30 - Reflect
Journal a Reflection on this Project
What did you learn about yourself in doing these exercises? Which day(s) did you enjoy the most? How would you like to continue making creativity apart of your daily life? Continue on in your journey by starting a blog (it’s free) to document your creative ventures. Schedule a monthly get together with friends to work on projects. Sign up for a local art class to hone your skills. And keep following me here for more 30 day challenges and creative inspiration.

30 days of creativity has come to an end.

I did it!

And it went by so fast.

This journey has taught me that I need to challenge myself like this more often.

I want creativity to be part of my everyday life, but it is so easy to be lazy.

I loved having an assignment everyday.

It became a part of my day I looked forward to.

I can't say what I enjoyed the most, it was all good.

I just liked the creating something everyday.

And I definitely felt like it stretched me in exciting and new ways.

It's kinda cool that the challenge ended today and Lent starts tomorrow.

I'm thinking of somehow incorporating creativity into my Lenten journey.

Any ideas?

30 day Challenge: Day 29

2011-03-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

Day 29 - Make Something
Make Something from Scratch that You’ve Only Purchased Before
Here’s some ideas for items we usually don’t even think to make from scratch, laundry detergent, body scrub, bath salts, deodorant, marshmallows, cheese, yogurt, bread, whipped cream, jam, peanut butter, beans, bagels, play dough, lip balm, soap, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, crackers, pizza dough or lemonade. There’s thousands of recipes out there for these things and more. Reflect, was this difficult to make, would I make it again, did it taste/work better than the store bought brand, was it more cost effective, is it better for me and my family?

Today I made an apple pie.

I've never made an apple pie before.

I'm not sure why.

I love baking.

It's just something I never tried.

The recipe I used is call 'Flat Apple Pie' from "The Pioneer Woman Cooks".

It was very simple to make.

I served it at Bible Study tonight, hot from the oven.

Everyone agreed it was delicious.

The crust was light, flaky and heavenly.

The inside was sweet, slightly tart and scrumptious.

I might have had two pieces.

30 day Challenge: Day 28

2011-03-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Day 28 - Relax
Relax and Reflect
What parts of your party did you enjoy the most? If you did not host your party last night, reflect on the last party you hosted. Do you enjoy the planning, the setting up, the cooking, the hosting, the entertaining? What does this say about your strengths and weaknesses? How does this relate to your creative side?

My favorite part of our Magical Party last night was the planning, making and setting up.

I love seeing a creative idea come together.

And having the boys involved made it much more fun and exciting.

Hosting is definitely not my strength.

I prefer a small group of people rather than a big party.

I am very much an introvert and am not good at small talking,

so big groups of people I don't know very well make me uncomfortable.

Last night's party was just our family and Nana so it didn't really feel like I was hosting a party.

It was more like a fun, creative and entertaining night.

I am already thinking about our next one.

30 day Challenge: Day 27

2011-03-05T22:02:00.000-08:00

Day 27 - Party
Throw a Party
This could be a small get together with a friend, or an all out let’s get funky party! Incorporate creative element for your guest(s) to enjoy. You could choose a theme for the night and plan around that. Set a beautiful table, cook an extravagant dish or, plan a fun game. Get your family involved in cooking and set-up.

"Welcome to the Magic Show!"

That was the theme to our party tonight.

I made little top hats and magic wands out of felt.

Name plates were big playing cards.

And everyone got a ticket to an after dinner magic show put on by the boys.

It was a magical and entertaining night.

30 day Challenge: Day 26

2011-03-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

Day 26 - Prepare
Prepare for your Party
Create at least one thing for your party. You could write out personalized place cards, put together a lovely centerpiece, bake a fabulous dessert, decorate your dining room, or set-out candles. Do something out of the ordinary and make it special.

A friend taught me how to make these tissue paper flowers today,

so I thought they would be a perfect decoration for a party.

30 day Challenge: Day 25

2011-03-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

Day 25 - Create
Make Something out of your Junk Mail
Do you ever get discouraged by all of the mail you throw in the trash? Get creative and make something out of it! How about a bouquet of newsprint flowers, a bracelet out of paper beads, or a paper garland out of envelopes?

I made a pop-up flower and a ribbon for a present.

I also started on a ripped paper (from some junk mail) portrait of Daniel.

Poem: You and I

2011-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

A poem I read the other day.

I like it.

You and I

by Jonathan Potter

You are a warm front

that moved in from the north,

a blind spot bearing beautiful gifts,

a garden in the air, a golden filament

inscribed with the name of God's hunting dog,

a magic heirloom mistaken for a feather duster,

a fountain in a cow pasture, an anachronistic anagram

annoyed by anonymity, a dollar in the pocket

of a winter coat in summer.

And I am the discoverer of you.

30 day Challenge: Day 24

2011-03-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

Day 24 - Listen and Reflect
Listen to music, with words or without, and journal or draw what comes to mind. What type of emotions does the music stir in you? What images do you imagine through the music? What types of music inspire you to create? Do you create better in silence or with some background noise?

A couple of facts about my life and music:

My Dad used to sing and play his guitar to my sister and I every night when we were little.

My sister and I loved recording ourselves singing on a tape recorder.

I love musicals and participated in every musical I could in middle and upper school.

My boys are always saying, "You make everything into a song."

We sing together as a family routinely 6 days of the week.

I used to drive my family crazy listening to a favorite song over and over again.

I love music!

Sammy's Gala Class Art Project

2011-03-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

I am almost done with Sammy' gala class art project.

The kids drew the flowers with a thick sharpie and then glued tissue paper on top.

I cut out the flowers and decoupaged them on a canvas I painted.

It is so pretty.

I want it.

30 day Challenge: Day 23

2011-03-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

Day 23 - Inspiration
Create an Inspiration Board
Browse through magazines, books or online, and cut or print out things that you enjoy looking at. You may also add swatches of fabric, elements from nature (maybe from yesterday’s nature walk) or anything else you like. Pictures can be of clothing, handmade wonders, places, colors, artwork, etc. Glue or tape your images to one sheet of paper or poster board and use this board to continue to be inspired.

I am constantly gathering pieces of inspiration.

I've got a binder full of inspiration I've found in magazines, junk mail and printed material.

It is good to pull out some of the stuff and put it out so I can see it.

I also am in love with Pinterest.

I can organize all my online finds and inspiration.

I am amazed everyday by all the creative people out there.

It's is hard not to be inspired.

30 day Challenge: Day 22

2011-02-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

Day 22 - Collect
Go for a Nature Walk and Collect
Do you remember going on nature walk as a child, and picking up treasures along the way to stash in your brown paper bag? Kids love to do this. They find all kinds of interesting things that catch their eye. Intricate leaves, shiny rocks, gnarled sticks, flower petals, butterfly wings, shells, you name it, they’ve probably found it. Today, it’s your turn to find treasures. What catches your eye? What colors are you drawn to? What textures do you find interesting? How can you use these items in an art piece?

Collecting use to be a daily occurrence when the boys were small.

I remember when just walking a block or two could take an hour.

Sammy especially would come home loaded with 'treasure'.

I miss those days.

It was a beautiful day for a walk today.

I found lots of cool sticks, pretty leaves, berries and pine cones.

I made a tree with all my findings.

I titled it 'Last Leaf'.

30 day Challenge: Day 21

2011-02-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Day 21 - Transform Something
Turn Something Old Into Something New
Upcycle, transform or renew something old. Tear apart an old book and use the pages to make a collage. Paint an old dresser a new color. Turn an old piece of jewelry into something new. If you don’t have anything old lying around, visit a thrift store and find a treasure that strikes your fancy.

I made this necklace from an old foreign coin,

a chain I've had since I can't remember and found recently

and little bead flowers I stole off a pair of earrings.

Something new out of a few old somethings.

30 day Challenge: Day 20

2011-02-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

Day 20 - Make Art and Friends
Join me on today to craft the night away. There will be a couple of projects to choose from along with some goodies to eat. This is a great time to be inspired by others and a perfect way to connect with those that are like-minded. If you can’t get out to join us, host a craft night or afternoon at your house, or meet a friend at a coffee shop for a knitting hour.

Well, I went to the craft night despite the cold and rainy weather.

I got hailed on on the way. Really!?? Hail??

Yeah, it was pretty cold today for San Diego.

The craft night was awesome.

How could it not though?

Crafting and friends - the perfect combination.

Here is what I made:

30 day Challenge: Day 19

2011-02-25T20:47:00.000-08:00

Day 19 - Complete Something
Finish a Project
This could be a project that you started years ago and stashed away, maybe that knitted scarf that’s half done, or one that you purchased the materials to make and just never got around to. If you really don’t have any projects to finish (highly doubtful), make something new that you’ve always wanted to try.

I finally finished a bead bracelet that I started over a month ago

and has been sitting half finished on my messy table.

I saw a bracelet like this on Etsy a while ago and decide I needed to make one.

It is not hard, but is a bit time consuming.

Here is a tutorial if you want to make one for yourself.

30 day Challenge: Day 18

2011-02-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

Day 18 - Re-Arrange
Re-Arrange One Thing in Your House
Moving things around can make your space feel fresh and new. Take your night stand and switch it out with your side table. Or move the piece of art above your fireplace to that blank wall that you keep meaning to fill. Re-arrange your bookshelf, how about by color? Move your sofa to the other side of the room. Move the bowl of fruit from the kitchen to the dining room. Once you start moving things around you may not be able to stop!

I re-arranged my drawing table.

It was in desperate need of some cleaning and a new setup.

I get bored when things stay the same too long, so this was fun for me.

Here is the before:

Yeah, it was messy.

So I cleared the whole thing off.

And then re-arranged it to look like this:

Now I am ready to mess it up again.

It's a never ending cycle.

30 day Challenge: Day 17

2011-02-23T22:18:00.000-08:00

Dance
Turn up the music and have fun! Dance around the house, dance around the yard, dance down the street, have a dance party, invite others to join you. Get dressed up and go out to dance. Whatever you do, get those feet moving.

We had to get our dancing in early today.

Wednesday is our long day with school/work, scouts, potluck & bible study.

When we get home all we want to do is fall into bed.

So the boys and I did a little dancing during breakfast.

I love it when they boys dance.

They make me laugh.

30 day Challenge: Day 16

2011-02-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

Day 16 - Read & Reflect

Read a poem, proverb, verse or prose 3 times through. Reflect on this passage in a creative way. You can write about your thoughts, draw, paint or collage about the imagery it brings about.

I read & relected on one of my most favorite passages in the Bible - Isaiah 55:8-13.

30 day Challenge: Day 15

2011-02-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

Day 15 - Doodle
Yep doodle. Are you sitting at a coffee shop? Take out a napkin or your receipt and doodle something on it . . . words, pictures, or lines. Open up your journal and doodle around an entry, or fill up an entire page.

I doodled on the back of this Family Fun magazine subscription postcard.

My parents were here for the holiday weekend and we had a blast despite coughs and drippy noses.

At the end of each visit from Tutu & Papa my mom writes in a journal all the fun things we did during their visit and the moments we want to remember.

While making her journal entry I decided to doodle our weekend memories.

This entry also marks the halfway point of the 30 day challenge.

I'm already thinking how I will miss it when it's over.

30 day Challenge: Day 14

2011-02-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

Day 14 - Say Cheese
Take a Picture and Send it to Print
So often we take pictures - sometimes hundreds - and they sit on a memory card or stuck in a computer.
Take a picture of your kids or grandkids, a lovely flower or plant, a beautiful house, a pet, a serene landscape, the ocean, the sunset, whatever. Then, get one (or 20) of your photos printed and frame them, hang them on the fridge or pin them to a wall to inspire you daily.

I love taking pictures and my favorite subject is my boys.

I love their faces.

So, so perfect.

Here are some other photos I snapped today of Daniel.

He is so patient with me clicking away at him.

These faces just melt my heart

"I'll eat you up; I love you so."

-Where the Wild Things Are

30 day Challenge: Day 13

2011-02-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

Day 13 - Bake
Bake Something and Give it Away
Try out a new bread, cookie, cupcake or cake recipe, and then give at least part of it away. There is nothing better than eating something homemade. I love it when baked goods are package up lovely or wrapped in a pretty towel.

I baked up one of my favorite recipes this morning - pumpkin loaf.

It is like pumpkin pie in bread form.

Moist, pumpkiney delicousness.

The recipe is from the cookbook: The Muffin Lady

I have tried a lot of the recipes from this book and they have all been wonderful.

I also love this recipe because it produces 2 delicious loaves.

So you can give one away and keep one for yourself.

I'm bringing one to Sunday School tomorrow.

So if you want to try it come on by!

30 day Challenge: Day 12

2011-02-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

Day 12 - Gather
Make a Bouquet
Go outside and pick flowers, sticks, leaves, and/or branches and make a bouquet for your house. Think outside the box. You don’t have to use flowers. Some lovely bouquets are made out of succulents which are everywhere in San Diego. How about a bouquet of herbs to make your kitchen smell good? Place your bouquet in a pretty vase or jar and enjoy.

My garden is pretty pathetic right now. I tend to forget about and neglect it during the winter.

But I was surprised to find a blooming white rose.

I also used sage, rose leaves and phlox.

30 day Challenge: Day 11

2011-02-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

Organize One Thing in Your House
I know you’re wondering how will this bring out my creativity? When things are in order, your mind has less to worry about. Therefore, you have more mental capacity to create. So get busy. You could organize a drawer, a closet, a whole room, or how about organizing your email in box (now that’d be a challenge for me).

Organizing is what you do before you do something,

so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.

- A. A. Milne

I organized the size of our room that has been disorganized for a long, long time. The only bad thing is that I kinda created chaos in other areas that I will now have to organize.

Here is what it looked like before:

Here is the after:

Here is a close up:

I also made a couple of things for my newly reorganized space.

I covered this shoe box with some pretty scrapbook paper.

Super easy to do and looks really nice.

Put some of the same paper in a glass jar to hold pens and pencils.

Put a bird I made on a piece of the same paper and framed it.

Sammy made this and I think it is so adorable,

so I snatched it and added to my bookshelves.

Is it just me or do you also love a neat, clean and organized room?

30 day Challenge: Day 10

2011-02-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

Learn About a Famous (or maybe not so famous) Artist

Research an artist that you don’t know much about, it could be someone from long ago, or someone who is up and coming. It could be someone local or someone half a world away. If you usually gravitate towards classic art, check out something more contemporary? How does this person inspire you?

Friedensreich Hundertwasser was a free-spirited, ecologically-minded painter and architect. He became one of the best-known contemporary Austrian artists by the end of the 20th century. He made paintings, designed posters, stamps and flags. He also designed really cool buildings. I was drawn to and inspired by his use of bright colors.

Check out this building he designed.

So cool.

While waiting for Sammy during Cub Scouts I used the kid's markers to draw a colorful scene.

30 day Challenge: Day 9

2011-02-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

Day 9 - Draw
Draw Outside with Chalk
You can do this by yourself or with someone else (get your kids or the neighborhood kids out). Write an inspiring quote , draw a picture, or doodle. You can do this on your sidewalk, on your driveway, on your neighbor’s driveway, in the middle of the road, at the park, be creative.

I've been drawing, painting & collaging birds lately, so I decided to draw a bird today. It's been a while since I've drawn with chalk or pastels lately. I've forgotten how much I enjoy it. Another to do to add to my very long list.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

We had a great Valentine's Day.

Here is my Heart Dinner.

It was delicious.

I am still stuffed.

Dessert: homemade whipped cream with strawberries & chocolate chips.

It doesn't get better than this.

Well, maybe it does.

A kiss from my Valentine.

30 day Challenge: Day 8

2011-02-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

Day 8 - Write
Write about Your Love(s)
Your love(s) may be a person or people in your life, a favorite hobby or pastime, a favorite place near or far, or a favorite time in your life. Again, make it fun, doodle around your writing, use different color markers, use a crayon, write it on a poster board and hang it on your door, type it out and email it to your friends or post it in your home to remind you each day how fortunate you are.

So many things I love.

Chocolate seems to be a recurring theme.

Heart Filled Day

2011-02-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

A valentine from my sweet, sweet Sammy.

Oh Sammy, I love you so!

Got all my ingredients for a Valentine's Heart Dinner.

Valentine's Day Cards

2011-02-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

This Valentine's Day card has been floating around Internet craft sites for a couple of years now.

I wanted to make them for the boys the first time I laid eyes on them.

This year I finally did it.

So amazingly cute don't you think?

30 day Challenge: Day 7

2011-02-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Sew Something
This can be large or small, from sewing that darn button back on the blouse where it fell off last year, to embroidering a hand towel, or sewing a new dress for yourself.

Worked on a skirt I've had sitting on the back burner for a while.

Almost done.

I love skirts because they are so easy to make.

I have a hard time buying skirts because

in the back of my head I'm always thinking, "I could make that..."

Hopefully I can finish it up tomorrow.

30 day Challenge: Day 6

2011-02-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

Day 6 - Cook
Make a New Recipe for Dinner (or Breakfast or Lunch)

"Non-cooks think it's silly to invest two hours' work in two minutes' enjoyment; but if cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet." - Julia Child

I've always wanted to try making chicken tikka masala and have had a recipe for it for a while.

This was a perfect excuse to pull it out and give it a try.

I also made some naan, which is just plain awesome.

It was delicious.

30 day Challenge: Day 5

2011-02-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

Day 5 - Sing
Turn on Your Favorite Song and Sing Along, Yes, OUT LOUD
No one else has to be around, you can even sing while driving.

We love singing in our family.

Snuggle Puppy was a song I loved singing to the boys when they were little.

30 day Challenge: Day 4

2011-02-10T21:32:00.000-08:00

Day 4 - Walk
Take a Walk, Notice One Thing that is Beautiful
You could take the same path that you walk every day, but today look around and notice the beauty in the ordinary. How does this inspire you? Take a picture if you choose. Tell at least one person about your experience.

I decided to walk along a street that I drive down almost everyday.

4th Street

Starting at Date and walking all the way up to University.

There was this giant living wall inside a restaurant I passed. So cool!

Loved the harsh morning shadows on this.

I want to live in a house that has a door this color someday.

I walked across this bridge that I have been dying to cross for some time now.

I saw lots of pretty tiles adorning porches, doors and pathways.

I may have stopped at Bread & Cie for coffee and a cheese danish. Shhh...

Almost didn't see her. Glad that I did.

I don't know what plant this is, but I want one!

So many interesting and beautiful plants, flowers, trees and cactus.

It was an absolutely beautiful morning for a walk.

I will have to do it again soon.

Crayon Art

2011-02-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

Sammy got in on the crayon fun too, although he colors with crayons on a daily basis at school.

Here is his masterpiece.

30 day Challenge: Day 3

2011-02-09T21:37:00.000-08:00

Day 3 - Color
Color with Crayons
Do this by yourself or with someone else (maybe your kids?). You can color in a coloring book, draw or doodle in a journal, decorate a lunch bag, draw on your walls, think outside the box!

30 day Challenge: Day 2

2011-02-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

Day 2 - Create
[Make a Card and Give it to Someone]
You can draw one, collage one, leave the outside blank and just write a sweet note, sign it from you or leave it anonymous, put it in your child’s lunchbox, leave it for a neighbor, give it to your significant other, mail it, it’s up to you.

I love making cards so this challenge was right up my alley. Sammy painted this piece of paper and I loved it so much I had to use it for my card. I stapled two pieces of paper on top, decorated the top and put a note on the one underneath. An early Valentine's day card for my most wonderful valentine.

30 day Challenge: Day 1

2011-02-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is doing a 30 day challenge of finding creativity in the ordinary. You can follow along or participate here: http://www.fireandflowers.com/

Day 1 - Write

Write (don't type) about a Joyful Day in your Life

This could be a memory of your childhood, or something fun you did last week. Have fun with this, write it with a pink pen, or how about a purple one. Underline, outline or capitalize words that you want to stand out. Share it with someone, or keep it for yourself.

"Joy is the feeling of grinning inside" - Melba Colgrove

It was hard for me to pick one moment of joy which is a very good thing. I have much, much joy in my life. I didn't go with any of the really big joy moments like marriage or having the boys. It would have been too hard to pick just one of those moments. So I decided to focus on a small joy - shave ice. And with the beautiful warm weather today it seemed appropriate.

Worhol Photo 1

2011-01-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

I did a photo shoot of a friend and her family a while back. She also wanted me to make a Worhol style photo of each member of her family from the photos I took. Here is the first in a series of four. I really enjoy making these. They are a little time intensive, but they come out looking so neat.

Glass Jars

2011-01-12T20:44:00.000-08:00

I love glass jars. I've got them stashed all around the house holding pens, pencil, paint brushes, flowers, ribbons, bits and pieces. So I love this idea of making a jar into a picture frame. Another project to add to my long list of art-to-do.

Felt Yarn Wreath

2011-01-11T13:47:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago my friend Brooke, over at Fire & Flowers, taught me how to make this beautiful yarn and felt wreath. I loved how it turned out and made a great birthday present for my awesome MIL who loves to knit. I made another one for myself, I couldn't resist, and put one of my little elves I like to make on it. It turned out super cute, but I forgot to take a photo of it before stuffing it up in the attic until next December.

I saw this yarn wreath today and have decided I need to make one. I love the colors and could work for any season. I guess that means I need to buy some more yarn. :)

Cloudy

2011-01-09T21:58:00.001-08:00

We've been having some unusual weather here in San Diego. More rain than normal, more clouds and more cold. The rain can be fun, I could do without the cold, but I love the clouds. It's fun finding shapes and animals in the clouds with the boys and the sunsets are simply stunning, like the sky is on fire. I took this photo last week in the parking lot at school and was trying to capture the rays that were coming down between the clouds (so cool looking), but I just couldn't get it. I often feel like I just can't capture on the camera what I am seeing with my eyes. But I do love the clouds...

We Three Kings

2011-01-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of Three Wisemen Bread? I hadn't until this morning. It's this delicious bread that has a baby Jesus baked inside. I didn't get the baby, but the bread was quite yummy.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:19:00.001-08:00

Wishing you...

2010-12-12T22:33:00.001-08:00

Been thinking about our Christmas photo/card this year. I've got to get on the ball if I want to get them out before Christmas. I drew this little bird today and would love to incorporate him into my card somehow. Hmmmmm.

Quilt Watercolor

2010-04-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

I really like this watercolor of a quilt. I think I will try and make a hawaiian quilt watercolor like this. I do so love hawaiian quilts.

Must get it done!

2010-03-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

I am determined to finish off Daniel's class art project. Hopefully by the end of the day I will have a piece of artwork that looks something like this:

Block Print #8 & #9 - Underwater Oasis & Shark!

2010-02-28T22:14:00.000-08:00

Two more prints:Templates for the skyline. Our school/church is on the left with a falcon (the mascot) soaring overhead.

Block Print #6 & #7 - Pineapple & Plumeria

2010-02-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

Two more prints for Daniel's class project:I finished the background for Sammy's art project. I forgot how much I love to spread paint all around a big canvas. Have to do that more often.

Art Project #2

2010-02-25T14:31:00.000-08:00

I am getting close to finishing off Daniel's gala class art project. Yeah! Now on to Sammy's.

It will be a collage/painting of a downtown San Diego night. I found an art project someone had done of New York that I am using as inspiration. I hope it comes out good...

Block Print #4 & #5 - Jellyfish & Dolphin

2010-02-15T22:07:00.001-08:00

Two more finished.

Block Print #3 - Hibiscus

2010-02-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

Love how this flower turned out. These kids are quite the little artists.

Block Print #2 - Sea Turtle

2010-02-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

Here is Daniel's print for the Gala art project. Lots of details so it took a while to cut out, but I love how it turned out.

Block Printing

2010-02-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

It is Gala time of year again at the boy's school and this year I am working on both Daniel and Sammy's class art project. Here is the first print in a series of Hawaiian themed prints for Daniel's class project. I had the kids draw all different pictures and I am transferring the artwork on blocks for printing. I am thinking of printing them all on a large canvas or paper as a piece of art and also making a set of cards. I think the first one turned out really good. One down, eleven to go...

Charade Socks

2009-12-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

I finished knitting my very first pair of socks and I am in love. I love, love, love them! Cute and comfy and warm. If you have never knitted a pair of socks before I highly recommend it. And the pattern is well written and easy to follow.

Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park
Yarn: 1 ball of Berroco Comfort Sock (Color 1816)
Needles: Size 1 DPNs

Block 15 & 16

2009-10-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Is it October already!!?? Crazy. Absolutely crazy how quickly time flies. I have been so busy with school and church and work that I've had barely any time for my quilt. And now that the weather has turned our nights and mornings have gotten a little chilly I could use a nice warm quilt to curl up with. I've got to carve out some craft time! I stopped by Michael's today to pick something up for a school project I'm working on and I couldn't help but pick up some Christmas clear stamps. I just love all the seasonal craft items out right now. I need more time!

Block 13 & 14

2009-09-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

I am so glad it is the weekend. What a busy week. Meetings, working, class, cub scouts, Back to School night and more meetings. This weekend is also going to be packed and busy, but at least it will be with fun stuff.

Block 11 & 12

2009-09-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Second week of school and a very busy week at that. It is only Tuesday, but I feel like the week is almost over. Huh? Busy, busy, busy...

Block 9 & 10

2009-09-14T10:20:00.001-07:00

The studio is almost done. But in the process of re-organizing I have realized I have a lot of half finished and never started projects that have piled up over the years. Not good. I will have to remedy that.

Block 7 & 8

2009-09-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

The studio is slowing going from chaos back to order. Don't you just love a newly organized room? Hopefully tomorrow I will be feeling the love.

Block 5 & 6

2009-09-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

I am on a roll. Actually I almost put off making my blocks because I was inspired to re-organize the studio. I don't know what brought it on. Just started moving a couple of things around and then a couple more things and a couple more...

Block 3 & 4

2009-09-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Got two more done today. I'm so proud of myself. :)

9 Patch Quilt

2009-09-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

My sister has inspired me to make a quilt. While Skyping with her the other night I noticed a quilt laying on her sewing table. When she showed it to me I knew I had to make one myself. So very cute and doesn't look to hard (hopefully). I haven't done very much quilting, so we'll see how it turns out. I made my first two blocks today. Here they are:

Leg Warmers

2009-04-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Another Christmas project: leg warmers for my three nieces. I just made up the pattern. I did a rib on the two ends and stockinette in between to desired length. I seriously considered making a pair for myself because they were so cute. Maybe I still will.

An Outfit or Two

2009-03-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here are the dolls I made for my sister's girls with their full outfits. I used Blythe patterns I found on the Internet here and here. I really enjoyed making these tiny outfits and will have to make some more to send to the girls. Because a girl has to have more than one thing to wear.

I am glad to hear that they are being well loved and am thinking they might be needing some reconstructive surgery in the near future.

Hello Again

2009-03-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

I was talking to my sister tonight and she got on my case about not posting to this blog in a long, long time. I know, I know! My last post was before Thanksgiving. Really quite sad, BUT I have a long list of legitimate reasons. I won't go into all the details of my busy life right now, but there are reasons. Lots of them. And they are legitimate!

It all started when I began working on all my Christmas gifts, which I made almost all of, and I couldn't post them because then the whole surprise thing would be blown. And then things got busy and I've been trying to post on our other blog everyday and... The bottom line, it has been way too long. So to make my sister happy (it's a younger sibling thing) I am posting.

I made these two little dolls for my sister's girls for Christmas. I just fell in love with these sisters and had a hard time shipping them off. I hope they are being well loved and well taken care.

My Artist Friend

2008-11-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who is a very talented artist who is having a giveaway on her blog. So go check it out and leave a comment and you just might win.

http://lifewithoutnovacaine.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-give-away.html

2008-10-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Feeling a little nip in the air has inspired me to take up my knitting needles. I guess I like to just dive right into things because I choose an intricate lace pattern to kick off the knitting season. It is call the 'Katharine Hepburn Cardigan' from the book 'Lace SYTLE'. I simple adore this book. I love every pattern in it and would knit each and every one if I only had the time. Lace takes a fair amount of concentration, but the final result is well worth it. I am almost done with the back. I am using a yarn from 'Knit Picks' called 'Shine Sport' in River blue. Can't wait to see it all come together.

2008-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the art roll I finished a couple of days ago.

I used the matching blue fabric for the inside pocket instead of the muslin color I used in the others. I think it works and won't show if it gets dirty.

You know how I said I was thinking of starting a fall project. Well, I pulled out this pretty grape fine wale corduroy I've had for a while. I am thinking a coat or maybe a cute dress. Maybe both. The possibilities are endless. Time to get started.

Monday Madness: 10/20/2008

2008-10-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

I took pictures of the studio Monday, but forgot to get them posted. So here they are.

I've also got some new inspiration. Thanks Deborah!

As you can see I finally finished of Cassidy's art roll. Yippee! Now I can move on to something else. I am thinking of something fall-ish, since it is starting to feel like autumn day by day. I've also got about 100 ideas floating around in my brain for Christmas. I really want to make all my gifts this year, which mean I need to jump on the horse NOW, and get going. So much to do...

A Sweet Boquet

2008-10-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

When I helped out in Daniel's class last week the kids made these adorable flowers. It was a last minute project that Daniel's amazing teacher threw together in a very short amount of time. The kids cut the sides of two little drinking cups into four petals. Then they painted both sides of the cups. When they were dry we cut out photos of the kids faces glued them in the middle and glued the two cups one on top of the other. Then the kids cut out petals and put their names and grades on it. The flowers and petals were then hot glued to a green bamboo stick. So easy and so cute!

The first graders with theit flowers.

Art Bag: Messenger Style

2008-10-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here it is! My completed messenger style art bag. Surprisingly enough it came out exactly as I had hoped. No changes needed to my original pattern and it fit just perfect. I snapped these photos on the way to the birthday party so I didn't get a chance to have the boys model it. Next up will be Sammy's. He has really been into drawing lately so it will be just perfect for him.

Not a pretty sight...

2008-10-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

The studio is a complete and utter mess. The boys have been drawing and cutting and taping all manner of things and I... I don't know what I've been doing. But obviously something by the look of it.

Do you like my new paper cutter. I saw it at Costco and just couldn't resist. You can never have enough paper cutter can you? I didn't think so.
The past week and a half I have been at Daniel's school trying to photograph every child for the Fall Festival. It is a carnival like affair and each year the school makes buttons of each kid and the parents can buy them at the festival. I volunteered to take the photos. It was a lot of work, but really fun. I love kids. AND now I have a picture of each and every kid at school in my brain. It is pretty cool walking around school and recognizing every student. So I Photoshopped, cropped, printed and handed all 250+ photos off to the people in charge of making the buttons today. Whew! Now I've got some time to myself and I think I'll start by cleaning up.

Monday Madness: 9/29/2008

2008-09-29T14:15:00.001-07:00

Monday started off with rain this morning. How strange is that? Probably not for many people, but for us San Diegans, rain in September is very strange indeed. So I finished off my messenger bag and just in time too. We went to a birthday party for one of Sammy's classmates on Sunday. Of course a girl. The boys sure do get invited to a lot of girl parties. Not that I'm complaining. I didn't get to finish the art roll in time so it is still on my craft table waiting, waiting, waiting. I really liked how the messenger turned out. I will post photos soon. And I will start on Sammy's bag next. Something for a boy! Well, that's new. This week should be much less busy than last, thankfully, so I can get down to business in the studio. Have a good week!

Yee-haw!

2008-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

What is it with country and me this year? Our church is having a square dance, our school's gala this year has 'Rhinestone Rodeo' as its theme and Friday night I am going line dancing with some girlfriends. Good thing I've got a pair of cowboy boots. They will be gettin' some wear. So this is a flier I made for our church square dance. It was fun playing with western fonts. I guess I am just a country girl at heart.

Retreat Flier

2008-09-23T13:35:00.001-07:00

I've been working on a couple of fliers for church lately. Here is one of them for a women's retreat we are having. Does this flier just make you want to sign up? I hope so.

Monday Madness: 9/23/08

2008-09-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

As you can see I have made some progress on my messenger bag. Not a whole lot, but at least it is something. I need to kick this into high gear because we've got a birthday for a soon to be 4 year old girl this weekend and I really would like to make her an art bag. Thank goodness I have all the pieces cut out already.
Here is a close up of my messenger bag. just the outside part. I really, really, really hope it comes out.

Off you go...

2008-09-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got my niece Hannah's art bag all packed up and ready to be shipped. I made her a card with a little fairy on it. I just love making this girly, girly stuff.

This little fairy is wishing you a great year filled with much love and joy. Enjoy!

Monday Madness: 10/15/08

2008-09-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

I was inspired to clean up the studio this weekend. Ah, I just love it when everything is neat and tidy. I took Sammy fabric shopping last week to pick out fabrics for his messenger art bag.
This is what Sammy picked out. Sammy loves camouflage, stripes and anything blue.
After talking with my sister who suggested I make a muslin first, I found some old fabric scraps laying around to make my first draft of the pattern. I am excited to get started. Now I just have to make some time. We've just been so busy.
And my drawing table. Yes, that is a knitting project I pulled out. It is a little lace cape that I started in the winter. Now that the weather is cooling down I hear my yarn calling to me. Time to pick up my needles again. I've also got some letters from a sweet boy named Diego who lives in Ecuador on my table. We sponsor him through Compassion International. We exchange letters with each other and I am way behind in my letters. He loves drawing and always includes a drawing on the back of his letters. Occasionally I send him some of my artwork. Have to, have to write him a letter this week.

That's about all that is going on in the studio at the moment. Hopefully I will make some leeway with my bag this week.

Monday Madness: 10/8/08

2008-09-08T13:30:00.001-07:00

It is the first Monday of the new school year. I think everything went pretty smoothly all things considered. I managed to get the boys off to school on time without forgetting any shoes or lunches. I spent much of the weekend working on our school's PTO bulletin board, since I am going to be in charge of it this year. It is kind of like a giant scrapbook page, so I am having a fun time with it. Now that I've got that mostly done I am moving onto a new project. I am trying to design an art bag for a boy. I think I have decided on a messenger type bag. With the right fabrics I don't think it will be girly at all. I am still trying to figure out how best to put it all together, but I am hoping to put together a prototype soon. I have been doing a lot of measuring and adding (and adding again) and keeping my fingers crossed that it will all sew up the way I hope. I need to go out and find some cute boy fabrics too. Now that will be the real fun part. My plans for a messenger art bag.
My drawing desk has been taken up by the laptop lately. Lots of photo editing going on here. And occasional blogging.

Art Roll Complete

2008-09-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I finished the art roll for my sweet, sweet little red headed niece. I hope she likes it. I pieced three different fabrics together for the outside of the case. I love mixing strips, dots and florals together. And these fabrics all work so well together. Amazingly enough I just had all of them in my stash and they just happened to go together perfectly.
Here is the art bag all completed and ready for a little girl to enjoy. Now, what to work on next? Unless there are any more birthdays I am forgetting?

Art Bag for Hannah

2008-09-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the art bag I made for Hannah. I think I might keep it for myself. Do I say that every time I make one of these? I think so. It's just that they come out so darn cute. My favorite part is this cute little fringey detail I added. I ripped a 1 inch strip from my fabric and then pulled out a couple of threads to create a little fringe on the edge. Then I stitched straight down the middle and gathered it up. I put it right on the seam where the two fabrics meet and sewed it on with a zigzag stitch.
Here is Sammy doing some modeling for me. He looks so hip, so happening don't you think?
And the lining is a cute paisley print. I simply love it and hope Hannah will too.

Monday Madness: 10/1/2008

2008-09-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at my studio on this hot and sunny first day of September. Having just finished an art bag for my niece, I am now starting work on the art roll. Hopefully I will have this done soon as her birthday was while we were in Hawaii. But better later than never right?

Art Bag Overdose

2008-08-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

My friend sent this photo of her daughter passed out next to the art roll I made. I guess this is a pretty common occurrence in her house. Hilarious!

Now I am working furiously on an art bag and roll for my niece who will be turning 3 soon. Her birthday is when we will be in Hawaii, so I have to get it done before we leave. I've got the fabrics all picked out and the colored strips cut. I should have it done in the next day or two. Hopefully.

And I take no responsibly for any art bag induced overdoses, hangovers or comas.

Emerging View

2008-08-14T19:14:00.001-07:00

I just had to post about this beautiful painting. And all the more beautiful because the artist is a friend of mine. I got an email from her this morning saying this painting was chosen as painting of the week at a New York gallery. Way to go Elise! You are amazing.

Elise was an amazing artist when I met her in the 5th grade. I got to witness her artistic talent all through middle and upper school and now... Simply amazing!

Check it out at http://www.markelfinearts.com/

Another Art Bag

2008-08-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Another art bag for another birthday girl. This time for the younger sister. I asked my friend if her daughter would like to have an art bag like the one I made for the older sister. In reply she sent me a photo of her youngest passed out on the floor next to her big sister's art roll and a scattering of drawings. I took that as a 'yes'. Luckily I had cut out an extra set of color strips so making the art roll went much faster. Once again it turned out so cute I had a hard time not keeping it and running to the store for a barbie or some other girly gift.

Here is the bag. And the art roll all rolled up nice and tidy. Isn't that ribbon the cutest? I found it at Target of all places and on sale no less.
The inside pencil side.
The side with the markers.
And the bag all stuffed with goodies and ready to be wrapped.
Of course I had to make a card for the birthday girl. I used my 'How to draw Fairies and Mermaids' book. I just love that book.
I think I will cut out some more of the colored strips so I will be all ready to go for the next birthday. These art bags are just too cute.

Pictures of Us

2008-07-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a friend asked me for a picture of Dan and I for a church publication. My immediate response was 'No problem'. But as I searched through my thousands and thousands of pictures from the past year I realized that I have pathetically few pictures of just Dan and I. I could count them on one hand. Then today I found some photos from Thanksgiving of last year that I had on the laptop, but had not transferred to our main computer. Among the many cute pictures of the cousins together I found some photos of just Dan and I. Three to be exact. Rare, very rare indeed.

I used a 'Collage Of Warped Photos' tutorial to create this layout. I put a photo of our beach in Hawaii in the background. My favorite place to go with my favorite person in the whole wide world.

Backyard Explosion

2008-07-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

My backyard exploded while the boys and I were up in LA. It is a jungle back there now. My tomato plants are drooping with ripe tomatoes, I found two giant cucumbers on my cucumber vines, little ripe and oh so sweet strawberries pepper the ground, the bell pepper plants are loaded with crisp fruit, and the zucchini plants are threatening to take over the entire backyard. A jungle of tasty delights. Just waiting to be picked and devoured!

2008-07-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Another Photoshop tutorial I found at PSHERO called 'Comic Book Photo Effect'. This is a great tutorial. So easy to follow and clearly written and I really love the comic book effect.

This is a photo of Sammy on the pony ride at the fair this year. Every year we go to the fair we take the boys on the pony ride. They love it. You can tell by the smile on Sammy's face that he is simply tickled. Yee-haw!

Art Supply Roll

2008-07-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the pencil/marker roll that I made for Daniel's classmate. I know, I know, it is really cute. I did warn you though, didn't I? Well if you are loving this as much as I did you can find the instructions in a book called 'Last-Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts'. Although if you are willing to put a little bit of brainpower, which I wasn't willing to do, into it you could come up with a design yourself. Each little pocket is 1 inch wide. Add seam allowances and multiply by the number of pockets you want and wa-la you've got a pattern.

This project is great for using up any little pieces of fabric you've got lying around. For Christmas my sister gave me a 12 pound box of assorted fabric from the Fat Quarter Shop. Let me tell you 12 pounds of fabric is a lot of fabric. I think the fabric I used behind the pencils and markers was all from that box.

This is a very simple project with great results. The most tedious part is cutting out all the little strips. After that it is quite quick and easy to assemble. I cut two strips at the same time so now I have all the fabric ready to make another one for the next sweet girl in my life.

Abstract Photo Manipulation

2008-07-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Another Photoshop tutorial. I really can't get enough of Photoshop. The possibilities are limitless. I found the tutorial, Abstract Photo Manipulation, at a site called photoshopstar. It looked interesting so I gave it a try.

This is a rare photo because I am actually in it. Being the primary photo taker in the family, I have a ton of photos of everyone else, but few of myself. Here I am with my little man at the San Diego Fair. He is a cute one that kid.