Day 8

Day 8: Create a self portrait, draw or photograph yourself. What do you see?

So... this is my self portrait. I did not draw this but rather took a photograph of myself and distorted it. Here is a time when I was at my happiest, my wedding day. I see uneasiness in front of a camera. I was never one to enjoy being the subject of the photographers lens. I would much rather be behind the camera. Here I am on the happiest of days right after a major freak out (as brides usually have, I am told) with no time to spare and no moment to myself. Here I am raw. Here I am just waiting to get this day over with and be out of the spotlight!

Day 7

Day 7: Relax! Do you relax to create or create to relax?

I enjoy watching my favorite shows, listening to music, and especially CRAFTING! Today I found myself most at ease while I was inking a very special project for one of yesterdays winners. I don't think it matters which way it works, create to relax or relax to create, as long as you enjoy the process. I find that when I want to make something beautiful but I'm not sure how or where to start is when I have problems. When I don't think to hard about it or don't try to impress others I find my end work is natural, appealing and beautiful. I love looking at other peoples work, but I need to remember not to compare my work to theirs. My work is no less beautiful or impressive because someone else has a better or different technique. This made me think about the post of inspirational quotes, "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle" by James Heller. I hope that somewhere there is someone who allows themselves to be inspired by what is being shared here.

Day 6: How does your living space reflect your creative nature? Share a picture if you can!


What better way to share a piece of my living space that shows my creative nature than to show you my craft room, or as my husband calls it- the office. Slowly but surely he is giving in!



This is the AFTER :)



The BEFORE is not so pretty.

After it was painted.

The side view!

Getting settled into the craft room.

I hope you enjoyed this post and it inspires you to tackle a big project like this and even share your own "happily" after photos!

Today only!!

Pay It Forward 2012: I will make something handmade for the first 5 people who comment on teh FACEBOOK GOUP- Homemade&Heartfelt. They must in return post this on their status and make something for the first 5 people who comment on their status. Rules: it must be made by you and be received before the end of 2012. It could be as simple as making a cup of hot cocoa for a friend!



Congrats to our 5 winners:
Ursula W., Sarah Beth D., Natalie P., Kaitlin B., Kelly L..


*Ladies please send me your addresses!


Remember to pay it forward in 2012!

Day 5

Day 5: What artists do you seek out for inspiration? Create a small something based on your source.

I don't believe I seek out specific artists. I look to nature & photos for inspiration when it comes to my crafts! I love being able to sit down and look at a picture and get an idea of what the page will look like. Thats not to say that I am soo "talented" that there is never a doubtful moment, cuz there is. If for some reason I don;t know what to do with an image I may skip it or omit it all together. I also find that scrapping with my friends is another way to increase my creativity, although ususally not my productivity! I love being able to bound ideas off of each other and look at what we have each done for further inspiration!

 So.. here are some of my crafts... I hope they inspire you!

Scrapbook pages

Cards

 Ornaments

Day 4

Day 4: Do some doodling... share it and write about it!

So... over a year ago I bought an old china hutch. I wanted to restore it or recycle it, I couldn't decide. I decided that having to restore the top half of the hutch with glass and broken pieces was too much. When the local curb your junk day came around the top half was graciously donated but the bottom I kept with hopes and dreams of someday doing something special with it. The bottom was weak, old wood remember,  and it needed some extra support. I added wheels because who doesn't want a piece of furniture that is EASY to move!?! It was originally a old brown stain which proved hard to remove. So it had to be painted over which was no easy task either. By the time this "simple" project is done I probably could have built something on my own and had it been easier! I really would like to say that I enjoyed this project but the truth is it took a long time, was frustrating and at times I felt like throwing in the towel. I am hoping that in the future I will be able to fully enjoy this craft desk and will post pictures (real ones unlike the sketches above) as soon as I can!

Day 3

Day3: What words or phrases do you find inspiring and why?

- this reminds me to look past what is bothering me and into what could be (if I let it). there is always a silver lining but you have to be willing to look for it!

- you can have as many dreams as you want but if you never move toward them they will always remain dreams and nothing more!

- this reminds me that being a good person and passing on my gifts to others does not diminish me in any way at all. sharing my blessings with others makes me no less blessed but instead increases my blessings and those of others.

- love isn't about the buterflies in your stomache, who would want to feel that way every day. soulmates aren't just in crazy high school dreams of love. theay are real people. if you are lucky you get to find your soulmate and live out your lives together. the endless journey two people take to constantly better themselves not for pride but because they want to be the best partner they can be; that is love.

-our lives are ever changing, our dreams and wants evolving with the circustances. when we think about the past, there should be no regrets. this is also something comical because in my youth i did decide to get a few tattoos which my parents warned that i may regret. this phrase reminds me that choices should be life long choices and to make sure that there will be no regrets later in life!