So I Made Time For Myself

It's funny how writing things down, whether on a blog (that I don't even know how many people actually read) or a journal, you see things and rethink things. So when I finished whining about the guilt I felt about taking time for myself to create art and craft, I made this:

Another tote bag made from recycled tshirts. They are so handy! I attempted to take photographs to try to do a little tutorial. I don't know if I will post it or use it in the art zine that I will be creating for a zine swap. I love reading art zines. So interesting to get a peek into other people's artsy lives and have unique pieces of art in hand. I am excited about this - I have until mid November to create 10 zines of my own to swap. Moving and the Bar Mitzvah? Not evening going there. I am signing up and thus committing myself and will enjoy myself. Creating art is a good way to releive stress in my life.

Journaling,Crocheting, Jewelry Making - Crafty ADD!

Crafty ADD - if it was a real affliction, I would certainly self diagnose myself. Of course the cool guy that build a lot of the shelves and wall units in my house is convinced I have regular ADD and thus could never have my own focused business. I don't listen to people like that, oh, no!

I found myself working on my crocheted blanket this morning while my younger son watched Saturday morning cartoons (I still haven't outgrown this.) Following breakfast I water colored and stamped some backgrounds on some pages of my art journal, which I am still enjoying! Around lunch time I found that I had sold a bracelet from my Etsy shop (yeah me!), which is prompting me to get around to photographing more of my jewelry to list. The afternoon found me picking up a few new craft books, one being the Naughty Secretary Club by Jennifer Perkins, who is a DIY tv personality and blogger who I have enjoyed reading and watching for some time. Her book is great fun! The others I will share at another time. I am not a big shopper when it comes to things that I could actually use (new sneakers) but I never pass a bookstore without stopping and never leave without a new craft book or magazine!

My latest artistic endeavor and source of enjoyment has been keeping working on the collages in the art journal.

This was a page from this past week. Fun!

Next endeavor, I think, will be to create an art zine for an art zine swap. I have some good ideas. The timing is a bit tight with the bar mitzvah and the move but frankly creating art and craft is what relaxes, de-stresses, and inspires me. Positive energy. Yes, I think I will do it!

Places to go, things to inspire

Oh the places I would go! Someday I want to be able to just get up and go to all of the great looking craft fairs and flea markets that dot the USA. For now I am content (not really) to ogle over amazing photos on my favorite blogs.

This booth at Junk Bonanza is so amazing!


Great photos from Artsy Mama

These necklaces are so unique! They are from imogeneANDannie. I am contemplating purchasing the fox as a gift.




Can you ever have enough ephemera to decorate cards, boxes, journals (and whatever else glue sticks to?) These inexpensive packs from The Glitter Workshop are always handy to spice up your stash!


Artsy zines have been an interest of mine lately. I just recieved a handful in the last week that are all so unique, inspiring, and fun. I'll scan 'em and post 'em.

CROQzine

The August issue of CROQzine came today. Picked it up from the mailbox just in time to look through it in the carpool line. (I love zines and small mags because they are perfect to stuff in my bag and whip out when I need entertainment.) There is lots of travel related articles, vegan recipes as always, projects interviews and more. There was an interview with Thea Starr, a crafting supermom that made me feel a bit inadequate! Check it out!