• Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Teal and Yellow

    July 4, 2025 - By 

    Todays page was inspired by the central “postcard” size image. I had the bit of leaves running up one side and the teal color. It got my mind working. As usual I began pulling out pieces that I thought might work on a page.

    I happened to have some cutoffs of scrapbook paper that I felt would coordinate really well. I cut a piece of scrap paper the appropriate size for the journal I am using to hold all of my loose leaf style journal pages. It happens to be the same one I used last year.

    I love working loose leaf style because then I am not limited by the book I am creating within. However, that can create a whole different challenge and spark more creative energy.

    I’ve always loved teal and yellow together so this Tim Holtz rose fit the bill. At this point, I added the lace down the edge and felt as if I was done. I even started taking photos for this post. Then as I looked at it more…something was missing.

    I brought the page to my sewing machine to add a bit more texture which I loved…and that inspired me to add the bit of fabric salvage and buttons. Finally, I was happy with my page.

    I hope you stop by Art Journal Journey and check out the other participants pages for my theme of Botanicals this month.

  • Art - Blog - Creativity

    AJJ: Waltz of the Flowers

    July 1, 2025 - By 

    I’m pleased to be asked to host Art Journal Journey for a fourth time.  It’s always easier for me to do a challenge during the summer months while school is out.

    Since its summertime here in Minnesota, that means I’ll be enjoying the great outdoors as much as possible. I love puttering in the garden, getting my hands dirty. I’m especially fond of flowers so I thought the perfect theme would be Botanicals. The theme is pretty broad…from beautiful vintage images to wonky sketches, stamped images to stickers…as long as it relates to plants, it’s fair game. Are you in?

    This first page in the series was inspired by the vintage sheet music I found in my stash. Then I started pulling items that I felt might work on a page. This is my general process when working with a theme.

    The vintage wallpaper strip piece set the color scheme…all that was left was to pull pieces that would coordinate.

    I knew I had printed one of my digital creations that would fit the bill. It was absolutely the perfect color.  I really love creating in Photoshop. That is for sure going on my summer list of things I want to do.

    After all the layers of paper I knew it needed just a little something more. This piece of tatted lace was exactly the right length. I love it when things work out like that.

    I hope you’ll play along with my challenge and post your link over at Art Journal Journey!

  • Crafts

    T Tuesday: after Christmas inspiration edition

    January 21, 2025 - By 

    Whoa…yes, it’s me, two weeks in a row! I had a long weekend with both the MLK holiday and a grading day for school today so I had some extra zip in my step and got another post written. Unfortunately, I still had to leave the house bright and early for an appointment.

    This is what my weather app said when I got up this morning…

    And my van said even colder!! I made it to the appointment and got myself back home where I can putter around the house for the rest of the day working on the crafty bits that I’ve been super inspired to create lately.

    Leading up to the holidays I just wasn’t in the Christmas spirit. This year was the first that we’ve been full-time empty nesters and the appeal of decorating, baking and the like, just wasn’t there for me.

    I’m not exactly sure what it was that turned the table for me but now I’m Christmas crafting like crazy.

    Maybe it was the late blooming of this Amaryllis. Isn’t it gorgeous!?!

    As promised in my last post…here are some of the completed Scandinavian stars. I made a few more after taking the photo but you get the idea.

    I made these scrappy little stars with the offcuts. I’m wishing that I had turned them into a garland instead of individual ornaments.  I might do it anyway…just have to heat up the hot glue sticking the top together with the hanger.

    This load of buttons is the start of yet another Christmas craft. I have no idea if it’s going to turn out like it is in my head so I’m holding off sharing more for now. I’ll likely share the whole process after completion…even if it is a fail.

    Last evening a had some tea. I just love this mug. It’s a good reminder.

    I’ll leave you with an image of my sweet boy, Marvin. This is his morning spot…chair tucked under, tablecloth draped over…secret spot.

    I’m heading up to the craft/sewing room next to play.

    T stands for Tuesday

    What are you doing today?