I had it all wrong!

I thought being an artist or craftsman was about producing stunning pieces; to do that I needed focus and discipline. I tried, I really did. I would go to the studio with all the determination to focus in one medium and work on it until I perfected the process. But I had so many interests I could not focus on a specific project and when I tried to force it, the results were not satisfactory and I was not having fun. And then I would find myself dabbling a bit in sewing, a bit in card making, a bit in drawing, a bit in pastels, a bit in decoupage; you get the picture. And all the time I felt guilty and frustrated for not having discipline.

Then I had an epiphany! (Okay, I read a book.) This is the way I was created! Just as God gave me hazel eyes and curly hair, He gave me a bit of attention deficit.

Returning from our 2 month New England adventure, I went to the studio intentionally having no specific agenda, just follow my muse (actually for me that is the Holy Spirit) and see where it leads me. Guess what? I had more fun and, though not stunning masterpieces, I was happy with what I created. You see, even though I knew the process of creating was more satisfying than the finished project, I wanted the recognition of being an accomplished artist and craftsman. I tried to force myself to be something that was not part of God’s plan.

Since the first of November I have done a bit of sewing, a bit of stenciling, a bit of painting, a bit of organizing (yep, that’s a craft) and my current favorite, resin pour.

These inspirational blocks were made using photos from our travels, scrap wood and 2-part resin.

Following the directions in the resin kit it is very easy, just be sure your work surface is level (ask me why.)

With left-over resin, I created these cute little pins.

Oh, the book I am reading rereading is The Creative Call by Janice Elshiemer.

Wishing you joy and peace this Christmas season and a creative, fun New Year. Enjoy the process!

Meet a couple more of my Funky Girls. I believe they are a bit of improvement over the previous week's attempt. I get a bit of a charge in seeing them develop as I draw.

I saw on a photo of a artist on the Featherweight 221 and 222 Facebook page sewing at a picnic table in a campground. The weather here in Arizona has not been that conducive, but I did get out my Featherweight to make this little phone sleeve.

The highlight of my crafting this week was a Susan Lenart Kazmerworkshop at the Tucson Mineral and Rock Show. As you may know, Susan is the creator of Ice Resin; this workshop was on using Ice Resin in transparency. A lot of information was shared during the 3-hour workshop. I left with several different components and a mind spinning, trying to process it all. Susan was very generous with supplies, ephemera and knowledge. The show is HUGE with hundreds of jewelry related venders and lot's of workshops. Knowing what to expect, I am hoping to return next year and spend more time (and I'm sure more money.)

Sorry about the poor photography here. 

Feathers coated with Ice Resin.

Free Inspiration!

As promised, here are a few freebies I have found on the various blogs I follow. And who doesn't like free! 

On her blog, A Colorful Journey, Carolyn Dube is offering a 5 lesson mixed media workshop with each new video lesson coming out every 3 days. It is free and downloadable, so it can be watched at one’s convenience. She uses variety of supplies and encourages folks to use what is on hand. I have watched one of the videos and can't wait to get back to The Underground and give it a try.

Pintangle has link to a free downloadable for Elsie Svennas A HANDBOOK  OF LETTERING FOR STITCHERS.  It has some very pretty stitches and combination of stitches with clear instructions. A used hardcopy sells for $146 on Amazon. I downloaded it to my iPad.

Every Thursday, Cloth Paper Scissors offers a free download of one of their older magazines on their Facebook page. The free emagazine is offered only on Thursday.If you subscribe to their newsletter, you will have an opportunity to download mini lessons on various topics each Saturday. I have downloaded several magazines and lessons to my iPad. 

Love to make bags or just want to try without investing a lot of money, check out the Bags to Sew website for free patterns. 

On Facebook, Ornation Creation is offering over 100 really cool templates for Zentangling.  It is a closed page and requires a request to join. Once accepted in the group, just download from files, print and tangle!

Documented Faith’s Facebook page is loaded with lots of photos of Bible Journaling.

These are only a few of the free inspirations for crafters on the web. So, how do I get all the free information without cluttering my in-box? I have a separate email address designated for only blogs and newsletters.  

Have some favorite sites for free inspiration? Please share in the comments!