Which way do we want to go?

Quite often we are asked about our favorite places in our travels. So, on a post here they are.

The signs are made from recycled fence pickets, stencils cut from contact paper using a Silhouette Cameo and painted with all-purpose craft paint.

And my 2019 One Word is

I know, it is about six months late, but there is a reason for that.

In case you don’t know, One Word or Word of the Year is a concept where one chooses a word on which to focus or inspire throughout the year. It kind of replaces the New Year’s resolution. I put my word on a sign and hang it on the steps that lead to the studio where I will see it every day (at least on the days I am home.)

I actually chose my word earlier in the year, but am just now getting my sign made. If you have been following our retirement blog, you know we were on the road the first three months of the year, home in April to host for Quilt Week and on the road again for three weeks in May. Handy Randy (aka Captain) says there is not enough room in our little RV for the craft supplies I might need, (actually there could be enough room if we removed the wine cellar, but we won’t go there) so the sign had to wait.

I chose “fearless” as my word for 2019 because, well I am going to die. Yep, no way out of it. I don’t know when or how, but I am certain this body will die. While it is a non-negotiable fact, I do have some control as how to live until that appointed time.

I can make myself comfortable in our little bungalow, waiting for a cancer diagnosis or heart attack. With Google, I can research what could be a devastating symptom. I could put my doctor’s phone number on quick dial just in case Google isn’t conclusive. I could insist we move into a one level house to avoid the risk of falling down the stairs (or more likely, have a heart attack climbing up the stairs.) I could avoid making left turns when driving. Regardless of all the precautions I could take, it doesn’t change the fact; I am going to die.

So, do I want to spend so much of my allotted time obsessing over dying that I forget to live? Nah, I don’t think so. I want this “fearless” sign to remind me to go on an adventure, hike a mountain trail, push Handy Randy around on the tandem, dig in the garden and be free from fear and worry.

“Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?” Matt.6:27

Now, what to do with all these signs from years past? 

Recycle? Maybe. Or perhaps I should hang them on the back fence to create a little curiosity conversation piece. 

This is what I use to make the signs:

Scrap wood

Silhouette Cameo

Dollar Store contact paper for stencil

Craft Paint

  

When the cat husband is away, the mouse crafter will play.

At least that is the plan. As Handy Randy left this morning for a three week visit with his mom, I headed to the craft store to prepare for a three week marathon crafting retreat. (Well except for that pesky jury duty thing. Fingers crossed that it will be a sparse court docket.)

First thing on the agenda is to pick up a few supplies so my flow will need not be interrupted by a trip to the craft store.  I am in a no-rush, all about me mind frame, so I take my time browsing the aisles at Hobby Lobby.  One never knows what one might need that one didn’t know one needed. Interestingly the things that drew my eyes I already have in my studio stash; some of which I had forgotten I owned! What does checking my inventory in the retail shop say about me? I don’t think I want to know.

I did pretty well, buying only a couple of IDenti-pens for a project in progress (the reason excuse to go to Hobby Lobby) and a couple remnant fabric pieces for a Sew Powerful  purse. Oh, I also picked up some new Micron pens for doodling in case the jury duty doesn’t work out as I hope.

Sticking to my plan, I am in the studio this evening, working on a couple of drawings,

stenciling and painting a garden project

and prewashing fabric for a purse making session this weekend. 

My AADD soul is being fed!

Tipsy Tuesday Flag

Another Tipsy Tuesday flag is in the mail! This one is en route to Buena Vista, Colorado. It will join flags in Montana, North Carolina and Kentucky in bringing friends and neighbors together, one glass at a time.

Stenciled with craft paint on burlap. Stencil  was made with Silhouette Portrait.

Fall Centerpiece

Remember this project from 2014?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share the technique with the Perennial Garden Club. Since I am still in a sharing mood, I'll share it again with you.

Here is what you need:

• A pumpkin or gourd
• Glue gun
• Sheet moss or Spanish moss
• A variety of succulents
• Dried flowers, dried leaves, lavender, berries, etc. 

NO, YOU DO NOT NEED A KNIFE; YOU WILL NOT CUT THE TOP OF THE PUMPKIN

NO, YOU DO NOT NEED A DRILL; YOU WILL NOT DRILL HOLES INTO THE PUMPKIN.

Wash the pumpkin or gourd if needed (I just wiped mine off a little)

Use the glue gun and adhere moss.

Use the glue gun to adhere the succulents to the moss.

Add berries, lavender, leaves, or other natural decorations.

That's it! Easy, peasy! 

This one is mine.

Question, how to care for it?  Spray occasionally with water (I forget to do this and it doesn't seem to mind.) Take it inside if the temperature drops to freezing. That's all you need to do. 

Next question, how long will it last? Depending on the state of the pumpkin, 2-3 months. When the pumpkin starts to deteriorate, slice off the top (okay, you will need a knife at this point), plant in a pot with soil and let those little succulents grow. 

Have fun (if you can still find a pumpkin.) 

The sabbatical is over

and I am back in the studio. Well, I was back in the studio, but currently I am in Texas. Since retirement a couple of years ago, I have been on the road as much as I have been at home.

Over the summer we did an epic western USA tour in The Wanderer. I won’t bore you with a bunch of photos or details, but will share a few art and craft finds.

In Eugene, Oregon we stumbled across Mindy’s Needlepoint Shop.

In addition to fabulous needlepoint canvases, she had an overwhelming amount of embroidery and needlepoint thread, a huge selection of the cutest buttons and a collection of “Outside the Box” unique, boutique style clothing and jewelry. (I came away with some embroidery thread and a really cute tunic.)

While in Eugene, we visited Aragon Alpaca Farm. Ann Dockendorf showed us around the farm and

her shop, A Spinners Barn.

A haven for knitters and spinners!

While in Seattle, I had to explore the artsy community, Pioneer Square.

In Santa Fe we explored Georgia O’keefe Museum

In Taos we spent a whole afternoon exploring galleries and shops.

I have to share a couple of ideas for crafting with wine corks we found while wine tasting in Washington and Oregon.

Will do this one,

this one, probably not.

I would like to say I am in Texas for an art retreat, arts and craft show or maybe a workshop, but actually we are here for football. I did pack some embroidery and drawing material. Perhaps I will create a fabulous piece of art to share……. (more likely I will share some sincere attempts.)

Gig'em Aggies!

B+

When I was invited to participate in a Facebook prayer flag project, of course I said yes! The objective was to promote positive thoughts in today’s stressful environment; thus The Positive Prayer Flag Swap. The basic instructions were to make the traditional 8X5-inch prayer flags from the Prayer Flag Project. We were asked to be non-political and avoid religious statements. The rest was left to our imagination and creativity. So I got out fabric, buttons, burlap, paint and such. I fired up the Silhouette Portrait and printer. And did I ever have fun! I mailed these 12 flags which will be swapped with flags from other crafters/artists throughout the country.

I love using prayer flags as a way to try different techniques and products. (Culling my collection of fabric, buttons, ribbon and lace is a bonus.) Here are my favorites from the batch I mailed.

Applique using Silhouette Portrait

Painted fabric, stamping

Coloring book page scanned and printed, quote printed on fabric

Painted fabric, stamping

I have been making prayer flags for about five years. Sometimes they are for family or friends that are ill or bereaved, sometimes they are for celebrations of new homes, jobs, or babies, and sometimes they are for life changing events like graduations, marriage or retirement. I most often make a card with a photo of the flag which I send to the person for whom I am saying a prayer.

I love watching them sway in the breeze. 

As you can see, some have been hanging in the outdoors for quite a while and some are new additions.

Can’t wait to see the creativity in the flags I receive from the swap!