Sunday, January 6, 2013

Makin' Stuff


When I started blogging three years ago, the only craft I was involved with was knitting. My plan for this blog was to share simple, original knitting patterns, but it didn't take long before I was inspired by other people's blogs to start making mixed media collages, handmade books, and artist trading cards. It was exciting to learn how to work with new mediums and to express the creative energy that had been bottled up inside of me for so long.

Miniature Mixed Media Collage ~ 2009

 And then, about a year and a half ago, I pretty much stopped doing all crafts except knitting. I don't know why. I have drawers and bags and boxes full of supplies, plenty of space and time, but I just stopped. It didn't take long to start believing that I'd forgotten how to make all those things and to lose confidence in my ability to collage and stamp and paint and invent.
 
Artist Trading Card ~ 2009
  
Lately I've missed those crafts. Knitting is still my number one love, but I feel ready to expand my creative world once again. I'm not making any official resolutions this year, but I am hoping to be more open to learning and experimenting and revisiting different types of crafts. 

 Domino pendant with resin finish ~ 2013
 
In that spirit, earlier this week I took a class at the Work of Heart art studio, which is located a few miles from where I live. I was the only student in the class, which was nice because I'm not very comfortable in group situations. Within an hour the instructor Lexi led me through the steps of making three projects: a domino pendant, greeting card, and embossed travel journal.
 
Handmade greeting card ~ 2013
  
I learned new skills and refreshed old ones, but most importantly, it reminded me how fun it is to just sit and make stuff. Especially stuff you can finish in one sitting.
 
Hopefully I'll  keep my non-resolution and take more classes throughout the year and open up those drawers and bags and boxes of art supplies and put them to use. I recently started using Pinterest and it seems like a good way to find ideas and inspiration ... if I can stop pinning stuff!
 

8 comments:

Rachel said...

Sometimes you just need a break from it all. I've thought a couple of times about chucking everything, but...Nah, I don't think I could do it.

What name are you under on Pinterest?

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I haven't started "pinning"...I have heard it is very addictive! LOL!
How fun to take a class and learn something new. Good for you! Bird crafts are a favorite of mine!
Thanks for helping me post photos! So many other gals are having the same problem and now I can help them!
Warmly,
deb

Tracey ~ Clover said...

Stacy, it is so nice that you found your mojo again. The greeting card you made is just stunning, really.
How about if we do a handmade card exhange swap? I think it would be fun.

Thimbleanna said...

Very pretty! I especially love that domino pendant. And yes...beware the pinterest -- you'll be pinning more than making LOL!

justjenn said...

So awesome! It's nice to get that fire back for crafting. I've been secretly wanting to learn to crochet, if only to make flowers.

Theresa said...

Beautiful creations:) Can't wait to see all that you will be making! HUGS!

WildflowerWool said...

Looking forward to seeing lots of different projects from you :)

licky said...

omg well well well.

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