A small group of friends gets together at my house once a month. It's like an old-fashioned quilting bee, except we're not working on one big project. We each bring whatever handcraft we happen to be working on--knitting, hand-sewing, crochet, beading.
Lately, many of us are knitting. There are those of us who are learning the basics, re-learning what we once knew, and those who are expert enough to teach. We talk patterns and yarn in between news of family and the latest books read. We inspire, comfort and affirm each other. We share the joy over the good news and commiserate on the bad. We create gifts for family and friends and items to decorate our homes.
I keep reading more and more about the benefits of crafting. The scientific community is starting to study the effects and finds that it promotes learning in children, quiets the brain like meditation with its focused, repetitive motions, and may even help the elderly retain their memory. Of course there is much more anecdotal evidence than scientific--which means that you and I knew it all along!
We know the benefits, because we live them. Crafting promotes friendships, keeps arts and crafts alive, reduces stress and, in general, is a low cost alternative to other forms of entertainment. And, although it's fun by yourself, it's even more fun with friends!
Happily crafting,
Terry
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog!
I'm a craft and jewelry designer who has been creating designs for publication for about 20 years. It's the best "job" I've ever had! It started out as a part time job so that I could stay home while the kids were little and, over the years, blossomed into a full-time occupation.
I love to play and experiment with craft materials and media of all kinds--from crystals to craft foam, plastic canvas needlepoint to wirework! You can see my design for a painted tote bag embellished with buttons in the July issue of Pack-o-Fun. And, I have a wind chime design in copper wire and beads in the summer issue of Bead Unique. My latest booklet in plastic canvas needlepoint is Liquid Soap Covers from Annie's Attic. That's my style--I love all kinds of crafts.
Recently, I was selected to be a member of the Design Team for Amate Studios(TM). They produce jewelry blanks that can be filled with just about anything. Not sure what a jewelry blank is? It's a pendant or link or ring with a tray or flat area that you can fill. Check out their website: www.amatestudios.com. I am really excited about all the possibilities that these blanks hold, and look forward to the oppurtunity to design with them.
I hope you'll stop by my blog often. I hope to share some techniques, tips, links to amazing designers and their websites, and a free item from my crafty stash of stuff once in awhile.
Happy crafting!
Terry
I'm a craft and jewelry designer who has been creating designs for publication for about 20 years. It's the best "job" I've ever had! It started out as a part time job so that I could stay home while the kids were little and, over the years, blossomed into a full-time occupation.
I love to play and experiment with craft materials and media of all kinds--from crystals to craft foam, plastic canvas needlepoint to wirework! You can see my design for a painted tote bag embellished with buttons in the July issue of Pack-o-Fun. And, I have a wind chime design in copper wire and beads in the summer issue of Bead Unique. My latest booklet in plastic canvas needlepoint is Liquid Soap Covers from Annie's Attic. That's my style--I love all kinds of crafts.
Recently, I was selected to be a member of the Design Team for Amate Studios(TM). They produce jewelry blanks that can be filled with just about anything. Not sure what a jewelry blank is? It's a pendant or link or ring with a tray or flat area that you can fill. Check out their website: www.amatestudios.com. I am really excited about all the possibilities that these blanks hold, and look forward to the oppurtunity to design with them.
I hope you'll stop by my blog often. I hope to share some techniques, tips, links to amazing designers and their websites, and a free item from my crafty stash of stuff once in awhile.
Happy crafting!
Terry
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