Art Everyday

 Hi Friends,

I'm trying to make a little art or craft everyday.  I have such a range of interests and materials, that could mean just about anything.

Here's a sampling:

I'm trying to draw more.  If you don't practice, you won't improve.  This is pen over a pencil sketch

Then, some mornings I sit and watercolor.  I have a rocking chair by a large window.  This fuchsia sits outside the window.  Lately, a hummingbird stops by for breakfast.

I recently cut into a Gel Press pull and made a pair of earrings.  The paper is decoupaged onto aluminum flashing.  I'd like to do more of these.

I've also been getting back into macrame, a craft that I used to do ages ago.  And, I'm trying slow stitching, which is another back to my crafting roots.  Embroidery was one of my first crafts - stamped cross-stitch on dishtowels.

Here's a start on a small canvas frame:

Stitching on a 2x2 canvas over acrylic.  

Next time, I'll use a larger canvas.  The wood frame doesn't allow for much stitching.  

That's a little bit of what I'm doing this summer.  Spmetimes, I think I'm a bit all over the place, but summer is a good time to try new things, I think.  What are you trying this summer?  

Happy Crafting!

Terry

Summertime design fun

Hi everyone!

This month, I'm taking some time to play around with some media and try a few new things that have been on my mind.

One of the things I've wanted to try is weaving.  I love the big wall hangings, but I wanted to try making some woven hangings small enough to wear.

Here's my first try.  I attached some hemp cord to a twig, taped it down to my work surface and wove some recycled sari yarn through it.

I like the unstructured look to it, but if I want to do more weaving, I think I'll have to make or buy a loom and learn a bit more about weaving.

I think I'll add something over the weaving, like this brass dragonfly that I colored with alcohol inks.

Then, I'll attach a cord or chain to wear it or just hang it up with some twine.  I'm definitely going to try some more of these.

Also on my long list of things to try this summer:  more copper jewelry with hammering and stamping, etching copper, enameling and mixed media jewelry.  We'll see what I am able to fit in between design work and grandkids!

What are trying this summer?  I hope you are taking some time to try new things and just play a little without thinking too much about the end result!  Enjoy!

Flip Flops

Hi crafty friends!

Do you love flip flops as much as I do?  I practically wear them year round!  So, I think it is natural to decorate with them. Here's a pair I created for Smoothfoam.

Flip Flops for Smoothfoam

You can find the instructions here.  These bright and colorful flip flops have a Smoothfoam base covered with cheery retro flowered Kunin felt.  I just love the bright and colorful pattern.  But, there are other patterns of felt that would work, too.  To see more Printzfelt(TM) patterns, go here.

And, while you can't wear them, you can decorate with them.  You could use them for so many things.  Add a couple of wire swirls and use it to hold your summer photos.  Or, add them to a bulletin board or a sign.  How about decor for a pool party?  What would you do with these fun flip flops?

What are you creating?

Hi crafters!

What are you creating this summer?

Are you knitting an afgan, working on Christmas gifts, designing a new outdoor space or writing a short story? Creativity is everywhere!

I like to play in quite a few creative areas. It's a messy life, but it's never boring! Here are a few of my creations.

I'm still knitting a rotini scarf. Yes, I have been working on this scarf for almost two years now, but I love it. The colors of the silk yarn are just gorgeous. I am finally on my second skein, so I am very proud of myself. I'm relearning how to knit--but slowly!

I found my sewing machine under the piles of mending and sewed a quick pillow cover to go with my patio chairs.

I was privileged to share crafting with the group of homeschoolers that comes to my house once a month. They are always an inspiration and with ages ranging from 3 to 13, it's a challenge to find a project that will work for everyone. Here's a windsock that we did last month. Plastic canvas, twine and beads!

Beading--of course! Here's a snippet of a necklace in progress.

And, I've been playing with an assortment of recyclable materials and throwaways to make them into fun crafts. As a designer for magazines, I'm working on designs for Christmas already.

I'd love to hear what you've been up to this summer! I hope you are having a great time stretching your creative muscles!

Happy crafting!

Terry