Gathering Inspiration

Some people adore Winter. I am not one of those people. Winter depresses me and saps my motivation. Thank goodness that Spring FINALLY seems to be here. I am gathering inspiration from the weather, nature, my lack of socks (okay, just once so far...)

Elementary School Time

Last night, after dinner, I opened my new packages of pens and cracked the spine of a new composition book. It felt like the first day of second grade...and I loved every minute of it. I spent two and a half hours tracing lines onto graph paper and carefully printing out the alphabet. Seriously. And it was awesome.

It was not just repetitive movements and the scratch of the pen, but rather it was my mood lightening and lifting. By the end of the practice, I was happy and smiling. I felt super-creative and calm, kind of like meditation. I can't wait to practice more and learn more fonts and get designing!

Practicing my blog name, (someday) business name, and the tried and true typing phrase :)

I also worked on the journal cover for the second class which is more advanced lettering. This was a great investment of $70...2 classes, a creative outlet, new skills, and a refreshed Weas!

Art Class for Grown-Ups!

If you are a regular reader or my friend in the real world, you know that: A. I love learning new things, especially even art/craft-related things, B. I am a huge nerd and actually enjoy talking classes, C. I adore new supplies. D. I would like to design my own embroidery shop and design my own patterns. True story.

Last week, when the favorite guy and I were on our weekly library date, I found this gem:

52 drawing labs! I am so excited. I rushed out to stock up on more supplies and jumped right in.

I have spent a little while everyday working on a lab or two. It is challenging yet rewarding. 

Some samples from Lab 1: Drawing Cats in Bed

WIP Wednesday: SO many awesome projects!!

I love fall. Okay, I really love summer, but you can't beat fall for getting down to some serious crafting. I am right in the midst in play rehearsals, yet oddly, it is also when I get the most stuff made! Currently, I am working on:

• a double crochet/lemon peel scarf
• a "rick rack rib" knitted cowl
• a crocheted lace shawl
• just starting some felt brooches
• completing my octopus embroidery piece...just french knots left
• busily working on a Gandhi/floral piece (see below)
• starting another embroidery that says "whimsy matters"

We also just made homemade chili powder from chili peppers that we grew ourselves and dried. Many types of homemade hot sauces will be coming soon.

This shot is a bit blurry, but there are 11 types of stitches in the flower alone. Super excited!

Planning my next big gift project, a veggie tote from a design that I found in Doodle Stitching.

I simply adore making things! Can't wait to show you how they all turn out :)

Thankful Thursday: New and Improving...

In the last 45 days, I have been undergoing a major attitude adjustment and it has truly changed my life. I am not at all ashamed to say that I started an antidepressant and knew that I had to do some work to make that a major life change. I have been learning to let things go, not to take things personally and what really truly matters to me. I have little post-it notes around my desk at work on my lap top with gentle reminders to keep things in perspective. Rather than being stressful though, the effect has been lightening and has allowed me to really devote time that I used to spend worrying or catastrophizing or getting bent out of shape in creating and learning. I am so much happier.

With this life change has come a better mood, a sharper dresser and a new zeal to learn. I just completed my first ever crochet project and as you can see above, I am working on my second. I am about to start my first knitting project done from a commercial pattern. This weekend, I am going to try my hand and wool felt applique. I have cooked and prepped food for the next two weeks and have all my meals planned through early December. Blog posts are also planned that far in advance and I am happily working on projects to share. 

My life has become my own and I am thankful daily.