Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas to all of my readers :)

Crazy Time

I think they should rename the holidays "crazy time" because that is exactly what it is. Crazy. In a good way, though. Here is a list of things I have been up to:

• I made 60+ salt dough ornaments for school parties...they are going to decorate them using this great, easy and super cute tutorial found here. The boys and I made some examples last night and they are not only fun to make but they are also sort of addictive, too.

• I have made some photo journals for gifts using this tutorial. I have discovered some ways to make this even easier and, when I get a spare moment, I will post about my discoveries. FYI they turned out great and are really easy and fast to make.

• I have started making some of these lovely paper whites to give as gifts to teachers, friends, family and myself of course:)

• I also made a bunch of tote bags, scarves, handmade cards, books, furoshiki...lots of stuff. I still have to get those pictures off of my camera and onto this blog so that you can see them.

• The boys and I are going to make a few of these for gifts for the grandparents. They are so neat!

Anyway, that at least gets you up to date on what I have been up to. What about you? I would love to hear from you.

MIA again

Sorry for being MIA again! I was working like mad to get ready for my very first craft show, making Christmas presents, getting more freelance work lined up, etc. But this week I am back to my normal schedule and have a bunch of posts planned for you...so stay tuned and check back very soon!

PS...I remembered to take pictures! YAHOOO! On my to-do list is to make a studio in my basement so that I can take better product pictures. It should be fun!

Confession Time

Do you ever let yourself get overwhelmed and intimidated by the amount of talented people out there and by the amazing things they make and create? I do. As I embark on my new journey into the world of freelance artist, I must admit that I get intimidated easily, distracted easily and overwhelmed easily. That thought of "holy crap...people are going to see MY work" and "what if they do not like it?" ring constantly in my ears. The others that I ALWAYS wrestle with are "no one wants to hire me...look what John Doe can do" and "will someone actually buy this from me?" Seriously, that is not why one should make art nor is it the reason why you become an artist. Yes, the artist depends on the public to view the art and interact with it but, ultimately, isn't art all about the artist? About an artist's idea(s), feeling(s), observation(s), fear(s), doubt(s), etc........

Well, today I have decided to ignore those thoughts and feelings. I have decided to change my daily routine and to not become overwhelmed, intimidated, distracted, frustrated, etc., by the work of others. I LOVE looking at art and becoming inspired by the work of others but, dang it, I have a voice, too. I have something I want to say and something I need you to see and hear. So today, I am going to become fearless, brave, courageous and bold. I am going to trust my instincts because I have found that, when I do, good things happen.

I have also decided that this new attitude requires a journal to write in and doodle in. A support system of sorts, where I can be brutally honest, spontaneous and just let creativity flow out from my head, to my hand and onto the paper. So, I am going to start a new journal. I know I have one since I just started organizing my studio (again) and purging it of things I "might use one day in the distant future." My plan is to scan in my daily writings, drawings, whatever, and share them with you, here. If you want to join me, please leave a comment. I would love to have some support! Now go get started!

Some more goodies!

Does anyone out there know what kind of flowers are in this photo? I have no idea, but they sure are beautiful.

Here's another one....

I've been working

More posts and things to come soon...but for now, I thought I would give you an in-progress teaser of what I have been doing.