Cleaned up and working again…
Finally, I think I have my space in the basement cleaned out and organized enough to actually get some work done. Imagine that! Currently I’m working on a storage box for some of my ATC’s. While I work on that I’m thinking of themes for my next altered book. I have the book that I want and I know the sort of format I want to use, as far as cubbies and alcoves within the frame of the book. Now I just need some inspiration for a theme. I’m also in the middle of another altered art piece that is beginning on the base of a frame. I am in need of another foraging trip to the scrap store for some more supplies, plus I always like to visit their art gallery for a little inspiration. AHHHHH, next week the kids go to summer camp all day, so I’m free to browse with another artistic friend of mine. Can’t wait!
I’m trying to get active again and keep this blog up to date and provide fun and interesting new information. So stay tuned, more is on the horizon!
Junk Jewelry
I’m starting to get into making junk/altered/found item jewelry. I like how it forces me to be more creative in how I look at everyday objects. Plus, I’ve never been a traditional jewelry fan. I guess that is because of the artistic kinda girl I am, I’m always drawn to more “funky” stuff.
It started recently when I found out about a charm swap, being run by Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine. ( http://quiltingarts.com/cpsmag/cps_challenge.html )Send in up to 5 charms, and get that many back made by other people who enter their charms. I’m looking forward to seeing what I get back that other people have created. I’m working on my 4th charm now. Because of course, I’m sending in the maximum number of 5! Charms must be in their offices by April 13th, so I need to get busy and finish my last two. I’m trying to make them all as different as possible. One turned out so well, I’m going to make another just like it, but in a different color for myself to keep and wear. I’ll post some pictures later today.
I’m trying to look at any item, from the hardware store, to old toys, electronics… and see the pieces as jewelry items. Not only does it make for great recycling, but it really stretches your creative mind, to think beyond traditional crafting supplies. I’m going with a couple friends tomorrow to the Scrap Exchange in Durham, NC (scrapexchange.org). I’m going to be keeping my eyes open for things to use in my charm and jewelry making. Needless to say, I’m so excited. They always have completely different things in stock every time you go, so it’s always a surprise to see what kinds of cool stuff you can find.
Swappable Charms, the new ATC?
In the latest edition of Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine (digital edition), there was a small article about an artist named June Pfaff Daley (junepfaffdaley.blogspot.com) that started making charms to swap at different art retreats, etc. I thought, “What a great idea?! Not the making charms part (although that’s awesome too)… but mainly the swapping part” How many of you have made and traded ATC’s? (Artist Trading Cards, for those of you who are not in the know) However, with ATC’s you have to keep your little collected creations in boxes, binders, perhaps framed? Well, the thought that came to me as being so cool in creating charms to swap is… how great would it be to get to wear a charm bracelet or necklace adorned with the charms you have collected from other artists, as well as your own creations? You can wear them for the whole world to see and admire. So, a small artform (the charm), creates another artform. (the bracelet/necklace) I like the idea of one thing evolving into another. Which I guess is what really attracts me to altered art in the first place! I love junk and transforming one thing (primarily known to non-artists, as trash) into something incredibly attractive, artsy and unique. I hear it now being referred to as Upcycling. Since you are turning the object, not back into itself, but into something entirely new and different.
So, if you think this is a cool idea like I do, get busy, get charming and start swapping!
It’s been toooooo long!
Ok, let’s get back into business here. It has been forever! I really haven’t been into any altered crafts lately, so I haven’t updated the site. I am doing some other crafty things though. I’ve been working on improving my sewing skills with costumes and a doll pattern. I’m being a little untraditional though, as my dolls are zombie dolls. I’m using a traditional doll pattern and zombie-tizing it. That way also, it doesn’t matter if I make little mistakes in the beginning. Where a real doll would just be ugly it adds character to a zombie doll. When I can sew them so that they turn out really nice and the arms legs and head are all the exact right shape and such, I’ll make some into traditional dolls as well.
That’s kind of the way I work. I never stay on the same type of thing for a long time. I’ll eventually get back into more altered crafts, and technically I guess you could consider a zombie doll altered. But, time always runs so short with everything that I’d like to get done, as always in life.
I will be starting a crafting group that will meet at the church that I attend soon. I will probably write more about it when things get more solid in the planning. I always wanted to host a group similar to the scrapbooking group I attend through meetup.com, but don’t have the room to do so at my home. I asked permission to have the group meet in the fellowship hall of the church I attend, North Cary Baptist Church here in Cary, NC. They approved this and so I can’t wait to get everything set up to start. I LOVE the church that I go to. The people there are so open and welcoming and non-judgmental it’s like a second functional family! lol. I hope some people who even don’t attend church will come and meet some of the people who go here and give it a try, if not, we’ll still welcome them to come do crafts with us. I really like the idea because there is enough room for people to bring sewing machines with them. I want ALL crafters to be welcome, not just knitters or scrapbookers. So, hopefully we’ll get people who scrapbook, sew, knit, crochet, jewelry makers, altered artists, whatever! Come and create and have great fellowship and food and fun.
Clearing Creative Blocks, Getting Inspired
I’ve been busy the past couple days cooking for a church function, which was yesterday. I probably won’t have time to blog or craft this weekend either as our church is having a lay renewal weekend and starts on Saturday morning and runs through Sunday night, for our family anyway. I’m still squeezing some scrapbooking time in on Sunday. My meetup group has an all day scrap on Sunday, I’ll only be able to go from 1-5:30 this time. I’ll be spending the time getting my stuff in order for the scrapbooking convention in Charlotte that is next weekend. I’m so looking forward to that. I’ll blog all about it when I get back. I had some time today and went down to my craft area to try and get some work done… but it was a no go. I couldn’t get motivated or inspired. I was pretty frustrated, but then I remembered some of my tricks to break that uninspired down time.
1. Don’t try to force yourself to create when you are stumped, you’ll just get further frustrated.
2. Relax and listen to some of your favorite music in a quiet place.
3. Start writing/journaling! Even if you have to start writing about not knowing what to write about, once you start writing, more ideas will come out. That is one thing I need to do more… journal. I’m making a backpack of journaling supplies that I can start taking everywhere with me, that way, when an idea hits, I’ll be ready for it!
4. Watch a favorite movie that inspires you. Right now, mine is Nim’s Island… I love the island and the artfulness of their house in the jungle. Just thinking about being able to live like that inspires me.
5. Think about something that interests you and look up information and pictures about it online.
6. Go to the library and just browse books.
7. Go for a walk or exercise. Sometimes all you need to do is get the blood flowing and clear your head.
The one thing I try to avoid when I’m totally blocked is looking at other artist’s work. That always frustrates me and makes it hard for original ideas to find their way into my boggled mind, at least at that time. Anyway, I hope some of these tips can help you out of your rut, if you happen to be in one. Thanks for reading!
