Tutorial Tuesday - DIY Washi Tape - using Masking tape

I have been playing about with making my own Washi Type tape, using masking tape, and here is some I made creating a variety of different designs

 

Here is a journal that I used the tape on and created a series of layers for the cover.

 I got a sheet of plastic and a roll of Masking tape about 11/2 inches thick

 I spread out strips of the tape on the plastic sheeting

 And then selected some paints to use on the tape.  Here I am using inktense blocks and art bars.

Once you have painted each of the strips with a layer of colour to suit you let it dry

 I then chose a selection of stencils and stamps to each of the strips of tape

 You can put as much pattern or as little pattern as you like

 I have used some paint with these ones and then applied glitter

 And with some of them I kept it more simple

Once done I covered some card and an empty foil roll with sellotape and then wound it round each.

Material Mondays - Crochet Necklace

I still enjoy spending time with the crochet needles and coming up with necklace designs.  You can be creative in a different way by not only crocheting the necklaces but also decorating them with beads and other embellishments you might have around.

I find it is really relaxing activity that can be done while your sitting with the family, you can still be involved with the conversation and not isolated in the studio.

We all have those times when our creativity needs a kick start especially when you might be feeling a bit stuck and wanting some inspiration.  I find that it helps to do something totally different as a way of encouraging the creative juices to flow.

 With the necklaces, I have kept the design fairly simple and used some seed beads to decorate alongside some silver buttons

Here it is the full necklace and the crochet hook that I used, you make it whatever size required, and use the wool that you prefer.

The necklace is good to go!

The necklace can be made the focal piece of an outfit either for a casual affair or a more formal engagement.

If you are considering learning how to take part in creative activity check out Craftsy online courses, at the moment they are doing a special offer on some of their classes, and they are offering some free mini courses. Click here.

Stepping out of the Boat - Creating in Faith

Time to step out of the boat

Anything that is worth having you not only have to work hardfor it, but you also have to step out of your comfort zone'.  I know that the times where I have made a bigger effort the results are more rewarding because you can appreciate the hard work that went into it. As you look back you really see your achievements and the steps you took to get where you were to where you wanted to be.  

We can sometimes get complacent, too comfortable or even lazy when it comes to making those changes, but with perseverance you will see the results of your hard work.

You need to get out of the boat and walk!

It is easy to decide to do nothing and not make changes, cause change happens whether you decide to act or not. You can do nothing and not make any decisions and decide to leave things the way that they have always been, but do you think the way it has always been done is working for you?  Take some time to think about it for a moment.  Think about what your purpose in this world, if that is too scary, think about what your purpose is for the next week and how different you want it to be, what do you want to achieve this week that you never thought possible last week, what will it look like?, who will it effect, how will it really change your life?  If you want things to be different you have to move cause change is caused by motion, whether it is on a grand scale or if it is a little bit at a time, one day, one thought, one action at a time.

Stepping out of the boat, out of our comfort zone  requires us to have faith - which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen....  The bible also tells us that 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength' Philippians 4:13.  What things have you been sitting on that you really want to try, you've been giving yourself that excuse time and time again and keep telling yourself 'soon' or 'I'll do it the next time', next month or next year, and time passes and before you know it next year has come and another 3 went along with it.  I want to encourage you for 2014 where ever you are on your journey not to be fearful of what is to come, not to be afraid of what you can see, or what other people are saying.  Take a step out of the boat that you are in and have faith that with each step you can make that difference, that change.

Get a different perspective

I started this series of creating in faith posts last year July after been asked by my fellow artist and friend Mika Diaz on Motley Soul to contribute to one of the groups on her site, and now a year and then some has passed you can see my first post HERE. It has been a real journey, and I have come out after a year having grown.  I have gained new insight, which I am looking forward to be able to see just how far I have come.  I have created a series of creative bookmark holders, and pieces of art, capturing prayers, thoughts, desires and dreams, of which I know some have been answered, often as a result of changing perspective.  I will be sharing my reflections next week and share what I will be doing next as a project on my blog. Have a blessed week, leave a comment, let me know what steps you will be taking for change this week.

The Lord is my shepherd;  I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul... Psalm 23:1-3

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me..Psalm 23:4

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Gratitudes and Celebration Journal - Week 23 - Move Forward!

Do not allow the past to hold you back.....

In my bid to make changes to the way I do many things it calls for stepping out of your comfort zone.  You know how it is, you get comfortable with certain things and when you try and shift out you go back to the old ways.  But we have to grow, and we need to keep growing and every year you should be able to look back on something new that you have tried, or learnt.

Some of you will have seen changes on my blog and posting and I will be sharing more things that I have been doing, quietly working away, making that way and in times of doubt dusting myself off, picking myself up and going at it again.

Gratitude's and Celebration - moving forward

The page reads 'Do not allow the past to keep you back, move forward' and today I am grateful that I can keep moving forward and make the most of each and every opportunity that has come my way and is still on the way.  I am also grateful to be able to try so many different things, Sekani showed me how to get instagram on my windows phone and I have been messing around with it, so many photos to share.

Completed page - Keep moving forward!

Today think of those things that you have allowed yourself to be held back by, what are you going to do about it? One small change over a period of time can make the difference. I would love to hear from you and share what you will be tackling next.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the beautiful things in your life. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)