Gratitudes and Celebration Journal - Week 24 - Preparation

Gratitude's and Celebration - Week 24

'Prepare yourself for the journey - Your not alone...'

Sometimes we prevent ourselves from taking the journey, not because we don't have the tools or know the way, but simply because we feel insecure about ourselves.  It might have been a throw away comment that someone said or even a look that someone gave you or your work that starts you on the self doubting route.

We are all on the journey

Preparing for the journey takes all the slip-ups, mistakes, comments and anything else that will invariably come and gives you a reminder of why you started your in the first place.  They are the things that get you back on track, the encouraging images, the reminders of what you are working towards and keep you going when the going gets tough.  

Support is available as you make your journey

Today I am grateful for the support, seen and unseen from that are routing for me as I make my journey and I am grateful to those who are further along on their journey and every now and then reach a hand back to encourage me forward.

Today think of those things that you need to make preparation as reminders along the way, and decide what steps you will take next.  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 have a blessed weekend!  If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Sanctuary - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Growing up being the middle child in a 3 bedroom apartment meant that you had to share with the youngest.  Up to the age of around 11 years old I had to share with my little brother.  With only a 4 year age difference between me and Robert it seemed much bigger than that of the 6 years that stood between me and my sister, and I thought that I was much more mature than I really was.  When my sister left for university it coincided with me turning 11 and going into secondary school and I finally got my own room.  I was so excited, finally in a space that was all mine and I could lay my things out just so and not have anyone trouble it, or so I thought. 

For a long while after I got my room for some reason, Robert wanted to have his own room and come into my room as well.  What I didn’t know back then that I know now, is that he just wanted to spend time with his bigger sister, and with all the little trinkets and things I collected it must have seemed like a treasure trove. But, like many young girls going though the transition into pre-teens I looked at his desire to hang out in my room with annoyance and everyone knew that little brothers were pests.

As we both grew older we began to really appreciate our space and they became our go-to places to cool off, understand, and finally be the space where you were not going to be judged or criticized.  My room was where I hung out, played music, swooned over the poster of the latest pop star and did my homework, and on special occasions would allow my brother to come in and hangout.

In my own home bringing up a family I began to understand the responsibility of trying to create the environment throughout the house that would bring a sense of peace and calm as you set your foot through the door.  Two of the elements that I carried on from childhood was from the kitchen space and making it a place to gather and unwind.  At mums when we came home and even as adults visiting we would all gather in the kitchen to catch up with each other, over a cup of tea and mums latest fruit cake or the aromas of the dinner cooking and the ginger and garlic spices being tossed around the pot that would lay way to caress the taste buds with delicious flavours.

The other thing that is important for me to have around is books. My dad always had books and super hero comics dotted around over the house on shelves and we were all encouraged to read and I often escaped to far off lands and had hair raising adventures as I read through the books on the shelf. My sanctuary and home is a combination between my own style and fond memories that I carry from childhood, and I guess my son will also carry elements of our home into his own when he has a home of his own.

What elements have you put in your space to make your home your sanctuary?  Do share and leave your comments.  Blessings!

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)

Perfume - Memories of Home

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

Memories of Home - Perfume

Perfume

When we were younger mums favourite perfume was one by Yardley called ‘Lilly of the Valley’.  It seemed timeless, and was a lovely perfume.  It became one that mum became known for and she always had a good supply requesting it for birthdays and Christmas presents.  It was what we called a ‘mum’ scent and you would be able to smell it as she walked past or in one of those much needed TLC moments where she would give you a hug and tell you not to worry that everything would be fine and you were comforted and it all seemed alright.  Yardley back then was seen as quality, with their products being packaged and only available in certain places, it is now thought of as a perfume for the 'older lady' according to the news papers, but if your not one for fitting in with social pressure you’ll buy it if you like it!  

I grew to love perfume and the sweeter scents from a young age, when I can afford it I like to treat myself with floral tones and favour geranium, ylang ylang and jasmine.  I also find that a few of the selected men’s eau de colognes have some gorgeous scents and from time to time I have brought myself one that takes my attention, there is one that I have been eyeing up for a while called Hermes that I really like – but that will have to go on my wish list. 

A couple of years ago I found some Lilly of the Valley bulbs, and brought them not having much expectation with their growth and put them in on one side of the path as you come to my front door.  Well they grew, and what was amazing was how delicate they smelt, their scent got stronger in the evening and so you would come home and be greeted by a subtle blend of jasmine and Lilly of the valley along with the rosemary and the lemon verbena plants.  What is also lovely about these plants is that they are perennials so every year they not only grow back they spread as well.

Perfume and aromas have a way of transporting you back to a memory and Lilly of the Valley is like for me, it takes me back to my childhood and a time where you didn’t have a care in the world, and the adventure of life lay ahead and whether in a bottle or in the garden will always bring on a warm feeling of comfort and safety.

What part of your home or your childhood holds those special memories, please leave a comment and I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. 

Blessings and peace to you!

Tutorial Tuesday - Mini Frames

Tuesdays' Mini Frames

I made a selection of mini frames at the end of November alongside some that I made into necklaces and I thought I would show you just how easy it is to create your own, from recycled materials that you probably have laying around your home.  Here is another look at the selection that I made, but you can check out the post HERE

You can create any size that you want, but I guess the small ones have a cuteness to them!

To make your own you start with the following tools.

You need cardboard from any packaging you might have laying around, 

selection of interesting images from magazines, 

handmade embellishments in a variety of sizes, 

glue, paint, 

jewelry findings - if you are going to turn it into an item of jewelry

Cardboard being recycled for a creative project

 Cut the cardboard to the required size, and select the image or embellishments that you want.  Mine measure 2 inches x 1 inch and the one with the circle embellishment measures approx 1.5 inch x 3/4 inch

Use whatever paper you have available

 I covered both sides of the cardboard with paper first,

 a couple of layers should do, then let them dry

You can use gesso or paint of choice

 Once dry, coat them with gesso, again a couple of coats and leave to dry

The stamp is for the back of the project to add interest

 I stamp the back of mine as I am going to make them into jewelry, using the stamps I made in a previous post HERE

 Once the ink has dried, give them a coat of pva glue and this will seal it.

 Attach you image to the front.  The embellishment was made using clay, painted black and highlighted with goldfinger paste.  The bear image was taken from a catalog.

Applying the glue

 Applying glue around the embellishment and the image I coated them with quinoa (which had passed its' sell-by date) and allowed them to dry

 As the embellishment was raised I applied a second coat of glue and then another coat of quinoa

 Once they had dried I coated them with paint in pewter which gives it a metallic look

Inexpensive jewelry - one of a kind

Completed necklaces with highlights of goldfinger paste.  I attached a finding and faux leather thong! 

I hope you have a go and let me see your results.  You can try using a range of materials that will give different textures and look to your project, and also try different shapes. Do have fun and share your results.  Until next week!