be more creative

I found a reproduction of a vintage sampler at an antique store and absolutely love it. So, I’ve been collecting a few more. The kind I like are hard to find and sort of expensive. So, a week ago I realized I could embroider one myself! How fun!

Embroidery is working out great—I can actually be creative while I sit with the baby instead of having a scrapbook table or sewing machine in the other room, out of reach as I go about my day with the kids. When I watch a little tv with dh, I have it on my lap for commercials etc. It’s coming along nicely (I started a simple one, not like the counted cross stitch I started years ago and never finished) and it makes me smile.

Since I’ve written last on this topic, I’ve sewn a skirt and started another, did a couple more pages in my visual journal, braided extensions into my youngest’s hair, and did a couple photo art journal pages.

I really need to make time for creativity weekly. I spend so much energy on everyone and everything and need to fill up. The problem with my visual journal is that I have plenty of words, but no art! It’s not my strength. Even a few days ago, my hormones were out of balance and I was so blue. I needed the outlet and had so much to express. But it takes days to design a layout, get supplies, find samples or instructions, and get the art as the background to what I want to say. Somehow this is not working out.

I found a site with instructions and prompts
www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/poemwriter1
which is fantastic, but I’ll still have to search for items to collage, etc. I need to find a better approach.

I was really surprised and pleased that all my knotted paracord bracelets sold at the show. :) They were fun to make, and fun to see people walk off wearing them. If I’d known I would have made lots more!

This afternoon I bought some paracord at the local army surplus store and knotted some bracelets. I was surprised at how quickly I finished them. It was fun. I’m thinking about ordering some festive colors and giving them as favors at my son’s birthday party.

I finished my first art journal spread! It was hard to get started (I realized after spending the afternoon “preparing” and “researching”) but finally decided I would just have to commit to brush on paper and let it come out less than perfect. Maybe that way I can show some artistic growth as the pages turn (well, I hope I improve, hehe). I was looking at some amazing online samples, which was great for inspiration but intimidating.

I want to incorporate art so it’ll be a challenge and help clear my head, but not get hung up on it and have it stop me from writing (which is much more natural for me) in the journal. I have some ideas for the next few pages. This is fun!

I have been overwhelmed with helping my husband with his business this month in addition to my already full plate of duties. So I decided I need to give my mind a break and do something creative.

I guess it’s been building up for awhile with a big stressful transition last year (husband quiting his corporate job), my special needs child hitting a rough patch, the holidays, and two big transitions just ahead (my nephews not with me full time anymore and getting ready to adopt).

Sometimes I feel like I’m losing touch with my true self because I’m so focused on other people, I’m drowning in stress hormones, I’m constantly “on” with no down time, or my head is constantly full of daily living and projects (like taxes) that have to be done and fall to me. At that point I try to reconnect with who I was before kids and adult responsibilities.

What did I do back when I could be self-indulgent with my time? I wrote (poetry, journaling, letters), I took photos, I quietly enjoyed nature, I communed with God, I went to museums, I browsed used book stores, I made crafts and sewed.

I think I can incorporate a lot of these things I enjoy, get back in touch with myself, and release (vent?) some of this stress with an art journal.

Just thinking about it makes me feel happy! Yesterday I bought a two-pack of value sketch books (after three stores I found them at Arronbrothers, nice thick black cover and spiral so it can grow thicker and dry open and flat). Then took the kids to the used bookstore in the library and bought some $0.25 magazines with interesting pictures. I found www.1001journals.com and pulled out some books on the topic I already own. Now to get started!