Learning Something New

I'm glad to say that I learn something new everyday.  I learned from tech savy web designer child that my little how-to tips didn't flow right, that I should have made it all one post.  Amber is so smart, and funny thing I thought about the flow of my how-to segment when I was posting the second or third entry.   I learned that most times, I learn to master something new, by making mistakes along the way...many mistakes.  Sure I want this little blog to be easy to read and also hold the readers interest, but the one thing that I have really learned is that this little crafting journal has a few bumps and for me that's part of the journey.  I am not going back to fix the bumps and make the road I've already traveled perfect and shiny, but instead, enjoy the bumps and all their little imperfections.  A hobby should bring you joy and not stress you out because the finished result is just so-so or doesn't work out the way you thought it would.  I'm learning everyday to let go of perfection.  For me there is beauty to be found on this little bumpy blogging journey.   Yes, there are days that I wish I could be as smart as my kids, but really, just knowing that a large part of their smartness and desire for perfection they got from me.  Funny, isn't.

Bella Luna Handmade Banner...B is for Beautiful Spirit

I've decided on spelling out Bella Luna Handmade for my first Decorative Banner. So far I have three segments completed, B in Bella, N in Luna and a segment for in between Luna and Handmade. I think that it's funny how I never follow any kind of order, how I jump from one letter in the first word and then to another letter in the second word. That's the rhythm I follow. That may be because I tend to choose the clip art image first.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying this collage project. I'm calling it "My Collage Therapy". A prescription that leads to healthy dose of Artful Bliss.

Ready to hang and display in my craft room.

Collage Pennant Segment for Decorative Paper Banner...Easy How- To

Carefully cut out clip art image.

Use color pencils to alter image.

Blend color with a blending tool.

Use clear or rubber stamps to add detail to triangle pennant segmant.

Stamp flower onto printed scrapbook paper and then cut out and add a brad to the center.

Add trim and borders.

Use markers and crackle top coat on a chipboard letter.  When the top coat is dry, use chalk or ink in a contrasting color to highlight the crackle finish.

Add as much ephemera and notions as desired to pennant. 

Foam dots are great for adding dimension.

A little sparkle never hurts.

Add a length of ribbon and attach it with tiny wooden clothes pins.

N is for Nest.

Collage Banner

So this is the first segment for the banner that I'm putting together.  I'm planning on creating enough to spell out either "Creative Journey" or "Happy Crafting", or maybe I'll just make enough for two banners.

Collage a Day Project......July 11, 2010

This is my first finished Collage a Day Project.  I was inspired by an article I read in the last issue of Somerset Studio Magazine.  What an awesome way to stay creatively motivated.  I have a lot of materials on hand and I can easily take a project with me to start on while I'm waiting for my shift to start.  For this collage I used a 5x7 art board that my daughter Sara had discarded and some clip art I found on the Internet.  The Frida Kahlo clip art didn't print very well on my printer due to being low on a couple of color cartridges.  But I didn't want to waste this one so I cut and pasted it to the background Sara had painted and added the yellow dot flowers and the rubber stamped bird.  The outer scalloped border is made of card stock and a circle paper punch.  To finish it off I attached a length of green rick rack and tied on a small piece of delicate green ribbon.  I already have plans for tomorrow's collage.  Until then ...Happy Crafting.

ATCs

I found this video on youtube today the was taken in Jan. 2008.

I love that Artist Trading Cards are so popular all over the world. 

Accidents Happen

Today I decided that I would organize my Picasa photo album by deleting all of the duplicate photos, not realizing that I would be deleting the original posted photos from my blog.  So now there are some photos missing from some of my blog posts.  And well the strange thing is that I'm not too distraught about it.  I guess, I could go back and locate the photos in my computer and repair the damage done, but I just don't feel like revisiting past posts with the intentions of putting it all back together again.  It's okay.  I mean I'm okay with this little misshap.  I've been wanting to start fresh and I guess today is the day.  Bella Luna Handmade will now be the place I post my sewing, crochet and paper craft projects and my new blog Little Treasuretopia will be the place I share my jewelry projects and favorite finds.  So I'm choosing to go with the flow and not sweat the little things.  I've got so many projects I liked to get started on and one that I just finished.  I'm photographing it tomorrow when I have better lighting and will be posting it on http://littletreasuretopia.blogspot.com/  It feels good to get back to my crafting table and back to blogging. 

Happy Crafting!

Away Too Long...

Wow, I can't believe that it's been an awful long time since I've posted any of my projects, not that I have completed very many in this absence.  I've been slowly working on organizing my craft room and in doing so I've had to go through alot of stuff that I have accumilated over the years.  That and not being too happy with my job situation has put me in a kind of funk, making it hard for me to be creative.  My schedule is burning me out and well I can't remember the last time I had fun at work.  I'm grateful that I have a job, but something is missing.  Perhaps it the dreaded empty nest syndrome.  Afterall, it is the kids' room that has become my craft room.  I still do miss Sara and Cory very much and well I miss my crafting buddy too, who has been on vacation for what seems like a month.  Jenn has the lovely job of keeping this old lady motivated with new artsy challenges.  I should be making the handbag she requested, made from the sushi fabric she recieved in a swap, but time has slipped away and the sewing hasn't started.  It's not that I have no desire to sew or craft, I simply feel I have no energy for the hobbies I love so much.   I dream about crafting and am always reading through my craft magazines and surfing Flickr, Veimo, You Tube and Etsy for inspiration.  I'm wishing this funk will soon end so that I can get started on some new projects.  In the mean time I'll be reading, front to back,  the new issue of Somerset Studio.  When I opened the plastic wrap and removed the yellow address sheet I was truely blown away by the front cover.  It's so beautiful.  Maybe this will be the match to strike the flame of creativity in my soul. 

I still have some details to take care in putting together my craft room, and when I think it's just right I'll post some photos.  Until then, Happy crafting.