Showing posts with label Art Journals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art Journals. Show all posts

Friday, August 15, 2014

INSPIRATION LEADS TO REORGANIZATION OF STUDIO

Hi Everyone!

A steaming hot cuppa coffee in my hand and the mouse in the other, scanning down the page, clicking on this and that, pinning a few, that's how I started my day off !  Don't judge me....it IS my day off from work.  Yes there are a zillion things I need to do today...that blasted phone keeps whistling to remind me of the TO DO list that awaits. 
 You know what I'm talking about too. <wink> It's easy to fall down the (Pinterest) rabbit hole, so limiting my time is important while taking time to be inspired.
My Spring Door Wreath inspired by Pinterest

Spending time being inspired by others adds to my creativeness and that leads to thinking about my work area, better known as the studio.  Cleaning and rearranging the work areas in my studio (AGAIN) helps me realize what my current interests are and where I need to focus my creative attention. That might not be your situation but for me, it is a huge problem.  I have many interest and find it hard to concentrate on one at a time.  So I find what works for me is having specific areas or zones that concentrate on one or two crafts. 


 For instance my sewing area has long been neglected, mending piling up and several (back burner) projects need attention. I take a hard look at each area, make note of unfinished projects and then schedule in some time each day to work on them. Each area or zone has its own projects to be completed. 

 After several weeks of devoting time to the mending project, I'm happy to say the mending is finished! Mending you say? Who exactly mends these days?!? I do, especially if it is a favorite piece of clothing I enjoy wearing.  The mending gives it character and individuality and extends the life of  the garment.  It's an old fashioned idea, but one learned from my Granny and my Mom who were thrifty sewers.  Next on the list and a long time coming is a slipcover for a foot stool. Stay tuned for that!


My little desk wasn't functioning as previously envisioned for sewing so I switched it out for a larger/longer work surface which also doubles as a crafting surface when Little Misses Sunshine and Lollipop come over. The larger work surface seems to be working well with plenty of room for sewing, painting and craft projects for both the little ones and for myself as well. And the smaller desk is conveniently located to allow both girls their own space if needed <wink> or for me to supervise the activities. 



After setting up the sewing/craft area the little desk now doubles as a beading and stamping area. This area/zone is where I will spend hours making beaded jewelry and working on my journals and stamping projects.  The drawers conveniently hold the on-going beaded projects and houses the stamps and journals so the area can be easily converted for Misses S & L to use if necessary.


                                                             

                                                     It's a happy area!





 I continue to purchase beads (but on a more discriminating basis) to add to the collection.



                                       Several new designs are in the works.

One of the beading projects involves these shiny pink faux crystal buttons pictured above.  But you'll have to stay tuned for that one, I'm not giving up the details yet.

Over at the art table where I confess to spend most of my leisure time, I've been working in one of my art journals and there will be lots to share with you soon!  Yes, it looks messy but that's how I roll! No matter how big the surface area it seems I only use a very small area to work within. 



Happily the summer is rolling along and we are enjoying it.  What are you doing this summer?  I hope you are finding time to......

Be Creative!
Suzy

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Notebook & Journals Oh My!

Hi Everyone!

In the last few posts I have mentioned my love affair with notebooks and journals and today I've gathered up a few to share with you. 

Last week I talked about the little green spiral notebooks that I used for classroom notes and how they eventually turned into samples books along the way. 
 
Class notebooks
Does anyone else love three ring binders??  
3 Ring Binder Organization
Three ring binders with clear page protectors keep everything organized! And yes, I also use tab dividers for each subject (just like school days). My favorite is the binder with the printed pattern paper (actually gift wrap), it stores my ideas on decorating, color charts, business ideas, etc. The Collage binder holds papers for photocopying only and Paper Arts hold ideas for making cards, samples, diagrams and page layouts.


Travel Journals
Travel Journals make me SO happy! Several journeys are recorded in each book, with notes and drawings and lots of memorabilia! It beats carrying a boat-load of brochures and tidbits back home! You can scrap/smash your daily finds into one small book and never have to worry your baggage will be overweight again! 
Journals and Sketchbooks
I use large size spiral bound sketch books for mixed media work and keep a mini Sketch pad in the car and in my purse.  The Moleskine Journal (black)is my newest journal, I love it! See the two water colored note books? The orange and bright pink is made from watercolor paper, folded into a portfolio style and the pages inside are made from water color paper too! You can see Teesha Moore making this incredible 16 page journal here! The light pink notebook is made with 300lb watercolor paper for the cover and the inside papers are 140 cold press. I hand sewed the watercolor signatures into this book. My first hand sewn journal; I'm still working that process out. 

Happy Collection of Journals and Notebooks
Some of my favorite notebooks are the simplest to make! Check out this cute book on YouTube!  Easy and simple ideas are on YouTube. Go there and be amazed at the possibilities! 

Be sure to check back on Thursday to have a peek into some of these! 

Happy Journaling!
Suzy