Happy Fall

Hello Friends,

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and mostly a state of mind where I live. The weather is taking a turn to less humidity, cooler sea breezes and crystal clear blue sky indicating it is Fall in So. Florida.  Location doesn't keep me from fully enjoying seasonal decorating but I will admit a bit of longing for fall leaves and access to nature's bountiful foliage and natural objects to use in decorating.  Jeez, I have to go out and actually purchase these FAUX items some of y'all get for free <pouty face> and another thing, fireplace mantles, is it me or does it seem like everybody has a mantle to decorate?   I know there are people just like me that don't have a mantle and that just makes us get a bit creative with our decorating.  If you don't have a mantle, what/where do you decorate for the seasons?

My mantle is a Baker's rack in the kitchen.  I use it to corral uh, display my seasonal decorations.

Last year's pumpkin collection has been completed and this year I've added a chalkboard, compote, carrot pitcher, two ceramic pears and cutting board.  All are finds from the thrift store with the exception of the chalkboard.  My very FIRST chalkboard was inspired by this chalkboard found on Pinterest.  I'm totally hooked on the chalkboard pens.

This BOO sign was found at Target in Michigan and after trick or treat I can add the pumpkin to the patch.

 This compote is missing the lid but isn't perfect for holding flowers or fruit?

Here it is close up.  Lovely isn't it?

 The carrot pitcher will do double duty in Spring but because it is orange it works with the fall theme.

Look at these pears! Just ripe for the picking don't you think?

Here's another thrift find, the chopping board tied with baker twine, faux pears in a bowl that belonged to my Dad's aunt works well with the other natural elements.

By now you might have guessed I'm a huge Pinterest fan, it is my GO TO for decorating ideas for Fall and Christmas, and this time of the year is a bonanza of ideas.  I love the home tours and all the ideas that come from peeking inside other peoples homes to see how they decorate seasonally.  My inspiration comes from many places including Pinterest, the craft stores, store window dressings and magazines and HGTV shows to name a few. Where do your decorating ideas come from?

I'll have more fall decor to share with you this week so be sure to come back again soon!

Happy Fall Y'all,
Be Creative
Suzy

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

BOOK AUTHOR'S WORDS INSPIRE JOURNAL ART

Hi Everyone! 

Something really exciting happened the other day! I fixed my PB&J and sat down in my favorite chair to eat  and read as I normally do during lunch (unless I'm working or watching the grands)most days.  I recently downloaded some free books on my Kindle www.amazon.com.  One of the books I downloaded was Midnight Marriage by Lucinda Brant. This is a Georgian Historical Romance based on a true story and the first time I have read this author's books. 

 I was munching on my sandwich and reading along when I came to this: "She was sure if she swung higher her toes would touch the clouds".* Ok, let me ask when you are reading a book, do you have a running movie going in your head? Picturing the scenes, the characters, what they are wearing and how they look??  I do. You might remember, I've got "watercolor eyes" and so my mind immediately went into journal/painting mode. I tried to ignore it but I couldn't concentrate at all on the words, my mind keep conjuring up the images so I ran back to my art room and got busy with painting and cutting paper to make the scene in my head! 

Day 22 Touch the Clouds

Afterwards as I was writing the author's words onto the page, I thought I need to contact the author and ask permission to use this quote! (Big Gulp! First time ever contacting an author!) I immediately Googled: Lucinda Brant found her contact information and emailed her, including an attachment of my journal page with the quote on it.  I really didn't think I'd hear back but within hours, I had my answer! Lucinda had graciously said yes! I was over the moon with excitement because she said yes! AND she was asking my permission to pin this painting on her Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/lucindabrant/ for her fans to see! I hope you will all go over for a visit to Lucinda's website http://lucindabrant.com/midnight-marriage.php and download (Kindle & Nook) the story of Deb and Julian! Tell Lucinda I sent you!  

A special thank you Lucinda for inspiring me and graciously allowing your quote from Midnight Marriage to be a part of my art! And thank you for the pin on Pinterest!  

Thank you my family, friends and followers for your encouragement and kind comments each week! I look forward to hearing from you soon! 

Have a blessed weekend!

Suzy

*Quote used by permission from author.

Linking to: http://www.marywalkerdesigns.com; www.tracibunkers.com/blog; www.sewmanyways.blogspot.com;http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/;http://creativeeveryday.com/

Friday Blog Link Up

Hello Everyone!

I thought I would take a great leap of faith today after reading a blog post over on sewmanyways.blogspot.com. I linked up with Find a Friend Friday (FaFF). First time I've ever done such a thing but I thought why not?  Immediately, I started checking out some of the other links and found some very interesting and wonderful blogs and as an added bonus, some are linked to Pinterest.  Don't know what Pinterest is? Well, it is my latest obsession on the internet for sure! An on-line bulletin board where you can collect ideas that you might like to try or just like in general. The most amazing thing is that you can create boards to pin to and pin ideas from others! Now, some people frown on this, but others are delighted to share their creations and ideas. If I go to a blog site and the person does not have the Pinterest logo or they specifically say Don't Pin, I honor their request for privacy. Also, giving credit where credit is due is important but you don't need me to lecture on this, you can read the rules for yourself.  I personally think Pinterest is a fabulous way to collect things without hoarding up your house! I'm beginning to think that I am becoming a bit of a pin-hoarder. LOL!  Well, it is fun and if you haven't tried it, do take a look around. It will open your world to some new and beautiful places, people and things!  Have fun and let me know if you sign up! www.pinterest.com  Oh and please, come follow me! I'd love to share my boards with you! Have a great weekend!