I don't remember where it came from, but I do remember the feeling of clarity when I read it. I knew it was wise in many respects, but I have found it hard to stick to - sometimes I think that I should be trying harder, other times I feel that having a few things on the go keeps me feeling creative and motivated...Once in a while however, having too much on, tips me slightly over the edge!
At the moment, after a summer of crafting, writing and wedding-present making, I feel satisfied with what I have achieved and what I am working on. Life is dominated by the combination of a new post at school and writing the second draft of the text book, but I have found the time to work on a few things.
The Cut Out
I haven't finished this cut out yet. The cutting is done - a present to mark the marriage of two friends - hours spent cutting white card on a brand new cutting board left me with a pleasing shape, but it was covered in pencil marks. I am half way through working out how this is going to be rectified - I sprayed it with graffiti paint, but the effect was patchy - so I am now painstakingly covering it with white acrylic - it'll get there before their first anniversary...
The Collage
And this is the start of a mixed media canvas. I have painted the background of the canvas - a simple blue/grey acrylic wash - and stuck the first layer of prints and a bit of lace. The plan is to build up layers of acrylic and textured bits and pieces - I love this blog - and recently bought Kelly Rae's book, Taking Flight which has all sorts of ideas for mixed media approaches. Again, this is a long process, but I dip in and out, when I have a spare hour or so.
The Noticeboard
Perhaps the simplest and most satisfying project of my summer, after months of bemoaning the cost of pretty fabric noticeboards, a gingham addition to my kitchen. I used an old canvas, a piece of wadding, the gingham left over from a chair that I reupholstered last year and some biased binding. With the help of a handy staple gun I layered the wadding and the gingham before criss-crossing the binding (rather unevenly). In order to hold the cards and paper on the board, I stitched small stars at every crossing point - simple, wonky, but effective.
And...The Pencil Case.
The night before term started, having worked to the wire to complete my draft, I felt forlorn at the thought of a new term without new stationary. I dug out a favourite old fountain pen and stitched together a little pencil case to house it in. Every morning, I arrive at school, sit down at my almost tidy desk, and place the pencil case next to my planner and computer. Tea in hand, fountain pen at the ready, I feel ready for my day.
So that was that. I have also been selling bunting in the local cafe - a small and manageable creative-business step - and have to make a few more strings but thought I might make some pencil cases too. The tools of the trade are laid out on my sewing table, fabrics have been chosen and I will continue in my small way to carve my niche.
