This is where the healing begins

Recently, my life has been turned upside down, inside out and then shattered into a million pieces. So in the spirit of the healing power of art, I am going to try to post something everyday.

Today in my art journal I wrote about how I felt caught in a wave, how I keep picking myself up and how I get knocked back down. So on my page, I stamped the cracks to represent being shattered completely. The blue swirls represents the waves and the butterfly is where I want to be. I want to be able to soar above it all. I used a Unity & Melody Ross She Did It Anyway stamp "every thing is going to work out just right". I don't know how, but I have to keep believing that.

Materiels used: Staedtler Water Color Crayons, EK Success butterfly punch, Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Ultimate Grunge, Ranger Adirondack Pigment Ink Pad in Lettuce

A little BOO!

It's that time of year, my favorite! The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler and everything has an air of festivity!

When I make cards, I find it so much easier to design a car from someone specific. It gives me a change to think about my friend or loved one and I can focus on their likes to make a card from the heart.

This Halloween, I came up with some cute cards for the kids in my life. They range from simple for a baby to a more detailed card for a teenager. Here they are:
My daughter has always made a Build A Bear to send to her baby cousins when they are born.
I love this card I made for the gift:

I used found papers, this adorable Stampendous stamp and watercolor pencils to color it in. The background is Crafters Workshop stencil with Pan Pastel, Tim Holtz distressed inks were used on the edges. I literally made this card in 10 minutes.

Minerva

Materials used: found papers, Basic Gray paper, Stampendous stamp, Technique Tuesday stamps, Close to My Heart stamps, Tim Holtz Distressed Inks, Tattered Angels and other found materials

Yarn, yarn, hook

I love yarn. It's so soft and comforting to hold. It comes in many beautiful colors and textures.

My mom and late grandma taught me how to crochet. I think it is this connection to them that makes it such a comfort to me. In the winter, there is nothing better than having a blanket you are making on your lap. You are creating something, watching it grow and as it grows, it keeps you warm. I love to make baby blankets for family and friends. It's so much fun to pick out a soft yarn and create something for a new baby coming into the world.

Last year I started crocheting dishcloths to use. I was tired of using sponges - they always stayed so wet and gross. So I decided why not make my own dishcloths. I love using them! I use one a day and toss it in the laundry and no more stinky sponges.

This year I have decided to make more gifts rather than buy something. People love receiving something that you put your time and talent to make for them.

When life gets a little crazy for me, I always go back to the comforting rhythm of crochet.