Sunday Inspiration

1. Felt Geode Pincushion, 2. inintee capelet, 3. Whit’s Knits: Colorblock Hand Warmers, 4. see it coming, 5. cosy craft, 6. Journal of Scraps no 1 – lots of pages, 7. emmer wheat bread, 8. m&m’s, 9. autumn color week-brown, 10. Pear Crisp with Pecan Brown Sugar Topping, 11. cherry cordial by linda permann crochet 1, 12. Mango Coconut, 13. Fall Yarn (and a future scarf), 14. apples, 15. More fall leaves…, 16. a fuzzy rainbow

A little bit of warmth, golden hues, orange richness and cozy cool nights.

Happy Sunday!

Posted in Misc stuff | 3 Comments

buzzing

The kids are really buzzing with the excitement of Halloween.  I’ve been working on a robe and owl wings today, for one Harry Potter and one Hedwig costume.

“The wand chooses the wizard”

The mask is made from felt feathers glued onto a children’s white mask.  The wand is made from an old paint brush. I took the brush off and added a bit more length with tightly rolled up heavy-weight paper. Then I wrapped a bit of twine here and there and mod podged the whole thing with tissue paper, covering the twine too.  After it dried, I painted it dark brown.  I tried to make look as much like Harry’s as possible.  I made paper wands before, but they were quickly destroyed.  I have a feeling I’ll be making another wand very soon.

Please, don’t forget to check out the Sponsor Highlight post for Creative Peace and leave a comment for a great giveaway!

************

Also, JCasa Handmade is hosting a giveaway for $25 gift credit in my shop!!!

Please go check them out!!

Posted in Spooky | Leave a comment

yarn graffiti

I found this lovely splash of colorful crocheted yarn wrapped around a railing on my way to work.  I had to pull over and take a couple of quick pics.

I love seeing stuff like this. It put the biggest smile on my face.

Posted in Mail box | 3 Comments

Sponsor Highlight: Creative Peace ~ Interview + Giveaway

crochet necklace

 ETSY SHOP :: WEBSITE :: TWITTER :: FACEBOOK

I am so happy to introduce Robin of Creative Peace.  I am a huge fan of thrifting and up-cycling so I was happy to learn more about Robin.  She describes herself as, “a girl with braids in her hair and hope in her heart trying to let my little light shine in the world.”  I love that.  Her style is hippie, bohemian and really fun.  I love how she has added her special touch to tops, skirts and jackets.

creative peace accessories

Robin answered some questions for me so we could all learn a little more about her and her creative endeavors.Thank you Robin!

1. Tells us a little about yourself and where you live.
My name is Robin Norgren and I currently live in Colorado. I just moved here from Arizona to an altitude of 7800 feet so I am bracing myself for LOTS of indoor yummy crafting time this winter. The good news is I had the blessing of living in Germany in the dead of winter about 15 months ago while my husband was stationed there with the Navy so I swear I think I am prepared for what is to come (I KNOW I KNOW: famous last words- I am a complete optimist!).

2. When did you start making things?
I did make things here and there when I was a girl but mostly I was a writer. The artistic side started to really unfold when in 2008 I found myself alone and caring for a 2 year old while my husband was initially deployed for 8 months in Kuwait and what ultimately turned out to be a few months shy of three years. I was so desperate to find my identity in this new role of single mom and stay at home mom that I searched for an outlet. I actually wrote a workbook of my journey to help any would be artist who finds herself struggling with how to find her creative voice.

3. Your shop name is My Creative Peace. Tells us a little about what that means and why you picked it for your shop name.
So I actually have two shops: Well of Creations and My Creative Peace. The name “Well of Creations” is kind of two fold. First I did not really know WHAT I was going to end up really focusing on creatively and Second I have a verse from the Bible that I personally lean on (John 4:14) which talks about a well of water springing forth from within me.

My Creative Peace comes from the “journey” that I felt I have embarked on: in essence it is a nod to my creative life. I hope that the name encourages others to find that creative peace for themselves.

4. How do you find your inspiration and what inspires you to keep creating?
Children’s book are my all time favorite way to get my creative juices flowing! The hope and whimsy and innocence that you find in the pages challenge me to find the good in the world and influences the way I create and the things I create.

5. How do you go about finding items for your shop?
Thrift store shopping has been a way of life for us for about 6 years now. Our family felt compelled to get financially free from all credit debt. So we set ourselves on a 7 year plan to have all credit and home and car debt wiped out (student loans are another SAD affair!). That said, I love what I find there and I feel like the things that I create lend themselves to re-creating pieces to give them a more funky vibe.

6. Is there anything else you would like to share about you or your shop?
I hope that anyone who may be reading this that thinks they might not be creative but WANT to be to take that nudge to TRY SOMETHING. Step out and begin to explore some outlets. Take some classes at your local community center. My life has become so RICH AND FULL since I stepped out and I want that for each person I am able to connect with.

Creative Peace

Robin would like to offer one lucky Creative Kismet reader a $10.00 gift credit to her shop.  Please leave a comment by Sunday at midnight, and I will pick a winner Monday.

ETSY SHOP :: WEBSITE :: TWITTER :: FACEBOOK

 

Posted in Misc stuff | 8 Comments

Day of the Dead Planters

I am completely fascinated with Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos).  The All Souls Procession,  here in Tucson, Az , is one of the most amazing things about Tucson.  It’s a really amazing event.  I went last year, despite an aching back and was so glad I went!

I made these Day of the Dead Calavera (skull) planters. I thought the plants would make great hair or fancy hats.  Sugar skulls, and other decorated skull like things, are given to the living and the dead.  It is similar to giving valentine’s as a way to say, “I love you forever”. I thought these would make great decor for a DOTD party or given to friends/family as gifts to celebrate life.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Now here is what you do:

1.  Thin out some white paint with water and so a white wash over the pots. Dry.

2.  Sketch out your skull face, then fill in with black paint. Leave as is, or go to the next step.

3.  Add colorful designs and use a black paint or a black marker to add swirly curly cues.

4. Pot your plants. I used succulents, but marigolds would be great too.  Marigolds are also known as Flor de Muerto (“Flower of the Dead”) which are thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings (or altars).

Posted in i make stuff, Tutorials, how to | 14 Comments

Cypress Sun Winner

cypress sun lariats

The winner of one of Amy’s beautiful lariats is Kt!!!


# 31.  Kt said:  I love what she is creating! I went to her shop equally as beautiful. Now I am off to her blog. Thanks for featuring her today!

Thank you to everyone who made a comment!!

Cypress Sun wanted to offer 15% off to all Creative Kismet reader!! Please use the following link:

Cypress Sun CK Discount

Don’t forget:

You can learn more about Amy at her blog.  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also sign up for her newsletter to learn about new designs and special offers!

Posted in Misc stuff | 5 Comments

red hooded cloak

Red Riding Hood

I’ve always wanted a red hooded cloak. Red sparkly slippers too.

Have a beautiful weekend!!

Posted in Art | 5 Comments

Sponsor Highlight : Cypress Sun Jewelry + Giveaway

I am so happy to be sharing Cypress Sun Jewelry with you today. Amy, the jewelry artist, is such a lovely soul. She is kind, generous and incredibly talented.
I am lucky to own a pair of earrings and a lariat necklace. Seeing her work first hand, I have to say, that I am quite impressed with the quality and attention to detail.  By far, one of my most favorite sets of jewelry.
cypress Sun Jewelry
Cypress Sun Jewelry
(from her website:)
“Timeless. Elegant. Inspiring & Inspired.

Made by hand, with fine (and recycled) sterling, gemstones and select Czech glass, Cypress Sun Jewelry is both delicate and captivating.

The soulful intricacies of these creations fascinate and flatter. They tell a story with intentional color and balance, conveying hints of ancient wisdom and modern lines.

Although design is integral, inspiration flows in from the joy expressed by the lovely women who find themselves perfectly adorned in Cypress Sun Jewelry.”

You can see how to wear the beautiful lariat necklaces in her video above.

*****************

Cypress Sun Jewelry

Amy is very generously offering a beautiful lariat necklace to one lucky reader.  The winner will chose from the 4 lariats in the photo directly above.

To win, please leave a comment by Sunday, October 16th and a winner will be announced on Monday.

Please stop by Amy’s shop and take a look around. There is so much to see!

You can learn more about Amy at her blog.  Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also sign up for her newsletter to learn about new designs and special offers!

Posted in Misc stuff | 42 Comments

Gifts from my friends

Lookee what I got in the mail recently.

I received this gorgeous hand stitched doily from Dana. With my favorite color, of course.  I love it so much.  I want to frame it and hang it in my kitchen or stitch it onto a pillow.  I don’t want it to get ruined on my table with accidental spills and splashes.

I also received this gorgeous tote and zip bag from my friend Elsa.  Isn’t the fabric just perfect. Also with my favorite color. I am using the large tote for knitting (I’ve actually picked up  my needles recently) and the zip bag is for my art journal and pencils when I’m out and about.  I love them both!!

I can not say in words how much I adore my online friends. My hubby calls them imaginary, but they are real and true in my eyes.

Thank you Elsa and Dana for these precious gifts!

 

Posted in Misc stuff | 4 Comments

Halloween prep

Playing with a bit of paper clay today (the image has a canvas overlay- the skulls are pretty smooth).  Halloween wouldn’t be the same around here without a few skulls.

Other random thoughts:

*Halloween decorations need to go up.  You can see my decor here, here, here and here. There are more cool ideas here.

*Must make costumes soon (Harry and Hedwig).  You never know when the kids aren’t going to want homemade costumes again.  Gotta make it really count.

*I’ve had no coffee for 7 days and doing good, feeling great. Although the 2nd day was horrid.

*Watching Mad Men on Netflix.  Liking it so far. The hair and clothes are the best!  It’s been inspiring me to try things with my long hair.  Found some great stuff HERE.

*Preparing for a big hike down the Grand Canyon in 2 weeks!!

*Need to make some echinacea tincture and some elderberry syrup very soon.  There’s been some sniffling around here.

What have you been up to?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Posted in Misc stuff | 3 Comments