It was a challenging weekend my creative friends. I am not sure what energy was flowing in and around but I struggled a lot with finding ground. Fortunately I was able to rest, reconnect and read which seems to be my magical potion when I feel overwhelmed, exhausted and just not myself. I didn’t have it in me to create anything until Sunday yet Sunday proved to be a really great day and I worked on lots of fun projects.
The best part was that I reconnected with truth and I’m very grateful for that.
So what did I work on? I am in the process of creating a Collage Journal. This journal is so much fun already I can’t wait until it has pages in it. It’s also something I have been filming and I am hoping to start sharing some of my process videos with you all really soon.
In addition to the Collage Journal I am making a tutorial on how I make my journals-or as I call them “Dilettante Diaries.” Sometimes we get caught up in the name of something. “Is this an junk journal or an art journal? Is this a glue book or scrapbook?” I just like to make things and I don’t really care much for falling into a recognizable camp. That’s never been my think. Calling it a Dilettante Diary says it’s just like me-whatever it wants to be and whatever I choose to use it for in any given moment. Freedom right?
I also am filming this process and I am going to be offering it as a tutorial here on the site. I’m hoping to have both journals finished this week and then with any luck I can share them with you next week which is really exciting.
One of the reasons I am making these journals is because I am teaching an online Patreon class for the lovely Lisa at The Lollipop Box Club. I have been a subscriber of Lisa’s boxes for years-they are the only creative subscription boxes I get and I absolutely love them! When Lisa launched her Patreon page this year I signed up right away as a supporter and it’s been so much fun. I love the community that’s there so when Lisa asked if I would teach out to make a journal I said yes! In preparation for the class I wanted to make a few journals to show as demos but also to fine tune my process to make it easier for everyone joining in. I really excited (and a little nervous) but I think it’s going to be great. The class is this Thursday and if you are interested in joining. The best part is even if you join after the classes has happened you receive access to all past posts-isn’t that awesome?
I also made a storage box to hold my memory keeping goodies. All the die cuts, stickers etc. that I use when I document photos. Amazon had been using these super cute boxes for a few of my orders and I knew I had to reuse them for storage and it’s come out really sweet-plus it works! If you would like me to share a video on how I made it just comment below and I would be happy to make one.
I finished 2 small embroidery patterns and they came out so cute. I just love buying full kits where it comes with everything you need to make an embroidery. All I have to do is sit down and start.
I also have been working on my air dry clay creations. I made a paint palette (inspired by Pink and Inko on YouTube) along with a pinch vase, a little well to hold water for water coloring, a paint brush rest and finally a pin. I am still painting them up and then I will have to coat them so they can hold water but I’ll be sure to let you know how they come out. And of course if you would like me to make a video on it just comment below!
The last project in the works is a puppet for my son. He loves puppets and with his birthday coming up next month I want to make him this puppet we found online a while back. He loved it and wanted me to make it the same as the sample so I ordered the fleece, the eyes and now I am waiting for one item for the armature but otherwise I can get started. I’m hoping to maybe cut the pattern pieces out this weekend and start stitching it up soon.
So that’s what’s going on with me. It seems like a lot but I assure you I work in bits and pieces as and when the mood arises. I do try to make time daily for creativity as it’s really important to me. I love the act of creating and I often find myself at the craft table.
Wishing you a creative week.
Until Next time…
-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante
Resources:
Embroidery Kits (great for beginners!): I get mine from Penguin & Fish
Puppet Pattern: I purchased this puppet pattern from While She Naps. I made her felt doll pattern a few years ago (A Liam for my son and 2 Emmas for my daughters for Xmas) and they are so cute and a definite favorite!
A note about my resource section: If you have questions about any of my blog posts and you post them in the comments I will do my best to answer your comment as well update the Resource section for everyone.
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