Weekly Roundup

Photography Challenge: And I Need Your Help

     Leave a Comment

I am someone who tends to leap at ideas and am quite convinced if I didn’t have some very sensible people in my life I just might hop around this planet moving from one thing to the next leaving a bit of chaos and glitter in my wake.

Not saying that would be a bad way to live mind you.

It is in fact my retirement plan.

Today’s post is an example of my random ideas.

I wasn’t sure what to write about and the idea of a photography challenge popped into my head.

So here we are.

My personal plan is a loose one. I want to wander, intentionally but still wander around and take a photo of something that caught my eye. It could just be neat, pretty, cause me to pause and take notice-it doesn’t really matter I just plan on taking a photo. I am also planning on using my film camera along with my phone or digital camera. The digital is so I can share with you the photos and the film because I love film and I have a partial roll that needs using up.

Now most challenges include things like prompts but I always find them very limiting so I never follow them. I can appreciate that you, however, may want some prompts so that is where the help part comes in.

I would love for you to share in the comments to this post some prompts. It sounds like a fun way for us all to take part (whether you want to snap photos or not) and to come up with some unique ideas beyond what I could come up with on my own.

Of course, I am taking photos but if you are doing other things-painting, writing, sculpting etc and want to take part please let me know what you are making and feel free to share on your own Stack and tag me so I can see. We are creatives after all so I feel like rules play no part here.

What I’ve Been Up to this Week…

As I mentioned in another post I am letting my studio space go. I have been renting a space not far from home for the past 4 years and this July I am letting the lease end. It served it’s purpose at a time when I needed to have a creative space to go to at the end of each day to create but now I find it’s not what I need. Instead, I am hoping to build a small creative space on our property but for now I will need to be condensing two creative spaces into one.

So this week I am assessing my current creative corner. It’s turned into a wall in our bedroom and to be honest it’s jammed packed. So this week I am slowly starting to go through, get rid and store a lot of what’s here. My plan is to take two cabinets and use them to hold everything.

It’s completely and utterly overwhelming but I will get there in the end and I’ll share some photos as well.

In the interest of doing that I am trying to use up the several bags of junk journal supplies I have collected and started making a few small journals out of some junk mail. I was inspired by Janet Nash’s channel (Linked below) and a recent video she shared. I am going to work on making some more video content this week as well so here’s hoping.

I have also decided to offer for free my entire weekly posts. I have some ideas for paid tiers to come in the future but for now I think I am going to just stick with sharing here, building my community and seeing how things go in the end. I am really liking the idea of regular creative sessions and so I am going to have a play with what that would look like. How about you would you like to have some creative sessions throughout the week that you could join in and create alongside me?

So that is it for this week’s post. I hope you are all doing well and I look forward to sharing my pictures with you next week.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

 

What’s Inspiring Me

Janet Nash’s Channel. I have loved Janet’s channel for a while and if you are looking for something that is peaceful and calm to watch while also being inspiring I highly recommend. She was making junk journals out of old magazines and that was what inspired my project this week.

What I’m Making

I did it! I finished my bandana bag! Last week I shared how my beloved sewing machines was fighting me and I was getting a bit grumpy to be honest. I was following a tutorial from She Sews Seems (you can find the video here). To be clear her tutorial is awesome I was just having one of those “everything I touch breaks” kinda days. So I set it aside but really wanted to finish it this week and I did! I forgot to do the embroidery but I am honestly happy about that. I do love the technique she shares and I am planning on trying it soon.

I am still planning on using it as a comfort bag filled with everything I love to leave the house with but can’t fit into my purse. I am still working on what to put inside and I’ll keep you posted! For now here are some pictures:

What I’m Reading

I am still reading:

“A Fire at the Exhibition: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 10” by T.E. Kinsey (Affiliate Link)

Book of Innocence: A Channeled Text
(Book Two of the Manifestation Trilogy) by Paul Selig (Affiliate Link)

In this next installment of the Manifestation trilogy, renowned channel Paul Selig shares the words of The Guides as they offer a glimpse of a world that transcends our own limited understanding.

The Guides, otherworldly beings with deep spiritual insight, speak directly through Paul, and their message has been transcribed word for word in this revolutionary new volume.

The Book of Innocence invites readers to explore a new vision of themselves and the lives they lead—one that is pristine, fundamental, and innate. Instead of being blinded by spiritual and physical distractions, The Guides offer a return to the primal simplicity of a deeper knowing. This powerful book welcomes readers into a paradigm shifting experience of renewal and rebirth, shedding cynicism and conceit in favor of authentic, life-changing innocence.

I Finished Reading:

“Can’t Spell Treason without Tea” by Rebecca Thorne (Affiliate Link)

 

Spring, Daffodils and Dollhouses

     2 Comments

I am sharing this week’s “Letters for Creatives” here on the blog. If you have been thinking of subscribing to my no more than weekly newsletter to receive more content like this directly in your inbox you can do that here.

The daffodils have buds.

I noticed today. The front yard is freshly melted, the snowman left behind his hat, gloves and scarf. The crocus in my backyard has shown flowers and spring is slowly trying to emerge.

I don’t feel quite ready for it just yet.

I love spring. Normally January has me pouring over seed catalogs and February is filled with the rearranging of furniture to make room for greenhouses and grow lights.

This year things are feeling different. In some ways I want to fly away rather than set down roots where I am. Like the seasons I am in this state of transition. A long pause where I wait for what I am being called to next.

I am very good with change. I crave it to be honest. Routines are something I admire in others but have never found the beauty of in my own life. In many ways I would be happy for making changes daily. Rearranging furniture, going to different places and just all around randomness is something I love.

Waiting however, I do not love. I love planning and dreaming about next steps and yet for now, I feel that I am just meant to wait. To see what bubbles up and to move when it is time to move and to sit when it’s time to sit.

To simplify. To do things more slowly. To be open and listen to the guidance when it’s ready to reveal itself.

I have decided to embrace some slow projects. Projects that will be on-going for as long as they need to be until they are done. One is a the renovation of my childhood dollhouse. I shared about this new adventure on my blog and have already started the renovation. One of the things I love most about this project is all the time I am spending just thinking about it. I imagine handmade roof shingles and paint colors. Windows that open up to miniature breezes and cozy little chairs waiting for a good book. Tables awaiting flowers and a cup of tea.

I am embracing making little things. Using up bits that have been collected over years and years of papercrafting. Tiny bits that can be added to a journal page or tucked in a book. Paper clusters & altered paper clips tucked in a little cup ready for a new home filled quite a few studio hours this week.

In all my plans and dreaming I do have one that has come true-the dream to be published. My first magazine article is coming out next month in Strawberry Moon and I cannot tell you how exciting it is. This also lead me to rejoin Instagram-something I left behind 3 years ago along with all other social media. Instagram was always my favorite, following poets, and artists of all types and being inspired by their creations. I’m starting off slowly and keeping things intentional, excited to see where this journey might lead.

I recorded this week’s podcast with a young helper in my studio. My son asked to join me this week and he and I spent some quality one-on-one time in the coziness of my studio space. He came over when I was recording my podcast interested in how you can have confidence in yourself as an artist. He told me after that he always judges his own work and thinks it’s not good enough. It was sweet to see him listening intently as I recorded and sad to think that even at just 8 years old he doubts his own validity as an artist. As moments do it gave us a chance to talk where I shared all the things I love about his art and creativity and my own insecurities about my own.

I think in many ways, spring, like me, is testing the waters. Wondering if she’s ready to come into full bloom or maybe she wants just a bit more time to stay cozy indoors. Nap, drink tea and dream of dollhouses and daffodils.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Finding a Groove

     Leave a Comment

Is it really just a few days until Halloween?

Halloween is a favorite around our house and we have been watching our Halloween videos. Tonight the kids and I watched “Nightmare Before Christmas” which we all love. Our drives usually involve at least one go of “This is Halloween” played over the radio. Tomorrow we are thinking “The Haunted Mansion” and then wrap it all up with “Hocus Pocus” over the weekend.

I have been busy creating a really fun Halloween project for what is my soon-to-be launched Patreon Page. I don’t have a deadline yet, I have just been wanting to make content and upload it so there is something already there when people sign up. I have some really fun ideas and am enjoying creating content.

I also plan to return to YouTube and maybe even work out a regular schedule. I think I just need to get over myself and stop taking it so seriously and just enjoy making videos. It’s so easy to make something a lot more than it is and I’m trying to just relax and enjoy doing what I love to do.

One of the projects I am working on right now is a miniature kit for Halloween. It’s a shoe box scene of a Magic Emporium. I have been construction a few pieces each night at the studio and filming it as a challenge to share with Patrons. It’s been so much fun especially since I haven’t really created anything like this. I started a kit last year but didn’t really get far and when I was a kid I made a piece of dollhouse furniture from a kit. I talked a bit about that in this week’s podcast.

It’s a bit of a lofty ambition but I am hoping to have the piece done by Halloween. We will see how I get on. In the meantime here is a sneak peak of some of the pieces I have created.

I changed a few things up in the studio. Moving my desks around to make way for my new printer and my Cricut machine. I have been working hard on my sticker creations and hope to launch my new sticker shop soon. Mastering the Cricut is part of that plan but I would really love to have it up and going in time for holiday shopping. I won’t rush it though, things happen in time and I am determined to enjoy the process and to make products I am excited about. I have come up with my shop name and just need to purchase the domain and set up my shop. If you want to stay in the loop on that you can subscribe to my newsletter here. I’ll be sending out a newsletter with shop updates and coupons but only once a week. I hate receiving daily emails so I won’t be sending them out 🙂

I am also going to be launching my digital download shop. I thought of having everything in one spot and I’ll probably do that here on the site but with my Etsy shop it seemed best to keep everything cohesive and theme based. I have been having lots of fun creating planner downloads and inspirational signs. It would be great to launch both shops at the same time but again, trying to keep the fun in everything but also taking advantage and harnessing the creative energy when it’s here 🙂 If you like digital downloads and want to sign up for updates about that you can do that here.

I know it may sound like a thousand projects but I am really learning how to make everything work in manageable chunks and making the most out of my studio time. I am excited to share more content with you here on the blog as this is my home base to connect with my fellow creatives. I would love to hear about the projects you are working on so please do reach out.

In the meantime I wish you a lovely weekend and a very Happy Halloween if you celebrate. I will be back with you again next week. Much love.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Weekly Round-Up for the First Week of September

     Leave a Comment

The first full week of September is behind us-how was yours?

Mine was nice and I feel I am settling into a nice, flexible rhythm. If you are wondering what I was up to this week you can see all that’s been going on below:

New Video: Creating Without a Plan (aka my favorite way to create)
I wasn’t sure what to create so I picked a journal I hadn’t worked in for a while and one of my most fun materials-Tempura Paint Sticks. The paper is black and it was fun to see how the paint sticks showed up. Initially I was just putting color on the paper and deciding to try and blend it a bit. From there a whole magical scene emerged.  (You can keep reading on the blog here)

September Book Club Update
Here is an update of what I read and didn’t read this month.

The Week in Flowers
This week I have a different kind of flower to share with you. The good news is it won’t wilt!

This Week’s Podcast
In this week’s podcast I am chatting about digital versus physical creativity and sharing my current projects.

So that is what has been going on with me. I would love to hear what you have been up to. Feel free to comment below this post or on any of the posts or podcast listed above. I would love to hear from you!

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

Weekly Round Up for the 3rd Week of August 2022

     Leave a Comment

This week started off slow and then I couldn’t believe we had reached the end today! Time is funny like that I suppose.

I hope your week was wonderful and that you had some creative time. If you missed any of the goings-on with all things Dilettante here is what happened this week:

I Uploaded a YouTube Video!
I am still unsure how I feel about all things YouTube but I am going to try and upload there weekly Create with Me videos and see how it goes. In this video we have a chat and then spend about 20 minutes making painted papers. If you want to watch the video on YT you can do that here or check out the blog post & video on the site here.

This Week in Flowers
The flowers are slowing down a bit and I am hoping to get out in the garden this weekend to plant some more zinnias, beans, peas and my lettuce for fall. I’m also planning a good clean out of what’s expired (harvesting some poppy seed heads hopefully) and of course, bringing in some more cut flowers. You can see this week in flowers post right here.

New Podcast Uploaded
I also uploaded this week’s podcast which you can listen to here. I am thinking about adding it to podcast players and found one site that can do that but if you have a particular player you prefer let me know and I’ll see about setting that up.

Letters for Creatives
I also sent out my “Letter to Creatives” today. If you would like a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox about weekly you can sign up for that here.

So that is all I have for this week. I am hoping, as I mentioned, to spend some time in the garden this week. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous lately and I would love to get some clean up done and prepare for the fall garden. Are you planting anything? I would love to hear what!

As always, I wish you a lovely day and I will chat with you next week.

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante

 

Weekly Round Up for the 2nd Week of August 2022

     Leave a Comment

How is your August going? I have been feeling good, if not a bit antsy from time to time. Do you ever feel like you are supposed to be somewhere doing something but you don’t know where or what? I have been feeling that way a bit this past week so I’m trying to spend more time doing and less time lost in my head.

Here’s a bit of what I have been doing:

My First Create with Me Art Journaling Session

I had so much fun playing in my art journal with no goal in mind other than to play in my art journal. If you would like some virtual company to have a play with your journal you can watch the video and read the blog post here.

This Week in Flowers (and Pumpkins)
I am so grateful for the bouquets that I am still able to cut from the garden. I also share with you my pride and joy-PUMPKINS! Something I have been trying to successfully grow for years. You can see all the photos in the blog post here.

Weekly Podcasts
I also recorded a new podcast for this week where I am chatting about creative living. If you fancy a chat for about 20 minutes or so why not make your self a cup of your favorite beverage (iced tea? I love unsweetened iced tea this time of year) and join me here.

Letters for Creatives
I am also sending out my letters to creatives today. If you like the idea of a weekly email meant only to be inspiring to my fellow creatives you can sign up here.

Book Club
I decided to make my Book Club posts monthly and plan to share them the first week of every month. I wasn’t reading fast enough so I thought I might not have enough content to share each week. Unless of course I shared with you all the books I have added to my TBR (To Be Read) list! Of course after deciding that I finished 2 books this week so maybe I would have had something to share. Still, I’ll stick with once a month and see how it goes.

Not shared specifically on the blog but I have a fun video with painted papers coming on my YouTube channel on Monday. I admit to being nervous and excited to get my channel going again. I am taking small steps and will be sharing weekly there but every video that goes on YouTube can also be found on Dilettante TV here on the site so no worries if you aren’t hanging out on YT.

I finished painting an old sofa table for the studio. I started it last Friday and was able to give it a second coat this week and set it all up Wednesday. I am so happy with how it looks (you can see the before and after below) along with how my vintage typewriter looks on it.

    

I have a piece going in my art journal about birds. I was inspired after watching this video
on Sandi Hester’s YT channel (thank you Laura Bray for sharing her channel with me!). I just loved how she painted her birds (and the automotive brushes she was using-so I had to order some!)

I have been working off and on with birds the past few months and on Saturday we took a trip to our local used book store and I picked up an Encyclopedia on birds (along with some other books I’m hoping to use in collage). The page is sitting on my desk in my studio and as I came in to work today I was inspired to add some collage to it so that’s just what I did. It’s still a work in progress but I’ll be sure to share it with you when it’s all done.

I do hope you have had some time for your creativity this week. Please let me know what you have been working on-I would love to hear!

Until next time…

-Michele, aka The Dreaming Dilettante