Love Letters

I always seem to have moments where I just need a crafty project.  Whether I have time or not, I pick up supplies and try to do something creative to relieve stress.

Chipboard letters are my favorite craft supplies.  They are so useful for a wide range of projects and never hard on the monthly budget.  I have already made letters to hang in my house, book shelf A Z holders that I gave as a white elephant gift, and letters that I gave as a gift for my artistically talented mother-in-law to use in her new studio. 

This month I am making baby gifts using chipboard letters from Hobby Lobby, scrapbook paper, glitter, glue pins, Mod Podge, and scrapbook 3D stickers.

Helpful hint for using glitter.  If you don't want glitter to follow your gift like flu germs make sure to use Mod Podge.  Start by using a glue pen, cover the glue with glitter, once the glitter dries use an air can to remove the loose glitter.  Finally, when you are satisfied with the look and layering of your glitter, paint a layer of Mod Podge over the glitter.  It holds the glitter in place while allowing the sparkly magic of glitter shine through.

I only have one letter to share because I forgot to take a picture of the letter I made for today's party.

In this letter S, I used Martha Stewart craft glitter blue to decorate the edge and write the word love.
(not pictured) In the letter M, I used Martha Stewart craft glitter, brown to decorate the edge.  I used small chipboard letters to spell out the name. 

The projects could be used in several ways.  As a wall decoration, a door hanger (just add a ribbon), a coat, towel, hat hook (add a knob or hook), a bookshelf holder, and other ways that I have not yet discovered.

I feel great after a little creative thinking.

A Creative Experiment with Modeling Paste

I wanted to do something something creative this week. I started with a canvas and modeling paste that I had from previous projects. I wasn't real sure what I wanted to do when I started, and in the end this was the result.

I am not sure how I feel about this project. It started out to be really fun. I put the modeling paste on first. I thought it would be fun to layer paint in the cracks and crevices of the texture. Since I didn't have much modeling paste to work with, I had to go with something small.  I started with a plan to have blank space for lettering and decided on the quote once I finished the project.

Looking back on the project, I feel like I should have picked the words before starting.  This way I could decide on a theme, inspiration.  I am not disappointed with the impromptu project, but I feel that it is not exactly the style I hoped to accomplish. Somewhere in the midst of the project, I changed directions. Instead of something edgy, I created something a little feminine.

All in all, it is delightful to have impromptu creative projects.  Sometimes, they turn out perfectly as planned, and other times the project changes into something unexpected. 

Small Things
mixed media on canvas.
Text: We cannot do great things on the Earth, only small things with Love. Mother Teresa

Summer Calligraphy

I have made it my mission to do more painting and calligraphy this summer.  I have done a little work between my time off of teaching and my summer job.  A new calligraphy book has inspired me to go beyond the traditional styles. 

I am learning to be let the paint get messy...see my sunflower picture for reference.  It is a little challenging but fun.

Nicky

Beginning Book End Project

These are the beginning stages of book ends I am making.  I love playing with the chipboard letters I found a Hobby Lobby.  So many different ways to play and so much fun.

To make a similar project.  You can use:
chip board letters from a craft store.
Modge Podge
scrapbook paper.
paint-acrylic or spray paint to match your paper.
I layered the scrapbook paper and tore the edges.  To emphasize the torn edges, I layered torn white paper under the scrapbook paper and painted the tips of the torn edges.  Apply two or three layers of Modge Podge over the paper when it is all glued and layered.  This will seal the paper in place and apply a glossy finish.  This project I took from a chipboard decorating article I found.  It is simple and a lot of fun.

Love Letters

This has been a busy fall, and I was in need of a little craft project.

Making Snail Mail Fun

When I was a child my grandmother would always make each envelope or package a work of art.  I loved the silly underwater fish singers, bugs and snail mail, and Santa themed Christmas packages.  Her artful creations were expressions of her love. 

I believe her expressions of love created my love of art, drawing, and painting.  Today, I like to carry on her  tradition by sending a little envelope art when I have a need to get creative or when I really want to share something special with my friends.  I got really creative last night right before going to bed and created three envelopes: one for family, one for a friend, and one for a bill.  I guess I got a little carried away, but at least they will be extra happy to receive my money.

1.

2.

3. front and back

Veggie Words

I got a new job today. It will be my first year as an official teacher in central Texas.
I took this picture this summer as our garden was producing an abundance of odd shaped
but delicious cucumbers.
Today I share my word of the day as I prepare for the roller coaster of
new information, new lessons, and excitement that await me this year.