Peek at My Weeks (Feb 14-27)

Once again, I'm catching up on my weekly peek. I had the time last week to write this post, but not the motivation. And, my mood was not conducive for it at all. I'm sure you've had days like that too. So, I gave myself a break and decided I would wait. Now, I've got loads to share with you. 

We kept Valentine's Day very low-key. I mostly worked in the craft room and was able to let an idea come to fruition. I'm loving that little box and very likely make some more. 

I also ran out to the store for a bit of a treat.

Since Mardi Gras was that Tuesday, I felt like we NEEDED at least one King Cake. I went with one cream cheese and one raspberry for plenty of options. 

Monday was a little crazy as the plumbers were at the house most of the afternoon struggling to fix our drain issue. I stayed out of their way and in the craft room.

I focused on working on my piece for the Honey Do List and stressed about friends and family trapped in the snow in Texas.

Tuesday was Mardi Gras. And, it was unlike any I've ever celebrated. It was bitterly cold. My sinuses were aching. I grocery shopped. But, there was King Cake.

I'm not even sure what happened on Wednesday. It was a tad bit warmer, but overcast all day. I'm sure that influenced my mood.

But, I pushed forward and created.

Again on Thursday, I suffered through sinus issues and that had me moving slow. But, in addition to working on some jewelry, I was able to channel some of my creative focus into an art journal page.

 Apparently, on Friday, I found all my lost energy from the week because I was all over the place. 

I probably got a little pumped because my "valentine gift" from Pat came in. He bought me a super-fancy microphone for recording voiceovers for my videos. I really thought I could just get something small that would plug into a USB port, but should have known better since he's an audio expert. oops!

Though there was that happy in the day, while I worked away on loads of jewelry, I somehow broke my nice chain-nose pliers. Eek!! I've got an e-mail into the company though to see if there's anything I can do to fix them. But at least, I got some jewelry made, and the break could have been worse. 

Dinner was photo-worthy.

On Saturday, I realized how tight I was up to a couple of challenge deadlines. So, I started working away on those and experimented with a few techniques and supplies.

In the midst of that, I also set out a bucket of materials for a rust dye.

On Sunday, I laid out everything to dry while finishing up my contribution for the You, Me, Same 3 video reveal. 

With my page completed for the challenge, I spent almost all of Monday getting my video ready for the reveal. Artemis even joined me in the craft room.

Tuesday started off with a bit of excitement when a neighbor's dog followed Pat home from his morning walk and we had to call them to find out where she belonged. After I did the grocery shopping, I had to run back out for a single item from the craft store. Of course, I discovered an amazing load of clearance items that had to come home with me. 

Fortunately, I also picked up the mold-making kit I needed.

It had been a few weeks since I had checked in with my mom, so after busting out a quick jewelry task, I headed out to visit with her in the afternoon. My niece's cat didn't want me to leave and climbed up on my shoulder as I was about to walk out the door after my visit. 

On Thursday, I made up for my afternoon away from the house and completed a few tasks I had been putting off. I organized some of my tin scraps as I prepped to work on earring pairs. 

Once the midday sun had passed, I was out on the porch to get product pictures taken.

I was back porch again Friday morning to welcome in the day. The fog kept my attention focused close in and had me looking for beauty not far from where I sat.

That really fueled my day as I hopped from one activity to another, even working on making Grungy Opals based on the tutorial from Fanciful Devices. 

In the evening, Pat and I met a friend for a beer outside the Brewery in Fairhope. On our way there, I couldn't help but snap a few shots of this amazing sunset from the truck. 

Saturday was a big video day for me as I had two reveals: The Red Riding Hood Hop and You, Me, Same 3. I spent much of the day watching the other videos and responding to comments. When I hopped outside to snap a few shots of one of the pieces, I was distracted for a moment by the dew in the weeds.

When I did get a break from videos, I was happy to discover that some of our mini daffodils have begun blooming. They feel like a promise of the spring to come. 

Whew! That was basically my last two weeks in pictures.

Now, here's some inspiration for your week ahead. 

• Learn about 20 common embroidery mistakes and how to fix them. 
• My Modern Met has some great information about creating collage art. 
• I love Heather of HumbleBeads' style. Here, she shares the pattern for her X's & O's Necklace along with the supplies to make it yourself. 
• I'm not sure what language this post is in, but it's a quick tutorial showing how to use Lego as a photo-holder and you'll quickly get the idea from the pictures. 
• I have to admit that I'm not sold on the knotted configuration of this yarn-wrapped wall-hanging. But, I think some of the instructions contained in the tutorial are useful for other projects. 
• At the Beading Gem, you'll find some instructions to make easy riveted stampings jewelry. 
• I've never heard of a colonial knot in embroidery terms, but this tutorial will teach you how to make them. 
• Learn about leatherworking projects and tools at My Modern Met. 
• Find out some fun facts about birthstones. 
• At the Artists Network, learn 5 Keys to Creating Art that's all your own. 
• Since Easter is quickly approaching, here are 20 Crafts with plastic Easter eggs. Some of these are more kid-centered, but there are adult ideas as well. 
• At HumbleBeads, Heather shares how to make her Springtime Dream Bracelet. 
• As knots often trip me up, I haven't quite gotten on the macrame train yet, but this Macrame braid necklace tutorial at Make & Fable does catch my attention. 
• I really love these mixed media portraits from Nelson Makamo. 
• Since I'm all about upcycling, there's no question that a wreath made from scraps would pique my interest. 
• I had no idea there were so many ways to press flowers and use them. 
• You may not think snails are cute, but these photos may change your mind. 
• I know several of you already make bead embroidery, but I haven't jumped on that train yet. Maybe one day!!
• Here's a lucky clover embroidery pattern. 
• I may not be able to make macrame, but this massive installation is so impressive!
• It took me a few days to finally get around to reading this long article on Keys to Creative Productivity, but I'm so glad I did!
• Roben-Marie shares some ideas for overcoming those moments of creative self-doubt. 
• I can't even imagine creating these tiny embroidery landscapes. I have a hard enough time working at a normal scale. 
• This playful street art is sure to make you smile. 
• I love so much of what Sadie Seasongoods makes and shares. In this post, she has a roundup of recycled paper crafts. 
• So, I have a serious love of crayons. Their smell is almost euphoric for me. So, these crayon sculptures just make me giddy!
• Check out this adorable DIY Book Pendant. There's so much to love about it. 
• I've totally got this playing card house tutorial saved for later. 
• Y'ALL! This is art that combines beads and embroidery. I'm SWOONING!
• I've only ever seen dichroic glass used in jewelry. These art installations are glorious. 
• To finish out this list is a picture of a dormouse that will absolutely make you giggle. 

Geez, that was a long list! Hopefully, there's something in there that will inspire you and keep you going this week I hope you go out there and make it a good one!

Peek at My Week (Jan 31-Feb 6)

Let me go ahead and admit that the majority of this post is just pictures of my desk and what I've been working on for #The100DayProject. 

This was Day 1. I kept it simple with some tin pieces I had already prepped for earrings. 

As I mentioned before, my project is #100DaysofMakingJewelry, and I'm not pushing myself to get anything DONE each day, I just want to work on making each day. 

On Monday, I was all about planning and executing. I was focused on getting things done. Above are the fun beads I used to work on my project and make a cute pair of earrings.

Most of Tuesday was spent working on stocking my Bead Box. Those are just some of the treasures I was considering for it. 

The week wouldn't be complete without a new picture of Artemis. Here, she was making herself comfortable in my laundry basket just as I needed it. 

I also altered some key charms with Vintaj Patinas for the Bead Box. I counted that as my project for the day.

I needed to be at my mom's most of Wednesday to take my niece to the dentist, but before I left the house, I stacked a few pretty beads together on a headpin for some earrings.

While taking the recycling to the boxes (I have to drive into town since there's no pickup in our area), I ran into the library to check out their free shelves really quick for a bit of a Thrifty Thursday.

I had to stop to admire this little tree of blooms in my front yard. It took me a bit of asking around online, but I found out that it's a Taiwan Cherry Tree. 

For that day's project, I started a necklace.

Just as we were heading to bed, our older cat, Rosalina, began sneezing blood. It was awful. It was everywhere. I didn't know what to do. We cleaned up what we could and isolated her in our bathroom to contain the mess until I could get her to the vet in the morning. Neither of us slept well because of the worry, and the bathroom was quite the scene. But, I cleaned it up and got her to the vet for treatment. Later in the day, I was finally able to focus on making.

I turned to some fun tin, but the project just didn't work out. 

In the evening, I had a video call with my Bead Soup Swap partner (Robin Reed) to open our packages to one another. Here's a peek at what she sent me.

I'm planning on getting some pictures in the next day or two to give you a better look at her amazing generosity along with what I sent to her.

We were able to release Rosalina from her confinement on Saturday morning as I didn't see any additional blood in the bathroom. She was relieved for the release and settled into one of her favorite spots in front of my dresser. 

She slept most of the day (not surprising since she hollered and rattled the doorknob all night long.)

I played around with some scraps of tin (including the pink ones that didn't work out the day before) and mother-of-pearl buttons before I needed to leave the house.

I spent the rest of the day at my mom's house. We enjoyed some King Cake. Though Mardi Gras is "canceled" this year, we can still enjoy some of the joy of it.

That was my week for the most part. 

Now, here's some inspiration for you.

• While the 100 Day Project has already started, you could still join in. Julie of Balzer Designs offers up some 100 Day Project ideas. 
• At the Beading Gem, she's shared 6 Beaded Heart Jewelry Tutorials. 
• I'm always looking for some doodle suggestions, so here are some Flower Doodles to learn. 
• Roben-Marie has a few ideas for how to successfully participate in the 100 day project. 
• I like this lovely heart and pom-pom garland for Valentine's Day. 
• This tutorial for a seashell heart sign is one I saved last year to share just in time for Valentine's Day. 
• I really want to hone my brush lettering skills, and this tutorial might be just the thing. 
• These slouching figure sculptures and their details are captivating. 

I'm hoping the week ahead is better than this past one, but I'll take it as it comes either way. Here's hoping your week is full of smiles!

Peek at My Week (Feb. 23-29)

There was an extra day in this year, and it was this past week. Did you spend it wisely? I sure hope so, ad I know I did. As the 29th (Leap Day) was the last one of this week, we'll get to it last. Let's start our peek at the beginning: Sunday.

This photo may mean nothing to you, but it's how Pat and I spent most of Sunday: out in the yard, tearing down the raised bed garden and its fencing. When we made the garden, we used untreated wood so the chemicals wouldn't seep into the soil and spoil the plants. That also meant that the wood rotted away pretty quickly. The fence also became a problem as instead of keeping nature out, it was simply a structure for the weeds to climb. When we re-do the garden, I'm hoping to use cinderblocks instead of the wood to make it withstand a little more of our weather.  We exhausted ourselves with this one task. It was an undertaking for sure!

Monday was a bit of a slower pace as I knocked out my usual planning and shopping tasks then decided to sort through my spray inks and unclog the nozzles of ones that wouldn't spray. This meant testing ALL OF THEM. But, I made some pretty paper in the process. 

Tuesday was Mardi Gras. While I usually head downtown with my mom and nieces, the nieces had other plans and it just didn't seem like a time for celebration after the last several weeks. So, I stayed home and partied at the craft desk! I began by working on my pendant for the Letters reveal for Art Elements.

I also spent a nice chunk of the morning organizing my spray inks.

See all the swatches on the tops? I spent much of Tuesday spraying round stickers to label the tops of the inks. Now, I hope to find and use my inks more often.

And, in the end, my thumb was glorious! I don't think I could have made it make that rainbow pattern if I had tried. So, I was a little fancy for Mardi Gras!

As I headed to Mobile on Wednesday to help my mom take care of some of my grandmother's things, I couldn't help but revel in the debris left behind from the Fat Tuesday celebrations in downtown Mobile.

Check out that tree with all its beads!! Don't worry, I was still stopped at the light when I took the picture and didn't put anyone in danger fiddling with my phone. 

Thursday was a beautiful but chilly day as I knocked out quite a few tasks on my to-do list.

Zoe just reveled in the sunshine!

While taking Zoe out on Friday, I couldn't help but stop and take in the azaleas that have popped. 

It was still quite chilly, but they were insisting that spring had sprung.

Pat received a shipment of t-shirts for his new recording studio.

Aren't they great!?

Leap Day Saturday was a majorly busy day.

I made sure we were fueled up for the day to come by making my first ever frittata. We LOVED it, and I will definitely be making many more!

After Pat ran to the studio to collect some of his gear, we ran by a garage sale in the neighborhood and scored a large pile of reclaimed barn wood for a steal. I can't wait for Pat to make some picture frames with it. From there, we went to Cafe Acadiana for lunch. 

I don't care what you order there, it's always good and always looks like a magazine shoot. 

We were lazy much of the rest of the afternoon as we knew we'd be out late. One of Pat's bands had a gig at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, and I decided to go too.

As they set up and had sound-check, I watched the sunset.

Then, the real show began!

Though it was windy and still chilly, it was a nice way to end the week. 

I've already packed some creativity into this week, but can't wait to continue that trend. Here's some inspiration for you to stay creative as well.

• I'm always trying to work recycled elements into my designs and have worked with old belts before. These DIY Leather Cuffs from Old Belts at Make It & Love It have a few new takes on this idea. 
• Artists Network shared this list of Art Apps that might help your work go a little more smoothly. I know I saved this list to work down it and see how I might benefit from them. 
• Stacking a few laser cut pieces can make a little Shadowbox Pendant. The Beading Gem walks you through the process. 
• While I've seen a few of these tutorials, many of them are new to me. Check out this roundup of 20 Handmade Earring Ideas. 
• Sizziz shared its list of the Top Five Benefits of Crafting. I love me a good list, and one about crafting just can't be turned away.
• You have to see these AMAZING tissue paper flower sculptures from Marianne Erikson Scott-Hansen. They are something to behold!
• If something a bit more delicate is your style, check out the impressively elaborate designs cut from a single sheet of paper from Pippa Dyrlaga. 
• Rings and Things shares a DIY  technique for combining Vintaj Patina and darkening brass blanks that I'd never considered before but will very likely be testing out soon. 
• Waste not, want not is the perfect way to think of this project from Mill Lane Studio. She saves all that excess resin and turns it into rings. It's not for beginners, but definitely worth a look!
• I have to admit that the beads and whatnot used in this Beaded Suncatcher Tutorial are not really my jam. However, the technique and idea are pretty sweet. 
• I learned so much reading through the several ways Julie created the texture for her Antiqued Heart and then added depth with her paint techniques. It came out beautifully.  

As I mentioned, I'm already off and running with the creativity this week. Make sure to check out my Instagram feed if you want to see more! I hope your week is full of sunshine and creativity too!