What's What (Vol. 5 - June 12-28)

Alas, it seems I couldn't "stay on the ball" with these posts as I had hoped. But that's okay...it just means that there's more for me to share with you. 

What's Finished

My last post gave you a sneaky peek at June's Inspiration Trove project inspired by the prompts: slides, treasures, and clock. The link above will take you to the video of the whole, long process.

What's in Progress

Day 18 of ICAD

Index-Card-A-Day (ICAD) is in FULL SWING. As always, I'm enjoying the results of the challenge. But I almost feel like it's taking me more time to get the cards done than usual. I'm definitely overthinking it but also enjoying the fruits of this labor and the experimental nature of creating every single day.

Day 26

As well, I've been working some on Halloween pieces - though nothing is actually finished. I'm hoping to start on Christmas soon, so I'd better put a fire under my butt!

What's up next

Besides Christmas makes (ornaments & cards), I'm planning to finish up my Keep It Spicy Art Journal video today so that it should be available tomorrow. 

As well, we're prepping to have friends over for swimming on the 4th of July.

What's caught my eye

Is it any surprise that I spotted a little bag of buttons at a local antique mall? And, for only ONE DOLLAR!! I was pleasantly surprised to find so many mother-of-pearl buttons in it. 

What's had my attention

We've had a lot of rain and heat recently, so I've had my eye trained on the weather app more than usual.

But, as far as fun stuff - I finished reading The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. IT.WAS.SO.DARN.GOOD!!!

- The hubs and I just finished rewatching the second season of House of the Dragon as the third one just started. If you're unfamiliar, it's a Game of Thrones spin-off on HBO.

What's filled my cup

After it rained for something like four days straight, I came off the back porch to find that the husk of a dead bamboo tree was covered in clusters of these little mushrooms. I can't tell you how tickled I was. 

What's new

Just a few days after my last post, I took some time to re-organize and freshen my space at Hello Gallery in downtown Fairhope. I encourage you to go check out the whole shop if you're ever in the area! It's so bright and cheery. And, there are so many amazing artists displaying their beautiful works.

If you're interested in watching a week-in-my-life and seeing my face, there's a fairly new June VLOG available on YouTube.

That's it for now, I need to get to everything else on my long list.

What's new with you?

What's What (Vol. 3 - May 4-17)

It's been two weeks since my last post, but we had our staycation during the first week. Then, I spent all of last week trying to get caught up. (Not that I EVER feel caught up.) 

What's finished

Since it has been two weeks, and it rained for about half of our vacation, I did get a few things done.

This assemblage work has been in process for several weeks. It's the first in what I hope will be a series that highlights the little details of some of the ephemera in my stash. As such, this piece (available at Hello Gallery) is titled Ephemeral Treasures 1. 

Likewise, I took a bit of time last week to turn my ICADs (Index Card a Day) into greeting cards for the gallery. 

And, the May Finding the Words art journal spread for YouTube was completed. 

Those are just the bigger tasks I accomplished. There were loads of smaller ones too. 

What's in Progress

Speaking of cards, I've been working on restocking my supply of cards that get included with purchases from the Etsy Shop. That meant making masterboards and watercoloring some flowers for them. 

I can't share what's actually on my desk at the moment, though, as it's my Inspiration Trove assemblage project for the month. I should hopefully have that available to watch within the week.

What's Next?

In addition to the Inspiration Trove video, I'm hoping to have another Thrifty Thursday video up this week, list a few pieces on Etsy, work on a NEW WEBSITE, and get into my Spicy art journal. 

What's Caught My Eye?

Since we were on vacation...it's been a lot of things!

This note written in the sidewalk outside a thrift store in Milton, FL is just one of them.

I also found this abandoned birds' nest in the brambles of our property while I was doing yardwork yesterday.

What's Had My Attention?

I just started listening to/reading The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick and am really enjoying it. In fact, it's this month's book for a book club that I'm likely joining. So, that's exciting too. 

What's Inspired Me?

Our staycation was full of inspiring activities. We went to the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, MS. It was full of so much colorful inspiration!

We spent an afternoon at the beach (Orange Beach, AL). It's my favorite place to restore my soul, and I am so thankful that we live so close to the coast.

A whole day was enjoyed in Milton, Florida. First, we rode 16 miles of the Blackwater Trail on our bikes. Then we did some dining, antiquing, walking along the Blackwater River, and sampling the local brews. 

What was the Best Part of my Week(s)?

See the section above! 😜

What's New?

It's not especially new-new, but I did recently get my PaperArtsy Infusions into little organizers that I've had hanging around. I even made a whole Reel about it on YouTube. 

What's New with You?

What's What (volume 2 - April 27-May 3, 2026)

 Look at me sliding in with another week's roundup!! 

What's finished

Honestly, the biggest tasks I accomplished this past week were getting the last blog post up, updating my space at Hello Gallery, and cleaning the house.

I did get these two photos altered as part of my StitchABit100 for the 100 Day Project.

What's in progress

Here's where so much time has been spent. I've got other photos still in the process of being altered. (I'm really just trying to decide if they're done for now.)

Other stitching has been done on this scrap of fabric, to which I'm adding white buttons and additional stitches. 

I've also been keeping my hands busy with some neurographic doodling. It's been a while since I dabbled with these. But, I was absolutely pulled back in.

What's up next?

We're doing a staycation this week and started strong yesterday with grilling by the pool. Though the water is still pretty chilly. We're hoping to take the bikes out, go for a paddle on the kayaks, and maybe even spend a day on the beach. However, we may be overambitious with our time. 

What's caught my eye?

After a ton of rain this past week, I looked out my office window and spotted this beauty of a mushroom. It's as tall as my hand!

What's had my attention

Pat had several band practices and a gig this week, so I was left to my own devices (hence the doodling). I watched Practical Magic for the first time ever and rewatched Dead Poets Society (for probably the hundredth time. It's a longtime favorite that I've avoided since Robin passed away.) As well, I picked up watching Outlander from where I left off several years ago (the end of season 2).

Also, the Mastering Mixed Media Expo 2026 has started, and I've been picking my way through those videos. (Today, the Making Zen Online Retreat also starts. I'm hoping to be able to watch some of those too!!

What's Been the Best Part(s) of My Week

~We did go see Cake, though we didn't take any pictures or video (as requested by the band). It was an awesome show!

~I thrifted some buttons.

~A couple of assemblages sold at the gallery

~We celebrated Pat's birthday with a few friends while exploring Pensacola on Saturday. (It was also Kentucky Derby Day, and a mint julep was in order. And, more celebrating was done poolside on Sunday.

What's new

Can you call thrifted bits "new"? If so, I picked up a few new items that will be in an upcoming Thrifty Thursday (though, not the one  I've got scheduled for this week.)

My pressed flowers came out beautifully! I was just off to pick more yesterday when I realized that I had plenty to do before our guests arrived. Hopefully, I can make it happen this week. 

New videos on YouTube -

~Art Journal Page (Keeping it Spicy challenge)

~Create with me Handmade Bracelets

So, what's new with you?

Jewelry Trunk Show at Hello Gallery in Fairhope

I've been invited to participate in a trunk show with several other artists at Hello Gallery.

You'll find me and a variety of other jewelry makers available at Hello Gallery on Thursday, Dec. 11th, from 4-7pm. We'll be there to answer questions and chat with you about our process. Of course, you can shop all the other amazing art available in the gallery as well. 

I'll have my newest jewelry pieces in the shop so that attendees of the show will have first pick!

If you can't attend the show but want to show your support:

• Share about the trunk show with your friends.
• Shop my offerings on Etsy. (I hope to be adding more soon!)
• Follow, like, comment, watch, and/or share what I make/do on social media.
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook

And, if you can't help me out in these ways, consider supporting other artists or small businesses. Remember that when you do, there's a REAL PERSON on the other end whose day you're making!

I am sorry that I've been away from this blog for so long. I'd love to be able to promise that I'll be back real soon, and...I have hopes that I will. I suppose we shall all see!! Thanks for sticking with me. 

Finally, if I'm not back before the end of the year, I hope your holidays are fantastic -  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let's see what 2026 has in store for us. 

Latest News

My focus lately has been a bit all over the place. And, with any luck, it's not slowing down. But, I need to remember to keep y'all updated over here too! So...let's quickly recap some of the latest highlights (in no particular order).

• I did an interview with CanvasRebel recently and the article just came out. You can read it by following the link.
• I also got my name out there even more as I did a demo of some of my mixed media card-making at Hello Gallery in Fairhope during the February First Friday Artwalk (after-hours) event. 
  
  
   I'll admit that I was pretty nervous, but enjoyed myself plenty and got in the creative flow better than I expected. I do have jewelry, assemblage art, mixed media cards, and a variety of other pretties available for sale in the gallery.
• I've been very active on my CraftyHope YouTube channel. Since my last blog post, I released several vlog series as well as art journaling and thrift haul videos. Oh, and there are a couple of jewelry-related ones too! (The earrings below are one of them!)

  

  DIY Easy Toggle Ring Dangle Earrings

  
  
• I'm desperately trying to decide what I'll be working on for The 100-Day Project this year. It starts February 18th, so I best decide SOOOOOON! I've floated the idea of several different projects but am leaning more and more toward yet another assemblage project. I'd love to hear if you're joining the project and what you're going to do. 
• There's new jewelry in the CraftyHope Etsy shop for you to peruse. Here's just a peek.

Red Dagger Earrings

• If you watch my "What's in My Art Bag: Jewelry Edition" Video, you'll notice that I mentioned a new Bead Box. Hopefully, I'll have a new "stocked" post soon. But, because of the rush I was in to get packed up, I didn't get a ton of photos. So....we'll see how that goes. 

Whew, I think that's plenty for now. If there's something you're missing from me, just let me know!

My New Space at Hello Gallery in Downtown Fairhope

 I'm sure at some point I mentioned that my "word for the year" is Brave. When I initially decided on that word, I had only a few definite goals in mind for how I wanted to implement it. One of the main goals was to approach one of the artist galleries in my area to see about getting a space. And, I had one particular place in mind - Hello Gallery. Within weeks of setting that goal, I saw a post from the gallery that they were accepting new artists. So, I gathered all the bravery I could muster and sent in an application. Then, I met with the owner. She liked my stuff! So, I set to work getting things ready and moved into my space at the beginning of March, exactly a month ago!

I submitted both my jewelry and mixed media art pieces, and both were approved for the gallery. How awesome is that?

I spent several weeks creating shelves for my jewelry displays and shelf-sitting art, making new jewelry displays, and adding the finishing touches to some of the art pieces (hangers, frames, etc.) before moving into the space. 

I have to admit that my husband was a rockstar with all of this as he did the woodworking for me and cheered me on like I was a star quarterback. 

As well, having stock of art from last year's 100 Day Project (#Assemblage100) in addition to the mini assemblage pieces I'm creating this year (#MiniAssemblage100) has really helped fill the space.

I was also very fortunate to move in on the First Friday of the month, as Fairhope has a "First Friday Art Walk" each month that encourages local businesses to stay open a few extra hours for patrons to walk the streets, explore the shops, and support the art community. In addition, the yearly Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival took place downtown last month. It was nice to be in the space in time for both of these big events.

Since I've been in the space for a month now, the owner has moved almost all of my jewelry to a table at the front with some of the other jewelry artists. And, my space now mostly consists of my art pieces. Here's what it currently looks like.

I'm super excited about this opportunity and pretty proud of myself for sticking to my guns and being brave enough to take this plunge. If you happen to be in the Fairhope area (South Alabama), I encourage you to check out Hello Gallery at 18 South Section Street. In addition to my space, there are dozens of other talented local artists. AND, this Friday is Art Walk night!!

So, that's the majority of what's kept me busy the last few months. Now that I'm all set up in the Gallery, things may even out for me. But, that's just wishful thinking. There's always more to do! 

Now I want to know - what have you been busy with lately?