CraftyHope

Peek at My Week (Nov 7-13)

It's been one of those weeks that stretched out before me with opportunity and inspiration. I'm not sure if that's because I began The Artist's Way* (TAW) or because of the time change or if there are some other factors at play. But, I tried to take advantage of it as much as I could. Take a peek.

Sunday began early with the added hour because of Daylight Savings. The temperature had dropped dramatically as well. It felt more like winter than fall. Though, the leaves disagree. I began my first week of TAW ready to find inspiration.

I spent the day on a variety of tasks, including working on The Magpie's Nest Workshop from Aimee Bishop.

I wasn't loving those magpies, but they've grown on me as I've accepted them as they are.

Monday was full of surprises.

This photo was taken on Monday, but only as a representation of the actual dead mouse that I discovered when I woke up that morning. I'm relieved to have the cats because I had no idea we had a mouse!

While working on a project, I encountered another surprise as I flipped open a recently-acquired vintage dictionary.

I just happened to open the book to the exact pages where this photo had been nestled for who knows how long. I was super excited!

Though I felt like nothing was getting accomplished that afternoon, I was able to copper-foil a few items for my soldering session on Tuesday morning.

I wish I had soldered a wider variety of pieces but was relieved to have this batch done.

In the afternoon, I took myself on an "artist's date" along the shores of Mobile Bay.

I worked most of the day on Wednesday on a project for a friend. But, then treated myself (and my family) to the baking of my favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

I stayed home all day Thursday and put my nose to the grindstone to work on a few ideas. I got to break out my heavy-duty tools, and that's always fun.

Though I have loads of cardinals at my birdfeeders, the brightness of this one especially caught my eye Friday morning (sorry for the blur, I was zooming in.)

Not long afterward, I ran out to the post office and then felt the pull to do a little thrifting.

This is the bulk of what I brought home (there were a few other items I had already put away.) Now, I NEED to begin actually making something from them!

Saturday was a bit of an odd day as our Bama football game was early, and I had plans in the afternoon with a friend. So, I busted out a few chores and a little art-time before kickoff.

After the game, I broke down one of my tins before heading out to meet my friend for a little time at Super Second Saturday at Southern Antiques and Accents and dinner together.

It was a full and fun week. I'm looking forward to seeing what the week ahead holds. But first, here's some of the inspiration I found.

DIY these lovely Autumn Leaves Earrings from Halcraft.
Fiber-based wall-hangings
Land art that gets wiped away by the ocean
Christmas Tree Earrings from Fire Mountain Gems
The Cathedral of Junk (in Texas)

How was your week?

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thrifty Thursday - October Thrifty Haul

I've had a lot more luck with my thrifting as of late, especially since I started receiving emails from EstateSales.net. They send me almost daily notifications of sales in my area. And, most have pictures of what can be found at each sale, so I can decide whether or not it's worth it. This isn't an advertisement for them, but I thought I would mention it in case you've been looking for some thrift opportunities. In any case, I picked up a few things in October.

The best stuff came from a monthly estate sale at a local antique store.

I'm really enjoying those sales!

Here's a look at everything I picked up this month in my October Thrifty Haul.

Have you found any treasures lately?

November Challenges and Inspiration

The cupboard is looking a little bare in terms of inspiration and challenges this month. But, I would feel neglectful if I didn't share a list (even as short as it is) with you.

The first and main challenge for this list is the Art Elements November Theme Challenge: Gourd. Sue has included a fabulous Pinterest board in the post to help inspire you. Remember that this challenge is open to ANY medium and submissions are posted in the Art Elements Community on Facebook at any time throughout the month.
The inspiration for the October Honey Do List from Sarajo on SJ Designs Jewelry is still available. The reveal date was set for Nov. 8, and Sarajo usually leaves the linky tool open for several weeks. So, have at it! (I need to!!)

And...alas...that's it for the online inspiration I've found (other than the monthly challenges from private groups). I will say that I'm finding my own inspiration in that I just started reading The Artist's Way*. It's helping to spur me forward in my creative journey. As well, the month of November is often regarded as a month of gratitude. Perhaps you want to spend some time counting your blessings, as I know so many do, and find inspiration in that exercise.

If you know of ANY other challenges or inspirations I have missed and could add to this list, please just leave me a comment. I would love to be further inspired. Whether you use this list or not, I hope you find your creative muse (or rather she finds you.) Best wishes for a creative month!!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Peek at My Weeks (Oct. 24-Nov. 6)

How fun is this two-week peek? It begins with my birthday!

My main request for my day was that I didn't have to cook. So, Pat ran out for breakfast and picked up my choice of doughnuts!

Secondly, I wanted to go to the beach. It was an overcast and dreary day (which fit my mood), but we headed to The Gulf for lunch and drinks.

I enjoyed a mojito with my meal of filet mignon and crabcakes while looking out over the Gulf of Mexico. It was all SO GOOD!

Usually, I spend my birthday out shopping, but I saved that for Monday. This meant to Tuesday was consumed with catching up on chores and errands. I did stop long enough to take a gander at this little guy.

Wednesday was spent busting out a few more overdue tasks like taking pictures of products and for videos. I was relieved to get that done. I even began tackling the last jewelry project in my Bead Box. Hopefully, I'll have that reveal for you in the next several weeks.

As I sat out on the porch on Thursday morning, I enjoyed my visit from a furry neighbor.

I took care of a few tasks before heading out for a little shopping, a visit with my mom, and a meeting. It was a busier day than I even remembered.

After getting the house cleaned, I puttered around the craft room and spotted this tiny moth in the window. (No worries, he was escorted outside later.)

I also eked in a little gelli-printing fun.

I spent a huge chunk of Saturday working on some of the steps for the Magpie's Nest Workshop from Aimee Bishop.

And, I did clean all that up before a couple of friends came over to watch football. Then, I pulled it all out again Sunday morning!

Sunday afternoon was spent with my mom and a visiting cousin. Then, I handed out candy for Halloween at my mom's house.

Most of Monday was consumed with announcing the winner of my giveaway and getting the new Variety Paper Packs in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop.

After all that excitement, I let myself walk around the property a little. The bees on the loquat trees always soothe me.

I got my errands and chores managed on Tuesday but felt a little lost creatively. My copy of The Artist's Way came in (a birthday gift card purchase for myself), and I spent some time reading it. It seemed to help!

Though, I'm not exactly sure what happened to Wednesday. I took care of a few things but didn't accomplish much.

On Thursday. I spent almost the entirety of the day thrifting. There were three estate sales and a thrift store involved. And, I racked up!

I would have loved to have spent more time at the last sale. It was the home of a local artist. But, there were so many people there and so many inspiring pieces that I became overwhelmed. I did get a few tools and some wire, though.

After all that inspiration, I was able to focus a little more on Friday. I finished a few pieces that I'm donating for a silent auction fundraiser for a friend's friend.

And, after some housecleaning on Saturday (it HAD to be done) and an inspiring video from Tiffany of Southern Gals Designs, I began folding folios for a new junk journal.

A friend came over for the Alabama football game in the evening. It was INTENSE, but we won!! And, I got a little silly with my glasses and Zoe's tail.

And that was my last two weeks. Today will start my real journey with The Artist's Way. So, we'll see how that goes.

Here's some of the inspiration I've found and shared.

Free Halloween SVG Files
Louisa May Alcott quotes for inspiration
Autumn Leaf DIY Pillow (upcycled denim)
Famous Painting recreations from Everyday objects
Check out these Raw Wool Bust Sculptures
An Artists Guide to Different Types of Pens

How's life treating you?

Art Journaling Videos from October

I always like to have one post each month that links over to each of my Art Journaling YouTube videos from the previous month, just in case you missed any of them. If you click on any of the pictures and/or captions below, you will be taken to the video.

The majority of these videos were related to Index Card a Day (ICAD). But, later in the month, I finished those up and shared a few other mixed media art videos.

Art Journal Flip-Through - Dylusions Journal

Art Journal Page: I was left unsupervised

Spooky Season Assemblage for You, Me, Same 3 October

And, that was all of October. If you want to see more of my old videos or any of the new ones in a timely manner, make sure you're subscribed to the CraftyHope YouTube Channel. You can also click the bell to get notifications when I post new videos.

I hope you've found some inspiration here!

10 Ways to Use Old Paper (for Mixed Media Art and Jewelry)

Over in the Etsy Shop, I'm now offering a Variety Paper Pack that includes 50+ pieces of old paper. The pack is mostly from vintage books, but there are also handwritten items, yearbook pages, envelopes, cards, receipts, altered papers, and more. Having a variety of papers like this means that you don't have to go out and search for the items individually and then have to store stacks of books and papers. If you're looking for ways to use these papers, I've made a quick list.

1. Collage

Tear up the papers and glue them down. Almost all the ICADs and art journal pages I make begin with a bit of collage. All you need is some paper and a glue stick.

2. Make a Junk Journal

Using some simple bookbinding techniques, you can fold and tie the old papers together to create your own junk journal like the one I made in this video.

3. Use in Bezels

Old papers make a great backer inside bezels. You can layer marks, inks, and stickers then top them with UV resin to create a unique charm for jewelry or a decoration on your journal.

4. Cut out sentiments

Find words and phrases within the old pages that speak to you. Cut them out, and use them on your art journal pages or in your mixed media art.

5. Draw neurographic doodles

I've become obsessed with this type of doodling that involves making random shapes and lines on a page then rounding the intersections. Several of my ICADs included it on them. It looks just as great on old book pages as on plain drawing paper.

6. Make Earring Cards

I like to make my own jewelry backers using thin cardboard (fished from the recycling) and old dictionary pages.

7. Use yearbook photos as focal images

This is pretty self-explanatory. My paper packs have a couple of yearbook pages in them. And, the pictures on those pages are great as focal images in your art.

8. Create soldered bubbles

I like to use glass pebbles (like you find in the floral section of craft and dollar stores) to create small soldered charms using glue, paper, and solder supplies.

9. Paint or draw

Create your own focal images right on the old paper using a pen or watercolors. I often like to put down a thin layer of gesso first. This gives a nice surface but still allows the original words/images to peek through.

10. Create jar labels

Cut words or numbers from the pages and use Mod Podge to glue them onto little jars to make a label for them. In my recent Spooky Season Assemblage, I used the page number from a dictionary page as the label for a tiny jar containing a weed. It worked beautifully.

Here's a quick video of these 10 Ways to Use Old Paper if you'd like to watch that as well.

I'll likely have a list of 10 MORE ways to use old paper before too long. Let me know how you would use one of these variety paper packs. I'm sure there are many ways I haven't even considered yet.