Just B R E A T H E

Lately life has been coming at me hard and fast...and that is not necessarily a bad thing but it could be overwhelming at times.  I want a lot out of my life so I work hard, sometimes harder than I should perhaps but that's okay with me.  It's funny though how hard work may not seem to be paying off then wham!  Opportunities open up and you are swamped and even a little confused as to what direction to go in.  In times like that I am learning to B R E A T H E, and just take it all in before I make decisions...  

This weekend was really a blur of activity and decision making so I made myself slow down and create something, anything.  For me, creating is therapeutic, I think so much better/clearer when I am crafting...maybe because I am more relaxed and feeling zero pressure, who knows.  Whatever it is though, it works for me. 

 Here are two weekends worth of therapeutic crafting.  I hate to say it but "two birds with one stones comes to mind".  Have a fabulous day!

CHERIO!

Done And Done!

http://static.tmag.tas.gov.au/tayenebe/workshops/bicheno.html

A few weeks ago in my post Are You Ready For This! I shared with you how I had won the opportunity to showcase some of my work in a design challenge.  I had entered the contest on a whim so when I got confirmation that I had made the cut I was really surprised and so excited.

The challenge was to create original pieces/Art from indigenous plant fibers.  I did just that with palm leaves, sisal, burlap and hemp.  I also accented my pieces with feathers, shells and seeds.

Well, today I am happy to report that my work is completed and presently being viewed in the prestigious New Providence Art gallery in Nassau, Bahamas. It has come a long way from this conceptual sketch.  Many thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement.  It means a lot to me.

Hmmmm, I wonder what I should I do next............

Cherio!

Upcycling - Turn Your Trash Into Treasure!

Welcome to my latest obsession.....I made these two necklaces from recycled vintage beads, chain and exotic seeds. 

Lately I've become really fascinated with upcycling.   I especially enjoy making new and 

interesting pieces from vintage jewelry "odds and ends" and interesting fabrics from old 

 clothing.  Just thinking of the stuff I can create makes me all happy and bubbly inside.  It is so much fun!!!!...and it is also very relaxing.  Who wouldn't want that? 

But what is UPCYCLING? 

The term "upcycled" refers to vintage items that have been either re-done, re- 

made, re-vamped, or re-purposed.  An "upcycled" piece includes one or more 

vintage elements. Some upcycled items contain 100% vintage materials that have been combined or re-done. Others may have 1 or 2 vintage elements that have been re-vamped with new pieces.  

  

Upcycling is eco-friendly. It allows us to recycle and re-use.....to make something gorgeous 

from odd pieces, broken jewelry, and bit and pieces that are useless or invaluable by 

themselves.  

Two weeks ago I ordered six pounds of assorted broken/mismatched vintage jewelry on Ebay.  (Cost me $16.00)  I had read up on upcycling so I knew that this would be perfect to make lots of beautiful original accessories.  I was not disappointed!  Look at this, I know it looks like a heap of junk but there are so many nice pieces and opportunities for greatness in this pile......I'm serious. 

I made this cute little hair comb from a broken clip-on earring. Not bad for a piece that was headed to the trash can.

 And yet another broken earring became the perfect centerpiece for my new handmade hair 

band. Perfect! 

The hair accessories below were made from pieces of vintage fabric and elements from broken jewelry.  I made flowers from the fabric which with the help of my trusty glue gun, was a snap!  Check out the easy flower tutorial here. 

And finally the Pièce de résistance.... this vase I made from recycled vintage magazine 

paper. It's my favorite piece so far.

As I said in a older post, I switch into hyper craft mode whenever I have something 

traumatic going on in my life. Lol, as you can see, the crafts keep-a-comin!  Good new

though, my dad's condition has stabilized and he is doing much better.  Thanks to all of you 

for your encouragement and prayers.  God bless you! 

Cherio! 

Easy Breezy Eco Chic Jewelry!

I am passionate about a lot of things in the Arts but I have to say making jewelry from natural materials really gets me going.  My imagination goes into over drive every time I see a seed or a pod.  Friends and family bring me all kinds of different seeds and you'd swear they gave me the Hope diamond by the reaction it gets.  Lol, such is my love for this stuff.  Now having said that, I think I should show you a few of the pieces I designed from said seeds and other natural materials.  I am constantly integrating new ideas and elements into my design so who knows what I will think of next......