Getting Back in the Creative Saddle.

I have my favorite blogs I like to follow and savour the designs
from so many great individual artist. I study the way they piece
affects together and the dimensions of their thoughts when applied
to the medium of their choice.  I also find getting back in the saddle to
my own personal fashion of creating is often frought with the need
for time and the space to evolve my ideas. Yes, my craft supplies
are all over the house but neatly tucked into their niches. Is my boyfriend
always happy about that no! But I try to balance the lack of space
with the idea that we are going to expand my need for a studio out
into the garage eventually! Once his corvette sells.

I love all things vintage and love to rummage through thrift stores
looking for elements that piece fabrics of history into the now.
I love the treasures of old family photos and my Italian history
from my hometown in its early days. I find creating always pulls
me into a fuller and better place amongst the stresses of my days.
Like anyone who is working at developing their name and craft
it all takes time and hardwork. So if your ever feeling torn don't
give up your dream or your ambition. Everything has its hours
and day.

Enjoy the Journey!
Jan

For Vintage Stamping Challenge: Challenge #17 - It's A Man Thing'

Won Highly Desirable:

I had a small clipboard that I had collage in Seven Gypsie Paris paper.
I went around the edges of the clipboard with Black Soot Dabber.
I have a piece of Vintage Script Paper for the initial bottom layer.
This piece has altogether has four layers.

I used a piece of Marion Smiths Garment District paper for the bottom layer.
Then I took a piece of corragated cardboard and distressed it with Gesso
Along the edges.
I added a small playing card behind my Great Grandfathers Picture and distressed
The edges with Vintage Photo Distress ink pad.
I took a rub on to the left side of the picture and applied the look
Of stitching to the left.

The key is from Tim Holtz and reads, Dream
My Great Grandfathers photo is printed out on Matte Photo Paper.
I sewed the border around the picture in black thread.
The brad on the picture reads, Journey.
I distressed the clipboard clip in Alcohol Inks: SnowCap & Stream.
Then I added the crown also from Tim Holtz.
The metal flower I distressed with Alcohol Inks as well,
And turned up the edges. I added a small piece of jute string.
The ticket is from Tim Holtz, and the hat I cut out
From Marion Smith paper. There is also a small beige stitch
on the ticket.

I added a Tim Holtz tiny gear.
And jute ribbon across the bottom of the picture.
The four corners pieces are decorated from 7gypsies.
I distressed them with Gesso.
The number 5 clip is random.
I added a small time piece for the time period.
I also added a small rusted heart and safety pin to the piece for rustic affect.

Thank you for stopping by!
Enjoy the journey!

Jan

Savoring the Moments...

Scrapbooking/mixed media is about savoring the moments. Or better yet perserving the moments. Honoring the quality of the past for future generations. It seems so much of the simplicity of times gone by has become so buried beneath the age of technology. We literally swirl through the days and nights heeding to a schedule with eyes half closed and hearts half full. When I started this post it was in late December and now here it is the first day of Febuary.  I felt really burnt out on everything related to creating after doing so much prep work for a Holiday Craft show I participated in prior to Christmas.  It wasn't until today that I actually did some work mix media work to try and get myself connected a bit to the process and inklings that are stirring within. It is easy for the demands of the day, family to take over.

I made this piece with an old photo of my grandmother sitting in the far left corner in the rear with the stocking cap on as a piece for the craft fair, but then my mom saw it and I gave it to my dad. This picture was taken up in Tahoe obviously during the forties. I put Tim Holtz frosty film over it and it made the period even more inviting for this picture.  The star was a tin star I had boughten in a close out sale and I ended up using alcohol inks on it to give it some color and splash.  I painted the background with a candy apple red spray paint. They eye glass is from Seven Gypsies.