Mishaps of Mommy

Monday, November 14, 2011

From Blank Slate to Creative Overdrive! A journey from journal to mixed fiber and stitch Fashion scarf

Have you ever reached a point in which you feel that you have explored every angle of your art? That you have nothing new to add to your art? Find yourself descending into boredom with your work? I have been in that slump for the past two months. For as long as I can remember, there has not been a day that has passed in which I did not have either a hook in hand, been hypnotized by the hum of my sewing machine, or spread out a mixture of beads and baubles in front of me with a wire spool on my wrist.... at least that has been my routine until the past few months- Bam! out of nowhere came a blank board in the place my creative thoughts once were... If you have found yourself in that same place then you know how depressing it is. I felt completely listless- directionless- absent. What does one do when they find themselves in this slump?

First I scanned the web trying to find something that would throw a spark at me and maybe I could fan the flame. The spark did not come in the manner I expected, instead it came in an entirely new aspect of the creative process. I happened to stumble upon a few incredibly interesting blog that showcased art journals and altered books. I have dabbled a little with a journal or two, but can never get "into" the process- In retrospect, I think maybe I wasn't "ready". I have adhered to a very specific method of creating. I normally come across the trigger, maybe a skein of great yarn, a cool pendant, a great bead... and then I build around that ingredient. I spend a lot of my free time reading books and articles by talented artists who share their techniques. I have historically focused on the technique instead of the process of inspiration.

Well, I wasn't creating anyway, so why not open myself to a new method? I can not stress to you enough how amazingly freeing and invigorating it is to create carelessly! To let each item, scrap, piece, word, thread, etc. lead to the next- and how exciting it is to look at the completed page and wonder to yourself, "how did I end up here when I started there?" I have had so much fun with this- In fact, I am in a non stop creative state.... I can not seem to walk away from the journals once I start them. Every little trinket or scrap I come across throughout my day puts me into an anxious frenzy until I get home and can explore how it can be added- what meaning this little item can add to my page- or how this unique tidbit can take the page into an entirely new direction. This has been a journey, and each encounter gives me a new adventure. I am not "journaling" every day with my thoughts or feelings- I am not keeping within a true theme throughout the pages- instead I have been letting each page determine the idea for the next page- but, that is what is so cool about this process, there are no rules- there are not specific procedures- you can do whatever your creativity leads you to do....

And this desperately sought after spark has led to a bon fire! One of my pages focused on tree's, leaves, and my love of hiking the woods near our family rents a cabin each fall- This page opened up some gorgeous color mixtures for me and reminded me of the many different textures and layers that we encounter on our long walks in the thick woods- A blend of wines, burgundy, sage's, green's, tans, honey, browns, and more- the mixture of plants and growth made me think of blending multiple stitches and fabrics in my crochet work-

Here is what I have developed..... A mix of varied fabrics, including organza- a blend of fibers such as eyelash yarn in a sage and brown blend- these were all crocheted into a scarf utilizing 4 variations of stitches. Once I thought I was done, I realized it still needed that "pop" so I embellished the entire scarf in the scraps from the fabric strips- it is full, soft, and allows for a unique textural adventure!

What do you think?

Well, I have shared my creative adventure with you- but, now I would love to hear how you turn that spark into a flame- how do you become inspired? What brings your muse to the forefront? Have some prompts to get us in the artistic mode? Well, share them here....

Thanks for sharing your time with me today- and please feel free to comment- I look forward to your input and help in my attempt to grow and find my creative voice! Share your thoughts and experiences- we learn when we share with one another...

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Friday, August 12, 2011

Making a purse from an old book- First altered book project!

And here is what I have been working on lately.... An altered book that turned into a purse... I decided to focus myself on creating for the purpose of creating with this piece instead of attempting to direct my work towards a visualized end result, and the outcome was fantastic (I think). I had so much fun with this project and the processes involved actually engulfed me. I had a difficult time waiting for stages to dry, as I was so involved with the techniques and methods while working on this. I did not set out with an expectation of what I would create, instead I just let myself create without pressure or stress. What I started with was a Readers Digest hardback condensed book, and I new I wanted to take a stab at trying to alter it- but, I did not intend on creating a purse. Mishaps became blessings in the process and when one avenue did not work, I just allowed the work to head down a different path. I did photograph each of the steps and plan to make a tutorial in the upcoming week. I hope you like this as much as I do. I used the butterflies on the front to symbolize the flight and freedom of the project, and the bicycle represented moving forward on the path. The purse has a fabric lining and the entire exterior has been lacquered to preserve the design elements. A mixed medly of techniques and applications were used including collage, image transfers, sewing, painting, stamping and embossing (to name a few).

I hope you take a few minutes to explore the wonderful creations of others presented at the parties I plan to participate in with my purse- find them at the following:

Have you visited the Mommy Tyme Gifts blog lately? http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com Hope to see you there- eventually my goal is to have this blog moved to that spot, and put all my ideas, thoughts, marketing goals, etc. in one place to share but I have not made that leap yet! Oh, and stop by the new website at http://www.mommytyme.com and see the latest from Mommy Tyme including tutorials, new jewelry ideas, fashions, and fun gifts!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Jewelry, Accessories, Gifts

Link

Tons of new listings! Come check them out! Crochet wire fall colors jewelry and fun fashion trendy scarves and cowls!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts: I'm Back!

Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts: I'm Back!: "Wow- so,it has been a few weeks since my last post! I have really missed my weekly posting and have a ton of things I cant wait to share- I..."

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Promote yourself!

I am always trying to find the great resources out there that will help you excel in your endeavors! Well, if you are looking for a fun way to get your items seen... just pop over to Creations with a Heart! Every week she showcases some awesome items from fellow artisans! The collections are just wonderful! And if you want to grab her eye with one of your creative pieces, simply comment on the showcase she currently has up! That easy! Once your comment is posted, Creations with a Heart will explore your shop and find an exciting item to share with the world! So, stop by and take a peek... Just click the button below- and remember to tell them Mommy Tyme sent you!