She Said Create!

Summer is in full swing here in middle Tennessee and NOW I remember why I want to move! Hot, humid, storms, bugs...need I say more. Oh well, Fall will soon be here and all will be well in my world once more....

But in the meantime, I'm preparing for two upcoming shows for Fall and Christmas that I'm excited about! I love doing shows because I not only get to sell my art to people who appreciate it, but I also get to meet other vendors that are so nice. It's really fun! I may be adding a third show somewhere in between but we'll see because that means you have to have an awful lot of stuff made and right now I've got a little glitch in the process.

A few weeks ago we came upon 4 stray tiny, tiny kittens that were dumped in the bushes down the road from us. Sad I know. They were wet from the rain, shivering, and shaking in the road so we picked them up and are caring for them. In my house. In my craft room. They've since perked up and are tearing around, into everything and well, being kittens. Adorable.

So I've had to relocate my work area. And it's not working. Hmmm...not much area to choose from to set up in this small house. Tried the 3rd bedroom, not working. Dining room? Maybe. Better get it figured out really quick cause I've got to get to making things!
What will I be making? Monster dolls, maybe some voodoo dolls too. Lots and lots of painted items. Some clay sculptures. Maybe some stitchings. And jewelry. Yes I know, I have a love/hate relationship with it but I really do like making it! LOL! I get fueled and inspired by other jewelry artisans and it gets my own creativity flowing.

Back to my craft area. Oh how I wish I just had ONE BIG craft studio! I've just GOT to figure this out!

A shed turned into craft room? Like it!

She shed craft room

LOVE!

Wow, that'd be amazing!

This could work....

I may have to settle with just working on my dining room table for awhile. Sigh............

Something Unique from Salem's Charms

By now you all know about my other Etsy store "Salem's Charms" right? If you want to check it out, just click on the store name and you'll go right there. Anyway, it's just all about jewelry; metal stamped, beads, and my new favorite, fabric cuffs! 

I've been working on Salem's Charms for several months now, getting it up and running, trying to create as many pieces as I can while still painting and stitching for my first shop "By Way of Salem".  Yep, I've been busy! And I'm afraid through the holidays, my new jewelry biz has taken a back seat to BWOS while I've been filling orders for Christmas. Now that the season is over, I'm back at creating for Salem's Charms and have some really neat things in the works.

I wanted to share my newest fabric cuff with you. I just finished it and I love it! It's very raw. Lots of stitches and threads showing. Layers of fabrics are pieced together, hand stitched and embroidered and then topped off with my copper stamped tag that says "Kindred Spirit". Perfect for pairing with a sweater and jeans! Kind of has that "gypsy" feel don't you think? 

 

 

Summer Ramblings

Hi everyone!
I hope you're having a great fun-filled summer!  The storms are here in TN and have been off and on for about a month now, fluctuating between thunder and lightening or just plain ol' rain. Admittedly, a thunderstorm here makes me more nervous than one from the northwest because it can turn into a tornado, but luckily that hasn't happened. Keeping my fingers crossed it remains that way.

My summer has been very busy. We've been working on painting our house which is a slow process due to the daily uncertainty of what the weather is going to do. I did however pick out a gorgeous color, inspired by the beach and am loving how it looks so far on the porch! I've trimmed it with new white shutters and it just looks like such a happy little beach cottage now. I'm going to paint the new front door a bright coral which I think will look beautiful! Very pleased! Now if I could just finish it.... to be continued.

Crafting and creating has been slow. I've been rearranging my studio, adding more lighting and storage etc., and have a new work table coming soon. The creative wheels have been turning nonetheless and I have some great things planned. You know how last year I ventured into jewelry making and wasn't sure how I felt about it? Well I've decided I like it! So this year I've taken some more classes and decided to do a lot more of it, with a new element. I can't say much more right now, but I'll be starting some projects shortly and of course will post pictures. Excited about it!

Ok, back to the house...let's see. We took down the wire shelving in the laundry room and added fresh white cabinets for better storage. I've also dug up the front small garden area and added flagstone pavers, several lavender plants and a couple small, lacy-type shrubs, a turquoise glowing light and a shabby chic birdbath. Progress..slow and steady...

How's your summer going?