So much to play with, so little time.... random thoughts

As I re-re-organize after completing a major project, I always find things I forgot I had.

Not as messy as it looks!

I found a big stock of white tissue paper that I've probably had for a long time, and decided to cover all those little boxes I saved from Christmas.  Each time someone got a small technology gift or something else with a clever box, I grabbed it and so this week was the time to either cover them, paint them, or toss them.

I decided to spray paint the tissue paper until it was soggy, then let it dry overnight.  I cut or ripped it up into pieces and using ModPodge, covered all the little boxes I could find.  For now, I just have them stacked around the studio (space is still at a premium) until I decide to use them as containers.

Even with labels, I have trouble finding things that are not in clear containers, so I'm not sure yet how I will use them.  Some will hold finished greeting cards, some will be shipped off with craft packs I am making up, and some will stay around just for decoration.



While I was on my ModPodging projects, I covered a cheap wood frame that I had bought years ago for a future project, so that I could display the photo of my little doggies, both of whom passed away from old age within the last several years.  They were my studio companions for a long time and just recently I decided to get another little friend and adopted a Mini-Aussie rescue, a 7-year-old female named Lady.  She is what is called a "velcro-dog" so she stays with me every minute.  I need that.  It gives me someone to talk to besides myself as I work.

Lady, my Mini-Aussie

With a spirit so willing...

I lost a gallon of gesso somehow.

It seems impossible, but I don't see it anywhere.

Yesterday I lost the C plate to my Cuttlebug, and while I was using it.  Still haven't found it.

Several months ago I lost my complete set of keys -- car, house -- and it was quite costly to replace that key and remote for the car.  I found the keys last week.  They were in a box under my bed where I had several folders of things saved for my art journals.

No idea how the keys got in there really, although I can surmise.  And I still need the gesso and the C plate.  I'm optimistic that at least one of them will reappear.

I wrote recently that this getting old process is wearing thin, and this is the sort of thing I'm talking about.  I still have lots of projects I want to complete while I'm still able, and I feel as though I will be able for a while yet.

I found a large square children's book at a used bookstore last week to make an art journal.  The book doesn't have many pages, it's about 12x12 and is perfect for what I want to do.  Thus, the need for
gesso to begin preparing the pages.

When this sort of thing happens, my creative urges get overrun with frustration and a feeling really close to anger which can quickly move into depression.  Then I start questioning what the heck am I trying to do here?  Do I really need to make this particular journal now?  Of course not!  But the anger comes from feeling that things are a little more out of control now.  To be using something and have it disappear, well, that happens more and more lately.  I have a lot of things going on right now, none of which would seem essential to anyone else.

My focus the past several months (has it been that long?) has been learning parchment craft, which is so relaxing and meditative.  In the evening with something on television or an audio book for company, I trace and emboss until it's time for lights out.  It feels like I've only been doing this for a month at the most, however, this is September and I see some files I downloaded in May on the topic.
This is what I mean about feeling out of control.  The time is whipping by and I am trying my best to keep up.

(During the past month too, I had a bout with a computer crypto virus which wiped out all my photographs and clip art, and believe me, there was a lot.  I got the virus off my computer, thanks to the Geek Squad at Best Buy, and thanks to Carbonite, most of the files were restored.  After that I upgraded that computer to Windows 7 from Vista, and this studio computer from 7 to Windows 10. Now I find that they are both old enough to be slowed down by these newer operating systems, and of course Best Buy would like to sell me a new desktop computer.  But really, what do I need a computer for?  Just think about it!)

I have a smart phone.  I have a tablet.  Both of those things can blog, or read Facebook funny quotes, and check Twitter to see whether a tornado is coming our way.  I can't do graphic arts or use my cutters on those things but the computers I have still work (as I am currently demonstrating.)  But because I am retired (translation: too old for anyone to hire) the desperate need for a whiz-bang computer is really just not here.  As I daily remind myself.

You see, when people say "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak," it's not always about sex.  It sometimes applies to people like me with an inborn entrepreneurial bent, and we are absolutely driven to create, or produce, or do whatever it is we can do.

Keeping busy is a good thing, at least it is for me.  But now I have to deal with all the things that go with it because of the change in my circumstances, putting it kindly.

I really do wish I could find that gesso.

Finding new ways to use old stash

People like me who work with all kinds of mixed media tend to be hoarders, and since I am in what my friend Mary calls my "twilight years" I decided this year to begin seriously de-stashing and it's amazing how much more efficiently the items I do work with can be stored.

When I moved here five years ago, things just got tossed into storage bins here and there, with no real thought to saving space.  I have kept (and accumulated more) things since then, and the chaos has contributed to my already stressful existence.  I am feeling really good now about the changes I made in the studio and the choices I am making about what to keep.

Do I really need a hundred baby food jars for paint?  Why not just a half dozen?  And those coffee cans for washing brushes, why not just one or two?  It's hard to let go of things I "might want to make something with some day," but now I'm either using them for sure, or tossing them.  Or sharing them with other artists.

In the process, I have found things I forgot about and am having fun creating a bit differently.  I'm finally enjoying monoprinting.  I'm making greeting cards, and prepping card fronts from these results.

Change is good.  Aging, not so much.  I'm slow, I'm getting a third as much done as I plan, but ideas still abound and I'm having a good time.

I will try to confine my comments about the complications of aging in my other blog, Klothospin.

Am I getting old or what??

Today is one of those days when I am ready to sell my studio -- a 12x20 Tuffshed complete with insulation, shelving, air conditioner, and over $10k worth of tools and art supplies -- all for $20,000.

The thing is, you'd have to move it.

Once in awhile I get like this.  Overwhelmed with all the things I could do out here, but wondering why I do it.  I spend at least one day a month organizing so I can go from one activity to a different one, and when I do that I find things I forgot I had.  I would say that easily 30% of my time is spent looking for things.  This has become very annoying.  Stressful.  Makes me want to scream.

Yep, this is that kind of day.

I just finished making (and dressing) about half a dozen polymer clay dolls, in several different sizes from 11" to 20".  I have some wood pieces I want to refinish, and printer's trays that I want to collage things into.  As I have worked on these other projects I have created a pile of "ephemera" for this project.  Yet I like to finish with any given project before I start a new one.

In 2014 I have done wood carving, made little houses, painted a bunch of paintings using the styles of Glenn Farquhar at Art Fusions  after downloading a few of his lessons.  Oh, and then my granddaughters used this computer and it crashed, so if I want to see those lessons again I'll have to go download them again.  Haven't done that yet.

I have accomplished a few things today.  I guess I should be satisfied with that, and go see if the Roku came today.

We Crafters are Funny if not always organized

Today in one of the many Yahoo groups I subscribe to, there was a brilliant post that I certainly could identify with... we crafters are avid shoppers!  So, with her permission, I am including her post  here.  And I couldn't have said it any better.

"Morning...

Quiet lurker here....but someone finally asked a question fit for someone who is OCD.  Here is my take on "things I learned"

1 - really,really look up what certain things do...for instance if there is only one technique you wanted to do...skip it..make sure it is a product that you can get the most versatility from. I googled and YouTube products to death before making a purchase. Even ask in groups what their opinion is if you have several options and not sure which one to get..I went through this AFTER buying my 3rd cutter!!!!! Should of asked first time around!

2 - if it's not on sale or clearance..don' t buy it LOL I really try to live by this motto!.. I really wanted a collection of distress inks..so whenever I drove by Michael's I would pop in take out my IPhone and get my coupon. Don't make trips only to save $$$..think of what the gas is costing...so it only takes a moment to pop in if you are driving by. Word of wisdom...walk in..get what you want and leave immediately. ..do not browse!!!! OK, maybe every so often but you are there to save money --NOT binge shopping.. BTW in past 2 months I have acquired about 21 ?? distress inks..it adds up.

3 - stay on top of what you have purchased. When I started I did the notebook thing...few problems on why it didn't work for me. 1- you have to have it with you!!! 2 - as I mentioned I am OCD and when I have to skip a page or something or things are not in alphabetical or numerical order it drives me nuts...OK, everyone stop laughing. I cannot control myself really LOL. I was the type back in the day when you had phone books.. I was forever replacing it since drawing a line through a name drove me nuts. I have an IPhone..which I tell you I cannot live without..I get coupons and plus I found this amazing program...if you can get it on your phone..invest! !! It is called Bento and I absolutely love it cannot live without it.. and very easy learning curve to customize the sucker!!!

I have made an inventory group for every product...basically ...and I customized what I wanted...name. .id #, photo, if it is seasonal etc.. if you want more info just email me and I will gladly take time to explain all of the wonderful benefits. But main reason I love it..I take a photo of each product..so I am in the store and want a new spellbinder (as if that never happens all the time (roflmaooo) well sometimes just not sure which one..open the app and scroll through images to see which one would compliment what I have!! Did I mention I love it! If i am shopping for more ink...scroll through images to see what colors I have! Love it Love it!!! Oh yeah, the notebook thing.. I always seem to decided I wanted more info than I originally planned...you just cannot change it easily.. I can this way though.  I love it!!

Plus, and this is the kicker: I have really really bad luck..and this did happen. Driving down the street - with my HUGE tea container..that the puppy clumsily as he is (but he's really really cute so he's allowed mercy) knocked it over and of course landed exactly on my index cards....imagine ink...paper and tea..not pretty. Oh, I used the index cards that were punched and you put them in their own 3 ring binder for them...with dividers ...this way I could move around and keep things organized and had two sides if I needed...As much as it worked better than the notebook things...it was cumbersome to me even still. But they are small and compact and easily changeable and reorganize.

4 - how I organize things to do... I started a blog for just that.. tutorials and ideas and I had them organized so that I could find things LOL there was none of my work just inspiration only. If you opt to do this..please please ask for permission before posting anyone instructions. .no matter if they are individual or not..it is their work.. making tutorials is a lot of work so please give respect of asking..and once you finish it email to them for final approval. Some might not allow..as those who work for companies as this is how they get paid and are under contract and cannot allow their work shared..they will let you know how you can handle it. Now there is Pinterest and this site was created especially for me and my OCD!! I have a number of folders and each one I first make note on name of site ( I am really big on giving credit!!) then I make a note it there for myself. I love Pinterest. Keep in mind if you haven't used it..it is very easy to go pin crazy...but don't...if you find a technique..google different tutorials and find the one you can follow...pin that one. You can make unlimited categories so kinda think out ahead of time what you want. Some of mine are...stamping. ..dies... card ideas..techniques. ..crafting out of the box for those just really cool ideas but really where do they go?   LOL...I have one for favorite blogs...places to shop..etc... so kinda think about what you want.. I even have one for altering and so many more. I look at it as my own personal online organizer. And it is sooo soo easy to do: one click and you got it.

5 - tools..the big stuff.... This is just one example but think it explains it well.. I love textures and knew that was going to be a big thing for me..so what machine to get. I googled..watched videos and asked in groups, and yes I will even call the manufactures of some products to ask specific questions if I am not 100% certain of...finally decided on a big shot..then I had to be patient for just the right sale. In the meantime I was collecting goodies to use in it (on clearance of course)..then after 4 months? I saw it...I got it 70% off with free shipping!!! Oh, you know I ordered it!!

6 - Patience...this is HUGE..I mean HUGE...don't impulse buy the latest trends..because a new one will be out soon. I try to wait for clearance..yep even on paper; it has to really really catch my eye for me to buy pads because if you look at pads, there is a lot of "junk" paper which is great for trying things...oh yeah...HUGE hint..save your ugly paper to try things out on..techniques. ..ideas.. whatever. .junk paper is perfect for that!! All the stores put paper on clearance..at about $.10 a sheet or on sale at 6/$1.00 or sometimes 8/$1.00...trust me I have huge over abundance of paper.. I have one holder just for my coordinations that I got a $.10 a sheet... I came home with a lifetime supply..the store was remodeling and needed it gone so I helped!

Where was I?  Patience...just be patient...watch sales...find good places online to buy things _ I have a number of sites that I go to because of monthly sales and coupons..and free shipping. Hey, I am one serious frugal crafter.

7 - DIY...there are a lot of products out there..and believe me I have tons and tons of supplies..but if I can do it myself...sorry but I do..such as flower soft and glimmer..shimmer or whatever you want to call the mists . LOL.These are things I can do myself so I have money to spend elsewhere LOL and I do. Trust me.

Well, sorry this was so long...didn' t intend it to be. But these are a few things I learned or just do. Good luck!!

Jackie (Elfy)
(You can find Elfy's profile on Yahoo.)