Creating a Memo Board- Up-cycled Silver Tray!

                                

    

I found a lovely silver tray at a yard sale but when I got it home and cleaned the dirt off it was pretty shabby. It had a great shape and detail so I scrubbed it well with fine grit steel wool being careful not to rub off any detail. Then I went to the garage to see what spray paint I had in stock. Pink Rustoleum was the perfect choice. I sprayed the tray using two light coats on the front repeating on the back a few hours later. Voila a magnetic treasure board!

                                   

   

Not all trays will be magnetic so take a small magnet with you when shopping. I use this trick when looking at costume jewelry or findings too. Brass is not magnetic and I do not buy any vintage jewelry items that test magnetic. They are steel plated and will rust. 

Take a minute to get creative today. Just a little paint can change your world!

                                  

 

Xo,

Tara

I love a Collage

  

It had been a while since I created anything. My spirit needed a creative infusion. I have gotten used to the meds and I am feeling more like myself. My head is still a little fuzzy but what the heck! I am beginning a series of collaged pieces. Some mixed media pieces of art, some jewelry and a few altered goodies. 

I will have months with very limited ability to create so I am learning a little embroidery to occupy myself when I am laid up.  I have tea towels and a few other items to embellish. Should keep me busy and out of trouble for a bit. 

Xxoo

Creativity, Pain and Possibility

                                     

   

Last Thursday I began a journey.  I had a surgery called a discogram. Without anesthesia they made a small incision in my lower back. They then inserted long needles into and around the discs of my spine from L2 through the L5SI  joint.  I begged for mercy between F bombs. The pain was intense and torturous. Thank god it was also brief.  At one point, I believe just from the pain, I stopped breathing.

The silver lining?

The mere fact that they were able to replicate my significant pain meant we could proceed with the fusing of my back in a later surgery. It is a very strange thing when good news comes in the form of pain. After the surgery they injected lidocaine into my discs and nerves. I had two glorious pain free hours!!!!

So of course my husband and I used the time to try a new lunch spot. The Carnitas Shack in San Diego- it was amazing. I had carnitas tacos and two chocolate bacon whiskey truffles. I swear I heard angels sing.  

There is a point to this story. One moment life is pain filled and miserable and the next is chocolate bacon whiskey bliss. It would be so easy to miss the bliss. I could have just gone home to bed but I would have missed the bliss. It was not really the food it was the ability to enjoy a moment with my husband. I am determined to find the moments of bliss in the next few months.

The pain has made being creative difficult. The pain meds make it hard to concentrate so I can blame any errors in this post on that most conveniently. I have tried to enjoy a book here and there. So what if I have to re-read parts. This will not be a productive period in my life and I have accepted that fact. This experience will make me stretch and grow in ways I would not choose, but will benefit from none the less. I will focus on the possibilities! Perhaps I will be truly pain free for the first time in 3 years. Maybe I will make a new friend or find a new strength.  Perhaps I will be forced to acknowledge a weakness.

The possibilities are endless! I knowing will be an adventure. I will share some or all of my journey here.

Xo

Tara