Dreaming of Spring

I

The supplies have been gathered and work is in full swing for Spring!! My favorite season to design wearable treasures and art.  I love the colors and motifs. Bunnies and flowers. What could be better?  

What are you working on???

Xo,

Tara

Creative Flow

These 

I am a list maker.  I keep lists of what to buy and what to make. Recently I started taking pictures as reminders. A shot of something that inspires or a design I need to remember. I am enjoying this visual to do list. Perhaps I am on to something. 

This is a shot of a pile of goodies that will become a necklace. The parts are in a bag in my studio in my box of projects. 

Found these shopping. I will go back and purchase some if I figure out what to do with them. 

These vintage ornaments got my wheels churning.  Stay tuned to see how these little snippets become items for sale at the next Glitterfest on March 15th!!! 

Xo

Tara

The Creative Habit in 15 Minutes a Day!

All too frequently life gets in the way of our creative flow. I have had some serious down time lately with no ability to create, yet I have filled a sketch book with ideas for the moment I am back in my studio. So what has kept my juices flowing? 

I realized I developed a 15 minute habit. After surgery I could only sit and do anything for a few minutes. Out of sheer boredom I started doing some simple pen and ink drawings. That led to adding a touch of color using watercolor pencils. I enjoyed it too! 

As soon as I could manage I was back in my studio. It began as a little straightening up but turned into a real creative gold mine! 

As I sorted the bits and pieces ideas popped into my head. Because I had no to do list, my mind was allowed to wander and explore the possibilities of each little metal scrap. I was in the moment and connected to the pieces that make up my inventory. 15 minutes at a time. 

Soon I found myself creating little piles to create with.  Then, by playing with all the pretties it had transformed into actual designing. 

Take inventory, play, explore and let your mind wander through the possibilities! Just 15 minutes a day escape life and enjoy your creative brain. Soon it is a habit that will serve you well. Right now that tiny 15 minute segment is the best part of my day.  It is a habit I will keep long after my bones have mended. 

Xo

Tara

Sentimental Journey

                                    

   

Recently I have been spending a lot of time reminiscing. Perhaps I have had too much time on my hands. I have slowly eased back into my studio as my recovery after lumbar fusion allows. I have been painting and designing projects I will be teaching in the Spring and beyond! 

I have also been sorting though things. I had a great rummage through my jewelry box. There were so many single rhinestone earrings and bits of rhinestone jewelry that had long ago fallen apart. In fact I found one of the earrings I wore to my prom some 30 years ago!  Of course I have found a way to give them new life!  I may just have to keep this one for a while. 

                                   

    

Fighting Or At Least Fighting Back Tears

                              

     

The last few months have been a roller coaster. In case you missed it: I had my lower back fused, developed a blood clot, threw a pulmonary embolism and finally started to get my strength back. Then came yesterday. As I headed to the Dr for my 3 month check up, I knew something was wrong. My leg hurt. That special gift only a blood clot can give. My recovery was being thrown off course again. 

The Dr at the emergency room wanted to take some drastic measures because he fears I am at thigh risk for another pulmonary embolism.  He started making the calls to arrange surgery to place another filter in my chest to catch blood clots.  Then came the worse news- I cannot have another filter placed as it is simply to dangerous. Now I have a time bomb in my femoral vein. I am taking injections to thin my blood in the hope of stopping the clot from growing. This is a battle for my life. Will I dissolve the clot without another piece breaking off and heading to my lungs? Before I had the peace of mind and the safety of the filter. Not this time. Just me versus clot. 

I cannot decide if I am scared or angry. I need to be thankful. Tonight is the memorial service for one of my high school friends. He was struck and killed in a parking lot. His daughter was there and hit too. She was not badly hurt.  I am thankful to have known Paul. He had charisma, a smile that was blinding and a wit to match.  I am thankful I am alive to fight another day. 

 

I guess I will just hold on tight and take another turn on the roller coaster. I will try and be thankful I am here for the ride.  

Time off for healing!

I have not forgotten to blog.  I have been sidelined after major surgery.  I developed a blood clot from my hip to my ankle in the left leg.  Just to keep it interesting I threw a pulmonary embolism. I am still here.  It will take more than a dried wad of blood to kill me.  Every day I am getting better.  I will be back posting fun stuff before you know it!!

My Latest Obsession

This is a picture our guest room. Recently, I redecorated so I could feature my collection of baby gowns. Some are little cotton shifts and some are actual christening gowns. I love the sweet cotton that has taken on that golden hue that comes with age. Most of my collection is pre 1930. 

I have always loved items that play with scale and these are no exception. Tiny buttons and diminutive ruffles and lace make me smile. Maybe I just want to dress Lulu and Max in them. Face it, I love all things tiny.  Dogs, perfume bottles, buttons, figurines and frozen Charlottes. 

Today I found more at a fave store and it was all I could do to muster the self control to not buy them all. I started collecting them with a project in mind. Now I cannot bare to sacrifice one to be altered. This means I just need more to choose from right?  Well that is my story and I am sticking to it!!!