Patina Day!

After days of soldering work I always love patina day! This is when your designs come alive with color and shading. 

The silver pops against the rusty verdigris patina. 

Bunny house. 

Cupid's arrow. 

Love these sweet Victorian hands. Ready for their jewels.  These pieces are all in progress and will get another layer or two of color. Such fun. Next batch of shabby cream finish pieces are on deck. 

Valentine Heart Swap

This is the heart I created for a swap. I hand stamped fabric with music notes, added bling, lace, flowers, ribbons, tulle, mother of pearl heart button, flowers and lovely fabric from French General. I made 12 for the gals and I came home with 12 beautiful hearts. I will make a banner to hang in my studio. They are too pretty to just see once a year!  

Of course the packaging is just as important as the creation so I bagged my hearts up with a packet of flower seeds and some conversation hearts. 

Then I popped these in craft bags decorated with a heart doily, lace, a paper flower and a few vintage charms from my stash. 

Then off to swap!

One heart banner coming right up. More on that later. 

XO

Introspection is scary!

     

Recently I was asked to telll the world how art saved me. I was really honored that Jenny Doh would ask me to be a guest curator on her website Crescendoh.com. It was a chance to share my favorite blogs and have my own sites featured- such a thrill. 

Then I had to actually put my story down on paper.  That was far tougher than I imagined. Was I telling too much, too little, would others ( ok I'm talking about my Mom) react badly?  I struggled with this for a few weeks until I just decided to tell my story without second guessing myself. Whew! 

I hope you will hop over to Crescendoh.com and read my story and visit some of the blogs I love. If you are not familiar with this site explore it all! Jenny Doh has created a community for artists of all types. There are classes both online and in her studio with really talented and amazing teachers. 

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.