Arrrrr! I received some pirates treasure!

I have been missing for sometime now. I guess I needed to take some time off for myself. I spent the month of November in therapy 3-4 days per week. With the driving included it was about 3-4 hours per day. Seemed like a full time job at the time. It helped me tremendously though and am very glad I was able to take the time to do it. Since it was so helpful I have been able to walk without as much pain. So, I have been walking and now have started using the "ellipti-kill" too. I made some great friends through the Biggest Loser website who are very encouraging and keep me going in the right direction.

I haven't been doing too much creatively the past few months. So I needed something to nudge me back into adding a little more balance into my life. I joined a yahoo group of Mixed media artists and have signed up for two exchanges. The first exchange is an altered tin, like the altoid tins. I have never done this before but have wanted to for awhile, so like the Nike add "Just do it" came into my head and I signed up. The second is for fabric paper. I tried making this before but wasn't very happy with my results. They have generously given, those of us who are new to this technique, some instructions. I can't wait to make both of these.

I received my altered tin in the mail yesterday and I am thrilled. You are supposed to fill the tin with little odds and ends of things and have a theme for your tin and items. Sue Cox sent me the tin I received and it is amazing. I can't believe how much she managed to fit in such a little tin. Her's has a pirates theme and I received quite a treasure! Here are the pictures. The whole thing was wrapped in the large scarf.

The baggie of items was on the bottom, probably to protect the legs she added to the bottom of the tin. The baggie and the tin were inside the burlap bag tied with twine. Everything else was in the tin itself. I know I will be able to use the items she sent in future projects. Very fun exchange!

I have two different ideas for my tin and may make them both. I'll keep you informed. I have also started to make some zentangles lately. They are kind of like potato chips. You can't make just one. Fun to do when I need a little time to sit and relax. My pad for this is very tiny only about 3.5" x 5" so they are quick to make.
Have a Creative Day
Janet

"Oh, the places you'll go"

Dr Seuss was a big favorite at my house when I was little. My dad would read the stories and have these wonderful voices for all of the characters. Memories, those special little joys that pop into the mind every now and than when you least expect them to. My son received 'Oh, the places you'll go" for a graduation gift from a dear neighbor. It's about a boy starting of on a Great Journey, fresh and excited about his latest adventure. Well today we are going to take an adventure to some places I have found lately that inspire me....

Stephanie Forsyth, who is always inspiring to me, has the blog "The Fiber Nation" lately she has started adding video tutorials to her blog. This one on making angelina beads is great. I've made beads from fabric before but not angelina, so that will be fun to try. She also has a free BOM going so be sure to check it out as well.

I was recently sent a link to Janet McTavish's(Karen McTavish's mom) latest project "Peace Labyrinth." This is just an amazing project. She is trying to create a three dimensional labyrinth of quilts. People will be able to walk the labyrinth at quilt shows. You can watch a short video that tells about the project, and/or read more about it here. I think anything that shows how we are all 'more alike than different' is worthwhile.

I have been hearing a lot about zentangle recently. I don't know a great deal about it but now I am intrigued. I get an email update from a site called Chica and Jo. They have really fun ideas for parties, holidays, gifts etc. Not necessarily quilting or even sewing for that matter, but I find their ideas refreshing. Good site for things to do with kids, or for kids. They posted a photo of a 'zentangled' (is that a word?) pumpkin that you just have to see.

The last post I came across has nothing to do with quilting or sewing but is something women everywhere need to embrace. It has statistics that are frightening and we need to change this. Be sure to watch the links at the bottom of the post if you have time. They are very powerful. Mary's blog is "View from the Seat" and is a very well written post about National Fat Free Talk Week.

Have a creative day everyone
Janet