Hello to all who stop in today! Thank you for your most welcomed visit~
I spent many months ( a few years ago) posting pictures of my art work and 'rambling' on my blog; with -0- followers! And I was fine with that being the case~ I needed an outlet for my heart and thoughts; and I needed a place to share my work.
I told myself, "Even if no one follows, this will be a good experience" and it was; it is!
* Simple fold canvas covered with some white burlap, vintage (and not so vintage) laces, Maja http://majadesign.nu/ papers (April-so pretty! : ) along with white corrugated board and beads. On the right edge there is a piece of lace with elastic button-hole loops~
I've learned so many things since starting this blog, and have made some friendships I believe will last me a lifetime~ There are so many out there (YOU! : ) who have taught me so much about art, and many who have shared emotional and spiritual support that has carried my faithless little heart and my tiny wings through many a troubled waters.
*Open album with lace pocket and Battenburg lace doily pockets. White felt heart covered in vintage white buttons. Maja paper 'spools' for holding special photo's or journaling. (PS thats my moms parents : )
Reaching back into my early years of work I'm able to see I had an abundance of creative energy (though perhaps only a few friends to share it with,) and my crafting time was so limited - I remember staying up till 2 a.m. to finish things I could not get out of my head! And then have to go to work in the morning~ (I still to this day work a full-time job)
Whereas at this point in my life I have almost -0- creative energy, have a more flexible work schedule, and more friends and acquaintances to share with! Try making sense of that! : ) LOL
*sigh*
But part of life for me is learning that God gives lessons in everything~ And I want to learn; not just in one category - but in many categories! So I will continue my path as I'm lead, and if I've nothing 'new' to share - I'll keep digging up my favorite things as time (and inventory ; ) allows~ Who knows!?
*Here is a teeny mini canvas album that tucks into the right side pocket. Held with a T Holtz pin and some ribbon~ The clock is a stencil and Gesso I think.
For my 2nd album, I have a bit larger one I made a few years ago for a dear craft friend~ This one is quite "Froofy' too! ; ) [The lighting was soo poor for pics]
*White netting and vintage buttons~ Cotton tags and paper. Wedding pearl strip.
*Butterflies stamped on (T Holtz.) The photo (a copy) is edge-punched.
Much of the fabrics and laces came from my late-husbands grandmother. Actually most of it did! Except what I've picked up at sales. Some stained or unusable hankies had great lace edges to be cut off and reused~
*Quite lacy and 'froofy'!! The rossette was not made by me; but isn't it lovely? I would like to find more of those.
~And who in the world could that little girl be? hmmmm . . . . . ( I inserted copies of some family photo's just to give her reference)
(Again I ask,who is that girl?! . . . ) On the right I made a pocket from a vintage dinner napkin.
There is a piece of jewelry (necklace?) adorning the fold.
I think that is a Maja Designs photo; train conductor. Looks like I 'beaded' everything! lol
*have a beautiful day ---<3
Made these little flowers from a lace edge; running a seam through and pulling the tail string to gather it.
Well, there are 2 more blasts from my past : ) I hope you enjoyed.
I am still soaking in my Summer. How about you? Though the nites are getting quite chilly! the daytime temps are still flip-flops and Tshirt weather! : ) And that brings me joy.
Loving hugs to you,
Karen
I spent many months ( a few years ago) posting pictures of my art work and 'rambling' on my blog; with -0- followers! And I was fine with that being the case~ I needed an outlet for my heart and thoughts; and I needed a place to share my work.
I told myself, "Even if no one follows, this will be a good experience" and it was; it is!
I've learned so many things since starting this blog, and have made some friendships I believe will last me a lifetime~ There are so many out there (YOU! : ) who have taught me so much about art, and many who have shared emotional and spiritual support that has carried my faithless little heart and my tiny wings through many a troubled waters.
Reaching back into my early years of work I'm able to see I had an abundance of creative energy (though perhaps only a few friends to share it with,) and my crafting time was so limited - I remember staying up till 2 a.m. to finish things I could not get out of my head! And then have to go to work in the morning~ (I still to this day work a full-time job)
Whereas at this point in my life I have almost -0- creative energy, have a more flexible work schedule, and more friends and acquaintances to share with! Try making sense of that! : ) LOL
*sigh*
But part of life for me is learning that God gives lessons in everything~ And I want to learn; not just in one category - but in many categories! So I will continue my path as I'm lead, and if I've nothing 'new' to share - I'll keep digging up my favorite things as time (and inventory ; ) allows~ Who knows!?
For my 2nd album, I have a bit larger one I made a few years ago for a dear craft friend~ This one is quite "Froofy' too! ; ) [The lighting was soo poor for pics]
Much of the fabrics and laces came from my late-husbands grandmother. Actually most of it did! Except what I've picked up at sales. Some stained or unusable hankies had great lace edges to be cut off and reused~
~And who in the world could that little girl be? hmmmm . . . . . ( I inserted copies of some family photo's just to give her reference)
(Again I ask,who is that girl?! . . . ) On the right I made a pocket from a vintage dinner napkin.
Well, there are 2 more blasts from my past : ) I hope you enjoyed.
I am still soaking in my Summer. How about you? Though the nites are getting quite chilly! the daytime temps are still flip-flops and Tshirt weather! : ) And that brings me joy.
Loving hugs to you,
Karen
So good to hear from you Karen, and seeing your creations from the past, I hope soon you will have more energy to do some more creating, maybe you can retire soon ;) Unless you would rather have a job, I know a few people that have told me they will work until they can't anymore. I love all the beadwork on the first that cover is just gorgeous, as all your work is. I just love all the lace and those pretty flowers on your second album, so feminine!!
ReplyDeleteYes the days are still warm but at least we haven't had the heat index temps in the 100's anymore, actually we have had some nice cool weather in the evenings too! You have a good rest of your summer!
Hello there Connie! Thank you so much for stopping in and for taking time to comment~ I appreciate your kind words of support <3 Yes, I'm grateful the heat is not sweltering! anymore - but thankful the warm days are still lingering. I find myself (every year) never ready to let go : ) Blessings & hugs, Karen
ReplyDeleteDearest Karen, what a beautiful post, - your words, and your art .
ReplyDeleteThe first so adorable with the beads and bird in the middle of old laces , so beautiful,- and the other , oh my ! the richness in materials, the loveliness of old laces, and photos, and the sweeetnes of the many pockets , hiding a lot of beauty.
I hope dear friend, that you can go on finding the joy of creating, and how one is taken away from here and now, in the process of sewing and doing .
Blessings and hugs to you . Dorthe
Hello my friend and thank you for your visit and kind words to me! You are so dear~ I am doing a few little things and finding joy! Blessings and I'll write soon~ Karen
DeleteThis is stunning~you are such a talent :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for peeking in Connie! You are a huge inspiration to all of us~ Hugs, Karen
DeleteDear Karen, I am so appreciative of these repeat posts as our paths had not crossed back then, like you my blog(s) where back then just for me to share and document the ideas that just kept on rolling. Now time eats away at creativity which can be so frustrating as hours are limited to visit like minded friends who share what they have been up to.
ReplyDeleteYour mini albums are so sweet, with their intricate pockets highly embellished. I adore all the personal pieces you added, what a handy way of keeping them all together. Stunning way to display and remind yourself just how talented you are..
Time will reward you once again, just try not to be so hard on yourself. We true bloggers understand that life has many purposes and know what an honour it is when you get a moment to share a little piece of creativity with us all..
Take good care of yourself, sending creative hugs your way Tracey xx
Oh dear Tracey thank you for stopping in! I appreciate your sweet encouraging words~ Yes we are all busy~ It is sometimes a matter of choosing between being on the PC looking; or at the craft table 'doing'! Well, we do the best with the time we have (and if there is inspiration & mojo ;) and hopefully it is enough to bring us joy~ Wishing you a great week-end and happy weather too! We are still warm & mostly sunny days here in Montana, USA - but the nites are getting very chilly! Hugs, Karen
ReplyDeleteDearest friend, it is a delight to see your art - new or old - it bring so much joy to my heart! And isn't it funny how life goes? Things don't always line up in neat ways, and sometimes the timing just shakes everything up! But I will happily enjoy and admire this beautiful inventory as long as you're willing to share! Sending so many hugs your way! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you my kind friend! You're a peach Ivana; I have been so blessed to spend many years in blogland and blog friendship with you : ) My lack of creative 'mojo', along with blogging, being on IGram & SB.com (oh yes, and my full-time job) has stretched me too thin I think! lol I'm rethinking things~ When it is no longer a Joy, it's time to evaluate! Thanks for everything and see you (out there : ) soon~ Hugs, Karen
DeleteHi Karen! Sorry it's taken so long for me to visit but life has been a bit of a challenge lately. Anyhow, I'm glad I'm here now because I adore your 'froofy' (love that word! LOL!) fabric journals. Both are simply gorgeous!! I love the richness of the fabrics and lace and you have added such lovely details on the inside. The cute little rosette, the little piece of necklace, each detail is just delightful and makes for such a precious gift. I cannot pick a fave because I love them both. I am really happy that you are revisiting some of your earlier makes because it shows just how beautifully creative you are even though the mojo may have deserted you for now. I am sure it will return when it's ready. Hope you have a wonderful week! hugs from Aus xx
ReplyDeleteOh Marg I'm glad to have your visit at any time! I (too) am finding it a challenge to get blog visiting fitted into my schedule sometimes~ I'm so glad you liked the fabric albums; they are a few of my favorites~ [Back then it just seemed like creativity flowed!] But life is continually changing; sometimes fast and sometimes slow~ So I'll do what works and trust God has my very best in mind : ) Many hugs to you my Aus friend~ Karen
DeletePS Are you having Spring yet? I get mixed up - guess I can google that! lol PSS! I was watching an antiques auction show and they took us around several parts of Australia, it was sooo exciting and beautiful!
Beautiful!
ReplyDelete<3Rebecca
What a thrill Rebecca! Thanks so much for taking time to peek in~ Blessings to you, Karen
DeleteWhat a wonderful post. Not just because of the "froofy" treasures - a word which I think entirely undersells their frothy, lacy, vintage, feminine appeal! - but also so interesting to read. I adore the little canvas album tucked into the pocket of the first wallet, and being able to turn the pages of the second album with you and see all the delights and details on every side was a real treat. The tiny scrap of calico with "Have a beautiful day" stamped has such delightful, playful simplicity amidst all the ornate and exquisite vintage laces and doilies. Amazing. I'm not sure I could have borne to give it away... well, okay, maybe to a VERY dear friend!!
ReplyDeleteI identify so strongly with all you say about the shifts in creative energy and certainly in the relationship with blog readers. I find it very sad at the moment how people are shifting away to Instagram and FB to share their work. It seems to me a far less deep relationship just to leave a quick "like" on a photo, rather than to read somebody's thoughts on a blog and then be able to share your own in return. But then I've always been just as much about the words as the pictures.
And how well I remember those night-time crafting sessions early on as I was discovering this whole new medium of expression... how an idea would demand instant attention, probably because I was worried it would vanish otherwise. These days, I think I trust that inspiration and my ability to put it into practice a little more, so although I'll sometimes jot it down in a notebook if it occurs to me at 2am, I won't feel impelled to run immediately to the craft table to make it happen!
In any case, thank you for stopping by and leaving your lovely comment, thereby nudging me into a return visit. I'm just as culpable in the whole lack of blog-visiting energy as anyone else at the moment... my time always seems to be taken up with something or other - but it's always so lovely when one does have time to reconnect.
Alison xx
Dear Alison, 9-10-19 hope this is not a duplicate?!
DeleteI just spent the longest time crafting a thank you for your visit- and I was also going on and on about the ideals of blogging vs IGram & FB - - - and then it disappeared! WHAT!? Into cyber thin air. So it must be better left unsaid! I appreciate your comments of encouragement and you taking time to share your words from the heart. It means so much~ Wishing you goodness all week! Hugs to you, Karen