Peek at My Week (Feb. 23-29)

There was an extra day in this year, and it was this past week. Did you spend it wisely? I sure hope so, ad I know I did. As the 29th (Leap Day) was the last one of this week, we'll get to it last. Let's start our peek at the beginning: Sunday.

This photo may mean nothing to you, but it's how Pat and I spent most of Sunday: out in the yard, tearing down the raised bed garden and its fencing. When we made the garden, we used untreated wood so the chemicals wouldn't seep into the soil and spoil the plants. That also meant that the wood rotted away pretty quickly. The fence also became a problem as instead of keeping nature out, it was simply a structure for the weeds to climb. When we re-do the garden, I'm hoping to use cinderblocks instead of the wood to make it withstand a little more of our weather.  We exhausted ourselves with this one task. It was an undertaking for sure!

Monday was a bit of a slower pace as I knocked out my usual planning and shopping tasks then decided to sort through my spray inks and unclog the nozzles of ones that wouldn't spray. This meant testing ALL OF THEM. But, I made some pretty paper in the process. 

Tuesday was Mardi Gras. While I usually head downtown with my mom and nieces, the nieces had other plans and it just didn't seem like a time for celebration after the last several weeks. So, I stayed home and partied at the craft desk! I began by working on my pendant for the Letters reveal for Art Elements.

I also spent a nice chunk of the morning organizing my spray inks.

See all the swatches on the tops? I spent much of Tuesday spraying round stickers to label the tops of the inks. Now, I hope to find and use my inks more often.

And, in the end, my thumb was glorious! I don't think I could have made it make that rainbow pattern if I had tried. So, I was a little fancy for Mardi Gras!

As I headed to Mobile on Wednesday to help my mom take care of some of my grandmother's things, I couldn't help but revel in the debris left behind from the Fat Tuesday celebrations in downtown Mobile.

Check out that tree with all its beads!! Don't worry, I was still stopped at the light when I took the picture and didn't put anyone in danger fiddling with my phone. 

Thursday was a beautiful but chilly day as I knocked out quite a few tasks on my to-do list.

Zoe just reveled in the sunshine!

While taking Zoe out on Friday, I couldn't help but stop and take in the azaleas that have popped. 

It was still quite chilly, but they were insisting that spring had sprung.

Pat received a shipment of t-shirts for his new recording studio.

Aren't they great!?

Leap Day Saturday was a majorly busy day.

I made sure we were fueled up for the day to come by making my first ever frittata. We LOVED it, and I will definitely be making many more!

After Pat ran to the studio to collect some of his gear, we ran by a garage sale in the neighborhood and scored a large pile of reclaimed barn wood for a steal. I can't wait for Pat to make some picture frames with it. From there, we went to Cafe Acadiana for lunch. 

I don't care what you order there, it's always good and always looks like a magazine shoot. 

We were lazy much of the rest of the afternoon as we knew we'd be out late. One of Pat's bands had a gig at The Hangout in Gulf Shores, and I decided to go too.

As they set up and had sound-check, I watched the sunset.

Then, the real show began!

Though it was windy and still chilly, it was a nice way to end the week. 

I've already packed some creativity into this week, but can't wait to continue that trend. Here's some inspiration for you to stay creative as well.

• I'm always trying to work recycled elements into my designs and have worked with old belts before. These DIY Leather Cuffs from Old Belts at Make It & Love It have a few new takes on this idea. 
• Artists Network shared this list of Art Apps that might help your work go a little more smoothly. I know I saved this list to work down it and see how I might benefit from them. 
• Stacking a few laser cut pieces can make a little Shadowbox Pendant. The Beading Gem walks you through the process. 
• While I've seen a few of these tutorials, many of them are new to me. Check out this roundup of 20 Handmade Earring Ideas. 
• Sizziz shared its list of the Top Five Benefits of Crafting. I love me a good list, and one about crafting just can't be turned away.
• You have to see these AMAZING tissue paper flower sculptures from Marianne Erikson Scott-Hansen. They are something to behold!
• If something a bit more delicate is your style, check out the impressively elaborate designs cut from a single sheet of paper from Pippa Dyrlaga. 
• Rings and Things shares a DIY  technique for combining Vintaj Patina and darkening brass blanks that I'd never considered before but will very likely be testing out soon. 
• Waste not, want not is the perfect way to think of this project from Mill Lane Studio. She saves all that excess resin and turns it into rings. It's not for beginners, but definitely worth a look!
• I have to admit that the beads and whatnot used in this Beaded Suncatcher Tutorial are not really my jam. However, the technique and idea are pretty sweet. 
• I learned so much reading through the several ways Julie created the texture for her Antiqued Heart and then added depth with her paint techniques. It came out beautifully.  

As I mentioned, I'm already off and running with the creativity this week. Make sure to check out my Instagram feed if you want to see more! I hope your week is full of sunshine and creativity too!