Peek at My Week (Jan 24-30)

What a week it's been! I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit, but really, it's only been a couple of big tasks. Take a peek. 

Let me first mention that it's been a big week for "the chicks" too as at least two of them have started laying! On Sunday, I found these two eggs in the nesting boxes. On the left is one of Bertha's and on the right is one of the chicks. woohoo!

After I finished packing up the Bead Soup for my partner, I turned my attention to the big task that took up so much of my week: cleaning and organizing the craft room.

Above was my limit of organizing on Sunday. I had been working on it for hours and finally hit my maximum frustration and had to stop for the day. I had to remind myself that it always gets worse before it gets better (and this wasn't even the worst of it!)

I worked a little more on it on Monday, but the majority of the day was spent with my mom to celebrate her birthday.

We really didn't do much as we just stayed at her house, but I think she had a good day (after she got done working.)

I busted my butt all day Tuesday to make up for missing out on my errands on Monday. And, there was more craft room sorting.

In the afternoon, Artemis had a vet appointment for more vaccines. She'll be going every two weeks to get all of them in since she had such a bad reaction to getting them all at once last time. 

Later, I was feeling a little frantic about all I was trying to accomplish. However, I had a fabulous reminder to just stop and appreciate the beauty around me.

This stopped me in my tracks while taking Zoe out for a few minutes.

Speaking of Zoe, she got some snuggles on Wednesday evening.

I should also mention (for my own record) that our other cat, Rosalina, had a rough week as she was acting weird: not eating, staring off into space, walking weird. It went on for only a day or two, and she had us plenty worried. But, she's back to herself now.

There was more paper-sorting on Wednesday.

On Thursday, I finished the craft room overhaul! I'll give you a little peek now, but I hope to have some better pictures and maybe even a quick tour for you later.

Once that was done, I could focus my attention on the next big undertaking: the 100 Day Project! I mentioned previously that it's starting early this year (TODAY, actually!) at the request of many. I didn't have a problem with the early start but did need to make a decision on what I wanted to do. Because I haven't gotten much jewelry made lately, I knew it needed to be focused in that direction. However, I didn't want anything that felt too strict either. After some thought and research, I decided on #100DaysofMakingJewelry for my project.

I felt that would give me enough flexibility that I didn't have to have a FINISHED piece each day but could include my process as part of the project. We'll see how it goes.

With a clean craft room and that decision finally made, I dove into a couple of projects. First, there was some earring-making. I'll share the results of that later. Then, I played in my art journal.

On the spur of the moment, Pat decided to light a fire in the firepit on Friday night. It felt good to sit outside for a while after spending a week so focused on the inside.

Sunday was FULL!

With a basket full of fresh eggs, I made a full breakfast that incorporated them along with some delicious CaraCara oranges. 

At noon, I had a scheduled video go live. I was able to participate in the You, Me, Same 3 mixed media collaboration this month and made this Inspiration Prompt Junk Journal.

I may share more about the process later (with pictures), but the link above will take you to my YouTube process video.

While popping something in the mail, I had to stop in wonder at the handful of silly azaleas that are blooming a bit early.

As the day wore on, I felt restless and needed to do something with my hands. Trying out encaustic art has been on my list for ages. So, I decided, "what the heck, why not." and went for it.

While I'm pretty happy with this result, I realized how little I knew from the few tutorials I've watched and that I need to learn a little more. But, it's something I'm doing more research on now, and am happy I went ahead and tried. Now, I need to test out some of the other skills that are on my dang list (i.e. using a metal saw and enameling.)

If you're looking for some inspiration, I've got you covered:

• I'm taken with this project of artists creating working on vintage envelopes. 
• Here's a discus earring tutorial from Moois Van Mie. 
• The Beading Gem shared some Tips and Tricks for adding Colored Resin within Frames. 
• Here are 16 Valentine's Day Embroidery Ideas. Maybe one day I'll actually do some embroidery!
• You should totally go check out these DIY Polymer Clay Crystals. They are too cool. 
• I am absolutely, completely in love with this easy DIY Rainbow Butterfly Wreath from the amazing Jen of Epbot. 
• How cute are these Wild Animals Interrupting Photographers?
• Make a Yarn Statement Necklace with this tutorial using plastic canvas. 
• I'm over the moon for this simple tutorial on making an XOXO sign using junk stuff. 
• My love of quilting and jewelry-making has me enthralled with this Quilted Jewelry Tutorial. 
• Y'all! Check out these Embroidered Leaves. So neat!!
• I think this little Embroidered Heart Charm is just so sweet. 
• Similarly, here's a list of 19 DIY Felt Valentine's Day Decorations. 
• For a quick project (this might be good for my 100DayProject!), how about a 5 Minute DIY Scarf Twist Bracelet. Could be fun to try. 
• Crafty Little Gnome has an Easy Origami Heart Tutorial if you want something sure quick and easy. 

And now, I really need to get to that 100 Day Project - I don't want to miss it on the first day! I hope you have a week full of inspiration and creativity. Enjoy it!!

Bead Soup is BACK - meet my partner

It's been quite a few years since Lori Anderson hosted the Bead Soup Blog Party as she was dealing with some of her own health issues. She's since created Bead Soup Cafe on Facebook and opened up sign-ups for a swap a few weeks ago. It should come as no surprise that I jumped at the opportunity! As most people no longer blog, it's not called the Bead Soup Blog Hop anymore. Instead, she's rebranded it as the Bead Soup Swap & Create. The partner list rolled out about a week ago, and I'd like to introduce you to my partner, Robin Reed, a jewelry designer in Indiana. You can see her designs on her Facebook Page, Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs. 

Most of her jewelry is created from stone and glass beads.

As well, she also has some gorgeous metal pieces.

So, do you want to know what I sent her?

Well. . .I can't show you yet. She hasn't received it. But, I can give you a teaser of what's in the mail.

I CAN tell you that there's at least one focal, clasp, and coordinating beads. Those are the rules of the swap in any case.

Don't fret, we should be receiving our packages soon and I can reveal all, including what she sent me! Then, we'll both have to get to making something. The reveal date for that is April 3rd. Stay tuned!

Peek at my Week (Jan 17-23)

 It was another emotional week, but I definitely did what I could to make the most of it. 

On Sunday, we met friends for a hike then spent the rest of the day being lazy. 

Monday was Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday (observed) and what would have been my sister's 44th birthday. I went ahead and treated the day as a day off for the most part. After working on a few things, I convinced Pat that it would be nice to ride down to the beach for some salt air. 

It was just what my soul needed.

Back at home, we found the kitties in fairly close proximity. This is the closest they've gotten to one another EVER!

Since Monday was a holiday, Tuesday was spent catching up.

On Wednesday, we spent almost the whole day working and watching the Inauguration.

I stepped away from the television for a bit to focus some of my energy on creating.

In the evening, we stepped outside to celebrate on the swing and enjoy the milder weather.

I woke early Thursday morning with a feeling of positivity. And, I even caught the sunrise.

Since the temperature wasn't too low, I was able to sit on the porch to plan my day. 

I fit in some creative time, finishing up Bead Box 10!

And, Zoe got some belly-rubs.

Who am I kidding though. . . she gets belly rubs every day!

On Friday, I stay focused on getting a whole litany of tasks done.

While a huge bulk of those tasks were household chores, I was also able to fit in some creative time on the craft desk. 

I fueled up big time Saturday morning with a hearty breakfast.

I've never made cheese grits with an egg on top before, but it was something I was craving. And, it was GOOD too. 

I worked on some jewelry-making tasks most of the day.

But, I also pulled out the gel plate late in the afternoon.

I'll share the results of those at a later time. 

We met a couple of friends outside the local brewery for a few beers to finish out the week. 

I feel like it was a fairly creative and inspired week. Here's some inspiration I saved for you.

• Lifehacker shares how Journaling is Much More than Keeping a Dairy.
• This tutorial on making Nail Polish Hearts keeps turning over in my head. At some point in the next few days, I'll likely try it out. 
• I'm quite smitten with this "I Love Us" Embroidery Pattern from Flamingo Toes. 
• Sadie Seasongoods shares how to make Felt Succulents in Thrifted Planters. Those are some plants I can keep green!
• You should see the Works of Art created from old trees by one Italian artist. 
• Aaaand, here's another embroidery pattern. This time it's a Rainbow of Hope. (Perfect!)
• You know I love the jewelry tutorials from Moois Van Mie. She's shared a list of all her 2020 Jewelry Tutorials. 
• Check out this art created entirely from scraps of denim fabric!
• If you didn't watch the Inauguration, you missed seeing Amanda Gorman read her poem "The Hill We Climb". I HIGHLY recommend watching this inspiring woman perform her poem. 
• The surreal art of Ted Chin is mesmerizing. I'm in love with so many of these pictures. 
• Here's a tutorial on making a Love sign from repurposed materials. 
• Go check out these enchanting lightbox scenes! You won't be disappointed. 
• How cute is this Valentine Heart String Art?
• These inexpensive and easy DIY Roller Stamps are a great way to add texture to your art. 
• For those of you working to promote your art, here some ideas on How to Use Instagram to Take Control of Your Art Career. 
• Sculpy apparently has a new granite clay. At Handmade Happy Hour, you can find 5 Jewelry Designs using Turquoise Granite Clay. 
• I've never considered drawing on a leaf, but here are instructions for some Leaf Craft Ideas. 
• This No-Sew Scarf caught my eye as a great idea for gifts next year. Now if I can only remember that I saved it!

That's it for my week. I hope you've found some joy and inspiration in yours. I'm off to (hopefully) clean my craft room and prepare for the week ahead. Here's hoping yours is fantastic!

Available on Etsy

Have you seen some of the new pieces I have available in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop?

Night Sky Earrings

Woodland Mushroom Necklace

Village Star Earrings

There are also a few other pieces you may have seen before that are still available!

Breathe Bracelet

Balderdash Necklace

Hollow Earrings

Bloom Necklace

Of course, there are plenty more pretties to discover in the Etsy Shop. 

Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about any of these pieces or anything else. I'm always happy to help.

Peek at My Week (Jan. 10-16)

 How was your week? Hopefully, it was better than the last. I know mine was. 

I spent some of Sunday working on an art journal spread that used a variety of techniques from artists I've been watching on YouTube lately. You can see the full piece on Instagram, but I'll also be publishing a video of my process for it in the next week or two. 

I snapped a few quick pictures of our old blue tractor as Pat had listed it for sale and I wanted to make sure I had some record of it before it left us. It was a few days before it was gone, but wasn't she pretty? I hate that we're just not mechanical enough to have given her the care she needed. It sounds like the gentleman who bought her is more mechanically inclined.

I had Brussels Sprouts planned for dinner (as per my weekly menu), but was just going to roast them. It hit me that I could try air frying them!

They were really good - slightly more crisp than roasting would have been.

Monday was spent just getting things done and keeping busy before the College Football National Championship game. Bama won. ROLL TIDE!

After a late-night watching football, I'm surprised how well I stayed on-task on Tuesday. I spent the bulk of the day in the craft room and forced myself to tackle the chaos.

I'll admit that there's still loads of that mess to conquer, but the portions that were worrying me have been handled. My main concern was making sure there wasn't anything too bad that this little Miss could get into as she explores.

It felt so much better to have my desk cleaned off and some of that closet organized. I was even able to work on a little more art.

As I let the chickens out on Wednesday morning, I discovered a couple of eggs! It's the first time in MONTHS that we've found an egg in the nesting boxes.

I'm fairly sure these are from our older hen, Bertha, and not the "chicks" yet. 

I even decided to crack one open for part of my breakfast.

It was really delicious.

I decided to introduce Artemis to the spot of sunshine that is in our bedroom for a few hours each day (most of the rest of the house doesn't get sunny spots.)

That's where I left her when I headed out to take my niece to a dental appointment and spend the afternoon with her in Mobile.

After the drive across the bay, I realized just how bad my brakes were sounding and took my car to the mechanic on Thursday. Back at home, I decided to make a point of showing that the eggs I had found the day before weren't as monstrous as they seemed in the photo above. I seriously just have tiny hands.

The eggs on the left are the ones I buy from the farm market, the ones on the right are Bertha's, and there's my tiny hand. Ha.

After picking up my car from the mechanic, I noticed how amazing the sunset was and had to pull over to capture it.

I busted my butt Friday morning getting the house clean as I've been avoiding some chores (like mopping) for too long. With that done, I let myself just watch videos and create for the rest of the afternoon.

When I went to take Zoe out later in the day, I was struck by the long shadows and the beams of sunshine in the front yard.

Pat and I committed ourselves to tearing down the smaller chicken coop on Saturday (the younger chickens have had a separate coop from Bertha until they could get used to each other. However, the older coop is the one with the nesting boxes that they need to use soon.) So, we knocked that out as fast as we could and freshened up everything. 

I spent the majority of the rest of the day working on a specific project that I'll reveal at the end of the month. But, here's a small peek.

As Pat and I watched TV in the evening, I was itching to do something other than scroll through Instagram, so I grabbed a scrap of fabric and some embroidery floss and experimented. 

It's a little messy, but I kinda love it!

Here's a little more inspiration from my week.

• How 24 Artist Break Free of Creative Limitations from ArtistsNetwork. 
• At The Beading Gem, you can find all the links to watch an artist create an amazing Polymer Clay Portrait Cane. 
• Lifehacker suggests Asking Yourself These Questions to Find Meaning and Purpose. 
• Did you know that #The100DayProject begins early this year!? The project starts at the end of this month, so get to thinking and join the party. 
• You can find the A to Z of Denim Crafts at Pillar Blox Blue. 

I feel like I'm brimming with ideas for loads of projects but can't seem to focus on just one long enough to get anything done. So, this week, I hope to work on centering in on what I need to do and knocking it out. Wishing you a productive week as well! What do you hope to accomplish?