Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Knitting & Crochetting Frenzy

Hello Folks!

It is hard to believe that we are about to enter into February! It seems like we just finished celebrating the new year.

The last time I posted I told you all I had lots of projects on the horizon. Almost all of those projects have to do with either knitting or crocheting. A sister-friend of mine and I were blessed by a wise woman a few weeks ago (thanks Minister Pat). She showed us how to read a pattern.

Those that know me know that I am not really one to follow patterns (I don't have much patience). I would much rather figure things out as I go. However, a few years back, a boss of mine gave me a book of simple crochet patterns. I saw a cowel that I had to have, and thought that this would be the perfect time to attempt to make it.

I started it about 2 weeks ago, and have picked it up when time permitted. It doesn't quite resemble the picture. I didn't follow the pattern to the T because it would have been too small. I have a big head. Oh and, don't always believe when a garment says "one size fits all" because what they really mean is "one size fits most"! I also didn't use the same colors or the same yarn. I couldn't find the yarn that they wanted me to use, and those that were comparable were way too expensive. So I opted for an acrylic yarn that was pretty weighty. All in all, I believe that it will turn out to be good regardless.

This is what the finished product is supposed to look like from the pattern

This is what I have got thus far. I will keep you all updated on the outcome next week! Until then, be safe in what ever sort of weather you are bearing!

My incomplete version thus far

Pearls of Wisdom:
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions." ~ Naguib Mahfouz
Take the time to listen and ask the pertinent questions that will give the person you are asking the answers they are unknowingly seeking.
Be blessed!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

100th Post!

It took a while for me to get here, but I have reached my 100th post!!!!!!!

I thought that I was going to be able to keep up with ministry, businesses (art and massage therapy), a social life, and post daily! I crack myself up, and for sure haven't been able to do so for long periods of time. However, what I am able to do is post on a weekly basis, letting you all know what I have been up to creatively.

So today, although I have been working on knitting some scarfs this week for presents, I wanted to focus on artwork of some others.
These pieces are from some children that are in my life. Their sketches/drawings are absolutely amazing, and done with no fear whatsoever. It always amazes me that adults are sometimes afraid to do things due to what others may think, and children are simply fearless! They don't care if you like what they have created or not. All they are concerned with is transcribing what they see in their heads onto paper or whatever medium they are working with. As the quote states, they dance like no one is watching, love like they'll never get hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like heaven is right here on Earth.


Maya has already started to develop a style that she likes. Can we say a future cartoonist, story board writer or children's book artist! The possibilities are endless!!! (I apologize for the position of the 2nd pic. Blogger is uploading funny these days)


Drew draws from what he sees, and decided to take it to the next level do a bit of collaging!
Today, I pray that you take lessons from a child! They are exquisitely resilient in many ways adults are not. They bounce back in minutes, if not seconds! Talk to you all next week!

Pearls of Wisdom:
"You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on Earth."
~William W. Purkey

Be blessed!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year Folks!

If you are reading this post right now, you are truly blessed to see not just another day, but yet another year! WHEW WHEW!!!!

I must admit, this has been one of the best vacations that I have had in a long time. I spent lots of time with family and friends, and things were relaxing and peaceful. And to boot, everyone was so generous, and I don't just mean with monetary gifts. People took the time to give of themselves unselfishly...looking to be blessings to others instead of worrying about themselves. It made me so joyful!

Since I last blogged, I have been working on a few things other than jewelry. The latest is an invitation that I designed and created for my mentee's (more like my little sister) baby shower. It is hard to believe that the one that I have seen grow up and mature is about to have a little one of her own. I got the opportunity to sit and talk with her and the young man (who I also saw grow up) yesterday. Although I may have chosen a different path for them, and desired for them to wait to have children, I am so very proud of them. They really have their heads on straight. They both are in school, and have set things in order to insure that they will be able to finish school once the baby gets here. So I say...I love you Sakora and Andrew!

I really wanted to do something creative for them. I thought about how special a new baby is, and decided to play off of that. For the actual card, I ended up sketching out a mailbox and adding the U.S Postal service emblem. I decided to change the colors to suite the colors of the shower. I did a cut out on the top layer and added the wording on another piece of card stock and attached it to the top layer.


My crazy looking workspace while working on this project

The front of the card. I didn't show the inside because there is personal info there. However, it pulls down where it says pull...LOL!
While I liked the card, I was super excited about the envelope. I wanted to give it an old package feel, and decided to use brown paper bags. I got some string and wrapped the bag to look like an old school package.


The envelope. Not sure why it registered as vertical instead of horizontal, but you get the drift :)
So there you have it. A card for the special delivery that shall soon be here!

I look forward to posting later this week. I am getting lots done, and am chomping at the bit to share with you all! Until then....
Pearls of Wisdom:
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. ~Henry David Thoreau
Be blessed!