Ok, ok!  I’m updating the blog.  You know how when you don’t get to something right away you fall behind, and then because you’re dreading having to catch up you fall even further behind and the cycle continues?  Yeah.  That’s how I feel about the blog at the moment.

So here are a couple of recents:

Headband I made for a “secret sister” gift for my daughter’s girls’ camp.  Fairly easy with just a few small pieces of leftover fabric.  I did put interfacing inside to give it a little more structure.  Notice how I just cut the fabric straight and then put a little pleat in it to taper it down to the size of the encased elastic.  It didn’t take too long.  Now I need to make a couple for myself.  I want to put a retro looking flower on it or something.  fun.

Front and back of most recent baby announcement design (I also took the photos for this).  I’m quite happy with it.  I’m excited to see it when it gets back from the printer.

I don’t think I posted this one before - a fun little 5×5 encaustic painting.  I just really love this paint.

And, in other news - well, I’m sure most of those who read this already know - I’m going back to school to finish my art degree.  I’m actually pretty excited (and nervous) about this.  I’m also hoping I can convince them to let me explore some more with encaustic in class - maybe independent study or a similar class, since they don’t officially teach it at the school.

Ok - I waited because I wanted the “next” post to be on the new site.  Not ready yet.  But soon, very soon. And I will definitely post sooner the next time.

So, in few words plus quite a few photos, here’s a mish-mesh of what I’ve been doing the last month or two:

The little birds are going in some “thank you” cards.  They are cut out of randomly painted watercolor paper, and tied with a gold string.  The photo quality is bad, my apologies - and this is why I do not like using the flash.

Two quite small encaustic paintings, 5″x5″. “cosmos” and “Rosy”.  I am playing around with different techniques.  I bought 12 of the 5×5 wood panels, so there will be more coming. Yay!  Viva encaustic!

These sweet nests were for Easter, of course.  I wanted something “chocolate” that my allergy boy could eat.  These were made from non-dairy chocolate chips. You just melt & mix with the chow mein noodles, shape, put in the jellybeans, and then let them cool.  Easy.  Kids love them.

I caught this patch of fog and snapped a quick photo before it went away.  You’re probably tired of the same view of my backyard by now.  But, I like how the fog looks in the photo, nonetheless.

A few other things… a big big “Thank You” to my dear friend Tangie, and to ALL of those who made it possible for me to travel to Salt Lake City to attend the opening of the art show.  It was so very nice to be able to attend in person.  I don’t know if an artist could ask for more than wonderful, supportive friends and family.  Thank you. Everyone.

A design I made from some of Tangie’s digital scrapbooking products (photo by me).  You can get her products here.
{background: “Yippe-ki-yay”, Tangie Baxter & SherrieJD {collab}
Orange paper: “Orchard Lane”, Tangie Baxter
“Wise Guys” (digital stamp), Tangie Baxter
Typefaces: Century Gothic, Century Schoolbook (large “B”)}

Last, but definitely NOT least - I finally finished the website I’ve been working so hard on.  I’m pleased with they way it turned out.  The products are great, and I loved working with another mom.  Check it out!

No creativity question this time - isn’t this post long enough?

Happy creating until next time!

I know, I know - it’s been a while.  I really didn’t intend to wait an entire month between posts.  I’ll try to do better this time (again).  But, don’t think for a second that I haven’t been doing anything…

A program for my niece’s baptism (click photo to enlarge).  I shot the photo, created the graphics in Illustrator, then the layout in InDesign.  I’m happy with the way it turned out - that was a lot of information to fit on a half a sheet of paper, plus the photo.   A lot of design is about organization of information. (Wish my house were so well organized!)

I wanted to make something special for my niece, so I made this necklace.  Actually, Hana strung the beads on there for me (I was really short on time, so she helped), and I made the initials “CTR”  (Choose The Right).  It’s a little reminder of her baptism promises.  I probably made about 6 of them poorly before I got a decent one.  She likes it, and that’s what matters most.  Copper wire with glass beads on plastic-coated jewelry wire.

I have also started a new encaustic painting which has been taking up a lot of my time.  But, you’ll have to wait for photos on that - I am hoping to have the painting done by the end of next week, and then post soon after that.

Creativity Question:  Do you allow yourself to say “no” sometimes so you can have time to fulfill your own creative dreams/goals?

This is a tough one, isn’t it?  We all want to be helpful to those in need and do what needs to be done.  We don’t want to feel like we’re being selfish.  But is it sometimes too much?  Should we really stretch ourselves that thin?  The words that keep going through my head are “you can’t draw water from an empty well”.  It is true of wells, and it is true of our souls.  We need to take the time to re-fill them, replenish them and nurture their desires for creativity, or else how can we truly help others?