Lessons from the grand kiddies

The shortbread has been eaten.  The last day of the calendar is here and normal returns very soon.

During this year I have learned a thing or three.

There are many lessons to learn and many instructors but it isn't until you have your own hands on the controls that the real experience begins.  Also, The Grand Dad knows where of he speaks when he says you don't touch any remote buttons unless you have the machine in sight!

You need a good foundation and even then, the sky is not the limit!

Even with only a few balls, one will inevitably get down the register!

AND- You can't have it all!

And I have indeed wanted it all.  Most every colour and style that delights my eye, every technique that makes my fingers twitch,  and all the supplies to play with.  It is like shortbread, you can't just have one!

I have been working on the triple F's, Focus, Fiddle/Find and Finish and I expect I will always be working on them.  I have learned a lot since I have been blogging.  I expect to learn more.  T'is true.  One is never too old to be taught!

Influences

The  post on interviewing people corresponded with a blog post from Create Mixed Media from Seth Apter's book, The Pulse of Mixed Media, which I won from him.

Seth has interviewed artists and has published their answers.

I'm not doing an interview but  I'm linking to the post which has some responses on how to boost creativity and the influence of current trends.  It is about TIME and TRENDS.  I think there is a connection between them.  I copy trends and that takes time away from what I should be working on.  Not a waste but kind of a frittering away of...

We are entering a new season.  For me it is the winding down from the busyness of summer and all the various extras that summer brings.  I'm looking forward to some real creative time in my studio/playroom.  I have lots of things I want to accomplish in my art and also in some creative projects for my home.   I don't want to waste time getting caught up in current trends that maybe are fun but not me.  I'm back to Focus, my first blog word.  I'm intent on Finding the right way/style for me.  I'm gonna try to Finish the rest of the year in a strong manner.

I was at a Bernina session and Nina has so much potential and is just busting a bobbin on my newly positioned workspace because she wants to show me what I can do with all the stuff  I have in her stash.  Besides which I really need some fall/winter clothes.  5' 2" and a spongy hour glass shape that makes fitting the waist band and the short legs challenging means I should figure out fitting a basic pattern and then change it with all her tricks!.

The Rooster is so focused.  It takes him sometimes a day but he catches on when I try to side track him.  So instead of fighting and fooling him, I think I should turn over my whole house plan and say, what do you recommend!  Seriously.  He is always telling me my forays into the accessory department would be better served by saving for a big ticket item.  :0   And then maybe I wouldn't be spending the paint money on the art supplies! LOL  And then maybe my list would look as crossed off as his!  And he won't let me buy colour coded folders, tags, and pens.  Just scribble it down on the back of the bills and do it!  

Influences!  They can be good or they can be a waste of our time.  What influences you?

WOW 1, WOW 2

In a creative burst  (spending spree) I have loaded up the work table considerably.  As the euphoria fades the realization of yet more projects slightly cools the ardour.  lol

So, once again I am thinking about how to do things better, the black and the white of it.  First I need to firm up my boundaries.  NO MORE NEW PROJECTS!  vbsigh  Indeed, this is hard.  Creativity is all about those bright ideas.

Then I need to check over all the projects I do have.  I have culled heavy in the past so now I'm just left with- finish them! 

So What's on my Worktable Wednesdays will alternate with Wrap Up Wednesdays.

This week I want to get my veranda quilt quilted.  It is lap size and I'll be using my walking foot and quilting straight lines.  Nina is revving her motors as I type!   It will be an excellent start.  WOW 1

See you for WOW 2 next week!

I'm linking to The Needle and Thread Network.

Refresh

I think today is a good day to reclaim my life and my daily routine.  The events that happen are not always something that can be predicted nor pigeonholed but I'm hitting the refresh button to remind myself of my Triple F goal for the year.

FOCUS:  The ideal is not going to happen.  While I rebel at same old/same old, I do recognize that I do my best with some sort of a routine. A rigid schedule seems to be too constricting and worse I lose abilities and momentum when I lay things aside.  I can't do it all so I've chosen some. But the few I've kept need to be done more regularly rather than my usual sporadic bursts.  So my question is how can I keep all my balls in the air and not let any roll off into a corner.  I've defined the main players at least.

FIND?FIDDLE:  Driving hither and yon these last few weeks I have tried to figure out how to be more  creative in better ways.  If I identified my style and could incorporate it into all aspects of my various interests I could stay current in most things.

I was reminded of a small book I had bought a couple of decades ago.  It is a little Anchor book on Crewel Stitches and Patterns. I luv the asymmetrical positioning, the quirky motifs, the curves and swirls.   I had thought I could turn the little diagrams into applique projects.

Sewing and fabric is a MAIN thrust.  I need to get Nina to the spa for her tune up and continue my thread experiments.

But what if I used the patterns for free motion machine stitching?

I also like the Jacobean style of applique. What if I took the individual motifs as jumping off places for my own designs and incorporated them into some mixed media art with hand dyes, stencils, beads, etc.
     

What if my luv for words and letters could escape the blog posts and altered books and flow unto my fabrics?

FINISH:  A great deterrent is my work space.  I try to do the somewhat organized and dry stuff here in the Coop and Saucer Playroom. It isn't a large room, only 11 x 12 feet.  It is the original master bedroom so this is as big as it is gonna get.  I don't think there are any 'what if's...' left as I've organized and reorganized it for optimum use many times. My basement laundry area is cramped, cold and cluttered as well as being 2 flights of stairs down.  I am just going to have to try to keep the wet mess to one side and the dry piles to the other.      If the two meet well then, more creativity will have to happen!  lol

I use creativity everyday to problem solve and now I'd just like to have some creative art projects to show for all my problems!

Triple F for 2012

Apparently resolutions don't work and have inherent failures built in to them.  But to draw on the resolve that is within oneself  is another matter entirely.

My first word was FOCUS and I learned a lot, mostly about how hard it was for me to stick with one thing.

Next came FIND and I again learned that the scattered approach, as in multitasking, doesn't enable me to fiddle with a new technique, or even an old one if I really want to make it mine.

This year should be FINISH. I'm not sure I am ready to let go of the first two so...

This is a Triple F Year.

                                      

                                     

I resolve to Focus on specific books.

I resolve to give the time to Find out all about it and then Fiddle to get really comfortable with the fiddling.

I resolve to use what I've found and fiddled with to Finish.          


I'm encouraged.   I did get stuff done last year and also managed to not start too very many new things.

I'm dismayed  that there is lots yet to learn and do while I do still have a few unfinished projects that are in dire need of finishing.

But I'm really excited about the book studies.  I had originally thought I was going to commit to 12 books and go back to cluttering up the side bar with things that make me cast my eyes down as I scurry by. lol Honestly I did get some of those done.  I just never up dated the side bar.  It boggles my mind that some who will remain nameless, (pssst. think of he who crows and his first chick) absolutely dent the list paper in eradicating any sign of the item!  :O Now I luv making lists.  It makes me feel virtuous. But I NEVER look at them after I make them!

I'm firm and focused on the books but I'm fiddling with the particulars as I find pertinent titles for later in the year.   But perhaps I'll list them as I Find/Fiddle and Finish them.

Fair enough?

2010 Re: Focus

Time to Reflect on my word for 2010- FOCUS.

I think I learned lots about focusing but mostly about how hard it is for me to focus. I am a zealous follower of new and exciting tangents. Particularly this last quarter, I've been looking myself in the eye and saying "You, rascal!" But nothing is lost if you are teachable. Hopefully I'm not to old a dog and I can learn new tricks!

Focus is the first part of my motto, Triple F- Focus, Fiddle, and Finish.

The word for 2011 should be fiddle but somehow that doesn't portray moving ahead by great leaps and bounds. So I have chosen FIND.

Find: come upon, meet with, discover, obtain by search or study. It also has the original sense of to go, pass, path, bridge. It can be by chance or by enquiry, thought, examination, scrutiny, and observation. One can find out by practice and experience. Now I need to get from focusing to finish and finding what makes me tick, what I like and how to accomplish it, to my way of thinking, is the bridge.

I shall be dragging Focus along again this year as I fiddle, I mean FIND, a way to get a finished product that speaks my name.

Typically I've already begun to fiddle. Instead of striding ahead to meet 2011 with gusto, I decided to reorganize the playroom. Lack of motivation just might have to do with the lack of daylight hours so I'll be finding a way to overcome that small difficulty as well.

The good news is that every time I organize things I get that much closer to perfection. I edit, I simplify my work paths and I find stuff. The above photo is after I had organized my new working stations but after I began to tackle my projects bookcase.

Because I start new projects at the sound of a starting gun I decided to at least have some fabric groupings prepared for those spontaneous moments that actually relate to my need, want, and desires for my home deco wish list. I am encouraged that as I regroup them from the various fabric hunts that bring them into disarray, I notice that about 90% actually stay intact, still vibrant, and as desirable as ever. Maybe I really am learning to focus. :)

I had bought some plastic shoe boxes on sale last year thinking I could use them instead of baggies for fabric dyeing. I got 15 and I wish I'd got more as they stay shut and are MOST useful. This bookcase represents 4 seasons and the major rooms in the house. The bottom shelf is old UFO's that have survived all the simplifying and the shelf directly above is the small art/journal quilts for this and last year.

Journal could be the word for 2011 as well. I'm definitely going to be journalling. I'm committed to several venues. I hope not too many but finding is a journey and as I use this journal format I expect to learn all kinds of enlightening things about myself, my abilities and my art.

I have learned that I have no need for a lot of external stimulation so I continue to simplify my surroundings. My fabric is behind curtains and my books are down behind closed doors.

So the Before (first photo) had me shuffling my sewing cabinet and cutting table around because I like working waist high. Then I changed the various plastic storage unit drawers.

The After (above) shows that I put the deep drawers into the closet and the shallow drawers in the craft area so I spend less time looking for what I need.

That window curtain needs to go even if it was free. 8p I really like a plain and straight valence.

I did move ahead in 2010 and I'm hoping to do even more MOVING AHEAD in 2011.

Happy New Year!

I'm dreaming of...

the new year actually!

I have been a stay at home mum and except for the occasional whirlwind that changes things for short times, I have stayed at home. It is where I am the happiest. This last month has had me out and about more than I like. I forgot the darn spray cans from the last fiasco so it is looking like I need to go back to the city to return them at least one more time before I can hibernate for the winter.

I do have an idea for the cash that they'll be giving me. I need to buy a sketch book. A for-real one. And I saw exactly what I need at the art store and almost got it but thought I had enough supplies for my winter creativity. But I didn't know about The Sketchbook Challenge.

I decided to join. This is a pretty new thing for me. I am not a sketcher but I do realize that keeping things you like helps identify what it is you are drawn to. I was also very intrigued with the art challenges concerning line and shape that I worked on last year. I have been happy with this year's word- Focus. I'm definitely learning to do that. I think next year's word could be Find. I want to find my particular style. I think I know what I don't like so now I should be able to see what it is I really like as I sketch things and make notes of things that inspire. If I keep a sketchbook common themes should become apparent and then I can fine tune and finish what turns my particular crank. At least I hope so.


I returned my grandson to his home today after a short visit. We had a fun day in the city yesterday and today we met his mum and sister at their local thrift shop. I found a great light. My style! :) I also found a china mug like the ones I like to have my coffee in. This one is my first bird as they are usually flowers. It'll definitely be keeping company with the sketchbook!

Creativity 101 revisited

In the beginning I wanted to do some journalling/sketch booking and I still feel that is the place to start. I have Diana Trout's Journal Spilling book and I actually went and got supplies. I have a designated area in the playroom. But it and the floor where I'd stand are cluttered. Diana is starting a new creative endeavour but I'm trying to decide if I just need to do it, my own thing for a bit, rather than commit to another thing that goes by the wayside. vbsigh

I bit the bullet yesterday, even after it looked like the sun really would come out. I stuffed a garbage bag with all my 'important' collections of data. What good is it if I can never find what I'm looking for? And besides, there is Google! So I dealt with the piles on the floor. I need to keep my journalling toys on the counter so I can't put sewing stuff there.

The sun is still shining today but I think I will do some Triple F: focus, fiddle and FINISH while I decide what Creativity 101 is going to entail.

Now what was I doing?

I woke up in the middle of the night and remembered my purple door! 8(

What list was that on?

I am working the flower beds in a clockwise direction. So far I have been in every corner of the yard, hunting for the perfect replacement that will fill the dead spot. But I keep dragging myself back to the end of the hour hand. The weekend is predicting a major rain. I have errands today and then two days to finish the sweep of the lawn. I am just so amazed at my distractability. How is that for a word! Focus. Fo cus. Fo CUS! Drat, as a child I wasn't diagnosed with ADD. My sister was and she sticks to things better than I. sheesh!

List: yard, finish trim on coop, paint purple door!

It's a GO!

Saturday: when I think green. go, go, go
Last chance to get things done for the current week.

This'll call for old work clothes. Whoa, it really is lime. The yellow wants to separate out and I'm thinking at least 2 coats.

Surely the weeding and watering will be on the wane as summer draws to a close.

If I washed yesterday, the clothes should be dry by now.

Not likely any time for my growing interest in all forms of creativity.

But there is always time to connect with my ever growing community of friends and family.

Then a bit of quiet time to gaze out my favorite window and get ready for family day.

A time to reflect on all the growth over the last couple of decades.

What is black and white and read all over?

Hump Day!

I leave the starting gate Monday morning and begin the week's ambitious ascent. I climb Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Thursday, I am poised at the point, the pivot, the peak to check out the scenery. Then begins the slippery slope as I rush down Friday, Saturday, to Sunday.

This is a look at reality which to my mind can only be viewed in black and white.

I luv the planning, especially if I can hit a great office supply store to purchase new colour coded supplies. Then I like to do an in depth cleaning so I can start fresh, a new beginning so to speak.

The reality is that I procrastinate. I don't always finish what I start, and definitely not immediately.

AHEM! Used to!

I'm growing up finally. I'm a big girl who can take responsibility for her own actions. An old gal, who can see the calendar pages are running low.

So much to do. So much stuff to do it with. No room for elaborate and colour coordinated command centres. The decluttering is making those fresh starts quicker and easier to gallop out of that starting gate with gusto.

Time to refocus. That happens, Thursdays, Hump Day.

Time to gather all those ducks and get them back into their row.

And headed to that finish line!

Living a colourful life

While I was visiting Live a Colorful Life this week, Cindy posted My week in color. I had an Aha! Moment. I do know the value of colour coding things. I luv coloured files and when I'm looking for something I'm seeing the coloured folder. I have a main colour for say, Yard - green. Then in that large file I have red for flowers, yellow for ideas, white for hardscape, green for shrubs/trees, blue for shade, etc. All my categories are colourized. But I never thought about the days of the week.

In my ongoing battle to simplify my life I am trying to eliminate lots of paper clutter. It is hard, I luv playing secretary and I have this compulsion to write notes, ideas, phone numbers, anything onto pads, papers, notebooks and so on. LOL But while it makes sense when I file it, it eludes me when I need it. Even with colouring. VBSigh. I've now learned that there are pilers and filers and I suspect I'm a piler. 8>) So I'm trying to eliminate all the pretty but messy file folders which in my creative dash after a good idea never quite get put back in the file drawer. I am now trying files on the computer. And when I shut the computer down for the night the files are filed whether I want them to or not! I am also realizing I am an 'all in or all out' kind of gal so Monday quilting, Tuesday mixed media, Wednesday... just doesn't work for me. When I make a mess, it needs to be for the whole darn week. But I need Focus. I need motivation. So I need to colour my days!

I need to get back to messing with the paint. The coop needs the lime green trim. I'll pick it up on my errands presently. The home deco paint projects need completing before I forget what the plan is. If I can identify what my colour days are and use that motivation to keep moving on the main focus I just may get something finished. Triple F- Focus, Fiddle, Finish

And I'm not even going to wait for the beginning of the week. Stand by for Hump Day!

Summer Spread

Here's a few flowers to see and smell before I point out the weeds. Things have spread out a bit too far so it is time to regroup and get things tighter.

I've managed to get a dozen things started and only the things on my hubby's and my mutual list are crossed off. Time to refocus!

For some reason my soil/garden likes to allow reseeding. Poppies became a positive weed and I've learned to thin mercilessly. Now these larkspur and dill weed (hmm, that shoulda told me something) are becoming a nuisance. It does seem as if a bright idea of mine sparks all kinds of half finished projects.

Now what have I actually managed to accomplish so far? Oh typical! Nothing to show!

I have the mulch down but not quite all finished. And then I see some weeds are getting thru. So I need to go back and make it a bit heavier. That little scene above almost made me throw away my trowel. But I'm pretty optimistic so I'll give it a thicker try.

We did get the trees in the ground. Some are doing splendid and some are struggling and some have drowned. Lesson: we can only look after 50 trees a year. Therefore, DO NOT order 120! yes, sir!

I probably need a good day or 2 early mornings to run the hoe around the worst of the weeds.

Oh, The BOM quilt top is made and the deadline met. YAY!

The new shed is moved but not yet finished as far as shelves go, nor is the front closed in. I know Michael won't start my dye shed until he finishes up this first one. But I dragged him out to the old puttering shed last night to explain my plans for the new dye place. I'd been up into the dusty corners of the barn checking the availability of supplies and measuring. oooh, it is gonna be good even if it does make him roll his eyes. But he is NOT spontaneous and needs lots of heads up time to figure how to accomplish my heart's desire so I like to forewarn him!

I do believe all the grass is cut that I can cut. One weather storm cell is showing for today and then there are no more on the coming week's weather picture. My farmer should be busy making his hay so that leaves me on my own and doing my own thing. another Yay!

So I need to gather up the scattered seeds and see if I can gather in some finished fruit for my labour.

The weather should allow for some painting. I have a gallon of paint for the poor old coop from last year. That might be the place to start. There'll be a mess outside, on the chooks and on me but the clean up will be minimal. Then I can tackle veranda stuff and work in to the fine furniture and trim in the house. I do think I've got the basic colour plan for the house all figured out.

I checked with he who brings in the moola and yes, he still wants the baby quilt for his boss and the delivery date for the other two is about 10 days away. So...

Sadly I have my daughter's wedding quilt UFO facing the wall and the new front of my design wall with the Sunshine room quilts is covered by the BOM top. I really need to give myself a stern talking to as the fourth anniversary will be this winter. I think I've learned my lesson about not finishing tops!

I would so like to play with fun stuff like paint, thread, beads, fusibles etc. for journals and art quilts but I need to get some of these basic things done that hopefully are not going to reoccur anytime soon.

So Focus- get back to the basic to-do list

But Fiddle- only slightly with the time options

And Finish- one thing and move to the next thing

Then Fling- that old crumpled list away!