Linda Nelson, Author at Linda Nelson - The Createaerie

STEP FORWARD INTO THE NEW YEAR……………

January 4, 2016

…….using one of my exercises from the past!

Personal storyboarding, journaling….. call it what you like, but cataloguing your dreams, goals, aspirations, feelings and reflective thoughts, or just plain having some creative fun with the fabulous being that you are is a wonderful way to commence the new year. Pictured below are a few I did in previous years.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Many folks journal on a regular basis, be it in written form or by using art/craft medium and materials, or perhaps, both. I’m not suggesting you commit; this is simply an idea for a New Year‘s creative play date with yourself. It might be an especially satisfying diversion for those who have demanding office based careers. This exercise is purely hands-on playtime!

I’ve gathered up some contending materials from my over-abundant stash of stuff and have chosen to use this little black gift box as a starting point.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Okay, now it’s your turn to gather some playtime materials and create your own personal storyboard!

Another crafty exercise I’m sharing with you today is for how to transform clear plastic packaging into something not so trash worthy. The box top was from the Christmas cards I purchased; the other piece is packaging from my new citrus zester.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Simply cut away unsuitable portions of the plastic until you are left with nice flat pieces, then grab a sanding block and sand both sides of the plastic to obtain a frosty-looking surface.

The rest is up to you; let your imagination do its thing. I chose to make a greeting card and a gift tag; I’ll definitely plan to make some more cards as I acquire more plastic to work with.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Linda Nelson 2015

As you can see, the plastic lends itself to hole punching, paint, sewing machine stitching, paint markers, adhesives, paper and stickers. With regard to the gift tag, my paper punch required a slightly more forceful “punch” than would normally be needed when using paper; I suggest not punching out too many shapes.

I bet that if you give these activities a try, you’ll come up with some fabulous things!

Now, get creative!

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TAG, YOU’RE IT!

December 21, 2015

And, in my eyes, you’re a star!

I always enjoy making my own gift tags, and even more so if it doesn’t require too much effort. The one pictured is ideal for repurposing old holiday cards, and is a very child friendly craft.

©Linda Nelson 2015

I found a very nice dimensional star tutorial at House Revivals, and it’s super easy to follow. While you’re there, check out more of Amanda Lee’s posts; she’s a very, very talented lady. I created a template, traced it onto my chosen card stock, cut it out, then wrote out my sentiment on the back. I simply used the non-cutting edge of a butter knife to score the folding lines. Punch a hole in one section, attach your tag to the gift with some ribbon or twine, and……Voila! You’re a crafty super star!

©Linda Nelson 2015

As a variation, create two templates, one smaller than the other, and glue the smaller one on top of the larger one. Outlining the star with glitter glue would look really nice, too.

Now, get creative!

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LITTLE SPLASHES CHRISTMAS

December 18, 2015

Because my dining room and living room have served as crafting lab and production station for the past two months, and is currently a weekend open-to-the-public handmade holiday shop, I’ve held off on decorating those rooms. It’s a bit unnerving, as they are usually draped with my beloved baubles by now. However, I’ve managed to adorn my kitchen with curious little splashes of Christmas. The flavor for this season is homey, vintage, general store-esque…… with a pinch of kitsch. It’s subtle, but I’m finding it quite delightful.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Aren’t these Twelve Days of Christmas cloth napkins just darling? A client of mine passed them on to me. They’re just too pretty to smear a holiday feast upon; I think they’d make for a fabulous banner, though!

©Linda Nelson 2015

I had just enough vintage glass baubles to fill this scale tray with, and especially love the look paired with the colorful candy canes.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Not a creature was stirring………. This sweet little felted mouse, a gift from a friend, quietly perches on my kitchen window. Washing dishes won’t have to be a lonely task.

I love decorating for Christmas, don’t you?

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MAKING THINGS + MAKING SALES = A VERY BUSY MAKER

December 16, 2015

Tis’ not the season that I be blogging. I had the best intentions with regard to participating during “the most wonderful time of the year” but, my focus has been elsewhere.

I’m happy to say that my mushrooms all but sold out at our town’s local, fabulous, super-friendly and absolutely gorgeous-for-the-holiday garden center……..

Photo Courtesy of Lynch’s Garden Center Website

and two of my angels have flown to other residences!

The woodblock ornaments were a hit at a holiday fair I participated in a few weeks ago. I had promised you all a tutorial(still in draft mode) a while back; perhaps you’ll get it for Christmas. Gulp.

Now, I simply can’t resist sharing with you some new material that I’ve designed, and that has given me great creative pleasure……. my “plane” and natural collection. If you’re up on your geometry, you should understand the word play.

And, I can’t conclude without mentioning my nests, which nestle so nicely anywhere in the home, especially in Christmas trees.

Have you been a very busy maker lately?

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