crafts Archives - Linda Nelson

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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SAILING ALONG AT THE CREATEAERIE

July 27, 2015

Not too long ago, Brooke Bock of Artistic Endeavors, shared a post announcing a “hot off the press” most fabulous book, Seaside Crafting, by Cynthia Shaffer. Of course, I was curious, delighted and eager to check it out. I will definitely be adding this one to my personal library collection; after all, I’m a minute’s walk to the beach.
But not yet having the book in my possession bears no influence with not being inspired. Nope.

©Linda Nelson 2015

This is my interpretation of one of the featured crafts in the book, and my favorite. It doesn’t take much to achieve the desired look of a weathered little sailboat. They’re so stinking easy to make!

For those of you who are not blessed with the nearness of driftwood laden salty shores, I whipped up a different style of sailing vessel just for you.

©Linda Nelson 2015

Somewhat Huck Finn-esque, wouldn’t you say?

Happy sailing 🙂

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REPURPOSED FOOD FOR THOUGHT

March 10, 2015

Lately I’ve been questioning the general effort and focus regarding reusing and repurposing things into art, craft or utilitarian creations. Is it just me, or have any of you noticed that we often re-create with items that can be recycled anyway?

Don’t get me wrong; lidded glass jars come in handy, and tin cans look fabulous when slapped with a coat of chalk paint and embellished with a sparkly bauble. Turning an old T-shirt into a grocery tote bag is a wonderful idea. Sure, let’s keep doing these things. I enjoy doing them very much so.

But, shouldn’t our focus lean towards repurposing things that would never be allowed into a recycling container? I love all those wood palette projects, I really do; but, when I obtain one, I simply return it to the vendor and get my $10 deposit fee back.

A paper towel roll whirly wig? Really? It’s plain cardboard, for goodness’ sake. Compost it, don’t make something with it. Oops……. I have quite a few blog posts about reusing corrugated cardboard.

Why aren’t we focusing more on reusing things that are not recyclable? I want to make the effort. It won’t be easy because those things are probably not my favorite go-to materials, but I am willing to challenge myself… with baby steps. What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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BUNNY TAILS AND BIRD SEED

April 15, 2014

Here’s a bird friendly alternative to the children’s classic Easter egg hunt. In lieu of candy, fill the eggs with bird seed, pure cotton balls (bunny tails) and excelsior or natural raffia. Have the children create little nests, fill them up, then place them about the yard as an offering to our feathered friends. The birds will eat the seeds and use the rest to build nests. Kids will enjoy constructing the nests and strategically tucking them about in trees and shrubs.

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