Crafts and a look at the Past

I have been packing to move after living here for 23 years and tackled my craft room last week. It was like a blast from the past. I found a box of Batik complete with beeswax and applicator, dyes, fabric the whole shebang. Does that date me or what? I also found a bag of raw fibers that I used to make wall hangings with. I would go and find drift wood to make my own loom and then weave various fibers, seed pods, beads, etc. Oh yes, I did macramé hangings too!  And now micro macrame jewelry is back in style!

Wizard I made in a pottery class

I took pottery courses but stuck mostly with hand building as I knew I would never master getting the hang of the wheel.  I kept a few of my pieces but they never won any awards......  Funny how that is!  I took a watercolor course and bought all the tubes of paint and expensive brushes laid out in neat little folders.  When I look at my efforts, I have to think my grandson in grade one could do better!

hand built pottery

stenciling for an advertising board

I had a decorative painting business in the 90's and learned how to do faux finishes, marbling, patina, stenciling, wood grain, painted shabby chic furniture, you name it.  My business was aptly named Wall to Wall Creations.

                                                                                                        The best course I took was a stained glass mosaic course and this appealed to me. I love color and setting out the small bits of glass is as exciting as what I do now which is making jewelry. It is meditative and rewarding once you have finished your piece.  The one above is a whale with waves splashing above his head.  Very bright and it sat in our spa room for many years.

Last week I packed up all my beads in my bead room. NOW all I want to do is make something. I spent the past weekend looking at blogs for the one color crayon hop and it really got me inspired to create again. I was itching to go down and get to work on some projects and I think I just might have to do that.OK ... 

I'd like for this move to be over!  I need to go make something!