Being Creative #9: Big and Small Ideas

"Big and Small Ideas. Things that I have come to learn along the way," is the topic for the Being Creative Blog Party over at Amisha's place at Gorgeous and Fun Things.  Stop over and check out other Big and Small Ideas being shared over there. I think you will learn something useful!

I usually smile when I look back at my first altered books because they look so - well - like a beginner made them. And that is just what I was. I think the biggest thing I have learned it that I need to be intentional and just make art, or I won't get very far.  Experience is truly the best teacher.

Another thing I have learned is to just have fun. For me, making art is not about impressing anyone else - it is just for my own enjoyment. That keeps it fun for me. I don't have to perform for anyone. I am actually shocked when someone actually likes what I do. My two daughters have been my biggest cheerleaders. That gives me a lot of joy, as well. When they really like my work, I am sort of incredulous, but happy just the same.


I am like Amisha. I tend to do a lot of different things. I jump from one thing to another, because I am easily bored. Lately I have migrated from doing as much in altered books and more into art journaling. Last year I was all about felting old sweaters and making purses. I think I just love to learn new things. I love trying new techniques and seeing how it all turns out.

Now I will share a project from a couple of summers ago. My daughter and I make this tray from an old frame, some paint, hardware and some scrapbooking paper. I love how it turned out!

This tray now resides in my daughter's shabby chic apartment. We did several layers of paint - black and then white. We put vaseline on the black before painting on the white in places where we wanted the white to rub off to achieve the worn look. I think this is one of my favorite projects.

Gorgeous and Fun Things

Shabby Chic Make-Overs

Today I am going to post photos of one of the projects I did with my daughter to make furniture for her apartment. This is a book shelf that we did and I really like the way it turned out.