After I wrote the post, Crafting with Rust & Relics, a reader asked,  “So what kind of crafts can we do with these old relics?”Since I’ve seen my daughter using these items, I have used them myself, read about relics, and have viewed them at craft fairs, I didn’t think to explain about projects you can undertake. 

Many can be attached to mixed media pieces.
Some can be background material for attaching others.
Use old wood and arrange some of the relics on it.
Some people attach keys, buttons, watch findings and similar items to quilts and fabric art.
Glue them together for three dimensional …read more

It is said that the more you see something in your mind, the more you will be likely to claim it. That is the purpose of visualization exercises. It can take different forms — thinking of that experience you want to have before going to sleep, creating a “Wish Journal” which will be filled with images of things you visualize for yourself, or have a visualization board, much like the journal only this one’s up against the wall.
What if you created a Vision Board for you and your family?
Set up a corkboard in a common area. Perhaps that’s the …read more

I started talking about recreating or interpreting textures from nature into fiber art yesterday, but due to a nasty storm system moving through – had to cut things short.
I’ve got two more photos to share today, and as long as today’s thunderstorm holds off – we’ll get to them!
I mentioned yesterday that one of my favorite creativity building exercises is to think about how I would interpret an image as fiber art.  What kind of fabric would I use?  Do I use mixed media or raw fiber elements?  How about machine or hand embroidery?

These leaves were covered in a soft …read more

Sometimes we need an unexpected jolt to encourage us to pursue some of our creative dreams and ideas.  This has happened to inspire me to get going again on my desire to bring resources I research and write to the New Hampshire and US history programs in schools.
As a teacher, writer, and historical researcher, I’ve done this on a small scale with my programs in schools.  However, I’ve wanted to reach more teachers and children, as well as home schooling parents and help with creating activities, lessons, and programs that make history “come alive.”
Yesterday, a friend called to interview me about …read more

There are so many different things happening in summer, that it can get a little more challenging to stay motivated and interested in sewing.
Summer festivals, gardening, farmer’s markets, the beach, camping… so many things to do, instead of sewing.
So what can you do when you want to sew, but just can’t seem to get into the studio?

How about…

Browse through the crafts section of your local library and see if there are some interesting sewing books to borrow.  Or your favorite book store, depending on your budget.
Spend some time exploring different sewing blogs.  Seeing what everyone else is working on may …read more

I love being able to share my skills as an artist and craftsperson with kids.  I’ve taught hundreds of kids over the years (and performed for thousands as a puppeteer) and have picked up a few tips from teaching.
My number one, all time tip?
Let the kids feel like they have say in what they’re doing!

One of the first formal art classes I took as a teenager was lead by an artist who taught by having his students copy his work exactly.  In fact, he had been teaching that way for many years.
Was I bored?  Oh yes!
I wanted to learn techniques …read more

Okay, by being a “thrifty collector” I don’t mean turning into a hoarder!  I mean learning to be creative with where you find your craft supplies.

Saving money is always a good thing!
Second hand shops, recycle centers (my city has a reuse center) and thrift stores can be great sources for fabric, yarn and craft supplies.
It’s better for the environment to find stuff, rather than have to buy new.
Keep your eyes open in unlikely spots – you don’t necessarily have to spend $$$ in a craft store to get what you need.
It can spark a creative idea to work with new …read more

How many writers do we have out there? We get lots of great writers coming to visit the pages of Blisstree, so I knew this giveaway would be a big hit. And it was! Thanks so much to everyone who entered to win a copy of Writing in the Zone.

I wish I could give every one of you a copy of this awesome CD! But alas, only one person can win, and that person is:
Angie P!
Angie was chosen at random, and said in her comment, ” My teen likes to write. This would be …read more

Question of the month: What has been your hardest decision?
What has been your toughest call? Are you pleased with how things have turned out? Did you second guess yourself for awhile after making the choice?

As it relates to my work in mixed media, I think the toughest thing for me to decide was not to make items for sale.  I have nothing against sales…I’m as mercenary as they come…but I just couldn’t figure out a way that selling mixed media art was ever going to work for me.
So when someone contacts me about a piece that they like, …read more

Travelers have been keeping diaries dating back to the 2nd century AD, when the Greek geographer Pausanias write Description of Greece based on his notes and observations from his travels.
Since then, travelers have been keeping travel diaries or journals of one sort or another, whether it be to publish some greater work or just to have a personal memoir of an adventure.  And while travel blogs have become quite popular as a way to share one’s journey, there’s still nothing like a paper journal where you can tuck in bits and pieces of memorabilia along with your thoughts.
While a …read more