Thursday, January 29, 2009

Ahhh, 2 cre8 something.... ANYTHING!

Most of my friends know that my creative side left me a while back. Although I don't think it left altogether - just took a leave of absense for a bit. I'm not one of those 'artsy' people who can just whip something up anytime anywhere out of nothing. But rather a dabbler who needs clear instructions and then, once I get going can actually make somthing.

A long time ago I realized that this isn't something that comes easy to me - I love looking at other's work, especially the mixed media artists who are out there, and I buy books and scour the web for items of interest to use in my art. I've even got a room full of 'stuff' to use. But, I think that I'm a bit too left brained (is that the right side? :-) detail oriented, tend to want organization, cannot visualize something without actually seeing it... those things that us less creative types suffer with! Along with that, I've been working a lot on the genealogy lately and with that comes long hours scouring records, looking up stuff, entering data, re-reading information and documents.. all stuff that probably sounds pretty boring to you "born creative" types.

At any rate, my dear friend Tabby turned me on to a blog recently, called 2cre8art. This isn't just another challenge site, but more like a "do this... and oh by the way, here's how". What a wonderful idea! For those of us who struggle when we get away from our glue sticks for any period of time, this is just the site for me. So, their first monthly "do this" was a peeled paper technique. From the moment I sat down and started ripping the paper pages, I felt better. After I glued all those bits down I felt recharged then I cut out my ATCs and caput... nothing!!!! Usually a cool background will trigger something in me that gets me rolling through all the "bits and bobs" as June calls them. Nope, not this time.

But, I think I know the problem.. I cleaned up the place! Nothing is out, in front of me inspiring me to make something. Screaming "glue me to something!". So, while I've been busily cleaning up the place, thinking that a clear area will help me - not so! So to all you messy ladies out there who confessed to having the sloppiest room in the house - YOU GO GIRL!!! I know you're making beautiful things and you know you love your mess! How can one use what they have when it's all put away in those tidy little boxes? From now on, I'll pick up what I have to, try not to add to the piles and leave some things out on my table to scream at me!

Back to my 2cre8art cards.. they're not lovely, but they're a start. I don't think I made the deadline for the blog but that's okay, at least I made something... ANYTHING!!!


More Awards????

My dear sweet friend June at June's Arty Retreat has yet again bestowed awards to me - this time there's two of them. It's actually no surprise to me that June received them, she gives away free images everyday at her Art Freebies site.

The first is the Treasured Friends Award, to be passed along to other "Treasured Friends" in the blogging community.



For Treasured Friends that I've met through blogging:
Tabby at Crooked Heart Art
Greta at Greta's Genealogy Blog
Judy at Genealogy Traces
Susan at Ilka's Attic

The second is the This Blog has a Heart award, also to be passed along to other bloggers who "have heart".



For Blogs that "Have Heart" - to me personally, this means bloggers who go above and beyond to share their insight, knowledge and wisdom or other pieces of themselves with the rest of us.
Karen at The Graphics Fairy
Myrt at Dear Myrtle's Genealogy Blog
Miriam at AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors
Lisa at Small-leaved Shamrock

I currently belong to two different blogging communities, both of which have a wonderful group of caring, sweet people. Thanks to everyone for welcoming me, befriending me and sharing of your time and talent!