A Case of Start-itis

Ok, I’ll admit it . . .

I have a bad case of start-itis!

I often have several creative projects “simmering” at the same time.

Perhaps, it’s a character flaw?
Oh but I’d much rather believe I’m . . . uhm . . . artistically ambitious!

(LOL, doesn’t that sound like I’m trying to justify bad behavior!)

curlyline

I’ve always envied people who begin one thing and have the
stick-to-it-iveness to completely finish it before beginning something else. Not me, though! I might be crocheting a hat, making a bead-woven necklace, and designing a Christmas card – all at the same time. I guess I just like the excitement of seeing several things in the works.

They do eventually get finished — really!

This lacey crocheted baby hat was such fun to make.

(click to enlarge)

It was tough to get a realistic photo because I had to have it flat on the table, but I think you can imagine it looking a little rounder when worn.

The pattern was for just a plain hat, which somehow seemed too floppy. I decided to tack part of the brim to the crown, and then embellish it with the crocheted rose and leaf.

curlyline

That’s all for now, Kids . . .

I have this necklace waiting for more attention. 😉

(Do you have start-itis?)

Hugs,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth




I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Click the envelope to leave a comment or to read what the other kids are saying! 😀

Make somethin’ Monday

New feature beginning today!
It was inspired by a little daydream I had this week . . .

I was remembering how years ago (when I was a new bride and then a new mother), it was very tough to find time to work on a craft project with any regularity. One day, a neighbor suggested I sign up for a Fall class on Floral DĂ©cor. She had gone the previous year and was excited to return. The class met one evening a week for 6-weeks. Sir Beads cheerfully offered to baby-sit.

Each week, we completed a project designed to be finished in a couple of hours. When the series ended I had six beautiful decorations. That class was truly a revelation to me. I realized that the secret to being creative in the midst of a very busy life was to “schedule” something – on the calendar!

curlyline

In the years that followed, my friends (who were also busy mothers) and I came up with the idea of holding a weekly “craft night” in our homes. We would take turns hosting the group and providing the refreshments. Sometimes we all worked on the same project. Other times we did our own thing, which was actually even better. It was amazing how enthused and inspired we became as we shared our designs and ideas.

Lately, I’m feeling the creative time crunch as much as I ever have. Why would that be? I mean the kids are grown and I’m no longer a new bride . . .

Of course, I do have a bead shop to run and then there’s a certain retired husband with whom I like to spend some quality time. The thing is, if I’m not creative – I begin to miss it quite a lot. So, the other day, during a light bulb moment, I remembered the “schedule” method and figured the blog could help me out!

“Yikes, Crystal, that was a pretty long-winded explanation to introduce the new feature: “Make somethin’ Monday”

What can I say? You’re right. 😉

curlyline

To begin the series, I have a pair of earrings – just finished them!

Now, you’re probably saying,

“Who are you and what have you done with Crystal!?!? Those earrings are more earthy and organic than Crystal usually makes – and they’re not even purple!”

They definitely are a departure… and I love them!

Maybe this scheduling thing is inspiring me already.

(The pear-shaped stones are vintage, made in Czechoslovakia. In order to make the earrings, I found suitable settings and then “set” the stones, myself. Fun! I will soon be carrying the vintage stones, in several colors, in my etsy shop.

Hugs,

crystal-1b3-copy-flatfullwidth