Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.
Mary Lou Cook
Jun 292015
Jun 252015
Recycle Greeting Cards
If you're anything like me then you might be keeping all the greeting cards you've ever been given. But as time goes on you can't keep them all. So over the years I've had to sort and keep only a few with special sentiments, as a memento of an occasion. The rest got stacked into my 'card basket' for repurposing. Now I know you can't re-give used greeting cards, but you can repurpose them. So I did repurpose them by recreating them into gift tags - to give as a 'thank you' gift to past customers, to use as a gift tag on gifts, or to make packets of gift tags to give as gifts to friends.
This would have to be one the easiest crafty projects you could do. It's so simple and you most likely have all the materials you need at home.
I have an assortment of crafty odds and ends, bits and pieces that I have collected over the years due to the creative work I had been doing for my EP Designs business. I probably have more than the average person who doesn't have a creative hobby or business but chances are that you also have a few bits and pieces around the house to collect. So this project could easily cost you nothing or at the very most $2-$5 for embellishments and ribbons.
What you need -
- Collection of used greeting cards - from any occasion or season.
- Scissors - fancy edged craft scissors in a pattern/s of your choice; if you don't have any then straight edge is fine.
- Hole puncher.
- Assorted ribbons, string or fine cords.
- Glitter fabric paint and other embellishments (optional)
The size and shape of these gift tags will depend on the design on your card and where the handwritten message is positioned inside (which will become the back of the gift tag).
Cut Portions of Greeting Cards To Make Gift Tags or Note Tags
There is no rule other than cut out portions of your card that look good to you and is free from any handwritten message on the back. Sometimes there is a printed verse on the card that may suit your purposes - it's up to you if you wish to include it.
Add Ties Using Ribbons. Embellish With Glitter Paint.
Other uses for cards - scrapbooking, use portions as embellishments to make new greeting cards or montage artwork.
These Recycled Cards Were Used As a Gift For a Goodie Bag Giveaway.
Give it a try and you will see how simple it is to do and how sweet they will be.
Enjoy the project.
Jun 172015
There’s creativity with coffee. I’m a coffee lover and find myself pondering and brainstorming many ideas over a cup of good, real coffee. When I call it 'real' coffee I'm actually referring to espresso or percolated, not instant coffee. And my coffee has to be just right - it needs to be freshly prepared and enjoyed immediately; it needs to be strong, with perfect temperature and crema; and it needs to be served with a warm, friendly smile (if I'm at a cafe). I'm then ready to ponder, make notes, plan, think, design, brainstorm, get inspired, and so on.
Creativity With Coffee, On Coffee and After Coffee.
There is an art to making coffee and if you are a coffee enthusiast chances are you are always seeking out the best coffees in town. Baristas who take pride in their work are like artists. They are aiming for perfection. The perfect coffee comes about from a combination of coffee grinder, coffee machine, coffee beans blend, and of course, the barista. The barista practises countless hours in the art of coffee-making just as an artist or crafter would practice and experiment on their craft.
Thank goodness for great coffee and talented baristas who will also add some creative flair on the silky smooth cappuccino froth - it makes me feel special.
So take a break from whatever is stressing you, bothering you, filling up your day and visit this category - Coffee Art - for an inspiring, relaxing or humorous Coffee Art Chit-Chat session. Make yourself a perfect cuppa and scroll through all the posts (written after this post as this is the first one introducing the category). The aim is to put a smile on your face or a giggle in your heart, take your mind away from daily work, inspire you and make you feel good.
Keep checking back for new posts in this category.
Jun 022015
On an overseas trip many years ago a friend of mine advised me this, "if you see something you like, buy it because you may not come across it again in your travels". I took note of this advice and found it mostly to be true. Once gone from a city, town or island the things that most caught my eye and impressed me were not to be found again in another location. Similar designs might be found but usually not the exact one.
Similar advice was given by Madeleine Willingham (Maddie's Corner Cottage) who held special weekends in her home - amidst the rambling gardens on the famous Edna Walling Bickleigh Vale Estate - twice yearly her home was filled with a gorgeous array of handmade crafts and beautiful arts from a wide range of crafters and artisans; people would come from all over Melbourne to attend and the queue from the front door would wind down the driveway and around the garden. Once through the doors you would pick up handmade treasures that caught your eye, as you saw them - there was no going back for it if you didn't because it would be gone.
Recreated, Repurposed, Renewed.
This same advice is what I'd like to pass on to those of you who love handmade creations. Even when items can be made-to-order they're not always like the one you first saw and liked. How many times have you been to a market thinking, "I'll buy it next time", but next time the stallholder is not there or you don't remember their name. Always take one of their cards and note down what interested you; but if you find something that's one-of-a-kind and you really love it, then buy it. Is it a treat for yourself or a perfect gift for someone in 3 months time? Whatever the occasion or whenever it's needed, if you've found it then don't pass it up.
Happy shopping.
May 272015
I first met Maja back in 2010 in the early days of The Handmade Show. Maja’s very detailed and amazing quilling artworks caught everyone’s eye. She absolutely loved her craft and her creativity went beyond making cards and personalised framed artworks. Each month she would show us her next invention – gift box cards, magical changing pictures, miniature crafts, bracelets, …. and more recently, macrame crafts.
Maja's table filled with her creations.
Majas’s market stalls are always filled with numerous collections of different styles and surprise creations. There’s something for everyone.
Snippets on Maja's table.
You can check out The Handmade Show website, under the name of Majaska, to find out when she is participating. Although she is usually there each third Saturday of the month and enjoys being part of the warm and friendly atmosphere, exchanging tidbits with other stall holders and chatting with market visitors.
A Hoot of Owls.
Maja also sets up her work at various community events when they arise so pop over to her Facebook page and ask her where you can find her; and while you’re there have a browse through photos of more creations. Enjoy!