My Craft Table

Hello, hello!!

It's been six months since I've been here in this pretty paper world of mine. I've missed it so much. With the move, home repair (which has not been completed),family moving from Michigan here to Oregon (they are currently living with me), first year of homeschooling for my 5 year old daughter (which is not fully in effect) crafts all stored in boxes... etc. I simply lost my creative fuel. But one cannot remain inactive for too long. Especially if your recommended therapy for everyday stresses is a dose of paper, scissors, glitter, stamps and ink. I went to the garage and pulled out my dusty (I know sad) craft boxes. Got myself somewhat organized and then sat at the table and stared in awe at all the pretties... Then I got up from the table and went to cook lunch. Later that afternoon I came back sat at the table and touched some of the pretties to no avail. A few minutes later went to finish laundry. I came back the next day and sighed, I wonder if I still have it in me. I have to admit I've been wanting to jump right back but haven't found the inspiration-that is until I looked outside myself. I immediately pulled out my iPad and went in search of creativity. Fluttering around through some familiar blogs I couldn't help but ooh and ahh. I mean, seriously? You girls get better and better by the day. Here are just a few of the blogs that pulled me out of the rut.

On my cyber journey I visited Therese from Lost in Paper. I just love her coloring technique and simple yet perfect card designs. Then I went to Ashley C. Newell I was thrilled to find out she's designing for PTI which in all honesty didn't surprise me. She fits right in with those awesomely talented gals. Besides that, Ashley's vintage modern designs is what always draws me in. Then I stopped by Cath's blog over at Moxie Fab World... Do I need say more? Cath is always up to date in everything trendy. Honestly, inspiration flows from the screen when I'm there. Then there's Ayana, and Betsy and I could go on and on. Literally there are hundreds of bloggers that inspire me. And I'm so glad to have them as "coaches" to bring me back to the place I love... My craft table.

I didn't turn my iPad off yet. There's one place I hold near and dear to my heart. I'm talking about the super cute company Lawn Fawn with Kelly and her design crew. These girls have a way of making stamps come to life in the sweetest way. I've ordered 4 stamps in the last couple of months (still new) and while visiting her fawn world I found just what I needed to bring me back from this stupor...Winter CHA Challenge. I grabbed my Admit One stamp set and for the first time inked it up. Mind you it's been with me for at least two months. Once the wheels got spinning, saw all the inspiration and took the challenge. It didn't take long to realize I was in the right place.

Oh the joy of creating. There's something magical of turning individual pieces into a complete and beautiful whole. Why I love this hobby? I'll never be able to pinpoint it but one thing I do know and I'll say it in the words of Elbert Hubard, "Art is not a thing; it is a way" and I have certainly found mine-at my craft table.

Thanks for joining me once again on this my creative journey.

Hugs,
Jessica

Materials:

Cardstock: Basic off-white, cardboard

Stamps: Lawn Fawn Admit One

Ink: Palette burnt umber, Martha Stewarts aqua

Others: yarn, color pencils, stickles