my creative space

Lacking inspiration? Do this!

We all have those days, usually when we’re overworked and overtired, when we want to do something but don’t know where to start. We don’t feel inspired and we wish an idea would just magically come.

Let me tell you my failsafe method for getting rid of the “no inspo blues”!

My kids actually taught me this one. Every time I want them to do a big clean up of their bedroom or play area, they start to get busy but within a short amount of time I hear. “Mum, look what I found!” “I actually forgot I had this!” And eventually, it becomes a battle to keep them focused on the task of cleaning up because they’re excited about rediscovering old games, toys and books.

Once the clean up is finally done (this whole process can be similar to having teeth pulled) they are much happier. Not only have they found things that they’re excited about, they now have a clean, uncluttered space to use those things in.

See where I’m going with this?

When I feel tired and uninspired I often find myself wandering into my studio, looking around, sighing, maybe working on a couple of unfinished things half heartedly.

But, once I get out the duster, pull everything off the shelves, clean and rearrange, then the change within my head starts to happen.

I’m reminded of all the beautiful yarns and threads just sitting there waiting to be used. I put these yarns into order so that they are better displayed and I can easily find what I want. I start to get ideas for new projects. I restack my reference books. Hey, I haven’t looked at that one for a while, let me just have a flick. Ooo, I love those colours, I wonder how I could incorporate that into my weaving! And once I’ve done the shelf, I notice how messy my big storage container has become, so I tackle that next. Oh, and what about the table? How can anyone get any work done on a table that is covered with stuff and getting dusty?

It’s not too long before my messy place is clear and clean. In turn, my mind now feels clear and clean. I have mental plans for my next steps forward and I know it’s going to be all the more enjoyable because everything is in it’s proper place.

So, next time you’re lacking inspiration, get into your creative space and get organised! Then, get making!

Craft studio clean up!

by Kelly 4 Comments

Aren’t I cheeky, calling it my studio when in reality it’s a table in the corner of the room. Still, it’s my creative space and I’m grateful for it.
So, my space had gotten messy to the point of me being unable to sit down at the table without feeling overwhelmed and totally creatively stifled. Take a look for yourself!

Oh, the clutter!

How could I let it get so bad?!

Yuck!

Transformation!!

Hooray!

See that? Clear space on the table!

A $35 set of plastic drawers from the Reject shop has helped immensely.

I even have things on display now.

Some cheap but pretty gift boxes (also from the Reject shop) now house my hand embroidery stuff.

This is my new “currently working on” basket.

And to top off the thrill of a clean space these fabrics arrived from Carol today. Carol makes exceptionally lovely cushions, quilts etc in the shabby chic style for her business Antique Rose Designs.

Now I feel really inspired, thank you for these beautiful fabrics Carol!

Not only do I feel fresh and inspired, I’ve realised how much craft stuff I have that hasn’t been used yet. Gets me thinking.

How about you? Have I inspired you to do a little reorganising in your craft space? It’s so well worth the effort!

My Creative Space

by Kelly 3 Comments

Every now and then I’m seized with songwriting inspiration and go for it. One of the reasons I don’t write much anymore is I find it hard to deal with interruptions from the children and lose the flow. One day I’ll actually get around to recording something for you all!

My husband’s workplace is soon having a handmade homegrown auction to raise money for a very good cause so I think I’ll make a couple of bags. I’m winging it with this one so hopefully it turns out OK!

To be teamed with the Maisy quilt I’ve been working on this wool felt design for a matching cushion. The quilt has stalled because I’m in need of some flannel for the backing. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying a bit of hand embroidery on the quilt, which is looking pretty good even to my too harsh on myself eyes.

Grab some inspiration from these other creative spaces. and have a most wonderful day 🙂

Quilts and sugar paste

by Kelly 3 Comments

Not much doing here creatively. The Maisy quilt saga continues with me making use of my seam ripper and pulling all my work to pieces because I didn’t like the “busy-ness” of my fabric choices. Now I’m playing safe with white sashing. Much better.

I’m focusing on indulging in another of my passions – baking and cake decorating. Perfect weather now that it’s cooler and I like having the oven on.

I’m experimenting with sugar paste and am quite taken with Mich Turner’s work, so lets see what I can do with Easter just around the corner.

Don’t forget to enter the “Pay it forward giveaway” which ends Saturday.

Thanks for dropping by!

My Creative Space

by Kelly 7 Comments

Our pumpkin harvest for this year. Some seeds were from the Lost Seed, some were saved from last year and others were given to us by other gardeners, so we have a good variety. The aroma of pumpkin soup is wafting through the house as we speak.

Here are the linen/cotton napkins I mentioned in a previous post for the purposes of hand printing experimentation.

A little messy, but not too bad!

This piece of robinia took ages to cut out as a stencil and I don’t think the results were worth it. Maybe I just need more cutting practice.

Head over to Kirsty’s for more Creative Spaces.

My Creative Space

by Kelly 9 Comments

Almost finished embroidering this table cloth, just can’t decide on the border colour.

Re – hemming this dress I made for my sister when I was 14 – she was 5. It has been worn by my sister and 2 of my daughters (and will be worn by the 3rd) and has only ever needed the hem fixed.

I’m enjoying these books that Nell sent to me along with some soap and chocolates. Thanks so much Nell.

Speaking of my sister… she gave me this tapestry approximately 10 years ago! I have pulled out my original stitching that was done when I was clueless and am having another go at it. I’ll update you in another year (it’s very large!) and hopefully not in another 10.

Check out other creative spaces at Kootoyoo and have a very crafty day!

My Creative Space

by Kelly 5 Comments

You’ll have to excuse my less than perfect photography, I just didn’t have time to pretty it up today.

The girls are happily playing with their new extra large silks.

G wanted a bright mandala so that’s what she got! As you can see, it is already well loved and in need of an iron.

M requested a blue and pink silk, so I dyed a pink butterfly on a turquoise background. Hers is long enough to “fly” with.

2 things I said I’d never try – scrapbooking and cross stitch. Well, what does this look like? Yep, I’m hooked. It’s a sickness, this stitching thing.

Yet another embroidery I’ve started.

For other crafty obsessives and creative wonders visit here.

My Creative Space

by Kelly 5 Comments

I’m having a go at the dual image applique technique from Dilys Fronk’s book.

I like the fact that you can use up scraps and there is no waste. I’m free motion quilting around the shapes which takes quite some time!

I’m using my dyed and painted fabrics. The idea is to use this technique for bags, quilts etc, but I’m taking baby steps with a teapot rest. I think I’d go nuts doing a quilt with all these tiny applique pieces!

Note to self – make sure fabric used for applique doesn’t fray quickly!!