A few things in my studio

 I've always called my craft/sewing/quilting/knitting/crocheting/be-jeweling room my studio - it bunches it all together and I like the sound of it.  Recently I've had a few people tell me that I should downsize - get rid of the unnecessary things in the studio. What?? There are unnecessary things in there?  I think not.

While we are chatting today, let's look at some of the things I've created over the years.

I like to paint - the bird and the green water are my paintings - I also love to receive paintings - the tall ships painting was done by a friend, from one of my own photos.

I've often heard people say that they feel bad having all their craft supplies, all their fabric, that sort of thing.  They say that they have it and don't use it consistently and should "purge".  Well, the few times I've gotten rid of some crafting or sewing item I've had to go out and buy more, and you know it is always more expensive the second time.

Crocheting and knitting keep my hands busy - and my mind can follow any flight of fancy it chooses - such a soothing pastime.

Let's talk a bit about what we do.  I like to sew, knit, crochet, do rock work, paint, redo furniture (on a small scale), embroider, do leatherwork - and probably a lot more.  I'm a very busy thrifter (bet you didn't know that about me, did you?) and when I come across cheap crafting items at yard sales or thrift shops, I will plunk them into my basket.  Recently I got a bag full of different sized styrofoam tree shapes - I didn't have an idea in mind - but for 1.00 for so many I just couldn't pass up the chance that I'd want them at some time.  No regular prices for me - no siree.  Now that I've had them a while I can think of all sorts of trees to make for the holidays - pine cone trees, ribbon trees, ric rac rose trees - oh the ideas are endless and if I went to pinterest I bet that I'd find a lot more things to do with them.

Fond memories of Ben and Jahn-Zyel at our house, creating something from their own imagination.

I don't think we should apologize for having hobbies - I don't think that we should feel that we should be doing something besides creating.  Creativity is essential to our lives - it makes our minds soar -  it brings happiness in the finished product and it can be a lovely gift in the end, or a prized possession.  We can teach others our crafts - we can share time together, contentedly working on projects with family and friends.

Beadwork, painting on rocks, fabric ornaments and angels made from vintage hankies 

I find it fascinating when I meet someone that truly enjoys their art or their craft - no excuses -  no apologies - just pure, clear enjoyment.  That is the way crafting or art is supposed to be - it is there to open your eyes and your heart to the beauty around you.  Freely enjoyed.

Market bags. I stitched random quilt blocks that I've made, onto canvas bags. In Bellingham you have to bring your own bags for shopping - plastic bags are banned in Bellingham.  I made these bags years before the plastic bag ban.

Too often I hear people bemoan the fact that they have spent an entire day, lost in a project. What a thrill that should be - to wander about in the project, enjoying the feel of the materials used, the sight of the project coming into being, the thrill of finishing a project (or a step in the process) and truly rejoicing in it all.

Pin cushions, needle keeps - felt projects are such fun - and grandchildren can join in the fun with felt.

Let your spirit soar - enjoy your creative space - even if it is the end of the kitchen table - or a tiny tv tray set on the coffee table, or a little desk is a walk-through closet, full of beads, or wood, paints or pencils, fabrics, yarns -  oh so many choices. 

Painting on wooden cut outs - I used to teach classes too, and cut out the wood shapes myself.

When I've been creating I feel so much better, it lifts my spirits.  When I am making something that is going to be a gift I ponder my friendship/relationship with that person - putting the fond memories into the project.  When I make a quilt for someone I always sleep one night under the quilt - giving it a blessing to be taken to the new recipient.

Teddy bears with their new outfits, plastic canvas easter house basket with fabric easter eggs, crewel embroidery and needlepoint pillows

My hope is that you enjoy your crafting and creating time like a little child enjoys being completely submerged in their current project, be it a coloring book or a mud puddle that begs to be jumped into.  Raise your arms and shout - sing a song - hum a tune - listen to nature - and all the while - feel the creativity that flows from you to your project.  Bask in the sunshine that lingers a bit in your crafting space.

The hen and rooster set in the top left I made from a kit from Sitka Bazaar when I was 16.  Definitely dated.  The other two sets are recently finished projects.

I like to embroider - some times I make dishtowels with days of the week patterns, teddy bears, fruit, birdies, sunbonnet ladies - there is no end to the possibilities.  I like the rhythm of the stitches - the pulling of the thread through the fabric, the soft whisper of the thread, the design that grows stitch by stitch.  I don't need more dishtowels, and probably those who I give some to don't need any more either, but that is part of the fun - making something that is not necessary, a whimsy, a delight.

Quilts were my main crafting for many years.  

I make useful things too - as well as decorative - both are as much fun to create.  Right now I'm working on chrismtas gifts - and snowflakes - what a joy to have creative outlets and the enjoy every minute of them.  

Photography is a very enjoyable art/hobby.  Don asked me what my best photo was, and I had to answer - "the next one I take".  It is one of my favorite pastimes and hobbies.

I know that some of you are not crafters/sewers/knitters - but we can all enjoy the results of those that love to create.  One time I heard someone say they were not crafty at all - but they had made the most fabulous displays in their antique store, which is a very useful art.  I think we all create in some way - some tell stories of the past - some write - some make memorable parties - some cook (simple or fancy) - some inspire others to create - some listen.

What lovelies have you been creating? And if not - let's go!!

If you hear a voice within you that says you can't paint - then by all means, paint - that voice will be silenced. - Van Gogh