More Upcycled Affirmation Cards!

Collage is an easy medium to work in -- there's no need for exact lines or perfect composition.  In fact, I have an 87% rule -- If the layout is 87% of the way there, I grab the glue and stick it down.

I simply lay down a base layer that I like (a Gregg shorthand or Magic Squares book page for instance), and add bits and layers -- stamps, typewritten messages, cut paper, and perhaps a top layer of old sewing pattern tissue as I've done on these two.

A few layers later, something organically has arisen, and I realize that words that I need to remind myself of are now artfully before me.

The joy is that I can share these little cards.  I make extras with the same affirmations, tuck them into a drawstring bag, and offer friends, family and folks along the way the opportunity to "Take what you need."

If someone else is reminded to believe in their journey, or that they are enough exactly as they are, we are all lifted up.

These cards are made of upcycled papers and thrifted stamps on old playing cards purchased at the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse.

If you're lucky enough to live in the Pittsburgh area, 

I recommend giving yourself the gift of a trip to the PCCR shop.  

Friendly staff will help you find what you're interested in, from fine art materials to vintage papers, 

office supplies, frames, fabric and even photography equipment.

Happy Creative New Year!

Art for Self-Care: Upcycled Fabric Bags

 

I love creating items I can use in my daily life or give away. I had an old zippered bag in my purse that I used to carry first aid items in.  That little bag had worn down to a bedraggled state.  Time to refresh and replace it!  

I dug out some small fabric scraps that had been given to me, and found a vintage thrifted zipper to create the pouch below.  

When I've snipped the last thread end on a small project like this, I feel such a joyful lift to my spirits. "I made that!" I say to myself, and immediately put it to use.  

One of my self-care secrets is to prop my creations where I see them as I walk by, so I can celebrate myself and my creativity.  Every time I reach into my purse now for my lip balm or car keys, I see this gorgeous little zippered bag, and I smile.  

"I made this!" echoes in my head. 

Imagine if we all had these cheering thoughts throughout the day -- that would lift our hearts like springtime sunshine.

The zipper on my old bedraggled bag was still sturdy, so I carefully picked out the stitches and removed it.  I used it to create the pink and yellow bag above, and gave that one away to my oldest kid.  Another smile to think of them putting it to use and feeling loved.

The tiny, purple bag now holds palo santo incense sticks, and will also be given away. I like to have these sorts of little gifts on hand to share. 

I now look at every cast-off piece of clothing in my rag bag with an eye to designing more little bags, wondering, "Where can I steal a zipper from?"

I hope you find time to sew some fabric scraps together to create joy in your life!

Upcycled Journals

I discovered this delicious gluten-free pasta made from garbanzo beans, and was taken by the beauty of the packaging.  Following the instructions on Gwen Diehn's blog Real Life Journals under the title Butter Box Tutorial.  I used a box of old computer paper with the spindle holes and perforations still on it -- something I had found long ago at a yard sale for 25 cents.

I gave the books to my dear friend Robin, who has been a life-long journal-keeper.  Write on!

 

I added a Velcro clasp on one of the journals. You could also use a button and string method to close the journal.

Small journals made from cereal box cardboard and 8 1/2" x 11" paper folded in half. I used a glue stick to glue decorative paper to the spines and the inside covers (to cover up the cereal box design).  These would make great travel journals.