Everything Old is New Again...

Isn't she lovely... isn't she won-der-full? (I've been listening to vintage stevie wonder... lol) 

Found this fabulous beauty a while

back when a friend introduced me to one of my new faves, Kouk's.  It's a quirky little antique shop that is also a coffee shop.

It serves as a place to store more of my books and does nicely in tying my love of old with my love of something contemporary.

And of course it goes without saying, I adore the color!

And Baxter loves it, too.

...scatter joy...

lindy

Breast Cancer Stamp

Here is my version of the Breast Cancer Stamp.  It's standard ATC size done on watercolor paper in ink, chalk, and pencil.


What is your favorite postage stamp?

...scatter joy...
lindy

Terrific Tote!

In celebration of craft month I offer up Confessions of a Sewing Addict.  I was on the hunt for a tote/bag to utilize while working (a purse just isn't cutting it) and I was so excited to find this site... I DID NOT MAKE THIS BAG... this is Martina's fabulous work and pattern (which she generously shares on her blog)... so click and visit today!

In celebration of my find I went on the hunt for fabric today.... I found a hidden treasure in Menominee Michigan... a wonderfully fabulous quilt shop called Quilter's Haven.  The owner, Chris, is warm welcoming and has delicious fabrics and patterns (yes... I do buy patterns because even though I don't use them in the traditional sense, I look at the pictures and figure out the project.) She is currently remaking her website, but I'm going to share her link anyway... quiltershavenltd.com

The fabric I bought is gorgeous, don't you think?  These are for two separate totes....larger pieces are for the Tote Exterior and the smaller  for the lining....WooHOO!!!
what color is your tote?

...scatter joy...
lindy

mini red zen*tangle INCHIES

Have you noticed that when I try something, I keep on trying it over and over and over and over again.... lol... probably boring you to tears... and that's one of the reasons I want to change up the organization of my blog... so that I provide a little more balanced commentary on what's going on in this collage called my life.

However, I'm not there yet, so, if you can indulge me just another minute, here are the Inchies I made for the Red Zentangle Inchie swap.  I thought it was going to be very difficult to draw in that teeny space... but I drew the tangles BEFORE I cut the inchies.  (Thanks, D, for the awesome tip!)

Have you tangled yet?

...scatter joy...
lindy

color*full Inchies

And here is the 2nd and 3rd attempt at Inchies... (2 partners, 4 inchies each)... It was a free theme, meaning the artist could choose how to proceed.  I'm still figuring out this artform... I did a few different techniques here... I did a couple miniature zentangles, a few collage and I even did  bit of faded drawings, (the red/fuschia to the right) is sketch of a girl in a winter coat ... the wind is blowing and the snow is swirling... the sentiment is 'merry winter'...

I have much to learn but have to say am enjoying the journey so much.  Thank you for looking and sharing.
What new thing have you learned recently?

...scatter joy...
lindy

What are INCHIES????

That was my question when I first saw the challenge on Swap-Bot. 

So, as is my custom, I did a search to see just what these things called 'inchies' are.  In the most basic sense, they are miniature works of art measuring 1"x1" and can be done using any variety of methods.  I still don't know what one 'does' with these little works of art... display them? collect them? keep them?  probably.  But I have a few other ideas as well... I think they are the perfect size for magnets, pins, and embellishments for larger works of art.

Here are my very first inchies...

I was so excited about these... I read the person's profile and saw that pink and black was her favorite color combo... and then, she has her own webiste offering her custom Tutus (it's great...if you have girls in your life, I think you should check it out!)... anyway, I assumed because she makes these custom tutus that she sews....... so several of the inchies focused on sewing.

After I completed the work I perused her profile one last time only to discover that she actually DOES NOT LIKE sewing.... arghhhhhhhhhh... how did I MISS that???? so I scibbled off  a note to her explaining my blunder and she was very gracious.... and she wrote back that her mom, in fact, loves sewing and that she was going to share those with her!

What have you 'missed' lately

...scatter joy...
lindy

Urban 'Loft'

As many of you know, one of my passions is design and decorating. I've been in the midst of re-making my space for quite a while now, and last weekend made significant headway... drum roll, please..... I now present to you my living space.


New sofa and chair in a mid-century modern style... gorgeous lime green slubbed fabric with button detail on the sofa... and the chair is a woven mocha ... both purchased from Stacy O's in Saginaw, MI. Also new is the TV cart (IKEA), the tables (which really are very very very similar to the style in Pottery Barn) that I found for a fraction of the cost on Overstock.com (gotta love the Overstock...) and the rug (one of my friends said that it reminds her of 'pepples' because of the size of the felted wool) is one of the softest I've ever experienced (also from Overstock).

The furniture pieces are slightly smaller scale so they don't dwarf the space... the tables, glass and iron to let the light and air dance through the room.

For me the key has been in visualizing what I'd like my space to look like... feel like.... and I wanted it to be a real reflection of me.... the woman I am today.

The best part.... I was able to make my purchases with the money from the items I sold that have been cluttering up my space that I was ready to release on Craig's List and Ebay.... and I sold my old furnture on Craig's List, too!


Baxter approves.

Radical Reading Nook Phase II

OH BOY.............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Working away from home during the week has made it a little tougher to get my home design projects done... it takes a little longer, but last weekend was major breakthrough weekend and, da da da daaaaaaaaaaa.... here it is in all it's glory.

I'm not quite finished yet... but the final stage won't take place til late summer/fall.... so for now, *happy sigh* come join me in my nook and let's read awhile.... Doesn't it just look sooooooo inviting????  and, even though you can't see it very well, there is a great little table next to the chair for my glass of red....

what project are you looking forward to completing?

...scatter joy...
lindy

Gay is OK

A recent ATC swap was called 'Gay is OK'... I was excited about it because I love my friends Jeff & Alex and felt this was another way to honor them and all that they mean to me and all that they bring to my life.  We had 3 partners and so I chose to do a series of the same card.

For those of you who don't know, I actually had the honor of officiating their wedding just over a year ago... I love the color and texture and am excited about the progress of my art...  and I do believe that love IS the answer...

Who do you love?  Who loves you back?

...scatter joy...

lindy

Favorite Theme ATCs

One of the ATC swaps I recently took part in was called 'Favorite Theme'... we had 2 partners and creatively interpreted their favorite theme.... one of my partners loves the Paris Carnival so I did some research and interpreted this year's poster onto an ATC.  My other partner loves desserts and glitter... after reading her profile I decided to incorporate her love of eating healthy into the mix and chose cherries as the 'dessert'.... and, as I called out, YUM!!!!

Is it possible to be an artist and not have a distinctive style?  Does this make you less of an artist???

...scatter joy...
lindy

Christmas Ephemera ATCs

I can't help it.  I'm hooked... so look at it this way... you will be able to watch me grow into my art.... ; ) 

These two were for 'Christmas Emphemera' ATCs in which we were to take old cards, wrapping, etc and use bits and pieces for our ATCs... I liked the surprise of using lime green versus a traditional 'christmas green' and really likes how some of the word images on the red actually look as though they are frosted with snow....

confession:  As I went to add the pics to this post I was already hesitant as I've made 'better' ones since I made these... which, then, gives me pause about why must I even judge... I can simply love them for what they are.

what does the word 'believe' conjure up for you?
...scatter joy...
lindy

Pointillism ATC

I tried my hand at Pointillism back in college ... and recently had the chance to do it once again... it was more difficult than I remembered or thought it would be.... but what is really capturing my interest is the number of different ways to create ATCs and the multitude of themes...

The basic premise of Pointillism is that you create your art by making 'points' on a page without blending them all and without drawing other lines... it can be in color or black and white...

I chose to go with a primitive winter theme... What would your art point to?

...scatter joy...
lindy

Radical Reading Nook Phase I

I have a funny space in my living area... it isn't its own room, nor is it really part of the living room.  Over the years it has served multiple purposes and most recently it was where the computer cupboard lived... but none of those uses were ever really the right fit...well, I finally decided how to design the awkward space.  It will be my new reading nook.... so here is phase 1 unveiled....

- new color on the wall ... it is called 'drenched in dew' (and I would really really really love the job of coming up with names for paint colors... ! Wouldn't that just be a fun job???
- new espresso floating shelves (expertly hung by my handy-woman)
- books newly housed and sorted a brand new way... by COLOR!!! this of course brings a whole new criteria when I'm deciding whether or not to purchase a book.... I definitely need more books in the blue and green color scheme.... *grin*

Keep watching as I unveil the next few phases....!

How do you organize your books?

...scatter joy...
lindy

the ABCs of ATCs....!

Yes. Yet another Swap-Bot post.  Can't help it.  ; P   So.... I have long been intrigued by ATC (Artist Trading Cards)... think baseball cards but for the art*full inclined.  You can read more here or simply do a search for Artist Trading Cards... you'll be amazed at what comes up.

But I've been somewhat intimidated by the thought of actually creating something termed 'Art'... I seem to do fine with the 'craft' side of Arts & Crafts .... but I was letting ART intimidate me....

well NO LONGER!  Last year (2009) was Reclamation Lindy and this year (2010) I have decided is 'Awakening the Artist'....   I chose a relatively safe forum for my first foray into the world of trading art... This swap is called the Alphabet of Life.  The coordinator had this great alphabet of life from a friend and thought it would be a wonderful theme for a swap.... and she was right.  Our first two were 'Always Pray' and 'Be Kind'.  I read my partner's profile and saw that she liked primitives so tried to create mine with a nod towards that....

I'm hooked.  There will be more posts coming your way revealing the ATCs I create and even, perhaps receive.....

How would you depict the Always Pray and Be Kind for your ATCs?
...scatter joy...
lindy

Pillow Punch

My wonderful friend beat me to the punch and crafted some fabulous felted pillows upcycled from old wool sweaters! (I have felted the sweaters, and have yet to utilize in a project.)  She gifted me with this one after she saw me lusting after it.... isn't it just adorable with the button placket down the front??? (Thanks, Fran!)

I think this Punch of Orange is going to be simply luscious with the lime green, chocolate, and blue color scheme!

What colors are dancing in your dreams?

...scatter joy...
lindy

"Drum" roll, please..... or should I say Drum Shade???

I'm not sure if it's retro, modern, or funky.... I just know that I like it....  and the great thing is that I see it from the living area as well as the kitchen.... !  It makes me smile.  I picked this beautiful light up at Stacy O's in Saginaw.... she has great style and wonderfully unique items... I love her AND her store.

What lights you up inside?
...scatter joy...
lindy

Don't Read this Post, Mom...

I am reinventing the art of crocheting the granny square.... this due in large part to the fact that I, number one- cannot read a pattern to save my life and number two- couldn't figure it out.... (YET)  I am making this for a Christmas present for mom.... she has lovingly made countless blankets for people through the years... now it's her turn...

and of course, since she's a mom she will love it no matter how crazy it ends up looking......! ; )  The secret ingredient is love!!!

What is your secret ingredient?

...scatter joy...
lindy

Needle Felting... Finally!

I recently discovered a gorgeous shop in Chicago called Sister Arts Studio ... the owner, Donna could not have been nicer.  I have been longing to take a felting class and she offers up several different options (who knew there were so many different kinds of felting techniques??) She has a seriously grand list of offerings for the beginner as well as advanced knitter, crocheter, needleworker, .... well, crafter/artisan.  I encourage you to check it out... in addition to adult classes, she also offers classes for kids & tweens and her passion is bridging the adult/child gap by offering classes aimed at building those relationships through a craft/artistic experience.

In addition to the classes, her shop boasts some of the most beautiful yarns I've ever seen...

And... drum roll, please.... here is my first effort for felting... it is a bookmark!  I'm pleased and dare I say, proud?! lol....  now you all know what your holiday gifts will be.... ; P

What small shop speaks to your heart?

...scatter joy...

lindy

rugamarole part II

One of the best things about spending design time on my space is watching the seemingly random choices all come together in an eclectic beautiful harmony..... this rug is from Stacy O's and is called Cat's Paw, although Baxter has asked for it to be renamed.... *grin*

I love the colors of the circles.... they are happy and vibrant yet soothing all at the same time...

what soothes your senses?
...scatter joy...
lindy

fabric...fabric...fabric

All it takes is a quick trip back to Michigan to add fuel to the flames of design inspiration.... I have a vision.... and of course it includes green in all its fabulous shades with a special emphasis on my current favorite color 'celery-lime' (thanks, Stacy, for the perfect descriptor name....)... here is a preview of some of the fabric I'll be using to create new beauty...

...visions of slipcovers, valances, & pillows are dancing in my head....

What is YOUR favorite color?
...scatter joy...
lindy