To everyone who wrote or emailed, I'm still here! LOL...this baby is just testing me LOL! I will let you know when those contractions are real and the new little munchkin arrives. Till then...LET'S PLAY!!!
I was SO excited by all of the submissions here. This week we have new faces, returning faces, regular wonderful faces and all of them made me cheer!! You are SO wonderful for giving yourselves a gift...whether it was time or creativity or both you deserve it. I celebrate YOU!! Then on top of that to share the gift of your art with all the folks here - well, I don't know about you but I feel exceptionally lucky to be able to bask in this beauty.
Each piece is filled with color and a true sense of celebration and peace. These professional, talented artists have inspired me to create and keep giving to myself and others.
Want a present? Follow me!
Cori, creator of the Cori Berg blog, created this truly stunnning piece.
"I think forgiving ourselves for our flaws, our mistakes, our incompleteness is actually harder than forgiving other people," said Cori. "It forces us to go through the self embarassment of admitting parts of ourselves do not add up to the person we want to be."
Please visit Cori's blog to read the rest of this inspiring post.
http://coriberg.blogspot.com/
Althea, creator of Salvaged Expression, created this fantastic piece.
"This week I gave myself the gift of a little time with my to do list including finalizing the sketch for a friend's tattoo," said Althea. "As it turns out she happened to be ready willing and able to get it done this week so I decided to submit it as my craft. As you can see I left it open for the tattoo artist to put his own style in and we made a few changes so I'm really happy about the part I played in this one."
http://salvagedexpression.etsy.com/
Kelsey, creator of Caffeinated Frenzy, created this unforgettable piece.
"Something nice for myself- Last week I read a book," said Kelsey. "Probably for the first time in about two years (not counting school textbooks). Which seems a little silly, but giving oneself enough time to actually complete a book can be difficult sometimes. So for this challenge, I knit a book. This work in progress prototype is a soft hand knit cover book with hand stitched binding."
I will be posting updates about this project on my blog,http://www.caffeinatedfrenzy.blogspot.com/
Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this gorgeous untitled mixed media in progress.
"I loved Tasha's suggestion of giving ourselves a gift this week," said Amanda. "I knew exactly what my gift was--an evening of paint-play, which I haven't treated myself to in a while. Boy, it felt good to dive in and get my hands covered with color again!"
http://persistentgreen.com/
Trina, creator of Woven Chains Jewelry, created these amazing pieces.
"I have been gone for way longer than I ever wanted!" said Trina. "Things have been so incredibly busy my way, and I just haven't even had time to breathe. How lucky I was to come back to such a special theme. The gift I chose to give myself was the time to participate with all of you this week."
"What that gift led me to do was two really cheerful, colorful pendants. Both just make me smile! The first is my "Disco Ball" and the second is "The Rainbow in the Sunshine."
"I'm so glad to have the time to play this week, and I really hope I get to stay and play for a while."
http://wovenchains.etsy.com/
Natasha, creator of DoodleStar, created this piece.
This week was a rollercoaster ride with contractions and the end of a class. While resting I had some time to create. I love that as my life changes so, too, does my art change. I don't normally incorporate people into my work. And I'm often an 8.5 x 11 chick but things are happening and I'm just going with it all. I have no idea where this road will lead but I like the way it's moving along.
http://doodlestar.etsy.com/
Tell me, are you feeling inspired to create?? Right now?? Me TOO! Let's go for it!!
The next theme is "Vibrance Rides the Ferris Wheel" Let's PLAY with color, vibrant, gorgeous, luscious color. Paint, knit, color, get crazy. Drape yourself in it! Dance around in it! Celebrate with the intensity of feeling you feel when you ride the ferris wheel, the rollercoaster or whatever amusement park ride you like!! Celebrate the colors that explode from you when you feel fully alive!! Get it all over! Brighten the world with the exceptionally beautiful colors within YOU!!!!
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14 comments:
Yay, everyone!!! Did I already say how very glad I am to be back this week?
All of these gifts brought tears to my eyes! I loved them all so much!
Cori, your doves and rainbows are so beautiful. The vibrant colors are amazing. And I super-extra much love rainbows!!!
Althea, your ballet slippers make me want to stand up and dance. Not to mention, now I want another tattoo!! I love it, what a great idea!
Kelsey, one of my great regrets as I have gotten older is that I have far less time to read. I think you have just inspired me to take more time. I love your book -- the texture of the knitting is wonderful, I can almost feel it when I pet the screen. :)
Amanda, I think this is my favorite piece I have ever seen of yours. I just absolutely love everything about it.
Natasha, I love all of your journals, they are so wonderful. This page has such a thoughtful quote and the lovely flowers. I really like the "people" too!
Thanks! I'm looking forward to being back next week!!!
Trina!!! I was backflipping and applauding when I saw your email in my Inbox!! I've missed you tons and tons. It's AWESOME to have you back. YAY!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE your pieces - I need them in my life! The Disco Ball is just a ball of fun! And the Rainbow in the Sunshine - are you kidding me?? I LOVE the colors. I want to wear it. Your work continues to amaze and inspire me. Thank you as well for your comments on my piece. It was SUCH fun to create.
Can't wait to play again next week! Did I mention how happy I am to see you back?
Love and BIG hugs ;)
Cori - first, welcome!! What fun it is to have you here ;) I LOVE this submission. Not only am O a HUGE fan of the colors you used, I love the message behind the work. It's fantastic!
Althea! You are SOO rock and roll in my life! I LOVE this tatoo - remind me to come to you when I want one. I LOVE it - is your friend in 7th heaven? I mean the detail is really phenomenal. If I was your friend I'd hug you 100 times and throw you a party! Hey I have a question - will that ring from last week be in your shop at all?? Love your work!
Kelsey - ok first of all I SOOO get the joy of reading or giving yourself time to read. I'm the same way and when I finally get to do it I'm over the moon!! I LOVE this knit a book you have going on - tell me is this for reading books or journals? Will you have them in your shop?? Knowing your work I KNOW this is soft to the touch...you wouldn't want to put it down!!
Amanda - I'm SOOOO glad you gave yourself time to play because you created PURE magic!!! I LOVE this piece. The bird almost looks like a reflection on water from the texture of the piece. The color, look and style knocked my socks off - I absolutely ADORE it!!
Cori - first, welcome!! What fun it is to have you here ;) I LOVE this submission. Not only am O a HUGE fan of the colors you used, I love the message behind the work. It's fantastic!
Althea! You are SOO rock and roll in my life! I LOVE this tatoo - remind me to come to you when I want one. I LOVE it - is your friend in 7th heaven? I mean the detail is really phenomenal. If I was your friend I'd hug you 100 times and throw you a party! Hey I have a question - will that ring from last week be in your shop at all?? Love your work!
Kelsey - ok first of all I SOOO get the joy of reading or giving yourself time to read. I'm the same way and when I finally get to do it I'm over the moon!! I LOVE this knit a book you have going on - tell me is this for reading books or journals? Will you have them in your shop?? Knowing your work I KNOW this is soft to the touch...you wouldn't want to put it down!!
Amanda - I'm SOOOO glad you gave yourself time to play because you created PURE magic!!! I LOVE this piece. The bird almost looks like a reflection on water from the texture of the piece. The color, look and style knocked my socks off - I absolutely ADORE it!!
What wonderful creations and such thoughtful gifts!
Cori - Besides loving the idea behind this piece, I really like the birght colors, and playing with the shapes in this.
Althea - I just watched a show on PBS about the Paris Opera Ballet company - and then see this - reminds me of the pain a dancer endures - and how painful this must have been getting the tattoo on the foot - but what beauty comes out of that pain, the many many hours of practicing dancing, and your nicely designed toe shoes.
How cool your friend will always be wearing her pretty toe shoes you designed for her!
Kelsey - What a wonderful idea - a knitted cover for a handbound book, really like the weave pattern and the way the whole ties together - and yes giving yourself time to read a whole book can be hard to do.....................
Amanda - light and airy playful bird - looks like you enjoyed the gift to yourself.
Trina - so glad you gave yourself the gift of participating this week - I like the way you put color into your pieces highlighting the twists, turns and weaves of the rings - That ball is sooooo cool!
Natasha - You usually come up with some wonderful little sayings, but this one, this one is such a great reminder to be patient with ourselves, to keep dreaming, but to also act on those dreams - you know, I just had this idea - for a little mini book of your short sayings - sort of like those little books that are put together for birthdays, mothers day etc..........
and speaking of dreams about to come true - just when is this new little one's due date????
I'm slowly getting things packed up and boxes and boxes of things to sell - in fact having a yard sale today, Sat & sunday - have decided I want an apt with a window view of Pikes Peak! and enough space to dance a little each day - (a lot less clutter hehehe)moving in a bout 6 weeks!
Have a wonderful day..............
Lisian - I MISS YOU!! How are you?? You sound well but busy. I can't wait till you are in your place I know you will love it :) I'm so excited for you. How's the fam?
The official due date is July 17th but there's very little chance I will reach it as this kid wants OUT! LOL...I have an appt today so we will see what's happening. It's a healthy wee one we know that so that's all that matters :) I will share as it happens ...
Thank you so much for your comment on my piece. I wish you knew how timely your suggestion was - you were like the Universe speaking to me....I would love to make that book. Thank you for having that kind of confidence in me.
I know you are too busy to play right now but I look forward to your return.
Till then, be well and happy moving :) I wish I was there to help
Cori what a great gift and a beautiful piece! Love the colors and the meaning behind the whole thing!
Kelsey Great gift! I almost "got" that for myself. Love craft it's so comfy looking!
Amanda BEAUTIFUL! How did you get that marbling effect in the bird?
Trina very fun work this week. Disco ball really makes me smile!
Tash Yep the only constant is change. Just stay awesome!
Thanks for all your kind words guys! Yes the ring will come to my shop I just have a little back log of expired items I want to take care of first.
Lisan I was thinking the same thing about this tattoo! I almost wanted to work the words "beautiful torture" in there but of course that's what I see not what everyone else will and I like keeping art subjective.
Tash She's definately riding the new ink high right now (which is good because walking is a bit rough at the moment;) ) and I'm proud to say that of her 5 I've been involved in 4. It's becoming a fun little hobby so feel free to look me up when you're ready!
Sal!!! It always, always, always makes me happy to see you!! Why can't all us TSTers live closer? I mean really LOL...it's SO weird I was JUST reading this whole thing about accepting change this morning...it resonated with me and then this comment...I'm kinda diggin' the sort of cosmic thing that's happening today...you know like when you feel like everything you read or do you were meant to read or do or discuss right now? Does that make sense or do I sound like I forgot to take my pills again? LOL
And I'm loving your new little hobby you are good at it...you and Lisian bring up such a good point - the words beautiful torture are so poetic ...I get why you didn't but that's an awesome idea...you are a rock star fo' sure...I'm so looking you up! LOL - wait what are the other ones you designed?? Now I need to know
Thank you for the fabulous comments! I'll respond to those first here...
Trina: you gave me the biggest grin--this is one of MY favorites too! I'm really excited about this new direction. The positive feedback here is supremely encouraging.
Tasha: thank you, thank you! You played a big part in this one...you helped me see that the gift of creative time is so important. I was able to play and just joy in my materials, without worrying about product...which, in turn, helped me create a richer product anyway! :)
lisian: light and airy--yes! That's how I felt when I was creating. Thank you.
Salvaged: not to sound cheeky, but I got the effect by, well, marbling! Hee hee. I've long been marbling paper for cards, journals, etc., and have wanted to find a way to incorporate it into my other artwork. This week I finally stumbled across a method I love. :)
Thanks, friends! Back in a moment...
What a colorful, rich, layered, meaningful week of submissions! I wasn't sure if we'd have a reveal this week due to Tasha's little one trying to get the ball rolling early...but I'm sooo glad we did, because these are some of my very favorites! :) (And Tasha, of COURSE I'm thrilled that you and the baby are doing just fine.)
Cori: I'm such a huge fan of your work and the emotion behind it. It reminds me of stained glass--so luminous and vibrant. Great to have you with us!
Althea: wow! What an amazing experience to share with your friend. I read about your decision to leave off the words--that's very intriguing to me, since I'm also working on knowing when to leave a little mystery and when to spell things out (literally!). I think you were right on with this one. We get the feeling even without the words. Awesome job--and now you have another walking piece of art!
Kelsey: ahhhh, I just want to touch it! So cozy and friendly...I would love to have this on my lap. Beautiful! I love the idea of making reading an even more tactile experience. I hope "real" books never die--I just love the feel of pages under my hand, and this cover would enhance the experience even more.
Trina: SO good to have you back! I've thought of you often and hoped all was well. Sounds like you've just been busy. Great to have you with us again and your stunning, intricate work. That rainbow especially grabs me--I bet it feels awesome on, too.
Tasha: ooh, I can see those changes taking place in you! This is beautiful and expansive. I love the way you used the whole space, with the petals drifting up and away. I totally agree with lisian--a little gift book with your sayings would be amazing. Can't wait to see more of your altered book work!
And next week's theme.....ooooohhhh, yes, this will be FUN!
Thanks to everyone for their "welcome back's" and the lovely compliments. I'm so glad to be here. Once again, I can't beleive I let myself stay away for so long. I've missed you all and the whole TST experience so much!!!
See you next week.
Amanda! Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words. I'm SO thankful you were able to give yourself the gift of time because this piece is fantastic...as are all your pieces but this one especially. I love the way you were able to include marbling - this is HUGE for your work and I think it has taken it to a new level. I'm just in awe and keep going back to it. As for a little book ...thank you...you and Lisian have no idea how much that means and I honestly think I'm going to pursue that idea. I need to show you the latest piece I created ..it's SOOOOOOOO different for me. I just keep staring at it and wondering where all of this is taking me LOL...without the TST and all of you, I wouldn't be in this amazing new space so I thank you from the bottom of my creative heart and soul. You guys are flat out awesome.
AND Trina, I'm still backflippin that you are back! LOVE IT ...csn I get a YAY!!!
Cori-I left a comment on your blog as well, but I loved what you had to say! Accepting oneself is not always easy, but to know who we really are, we have to see our pros and cons...
Salvaged- I loved the tattoo! I love how it fits perfectly around her ankle.
Amanda - This one just looks like an artist having fun :). I love the background with a beautiful mesh of greens and blues.
Trina - The first pendant is my favorite! It looks so intricately woven together, with little specs of color shining through.
Natasha- Beautiful piece! It very much reminds me of the Creative Nachos post i just read.
Thanks for all your comments! The journal I'm working on now is intended to be a blank book for an artist or writer to fill, I also have ideas for scrapbooks with entirely knitted pages. They'll be in my shop by next spring. Amanda, I share your love for real books. . . all the readers and computers just aren't the same. There's nothing I love more than a good used book store . . . well, ideally it'd be a joint yarn/used book store. :)
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