Theft Time

It's a brand new year and I was wondering if you make any resolutions? I don't since keeping them is quite the challenge. But I do like to make lists like new crafts to learn, books to read, recipes to try. 

Here's a book that I'm reading. It's quick to finish, quite insightful, grabs you with the title, and encourages you to steal ideas.

I took a calligraphy class late last year and the only way to get better is to practice. Here are some quotes in the book that jumped up at me:

 

 

Did some of these words resonate with you? Whatever art form you are pursuing, I hope you find ways to improve it this year (yes, even if you have to steal). 

Have a great week, everyone!

A Fresh Start

How are you feeling now that 2015 has just begun? There's a saying, "The days are long, the years are short" and I can only agree. While I remember everything about 2014, it seems to have whizzed by so quickly!

Here is my 2015 planner. I still write everything down. I'm old school like that. I'm filling it with appointments, to do lists, blog posts, and article ideas. I'm also jotting down daily highlights I call, "This Made My Day" and "The 5 Things I'm thankful for Today". I'll begin and end each day with this journal of sorts.

Here is a quote I found on Pinterest. I like it a lot. I hope you like it, too.

May you have a beautiful and blessed 2015!

Happy New Year!

I'm excited to welcome 2015. May this be the year we turn all our blahs into TADAs!

A Year End Reflection

One of my favorite places in New York City is Main Street Park. It's a small patch of green right below the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn.

Here's the reason why I love it:

It has an expansive view of lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Jane's Carousel. There's this majestic view of the concrete jungle yet you are so close to the water and surrounded by many trees.  

I only go twice or thrice a year, always in the summer. It's a perfect spot during sunset when natural light makes the buildings glow. When darkness hits, lights from buildings, apartments, the surrounding bridges, and boats on the river reveal another side of the city.  

I always seek gratitude whenever I'm here. 

It's also the muse for a yearly tradition: watercolor practice.

It started in 2012. This was a random sketch in my visual journal. It was colorful, haphazard, full of detail.

In 2013, this is what my skyline looked like. I had just taken watercolor classes where I learned techniques to refine my style.

I liked how you can tell a story with different shades of a single color.

This year, I visited again. This was made quickly, with washes of color layered on top of each other.

And those tiny dots?

It's glitter built into the paint! NYC is a city that always sparkles, doesn't it?

I take comfort in the fact that this city, this bridge, this view will always be there. It will always welcome me back and allow me to stay as long as I want. 

It will be the same, but like my paintings, it will be different each year.  

As another year ends, I'm already looking forward to the summer and the next version of the same painting. 

In a few days, as we begin a new year, I wish to simplify. To pare down to the essentials. But also to make better versions of what already exists.

And I wish the same for you.

   

Merry Christmas!

I wish that you are surrounded by family and friends, gratitude in your heart, and gifts that are most meaningful to you.

Here's to the holidays! Cheers everyone! 

Packages Tied up with String

Hi there! I know you're busy with the rush that comes with the holidays, so I appreciate that you came over today.

I'm sharing a cute yet quick gift wrapping idea.

All we need are red paper bags (purchased at Target's food storage department), adhesive gift tags, and baker's twine or yarn.

Make holes at the top of the bag using a hole punch.

Attach the labels any which way you want.

Now, all you have to do is put in the gift and write a short message.

Tie on some twine and you're ready for some Christmas giving!

Wasn't that blah to TADA!?

Fun Felt Ornaments

I enjoy making Christmas ornaments as you've seen the past two weeks. The holidays are always busy but crafting is a moment of "me time". Besides, new ornaments contribute to the personal history of our tree.

Today, I'm turning some felt sheets from blah to TADA!

I'm using these miniature cookie cutters as a pattern for the design. I just trace around them with a pencil, always making a pair.

With embroidery floss and a needle, I embellish the felt ornaments.

Then I fuse both sheets together with some hand stitching and finishing with a few knots.

I left an opening on one end so I could stuff it with fiber fill (or clean cotton balls).

Then I close the hole with a few more stitches and knots. Add a piece of thread as a hanging device.

Here is my little mitten. 

And here is my mini tree.

And a red Christmas ball.

More ornaments make it merry! TADA!