Fighting the dreariness of winter with color

The dreariness of this winter has really sapped my energy. I desperately need some sunshine to recharge! Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like I will get any for a while.

Despite the weeks upon weeks of cold, dark, dreary, rainy weather, at least I can work on colorful projects! I’ve spent most of my time working on beading projects and I’ve created some really neat pieces.

This daisy bracelet is beautiful! It is my own design. I absolutely love it and I had so much fun making it! I am working on a tutorial and will post it when I finish.

This bracelet turned out gorgeous! This was created from a pattern I purchased on Etsy. I really love the colors of this one:

I love this pattern in general and ended up making it in multiple colors.

These earrings were also made with superduos and I think they turned out really cute!

I wanted to create some pretty, colorful, dainty bracelets that would be great for stacking and at a lower price point. I made the beaded bracelets below using the ladder stitch and Miyuki Delica seed beads. The Miyuki Delicas are tiny and come in beautiful colors.

Though most of the past few weeks have been spent on beading, I did manage to get in some crochet time. I made two cute, retro, nylon, crocheted bags. I still need to block the front flaps, sew on the button and add a liner. I will post pictures of them when I am finished.  

I have ordered the supplies for several new crochet projects and I can’t wait to get started on them.

Side note: I have been told that people tend to follow blogs that are heavy on pictures. I am terrible at taking pictures. I always have been. Even though mobile phones today have amazing cameras and photo editing capabilities, I still don’t seem to ever get around to taking pictures and when I do, they turn out horrible. If I didn’t feel the need to include pictures, I would write and post everyday!

Crafting Without Distractions

Have you ever sat down to work on a project but found yourself constantly distracted by ‘Life’ at home? The kids were fighting. The dryer was buzzing. The dog chewed up a pillow. The cat threw up on the floor. Someone wanted cereal but there were no clean spoons??? It happens all the time at my house. When you have a family, it can sometimes feel impossible to get any crafting time in.

But, I have to create. Seriously, a creative outlet is important to my mental health. Lol

When my kids were younger it was very difficult. When I was at home there was always something else that needed my attention. The only way I would be able to start and finish something was to do it somewhere else. So, I started taking classes.

I did three winters of weekly quilt a-longs. I took two semesters of Stained Glass classes. I took a semester class on writing and illustrating children’s books.  I’ve done many, many paint and sips. During this time, the only time I was able to really work on any of my projects was when I was actually AT the class.

That is why we have decided to host Open Studio sessions at Lavender Crossings. During these hours you can come, claim a place at a work table or in a cozy chair, and work on your project without having to worry about folding the laundry or loading the dishwasher.

We have tables and chairs; sinks to wash out your brushes; outlets for your sewing machine. Basic crafting tools like cutting mats, rotary cutters, irons, scissors, paint brushes, heat press, etc. are available for you to use. We will also have a limited amount of basic materials and supplies available for purchase.

The cost for Studio time is $10 for an evening session (6-9) and $20 for a Saturday session (9-4). No appointment is needed. Just show up with your project, sign in at the front desk and get to work! Coffee provided.  🙂

Dates and times for Open Studio Sessions will be listed on our Events page. Hope to see you there!

Love to all!

–Beth

Creative Arts Studio

Creative Arts Studio

If you know me at all, you know my life is consumed with Creating and Making!

I have an insatiable appetite for learning new things and now, I am going to be able to help others learn new things, too!

I am so excited to announce that we will be converting Lavender Crossings into a Creative Arts Studio!!!

We will be offering a variety of classes starting in January and also plan to hold open studio days where you can come and work on your projects without the constant distractions you have at home!

I am so, so excited!! More information to come in the next few weeks. Subscribe to our blog to get updates delivered to your inbox!!

Love to all!

–Beth