Stitchin'

Holidays are always hectic-- parties, shopping, wrapping, etc. None of these things are helpful when trying to be productive. I honestly believe that I'm one Christmas cookie away from a sugar coma. Now I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but falling asleep before eight o'clock is not normal. It's also kind of annoying. Luckily I've been able to get a couple smaller pieces done when not over-eating or sleeping.

I find that since I spend most of my day typing, by the time I'm home my hands are pretty much shot. In order to rectify this, I've taken up embroidery again. Something to keep me busy/keep my hands from falling off. Perhaps I'll do a series of quotes. Or owls. I still love owls. The below is a belated baby gift/Christmas gift for my cousin. I have some ideas for larger, long-term projects but need to take the initiative to get things started. This winter brings loom assembly (I was given a loom!), learning how to weave, becoming more acquainted with my sewing machine and who knows what else.

Until then, Happy Holidays to you and yours.

J

Insomnia

Apparently when I can't sleep, I craft. Since it's December and there's still no (significant amount of) snow, I thought I'd create a little of my own. It's been so long since I've made paper snowflakes that I had to look up a tutorial. How sad is that? Newest piece has been almost done for a week now and just needs a few final touches before upload. I keep getting distracted. Hoping to have something new started before the holidays. Until then, anxiously awaiting snow.

J

Office Art

Lots of changes lately -- especially at work. In an effort to make things a little cheerier I decided to put together some colorful message boards for the new office. Nothing takes the drab out of 70's era office space quite like brightly colored cotton and ribbon, right?


I also made some sea creatures to go on the walls...


Lastly my boss commissioned me to do a small piece for our new meditation/yoga room. I was asked to convert some Japanese calligraphy into a fabric wall hanging. I tried to keep it really simple as per her request but also to keep with eastern design aesthetics.

I believe the script translates to "white light" which is associated with a Japanese technique called Reiki (something also being offered through work). From my understanding Reiki is a form or stress reduction and relaxation involving relaxing music and "laying on hands". Something to do with transference of energy. I suppose I'll have to do a little more research or perhaps I'll give it a shot. I could definitely use a little less stress in my life.

Trying to figure out what to work on next. There's promise of another piece for the meditation room but I'm eager to work on some things for myself too. I'll probably flip back to repeat patterns soon as I'm hoping to have a completely updated portfolio by spring. Other than that I'm just taking things as they come.

J

One year later...

Sometimes life gets in the way...









More to come.

J