Looking Back On October

I can't believe how fast this year is winging by. I wanted to get so much more done than I have.
I know I am working full time outside of the house now but still I should be getting more crafting done. Someone who posted a comment on my giveaway page has given me a good idea.
Deborah said...
I've decided to put at least one hour a day aside for making something with my hands - thanks for the chance to try something new!
November 13, 2010 7:02 PM
Setting a specific amount of time as a goal to work on projects is a great idea. It makes more sense than just winging it like I have been.
Some weeks I am happy with the amount of work done and some not. If I set a specific time aside and then that is that. I will not try to judge by the amount of work just be happy if I have filled the allotted time.
I plan on doing this for the rest of the year and see how it works.
I also am setting new rules for working on my projects. I used to think you could not be creative if you had to abide by rules and regulations but I have since discovered that "some" rules are needed or it all can turn into unproductive chaos.
So here is the plan....

1. Daily a minimum of 2 hours will be set aside for working on projects.
2. All errand and shopping will be done on one of my days off.
3. No more than 2 projects in the producing stage and one in the designing stage at one time.
   
4. I must have all structural aspects decided before I start a project, (I have three purses in my closet awaiting handle decisions..not good) embellishments can be decided as I go.
5. At the end of each month I will photograph and put a slide show of what I have produced on this blog.
6. Good or bad I will move on to the next project or next design. No regrets, just design decisions based on past projects are allowed.
7. Every third project has to be in a different medium than the two before it. I think this will keep things lively.
8. One project a month has got to be put on the blog as a tutorial. This will keep me thinking about the hows and whys of my projects.
   

The thing about being creative is that you can create art but you also can create a living hell inside your own mind when you do not realize the potential you feel you have.
I thinking learning to create peace in my own mind is the hardest project I have been working on.

So here are the projects I have completed for October.

Felted Purse Step Two

I spent a lovely peaceful day with my hubby David and two little dogs Cleo (12yr old Yorkie) and Tina (2 year old Chi mix). We went to Bay Area Dog Park. It was a perfect day, lots of sun but still nice and cool and comfortable.
We have one social butterfly Cleo who loves the dog park and walks around greeting everyone like she is the queen greeting her subjects. Our other dog Tina is so afraid of everything and everyone she stays close to my husband every minute. She will run a little way away from him but the minute someone comes close she runs under the picnic table he is sitting at.
They are both now sleeping soundly all tuckered out from the days adventure.
The peace and quiet gave me time to do some sketching tonight.
I have done a few sketches and decided on this one simple design with a few leaves falling through the air on a base of chocolate felt. I love the colors on this purse. It is a basic soft round shape with generous dual handles. It is going to be embellished with a few glass beads probably outlining the veins in the leaves.
This is my sketch and work sheet.From this start I will now make a pattern out of paper and start cutting out the material tomorrow.
More photos of the next steps will be coming in a few days.

Felted Heart Pocket Purse

This is what I have been working on today. It is a little tan felt purse with beaded red hearts pockets on the outside. The fabric you see below it the tan with red butterflies is going to be the lining. I know you don’t have to line felt purses but I like the added element and texture it brings to the piece. There will be short tan handles and a red tab with a button closure. I will post a photo when it is all done. If you want me to post a pattern for this purse just let me know.