Crafting an Heirloom

As I was busy pinning various images and links to my boards in Pinterest, I started to realize how many of the items I see people post are quickie crafts or items that may be cute for the moment, but may not last or stand the test of time. I wonder why we don't value true craftsmanship like we used to, or if we do, we don't value the time and energy that went into making an item, therefore we may appreciate what it would truly cost if it were for sale. I think two things have killed true craftsmanship and wonderfully handmade items. The first is that we are not taught from a young age to learn how to sew, knit, crochet, metal smith, woodwork, etc like our grandparents or great grandparents did. Seeing old embroidery samplers carefully and beautifully stitched by young girls in the 19th century speaks to the discipline, time, and commitment that it took to produce such an item. It also tells us that things were made to last, to endure, and were not here today and gone tomorrow. Even the embroidered and crochet edged pillow cases that homemakers made in the 50's and 60's still came from that same tradition of using quality materials to produce something that was not only used by one generation, but by many.

The other reason why handcrafted items aren't given the value that they should is that too much of what we buy and have in our homes may be fashion forward, beautiful or 'just the thing', but these items are often cheaply made and many times not made to last. We can blame the Chinese and their factories, we can blame IKEA and Target and their buyers, but we can also blame ourselves. We need to quit buying junk and start buying quality. If it matters that we have things in our homes and lives that we can treasure and possibly hand down as an heirloom, then I think that it is important to purchase or create things that can stand the test of time in both workmanship and design. Not all of us are creative or may not want to be, but if we are, take the time to really make something...not just quick 5 minute cute crafts. Really learn a craft and create your own personal heirloom. Really learn a process. We have a family friend who has stained glass pieces and a large Hawaiian quilt that she made and displays in her home. They are beautiful and you can appreciate the time and talent that went into creating these items when you look at them. She has crafted heirlooms.

Artist Quote

"Great art picks up where nature ends."  Marc Chagall

Pinterest....my guilty pleasure or addiction

I have been 'pinning' on Pinterest since late last summer....and I think I am addicted!! For those who are not familiar with Pinterest, it is a site where you can set up virtual boards and pin images, links to sites, video clips, etc for future reference. You can follow other pinners and other pinners may follow you. I have over 70 boards and 9400 pins....I know....how, why, what for?? My excuse is that I use Pinterest as a place to fill my well of creative ideas and inspiration. One of these days I will be in a more productive artistic mood and will want to peruse all of the images that I have collected and be inspired to start creating again.

I know I make my husband crazy with my Pinterest obsession. I'm thinking that he wishes that I never got a smart phone....but what a great way to pin while riding in the car or standing in line!! The one thing my husband can't complain about is that I am not bringing anything new into the house. That is the great thing about collecting things virtually, it doesn't take up space in the house. Seriously, I do have much better things to do with my time. I have thought about limiting the amount of time I spend on Pinterest....just haven't brought myself to seriously implement such a plan. If there were such a thing as a Pinterest 12 step program, I probably would be a good candidate.....since there isn't, I'll just have to go cold turkey.

Artist Quote

"It is not the language of painters, but the language of nature which one should listen to."   Vincent Van Gogh

Just Post-it!

I'm borrowing a bit from Nike here, but I am committing myself to 'Just Post-it' and eventually 'Just Do It'. I wrote "BLOG!" on one of those skinny page tag Post-its and stuck at the top of my keyboard where I would see it everyday. I do look at it everyday and think for sometime (some days only a few seconds, but other days several minutes or through out a day) about what I should post next to this blog. I come up with plenty of stuff. Some of the ideas would take no time, like my 'Artists Quotes' and others would require finishing a project, taking a photo and eventually posting what I have created. And I have a list somewhere of writing ideas but I'm not sure what little notebook I have jotted those down in. Regardless, I know I have stated several times on this blog that my intent is to make entries at least twice a week. So, from this day forward, I shall take my Post-it seriously and blog with abandon....or at least determination. Now off to find that notebook and to glean some ideas for writing!!

Artful Resolutions for 2012

With a new year comes resolution within oneself to make improvements in ones life. Of course there are the typical resolutions of diet, exercise, organization, etc. ....all of course very worthy pursuits, but this list is meant to be more focused on my creative life.
1. Submit one project per month to Stampington & Co.
2. Sketch everyday.
3. Make an art journal entry everyday.
4. Carry an art journal with me everywhere.
5. Take at least one of the sewing classes offered via the Community College extension program.
6. Take at least one of the classes offered during the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in June.
7. Learn how to tat.
8. Take Pinterest one step further by making something from what I have pinned and then pinning a picture of what I have made.
9. Post at least twice a week to this blog.
10. Carry a camera with me for taking reference and inspiration photos.
11. CLEAN MY CRAFT ROOM!!!!
12. Learn how to work with resin and start making stuff.

I think I could come up with more....In fact I'm sure I could, but I will leave the list as is for now. I have challenged myself to make 2012 one of the most productive years that I have had in a while. My overall goal for the year is to create more and to add to my skills and knowledge.

My Dear Blog....You Are Not Forgotten

Dear Blog-
Please forgive me for neglecting you and not posting as I should. It appears that it has been nearly 2 months since I last posted to you. I have been well and have thought of you often. I suppose that that is not an excuse for not actually writing. Beginning today, I shall promise to make weekly posts and be more attentive.
Yours Truly, Karilyn

P.S. You are what keeps me creating!!