I always bite off more resolutions than I can ever metaphorically chew. The optimist in me says this is a good thing that it keeps me on my toes and always aiming high. The pessimist in me says I am just destined for failure. One resolution that I made last year and stuck with was to take a new class every month. I learned everything from how to flood cookies with royal icing to pole dancing. Each month was a new adventure and often times my friends joined in the fun. This year I have the same goal, but I’m hoping to also take advantage of cheaper ways of learning – AKA the internet and friends. Lucky for me BlogHer has a few things from my list to help me become the crafty Jill of all trades I aspire to be.
This year another goal is to try more art as opposed to crafting. I want to try working with acrylics, pastels and watercolors. My goal is not to be amazing at it, but to just become familiar with the mediums and techniques for working with them. Last year I took two BYOB painting classes with my girlfriends. Worth every penny and tons of fun. This year I’m thinking of checking one of these goals off the list online. Lucky for me I noticed that Elise from Grow Creative is doing a series on learning to use watercolor. I am even more inspired to get this watercolor party started.
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Another arty technique that has always blown my mind is stamp carving. The whole reverse image thing, using sharp objects and excuses to start collecting pink erasers all peaks my curiosity. While trolling the BlogHer network looking for inspiration I can across Meream from Bored and Crafty. This lady is hardcore, she likes to carve a new stamp a day. Over on Craftiness is Not Optional Jess has a full on tutorial for stamp carving. Chevrons, hot air balloons, bows – oh my. My greeting cards and art journaling just got kicked up a notch.
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Why should the kids have all the loom fun? They can keep their rubber bands I am wanting to bring back the 70’s and make abstract yarn, leather, fabric and ceramic wall sculptures. Mark my words, textiles on the wall (think macramé) is the next bit interior design trend. I just stole a bunch from my mother that she made and now I’m totally inspired to make my own. There are several blogs on BlogHer that have posts about weaving. Rachell Oewens talks about stash busting via looming. Thank you Patchwork Times for informing me that Craftsy has online weaving classes. Though the project is for kids, I loved the inspiration of weaving with items from nature over on Ana from Babble Dabble Do. Next stop, craft store for a loom.