Don't get me wrong...I keep a couple ready to go items in my pantry -sometimes my own "scratch" recipe like a favorite dessert topping to turn into a quick cobbler but the real reason for this post was about the art of DIY and creating so let me get back on track.
Creating for me has always been about variety, experimentation, DIY and expression.
Early in my stamping journey I discovered swapping. It enabled me to experiment and experience so much more than if I would have been limited to my personal stamping knowledge, supplies or current level of knowledge. Those swaps brought new ideas, shared supplies, wonderful hand-crafted art and comradery from like-minded soulmates. I still swap occasionally with some local crafters and I am always delighted and inspired.
In this season of my creative journey I have been getting familiar with my Cricut machine, I have an Explore Air2. My sweet friend Melanie picked it up for me last year at a warehouse sale she learned about from another of our crafting friends. I had an older Cricut that I had used mostly in my scrapbooking days but with this machine it brought together my graphic design interests with that DIY spirit. I’m sure you’re thinking wha-aaat isn’t that opposite of DIY in fact a bit of an oxymoron? Don’t you just use an electronic machine to cut, engrave, foil or whatever a pattern? Yup but in that it brings me back to creativity. How so? Well let me share how this happened.
Let's use the example of a recipe say lemonade. I began with the basics. My recipe called for lemons, sugar, and water in specific proportions.
I desired a beverage result for a special tea. I wanted something to compliment a favorite recipe for Lavender Cookies. I started with that basic recipe then began to add and take away elements until I was happy with the end result. First I decided to reduce the sugar for a less sweet taste. Next I decided to add a step and make a "simple syrup". While I had the water boiling I decided to throw in some lavender flowers from my garden, the flowers added an amazing smell, it was perfect! I used the lavender simple syrup with the lemon juice to finish off the lemonade recipe and…viola! Carol's Lovely Lavender Lemonade.
How does that look when I am using my Cricut skills you wonder? Have you ever had an idea but sadly you couldn’t bring it to fruition… yeah me too! I wanted to create a special gift for a friend who is a Svengoolie fan. H-mmm so I search the Cricut Access database and I cannot find anything. Ms. Google is far more helpful but nothing I desired. I finally found a few clipart images and I began to design MY Svengoolie. Thanks to many other Cricuteers on the internet I have learned how to create the svg from jpg and png files. Here is the final design I came up with for the thermal coffee mug I made.
I forgot to take a picture of my finished mug :( I mentioned earlier that swapping helped me experiment and experience so much more than if I would have been limited to my personal knowledge, supplies or current level of knowledge. Youtube and an amazing group of makers were the bridge that helped me grow ideas and creativity.They share so generously of their knowledge and art to help others and I have learned so much.
The list I started of what I want to learn and the projects I want to accomplish gets longer and longer, <sigh>. Does this mean my friends and family may be seeing more HANDMADE? Probably! Good news is I am enjoying the process!
