October Goal Review

Since it's already the middle of November, I guess it's about time to summarize how I did on my goals and tasks for the month of October.

As a reminder, each week I wanted to complete a general Goal, a piece of Jewelry, an altered Card, at least one Blog post, and a Journal page. I'm covering weeks 39-43. That may sound like a lot, but I wasn't near as productive as I would have liked.

Week 39 (Sep. 25 - Oct. 1)

Goal

This week, I wanted to develop basic jewelry tutorials but that just hasn't happened yet. 

In fact, none of my goals were met this week as I spent the majority of it at my mom's house with my grandmother and niece while my mom was on vacation. 

Week 40 (Oct. 2-8)

Goal

Making a texture block like the ones in this Gelli Arts Texture Block video was the goal for this week. It just didn't happen.

Jewelry

I was a week behind on my jewelry-making, but was able to exceed my goals with these pieces. 

They were all made as part of my Cut Out + Keep Jewelry Superstar feature. And, I just realized that I shared the earrings with y'all last month. Sorry about that!

Card

Catching up on Week 38, I made this card.

It features washi tape as the background and a paper feather received in a swap as the focal. I also doodled with some black and white pens.

Blog

My September Goal Review and Keeping Busy (WOYWW) were posted on the blog that week. 

Journal 

Like the card, I was able to get an art journal page for Week 38 done. 

The background was made from collaged papers, brayered paint, and paint doodles. I added the girl with paint, watercolor pencils, and pastels.

Week 41 (Oct. 9-15)

Goal

I really wanted to get a few portions of the living room organized. In particular, a stack of boxes next to the tv cabinet was driving me crazy. The contents of those boxes now has a new home, carefully concealed in the living room. I'm considering that goal done.

Jewelry

This week, I made the washi tape earrings featured on Cut Out + Keep and a long necklace with one of my assemblage keys. 

Blog

Not only did I share a great way to use up leftovers with my Chili Cheese Nacho recipe, but I shared some of my finds from the Robertsdale Antique Show.

Week 42 (Oct. 16-22)

Goal

I knew it was past time to start my Christmas List, so I made it my goal for the week. And, I even got it started!!

Jewelry

These earrings and necklace were made, along with another pair of earrings that was given as a gift.

Card

Back on the card-making wagon, I was able to get the card for Week 39 done. 

It's a gelli print with some doodles and a chit chat sticker.

Blog

You got a peek at what I was working on from the junk drawer for WOYWW. (It was the necklace above ;)  )

Journal 

Two pages were made this week, to make up for Weeks 39 & 40.  

I made this page with brayered paint, stencils, stamps, and doodles (in paint and pen). The focal is a magazine cutout and the text was hand lettered.

Gelli prints make up the background for this page. I toned them down with gesso before adding shades of blue paint around the edges. In the center, I painted the sailboat with a combo of acrylic paint and neocolor ii crayons.

Week 43 (Oct. 23-29)

Goal

This week, I had hoped to get my "Shit-to-do" list made. It's basically a list of things I want to get done around the house (home repairs, decorating, and whatnot.) It was a week of ups and mostly downs, so it just didn't happen.

Blog

I did get a chance to share the news about being a Jewelry Superstar as well as my Birthday Desk (WOYWW).

November's already not looking so great in a multitude of ways, but I am trying to stay positive and continue to move forward. I'm already beginning to think about how I want to handle my goal(s) for next year and what I want to accomplish. It's really hard to think about moving ahead when you're so far behind. I guess I better stop whining and get to it!

Have you already started considering your goals for 2017?

DIY: Mixed Media Organization

Ever since I got my Gelli Plate (maybe at some point I'll actually go into detail about what it is-sorry about that), I've been looking for different ways to use the prints other than just including them in my art journal somehow, and hoarding them obviously. I showed you how I used one to cover my bullet journal, but now I've got another really simple way to use them too.

First let me say that now that I've made the plunge into art journaling, I've amassed even MORE craft supplies that need places and space in the craft room (which was already short on space.) As such, I've been looking for more ways to organize these supplies. While cooking taco soup one night, I looked at the pile of cans I'd emptied into the pot and decided to keep them.

Before using the tins, I removed the labels, cleaned them with soap and water, and soaked them with white vinegar and water to remove any odors. I also hammered down any jagged portions that remained from opening the can. Safety first! I didn't bother with making sure all the glue/paper came off since I was just going to cover them.

I've previously made tin can pen holders with scrapbook paper and ribbon (above), but I wanted to try something a little different this time around. . .layers. Here are my instructions for you on how to achieve those layers.

Start by picking out a page of dictionary text along with a gelli print on deli paper.

Make sure there's lots of open space on the deli paper so you can see the dictionary text through it.

Gather the rest of your supplies: tin can, paintbrush, & glue (I used white school glue on the dictionary text and gel medium on the deli paper, but it really doesn't matter as long as the glue dries clear). Lay these out on a covered surface.

Measure and cut your dictionary page down to size, using multiple pieces if you needed to cover the can.

Spread glue on the back of the dictionary page. (Try not to be like me and use way too much!)

I made a mess with the glue since the cap was clogged. Ooops.

Adhere the page(s) to the can, gently pressing out any bubbles/glue without tearing the paper.

Measure and cut your gelli-printed deli paper to the size of the can, leaving a little overlap on the ends.

Apply only a small amount of glue at a time to the tin can so you can work in sections, smoothing out the paper as best as possible. The thinness of both of the papers makes these come out wrinkly (especially when you go overboard on the glue.)

When you get to the last section, apply the glue to what remains of the deli paper and press down.

All it needs now is something to fill it!I didn't have any trouble coming up with that part.

I still have several tin cans and lots more supplies so you may see some more tin can makeovers here in the future. This is a simple project and a perfect craft for kids too.