CraftyHope: stitching

I knew this would happen. I'm just a few weeks back into blogging, and things went awry. Let's see if I can knock out a little bit of a catch-up without going too crazy.

What's Finished

As I wrote the last blog, I was working on my May Inspiration Trove Assemblage project. You can watch the video, and the piece is now available at Hello Gallery in downtown Fairhope for sale.

As well, the 100-Day Project came to an end, and I finished strong by completing this little stitch (and stitched) pouch. You can get a better look at it in my reel on Instagram.

What's in Progress

Here's a sneaky peek at this month's Inspiration Trove project. (Any guesses as to the prompts I pulled? One is pretty obvious.) And, of course, ICAD has begun!

This is yesterday's card that used the Glossy prompt.

What's Up Next?

In the next few hours, I should be pulling the sentiment(s) for June's Finding the Words art journaling. If this interests you, here's the full playlist to explore. As well, there's more index card altering to do, of course. I had hoped to do a vlog this month, but I've been crazy busy and caught a cold in the midst of it all. So, we'll see if that even happens.

What's Caught My Eye?

I went on a thrifting excursion/"artist date" yesterday and picked up several new-to-me items. I'll have them in a thrift haul video later this month. However, you can see some of my other recent hauls in the Thrifty Thursday video that just went up.

What's Had My Attention?

I mentioned in the last post that I've become a member of a book club, we're now reading The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett. I'm listening to it and am loving it so much. Also, the hubs and I just finished re-watching Ted Lasso and remember why it was such a favorite. SO DARN GOOD!

What's Been the Best Part of My Week(s)?

I've gotten to spend a little more time with one of my best friends. That's a lot of what's kept me busy - no complaints there. At her encouragement, I've joined the Junior League of Mobile! My "provisional year" is just starting, but I'm so looking forward to meeting some new people and serving my community.

I think I'll stop here for this post and try to make sure to stay on the ball.

Here's hoping!

What's New with You?

Look at me sliding in with another week's roundup!!

What's finished

Honestly, the biggest tasks I accomplished this past week were getting the last blog post up, updating my space at Hello Gallery, and cleaning the house.

I did get these two photos altered as part of my StitchABit100 for the 100 Day Project.

What's in progress

Here's where so much time has been spent. I've got other photos still in the process of being altered. (I'm really just trying to decide if they're done for now.)

Other stitching has been done on this scrap of fabric, to which I'm adding white buttons and additional stitches.

I've also been keeping my hands busy with some neurographic doodling. It's been a while since I dabbled with these. But, I was absolutely pulled back in.

What's up next?

We're doing a staycation this week and started strong yesterday with grilling by the pool. Though the water is still pretty chilly. We're hoping to take the bikes out, go for a paddle on the kayaks, and maybe even spend a day on the beach. However, we may be overambitious with our time.

What's caught my eye?

After a ton of rain this past week, I looked out my office window and spotted this beauty of a mushroom. It's as tall as my hand!

What's had my attention

Pat had several band practices and a gig this week, so I was left to my own devices (hence the doodling). I watched Practical Magic for the first time ever and rewatched Dead Poets Society (for probably the hundredth time. It's a longtime favorite that I've avoided since Robin passed away.) As well, I picked up watching Outlander from where I left off several years ago (the end of season 2).

Also, the Mastering Mixed Media Expo 2026 has started, and I've been picking my way through those videos. (Today, the Making Zen Online Retreat also starts. I'm hoping to be able to watch some of those too!!

What's Been the Best Part(s) of My Week

~We did go see Cake, though we didn't take any pictures or video (as requested by the band). It was an awesome show!

~I thrifted some buttons.

~A couple of assemblages sold at the gallery

~We celebrated Pat's birthday with a few friends while exploring Pensacola on Saturday. (It was also Kentucky Derby Day, and a mint julep was in order. And, more celebrating was done poolside on Sunday.

What's new

Can you call thrifted bits "new"? If so, I picked up a few new items that will be in an upcoming Thrifty Thursday (though, not the one I've got scheduled for this week.)

My pressed flowers came out beautifully! I was just off to pick more yesterday when I realized that I had plenty to do before our guests arrived. Hopefully, I can make it happen this week.

New videos on YouTube -

~Art Journal Page (Keeping it Spicy challenge)

~Create with me Handmade Bracelets

So, what's new with you?

What's What Vol. 4 (May 18-June 11)