Peek at My Week (Nov 8-14)

How was your week? As for myself (and Pat), we started it still feeling a little off-kilter and needed a mood booster. So, we made a quick run down to Gulf Shores for some beach therapy.

The sun, saltwater, and sea air definitely helped us center ourselves a little more. 

Monday was mostly about going through the motions. Our new phones came in, and I couldn't wait to activate them so I could test out the camera.

Since it was evening, I got a great idea of how well night-mode worked! Seriously, it was pitch-black out when I took this photo. So cool!

On Tuesday, I worked on chores before heading to Mobile to meet my niece for her dentist appointment. I gave myself a little extra time to get over there so that I could wander one of my favorite antique malls before the appointment. Alas, I didn't find anything that needed to come home with me. On the way home, I was fortunate to catch the sunset along Mobile Bay.

After I put the chickens to bed (closed up their coops), I spied this tiny gecko that we've all been ogling for a few days.

The holes in that screen are pretty small if that gives you any kind of size reference. 

I knew I've been putting off making some jewelry for longer than I should. So, on Wednesday, I made it a priority to at least start pulling out materials that piqued my interest.

But, that was about as far as I got on that.

I did take a little time to walk around the yard with Zoe and test out the phone's camera more. 

This is just one of a whole series of pictures I collected. I'm totally smitten with my new "toy".

On Thursday, I worked in ernest on coming up with designs and stocking my bead box (I should have a reveal of the last one for you sometime this week!)

For the first time in something like eight months, we ate at a restaurant! A friend of ours was coming through town and met us at a local place for lunch on the patio. It was his first time at a restaurant since March too! In the afternoon, I craved working in an art journal, so I played.

On Friday (the 13th), I was up early, and ready to be creative.

I began the day on the deck with my doodle book and journals.

After that, I had a hard time focusing on the household chores as I really just wanted to keep stocking the bead box. It felt so good to have some creative mojo back after such a block. I even worked on another art journal page.

While there's still so much to accomplish out in the yard on the recovery front, I felt focused on working on tasks in the house, both cleaning and creative. So, I did what I felt driven to do. In the late afternoon, Pat and I enjoyed a few beers out on the swing together before the sun set.

I admired all the fall colors on my Japanese Maple tree.

I'm pleased that my muse may be returning and hope that you're finding some inspiration too. Here's some I found for you!

• This leather cord wrap bracelet tutorial inspired me so much that I've got something similar in mind stocked in the bead box now. 
• While looking at the monthly palettes from Halcraft Collection, I stumbled on the tutorial for this bright and fun juicy bracelet. 
• It's not too early to start on your Christmas projects. Here's a roundup of 150 Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas that mostly include repurposing items!
• Speaking of Christmas, I found these Free Embroidey Patterns for Christmas. 
• I've never made a rope necklace but this Rope Necklace Tutorial makes it look easy enough. 
• There's something really appealing about these DIY Faux Enamel Number Tags. I'm not sure how I would use these but am glad to have learned the techniques. 
• Somehow, I totally forgot that I was subscribed to the CrafsMan but stumbled on his Copper Patinas Tutorial. He's super entertaining. I've now got my husband watching his videos, and CrafsMan inspired me to patina a washer for the bead box!

And, that's it for this week. I hope yours has been wonderful and that you have a fabulous week ahead! Let me know what's inspiring you. 

New at SAA (for Super Saturday)

In addition to finding my unique handmade jewelry in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop, you can also shop locally for it in the CraftyHope booth at Southern Antiques and Accents in Fairhope, Alabama. Here's a look at some of what's new in the booth.

Mushroom Necklace

Coral Loop Earrings

Brown Key Necklace

Simple Bead Bracelet

Emerald Abyss Earrings

Shield Necklace

Teal Key Earrings

And, if you're interested in what the booth looks like...

When you walk in the door of the old bowling alley (seriously, yes!), there's a row of tall cases on the left. My booth is the last one before you get to the counter.

Here's a closer look.

These top two shelves contain first a few display necklaces then a shelf of pieces that include found and salvaged materials.

Below them are these two shelves.

On top, you'll find jewelry that's made from old cookie tins. And, below that are pieces made from a variety of mixed materials. On the very bottom shelf (not pictured), I have my bargain bin along with other SALE/reduced-price items. 

Here's an even closer look at some of the shelves.

Each month at the Antique Mall, there's a special event. This used to be restricted to a few hours one evening, but now takes up a whole Saturday with extended hours! It's called Super Second Saturday. You'll see most of the details on the chalkboard outside the store.

And, if you can't make it this Saturday, the store is open seven days a week. So, if you're ever in Fairhope, make sure to check it out. In addition to taking up the whole old bowling alley, the shop also includes part of the old skating rink. There are loads of booths (besides mine) to explore and lots of treasures to be found.

November Challenges and Inspiration

 Here's my monthly list of jewelry and art challenges and inspiration that are currently going on.

• The Art Elements theme for November is Mushrooms/Toadstools. Since Art Elements is open to any medium, you could go in any direction with this theme. You have the whole month to make and share your creation(s) in the Art Elements Community on Facebook. Read Cathy's post on the blog to learn more and get inspired. 
• At Art Bead Scene, the Wonderfully Odd World of JJ Grandville is the inspiration for Art Journey #8. I've already seen some beauties come out of this challenge. Remember that your contribution(s) must contain an art bead. The deadline to submit your makes is November 27.
• Sarajo and Eric have an interesting picture for the November Inspiration for the Honey Do List. Should their blurry poppies inspire you, make sure to pop back over to SJ Designs Jewelry on or after Nov. 30 to use the linky tool that Sarajo will have available to share your piece(s).
• For one little touch of inspiration, I'm loving the Halcraft Pretty Palette for November. I think I actually already have some of the beads from their mix, but may have to pop into Michael's to see if I can find any of those others! Information about their challenge and a link to their Facebook page can be found on the post linked above.

And, that's all I've got right now. If you're aware of any other challenges and/or inspirations that I haven't listed, please don't hesitate to let me know! I'd love to add and be inspired by them.

Peek at My Week (Nov. 1-7)

Y'all! That week was EXHAUSTING for such little actual activity. There was so much waiting.

We gained an hour on Sunday as time fell back for Daylight Savings. After some milling about the house, Pat and I decided to see about switching out our cell phone carrier. We were in-store for almost two hours and left empty-handed (though that should change this week.) And, that was the big excitement for the day.

Monday felt like moving through molasses. I did catch a kitty in the sun though.

We were a bit nervous about the election, so I made some comfort food for dinner.

I woke up early on Election Day and worked out a few more nerves with a little art journaling. It looked as chaotic as I felt.

It wasn't long before we headed out to cast our votes. We did have to wait about an hour, but it was worth it. 

We were on pins and needles back at home, though we knew we'd likely be going to bed without knowing who the new president was going to be. I tried to distract myself with some jewelry-making but didn't have much success. I did find a little hope and joy in the bowl though.

Wednesday felt much the same as I worked to distract myself from politics as much as possible. I did get to update the booth at Southern Antiques and Accents. 

I spent all of Thursday with my mom as she had a procedure. Friday was more waiting and looking for distractions. At one point, I even broke out the watercolors but still couldn't focus on jewelry.

I was up early again on Saturday.

Within a few hours, the election was called for Biden. We were ecstatic to hear the results . . . until we began to see some of the spite and hate from friends and family on social media. We stepped away to work out in the yard some. And, I collected a few treasures we found under one of the pole barn's lean-tos. 

I was feeling the urge to paint, so into the art journal I dove as I considered what all a new presidency might mean.

I hope you for more inspiration that I did over the week, and here's some more to give you a jump start on this week!

• I have no idea how Jose Manuel Castro Lopez makes these stones look soft, but he has. It's magic!
• This elegant-looking daisy chain is new for me. Learn how to make your own.
• I am absolutely taken with these animal sculptures made from recycled scraps. They are whimsical and wonderful!
• The minimalistic beauty of this simple fall wreath really catches the eye. 
• If you're like me and still blogging, Roben-Marie Smith has some Tips for Creating a Content Calendar for Your Art Blog.

My mood is still way off, but I'm working on that. I hope that if you're struggling too that you find some way to focus that into something else. I'm working on making sure I practice kindness. Please let me know how you're coping with the cares of the world upon your shoulders. Here's to better times ahead!

October Thrifty Haul

 This past month was absolutely all over the place. I did pop into the thrift store a couple of times but found no treasures. The bulk of my few thrifty finds were from Tuesday Morning and the Dollar stores.

However, if you're interested in seeing what I found, I did create a quick video showcasing what I brought home.

I'd love to hear if you've had any luck finding some good deals or interesting products. Let me know in the comment box below!

Mixed Media Art Videos from October

I really enjoy watching and creating art journal and mixed media art videos but haven't been sharing them each time they're posted here on the blog. Instead, I create a quick round-up of them at the start of each new month. Here are the few videos I got up in October.

Five Minute Cards 7, 8, & 10

Five Minute Cards 11, 12, & 13

Five Minute Cards 14, 17, & 18

Image Transfer in an Art Journal

There are other videos on my CraftyHope YouTube Channel if you're interested in taking a look and/or subscribing. And, please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help!

Peek at My Weeks (Oct. 18-31)

I'm running two weeks behind again. Technically, it's really just a week, but I've got two weeks to share with you. Since there's so much to cover, let's get to it!

On Sunday, the 18th, my eco-prints from the day before had dried and were beautiful!

We worked out in the yard some, trying to get an area clear before we had the shed moved. Pat picked up this shelf from the place where it had been since we moved it. I seriously thought it was just a section of a broken shelf. But, it turned out to be this. 

He called it a baker's drying rack where you slide in trays for the bread, doughnuts, pastries, etc. I can TOTALLY see painting it up real pretty and using it to store and dry papers. Can you see it?  I can't believe I've just left it sitting out in the yard for five years!

Pat's sister and her partner came over to help us move a few things with the help of the tractor. 

Then my silly sister-in-law got in the bucket of the tractor. I couldn't help but snap a quick photo of the two of them. 

Monday was all about running all the errands. I felt like I was busy all day long. Then, I got a happy surprise in the mail.

This was an amazing package from my friend, Ginger, who is currently in Japan. I knew she was sending me something, but this package of awesome just blew me away! Thank you, again, Ginger!!

On Tuesday, I worked general business-y tasks before pouring myself into an art journal page. 

And, our new TV was delivered!

In the afternoon, I helped Pat get prepared for the shed to be moved. 

This included taking apart our fire pit since it was in the direct path of where the shed would be traversing. 

After a busy business day on Wednesday and a new quote for the tree service that we're still waiting to have done, we had the shed moved. It was creepy and cool to watch two guys with a "mule" move it across the yard.

Thursday and Friday were spent with my niece in Mobile while my mom and step-dad went up to Birmingham for him to have a procedure. Meanwhile, my niece was running a slight fever as I freaked out that she might have the virus. After we got her a doctor's appointment for Monday, I spent much of Friday trying to find out where and how to get her a Covid test. Fortunately, that came back negative and my step-dad's procedure went well also. 

Saturday was my birthday. I really didn't do much. I had previously purchased some tube watercolors and spent part of the morning getting them into an organizer for easier use.

In the afternoon, we went to friends' to watch the Alabama football game before returning home for a little celebratory cake.

Tiramisu is my favorite!

On Sunday, it was back to yard and housework. While Pat fiddled with something on the tractor, I gathered a few found objects for a little assemblage.

Monday meant more errands almost all day. On Tuseday, apparently, I knocked out loads. However, I have no idea what that means, it's just what I told myself in my journal. I believe I also shared my Halloween lampshade on Instagram.

We had a delicious tofu ramen for dinner. I love that there's so many options for toppings!

We should have been prepping for Hurricane Zeta on Wednesday. But, I did my best to try to ignore the fact that another one was headed our way. Instead, I worked on getting my Gothic pieces finished and the blog ready to go in case we lost power. (We did lose power for about 11 hours) The storm was a lot of wind and rain, but definitely less scary than Sally. I hate that I had to send Pat out in it to pick up my niece from work, but fortunately, they both arrived home safely. 

On Thursday morning we assessed the storm damage. Fortunately, the only real damage was a large limb down.

While the power was off, we went ahead and started up the generator for the essentials.

Coffee and phone charging!

And, I did a little doodling to keep myself occupied.

The power was back in the late morning so I was able to get back on track before long. We did lose it again on Friday for about an hour and a half. After that, I ran out to Fairhope Brewing Co to pick up a treat for myself.

Thay had a special flavor release of my favorite Judge Roy Bean (Coffee Stout). In addition to the Tiramisu and Salted Caramel, there's a Thin Mint and a Cocoa and Cayenne. I knocked out the household chores when I got back to the house, keeping the beer as a reward. Once dinner was finished, I dipped into the the beers while we watched The Mandalorian. I tried the turamisu and cayenne ones and enjoyed them both. I'm looking forward to the other two as well. 

Saturday was Halloween, and I stayed busy all day, ending up at my mom's to watch the Bama game and help hand out candy to the few trick-or-treaters she had. And, that ended my last two weeks. The days have been busy while it seems I've accomplished nothing. Ah well, on to the next!

And, if you're looking for inspiration here's what I have for you. 

• These earrings from Moois Van Mie are stunning and sparkly. And, she shares how easily she made them too. 
• This list of Fall-inspired knitting and crochet patterns makes me long to know how to do either. Fortunately, there are links to learn too!
• I can't believe I've never thought about making rusty pumpkins before. Here's a tutorial on making a topiary of rusted pumpkins. 
• I cannot get over how adorable this assemblage Frankenstein's monster is. I love him!
• The use of jewelry bails to create these spoon windchines is a smart idea. 
• Oh, please get a dose of cute with these squirrel photos. 
• I can just imagine a ton of ideas with this drilled pumpkin light as the starter inspiration. 
• Lifehacker shared some tips on how to spark your creativity when you're in a rut. 
• I love most everything Jen at Epbot makes, so this dollar tree $5 cloche for Halloween caught my attention. 
• Julie Fie-Fen Balzer shared some video inspiration on Daily Practices and making time to create. 
• Here are ten tutorials on how to embroider letters. 
• These chaotic times have us all a little out of sorts. So, here's 5 Hobbies to Calm.
• And, here are three ways you can preserve fall leaves when you find some spectacular ones.  

Whew! I hope that's plenty to get you inspired for the week ahead. Here's hoping it's a good one. And, if you're in the states, make sure you get out and VOTE if you haven't already!!

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