Three years ago I started an ill health phase of my life. One of the side effects is sleepless nights with a need to walk, pace, or at least stand. Do you know how lonely a grocery store is at 3 am? I walked the aisles but ended up buying stuff I didn't need so I had to come up with a better solution.
A friend from school days many decades ago, showed me her new passion ... mixed media art. She creates divine cards, booklets, and canvases. I wasn't ready to listen because I was still busy working and taking care of family but it was in the back of my mind that if I ever had the time ...
Hmmmm, maybe I could try scrapbooking. I created several books but this wasn't quite satisfying my creative urges even it was giving me something to do in the middle of the night. I reorganized my bedroom and found a perfect buffet at a thrift shop with expanding sides and the proper height to allow me to work while standing. I could sleep for 20 minutes then work on an art project, sleep for a couple of hours then do some more. I was ready to go.
INTIMIDATION & INSECURITY abound as I stare at the blank canvas. What do I do now? I put down the gesso layer. Wow, the canvas is now whiter. I didn't have a vision. This was too scary so I put the canvas aside and fell back on what I was comfortable with ... an engagement card for my niece. I love vintage and when I Googled "vintage engagement" and looked at the images, a plan began to form. The theme would be vintage sheet music with lots of glamour and bling. Bling is NOT ME, but this was kind of fun. The card turned into a monstrous 12x12 production that needed a box to ship. But, not just any box, it had to be a huge toille patterned box she could use to store all of her engagement and wedding cards. So by the time it's wrapped to ship, the cost is $17.
One side was the card, the reverse side was a sheet music collage. I attached a lacy pink bag to hold a check.
One side was the card, the reverse side was a sheet music collage. I attached a lacy pink bag to hold a check.
No more wallowing in self-pity ... a perfect venue to take my mind off pain ... creative satisfaction ... and just plain fun.
What can I create Next?
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