What Was I Thinking!!

 I have been at this a long time! 20 years in fact. I have had a lot of fun over the years and had my share of recognition when this medium was new.  Last year things changed. All of this that I loved turned into a grind and I entertained the idea of retiring.  I dumped most of my social media, didn't renew any of my items on Etsy, didn't apply to any shows and I got a job!!

That lasted about five months and I got the itch again. I have a studio full of tie dye, jewelry, crochet and I just couldn't let it sit there. I didn't know what to do with it all. I crept back on to social media, but at a different pace this time, on my terms, where I wasn't in a grind. I think all the social media pressure is what pushed me over the edge. I was already in burn out from family care and loss and I didn't let myself grieve, I just kept pushing, kept creating. 

So here I am, back at my blog, dusting off the keyboard and settling back in to where it all started. Does anyone blog anymore? Let's bring it back shall we!

I want to use my blog to share with you my latest projects, where I am showing, what is the newest items in my stores (yes plural, I have three), vacations, ups and downs, just all of it. 

Back to the title, "What was I Thinking" I have accepted the challenge of separating my Etsy store into three stores of my work. My original store JustATish Designs for jewelry will stay the same. I have also added JustATish Tie Dye and JustATish Crochets. I found having all of my items in one store was just to cluttered and hard to navigate. I also got feedback from shoppers that conveyed the same.  I honestly feel like I can breathe a little easier and I am not as overwhelmed by doing this. (Well overwhelmed re posting all of the items, but it is a labor of love, right??)

Here is the first of many posts that may take a minute for me to get into a rhythm on when to post, but I am excited again, and that feels good. While I am working out my schedule, check the links to the right for links to my store, my social media and where I will be showing. 

In the meantime, check out my latest "Tie Dye Along With Me" upload to my YouTube Channel!

And remember. Be peaceful. Be kind. It's important!

Talk to you soon!!! 

Getting Ready for Fall - Crocheting Granny Squares

 

I have to keep busy, call it a curse, call it a super power but because of it, I am always making something. And in turn, I have now taken over two rooms of our house. One for tie dye, jewelry, painting and storage of festival gear, and the other for all of my material, sewing machine, mailing supplies, yarn, work desk, computer and printer. 

I am craft hoarder elite!

I get distracted easily, and sometimes I may have more than one project going at a time.

Sometimes I can get frustrated with myself, as I compare myself to other artists out there, that their color combos on their tie dye are more brilliant than mine, their wire wraps are more intricate than mine. 

Once I am done throwing around the confetti of my pity party, and I have had my last bit of dejection cake, I understand, it is because they picked one thing and did it right, where I have to do it all!

And because I have to do it all, it is crocheting season!

It is one thing I do love to do. It is a project that I can do, while sitting in the living room in front of the television and pretending to be watching a movie with my husband. 

I myself personally could spend all of my waking ours in my office or studio working on projects, but I do have to find a balance. So when the weather cools off and there is not so much to do, television is the go to entertainment for my husband. He just wants to know I am in the same room with him, and if he wants to make a conversation, then I am there to join in. 

I started a new project that I am absolutely excited about, and part of the project is granny squares. What I love about granny squares is the versatility of the pattern. Even the versatility of the basic granny square itself. You are basically making a tiny mosaic tile to piece together into a beautiful work of art. 

After I had gotten started on my squares, I realized I needed extra bulk for this project. I do love the crispness of the single strand yarn granny squares. You can see the detail. 

But I wasn't looking for detail. I was looking for comfort and snuggly. I used two strands of worsted weight yarn and made my squares again. What a difference. The extra color gave more texture. The extra strand of yarn gave the squares a soft, cushy, comfortable feel. Perfect for what I am working on. 

I am using a mixture of scrap yarn and Big Twist 100% acrylic yarn. Middle of the road yarn, super soft, doesn't unravel, and affordable -  especially when bought at JoAnns with a coupon. I bought it because I wanted to try something other than RedHeart SuperSaver. Red Heart SuperSaver is a great affordable yarn, especially as a beginner, but it is just too scratchy.  

I am just in the beginning of this project, and have to figure out a couple more things. 

I can't wait to show it to you!

What do you like to work on during the cooler months??

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

Although I do live a lifestyle that is richly enhanced with healing crystals, crystal energy, and universal energies, some do not, and that being said, I must say - Crystal meanings, metaphysical and spiritual healing lore is lore for inspiration, folklore, reference, and entertainment only. Crystal and spiritual healing lore is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information. See a doctor or other healthcare practitioner for all health issues. By using this site and associated materials, and accessing this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

March is Craft Month - Crocheted Slippers

March is national craft month, and this month all of my blog posts will be of something I have made. My goal is at least 3 things a week. Let's Play!

Lasts night I did some surfing on YouTube and found several tutorials on how to crochet a slipper. These slippers are based loosely

 on Stitch Stitch Booms pattern for slippers. 

I used the worsted weight medium size 4 Caron One Pound Yarn and a size H (5.0) hook

I have made hats, scarves and a blanket or two, so this was a fun change! One of the easiest things I think I have done. They are really quick to make

What I learned. Make them smaller than you need, because they stretch, and the yard feels 'hard' on the bottoms of my feet. I don't want to wear socks with them, that defeats the purpose of the slipper, but an insole works!!!! 

What are you making for National Craft Month??

And as always, Be peaceful, Be kind. 

Remember to explore, create, dream, imagine and discover!

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!