Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Why does making stuff feel so good??

I don't know exactly why, but it does! Maybe it's that creative spirit we have within us and when we actually listen and act on it ~ it's truly satisfying!

I've said many times too that creativity doesn't have to be just cranking out artwork. It's making a tasty dinner for your family, creating a beautiful, inviting home or even being a wonderful gift-giver and know what someone loves. You can be creative in so many aspects of your life!

I started on my giveaway gift ~ My son, Brad, had given me several of these beautiful boxes that are shaped like books. Well, you know this was my very favorite with the egg print on the outside! I've made one of these before for a giveaway and thought it'd be fun to make another.

I'll turn the inside into an assemblage and it will be hiding inside of the book!






It had a velvety type liner inside and I just ripped that right out. I gave the inside a quick coat of white gesso to give it a bright backdrop for my sheet music lining.





I used old pages of sheet music and cut them to size to cover the entire inside ~ just measure, and use one of those sliding paper cutters ~ that way you get a nice straight cut. I dry fit it all to make sure that everything is the right size.


Next I've coated the inside with a coat of acrylic matte gel medium and adhered each piece one by one. Then I coated over top of the music as well! It dries to a nice matte finish that I love.


I'll share the next few steps in my next post as I do them!


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I ran across this beautiful old photo album that I've had awhile ~ now I want to make it into something! It's such a wonderful size ~ I would love to turn it into an altered book/journal of sorts. Don't you love the font that is used on the work Photographs?









A precious cupid image for you :)





My goodness, the comments that you all have left me on the giveaway post are just AMAZING!!! Thank you so, so very much for each and every kind word ~ I know 800 posts is alot in just 2 years but it's because I've truly enjoyed the cycle of inspiration that is found here in blogland. It's also why I encourage so many others to blog as well. To show their talents and be lifted up, to comment on other bloggers creations and just to join this sweet community of friends.

I guess there's so much negativity and bad stuff in this world today that it's wonderful to find such goodness here in blogland ~


Wishing you a very happy Tuesday dear friends!
xxoo, Dawn

21 comments:

Monica said...

You are so right, Dawn! I have 'met' wonderful and talented people here in blogland, so generous and friendly, and my life has changed since I joined... I'm happier now!
Your box is just fab!
Monica xo.

Rustic Tarts said...

Oh I know what you mean Dawn. I have had the last couple of days creating 'stuff'. But it is always when I am supposed to be doing something else that the urge really hits...kapow!!

Willnnabel said...

I suppose anything you enjoy doing, and do with your whole heart is a form of art. I often find it is in the doing that I am happiest, the process of putting things together to create something new. I really like it best when I give it to someone and it makes their day.
Was the egg print on the box when you received it? Just curious. Do you find the matte medium can get "tacky", I have found this at times. I was wondering if you seal them after?

Sarah said...

HI Dawn cant wait to see the rest of your box creation I know it will be amazing!!

Have a great day

With friendship Sarah xx

Musenkind am Meer said...

Dear Dawn,

wonderful creations! Wonderful words!

Kind greetings to you.
Cornelia

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

SOMETIMES IT SEEMS LIKE THAT IS ALL I WANT TO DO. THERE IS INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE! AND YOU SUCH A WONDERFUL JOB......

Nancy at EmbroideryIt.com said...

I think your box is beautiful. I'm glad to be here in blogland with you to see your wonderful creations.
Nancy
www.basketmasterweavings.blogspot.com

magnoliasntea said...

Hi there! I found your blog in the sidebar at Basketmaster's Weavings & thought I'd have a look around here! I'm very glad I did. What an inspirationally crafty post! The box is gorgeous.

Lisa~A Cottage To Me said...

What a lovely box! I love the eggs on the outside. What will be on the inside with the sheet music?

Deb said...

AMEN Dawn! I'd so much rather spend time looking at your work than hearing another tragic story on the news. There is too much negativity in the world. I'm starting to focus on my daughter's upcoming wedding/shower and reception. I already have your blog marked as a "favorite" so that I can easily look for inspiration when I get stuck! Thanks friend! Can't wait to see what goodness you'll make from the box! Live the little cupid too!

Anonymous said...

I cannot wait to see the next steps. This project is going to be a humdinger, I can feel it in my bones! You're the best! Thank you for the daily dose of inspiration - it's like a shot in the arm (or butt - ha ha ha!) Have a wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

Another ? for you dearie. What are the benefits of using gesso?...and the gel matte medium? It looks like you use it in the same way as Modge Podge. I know, I'm always full of ?, just soaking it all in...

I agree, creativity just feeds the soul in some and for the others it seems to make them crazy. Our world is made up of such a great variety. I'm happy to be of the 'creative' variety! :-)

Lori said...

Dawn, i can't wait to see your box when it is finished:) i know it will be lovely as everything you do is so pretty!!!

A Bit of Colour said...

Why does making stuff make you feel good? It is a part of us,we were born to create. I am the same way. Gotta be creating something in some avenue. Your box is going to be beautiful.

Vee said...

This box is going to be so beautiful. Since it already was, I would never have considered altering it...that's what separates the pros from the scaredy-cats like me.

Why we enjoy creating, I think, is because we are chips off the God block. He created us to create just the way He does.

Pam @ Frippery said...

Keep doing what you are doing Dawn. I love to visit for all of the inspiration you give. Beautiful work, beautiful words and images, beautiful you. What a lovely community of sharing and creative souls here in blogland. I'm so glad such a place exists to feed our souls. Pam
P.S. My word verification is maties, isn't that sailor slang for pals? Kind of fitting. (I have a thing for checking out these letter jumbles, sometimes they are hilarious)

Anonymous said...

I have hit a creative brick wall! I just don't have the slightest idea what I want to do! I stopped by a consignment shop today to see if I saw something that sparked some interest, but nothing! Your book/box looks very sweet so far!

Molly's Mellow Moments said...

Hi there, just 'found' you via Alison at Brocante Home. - What a delightful find too!
Thank you for your inspiration,and fully endorse what you say about being creative.
- Adore your little boxes, will give me further inspiration when helping the patients at the hospice with making their little memory boxes. Thank you.
- Will return again.
Molly x

Sandy said...

I can't wait to see what you design! I have been in my art studio all day today and yes it does feel good!

I got six fun valentine items done and they are ready to give away, so come on over and sign up if you see anything you like. I was in crank out mode not because I had to be but because I just had one of those days when I was inspired and I had a entire day to play.

Happy creating!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a beautiful project! You always inspire me with your imagination!

Karen G. said...

You make me happy!


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