yes, gardening is creating

The weather has been so good I gave up the craft room again this past week to work in the garden. The rock riverbed had filled in with so much dirt over the years the rocks could barely be seen, so it was time to rip it out and start anew. It was a lot of work and took nearly every night as well as the majority of the weekend, but it looks a lot of better. Next to it at the south end I set up a small memorial area for Mom, under the lilac bush. It includes a memorial wind chime from my coworkers and a memorial stone from my best friend. ♥


I also ripped out a few roses that were diseased and had gone wild, amended the soil and planted a mix of flowers for hummingbirds. The bees and butterflies flower mix I planted awhile back hasn't germinated as well as I'd expected, so I sprinkled more seeds there. The seeds that didn't germinate were from a school fundraiser so I don't feel so bad about the cost. In another section of the garden, the wildflower seeds I ordered online and planted just a couple weeks ago are sprouting nicely (although they might not show up in the photo below). 

The best part of the garden is the tomato plants. They're looking really good this year - best ever at this point in the season. Then again, I got them in much earlier than usual. 

As of this post, I've been blogging five weeks and it's helping keep me on track with my creativity goals. It's supposed to rain this week so I'll likely switch my creative time from the garden back to the craft room.

planting seeds

Yesterday morning I was torn. I wanted to get out in the garden since it was my first free day without rain in a long time and I don't have everything planted yet, yet I'd committed to creating every week and hadn't made it into the craft room in several days. As I poured my thoughts out onto my journal page, I entertained the idea that gardening is actually a creative endeavor. I hopped out to google and found numerous people and studies that confirm this (here's one I especially like), and decided then and there I was going to enjoy my creative time in the garden without guilt, saving the craft room for rainy days. So, this week my creative photo is of the herb garden which I overhauled Sunday - removing the cedar mulch and landscape fabric, ripping out plants that have been doing poorly, working/amending the soil and planting a boatload of wildflowers. It was a long, hard day but very enjoyable and therapeutic. 

decisions

I finished beading the sun this week and debated whether to stop there, making the sun the one focal point, or continue beading other parts of the collage (and if so, which other parts). Knowing when to stop and when to keep going has always been a challenge when I create. As I pondered what to do, I realized if I stopped, I'd never know if adding more would've improved it. If I add more and don't like it, I can undo it or toss it. At least I'll have tried and in the process, practiced the skills I'm seeking to improve. My theme this year is practice, so the decision was then easy. I kept beading. I don't yet know if I like it, but I'm not done. 😉

beaded fabric landscape collage

This is my current WIP - beading a landscape fabric collage. It's my first venture into sewing (other than mending) for many, many years. A friend who quilts gifted the fabric scraps to me, I watched a couple instructional videos and got started. Once the fabric was all sewn, I decided it needed more oomph so out came the seed beads! I haven't applied seed beads to fabric for over 30 years. 

My mom was an excellent seamstress and I now have her machine alongside mine. I feel her with me as I venture back into sewing, and I remember the younger, more carefree me as I bead. The project is not just fun, but therapeutic.

return to blogging

It's been 3.5 years since my last post. Much has happened, including breast cancer, closing my business, returning to the corporate world (new role in a new-to-me company) and the loss of my mother. The experiences sparked a lot of self-reflection, especially my cancer and losing Mom.

One thing I realized is how much I missed making things. Not being in the craft room much in 2016 or 2017, I set a goal to create at least 10 hours per month in 2018. It worked so well I kept it as a goal for 2019 and added an element of learning something new each month. This one is a bit dangerous, because I already hop around to various mediums so frequently that I don't get good at any of them, so learning new things seems like giving vodka to the drunk, but my goal is to learn from others instead of trying to figure out everything on my own. My hope is I'll settle in on just a select few mediums and focus my energy on them. The more I practice them, the better I'll become.

So why take time away from learning/practicing/creating to blog again? Because I believe it will help hold me accountable to my goal. I'd also like a record of what I'm doing so I can see my progress over time. So, while I'm putting this online for anyone to see, I'm doing it for me. If you stumble upon this site and have a positive or encouraging word to share, feel free.

repurposing garden art

A couple months ago my sister and I tore down an old shed at our parents' house. It was falling apart and had been replaced with a bigger/better model. While we were loading the truck, dad said we should get rid of the wheel barrow too. It was covered in rust and the wheel was about to fall off. It wasn't worth repairing and had already been replaced with a shiny red model. I was about to oblige when my sister asked if it was the wheel barrow our oldest brother had used when he was a brick mason. My radar went up. What did she say? Was this something that had belonged to our brother? In the 20+ years since his death I had gradually let go of all but one of the gifts he'd given me, but I'd never owned anything that had once belonged to him. Sure enough. The wheel barrow had been his and no one wanted it - except me. 

But what on earth was I going to do with an old wheel barrow? My sister suggested I put it in the garden and plant some flowers in it. That's when it hit me I could use for seasonal displays in front of our house. Since it was the end of September, it was the perfect time to set out some pumpkins and a straw bale. 

For Christmas, I looked around the garden and decided to repurpose the Eiffel Tower as a Christmas tree. 

 

Toss in a few gift boxes and voilà -- inexpensive seasonal decor with personal meaning for me. It sits just outside my office window and brings me joy each day.

Speaking of joy -- I'm wishing you all much joy and good health this holiday season and beyond!


Believe, 
Di

creating again

Greetings! Thank you for being patient while I took some time off from creating this year. I had no intention of being away this long, but you know how life goes. If we don't manage our time and energy it manages us and boy, did I learn some lessons this year in that regard. I'm slowly working my way back and with as much grace as I can muster, intend to continue. 

Here are a couple pics from when I made it into the studio recently. The first one was playing with metal and the second one is something new I'm experimenting with. I really like it but haven't completed a piece as yet. The glaze I used the first time was apparently old (go figure, huh? ha!), and ate away at my work so I had to start over. I actually like the colors of the second version more than the first (no photos from that). They look a little like the cosmos to me. Anyway, I ordered some new glaze to try and am anxious to play around some more with the process. If the results are good, I'll add some pieces to the shop. 

Oh, and for those of you who like the stained glass pendants in the shop, I haven't stopped making those. A few are ready to solder but I'd like more ready before getting out the soldering supplies. To make more means replenishing my glass supply, which will require servicing the grinder. Sounds like I'm complaining but it's helpful to know what all is involved when making things. It's not like I'm buying kits from the store and assembling them. As much as possible, I create from scratch. This doesn't make what I do better than what someone else does, it just makes it more authentic for me - more enjoyable and rewarding. And heck, isn't that why we create to begin with? To have fun, express ourselves, learn, explore and refine not just our skills but who we are on the inside? 

"True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done,

the zest of creating things new." ~ Antoine d Saint-Exupery

Believe, 
Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Dec, 2014

Having received positive feedback from the Organized Creativity series I shared May 12-16, I'm sharing the update each month. Today we feature Tracey Jean from the December issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy! 

Believe, 

Di

paw print pendants in the shop

Happy Thanksgiving weekend! I hope you were able to enjoy good food and good times with your loved ones. 

Having received several compliments on the paw print pendants I made for the Furry Friends Refuge auction, I decided to make a few more (plus, they're fun to make). These new pendants are now listed in the shop -- they're just right for the animal lover in your life.

"A true friend leaves paw prints on your heart." ~ unknown

Believe, 
Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Nov, 2014

Having received positive feedback from the Organized Creativity series I shared May 12-16, I'm sharing the update each month. Today we feature Heather Schmitz from the November issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy! 

Believe,
Di

for a good cause

The local animal shelter where I volunteer is hosting their annual silent auction fundraiser next week. Both my husband and I donated items this year for the cause. If you're in the Des Moines, Iowa area, you won't want to miss it! 

Furry Friends Refuge Wags N' Whiskers Gala 2014  

chainmaille bracelets by NoDae

pendants (with cords, not shown) by di-did-it

"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.
" ~ Albert Schweitzer

Believe,

Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Oct, 2014

Having received positive feedback from the Organized Creativity series I shared May 12-16, I'm sharing the update each month. Today we feature Joni Stark from the October issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy! 

Believe, 
Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Sep, 2014

Having received positive feedback from the Organized Creativity series I shared May 12-16, I'm sharing the update each month. Today we feature Jaime Haney from the September issue (we skipped August). Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy! 

Believe, 

Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / July, 2014

Having received positive feedback from the Organized Creativity series I shared May 12-16, I'm sharing the update each month. Today we feature Sherri Lorenz from the July issue. Click here to read about her, her outdoor space and how she organizes it. Enjoy!

Believe, 

Di

think outside the fern

It's been a couple months since I posted. Why? Well, I haven't been in the studio lately. In the summer, I love to be outside. There's always something that needs done in the yard or garden and nature is like therapy for me. Is it that way for you too? 

While I miss being in the studio, I know I'll be there soon enough when the weather turns cold. For now, I'm loving summer. Being blessed with four very different seasons is one of the beautiful benefits of living in Iowa, for which I'm very grateful. Something else I'm grateful for is flowers! 

My fabulous husband bought some flowers for me last Saturday. He knows I don't like frivolous spending, so he bought them on sale with no greens. When I went to the garden to cut ferns for the arrangements, I was saddened to see a lack of rain had dried up all my ferns. What to do, what to do. 

If you know me, I often say "where there's a will there's a way and by God I have a will." Determination runs deep in me. I looked around the garden and decided to cut some sage for the red roses and some rose stems (from a climber that went wild and no longer blooms -- just generates lots of stems and leaves) to accompany the yellow gerbara daisies. 

I'm pleased to say the arrangements have lasted an entire week. While the roses looked better in the beginning, these photos show they are still going strong.

My point?

Think outside the fern. When plan A fails, create a plan B. Experiment. You never know what you'll learn. For example, I learned I love the look of sage with roses and the smell in the kitchen in heavenly. I'll use sage instead of ferns in the future, even when there are nice ferns to be found in the garden. 

What alternatives have you used for ferns? I'd love to hear from you. 

Believe, 
Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / June, 2014

Having received positive feedback from the Organized Creativity series I shared May 12-16, I decided to share the update each month. Today we feature Sheila Null from the June issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy!

Believe, 

Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / May, 2014

Tomorrow will mark the one year anniversary of when I registered my Location Matters Professional Organizing business with the state. In honor of the occasion, each day this week, I am sharing a link to one of the five feature articles I've shared on my website thus far in 2014. The articles are part of my monthly Organized Creativity series. Since the readers of my di-did-it blog are into creativity, I thought you might like the series.   

Today we feature Valarie Endemann from the May issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy!

Believe, 

Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Apr, 2014

This coming Saturday will mark the one year anniversary of when I registered my Location Matters Professional Organizing business with the state. In honor of the occasion, each day this week, I am sharing a link to one of the five feature articles I've shared on my website thus far in 2014. The articles are part of my monthly Organized Creativity series. Since the readers of my di-did-it blog are into creativity, I thought you might like the series.   

Today we feature Dawn Wirtz from the April issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy!

Believe,

Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Mar, 2014

This coming Saturday will mark the one year anniversary of when I registered my Location Matters Professional Organizing business with the state. In honor of the occasion, each day this week, I am sharing a link to one of the five feature articles I've shared on my website thus far in 2014. The articles are part of my monthly Organized Creativity series. Since the readers of my di-did-it blog are into creativity, I thought you might like the series.   

Today we feature Annie Leonard from the March issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy!

Believe,
Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Feb, 2014

This coming Saturday will mark the one year anniversary of when I registered my Location Matters Professional Organizing business with the state. In honor of the occasion, each day this week, I am sharing a link to one of the five feature articles I've shared on my website thus far in 2014. The articles are part of my monthly Organized Creativity series. Since the readers of my di-did-it blog are into creativity, I thought you might like the series.   

Today we feature Jodi VanDerHart from the February issue. Click here to read about her, her creative space and how she organizes it. Enjoy!

Believe, 

Di

Location Matters / Organized Creativity / Jan, 2014

This coming Saturday will mark the one year anniversary of when I registered my Location Matters Professional Organizing business with the state. In honor of the occasion, each day this week, I am sharing a link to one of the five feature articles I've shared on my website thus far in 2014. The articles are part of my monthly Organized Creativity series. Since the readers of my di-did-it blog are into creativity, I thought you might like the series.   

Today we feature Vicki Jess and Lynne Marie Toivonen from the January issue. Click here to read about them, their creative space and how they organize it. Enjoy!

Believe,

Di

diy sugar scrub

Do you like sugar scrubs? Have you tried sugar scrubs? For me, there's nothing better to use after a day in the garden or doing yard work. They are also great for shaving legs -- much better than creams, in my opinion. A big plus is that they are easy to make at home so you know just what ingredients are being used and you can customize the aromas to your preferences. 

You can find many sugar scrub recipes on the web. I'm more of a 'just wing it' kind of gal in when it comes to my lotions and potions (as my husband jokingly calls my home-made concoctions). I put 4 or 5 tablespoons of sugar in a small jar and just start adding oils and such until the consistency is what I want. Using essential oils and various teas, I make up scents based on my mood and use whatever oils I have on hand. I don't like to keep too much oil on hand because some can go rancid fairly quickly. Today, I used joboba oil and coconut oil and made two sugar scrubs -- Vanilla/Brown Sugar and Chai/Clove/Patchouli. 

If you haven't tried making your own at home, I encourage you to give it a try. When you do, let me know what scent(s) you used and how it went -- would love to hear from you! 

Believe, 
Di

old jeans are meant for gardening

It will soon be time to start gardening. YAY! I love spending time outside in the garden and doing yard work. This past weekend was nice enough I could get out there and start cleaning things up. That's when I noticed the condition of my gardening attire. When my jeans are no longer nice enough to wear out and about, they become gardening attire. As you can see by the photo above, I don't give up on them easily. Rather, I mend as many times as I can to get the most wear of out them. Do you do this too? 

Tonight as I sat down to mend four pairs, I was thankful that I'd set up a little sewing station in my craft room. While I don't sew things often, when I do, it's so much easy to just pull up a chair and get started without having to lug everything out like I used to do. The jeans were mended (good enough, anyway) in just a short amount of time which left plenty of time for me to enjoy a leisurely supper with my hubby. Ahh... life is good! 

Hope you're enjoying your life too! 

Believe, 

Di

week 9 of 10 in metalsmithing class

In the last post, I shared how the copper looked after being annealed. In the next class, I soldered the two pieces of copper together. See all those tiny silver pieces in the first photo? Those are the solder I snipped and, using tweezers, placed in the flux on the copper background. It's a tedious process, for sure, and this class has given me a whole new appreciation for the jewelry we see at art and craft shows, and the prices attached to that jewelry. 

Making jewelry by hand can be time intensive. It's also a wonderful way of honoring the human spirit. Personally, I enjoy wearing something I know is truly one of a kind. How about you?

Believe,

Di

week 8 of 10 in metalsmithing class

I mentioned in my last post that hubby and I have been taking a metalsmithing class at our local art center. The instructor is extremely knowledgeable and skilled at both jewelry making and teaching. The first two nights were lecture. The rest of the sessions are all hands-on in the studio, making whatever we desire. 

My goal for the class is to learn to solder metal, which is vastly different from soldering stained glass pendants. The first night of open studio, week three of class, I started a ring, which would require soldering a butt joint. Silly me.... it's much tougher than it looks. The joint has to be PERFECTLY aligned for the solder to join the two edges. I filed and worked on that @#$% butt joint for three class sessions and it still didn't line up as precisely as it needed to. The instructor told me she's had new students use up all eight studio sessions on something like this. Egads! Not wanting to use up any more class time on a ring I didn't want in the first place, I changed gears and started work on a tree pendant. Things started to get fun. 

Last night, I finally got to use the acetylene torch - not to solder, but to anneal. Here's how the underneath side of the copper looked after annealing and before pickling and cleaning: 

It's pretty enough I could have just washed it up, shaped and sealed as-is, don't you think? You can see what it looked like before the annealing process in the bottom photo - it's the rectangular piece near the front. In this photo, I'd just finished pushing it through the rolling press to give it the appearance of bark. It's going to be what you see through the tree cut-out in the pendant. 

In summary, last night's class was FUN and I can't wait to for next week's class to do more! I hope you're doing something fun these days too! 

Believe,
Di