she.hearts.arts

Project #3: Sashiko

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:29:18 -0400

About a year ago, I went to my first craft show. I was super excited and had a great time! I got so inspired by all the different craft projects they were displaying. One of the classes I joined was about the Japanese art of Sashiko. It uses small straight lines to create beautiful patterns.

The craft show is back and I feel that I can’t really justify on going to the show again if I don’t finish what I learnt/bought a year ago!

Out of Order = Argh...

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:15:42 -0500

Somehow I didn’t realize that when you go back to edit something in a post, it will publish it as a new post and so now my posts are out of order. For someone like me who is slightly obsessive compulsive, it’s gotten me a bit wound up! Haha… I can hear my husband telling me to r-e-l-a-x… =)

Project #1 completed!

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:27:45 -0500

I never imagined that it would take this long to complete these kusudama balls! But here they are, all ready for next Christmas. =) The squares I had cut up previously were only enough for me to make 2 of these balls, but I think I will need to make more if I plan to use them to decorate our home for the holidays. But for now… the project is completed!

While I was making these, an idea popped into my head. I could write blessings/good wishes on each square and fold them up and glue them all together. These would be good for those who are unwell or need encouragement!

Project #1 begins: Kusudama

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:27:00 -0500

Kusudama is a Japanese paper ball that was traditionally used for incense or potpourri. I first came across this Japanese art when I was searching for something I could make for a friend who was recovering from an operation.

After making the first one, I had cut up all these paper squares with plans to make a lot of them for Christmas decorations. And now many months have passed and they are still sitting in a ziplock bag waiting to be assembled.I thought this would be a good first project to tackle; it does not require any thought or planning. And hopefully I will start building some momentum and perseverance in my craft projects, which ultimately will lead into other things I do in life. I want to run the race and finish strong.

A beautiful sunrise captured from our balcony. Feels like...

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:44:51 -0500

A beautiful sunrise captured from our balcony. Feels like it’s going to ne a productive day! Perhaps the kudusama project will be accomplished today?!

Thankful for each new day.

Project #2: Crochet phone case So project #1 is on the back...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:28:00 -0500

Project #2:

Crochet phone case So project #1 is on the back burner because I got a new phone! My Blackberry was acting up so my dear husband bought me a new phone for Valentine’s day. :) It didn’t come with a case so I decided to make one! Voila!

Leaning tower of burger… :) Philip’s Hot Mama burger...

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:02:01 -0500

Leaning tower of burger… :) Philip’s Hot Mama burger from Grill’d.

Thankful for fresh yummy food.

no more dabbling!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:27:00 -0500

Growing up, I remember my mom knitting us all these wonderful sweaters and sewing us dolls to play with. I sat there watching and struggled with my little knitting needles, but thoroughly enjoyed myself. My dad also had a part in my love for arts. He was very good at using gimp and making crosses and letters and he spent a lot of time teaching me and fixing my mistakes. And from there it grew into braiding friendship bracelets, making cards, sand art, origami, oil painting, and much more.

As school got busier, I had less and less time for the arts, except for the endless piano and theory lessons! (Which I now am very appreciative of and music is a big part of my life!) It wasn’t until we got engaged and my husband and I were planning for our wedding did this creative side of me emerge again. I felt so alive to have all these creative ideas running through my head and then putting them into action! After we got married, my crafty side was still calling my name. My husband was very supportive and encouraged me to pursue all the projects and ideas I’ve been wanting to do but didn’t have time to until now.

There began my dabbling in many different handicraft arts. And when I say dabble, I mean dabble (defined as putting one’s hand or feet partially in water and moving them around gently). I saw something I wanted to try and I went and got all the supplies and tried it. And then I saw something else I wanted to try, and did the same thing. Over and over again that happened, and I enjoyed all of them, but I didn’t necessarily finish any of them. So now I’m at a point where I have tons of supplies and materials, and many unfinished projects.

As much I have enjoyed dabbling, it leaves me feeling unsatisfied. And that feeling comes from both not finishing the projects but also from not having a reason for it all. I believe deeply that we all have a reason in this world and that we should use our God-given talents to fulfill our calling. The crafty side of me is somehow part of all this and I want to immerse myself so I can see God through all these arts I heart (immersion defined as involving oneself deeply in a particular interest).

I don’t want to dabble any longer. Immersion… here I come! =) Starting this tumblr is my first step to being more committed. I hope to blog about my projects, experiences and new discoveries. It’s also a place for me to footprint my journey in learning how God and the arts I heart intersect. I invite you to come on this artsy journey with me!