Where in the world???

Where has she been?  I'm such a slacker.  Between going to the gym and growing my hair, I just have really been slacking off on things.  Things like a new blog post...and new artwork...you know, that kind of thing.  In my defense, I have been using my break from the easel to do some needlework.  Longer days and warmer temps will be here eventually and the needlework will be put up.  For some reason, needlework just seems to be a winter kind of art. 

I did finish up a butterfly that was started last year...

I started another butterfly as a companion piece...

I finished, (but obviously haven't pressed) a counted cross stitch from two years ago...

And I finally got around to taking a picture of a cute little needlepunch that I did last year.

So, as you can see, I haven't been without art during my self-imposed painting break.  I'm just painting with thread. 

One thing is for sure, if I ever do get painter's block, there is always another art to motivate me. Because in addition to all my painting supplies, I have (and I know I'm the only one) large stashes of yarns, fabrics, patterns, books and magazines, and of course, my friend the internet to motivate me if I become bored with my current artsy adventure.

The thing is, if it's knitting, I have tons of supplies.  If it's sewing, once again I have tons of stash.  I have jewelry supplies that would complete any store inventory and whatever I need in the way of polymer clay is always only a few steps away.  I have vintage craft kits from the 70's just waiting to be completed and a box full of naked Barbies waiting to be repurposed.  Blessedly, our house has a great storage area that is the length of the entire house and DH has been great about helping with shelves and tables and whatever we need to keep things organized.  Shucks, I even converted the downstairs walk-in shower to a supply closet.  It wasn't always like this.  I have done many an art piece at the kitchen table, and who hasn't put that sewing machine in the kitchen at one time or another?  That's one of the great things about artists.  Whether it is fabric or fiber, painting or polymer...we will figure out a way to do it.  Why? Because it's just who we are.  We may take breaks from projects for long periods of time and devote time to other things when necessary, but we always go back to art. 

So if the little artist within you has been too busy, or too uninspired...indulge yourself tonight.  Take her out for a while and immerse yourselves in something that you used to just love to do, or perhaps haven't made the time to do.  It could be finishing a previously started project, or simply reading a how-to book. You know you want to...so like those Nike ads say...let's just do it.

That's all for now.  We'll talk soon and maybe I won't be such a slacker next time...but don't hold me to it!