Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Testing My Wings

Thank you all for the kind comments regarding my crochet. I feel inspired and motivated now! I am meeting so many amazing artists as a result of Kelly Rae's e-course. I am enjoying that immensely.

I had a couple of projects that I had laid aside a few months ago. Here they are, completed:

A pencil cup holding my i-Pod. :-)


A fiesta of a basket. I'm thinking it could hold picnic table supplies.



I started and finished this basket over the weekend. I used silver rat tail cord. I enjoyed making it because the cord was very soft.



This "acorn" is one of my first designs. I included a squirrel charm from glamourgirlbeads on the cap.

I truly do feel inspired, but I also feel a bit overwhelmed. One of my biggest struggles is with balance. I am a stay-at-home mother to my two children. I have them to think of as well as a home and garden. I want to learn how to stay involved in all areas of my life. It feels as though as soon as I start concentrating on my artistic goals, something or someone is getting neglected. Any suggestions on how to manage everything and not feel completely wiped out? I would appreciate any feedback.

6 comments:

Shanie said...

Hey girl...I too am a stay at home momma! So cool. I understand the balance thing. Sure wishing I had the answer, but I don't. Maybe someone else does? Thanks so much for the nice comment on my blog. And, yep...supporting you all the way girl. We are in this together. Call me if you ever want to chat. 904-607-9695 Back to the balance thing. The one thing that keeps me going is the idea of seasons. This happens to be a season of "clear" and taking care of a lot for me. I always have to remember that things are not always going to be this way. Kids grow up and home needs change. It helps me to enjoy what is now. All the rest will fall into place as God sees fit. XO

Monica said...

Thank you very much, Melissa! I've just added you to the link page on my blog too!;)
As for the 'balancing act', I also used to feel overwhelmed and very stressed (this led me to health issues too), but then I realized I needed to slow down and focus on what made me REALLY happy- my family and my art, and let the rest go a bit. I don't mean leaving mess and dirty everywhere, but I think no one cares if the floors are not spic & span everyday (clean and decent is enough), if you are happy and support your loved ones joyfully. I need to be serene and happy in the first instance to pass my joy over to those I love!!
Take care,
Monicax.

Anne Butera said...

Hi, Melissa,

Thanks for the comment on my blog.

Good to see you posting to your blog. Such lovely projects you've been working on.

Although I do not have a family, I, also find it hard to find balance. I work fulltime and have my husband, my pets, my home and my garden that all need my attention. And sometimes after work I'm just too exhausted to work on anything. It's a challenge, but I think that being aware of it and actively working to find that balance really does help.

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

no real suggestions- I struggle with this as well. I do find when I am eating right and exercising it helps with the fatigue. From a fellow flyer...

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Beautiful baskets! I love the acorn. :)

I have no suggestions for you since I am not a mom. But I think that everything is a bit chaotic at the beginning. When you give it some time, you'll find your routine and it will feel like a part of your everyday.

Art and Clasp said...

Loving your satin cord creations, it looks like you've been very productive! I only have a fur-baby, so can't possibly know the challenges of mothering, but I still relate to feeling overwhelmed at times. I don't know how old your children are, but is there a way to involve them in your creative time? Set them up with creative activities while you do yours? Just a thought. I wish creativity had been a bigger part of my family's activities growing up.

Otherwise, my trick is to make lists... I put "Sew 2 flowers" and "Make 3 pendants" on my To Do list along with my laundry and grocery shopping!

Luck to you!
Averil