Maymay Made It recently posted the following on her YouTube channel:

What a way to generate inspiration, creativity and make some beautiful cards. Not to mention use supplies on hand!

I enjoy watching unboxing videos along with new release videos and those often inspiring new catalog videos. Many of the vendors are new to me, so there is that rush of finding something new.

I love color! I would normally say the more vibrant the better, but I have found that I might gravitate to something more muted or unusual as it grabs the eye.

One thing I have discovered is that the kernel of an idea is often universal. What I mean is that there are more duplication of, say, bumble bees or coffee cups, than you might expect. Same goes, in some form or other, with color. As for designer paper or paper pads, those ideas, too, are often a version of something else. What sets them apart, for me, is the way those ideas are presented.

As I watch these videos, I am struck by the creativity of the presenters. I can watch several people take the exact same stamps and ink and create such diverse cards with them.

Do I have favorites? Of course I do!

I recently watched a couple of videos taken from a recent industry gathering. This is where crafting companies show their latest tools, etc., to potential retailers. Some of those items are amazing and I can’t wait to see how they are used.

All of these ideas help me to find ways to create the cards and projects I want to create and give me inspiration for those times when I just can’t find it on my own.

Don’t mind me, I’m making my list and checking it twice… LOL!

When you think about it, encountering people who inspire and encourage us is not all that commonplace. They come to us in ways that we will ‘see’ or ‘hear’ them. I have spent many years as a PBS DIYer who found Saturdays incredibly informative. It is where I first encountered Nancy Zieman.

If you can drive in a straight line, you can sew in a straight line.

While I was not new to sewing or quilting, I was new to the encounter of a teacher who encouraged me to take my time and practice. I was new to the idea that anything is possible.

The possibilities are endless.

Of all the things I admire about Nancy, the one thing that stands out is her continual efforts to keep moving forward.

It wasn’t just Nancy Zieman, it was Julia Child, Fons and Porter, and many other women who started out with all manner of speed bumps and road blocks but found their way to bringing something new to people who wanted to learn.

I feel particularly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience what they taught and to encourage me to try things on my own.

Thank you to all these women, and countless others, who have inspired and encouraged with grace.

Lately I’ve found myself drawn to some great new ideas and projects, some led by folks I’ve been aware of for a long time. Take a few minutes to check them out over on YouTube and, if you like what you see, click their ‘Like’ button and don’t forget to subscribe.

Embroidery 101

Natalie from the Missouri Star Quilt Company has started a new series on their YouTube channel that focuses on embroidery. The series is composed of short (less than 10 minutes) videos that focus on different aspects of starting to learn to embroidery. The shop has also created a Beginner’s Kit, which I think is awesome.

If you are new to the craft, or would like to return to it, this is a great opportunity taught in easy lessons designed to build your confidence. 

Maymay Sewed It

She’s done it again! Maymay from Maymay Made It returned to her sewing room over a year ago to learn to quilt and after a lot of, shall we say ‘encouragement’ from her crafting viewers, has brought us along on her sewing adventures.

I have to say that I’ve enjoyed watching her progress with a variety of projects that incorporate her quilting into some basic sewing items. She takes us along on these adventures in a comfortable and easy way that reminds all of us to enjoy the process, mistakes and all.

The Crafty Organizer

Norene is back and bringing a lot of great organizational ideas that you can make yourself while keeping within a budget! I love the way she finds useful and creative ways to keep not only my craft space but the rest of my house in order.

These are a few of my favorite new crafting finds that I’m enjoying. Let me know what you think.

If you have been around here for any length of time, you know I enjoy YouTube. Many of the content providers are exceptionally good at their job and the videos they produce are not only well made but enjoyable and often educational, too.

One of the folks I follow regularly is Cathy Zielskey. Cathy produces a variety of videos showcasing her card making. She likes to delve into different techniques, test out products, tinker a bit with design, and basically provide a glimpse into her process and product. She also has a great sense of humor.

Check out a recent article about her HERE.

Cathy produces several videos each week but my Wednesday calendar entry is for her live show that airs at noon my time. While the replay is always available, I find I enjoy sitting in with the rest of her crew watching and listening, chuckling and making notes. Check out the article for links to her 75k Blooper Reel. You’ll understand more when you watch it.

While our styles are different and our approaches are unique, I really like spending time with someone who understand graphic design and has an interesting approach to color. I never come away from watching her that I don’t have food for thought.

And at least one chuckle.

Enjoy!

Over the years I have tried my hand at many different kinds of crafting. Some worked well, some were fine efforts but obviously not for me. Knitting is one of the latter.

While I have to teach myself to crochet every time I pick up a hook (I crochet so often that it is not unheard of to have a decade or so go by between projects…) knitting just never seemed to make sense to my poor brain. It wasn’t for lack of trying; my aunt made a valiant effort to teach me but in the end we both realized it was a lost cause.

This is why I was so bemused at my captivation with a program called ‘Off Our Needles‘ that runs on Craftsy. You can find the podcast on YouTube and on CraftsyTV.

I enjoy the hosts and the projects are lovely but it is the process that continues to captivate me. I watch very carefully, listen to their instructions and guidance, and awe at the results…all while my brain does back flips and jitters.

For those of you who knit, you will enjoy this series. If you are interested in the skill, the show is a good place to dip your toe as there is a lot of information available for you.

Don’t mind me and my experience, it is just the Universe’s way of reminding folks that not everyone is cut out for every thing…

Enjoy!

Are you like me, who finds herself stressing over producing [ fill in the blank ] prior to a holiday or special event to the point where I end up stopping myself in my tracks?

I like to craft but I do not like to craft under a deadline. For me, deadlines take all the fun out of the process.

Sadly for many crafters deadlines are a necessary thing. They produce items for gifts or to sell and the calendar is sending shade over the Gotta Have This Done By…. date.

I have found myself enjoying watching the process but not inclined to jump in and get ready for the next Event. <sigh>

This month’s Call Me Crafty Al Sheetload of Cards inspired me to play a bit in my craft room and I have to admit I liked the result. Check out Crafty Al on YouTube to see what she has shared and see if it is something that inspires you, too.

Who knows? I might find myself spending more time in my craft room using up that stash of papers… 😀