Project Monday: New Leaf Installment 2

A New Leaf.

The possibilities were endless. So many things came to mind. But none felt right. Then I met a woman who called herself an artist. When I answered back, "me too", I suddenly felt like a liar. Am I an artist? I was one. What kind of "art" do I do? I'm not working with clay. I'm not painting. I haven't altered anything in forever. Nearly everything I have made this past year has had a purpose.

I have changed.

I took up sewing, felt work, toy making. I took the handmade pledge and have tried to live it. I have learned how to be creative and to have lovely, usable, functioning items in the end, which, honestly, is much more realistic for the season of life I am living. I have enjoyed every minute of this new way of thinking and being and, really, nothing is changing. But, it wasn't until I remembered the artist within, that I finally figured out how "A New Leaf" was going to materialize. So, at least, for this months project, you have the artist's take.

This is a leaf.

(I took the literal road.)

First, the how. I made the leaf out of sticks, craft paper, tissue paper and paint. It hangs from a string of twine in a cardboard Nectarine box. One side is meant to look old. The other new. In front of the old side dangles a tag that reads, "turn me over". The box was first painted black and then ModPodged with paper bags torn into random, irregular shapes.

The stick on top of the box anchors the leaf.

Now, the why. I simply liked the challenge of making a leaf. I am very pleased with the outcome. I especially like the old side. The new side, as you can see from the pics above, (please ignore the hideous linoleum floor, it's days are numbered) went through a couple different looks. When it was green, it didn't seem "new" enough (though amazingly real). It looked too natural. I like the gold.

Going deeper. I want to be this leaf. I want this year to be a turn around year. There are so many personal changes I want to make. I'm hoping this leaf will serve as a reminder.

In writing this post, I have realized that though I have changed, it is not in the, "Oh my gosh I've lost myself" way I initially thought. The artist isn't gone. She's just... broader, more versatile, more mature. I am so pleased and so happy, so amazed. This gives me hope for the ways I'd like to grow in the year to come :)

Here's to 2010!

Turn me over.

I'm ready!

Free-for-all Friday: Fabric Bowl

While we'll post finished projects that fit with our monthly theme each Monday, Free-for-all Fridays are reserved for any side projects, finished or unfinished, that we're working on. We might also show you what other creative mamas are up to for a little inspiration heading into the weekend. Feel free to post links to your own creative projects in your comments!

Since my sewing machine and I took a break from crafting this week to rest, I thought I'd show you what my own crafty mama was up to. In addition to baking for her own blog, she made this bowl from scrap fabric and clothesline. You can find directions in the book, It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets and Bowls. The bowl cost under $10 to make and that was mostly for thread--what a great gift!

I'm finishing up my week of relaxation by going to afternoon tea with a good friend. We have an elegant tea house here in Lexington, Ky with a delicious menu. This week I did manage to print out this menu and laminated it to add to my son's tea set accessories. He's having a lot of fun hosting afternoon tea parties:

Project? Tea Time

It's project Monday...and I don't have a project to share. Here's where this blog of ours crosses over between our crafting lives and the messier stuff. If you've been following along, you know that I have breast cancer that metastasized to my liver. My liver is doing great--happily regenerating every day according to the scans. The problem is, I feel like the chemo is killing the rest of me. After my dose this past Tuesday, I quickly developed neuropathy, basically nerve damage. I've been experiencing numbness in my fingers and toes, but it's now more like burning pain. I'm also having eye problems. You can imagine how frustrating it was trying to thread my sewing machine to make a little tea cozy for my son's new tea set. It just didn't happen.

I was disappointed and cried, I admit. But then I thought, why not learn something from this month's theme? I need to turn over a new leaf, so to speak, a new way of thinking. Did I mention we're putting out 18 month old boy in day care for the first time this week? There's just a lot happening that I never would have imagined for my life. I can cry and agonize over it all (and I still will occasionally), or I can take a deep breath and take it easy.

While my little angel was taking his afternoon nap, I made some tea and just sat down.

Cinnamon Ginger Tea:

4 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

1 piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

Bring water and spices to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. I added a little Agave Nectar and a splash of soy milk.

Ginger Green Tea:

4 cups water

2 mint green tea bag (I used decaf)

1 piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

lemon juice

honey or agave nectar

Bring water and ginger to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add tea bags and steep, covered for another 5 minutes or so. Add lemon juice and honey or agave nectar to taste.

What is tea time without a little treat? My mom was served these cookies, called Biscoff on the plane home from my house and loved them. So, she ordered enough to last through this century and sent me several bags worth. I should really say that she sent them for her sweet grandson who loves a little afternoon cookie snack. Who doesn't? Ari actually discovered dunking this week. I gave him a Biscoff and glass of milk and, without any prompting, he dunked the cookie...a huge grin spread across his face followed by the sound of pure joy. I experienced the same joy today. After fighting with my sewing machine, struggling with my numb fingers and ever-sore throat, I decided I deserved a spoonful of vanilla bean ice cream on a Biscoff. My throat and soul were soothed.