Spotted Canary Blog

Summer is in full swing and it has hit me like a ton of bricks.

  I run from one child’s practice to the next.

Our summer is full of activities -- heaven forbid we get bored.

My daughter is now a varsity cheerleader.

 She is getting ready to start her freshmen year of high school.

This for me means two things

•  number one, she can’t drive
• and number two, she has 10 hours of practice a week.

Divide that up and yes, two hours each day Monday through Friday.

To add a little more chaos to the mix, she is taking 4 hours of tumbling a week at a local gym.

I spend my time waiting for her at practices and trying to look enthused at each round-off backhand spring I watch.

Little man, as we call him, plays guitar each week and is in football.

 He is attending two camps and plays flag football two times a week.

More practices for good old mom to enjoy.

I felt like I was wasting so much time sitting. Sometimes I would remember to bring my magazines for the drive-thru pickup line but not always.

Finally it occurred to me that I could craft at practices and in the car.

 I just had to be organized, and I had to devise a way to easily transport my crafting supplies.

Organization does not come easy for me at first. It is a lot of trial and error.

• I ran into road blocks of not having the supplies I need,
• forgetting something at home,
• and I had to learn to be creative when I forgot what I wanted instead of stopping the project until I got home.

Here are some ways that I like to organize projects that I take with me.

 My number one organization tool is … drum roll please.

Zip-lock baggies --

I have a collection of all sizes and shapes of baggies.

• For a scrapbook page, I put everything in a large 2 gallon baggie.
• My dollar store sells 10 baggies for $1. Now that you know me, that lasts me for a year because I reuse those baggies as often as I can.
• I also love the little snack size baggies. They are perfect for holding embellishments.
• When I make cards, I like the one quart size baggie. It will hold a card, envelope, and the embellishments.

I am learning to organize my projects in baggies so they are easy to grab and go when I have a practice to attend.

I also use jars for holding a variety of embellishments.

Old fashion baby food jars are the best.

I grab them up at garage sales and thrift stores.

My mom had tons of empty spools.

• I wrap ribbon and trims around them.
• They don’t take up much space in my tool holder, and you can layer ribbon on top of one another to make more space.
• I added some favorite decorative buttons on my spools so that I had even more supplies to choose from when I was working.

No matter what your favorite craft is, you can make it mobile.

From jewelry making to knitting,

creating your studio to go makes sense,

and it will allow you more creative time in your day -- which is something we all dream about!

My mobile studio started with a thrift store find.

I was making a quick run through my local thrift store, and what should jump out and bite me?

An amazing, very dirty, piece of blue luggage.

I knew from first laying my eyes on it that it was just what I needed for carrying my tools.

After a good scrub and clean, my luggage was ready for me to personalize. I debated on covering it with fabric so it could go from blue luggage to pink.

But I refrained. As soon as I opened it, I understood that blue was its color.

• The inside was lined in blue fabric with a mirror.
• It had little pouches, pockets, and a perfect tray for sorting my stash.
• The inside even had little elastic trim for holding punches or a jar of buttons.
• It was not only compact but had built-in storage.
• The little blue luggage cost me $4.00.

Making it my own was the fun part.

I added paper and stickers and little trinkets that made it feel like it was mine.

 It was a vintage mix of modern.

I toted my little suitcase to practice after practice.

It seemed like the time flew.

Thanks to my Ziplocs organization and my handy dandy suitcase, I can craft anywhere and anytime.

It is such a bonus in a busy mom’s life.

Whether you are --

• on a driving trip,
• waiting for kids at practice,
• or enjoying a girl’s getaway,
• organizing the essential crafting items allows you the freedom to create wherever you want.
• Scavenge your local thrift store or flea market and keep on the lookout for cool luggage.

I hope I inspired you to craft your own tote to craft on the go!

Peace, Love, and Crafting!
~Miss Nifty Thrifty (Studio Pink) 

Kara Ward

Peonies, day lillies and orange mint.

The best way to prevent a creative slump or loss of mojo is to take time to recharge. Carve out a little time to do things that challenge your creative process, renew your spirit and recharge your creative energy. I have a lot of different things I do that help me recharge - but most recently I took a weekend long workshop from Donna Downey that totally made me think out if the box and gave me many exercises and tools to use in the future to challenge and recharge.   

With Donna Downey after the workshop.

Weekend workshops and courses tend to be expensive, if you can’t afford a weekend workshop or there are none close by – go to the library or local bookstore for inspiration.  There are books that can help you - look for "The Artists Way” by Julia Cameron and fun books like Wreck this Journal by Keri Smith, and “365: A Daily Creativity Journal” by Noah Scalin. These are all GREAT books to jumpstart and recharge! 

pretty succulants, look at the rich color and pretty patterns!

I also do things outside the studio to get my mojo back! Often times; spring and summer will find me in my perennial gardens designing new flower beds, moving plants that have gotten too big, weeding, and sprucing up my pretty gardens. Just an afternoon is enough to wash away the dirt covering my creative spirit and get me moving again.  

My rock gardens filled with peonies, solomons seal, succulants and lamb's ear!

I also like to get in the kitchen with a new cookbook and create a delicious meal. I don't usual follow the recipes to the t, but find myself getting creative with ingredients and using the recipe as a guide for cooking times, and slice amounts -- I'm thankful my family is tolerant to experimenting in the kitchen.

You could also try:

• Running or vigorous exercise  
• Flower arranging  
• Creative writing  
• Take a painting/pottery/sewing class  
• Vacuum the carpets - don't roll your eyes - it works for some people :-)   
• Get a pedicure and read a creative magazine Go to the bookstore and look at all the creative magazines and buy the one that you get the most inspiration from.   

   Pretty Lamb's Ear standing tall and pretty!

My weekend with Donna and a couple girlfriends was exactly what I needed to recharge and renew. I'm raring to get started with all the new work sitting on my studio table -- I'd love to know what you do to recharge your creative juices! Feel free to email or send me a private message and share your recharging secrets!

After three relaxing days of our workshop!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great 4th of July!

Yeah, I know. It’s been a while. Some of you have probably forgotten who I am. Should I re-introduce myself?

Hello. My name is Elizabeth and I am a perpetual over-committer.

Yep. They say recognition is the first step.

It’s been an uber busy past two months. Some of it has been of my own doing (see above confession). And some of it has just been life happening at its incredibly complicated fast-paced, well … pace.

Needless to say, you’ve been neglected dear reader.

I hope you can forgive.

But not forget … to keep checking back for more timely posts from here on out.

They say a change in behavior is the next step.

Well, since it’s almost July 4th, I thought I’d share some patriotic inspiration with you. I wish it could be of my own doing, but since it took me until the second week of June to finally take down the Easter decorations, you can only guess what state my July 4th décor is in …





Yep. The great State of Incompletion.

And I don’t understand why. I love patriotic holidays! I am filled with all kinds of ooey gooey feelings for our freedoms, our flag, our anthem, our country and especially for those who have fought to make and keep it so. Especially the guy in the middle.





I think I am just plain ty-erd.

Exhausted.

Worn out.

Kaput.

So dear reader, enjoy this Over-zealous Pictorial Hodgepodge of July 4th Inspiration! There are a lot of fab ideas to run with … if you have the energy to run … if not, there are plenty that require only a short walk.

BTW, links are listed under the pix … hopefully in a left-to-right direction. But no promises. I’m extremely directionally challenged . Just ask the aforementioned guy in the middle : ).



Remember to Say You’re Welcome

Start the celebrating where and when guests arrive. Greet them with a beautifully patriotic wreath like these below or set up a colorful and thematic display to usher them in. And I love the stenciled flour stars … can’t get easier than that!





[allyou.com, ourfamilyattic.blogspot.com, factorydirectcraft.com, chickypoo209.blogspot.com]




[marthastewart.com]




[celebrationsathomeblog.com]




[pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com]



Pass the Bunting Please

Who needs big billows of bunting when you can create a bounty of banners like these?




[countryliving.com, iheartnaptime.net]




[vickiodell.com, allyou.com]




[bhg.com, marthastewart.com]


I also love the idea of using some hanging items, especially the fabric wrapped lampshade frames. Can you see three of these, one red, one white and one, ahem, blue hanging above a dessert bar? Kind of a Liberty Bell reference if you may.

Yeah, I know. Cheesy with a capital cheese. But still a cute idea dontcha think?



[bhg.com, divinedinnerparty.com]



No Elbows on the Table

All I have to say is, enjoy! These are yummy examples of fun, thematic and doable tablescapes. The addition of yellow to the traditional color trio totally speaks to me. Hello Yellow. You brighten my day.



[allyou.com]




[hgtv.com]




[bhg.com]




[celebrationsathomeblog.com]


And don’t get me started about the mismatched paper plates in this tablescape. Genius way to use up all those odds and ends left over from past July 4th parties and even little boy baby showers. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I don’t waste the “good” paper plates on such things as microwaved hot dogs or reheated lasagna. Nevah. Evah.



[bhg.com]



You Don’t Always Have to Be the Center of Attention

One thing I’ve learned in the past year or so I’ve been party blogging is that centerpieces can be anything! And some day I hope to bring you a blog entirely dedicated to just them … but for today, check a few of these out. They run the gamut … from simple up-cycled and kid-friendly to towering displays of patriotic fanfare.

Save your cans of Spaghettios (yeah, don’t pretend you haven’t fed these for lunch to a home-for-the-summer child at least once … um, we’ve all done it … especially by week eight when we have been making and cleaning up after three meals a day not only for our own kids, but the entire neighborhood as well … yeah, survival … that’s what the summer is all about) and paint them with acrylic paints then add stickers, punched shapes or decoratively edged paper strips. All things that the older kids can do.



[grandparents.com]

Or have the kids cut out large stars from cardstock or pattern paper, fold them in half and then staple them together with the folds meeting in the center. Once the points are spread out a bit, the stars will stand on their own and be party perfect table décor. Low cost and you’ve kept the “I’m bored” whininess at bay for at least an hour. Ok. Thirty minutes. Who are we kidding?




[marthastewart.com]

If your July 4th celebration lingers into the evening hours, use candles to shed some light and ambiance. Add sparkle and sheen to plain white pillars with adhesive gems or cabochon stickers. Fill large vases with red, white and blue vase filler and top off with candle votives. The extra layer of glass not only gives you another place to add color, but will also keep any wind, or excessive talker, from blowing out the votive’s flame. Or how about, and I think this is genius, raid your junk drawer for color appropriate rubber bands and stretch them over clear votive holders to bring both a patriotic and whimsical flair to the table. Funky and fun!



[goodhousekeeping.com, bhg.com, bhg.com]

Flowers are the loveliest of all centerpieces. But sometimes budgets don’t allow for spectacular bouquets. Ok. That would be most times for me. So these next three ideas are all ones I can afford since they use inexpensive daisies and carnations. Yep, those fit my budget AND can be bought at the grocery store. A two-fer!



[celebrations.com, countryliving.com, countryliving.com]

The daisies in the red sand bucket could even be a potted plant from the local home improvement store that could eventually be put in your yard. Another two-fer! Love that! Well, as long as you didn’t get side tracked and never actually get it in the ground. Then it’d be a one-and-done-fer. Kinda defeats the purpose. So stay focus, would ya? LOL. And the carnation balls? Just stunning. And super easy and super cheap in comparison to other ball-like creations.

Topiaries are tops! And here are two that while they look complicated, aren’t really. They’re just repetitive. Punched stars attached with white headed pins and ribbon loops attached with steal headed pins. Do once and repeat. Again and again. They are the perfect “I’ve got lots to catch up on my DVR” projects.



[simplydesigning.blogspot.com, whitneycarolinedesigns.blogspot.com]

I like these high flying flag centerpieces just for their edibleness. LOL. Gum ball vase filler and cupcake tower. Yummilicious. Ok. I guess the flags aren’t too bad either : ).



[allyou.com, marthastewart.com]

Question: if I chew all those gum balls, do you think I’d burn enough calories to eat all those cupcakes? Just wondering …



Could You Do Me a Favor?

Take away treats are always a wonderful gesture. Try creatively wrapping the favors as firecrackers or rockets for an even bigger impact. Or how about inexpensively framing a small flag and adding the party’s date and place for a memento that will adorn the walls of your guest's home for years to come. Very classy.



[marthastewart.com, countryliving.com]




[bhg.com]

But don’t forget to lavish guests with a surprise treat or two during the party. Sparklers are a 4th of July staple … even during burn bans … did I just type that? Oops. What I meant to type was, unless you are in a county that is under a burn ban because conditions are so dry and drought-like that you are not allowed to create any type of an open flame outside : ).

And I vehemently deny any backyard sparkler usage, Officer.

Just practicing.

Just in case.



[hostessblog.com, roomtoinspire.blogspot.com]

The other party favor idea I fell in love with? Wrapped Red Vine licorice. They kinda look like fireworks bursting, right? Well, doesn’t really matter. They had me at Red Vines.



Practice Random Acts of Decorating

Dress your table with an oil cloth runner made from patterns that aren’t specifically patriotic, but that will enhance that theme when placed underneath more specific items. The tied stars can easily be traded out for other shapes like hearts, numbers and letters or even flowers. The bandana tablecloth is “sew” simple and can be dressed up or down and used again and again for a myriad of other party genres.




[bhg.com, tipjunkie.com]

If you want to go with bare tabletops, but still need a burst of color and whimsy, try pleating tri-colored crepe paper rolls on just the table edges. Sahweet, huh? Just use in an area that won’t get a lot of moisture since crepe paper has a tendency to bleed when wet.



[bhg.com]

You know I love a good silverware and napkin wrap. Here are some clever ones. The wraps on the left are simple strips of cardstock punched with a star punch so the color of the napkin shows through. Genius!



[rachelraymag.com, marthastewart.com]

Oh and the ribbon belts on the right? Yep, it's Martha. These are super cute and I will totally be stealing this idea to use on all my random leftover bits of ribbon. Can you say fun and easy wedding or Christmas gifts? Uh huh.

And while you have the ribbon out, tie some onto bamboo skewers and dress up your plated goodies. Flag them for spiciness or gluten-free status.



[chickypoo209.blogspot.com]

I have a weak spot for buckets. Not the kind you use for mopping. Ugh. Hate mopping. But rather for the kind that you find in the dollar section of the big chain discount store with the red bulls eye logo. Love them. Buy them. Store them.

Here’s a way to use them that I whole heartedly support. Use them to hold all the things your guest will need for the evening such as flatware, napkins, flag favors, handi-wipes for BBQ sauce removal and even a mint or two. Love it. But then anything contained in a container gets my heart racing. Vroom vroom.



[southernliving.com]

Lastly, let’s talk beverages. Plain white cups should be a staple in your party pantry stash. Plain white goes with everything and can be embellished to match anything! Love how these cups have been stuck with simple flag stickers. Nothing more July 4th than a flag and when it comes together so quickly and easily, that’s even more all-American.



[tipjunkie.com, bhg.com, marthastewart.com]

For something a bit more time involved, cut glass wraps from oil cloth and sew on white labels that can be written on with a permanent marker. The wraps will serve to identify the glass owners and add some colorful pattern to the table top.

Take a beverage bucket from drab to fab with the addition a vinyl stars. Again, totally patriotic décor when paired with other thematic items, but generic enough that it can be used for other party types. Think birthday, graduation, even baby shower. More bang for your vinyl buck.


Well dear reader, is your index finger ty-erd from all the scrolling? Maybe just a little? But it’s a good tired, right? The kind that comes after a good work out?

Yeah, I know. That’s stretching it quite a bit : ). 

Anyway, I hope you found some July 4th ideas that will inspire you to leave the great State of Incompletion by sparking your creative mojo into a burning fire of patriotic crafting! LOL!

Happy Fourth of July dear reader! May it be safe, fun-filled and for those of us in burn-ban states, fire-free!

~ Elizabeth (ekb)

Before I get started with my post I thought I would announce the winner of the April blog Challenge. The winner of the $50.00 Stamping Prize Package is:

My apologies for not announcing the winner of the April Blog Challenge, I have had a lot on my plate -- when that happens the first thing to go is blogging! Now that school is almost out and I'm caught up on my to do list I promise to be back to my regular blogging schedule!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I live in a rural area, well sort of -- rural in that I have to drive almost 2 hours to find a store that carries new and trendy supplies. To be honest -- I have enough supplies to last a lifetime and don't need to purchase anymore. The problem is, the embellishments and alphabets don't always match the papers or other embellishments I want to use for my project.

I've learned to make due with what I have and alter items so they fit my needs -- and it's a great way to use up old supplies. You can mix and match different fonts or alphabet styles to get a funky, trendy look. It's easy really.

For this project I changed the color of two different alphabets using two different ways. You can see the chipboard letters I've chosen are a variety of shades of pink -- and they won't go with my purple/blue color scheme very well. 

I used Inkadinkado Black Spray Ink to spritz each letter until they were completely been transformed with the black ink. I like to work on a piece of scrap paper to save my workspace, the spray inks are somewhat permanent when dry -- though I have discovered I can get them off my work table with Formula 409 -- it gives me a headache so I don't like to use it. It's easier to cover my table and throw the papers away or let them dry and use again.  

Other ways to change the color of chipboard letters: 

• Use a sanding block or nail file to sand the surface and rub ink over the distressed areas 
• If they are a solid color - stamp a pattern on them with a background stamp 
• Paint them with acrylic paint 
• Cover them with patterned paper

I also transformed a Sticko Alphabet Sticker using a permanent marker, or a sharpie. This is a pretty clean and easy way to change the color. You can also select the individual letters you want to use rather than spray the entire sheet with ink, you might want to use them in their original color sometime.

You can also transform stickers using other methods: 

• Brush Acrylic Paint over them 
• Stamp a pattern with a background stamp 
• Apply a solvent ink to them

Sometimes I don't have the exact letter I'm looking for and have to improvise with the letters I do have. Try these substitutions: 

• Turn an "n" into an "r" by cutting the leg off the right side of the letter 
• A "d" can become an "a" by shortening the line 
• Flip a "u" and use it as an "n" and vice versa 
• A "v" can become an "a" by flipping it over 
• A "w" can be used as a "m"

I'm sure there are more letters you can change - as you look at your letters -- flip them this way and that to see what works for your scrapbook page or card.

Now that you are armed with different ways to use the supplies you have on hand, I'll share my completed scrapbook page with you.

Thanks for dropping by. See you next time.