Create: my first necklace

Ok so it took me a while to get back to creating, turns out its a bit harder then I planned to get supplies and I've learned a list is my best friend. But anyway, wanted to share my 4th creative day challenge, a bright summer beaded necklace for less then $10. I had the sharpies on hand but bought chain, clasps and beads.. . and now have enough for at least a few fun creative days ahead.
To make these super simple necklaces, blend a few of your favorite colors on to the plain wooden bead. You can use either chain or fabric to string together, although I prefer the metal look. It was my very first go at jewelry making, I had to take a peek at my own jewelry collection to see how I should fasten everything but with the right tools and a little creativity I have myself a fun beaded chain that adds a splash of color to anything.

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Creative challenge: No. 1, No. 2, No. 3

Create: A few rolls {in a good way}

Ok ok so its not exactly that creative since its just rolling, but I've been trying to get my closet just a wee bit more manageable lately and after seeing a pin on Pinterest on how flight attendants pack I thought I would give it a go. Of course I had to make it just so, so I did get a little creative with a few plastic bins and some waxed cotton to keep my collection of scarves and handkerchiefs in check. Having an apartment in San Francisco has proven one thing, space is at an utmost minimum and after squeezing a husband, dog, 2 bikes, 10 full size chairs and a collection of over 200 books I'm left with practically no space for everyday things, like clothes.

I was able to squeeze two sets of framed baskets from Ikea into the closet when we moved in and have pretty much left them untouched for a year. And as you can see, each and every drawer was filled to capacity...I couldn't even open them let alone put anything in. And after an hour or so I had everything freshly rolled and stashed away. And you know what, its actually easy to maintain. I was actually able to save so much space that I was able to open up an entire drawer worth of space as well as 12" of shelf space. And I was just threatening the husband with a clothing purge, he gladly gets to keep them all. Its so nice to be able to see what I have a quick glance I would highly recommend spending a little time getting organized.

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Creative challenge: No. 1, No. 2

Create: Hand painted paper flowers

I've been working on these paper flowers off and on again for what seems forever and figured what better time to share then now since I pretty much have to ooze creativity when making them. The goal is to have a large art piece with a gradient of these babies but since they are all hand painted, hand cut and hand twisted, its taken quite a bit of time. I've always wanted to create something delicate yet 3D and am really happy with how it is turning out. Now if only there were more room and a bit more time in the day to get it finished. What can I say, I've got big dreams.

And in case you were wondering I am using white crepe paper and a mixture of acrylic paints to make the custom hues. To form the petals cut strips into shape and twist around floral wire. Piece by piece they slowly take on a flower look, you just have to be a bit patient...some of my flowers have almost 20 individual petals!

images by our designed life

Creative challenge: No.1

Create: art

Welcome to my first creative day, I've decided to make something with numbers. I've had a number stamp for a while now and have yet to create anything with it. So with an ink pad, a recycled security envelope and a frame, I have myself a small piece of art. As a gift for the husband I laid out all the zip codes we have lived in {in blue} to personalize it and after a decade we sure have had a few! Its completely personal yet not in your face with romanticism. He loved it, I like it I would say its a winner. 

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My creative challenge

Every now and then I like to challenge myself by doing something a bit out of the ordinary and slightly difficult. I've taken on my 200 step staircase, 5 reps on up and down and your legs both turn to jello and steel. And turns out I am a pretty decent natural cook, I had no idea but thanks to challenging myself to 2 new recipes a week I've got a slue of tasty bits up my sleeve.
So now I'm challenging myself to be creative. Yep, sounds simple but its the follow through that is having me nervous, I mean, how many projects have you started and then abandoned shortly after finding an even better project? So for the month of June I am going to attempt to be creative in any way, shape or form. Whether its an art project, an organizational tip, a DIY I've been dying to try- if I've wanted to do it, I am. And I'm going to finish each and every one. Hopefully. So welcome to my 30 days of creativeness, I encourage you to push yourself to do something different.

image by our designed life