Stars In My Eyes

I've always been fascinated with the stars. When I was a kid, I would walk around my neighborhood at night with my head thrown back, staring at the stars. They made me feel very small, but in the best way possible. Not much has changed as I've grown up. I'm still drawn to the those far away balls of light. Funny that I now live in a place where they're mostly hidden. But those moments they do peak through are like falling in love. They remind me that all my worries are so insignificant, that we are a part of a universe bigger than we could ever fathom.

I recently discovered the artist, Summer Heart, and his music would be the perfect soundtrack to laying under under the stars, imagining the future and dreaming in the present.

And if I could wear the galaxies, I would only be the happiest! I believe opals are little bits of space in tangible form. It's only natural they are also my birth stone. My connection to the stars began early and continues to entwine itself beautifully throughout my life.

Picture 1&2: Romwe
Picture 3: Etsy

Beads and Braids

Maybe talking about the new year is a little out dated already, but seriously, this year is going to be amazing. I can feel it. So many possibilities. Usually, I like to fill up the future's vast unknown with hopes and dreams, even if none of them actually come to fruition. It's just kind of comforting. But this year I'm trying to be content with the present. Let the unknown be the unknown.
Not that I don't have goals or spend anytime dreaming. We all know that would be a lie.
(I think I spent an extra half an hour in bed this morning so I could keep dreaming. Is that normal?)
There are just too many good things happening to rush through them. And the hard things, well I think they should be appreciated too. So here I am enjoying a wonderful, new internship at Marked Showroom in downtown LA. Couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity!

Last week I worked on a simple project this DIY inspired. Accessories are the perfect way to avoid boredom with your wardrobe, and handmade, unique ones are even better. Using materials already on hand: triple better. I used colored hemp I had laying around and beads from a huge bag I snagged for $2 from the FIDM scholarship store. If you haven't been. GO. No regrets.
For the most part, I followed the DIY instructions, but I added a funky, focal bead. Just add knots on either side of the center bead to secure the beads in the braid. Now to experiment with more variations and make a pretty stack for my wrist!

Why Journal?

The first entry in my crafter's devotional involves the importance of journaling. Why Journal? It's not about a perfect piece of writing or expression of thought, it's about capturing the visions and ideas running wild in your mind. It is about self expression and practicing creativity. Journaling does not need to entail the use of a pen, paper, and words. It can be photographs, collages, fabric, whatever medium sets your mind free. My journal is an extension of myself. It's personal, full of dreams and honesty. A visual record of who I am and who I hope to be. I hope one day my children or grandchildren read my journals and understand me from a whole new perspective.

Sometimes the busyness of life makes journaling seem impossible, but it is an important first step in the creative process. At a conference I attended this past weekend, one woman spoke of a 30 day writing challenge. I'm thinking a 30 day journaling challenge. Freeing my mind through any artistic expression every day for 30 days. Anyone with me?

Catching Dreams

There is something about the image of a dreamcatcher that has always intrigued me. I think it represents the stories our dreams tell. I still remember the dreamcatcher that hung on the side of my parents' bed. I'm not sure why it is such a vivid memory. Maybe I liked the feathers or maybe it was the future crafter in me coming out, but I'd like to believe it went a little deeper.

I guess you could call me a dreamer.

Dreams are romantic, sometimes elusive. The idea of catching those dreams is to create your happily ever after. It is about passion of the soul. And sometimes the chase is the sweetest substance of life. I am always chasing after one thing or another. Dreams of new adventures. New career aspirations. New travels. New art projects. My greatest fear is stagnancy. And the transition of seasons is the perfect opportunity to welcome change. I can feel myself squirming with anticipation, which also means my mind is running overtime with ideas.

A few pictures of my recent inspirations. Common thread: nature.

Keep dreaming.

Dreamer

The lighting in these pictures is divine. It is amazing how the amount of the lighting, the angle, and the color can change a scene so completely. The manipulation of lighting is an art form all by itself. Right now, the lighting feels a little dreamlike, hence my post inspiration. I'll take a little mid day dream anytime! And to catch all these beautiful daytime dreams, I have another DIY for you! You guessed it, a dream catcher... I wasn't subtle about it...

 

In the past, I've used the following video to help teach me how to make a traditional dreamcatcher. I changed one major thing by using thread instead of sinew. You can choose from any color and, most likely, there's some already lying around your house. I've also used shells instead of feathers for more of a beachy feel. It's fairly simply and so fun to experiment with different combinations of thread and decorations!

Photo credit: my roomie :)

I hope you're having a lovely day! Be inspired!