Letterpress Draw Turns into a Craft Supply Organizer

 
I found an amazing letter press drawer during an afternoon antiquing with my girlfriend.   Prior to purchasing this drawer, I used spice jars to organize my small craft supplies.   I’m thrilled that I’m able to recycle my spice jars and place all my findings in one spot.  A special bonus to this piece is that its square size fits perfectly on top of my trunk, allowing me to keep it visible at all times. I find this inspiring and helps me create.  I absolutely love it!

Halloween . . . already?

I’m finally able to cross off all the back to school chores.  School supplies and clothes purchased.  Check.  Orientations attended.  Check.  Paperwork filled out and turned in.  Check.  School fees paid.  Check.  It’s time to sit back and relax.  That’s when my 10-year-old starts talking about Halloween.  What are our plans?  What should he be for Halloween?  Will there be any parties?  That’s when I realized Halloween will be here before we know it.  As I chatted about Halloween with my excited son, I was inspired to sketch a Halloween picture . . . . a witch throwing a fireball.  The witch was quick and simple.  That small fireball was my struggle.  I’ve never drawn fire before and didn’t realize how difficult it is to make a drawing resemble fire without using color.  After many erasures I still wasn’t happy.  That’s when I decided to adopt my teenage son’s adage:  Good ‘Nuff.  So here’s my sketch entitled:  Flying Witch with a Good ‘Nuff fireball. 

The Power of Paper Mache

I’m a long-time fan of Paper Mache.  I think it’s simply amazing what you can create with just paper and glue.  I’ve also found a health benefit to Paper Mache. . . . it’s very relaxing.  I find it relaxing to build a sculpture one piece of paper at a time.  Perhaps the magic is that Paper Mache simply forces you to slow down and focus on creating.  When I’m working on a sculpture I can immediately feel the tension in my body decrease.  All my worries vanish. 

If you find yourself stressed-out or filled with anxiety, get out your paper and glue and start a Paper Mache project.  It might be just what you need.