Crafty Ideas for 2013: Vision Boards

2012 was an interesting year for many of us. My family had many challenges and celebrations that, in many ways, brought us closer together. I feel like 2013 is going to be a great year with exciting adventures ahead. There have been some dreams and aspirations that have been flowing in my head for a few months. I wanted to see how I could keep those goals in mind as I begin another year.

So, I googled "vision board," something I had heard about, but not really understood. And did more research. Basically, there are inspiration boards and vision boards. An example of an inspiration board is kind of like what we make on Pinterest: it's a place to gather images or ideas about a certain goal. A vision board encompasses a little bit more. Many people choose a special word for the year and then create a board around that idea and how it looks in different aspects of their life. I read Joyce Schwarz's book "The Vision Board: the Secret to an Extraordinary Life." Here's a link about vision boards: The subtle tricks to building an effective vision board | Martha Beck.

I started thinking that "abundance" might be my word for the year, but after creating my board, I think my word or phrase is "creating openness." I'm still working on my board, but when, I'm finished, I'm going to hang it in my bedroom so I can see it every day. The idea is, that by creating this board, your brain is thinking of that concept regularly. Current brain research states that your brain only " knows" your thoughts, both negative and positive. So, why not bring positive thoughts and energy into your life?

Even better, make it a party! Gather some girlfriends, wine, snacks, canvas, magazines and catalogs and start creating your vision for the year! I would be happy to help you along.

 

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30 Days of Creativity

I discovered "30 Days of Creativity" through Pinterest at the end of May and thought I would give it a try in the form of an art journal. Here's an image of ideas from the thirty days website. It's helped me explore different ideas...

Mixed media art journals have been around for a long time. There are several magazines devoted to this special art form. I have friends that use journals to help them think about big ideas in their life. I have a few friends look back on their journal to discover who they are as a woman and how they've grown and changed through the years.

For me, it is a way to explore different art mediums. I also used this as a way to help my kiddos explore different art materials.

Below are some links to help anyone get started:

• Ashley from LittleBlueBoo has a step-by-step tutorial for transforming a plain-Jane composition journal into a spectacular art space.
• Tammy from Daisy Yellow has several posts with prompts. I bought one of her ezines to get even more ideas...
• Julie from Balzar Designs has more ideas for pages.

It's not too late to take the pledge to do something creative everyday in June. Check out the "30 Days of Creativity" tumblr and go make something!

Valentine's Day Card-making 2011

While at home for yet another snow day, Vincent, Ava and I made owl valentines this morning. We found the idea from FamilyFun, a great website for parents and teachers.

First use the template to cut out a teardrop shape and then fold at the top, making a triangle.

Then cut out 2 eyes. Vincent was tired of cutting teardrops, so we opted for the paper punch.

You're ready to glue! Print out your saying, get your eyes ready and glue all of your owl's details.

Finally, use up all of that glitter glue (that you have in the depths of your craft closet) and add colorful eyes to your owl!

When we finally thaw out, we'll cut little holes in the bottom for some twizzlers, lollipops or smarties.

This project was a little labor intensive. It took about 2 hours to make 30 valentines. It gave both kiddos some more experience with making art. I asked Vincent if he gets to cut anymore at school and he said, "only on occasion, in art class." Hmm, I see more art projects in his future....

I enjoyed the time AWAY from the chatter of the television and video games. Seriously, if we don't go to school soon, I'm going to start homeschooling....