"Firsts"

It has been a creative summer for me.  It was the "first" time ever that I had a whole summer to myself... time to treasure shop, junk hunt, create.... shop some more.... create.... re-arrange the Sunshine Room because I brought home too much "stuff"... shop some more (because I now have room)...and in between all this, take some time to blog..

You get the picture.

It has been the best, cheapest therapy ever! 

Nothing beats the sense of joy and fulfillment I get when I complete something I've made with my very own hands (and sometimes, a few helpful tools).

I've had the delight of visiting many new blogs and making new friends... joined a few fun swaps, some of which required that I create something new/different, which I had not made before.  For those of you who have been blogging for a while - these are no biggies - but to me it meant "creative exploration and adventure."

For example, I made my very "first" fabric book!  It was for my swap partner, Cami, for The Vintage Dragonfly's "Grandma's Attic Altered Matchbox Swap."

 

 

...  Grandma's brag book, full of pics of the grandkids...

 

 

 

It accompanied my altered matchbox

(not a "first" but only my second one ever)

 

 

I made my very "first" ATC!

Unbelievable - that I've survived this long in Blogland without having made one!  

They are quick and fun and addictive...

 

Created for my partner, April - for Tee's "Lady in a Hat ATC Swap"

 

Another "first" was incorporating "new" charms into my work...  I've always embellished with beads, jewelry, ribbon, lace, things I already own... but had never actually looked for and purchased  a "new" piece to use in my creations.  

For Karla's "BirdSong Tag Book Swap" I found these charming bird charms on Etsy and knew they would be perfect for my tags!

 

 

...of course, I had to embellish them a bit with some gold German glitter...

.... I love how the tags turned out!  

 

I learned not to limit myself to what I have on-hand, that it's "ok" to seek out new things if the need arises (or the whim inspires).

 

This weekend, I made my "first" pendant necklace!

 

 

My daughter's friend, Liz, is flying off to Amsterdam (today!)  to complete her Master's degree and Bianca wanted to give her something special...  Liz is a skilled pianist, so I wanted to use that as my theme.  I found this sweet art in my vintage sheet music stash....  added some German glitter and some fairy wings... a few vintage rhinestones for bling (every pianist needs her bling, right?)

 

...  I didn't like how any of my chains looked with the piece, so I tried the crinkled ribbon and vintage lace and loved it!  

I am very pleased with how it turned out (smile).

Hoping Lizzy will love it also!

And there you have it friends, a summer of "firsts."  

(I'm on a "try new things" spree!  Signed up to do an altered tin swap and altered bottle swap, both of which will be "firsts"   yay!)

I'm sharing my "firsts" with the following parties:

 Made by You Monday at Skip to My Lou

Blue Monday at Smiling' Sally

The Inspiration Board at Homework

Comments

[Tee]

Mercedes Stunning Work! I love the way you did your Matchboxes! Gorgeous!
Everything you created rocks!
Very Creative & Inspiring! Hugs,Tee

[anne]

Your project is awesome, how I wish I have that talent mine is up and its here thanks

[Anna-Leigh]

Hi Mercedes!
I love that brag book, what a great idea. And you pendant is lovely! I just love all the frilly things you've got going. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog ;-)

[Myrna]

All very beautiful creations !

[Kim, USA]

Wow I wish I could do this too. This is very pretty!

Blue Monday

[Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes]

Hi Mercedes, thank you for visiting my blog. I really appreciate you taking time to leave a compliment. You did very well on your new projects. The gift for the pianist is very cute. I sure she loves it. Have a great week!
Shannon

[JoAnne]

Hi Mercedes,
What a lovely blog you have. All your firsts are amazing!!!! I love them all but especially that book.
Thanks for all your kind words and support. I'm so happy to have you in my swap group.
xo
JoAnne