What did you learn? doodling takes time. Romance movies-- you have to pick the right one for the right mood ;)
What did you learn about yourself? I'm addicted to TV.
How do you feel about the project? I'm feeling less creative a month later. And less excited. I just need to come up with two more projects to make up the month.
What did you learn? kits might be cheap and easy, but it doesn't mean you get a good end product. I also learned that YouTube does not let you download the same video twice. Not even if the processing didn't work, not even if you have deleted the video-- you have to change the length of the video. Ugh.
What did you learn about yourself? I didn't realize how many things I think about doing and just don't. Some motivational books and magazines suggest just taking the first step on a project. The idea is once it's start it gets easier. I find this doesn't work for me. I have no problem taking the first step, giving myself enough kudos and just ending it there.
How do you feel about the project? October is over now. Although this video/project was shot in October I'm just getting to downloading it now. I feel that leaving the month short a few entries isn't a big deal. But the project is still incomplete. It was pointed out to me that earlier in the month I got behind and I was really proud of myself for pushing through. Which was true. I guess a part of me wants to see if finishing these last few entries makes an emotional difference.
Did you do a project? Yes- a joint project with the framing project
Did you complete it? yes. after a couple of failed attempts of origami and I decided I could use the stapler
What did you learn? sometimes the easier solution is the best solution. Thicker paper is not good for origami.
What did you learn about yourself? This is something I already knew about myself-- but I honestly cannot fold a straight line.
How do you feel about the project? I'm exacted that this turned out and all the envelopes fit perfectly on back of the frames. I'm looking forward to getting them on the wall and testing out the interactive idea with other people.
Did you do a project? catch up project. I framed my favorite eight out of twelve inkblot. And photo copied the backs of the cards.
Did you complete it? yes
What did you learn? The frames and the plastic coverings used attracts dust, hair, etc.
What did you learn about yourself? I spent a good amount of time picking out the cards and what order I wanted them on the wall. I have been more confident in choices, but this really did take a few hours. I also found a possible another project when I was using my local library's photo copier.
How do you feel about the project? I'm glad that I did this one. I really like the idea of interactive art work.This one has been on the back burner for many years and it feels good to finally do it.
Did you do a project? I painted my nails and used tape and a second color to make it Halloween.
Did you complete it? Yes
What did you learn? even if you first color is dry (like two days dry) if you have a wet top coat that you wipe off all of it comes off... who knew? pinky nails are way too small for this.
What did you learn about yourself? I'm very impatient. Waiting for the nail polish to dry enough to pull the tape and then wait some more for it to fully dry really sucks. HOWEVER, I can pivot! I really wanted to do a French Nail look and realize that there was no way it was going to look good (because I don't square off my nails and had no current means to do it.) so I changed the plan... and did diagonal lines. This was good I could hid imperfections and not worry how much was in one color and trying to make it the same on each finger.
How do you feel about the project? I keep on seeming the imperfections-- but I smile each time I look at them.
Did you do a project? Well the cats did the really work-- I just documented
Did you complete it? well it's all a haze ;)
What did you learn? Cats are difficult to photograph-- especial while they are moving and I only had a camera phone
What did you learn about yourself? I surprisingly knew were all the vises were in my friends house... the cigarette mystery weren't in their normal place. I'm a bad influence-- even if I was worried about ruining the couch
How do you feel about the project? My favorite was Ringo sniffing the beer bottle. I also like Tasha rubbing her head against the pill bottle and it came out all blurry....like we were on drugs. This also felt like a cheat. since it didn't take much extra work and just did a photo night.
Did you do a project? Yep-- I got excited when I went into my bags of stuff and found this item
Did you complete it? Yes-- though I broke off two of the folding piece AND put on the tail pieces backwards (it still worked!)
What did you learn? Patience is a skill set. And even if you think you have patience in one area of your life-- it doesn't instantly give you patience in another. Tweezers are best friend for this type of project
What did you learn about yourself? I can read instructions, I can follow IKEA instructions... I can't mix the two. Some how my brain just shuts off. Oh and my hands aren't tiny enough for this process... I don't know how other people do it.
How do you feel about the project? I'm a little bummed that the folding pieces came off and I tried so hard on the second piece not to move it. I'm glad I tried this one. looking back I should have tried a more boxy metal piece like a building or a castle. I get the appeal-- I just need to work on the execution. I would be will to try another one and see how my skills would improve now that I know.
Did you do a project? Yes-- I accidently took the photo of the pencil and glue sticks when I was trying to start a video. I liked how random it was and overall, how it turned out.
Did you complete it? I guess-- I mean how do you complete photos?... I guess I could have tried altering and editing them. How many are enough? Overall a couple of keepers in my opinion
What did you learn? Art is very individualized. Something that speaks to me, won't speak to someone else. My favorite is the messy accidental photo (the pencil and glue stick one.) and I'm sure that most people won't find beauty in it.
What did you learn about yourself? I like photography. But some how I also picked up some where that photographers (even ones that do it for just a hobby) really feel like they are the only ones that can 'truly' capture a subject. I'm a firm believer that photography is the art of the people-- especially now that we have smart phones.
How do you feel about the project? The photo of the ribbons was taken next to a heater so they were blowing around. I really loved how they moved and many times I wish we can capture movement in still photos/illustrations. I'm sure that explains my obsessions with the Futurism art movement.
Did you do a project? Yes tin-foil hat to make sure the aliens don't hear my thoughts ;)
Did you complete it? yep it only took 30 seconds
What did you learn? I can still get a quick craft in on a 'busy' evening
What did you learn about yourself? I can allow myself to be goofy.
How do you feel about the project? Sometimes these quick projects seem like cheats. It is as if putting minimal time in it, makes it count less. I have to remember 30 days of crafts is a lot. I need to cut myself some slack on the quality of the project as well as if I get behind on them.... actually this might be a lesson I need to carry over in to real life as well.
Did you do a project? Yes. a four page handwritten letter to my Grandma, who just broke her leg.
Did you complete it? Yep and I added some coloring book pages for her in case she get bored
What did you learn? adult coloring books have easy to tear out pages AND they have images only on one side. I learned I had a good amount of things to say to my grandma.
What did you learn about yourself? I like my handwriting. I don't know when that happen. Also, I use spell check way too much in my daily life. I felt I had to google a word for each sentence.
How do you feel about the project? There is something about putting pen to paper that is so magical. I find my creative writing is different when I type vs. when I write it out. Some times when I'm stuck on a piece (and even writing procedures for work) I'll switch the method that I'm using. sometime it helps organize my thoughts. I also had daydreams while writing to my grandma about writing more handwritten letters. I wonder if my loved ones would enjoy it. Maybe I would even have a couple study pen-pals.
Did you do a project? Yes brainstorming and planning for possible future projects
Did you complete it? Yes-- This is a catch up project I stopped mid-way through and thought of doing other projects. But I struggled with those as well-- I needed something.
What did you learn? Sometimes I feel like I just need to get ideas out on paper. This time around I didn't. The beer project was/is already fleshed out. The cooking project, through interesting and I think there should be something out there for it, isn't one I'm going to do anytime soon. And at the end of the day the adulting one, even though I HIGHLY need that in my life right now, would get off track within a week-- because my interest isn't there. UGH I really need to learn how to route picture on the blog.
What did you learn about yourself? I remember watching a feature about Hitchcock. He would storyboard every frame of every movie he directed. His favorite part of the process was the storyboarding and the movie itself was an after thought. He very rarely would deviate from the storyboard. I get it. Sometimes the planning is the creative part, sometimes it's the best part. I've been going through organization books. Most of them talk about the importance of making a clear goal and looking at it daily. The true is, if it's something you want to do (and I mean REALLY want to do it) You don't need the goal out in front of you.... You daydream about it. It's your mind candy, and just thinking about is the best part of your day.
Did you complete it? It is not complete. But it's at a stopping point
What did you learn? the small bottle of vodka fits into the container I had! The mint keep fresh overnight in the refrigerator. There is a good chance I had too much mint in there. oh well, it will take less time to get it minty. Mint leaves are easier to clean than basil leaves.
What did you learn about yourself? I really don't know how converting works (ml vs. oz etc). Still can't go into a liquor store and not buy some beer. I'm also not looking forward to drinking it.
How do you feel about the project? This one was easy. I thought about You-tubing it some more but I really just needed that one video for the concept. I'm glad Katina recommend this since I really didn't want this mint to go to waste. There is something very Zen about using the plants you grow. Like I wasn't even sorry or sad that I was killing them off.
Did you do a project? Yes sir. I did a pencil drawing of a e e cumming's poem
Did you complete it? Yepper
What did you learn? The photos look way better on my phone than they do on the blog, and I'm a little sad that you're not getting the full effect.
What did you learn about yourself? I write like e e cumming (who knew!?!?! ok there were a couple of you out there that did.) I need to read more of his poems.
How do you feel about the project? I'm disappoint that I'm playing catch up again. I hate that I get lazy on the weekends because I think I can 'just' do it later and I end up doing nothing all day because I'm suppose to working on the art projects, but instead I'm just procrastinating.
Did you do a project? Yep a pin using hot glue, buttons, paper, metal, twine etc. Mix media!!!
Did you complete it? Yes
What did you learn? I was having problems with the twine twirling with itself-- a few quick blobs of hot glue had them separated. I was debating with two different items for the dangling charm. The other one was a heart locket with paper glued to the front. I decided to go with the bead because the locket had more of a funky vibe that didn't work with the other pieces. It's important to know what your overall 'theme' is or isn't. Knowing the theme makes decision making easier.
What did you learn about yourself? I natural line things up. I had to rip off the key charm a few times because it was too perpendicular with the button base. Who knew?
How do you feel about the project? I put the Grownup Wonderland Pin on for a picture and it instantly broke. I re-glued it right away and I think it will hold better. It is interesting what memories we keep. I would never have called myself a sentimental person, but doing this Creative October really has highlighted memories and items I cherish. It has been fun and rewarding.
Did you do a project? Yep I did some Shrink dinks- Childhood reclaimed!!!!
Did you complete it? Yes in record time
What did you learn? ShrinkIts/Shrink dinks now have the lame name of shrink plastic. you really do not see the color that well when you're coloring. I like cutting around the dotted line (not on it or just inside it so you wouldn't see the dotted line)-- somehow keeping the dotted line on the Shrinkits made it feel like a boundary or more artsy. They provided me with three chains to use, but since I didn't have a hole punch (who has ones of those anymore?) the holes didn't turn out so well. However, I'm pretty sure after shrinking the holes would have been still too small for the chains anyway.... bring out the floss!
What did you learn about yourself? Childhood rocks. Screw being a grownup. AND I think plastic is soooo pretty when it's baking-- it does a wild and crazy dance.
How do you feel about the project? These fast and easy ones are fun. I don't have to worry about the final product.
Did you do a project? Yeppers Did you complete it? (for the 12th done on the 13th)
What did you learn? kid projects are still fun as a grownup.
What did you learn about yourself? I need more play time!
How do you feel about the project? I'm caught up after today!! Also many of the projects I had in mind I've already done. I still have a couple more up my sleeve, but I do not have enough planned for the full month. I'm wondering if the creative bug will bite me where I can come up with new ideas or if I should/can use repeat projects (it didn't come up when Amanda and I discussed the rules for this project). Also, I finding that I don't have as much to say on my videos and posts. Not sure if that is normal (as in the more you do the less you need to say) or if it's a sign that I'm running out of steam.
Did you complete it? It took 8th through the 12th to complete
What did you learn? the brush strokes from the two layers of Mod-podge aren't visible through the resin... however the cloudy 'too thick glue' places are visible through the resin. Resin and glue take FOREVER to dry. Also don't use transfers-- they are stupid.
What did you learn about yourself? I never think about the clean up and what might be needed for that. I didn't have rubbing alcohol on hand... nor did I have a stirring stick (ended up using a thrown away popsicle stick). Apparently I'm willing to sacrifice my favorite shot glass to make sure that the measuring of the resin was accurate. The You-Tubers made it very clear that the resin needs to be mixed with perfect measurement are tacky/stickiness will be the end result.
How do you feel about the project? This might be the first project that looks like a professional made. Maybe if I perfect the method, I can make the big bucks.
What did you learn? using stamps were waaaaaaay easier than using the transfers
What did you learn about yourself? I think stamps are mini-pieces of art. There is true beauty in the every day items.
How do you feel about the project? The pieces came out cloudy I think it's the glue from under the resin... I would like to try doing this again without doing the layers of Mod-Podge on top. The warning was that the resin would mute the colors of the images if one didn't have a layer or two of Mod-podge/glue sealing it in. I'm curious to see how much it would mute them.
Did you complete it? started and ended on the 12th yes
What did you learn? You really need to make sure the lid clicks into place for food processors to work. This had some simple instructions, but man was it time consuming; especially sorting the good leaves out. My sister is a great writer with a sense of humor. The iPhone video is limited. You can't switch between selfie and camera mode once it starts filming. You also can't switch between vertical and horizontal.
What did you learn about yourself? I bought a food processor for this project. My Jedi light saber skills need work--I broke most of plants with my first swing (Katina instructed "Swing the plant around violently to try to get as much water as possible off of the leaves. seriously--pretend you're a Jedi need work.") I'm ok killing plants now.
How do you feel about the project? This one didn't feel too creative, more like Susie-Homemaker project. I enjoyed talking about the plants, and I am looking forward to next year's planting season.
Did you do a project? Yes, bottle cap magnets with the labels showing
Did you complete it? Yes (on Saturday)
What did you learn? E6000 is not super glue. It's good because I didn't blue my fingers together and the cap hasn't been glued to the tube yet. However two days later and I have already had three of the magnets break. Take what other You-Tubers say with a grain of salt.
What did you learn about yourself? I knew my hoarding skills would come in handy. Finding good label caps was a little difficult, but I really felt it was a numbers game and if I didn't keep all the last years caps I wouldn't be able to have done a series of six.
How do you feel about the project? I'm a little frustrated at the glue not holding on the magnets. Not sure if I didn't let them sit out for the whole curing time or if the glue is just weak. Getting back on track it's too difficult on the projects-- but the videos and blogging is a different story.
I've slipped up the last couple of days. I haven't posted or did projects. It started with a highly anticipated project didn't go smoothly on my first few attempts. The experience made me realize that I needed more craft stuff to make it better. I also thought it would be smart to watch the new season of Vampire Diaries on Netflix. I need to accept that I'm addicted to TV and one episode while eating is never ever going to actually work. I have binged watched the season (it helped that I was keeping up with it for half the season on the CW app.) And now that's out of the system I can go back to being crafty.
This is when projects/trying to create a new habit ends. I allow myself to slip for a day and then the next day and I finally just give up because it will be to 'hard' to catch back up. But not this time. This time I'm going to excise my perseverance. This time I'm going to stay with it.
I have brought some supplies today (which includes some really cute quick crafts) and finished the first of the make up projects. I also started the next two projects (glue drying takes forever!) that should be good to go by Monday.
What did you learn? drawing realistic teeth is difficult.
What did you learn about yourself? I like abstract/expressionistic art. On this piece, the piece really started to take form for me when I got lose and dark with the lining.
How do you feel about the project? This was a good one for today. I'm really hoping to get more sleep tonight. I also need to take less time on thinking about the videos and just do them. Majority of the time I'm forgetting or half talking about the points that I planned on going over.
What did you learn? I learned that lip liner should be lighter or the same color as your lipstick, I learn products might surprise you. The eye liner that I thought was going to totally pop didn't (it might have been what I paired it with) and other items that I thought I wouldn't like at all the blush and lip liner are things I want to use again (I decided I liked the blush after the video. I think it is a good color on me.) The time-lapse goes really quick, I was showing products and throwing faces through out the video and you barely catch any of it-- I need to slow take a beat if I use it again.
What I think I look like with makeup on
What did you learn about yourself? When I'm not wearing makeup I don't think about how I look. If I do wear makeup, I'm thinking about it every 10-15 minute. I worry about it every time I touch my face, anytime I feel it on my skin, anytime my face feels dry or hot, anytime my eyes feel heavy or weird, or any time I smell it. I'm so self-conscience when I put makeup on. I'm really worried about it through out the day. And that feeling must be the same feeling that most women (that wear makeup) feel when they go without. But man I'm BRAVE!!! I was really terrified about this video. I wanted to do the Ispy reveal, since I've been watching them on YouTube like a crazy stalker lady. But doing one when I don't know anything about the process or products? Plus doing my makeup on screen AND admitting that I'm a raged induced crazy person when it comes to applying makeup. Yep. Brave.
How do you feel about the project? Better. I'm glad I did this. I was nervous for this one. This was hard for me and now I feel like I can do anything. I'm dedicated to this project. 31 days-- I can do it!!!
Did you do a project? Yes-- not the one I was originally going to do, but yes
Did you complete it? Yes
What did you learn? I learned that a trip to the craft store is in order, I'm still allergic to some beers, and the stupid gold stamp pad is not going to work for a project I had in mind.
What did you learn about yourself? I really do get flustered when one thing doesn't go to plan, I seem to only want things after I have given them away (never fails), and I find something about stamping really rewarding.
How do you feel about the project? I got some great comments from coworkers today. I really do work with some of the most amazingly supportive people. I'm feeling deflated today. Granted I know it is in part because I didn't sleep well last night. Tonight was an exercise in pivoting and problem solving; I'm not really sure how well I did it or how I felt about it. I'm reliezing to make it through this month, I need to start thinking smaller.
Did I do a project today: Yes- a greeting card with color pencil and pen.
Did I complete it: almost didn't, but decided to finish it before the end of day
What did I learn: white paint doesn't completely cover up pink pencil lines
What did I learn about myself: sometimes it is harder to motivate myself to do things when I have more time because I think I do them later. I started working on it later than I should have. I had to stop because I went over to Michele's place. I didn't want to finish it when I came back. But I did. I know that allowing myself not to finish today would just create a pattern for late projects and soon I would probably stop completely (because that is what I have done in the past).
How do I feel about the project: first day I struggled wanting to do something. I'm glad I competed it. But today was the first day I really saw how big this challenge might be. I need to push through.
Did you do a project? Yes, not the one I wanted-- but there is still time for that.
Did you complete it? I say three drafts and I'm formatting the lines below make it complete.
What did you learn? When something is not working, step back. Pick out what you like and then start over... it wasn't until rereading the second attempt did I realize it needed more of a focus.
What did you learn about yourself? I already knew that I procrastinate. But I learned that I can do re-writes back to back.
How do you feel about the project? I'm little disappointed at how dark it came out. Granted the chosen word did lead to a couple of darker images so I can blame it on that. I thought writing poems was going to be my 'cheat' days but this on some ways was more difficult than other art projects...I think I expect more from my writing than other forms of expression.
Dirt mounds freshly dig from elderly graves
Creates a minefield of whole heartily holes of good intentions and wordy promises.
"I'll love you forever,"
Stains the air with robust fragrance of love life and worm decay.
How hard they work with pitted stomachs and tiny teeth
They will be micro-judged until they are
Beastlike--unhuman.
Untouchable.
Good intentions wiggling like loose tape in stomachs and intestine.
Testing the host's reaction, testing for the right moments.
To kiss, to talk, to fondle, to throw way.
All taped and stapled in a hodgepodge attempt of a story of you and me.
The fruit has been eaten. Only the pit remains.
A lonely seed spitting out juices
Of reused lines and old memories of being more--
Of being a part of a while.
Now it's only the throw way part
Like a use tea bag or a broken crayon.
When did we rip out our eyes and replaced them with cherry pits?
To see a Cherry Hell in all its rosy wonders
Full of crimson and scarlet hues.
Pitted against time,
We cannot fill the holes- even if we full heartedly tried.
We can pat the dirt back into place--
We can gentle lay the worms back in their home
We can make love on the moist soil,
But this ground, this foundation, has been disturbed and it will never be the same.
Today at work I told my coworkers about last night's project (and beer review), and they were totally excited. they wanted to see the YouTube videos, even after I told them that I'm not editing them (or even watching them at this point).
Did you do a project today; what was it? Yep-- cooking my Roman Noodle and egg dish (new twist: with poached egg and oregano)
Did you complete it? complete enough to eat
What did I learn? I learned how to poached an egg! I learned that poached eggs add water to the dish and the whites are a little gross (I will be sticking to my fried egg approach).
What did I learn about myself? I'm honestly forgetting majority of things I want to talk about when the camera is on. Other than pulling a Mom (videoing my hand), I'm a pretty good camera man while multitasking.
How do I feel about the project? The eggs were a little overcooked, but for the first time trying this method, I was very proud of myself. I'm really jazzed that my coworkers are excited about these videos. I'm an attention hog. I'm also noticing that I'm generating creative ideas already. A comic strip on Facebook made me think I should try doing Dani-ism greeting cards.
Day One-- piece title: discovering the world within me
So I was really excited to start off this series of projects. A couple of days ago I thought about how exposing it is to share your art work-- how for some it would be like taking off their clothes for the first time in front of someone. Something about it was just naked and vulnerable... and well intimate. I thought about doing a cartoon figure taking off her clothes and all the exposed skin was shining through with color and radiance of the sun or nature. I wanted to capture that with this piece. I feel like I didn't do it. Soon it become clear that a cartoon version didn't look like me so the face become more realistic. Once I was happy with the pencil drawing I started using the watercolor like I did in high school-- not diluting it. I stop for a brief second to thinking that using them in their traditional way would look cute, but I wanted bold in your face colors. Didn't think that one through since the colors just covered all the pencil drawing on the right side. the more I tried fixing it, the more I disliked it. I thought made I should add color to the left side and to make it 'fit' in. and that didn't go to plan either. I just had to say 'it's done.' sometimes it is better to just stop adding. I was really happy with the face, but once I uploaded it to the blog I just saw all the imperfections. Still love the hair... I think it matches my really life hair perfectly.
as an extra treat I added a beer review... I got nervous after my second ummmm..... and didn't say everything I meant to say.
