Inspired Me

Happy Wednesday! I started a new drawing last month. I saw this gorgeous picture of model turned fashion industry leader, Bethann Hardison in Essence Magazine. I loved her head wrap and the character in her face. She looked so joyful and even glowed in the photograph. I worked on it for a while and am pleased with how she turned out. Not sure if I am finished with it yet but here is what I have done so far. Take a look. The hardest parts for me to draw are the mouth, lips and teeth. I feel proud that they look close to the picture. Practice makes perfect they say. So, that is what I plan on doing. Have you ever tried drawing? Leave a comment below if you do. It has been one of the many surprise interest I have developed over the years. Well, I hope you are enjoying whatever creative activities you are doing. Keep it going all and have a great day! P.S. Subscribe if you haven't already. Thanks!

Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing well! Today, is a story of determination and fun. Back in January, I saw this crochet hat tutorial by Melanie Ham on YouTube:. Crochet Hat Video. It was cold and I thought it would be fun to try to make it. I started learning to crochet last year at a local church. So, I have some beginning skills but that is it. I excitedly jumped into this project and was crocheting away. Weeks after I started, I finished the first step and was ready to stitch it together. THEN, I REALIZED I had done it all wrong! LOL!!!! My measurements were all off. It was to be vertical not horizontal. Yes, how frustrating!!! After reviewing the instructions again and again, I decided to take it ALL apart and start over. Oh boy!  Fortunately, I had some previous experience with starting over. The lady who taught me how to crochet at that church class took my crocheting projects apart several times. I was upset about it but then I realized that is the best way...

Today, I am happy to announce the start of my NEW blog  Inspired Me 411 . It is an arts and crafts directory  of resources I have used over the years. Inspired Me 411 is the "baby" of Inspired Me. My blog had a baby!!! LOL! Now, I will have two blogs to enjoy and share with you. This directory is a one-stop-shop organized in the following categories:  Papercrafting, Arts & Art Journaling, Fiber Arts, General Crafts and Mind & Body . There are lists of websites, organizations, events, classes and articles that I will be updating periodically.  Plus, I will be writing blog posts on any related and interesting things I find. "411" is for everyone, new or experienced, looking for good information to help you grow your creativity. When I started making greeting cards in 2006, I didn't find many places to get ideas or supplies. It wasn't until I stumbled upon Two Peas In A Bucket website that my creativity took off. I learned so much, had f...

Today, I will be sharing my Spring fashion finds from three different stores. Besides arts and crafts, I do love window shopping and finding good deals. Here are some of the cute items I've seen in the last month online or in person. Amazon Last year, I became a big Amazon shopper. I have found some good clothing items like these cute shoes. They were less than $40 when I brought them. Honestly, they are not that comfortable in my toe areas but maybe as I wear them they will feel better. If not, they will just be my Sunday shoes! LOL! Here is the link  Click Here LifeStride Pumps from Amazon Stein Mart Next, these finds are from Stein Mart. Click link here  This was my first time going there and I was happily surprised. The prices were very good for the variety and quality of items I saw. Check it out! What playful shoes by Betsy Johnson! These colored jeans were $19 on sale. Michael Kors' Purses More Spring Purses Love this wrap! ...

Hey crafters, how are you enjoying this years craft month? What are you working on? I have been making a crochet hat on and off since January. I saw this beginner tutorial with Melanie K. Ham on YouTube,  Click Here  to see the video. I hope to finish it this month. It's been great to try a different craft and learn to use other skills. Fingers crossed my hat will at least be wearable when I am done! LOL! If you aren't a crafter, give it a try! There  are all sorts of relaxing arts and crafts to explore out there. I have even seen craft kits on Amazon which is perfect for a beginner. With all the stress going on in this world right now, using your hands in a fun and distracting activity is a great way to cope. So get to crocheting, papercrafting, sewing, baking, painting or whatever floats your boat.Try something new. You might be happily surprised with what you discover! Thanks for stopping by! Kelly

Happy Thursday! As many of you know I love making greeting cards and I have made tons of them since I started in 2006. When I saw Anna Griffin and her products on HSN years ago, I was in love. Since then, I have bought several of her popular card kits. Last year, I was interested in buying a few individual pieces for card parties and my own personal use. I bought a box of patterned, prefolded 5x7 cards, a die set with embossing folder and  two boxes of card toppers. Finally this month, I had all the pieces to play around with. Today, I am sharing some of the cards I made and how I did them. Take a look. This is the set I purchased on her website for $25.00. The larger piece is about 5x7 in size. I also got a birthday topper box. These toppers have different sentiments, shapes and sizes. These gorgeous cards come in various colors and some with metallic gold accents! They came with envelops, too. Now, I put the pieces all together and looka ...

This Christmas, we went to several local malls and hotels. We saw a variety of decorations and they were gorgeous. Just looking at all the creativity has inspired my creative soul. For months, my arts and crafts have been sitting around barely being used. I did manage to make a few Christmas cards but it was a struggle. Low mojo times like this for me means, taking a break, looking at beautiful things and trusting in time my creativity will return in some way or maybe a different form. Here are a few pictures of some of the amazing sights I saw on our vacation. Enjoy! Fashion Island Shopping Center, Newport Beach, CA What a vision! It is said to be 90ft tall tree from Northern California.   Inside Fashion Island were these HUGE ornaments hang over the three level section. Just beautiful! South Coast Plaza Mall, Costa Mesa, CA This tribute to St. Nick was incredible. It was so massive, I couldn't get the whole thing in one picture. It has...