The Creative Blog Hop
My husband, Jim, http://irishdreamweaver.blogspot.com/
was
tagged by Mary H of http://carolinacardsbymaryh.blogspot.com/
to participate in the creative Blog Hop and
asked me to do a post on my blog on the same day.
Mary H is a lovely person and does beautiful work you would enjoy taking a peek at her blog at the above link...and then, Of course, Check out my Hubby's blog at the above link.
Jim was asked these 4
questions…And below is my answers to the same questions…
1. What am I
working on now?
Everything
Nothing
Actually, nothing would be
more like it. I often find myself
feeling like I’m in a state of confusion (loss
of direction) I want so much to be working on something but I don’t know
where to even begin.
Everything. I see so many neat ideas on everyone’s blog
and on pinterest (I’m addicted) that I want to try everything…and again I’m
confused as to where I should begin. I love to try new techniques. So I have so many project ideas going in my head...smile...
In my head, Right now... I am working on
ideas for my daughter’s next birthday. I
hope to do a book of “short” letters to her…containing memories of her life.
How does my work differ from others in my genre?
I don’t really think that I
am that unique. I am inspired by
everyone else’s creativity…
The one way my cards might be
different now is that today the trend is clean and simple, and one layer cards (big
challenge for me).
My cards usually have lots of
layers. I’m trying very hard to get away
from using so many layers on my cards. Postage is just so high
these days.
Why do I create what I do?
I’ve been crafting for a long
time. Starting with sewing, then cross
stitch, knitting, crochet, a little bit of plastic canvas, embroidery, and
smocking.
It’s been my therapy for a
long time. I like to create to give
gifts.
Personalized gifts…and also make things to donate. 
I have found crafting to be
mostly relaxing…I say mostly, because at times it can be frustrating when
things don’t’ go as planned. Actually
very few things that I have made end up the way I had originally thought they
would.
After spending about 3 hours or so on a card that ended up
in the trash can…I sat down at my craft table to try again, I ended up making the above card in under 10
minutes (which is very good for me!)
I almost didn’t post the above card at Split Coast Stampers because I thought every one
would laugh at it, and think it was too simple (remember this is before I heard
the words clean and simple in regard to Card making). To my surprise, to date, it is the most viewed card and the
card that has been favored the most in my gallery.
Almost everyone through the years would tell me that I am
too critical of myself and I guess this card helps to prove that to me.
How does my
creative process work?
My husband gave me an answer for this…Chaotic!
(Remember he sees my craft table after I’m done working on a
card!)
He also may have said that because he knows I spend as much
time looking for my lost supplies as I do creating…
******************************************
Here are some of my favorite cards…and most of these cards
made the Favorites list at Split Coast Stampers.
This card was made using the Iris Folding Technique. It is still one of my favorite ways to make a card...I learned how to do this technique at...
I made the above card for a challenge at The Splitcoast Stampers Teapot party. We were to make a card for someone going for Chemo...The person that this card was sent to ... loves the Cherry Motif...and has lots of Cherry decor in her Kitchen. I did not have a Cherry stamp or image...so I made my Cherries out of Shrink it. I had trouble getting the stems to to look right...so hubby suggested using bread wrapper ties for my stems. They worked perfectly.
Hubby colored my image for me with copics.
This is a box card...Another favorite technique...
I found the directions to make this card at...
I found the directions to make this card at...
This card was made using Gold embossing powder and A Stencil from Dreamweaver stencils...
I forgot to add the link...but the link to Dreamweaver stencils can be found on my side bar.
Using Stencils is another way I really enjoy making cards
Thank you for visiting my blog today...
Blessings,
Jill
Beautiful cards Jill - and it's good to meet another chaotic card maker ;-).
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
What a gorgeous post just loved reading this your craft projects are all so lovely I'm in awe of that crochet dress its so beautiful Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x
ReplyDeleteWhat a super post, Jill. The crocheted dress is just beautiful and I really like your knitted sweater, too. Great job.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are fabulous. Each one special and gorgeous in its own way. I must say you do CAS really well even if you think it is a big challenge. And, how about those bread ties for the cherries? Jim had a fab idea. Looks great.
I had to laugh at some of your post...about losing things while making a card and chaotic is certainly the word for my craft table and room when I finish. I fall into both those categories.
I enjoyed reading and learning more about you.
Your post is fabulous Jill!! I adore all of your projects that you've been working on here!! I can relate to you on the crafting process! HUGS :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jill. You're so talented in so many areas and I just wish I had a smidgen of that. You do beautiful work on everything you do.
ReplyDeleteI think my middle name is chaotic too so I can relate to how you feel on that.
Lynn
Oh my, I think we two are a lot alike! Didn't realize that so much until I read your blog. I laughed at a lot of your descriptions of how you create (the chaotic bit especially!) because I'm going "uh-huh, I get that!". I am going back to edit my today's post, to include you as a TCBH. I apologize for not having your link, as I guess my brain didn't click in that you'd do a post too! I'm so happy that you did (I think IC probably said you would, but my pea-brain didn't connect the dots). Your work is always lovely. Whatever style you do. I took one Iris class, and loved it but have done nothing since. Loved the cherries and the bread tie stems (lucky the 2 of you, to bounce off ideas!). I really did enjoy getting to know you a little better (although I've heard some lovely things from that Indian feller about DW). Each picture you shared was more 'art' than cards. I make cards- you folks do 'art'! Wishing you a happy up-coming Big Day at the end of the month as well. Congratulations on reaching such a milestone. Am intrigued by your daughter's project that you're working on. Gives me some food for thought! Blessings & Hugs to you both, and thanks for sharing who you are!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, a very interesting read. I can relate to the chaos, that your most popular was your most simple, and all those lovely cards,are a feast for the eyes xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jill! Thanks for sharing your favorites!
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining in TCBH, too, Jill! It was wonderful to read about you and get to know you better! Those knitted pieces are so amazing and, of course, I LOVE that 10-minute card you made and can see why it is a favorite at SCS! It was wonderful to see the whole array of your pretty works of art!! Big Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeletePS I'll be gone over the weekend, so I want to wish you a Happy Anniversary in advance! It's a biggie!! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteHi Jill, I came from your husband's blog send by Mary H. I love your card style and I love your beautiful needlework clothing. I've enjoyed both your blog and your husband's blog learning more about you both. I am happy to say that I am following you both. Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteYour cards are beautiful, Jill! Nice to "meet" you & Jim through this wonderful hobby!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun post Jill. Loved reading more about you and what goes on in your creative process. Loved the card and other crafts you posted here. We share some of the same thoughts and struggles with card making. Guess that is why I love visiting you. Fun stuff. Hugz!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to learn more about you, Jill! You do beautiful work even if you think your creative process is chaotic! Whatever works is good! (I seem to spend more and more time looking for things myself.) These are some beautiful samples of your cards, but just a drop in the bucket!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are stunning, Jill! It was great to learn more about you and Jim through this awesome hobby. :)
ReplyDeleteYour centre step card is stunning. This is one of my favourite shaped cards to use.
ReplyDeletehugs Mrs A.
((((Smiling)))) your state of chaotic sounds fimilar Jill. My table is a mess too. I also am trying to stay away from layers and have been trying to make more cas cards to mail. The dress you made is beautiful. Something I've never learned to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hugs....Leanne
great post, you area such a lovely couple both of us...it is nice to come and visit you both and get to know you better
ReplyDeletehugs bibiana