Creating in January

Pieces of crafting

"Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities."
Willilam Bridges

I have to say that before blogging, January was my least creative month. I spent the month looking at the stark Winter's sky, empty of cozy Christmas decorations only emphasizing the emptiness of the month. Too soon for Valentine's Day, Spring or Easter, I usually spent the month Spring cleaning and getting organized. Now there are so many creative challenges, Zines, and groups to join, which I find really inspire my creativity.

Oh happy day!Joining Winter Bella Zine was a good choice. Teresa McFayden has introduced a different technique and idea every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These ideas have inspired me to create every day, which is such a good thing.



This is a sign inspired by Teresa's Welcome sign design.

It is always fun to learn a new technique, but what I loved about Winter Bella is that she gives you lots of downloads to work with, like this charming Vintage postcard. I used it to also make my Valentine's Day cards.
















So far, I think her cupcake inspiration was the most fun for me. I love painting cake of all sorts, and the most adorable is the cupcake. I used her template for the cupcake design and the banner and quote that she supplied in her download. I stuck pretty close to her framing design, but I added a bit of my own style by using my ribbon and roses card design and for the cupcake icing I used fabric dimensional paint. I cut out my roses from my notecards to add the cherries to the cakes. Then I cut up an old shopping bag to retrieve these two fun cakes on their stands, which matched the cupcake paper and Ta dah...the cute Cupcake! Making this project did make me hungry, so when it was finished, and tucked safely away on my baker's rack, I decided to bake some real cupcakes. I sat like a little kid with cupcakes stacked high with icing (like my Grandmother used to make) and with a glass of milk admiring my creation. I would have hung it on the refrigerator, but it was too big. I think I just figured out why cupcakes are the rage these days, besides eating comfort food, creating comfort food gives you the same little kid feeling that all is right with the world.


My baker's rack is full of inspiration thanks to the crafty photo challenge approaching on January 29th at Beachy Cape Cod Cottage , Winter Bella Zine and the inspiration to create more canvas collages.

inspirations baker's rack

Blogging is a good idea, and joining all the wonderful swaps, challenges, and zines is a sure ticket to inspiration.


I enjoy being a girl

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend. I hope through your travels today in Blogland you find your inspiration to create something that speaks to your heart.
Inspirations Hanging


The song for this post is The Love Nest. I can't remember whether they used this song for the Donna Reed Show, or Father Know's Best. But it strikes a cord of some comfy familiar place within my heart.

Alison Gibbs said...

Karen so many beautiful creations.
Your baker's rack is full of lovelies.
Alison

Jessi Nagy said...

omg!!! i love all your creations!!! im just loving winter bella, i second the january slump. can't wait to see what you made for the challenge.
have a great weekend!
jessi

Teri said...

Each image is gorgeous. I would say that january has now become a wonderfully creative month for you. Nothing like a good challenge or 4 to keep us going!

Tara said...

Everything's gorgeous...I am haveing serious envy issues!

Tara said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Celestina Marie said...

Karen, your baker's rack has wonderful treasures to inspire. Always love to visit and yes, be inspired!

Celestina
La Rea Rose

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Everthing is soo beauyiful...Smiles

Anonymous said...

Hi Karen, when you have a moment come on over to our Nest, we have a little something for you.....

Lorrie said...

I, too am inspired by Winterbella. Your projects are lovely - what a great way to start a creative year!
Lorrie

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