tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40414958098607734192026-04-05T17:41:23.768-05:00Living and Inspiring a Creative LifeCraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.comBlogger1896125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-11556556972187156512026-02-18T17:30:00.002-06:002026-02-18T17:30:00.114-06:00

Little slips of paper with scribbled ideas litter the surface of my desk. There's a massive binder spilling over with more sketchy notes of inspiration. It's stashed nearby...along with a journal full of doodled designs. However, I never seem to have the time to work on any of these half-baked daydreams and side-projects. I fill my hours with what I think I need to do. What if I created a need to

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-12539427753745220902025-12-01T08:03:00.002-06:002025-12-01T08:03:58.227-06:00

I've been invited to participate in a trunk show with several other artists at Hello Gallery.You'll find me and a variety of other jewelry makers available at Hello Gallery on Thursday, Dec. 11th, from 4-7pm. We'll be there to answer questions and chat with you about our process. Of course, you can shop all the other amazing art available in the gallery as well. I'll have my

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-84615155097278507752025-05-30T12:59:00.001-05:002025-05-30T12:59:35.011-05:00

 I cannot believe it's been over a year since I chatted with you. I'm so sorry!I'll admit that it feels like I've been pulled in a thousand different directions lately. I started a post back in February to mention my 100-Day project for this year, but that post fell to the wayside. And, honestly, the project has dragged a little.Let's see...if I want to get this one up, I should try to keep

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-7876778003568667662024-05-20T13:06:00.000-05:002024-05-20T13:06:19.706-05:00

I awoke the other day with many thoughts about the 100 Day project and decided to jot them down here to share with you.Some of the bits I gathered/curated at the start of this year's projectAs this is my eighth year participating and my ninth project* (because I crazily did TWO projects last year 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤣), you may wonder why I keep doing it. Honestly, I sometimes wonder too. But,

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-11502842739027959742024-03-24T06:00:00.001-05:002024-03-24T06:00:00.149-05:00

 Hey y'all! I'm popping in to share the completed jewelry pieces that came out of Bead Box 18. I've actually already stocked and started on 19, so you should expect that post soon too. If you're unsure what I'm talking about, let me quickly explain. I try to keep a basic, divided organizer stocked with the elements I need to make 17 jewelry pieces. This organizer goes with me when I

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-19058159241673653552024-02-19T14:21:00.001-06:002024-02-19T14:21:11.993-06:00

Yesterday, the 100 Day Project for 2024 started (it's not too late to join in!!) I mentioned last week that I would give you a heads-up about what my project is going to be. So here it is - I'm doing a #NotPreciousProject. Basically, I've got too much stuff. And, I've made it all "too precious" to use. That's just plain silly. So, I'm going to work on breaking through that mindset and USE

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-54704575432715694922024-02-14T06:30:00.001-06:002024-02-14T06:30:00.132-06:00

I think I mentioned in my last post that I had a new Bead Box packed up for an event that ended up not happening. Since I've already worked most of my way through it, I thought I ought to give you the peek I promised (before I need to stock it again for the March First Friday event!)As you can see, this is a super basic, plastic organizer. Into each of the 17 compartments, I put the components I

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-75825096463349059542024-02-07T08:26:00.000-06:002024-02-07T08:26:04.808-06:00

My focus lately has been a bit all over the place. And, with any luck, it's not slowing down. But, I need to remember to keep y'all updated over here too! So...let's quickly recap some of the latest highlights (in no particular order).I did an interview with CanvasRebel recently and the article just came out. You can read it by following the link.I also got my name out there even more as I did a

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-53044320409088111522023-10-27T12:09:00.002-05:002023-10-27T12:09:35.961-05:00

Admittedly, I haven't been very active here on the blog as I've been devoting more and more time to video creation. (Once again, I encourage you to follow my CraftyHope YouTube Channel.) This month, I actually even started vlogging over there. CraftyHope Vlog on YouTubeThese videos are reminiscent of the Peek at My Week posts I used to do here. WOW - It's been about 2 years since I did one

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-16000168869068738902023-10-17T06:00:00.001-05:002023-10-17T06:00:00.246-05:00

Before I completely forget that I have a blog, it's best that I go ahead and share something new over here. Well, it's not completely new...or even different. But, something. Here's a quick roundup of some of the mixed media and art journaling videos I shared on YouTube over the course of September. First up are the last of the #CraftyHopePrompts Cards and Projects.Card 49: Paint pen, Ledger

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-75001066879532292382023-09-26T06:00:00.001-05:002023-09-26T06:00:00.139-05:00

It's well past time that I share the jewelry designs that came from the 17th version of my Bead Box. Let me explain my box first. It's a simple 17-compartment, plastic organizer that I use to hold the pieces for seventeen jewelry designs. I turn to the box when I travel or need something already designed to do with my hands. It has honestly come in handy MANY times. Above you can get a

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-67512640802480631752023-09-20T06:30:00.001-05:002023-09-20T06:30:00.140-05:00

I'm well past due for another roundup of the mixed media videos on my YouTube Channel that you might have missed. So, let me get to it. I'll start with the CraftyHopePrompts videos and then finish up with the others from the month. Clicking on the pictures and/or the captions will take you to the video.Card 45: Receipt, Crackle paste, GreenProject 45: Art Journal PageCard 46: Ribbon, White marker

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-54782261399301239022023-08-23T06:00:00.001-05:002023-08-23T06:00:00.154-05:00

I've been slacking in so many ways lately in sharing what I've been up to here. I recently posted several times about my mixed media art endeavors, but I've made some jewelry too! Hopefully, I'll be sharing a reveal of my most recent Bead Box makes, but I've made a few other things for Jesse James Beads and their Summer Bead Blast challenge. Here's a look at the pieces that have video tutorials.

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-64279339683364596342023-08-09T17:37:00.000-05:002023-08-09T17:37:13.865-05:00

Before any more of this week/month get away from me, let me go ahead and quickly share the July Mixed Media YouTube videos from my channel that you might have missed. First up, the videos from my personal CraftyHopePrompts challenge. Any of the videos will explain this challenge in detail.Card 40: Button, Brayer, Mica SprayProject 40: Necklace and BONUS BookmarksCard 41: Map, Texture paste,

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-62955383262736753152023-08-04T06:00:00.001-05:002023-08-04T06:00:00.137-05:00

Oh goodness me!! It's been over a month since I last posted here. I think my ICAD (Index Card a Day) commitments got the best of me. So, I'm playing catch up. Since I never shared the videos from June, I'll start there. Expect another post shortly with the July ones! eek!!As per usual, I'll start with the videos from my own CratyHopePrompts challenge and then add anything else after that.Card 35

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-52685366392268691762023-06-20T09:18:00.000-05:002023-06-20T09:18:25.681-05:00

I have failed to mention that Jesse James Beads is having a summer-long (15-week) Jewelry Design Challenge that they're calling the Summer Bead Blast. As a Design Ambassador, I have been given several weeks to participate. But, as a lover of challenges, I will try to do them all. This is week 4 of the challenge (one that I was assigned) with the prompt Multi-strand. And, this is the bracelet I

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-18540418764127846942023-06-15T08:21:00.005-05:002023-06-15T08:21:46.889-05:00

 As it's the 15th of the month, it's time to show off what I made for the Double Color Jewelry Collaboration that is the Pirate Pretties Jewelry Challenge. This month, we were to use the color combination of Blue and Tan to make a pair of earrings. In addition, bronze/brass or silver metal was to be used. And, for an optional challenge, we could include the fun element of shell. (Spoiler: I

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-82631385674231519202023-06-08T08:00:00.001-05:002023-06-08T08:00:00.141-05:00

 It's well past time for another quick roundup of the mixed-media art videos I published on YouTube last month. Clicking on either the photo or the caption should take you to the video. And, don't hesitate to ask me any questions!I'll start with the pieces created as part of my #CraftyHopePrompts project. You can learn more about this in any of the videos. But, know that it's a weekly

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-24491335688103875912023-05-23T15:25:00.000-05:002023-05-23T15:25:43.810-05:00

I believe that I've mentioned a time or two here that I'm a Design Ambassador for Jesse James Beads. Basically, that means they send me beads, chains, pendants, and findings from their shop; and I make beautiful things with some of it that I share. For the most part, that sharing is on either Instagram or YouTube. But, there's no reason I shouldn't make sure you see what I've made either. 

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-37987684198627482332023-05-16T06:00:00.001-05:002023-05-16T06:00:00.281-05:00

I really enjoy participating in the Pirate Pretties Jewelry Challenge each month as it encourages me to use materials and combinations I wouldn't have previously considered. This challenge comes from Angela, and this is the second year I've participated. While the monthly theme last year was birthstones, this year we're using color combos that Angela has set. In addition, she has a choice of

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-5388033533914634382023-05-11T09:08:00.005-05:002023-05-11T09:08:54.416-05:00

I've backed off on some of my thrift shopping lately as I have plenty and really just need to use it. But, I did find a few things at a thrift store and a few more at an estate sale in the past week or two. I'll share a peek at both hauls with you here, but if you're interested in seeing it all in more detail, I do have a video (at the bottom of this post).This first little set was found at a

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-28633026196481977562023-05-09T17:09:00.000-05:002023-05-09T17:09:07.598-05:00

It's time again for me to share some of the challenges and inspirations that will help me create over the course of the month. I hope you'll join me in a few of these!I would be remiss if I didn't mention my own challenge #CraftyHopePrompts. This is a weekly mixed media challenge in which each Monday, I pull three prompts and create a prompt card from an old playing card. Then, each Saturday, I

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-75302420561524132023-05-04T06:30:00.002-05:002023-05-04T06:30:00.134-05:00

 Holy smokes, y'all. I blinked and April was at an end. Did it fly by for you too? Here's a quick roundup of the art journaling and mixed media art videos I posted over on YouTube in April, in case you missed any of them. Per usual, I'll first share my makes from my own #CraftyHopePrompts challenge. The videos each explain this challenge if you're unsure what it is. Week 26 Card -

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-30044129729949513622023-04-25T06:00:00.001-05:002023-04-25T06:00:00.138-05:00

Every month for the past several years, Sarajo (from SJ Designs Jewelry) shares a photo from her husband as inspiration for jewelry-making. This month, the photo is this bright beauty.But, I've let the month slip away, and the official reveal was yesterday. I have no need to fret, though, because Sarajo leaves the linky tool open for almost a month for anyone who needs a little extra time (THANK

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041495809860773419.post-44542162682168102892023-04-20T06:00:00.001-05:002023-04-20T06:00:00.194-05:00

 For about the past year, I've been sharing the monthly information on the #PiratePrettiesJewelryChallenge from Angela of Pirate Pretties on Facebook in my roundup of challenges and inspirations. This month, I was boggled for a bit by the double colors of Grey and Black, though they sound so simple. The other elements of the challenge were to use either silver or gunmetal to make a necklace

CraftyHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10341033878002504601noreply@blogger.com1