! CREATIVE CARMELINA !

ORIGINAL COLLAGE ART

2012-02-02T12:46:00.001-05:00

I have always had a passion for art.

It's high time I started making more of it again.

Now that my workspace is in a highly organized state

I can imagine and create all the day long!

I'm starting with this new vintage-look series of four collages.

They are all Jane Austen inspired,

featuring her text pages from the novel EMMA.

You might remember the Portrait Line Drawing

I created not long ago...

I have made prints of that original piece of art

and have added it to the collage montage!

There are bits and scraps of vintage crochet

as well as some of my own newly crocheted pieces!

The threads have that sweet honey vintage tone

that I adore very much.

Playing with old sewing patterns

that are printed on tissue paper is always a load of fun!

These collage pages would be lovely framed in something

shabby chic or vintage gold,

propped up on a shelf or just hanging on a wall

among other original art pieces.

Simply taping items onto a wall is "IN" right now as well...

how great would these be with a torn piece of masking tape on each corner

for a neutral/natural textured shabby chic look!

Each collage is essentially the same,

but different in it's own unique way!

I play with layouts and design elements

to come out with a pleasing finished product

that has rhythm and flow.

The most important element I add is love.

In every stitch, there is a bit of me and my passion for creativity!

And of course for Jane Austen!

ETSY LISTED WITH LOVE

KITCHEN DECORATING

2012-02-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

VINTAGE FRENCH

NATURAL ORGANIC

CLEAN AND FRESH

HANDMADE DISHCLOTHS

SIGNING OFF FOR THE NIGHT

2012-02-01T19:58:00.002-05:00

I hope your day was as productive as mine was!

Getting organized has super charged my creative juices.

I will relax the evening away

and gear up for another day of creating in the studio tomorrow!

I'm working on some sewn collages

with a vintage Jane Austen theme!

Until tomorrow then, my fellow creatives!

I bid thee goodnight.

HANDMADE CROCHET DESK ORGANIZERS

2012-02-01T13:31:00.001-05:00

I've been busy making more crochet organizers,

or pencil and pen cups for my shop.

This trio with the shabby white strip

would look perfect in a home office setting.

If you're a Francophile,

a lover of all things French and Paris Themed,

this might work for your Parisian space!

Here is a Chunky Crochet set of cans

that would look adorable in a modern country or shabby chic setting.

They are so cozy to hold in your hands

but I wouldn't recommend sleeping on them!

creativecarmelina.etsy.com

CROCHET ZIPPER CASES

2012-02-01T11:19:00.003-05:00

I came across this beautiful yarn the other day.

It's eco-friendly, organic, and made from recycled cotton fibres.

The colour fits right in with the palette I love to work with.

I think all artist's tend to gravitate towards a certain flavour in their art,

thus coming to develop a personal and creative signature style.

These two crochet cases are already complete and listed in my shop.

I just wanted to share the work-in-progress photos I had on file!

There is one regular sized pencil case and one unusual size.

It might fit all those art supplies or cosmetics.

Whatever gets put into these crocheted creations,

I'm happy to have spent my time making them.

Crocheting is such a fun pass time for me.

What are you creating today?

ORGANIZING A HOME BASED BUSINESS

2012-01-31T16:11:00.002-05:00

The ribbon shelf is now hanging above my art table!

I not only love how it looks, but also how efficient it all is.

This is where I MAKE and PACK my Etsy orders,

and I have everything within easy reach so I can get everything out fast!

I just need to gather all of my ribbons and lace spools

and fill in the empty spaces on the rod.

The colour theme of white, brown, tan and cream runs through

everything here in my studio space.

This makes everything, busy and cluttered as it is,

peaceful and easy to look at.

Tomorrow I'll sort through

the mess of scrap papers in this rolling caddy here, yikes!

I have decided to use my comfy vintage chair.

It works perfectly in this setting,

and it allows me to spend hour after hour doing what I do best!

C R E A T I N G

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

ORGANIZING IN SMALL SPACES

2012-01-31T10:30:00.001-05:00

In rooms where floor space is limited,

you have to take advantage of any available space.

Look up, why not utilize the wall space.

Decorate and organize upwards

so that your floor area remains uncluttered.

This way you are free to roam about while you're working,

without bumping into everything!

I have set up an entire wall of shelves to hold

all of my art and craft supplies.

My sewing supplies needed to be given their own space as well.

I think every artist/crafter needs to have an area

that serves to be a inspirational catch all.

A place where ideas flourish with time

and eventually become works of art!

I really need to address my inspiration board...

...it is unsightly and disheveled,

and for a neat freak that is a big NO NO!

My ribbon rack needs to be hung today.

I'm putting it up right underneath the CREATE word.

It makes it so much easier to have all of my packing strings and ribbons

handy when I process etsy orders.

The shelving unit needs a little attention as well.

I'd better get to work....but first I'll have myself a coffee.

ORGANIZING A HOME OFFICE

2012-01-30T15:48:00.001-05:00

Small spaces can be challenging in general,

but try running a home based business out of one

and you quickly realize just how organized you need to be.

For things to run smoothly

with the least amount of stress,

you need to plan your space carefully.

Everyone's personal needs will be different and unique.

My circumstances make it necessary for me

to incorporate my home office and studio space together.

This combination can be a challenge at times

but with organization everything works smoothly.

While the function of a home office is a priority for me,

having everything harmonize

and be aesthetically pleasing to the eye

is just as important.

I have everything labeled and grouped together,

according to its kind.

Martha Stewart would be proud of me!

I lean towards a clean white palette,

white walls, white furniture and office equipment;

and I juxtapose the modern feel of all that whiteness

with the vintage touches of wood here and there,

and paper file folders and storage boxes.

Everything plays well together,

and that means I play very well within my organized space!

COFFEE TALK - ORGANIZING THE STUDIO

2012-01-30T11:36:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was spent re-organizing my studio space.

There was furniture to be re-arranged,

new work stations to be set up,

supplies to be organized

and a whole lot of de-cluttering to be done!

In the middle of all of the beautiful chaos,

I made time for pause with a hot coffee and a bakery donut.

Isn't that the picture of caffeinated calm!

I like to go through all of my creative supplies

every now and again to stay on top of it all.

It helps me to keep things running with high efficiency,

and complete awareness of what I have in stock to work with!

I find that the entire process really serves to inspire me

and stir within me my creative juices....

I can't wait to get into my newly arranged studio space

and mess it up with the business of making things for my shop!

I'll show you the new studio photos shortly...

Stay tuned. Stay organized. Stay creative.

And have yourself a coffee and a donut while you're at it!

JANE AUSTEN PAPER HEART BANNER

2012-01-27T15:47:00.004-05:00

For the love of all things Austen

I've been busy cutting out paper hearts by hand!

How's that for patience and diligence?

This is my cookies and cream banner above.

It has been listed in my ETSY shop

along with a lot of NEW creations!

All together I made three sets of Jane Austen Heart Banners!

These banners would be perfect for a personal shower

or a bridal shower, or how about a Jane Austen Book Club get together!

Paper obsessions are awesome!

ORGANIZING YOUR STUDIO SPACE

2012-01-26T13:35:00.001-05:00

For me, creativity and organization go hand in hand.

I simply cannot think with clarity

when things are chaotic around me.

When my art supplies are all put away

and grouped together,

my thinking is more clear and in turn

I am better able to get down to the blissful business of creating!

I'll be puttering about the studio today,

sorting through boxes of supplies and keeping on top of things.

A couple of areas have gotten out of hand around here!

It is a constant chore, but one that I enjoy

just as much as making things!

What are you doing today?

WHAT DOES "UP-CYCLING" MEAN?

2012-01-24T15:26:00.003-05:00

These days we hear this term UP-CYCLING a lot,

but what exactly does it mean?

.RE-DUCE. RE-USE. RE-CYCLE.

I'm almost certain you've all heard of those terms.

We all should find ways to cut back on the amount of waste we produce.

Instead of just throwing things out

we recycle them so they can be given another life.

But up-cycling is even better than re-cycling

because rather than simply saving an object from the landfill,

you are taking a used item and creating an entirely new product

that is inventive and looks amazing!

That is precisely what I've been doing lately

with my crochet covered tin can desk set projects for my ETSY shop!

The items re-used, or up-cycled, to create this organizer are:

tin cans, reclaimed wood, vintage remnant crochet thread,

a vintage STUART LITTLE children's book

and an old ceramic ornament.

STUART LITTLE DESK SET ORGANIZER

You should try to UP-CYCLE something soon!

It's tremendously satisfying work.

creativecarmelina.etsy.com

SEWING IN SMALL SPACES

2012-01-24T08:22:00.001-05:00

As long as you're super organized...

...extra neat and uber tidy.....

you can actually manage sewing in a small space.

I keep all of my sewing supplies

in this six drawer box that sits right beside my sewing machine.

Things like pre-loaded bobbins,

seam rippers, small scissors, thread spools,

snaps and other sewing notions are tucked away

and ready to be used when needed.

I have an inspiration board to my right

for those project ideas that are still brewing in my creative head

and have not quite yet taken flight!

A wicker basket holds all sorts of threads and fabrics

in the neutral tone that I adore.

By keeping my colours similar

nothing ever looks like a cluttery mess!

Except for my collections of newly crocheted doilies

and vintage laces here.

I cannot stop making them

or buying them when I'm out thrifting

and they tend to pile up continually!

But that's a good thing

because it keeps me creating and making things.

So you see, sewing in small spaces can actually work!

And trust me, having your machine out and on a table,

plugged in and ready to go

is so much more conducive to creativity

than storing your machine in a closet!

Maybe you have a sewing machine you can pull out and set up?

BURLAP BANNER - WINTER

2012-01-23T16:08:00.005-05:00

My "SNOW" banner sold this morning!

I just had to create a new banner for my SHOP today.

This one says "WINTER"

and it features two of my crocheted snowflakes!

I used six squares of burlap and crocheted around the edges

in a loose and shabby chic sort of styling.

I have re used some vintage white bobbles

to add extra detailing and layering to the piece.

The letters have been drawn free hand by me

and cut from white eyelet fabric.

I then went around the letters with zig zag stitching.

The end result fits in so perfectly with my own home decorating!

I shall enjoy it until it too must leave my creative nest!

SEWING FOR KIDS

2012-01-23T08:20:00.001-05:00

I learned to sew at a very young age

because my mother taught me.

I remember sitting by my mother's side,

watching her stitch her straight lines,

amazed at her speed and accuracy!

I wanted to be just like her,

so I would practice on her vintage green Singer sewing machine

until I got things just right!

My mother used to give me simple projects to work on,

and now I do the same with my own daughter!

She has her own sewing machine

with pretty pink detailing on the front,

and she sits in front of that thing

creating away for hours at a time!

These two shabby chic hearts were made by her

and she was thrilled to bits when I offered to list them

in my ETSY SHOP!

So if you'd like to get your child interested in sewing,

start when they are young,

start by setting them up with simple tasks,

start today!

PAPER AND LACE CARDS

2012-01-20T14:48:00.001-05:00

I have been busy creating

at my trusty sewing machine this morning.

Using this image from the Graphic Fairy,

I coordinated the print out with brown paper card stock

to create these shabby vintage chic cards.

They are simple in design,

but the beauty is in the stitching details on the cards' spines

and on the sewn lace picture frame on the front cover.

Inside, the paper lace lies in wait to surprise you

upon opening the card!

I have made a set of four cards

and have them listed in my ETSY SHOP already!

Blank white envelopes are included as well, but not shown here.

And now to announce yesterday's

F L A S H W I N N E R.

SUSAN HOWES

you have outdone yourself

with over 20 comments left for me to indulge in!

You certainly know how to play this game!

I already have your home address

and will send you two of these handmade cards

as well as three French crochet labeled appliques

and last but not least

two handmade crochet mini doilies,

also handmade by me!

So basically everything you see

in the second photo of this post is yours!

I hope you have fun using your new treasures!

Thanks to everyone who joined in on all of the FLASH fun!

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next one!

ciao bella

FLASH GIVEAWAY - CELEBRATING

2012-01-19T12:49:00.003-05:00

CREATIVE CARMELINA CELEBRATES

TWO YEARS BLOGGING

Two years ago I never thought

that I could fall into something so perfect

for my creative lifestyle as this!

BLOGGING IS SO ME!

Thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend,

I have found my artful niche.

For all of the friendships forged online,

for all of the shared inspirations here in blog land,

it's time for me to give back!

Leave your comment here to enter this

FLASH SURPRISE GIVEAWAY.

As my way of thanking my dear readers/followers

I will send out a handmade humble "something" to one winner.

Just tell me what keeps you coming back to my blog!

Comment as many times as you wish.

Each comment you leave will increase your chances!

Giveaway winner will be announced sometime tomorrow,

thus the meaning behind FLASH giveaway.

Thanks for playing along!

Ciao Bellas!

DESK ORGANIZER FOR KIDS ROOMS

2012-01-18T13:57:00.003-05:00

I came across E.B. Whites classic children's book

STUART LITTLE

while out thrifting a few weeks ago.

Immediately my creative wheels started turning!

This is yet another crocheted-tin-can-desk-organizer.

Sporting four cans and a tiny mouse figurine,

it's ready to be filled with creative art supplies.

The "LITTLE" artist in me

would have loved something like this on my desk as a child.

I have always been a neat and tidy person.

Clutter makes me crazy!

I think "highly-organized-control-freak"

better describes my passion here!

This darling organizer has been listed with love

in my ETSY SHOP.

I think another cup of coffee is in order for the day!

Maybe a "LITTLE" colouring too!

COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE

2012-01-18T13:11:00.001-05:00

We all know how inspirational blogging can be.

We make connections with like-minded individuals

that spur us on to further creativity!

We send gifts to one another

to show how much we appreciate those connections.

The other day a very special follower of this blog

sent me this NEUTRAL Themed magazine.

You can see her handwritten note on the front cover.

"GRAB YOUR COFFEE AND ENJOY"

~does she know me, or what?

I did just that.

With a nice hot cup of coffee by my side

on a very cold wintery day,

I curled up on my Neutral love seat

and started SIPPING AND FLIPPING through the pages!

Sandy, you have touched my heart! Thank you!

HANDMADE SNOWFLAKE BANNER

2012-01-16T12:41:00.002-05:00

A few posts ago I was busy making crochet snowflakes.

I crocheted a nice pile of snowflakes,

ironed them and then set them aside

waiting for that creative spark of inspiration to come along!

I came up with this white shabby chic banner!

For now it hangs in my living room

below my unfinished PARIS watercolour painting.

It is listed in my SHOP if you're interested!

Ciao Bella!

POSITIVE THINKING

2012-01-16T11:22:00.003-05:00

Optimism - an inclination to hopefulness and confidence.

Positive - constructive, optimistic, or confident.

When we look toward the bright side of life

we will carry a happier countenance and learn to find contentment.

There is always something to be HAPPY about.

A sweet smile or glance, a gentle embrace, a kind word,

food on your plate, clothes on your back, a roof over your head,

healthy children, to mention just a few.

Positive thinking is powerful thinking.

What are you HAPPY about today?

CROCHET CREATIONS

2012-01-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

I'm sure by now you know that I am a highly organized person.

A place for everything. Everything in it's place.

I need to be NEAT and TIDY here in my studio space

as well as everywhere else in my home.

Otherwise I go absolutely bonkers!

So many of us could be doing so much more

on the creative side of our lives

if we could just get our supplies organized.

That way, when that spark of inspiration hits us

we know just where everything is

and it becomes an easy pleasure for us to dive right in.

I've been making studio and office organizers for some time now

and here is my latest crochet can creation!

It has a custom fitted sleeve

that is then embellished with eyelet lace and velvety trim.

It's listed in my other ETSY shop

COLOURFUL CARMELINA.

I've only a few items right now but it's growing every day!

The first colour scheme I'll be exploring is teal,

if you didn't already guess that from the above photo.

If you have a minute, take a peek!

The links are below!

EMBROIDERY PATTERNS

2012-01-13T20:31:00.003-05:00

My mother taught me how to embroider

when I was just a young girl.

Now I'm passing on those skills to my own daughter.

To keep things interesting for her,

I find I'm always creating pretty new patterns.

There's just something so charming

about sitting down to an afternoon of embroidery,

with my daughter by my side.

It is also a soothing and peaceful pass time.

creativecarmelina.etsy.com

HANDMADE WIRE FLOWERS

2012-01-13T13:56:00.002-05:00

For several years now

this floral arrangement has been

one of my favourite decor pieces in my home.

I create these flowers

using nylon stocking hose and wire.

Sweet. Simple. Shabby Chic.

I have in mind to make some arrangements

for my ETSY SHOP very soon.

Stay tuned!

ORGANIZING

2012-01-12T15:12:00.000-05:00

Here's how I keep my creations displayed in my home

while they wait to be sold on ETSY.

I simply purchased a wire mannequin on a stand

and hung all of my tags and pin back buttons and laces from it.

It adorns my home for the time that it's here

and I get to enjoy the inspiration that my creations give back to me!

If you are a fellow ETSY SHOP owner

why not pull out your beautiful creations

and display them on a similar setup!

It's like window shopping!

The more I make, the fuller it gets

and the more I'm inspired!

You see, it all comes full circle!

Give this a try and see if you don't like it.

It just might prove to be an inspirational thing to you too.

ETSY.COM