Design Class

My goal for the longest time was to take a design class.  I just started an eight week course called "Understanding the Design Process".  It is basically a beginners class in graphic, web and multimedia design.  I am learning the theory and elements of design along with the type of computer applications that are in popular use, such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.   These applications are expensive but it is nice to know there are other options, like using the student rate, rent by the month, or download a free 30 day trial.  This way you can practice and explore before investing in such a product.

Below is a logo I made in Adobe InDesign.  I highly recommend the 30 day trial.  Photoshop can be a lot of fun!   www.adobe.com/downloads

~ ~ JM

Hand prints

I saw something similar at Michael's craft store.  I liked the look of the black and white and I always love my kiddos hand prints :)

Edible tabletop secret garden


I made a cozy garden for our table.  The plant on the right is fresh mint and I plan to add a basil plant on the left side.  Then it will be nice and handy to snip off and add to recipes!

Violin

My creative goal this month was to learn how to play the violin!   I have always wanted to learn and now is the time.   Having experience with piano and guitar made the new instrument not too overwhelming.   Don't get me wrong -- I think it is hard. I just had my fourth lesson. Practice makes perfect!  Here is a video of my performance of  Au Claire De La Lune.
~ JM

 

 

 

Special date penny key chain

I saw this idea on Pinterest.  I found 3 pennies....one from the year my Husband and I were married and then one from the years our children were born.  I used my Husband's drill press for the 1st time (with his help) to drill the holes in each penny, which was fun!

Paper Art

I LOVE reading decorating magazines and imagine my house will look like the one on the cover.  Anyway-in the magazine there was an ad for fabric and they displayed it in a circular fan-like way.   I thought to myself, "I can do this with paper!"  Of course, I learned the hard way.  The only color paper I had was thick cardboard construction paper which made it hard to manipulate, fold and staple together (as the picture indicates I didn't quite complete--but you get the idea).  I recommend regular paper or perhaps tissue paper.  With about 8 pieces of different color paper fold them in a fan and staple until you get a full circle.  This would be great to hang from a ceiling with string for parties.

~ JM

Yarn Pom-Poms

Yarn, yarn everywhere yarn!  I searched the web under "yarn crafts" and liked the idea of pom-poms.   You can do so much once the actual shape is formed; for instance, stringing along the ceiling, sewing them on sweaters, etc...  I decided to use green wire to make flowers.  Basically wrap the yarn around like so. Once the middle is secure you cut the ends to have fray edges.

~ JM