Is it really 2015?

There are some days so filled with the business of everyday living that I barely have time to think about making things. Then other times I forgo the laundry, dishes and cleaning to escape into the blurred happiness that comes with giving myself over to the muse.

Having finished all my Big Shows and Workshops for the season I am making long lists of what I want to make next.

I think about painting and embroidering on fabric to use in some Diane Ericson inspired clothing. I love her website and find it so inspirational. She not only creates awesome patterns for artistic clothing but designs cool stencils to be used to paint and enhance the surface of clothing.

I have been cutting stencils of my own lately and am designing bags to sell at Strands of Sunshine in St Pete this summer.

Amy Marshall is the owner and the shop has such a cool, happy and creative vibe. I sold my mushroom ornaments there after Atomic was over and some canvas project bags flew outta there too!

I would like to start blogging more. Really, I would. I used to spend so much time online and in the past few years I have been  trying to walk on the beach, create more work and really be in my life, not just spend all day on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy and eBay! Things changed when I started using Instagram and my iphone camera instead of my digital camera too. So, it seems like it's more difficult to Blog without using my phone. I know, excuses, right? But, blogging does fulfill the part of me that longs to teach, share and tell stories, so I hope I can really get back in the habit. I know any of you who cared have long since given up, and that's ok. Everything has to grow and change and become something else. That emotional baggage gets heavier the longer you carry it. It's best to free yourself up and throw it to the winds and be happy for heaven's sake. And that means not putting the key to your happiness in Someone Else's pocket. Just saying.

Oh, and speaking of teaching, I recently did a Cut Up Your Closet With Calamity Kim Workshop for the Tampa Surface Design Guild. It was a three day class and the ladies made some great dresses using the tired, worn clothing from their closets.

Because when life gives you lemons, ya gotta make something from them, right?!

I hope that you are having a break from the winter weather, where ever you are and that spring will soon  be blooming in a flowerbed near you...

or kitchen counter I suppose would do nicely. I hope to get some pictures tomorrow at my Recycled Renegades Group Meeting and will post them with some upcycled inspiration this weekend. Until then...

Happy Stitching!

xox, Calamity Kim