Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Tis' the season for shopping, cooking, crafting, decorating, and working on all the other holiday preparations... there is so much to do with so little time; we never seem to remember to find time for ourselves. This month, instead of our usual crafting challenge (because who would ever find the time to even think about it!) we're going to try our best to remember ourselves during these busy times. Whether its buying ourselves a little gift, pampering ourselves, or even just remembering to take a break now and then; make sure you do something for yourself this month.

When things start to get stressful, remember to step back and take a deep breath. Holidays are for bringing the family together, not for building stress! There are many things you could do to help make the holidays less stressful. For example, if you're having a holiday gathering at your place, consider doing it "pot luck" style where everyone brings a dish so there's less stress on you. Or, if you're stressed about Christmas shopping, have your family consider doing a "secret Santa" every year instead of buying everyone a gift (everyone picks a name out of a hat to choose who they will buy a gift for).

Most of all, just remember to enjoy the holidays instead of rushing right through them. It will all be over before you know it, so make sure you enjoy those special moments with your family!

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

This month, instead of just focusing our time to create something beautiful, let's create something that is functional as well as beautiful! So not only will you have a great piece to display, you'll have a new functional piece in your home as well. Functional crafts also make great gifts for the holiday season! Think about pin cushions, pot holders, quilts, appliance covers, etc. What other functional items can you think of that would make a great crafting project?

Sunday, October 1, 2006

When crafting, some of us tend to stick to what we know, and use the same techniques in each project we create. Sometimes we feel we don't have enough time to try out something new; or perhaps you're working on a project, and you're scared to ruin it if you try something new. This month, I challenge you to use at least one new technique in your crafting. Before beginning your next project, step back and think of what you could do differently this time. If you need some inspiration; take a stroll on over to our School House to learn some new techniques, or hop on over to our Community to ask for some advice. Whatever you do, just remember to have fun, and experiment!

Friday, September 1, 2006

This month, we're going to try something different. I have found that every time I create a doll, she's always about 14" from head to toe (not too big, not too little). Do you too find yourself always creating in the same size scale? This month, let’s break free of that and create something in an extreme opposite size that you are used to creating. If your items are usually large, try creating something mini. If you tend to shy away from large items, try out something really huge! Accept this challenge, and make it a fun learning experience for you. We don’t need to be limited to the mundane average size… bring it to the extreme! Doing this will help you expand your vision, and to create something you may not have thought of to do otherwise. And don't forget to post photos of your creations in our Gallery!

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

This month's challenge is to use a recycled or found item with your crafting. Using items found in your home not only adds a more primitive feel to the piece, it also adds a sense of yourself and makes it personal. Take a peek up in the attic for vintage photos, an old piece of lace, an old sweater that you can cut up and reuse the wool, or anything that grabs your attention. Perhaps you have some rusty square nails, or an old doorknob in your garage. No matter how big or small, anything that is brought in from your home into your craft is a special touch to cherish. If you walk around your house with this challenge in mind, I'm sure you could find something to incorporate in your craft project. And be sure to post your creations in this month's challenge gallery!

Monday, July 5, 2006

This month's challenge is to create something that no one has ever seen before; something truly unique. Let’s take our crafting to the next level, and create something you are truly proud of. Even if you haven’t mastered creating your own designs, you can still adapt a few patterns to come up with something unique. So, before we hit the sewing machines to create another doll, or before you go and create your usual craft sit down and think about it. Look through your favorite magazines, browse through eBay, or whatever inspires you; and get some creative juices flowing. After you find some inspiration, sit down and start doodling in a quiet area; and soon you will find yourself with tons of ideas! Next, take a look at your doodles, and see if there are any ideas you can expand upon. Take one idea, and doodle it a few times in different ways to refine it, and to come up with something you really like. Once you have that solid idea, you’re ready to start crafting!

So I challenge you to find that unique idea that has been hiding inside of you; and make it come alive! The challenge alone should give you inspiration enough to start crafting, but to give you even more of a boost; Create a Prim is having a contest for the most unique piece! Post photos of your unique creations in our free gallery, and the winner will receive their choice of free advertising or a craft supply goodie bag valued at over $50! Visit our Announcements page for more information.

Friday, June 9, 2006

This month's challenge is to step back and take a look at how you manage your time. Perhaps you too have been focusing too much of your time on a certain task, and haven’t had the time for other things. So make some time, and do something you’ve been meaning to do. Perhaps there’s a new technique or craft you wanted to try; or an idea brewing in your head that you’ve pushed aside. Whichever the case, free yourself and do something that will inspire you again.

I hope this challenge inspires you to expand yourself and get in the habit of looking at how you spend your time more often. We all get in a rut sometimes and rarely realize it. So we need to remember to take time for ourselves and actually go and do something we’ve been meaning to do; instead of putting it off. I challenge you to try it; it will make you feel great about yourself!

Friday, May 5, 2006

This month's challenge is to try a new grubbying technique! Whether you make fabric creations, candles, paper art, or wood items, I’m sure there is a new finishing technique you haven’t tried yet. I know I have gotten comfortable with using coffee every time I create a doll or other fabric item; as I’m sure you have gotten comfortable with your technique. It may be that we’ve gotten stuck in a routine, perhaps we’re scared of trying a new grubbying technique for fear we may ruin our new item, or perhaps many of us simply don’t know any other way. Whatever the reason, this month; we’re going to break free!

Take a look at our School House for different grubbying techniques you haven't tried yet; and next time you create something, think again before using your usual grubbying technique. Take a risk, and try something new! I hope you have fun experimenting and completing this month’s challenge, I also hope to hear some of your trial stories in our forum and see some of your creations in the gallery under the "challenge of the month" category!

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