* DIY necklaces on the cheap *

If you've never been to Promise Tangeman's blog, check it out. She has some really cool ideas for all sorts of artsy things. This DIY blog post in particular caught my attention. It's a simple way to create sculptural and unique necklaces out of shower curtain rings.

I used this tutorial to make some of my own. You can mix and match the materials to make all sorts of different styles. I made one using earth tones for a more subtle look. The other is a bold black and white graphic print with a bright pink accent for a louder statement.

I love projects that are quick and inexpensive, but that you can do multiple times in different ways. This one was a lot of fun to make. I hope you can try it yourself!

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* Butterfly *

A few weeks ago I was visited by a beautiful butterfly who landed on my dress while I was eating ice cream. At first, I thought "well, that's pretty cool". But, then the butterfly just stayed there, opening and closing its wings, for almost ten minutes straight. It even let me put it on my finger for a while. That's when I thought it might be more than just a visit. It might be a sign.

Since then there have been at least 5 different times when I've seen and/or interacted with a butterfly. I know it is trying to tell me something. I've been going through some pretty big changes and trying to make some big decisions about my career, and I truly believe that this butterfly is a sign that I'm heading in the right direction, and that I should be doing something new and creative.

I have been playing with some new materials, looking for a fun new way to create besides the computer. I have been sewing a lot from the fabric I bought. My plan is to set up a shop on etsy once I make enough stuff to sell. And, just in case I needed any more support from the universe on this one, the featured pieces on the etsy homepage today was all butterfly related crafts.

So, I am acknowledging the support, and giving my thanks for the beautiful signs, and hope that they continue. I am certainly more aware of it now, and I'll be keeping my eyes open for sure.

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* Fabric! *

I am about to get started on a new project and am in need of...

Fabric!

So, today I am off to the fabric store to find some pieces that will work well for my first prototype. I am planning an etsy online store opening as soon as possible. More information to come soon!

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* Time Off Thoughts *

What I am working on starting now, during my time off, is defining what it is I want, so that my intentions are clear in both work and life. However, figuring out what I want, and defining it, is not something that feels particularly easy to me. Partially because there are a lot of different things I want, and partially because I dread choosing something that ends up being unattainable.

Ah, the fear of failure. A foe of many.

I think I am also afraid of the commitment, thinking that whatever I choose now will dictate what I will do for the rest of my adult life. Since it is still early in this unemployment phase, I'm going to try to not be so hard on myself to figure everything out right now. It's going to take time to nurture my mind and decide which direction to go. No matter what, I have to believe that if I continue to do what I enjoy, then everything else will fall into place.

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