Princess Bubbles Creates

 I figured out a way to stitch the word possibility for my April textile journal page.  Stitching words onto a mixed media/textile base is definitely a challenge.  I used a pearl bead string and stitched down each letter individually.  That was also a challenge.  There was no way I could make each letter line up neatly.  Maybe others could do it but not me.  I made each letter intentionally wonky and that makes it more interesting to me.  These journal pages are just for fun.  At the end of the year, I should have a textile journal filled with words that inspire me. I am linking to https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/

 Oh, there are times when I get critical of my imperfection.  I think that is natural.  On the whole, I tend to embrace it though.  Many years ago I took a workshop with Paula Nadelstern.  What a talented quilter!  I love her fabric line as well.  My quilt blocks turned out very wonky and so they have languished never to be made into a quilt.  Never fear, I hate to waste anything so naturally, I am turning this block into a mandala.  By the time I add beads and embroidery the mismatched seams won't be so obvious.  These colours are some of my favourites so it will be a pleasure to work on this! I am linking to http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/

 Yep, still playing with mandalas.  This one has been done as an acrylic skin.  It will peal off the transparency that it is on right now.  I am not quite sure what I am going to apply it to.  It could stick to a window and look like stained glass.  I could also just put in a journal.  There might even be away to use it with embroidery.  Until I figure it out it will just live on the transparency film.  I quite enjoyed using some glitter on this one.  Always love the glitter!

 I have done some dot mandalas in my art journal.  Although I completely loved the process I was not overwhelmed with the results.  That's okay.  I am happy with the way this stitched dot mandala has turned out.  It worked up quite quickly.  It is only a four-inch hoop so that made a big difference.  I am glad I purchased the four-inch hoops.  It is kind of nice to work on a smaller size and have the project done in a jiffy! 

 My little NZ mandala is very close to finished.  Or is it finished?  I am loving it just as it is so I should probably stop.  However, I had thought that some green beads would be a good addition so I am still considering adding them.  I suppose I can just call this one done for now.  It never hurts to let an idea percolate.  There is no rush.  It isn't like I don't have other projects that I can work on! I am linking to https://kathysquilts.blogspot.com/

 Coming up with a word to focus on each month isn't a problem.  This month POSSIBILITIES is my choice.  I have found an interesting experiment to use as the base.  I created it a while back.  I started with some hand painted silk and added layers of mixed media.  I added more paint, transfer foil, paper, ribbons and stitch.  Oh yes, and a couple of beads.  I really like it for this textile journal that I am putting together. Adding words in stitch is harder than I thought it would be.  Usually when I do a focus word for a period of time I do it in an art journal.  That is so much easier!  However, I am up for the challenge of finding a way to add words with stitch.  It is definitely a learning experience! I am linking to http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/

 I have painted another doily.  I love upcycling doilies into mandala art.  This one had been lovingly used and has a few stains.  That just makes me love it all the more.  It speaks to a life well-lived.  I think we all get a little battered and bruised throughout life.  It makes us all the more interesting in my humble opinion.  Or at the very least relatable.  Wouldn't it be great if we were all more willing to share our missteps and imperfections?  Perfection is not relatable to me.  It also isn't very interesting.  I long ago recognized perfection was not attainable for me.  It is rather freeing!