#MargParg

 February 25, 2024 Where to begin, well with a new grandchild recently born, its a good a time as ever to tell my story of creating, making and doing. In an earlier post I mentioned the magazine: Where Women Create.  Love this idea and concept and whomever zeroed in on publishing photos and stories about this is a genius. Fascination with the how and where and what of the path of a maker is about the love of life. About me.  I started out in a small house with my parents and one sister.  My mothers parents lived a mile away in a small house and we had lots of years of gathering and making.  Many of the memories are from making to make do, save money, economize, you get the drift. We did ok.  My parents funded both by sister and my college education.  Sent us on a trip with the church choir to England.  Taught us many life skills, most of which were from the position of make do, save money, and economize, but that's my origin. At a very young age I...

 february 5, 2024 Last Thursday was the beginning of the redo. And old built in cabinet that was somewhat functional, but old and rickety was wrecked out and removed. Making way for the new/old cabinet to fill the space and be a storage spot.  It was a journey of used furniture stores armed with measurements and no idea what could work.  A drive about 35 minutes form home started the search.  A used furniture destination of 30,000 square feet of possibilities.  However after wandering for an hour in this vast collection, not one piece was quite right.  On the way to this place I stopped off at the local goodwill.  Not looking for anything in particular.  Figured the right cabinet would not appear at such a place.  However.... As I wandered around the Goodwill store, my eye caught sight of an Elna sewing machine.  My personal fav brand of machine.  It was priced at $12.  I plugged it in and found it to be in working order. ...

 Creative Space redo process: I’ve identified and old ill working cabinet that has lived it’s life and has to go. Dig through garage for any “repurposable” cabinets.  Visit Habitat Restores for any items.  Thrift and resale furniture shops.  Facebook marketplace.  All stops on my search list.  Old stuff works in my house. Evaluate contents of current cabinet.  This is the scary part.  If I dispose of any items, I will surely “need” them later.  Must carefully consider. Come up with what I really need.  Another scary step. But with change comes opportunity.  Girl Power!

 My own creative inspiration has to begin somewhere, so here goes…. I’m very intrigued by Where Women Create, It’s a grand concept, paired with curiosity about what inspires the creative endeavors we all are seeking.  This book by Jo Packham, has provided me with a boost.  My own sewing room, craft nook, laboratory (my son calls it) is in need of some improvements.   It’s functional, quiet, warm and cozy, it is a place of a collection of treasures, bits of nostalgia, odds and ends of craft supplies that I may or may not ever use.  My old beloved Elna, a server, ironing board, bulletin board, cabinets and shelves, a cuckoo clock shell, my Dads sailing trophy tray, lots of fabrics, embroidery floss, wool felts, interfacing, buttons and thread.   These are just a few of the many catagories I have surrounded myself with.  It’s my “real” self.  It’s in my basement of my old house that I’ve lived in and loved for more than 30 years. I can do laundry, se...

 So, ready or not here it comes.  So many people are excited to retire.  It feels like another loss to me. Loss of fresh income, loss of identity, loss of a position.   Need I go on?  Debbie Downer strikes again. Figuring out how to live on what you have.  We have a lot.  Doesn’t seem like enough.  I was always the one staying home, kids, dogs, I’m not complaining, but The Mr is enthused to go fishing. Really? Yuck I have no interest in that at all.  What about some romantic trip of a lifetime?  Some rewarding volunteer opportunity?  Spend quality time together.   Sigh  I read an article about how one needs to get acquainted with the next version of yourself.  Sure, right after I figure out who that is. Tbc

 Soon to be published... I am starting a blog about crafting.  Yes, I know its been done, but not by me. I have experimented with quite a few projects/crafts and want to share my experience and sourcing. I will begin to share my inspiration and where to go with it. Start with the magazine: W here Women Create.   Photos of women/artists studios and work spaces.  Many are very fancy and organized.  Some like mine are piled high with supplies and stuff from my past and treasured pieces of nostalgia. Its my therapy and place of calm.  Loved pets, music, and some hot beverage encouraged. Stayed tuned, please tune in.