(photo from laybabylay)
The past little while I have felt a gentle pull to cut back on my commitments in the area of paper-crafting. I have fought against those feelings for as long as I could, but lately have found myself completely worn out creatively. I still have this incredible desire to be creative, but in my own way and for myself. Right now my attention and passions are here at home, with my little girl...giving her the best "me" I can be. Although she isn't a baby anymore, she will always be my little one and I want to be more present in every aspect of her life. She has her own schedule...we have our own schedule...when daddy is home, we are on another schedule, and I just can't seem to keep up with any other schedules at the moment, so I'm cutting back. I have said goodbye to a few design teams over the last few weeks and am so thankful for the opportunity I have had of working with these amazing companies, and will continue to love and use their products. But, it's time to move on and move over. I hope this will help me discover that creative passion I once had, but more importantly, have time to just be "mama".
Another little something I am doing for myself this summer, along with my friend Mish Wooderson, is to begin an Art Quilt. I was inspired by Tara Anderson's beautiful Art Quilt several months ago and the idea to create my own has been floating in my mind for some time. Tara's sweet quilt is shown in the photo below.
Over the course of the next few months, Mish and I will be creating Art Quilts of our own, in our own style and color combinations. I'm so excited and would love to have you join in if you'd like. My mind is spinning with ideas and I think this will be just the treat I need to get going down the creative path again....to remind myself how it felt to create just for me without limitations, and to make something for my craft space.
Mish and I have gathered a few supplies together to share with you...you'll get a peek at what our color combinations will be and what favorite bits and pieces we'll be incorporating here and there.
Here are little snippets of things I can't wait to use from my stash.
Of course, some vintage buttons, rhinestones, tiles, and baubles...
A peek at a quilt block I've started...
Vintage trims, bookprint, tea stained fabric, and such...
Vintage wallpaper, postcard, etc...
Mish and I exchanged goodies and packed each other up supplies we though the other might be able to use...here are a few photos of the sweet things she sent me. I adore each and every morsel.
I've collected a few photos of beautiful art projects that inspire me and hold elements that I hope to incorporate somehow in my Art Quilt...thank you to all of the amazing artists who so generously share their talent with us.
I hope to share a completed quilt block with you each week, so come back on the 10th for my first. Mish and I will try and maintain the same schedule, but this project is all about relaxing and enjoying the process, so we're taking it nice and easy. We'd love to have you join in if you'd like.
Mish has a post all about the quilt she'll be creating ready for you on her blog if you'd like to visit.
Have a wonderful day!
Melis
Beautiful. I love how you're mixing in book pages and paper goodies into your art quilt. You and Mish are so inspiring!
Posted by: Sherry Cartwright | June 06, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Love it all Melissa. Good for you for knowing what you need to do for you and your family right now. I applaud and support you 100%! Hugs.
Posted by: Mish | June 06, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I love this new project you are getting ready for! I still visit the x-mas 12 days you both so beautifully put together. You are so smart to put your family first, but selfishly I would miss you,your inspiration and talent so so much. Please don't leave us!! Take a break this summer and have fun-only create what YOU want. Maybe a mother-daughter creation...but again I hope you know how much you are appreciated,how inspiring you are and how excited we are to be a part of it.
Posted by: Cele Schaffer | June 06, 2011 at 11:52 AM
The best job in the world is to be a mother! Treasure these moments with your little one...you both deserve it. God bless you and you family Melissa.
Posted by: Lisa | June 06, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Super lovely!! All of it =)
Posted by: Janine | June 06, 2011 at 11:54 AM
you go girl! know you are prayed for & supported... :)
Posted by: donna!ee | June 06, 2011 at 12:13 PM
well done Melissa follow your heart children are only on lone so treasure each and every moment
xx
Posted by: lesley | June 06, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Sweet Melissa, you will never regret savoring these sweet days with your little girl... be blessed!!
Posted by: Denise | June 06, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Follow your heart Melissa. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you have given us. Like Leslie said above our children are only on loan to us. I did as you are about to do eleven years ago and have treasured every day. I can honestly say I never once regretted it. Now as they are nearly grown men I wonder a little nervously what exciting opportunities are around the corner but I know having made big changes in my life before I can do it again. As the book title goes " Feel the fear and do it anyway". Enjoy your life.
Posted by: Anne O'Kelly | June 06, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Oh my, oh my ... oh me oh my! This sounds like TOO MUCH fun and I might have to take you up on your offer and join in on the fun! Creating an Art Quilt from bits and bobs of my favorite vintage treasures sounds like a heavenly 'just for me' summer project! Thanks for the inspiration, Melissa! I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve :) Hugs!
Posted by: Debbie Marcinkiewicz | June 06, 2011 at 01:22 PM
I'm excited to see this quilt project develop, and totally agree about priorities and family time!
Posted by: Laura | June 06, 2011 at 01:45 PM
I will miss your beautiful cards. Because of finding your blog after it appeared in artful blogging, I was inspiredvto start making cards. All because of you and my love of all things paper. Thankvyou for everything and I will follow your blog and quilt making hoping for a card every now and then. Smiles to you and enjoy your bean. God Bless you always and forever.
Posted by: Kolleenmoss | June 06, 2011 at 02:59 PM
So glad you'll be able to savour your family priorities - we will surely miss your creative flair and beautiful posts as they become fewer in number, but the most important thing is to enjoy devoting the time you need to your beloveds!
I will relish looking out for your Art Quilt inspiration though ;)
Hugs, Ruth S
Posted by: Ruth S | June 06, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Time does fly all too quickly, so it is wise to step back and savor the moments. The art quilt sound like so much fun, and I know your's will be stunning. Is it based on fabric or is it a paper craft? Selfishly, I will miss your posts but understand completely what is important in life. All the best to you and your family.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | June 06, 2011 at 03:08 PM
I will miss every moment you are away with your little one and family!! Enjoy!!
Posted by: jan m | June 06, 2011 at 03:32 PM
I cross-stitched that very poem way back in 1981, pre children and during the time of my young and carefree days. Now that my 3 children are grown, I long to inhale the sweetness and youth of their childhoods. I enjoyed every moment and often remark that I was meant to be a mom, just as you are. Enjoy your bean, enjoy your freedom to create what you feel in your heart!
Posted by: Sandy | June 06, 2011 at 04:47 PM
Popping by to say "hello," and that I have missed you, Melissa. We will miss seeing so much of you in the paper crafting world, Melissa, but I am willing to bet that this stepping back will not only give you more mom-time, but it will also grant you access to a more free form of creativity that will be different, but equally as rich. I can't wait to see your art quilt as it progresses! Enjoy yourself, my sweet friend, enjoy! :)
Posted by: Cath | June 06, 2011 at 05:32 PM
Melissa, I will beg to differ - Sierra IS still a baby. She needs you for every aspect of her life. You can still rub baby lotion on her after a bath, and cuddle her in your arms. When she is 18, you will look at photos from this very day and think to yourself...."look at my baby". Enjoy her while she is little, and I completely understand your priorities because they are RIGHT! Love her up, and let her be little.
Blessings,
Karen
Posted by: Karen Letchworth | June 06, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Sweet Melissa,
I can only echo what others have already said...Good for you. You will enjoy these days and look back on them fondly. It is so important creatively to step back every now and then and re-discover who you are creatively and with that rediscovery will come you passion. God has blessed you richly. I look forward t seeing your ART Quilt. What a lovely idea, I will definitely go take a look at the sights you've recommended. Do keep us posted with your progress. Blessings to you and your sweet family, Patty
Posted by: Patty | June 06, 2011 at 07:01 PM
What a fab idea Melissa, and I bet it will be totally unique in every detail, I look forward to following each square you create, you inspire so so many of us as I'm sure you know, I have followed you now nearly 4 years next week when that was when I started my blog, hugs xx
Posted by: Marlou McAlees | June 06, 2011 at 07:18 PM
I haven't been here for a couple of days, and what beautiful things you've been sharing... but I especially loved this post because it really resonated with me. I have been feeling the very same about time with my kiddos. I am so lucky to be a SAHM to them, so I feel it's time to really take the time I am given to take them in and absorb them - because that quote near the top of your post says it more clearly than I ever could. Life can wait, but my babies won't. My youngest celebrated her first birthday on Friday, and I think I gave birth about 3 months ago... that's my clue that it's time to shift the focus, and the summer is the best time to do it.
I can't wait to see you and Mish put together these projects... I know I will love them! :)
Posted by: Meredith | June 06, 2011 at 08:55 PM
Have so much fun Melis hope it helps you.
Love all your goodies..look forward to see the blocks.
Posted by: Holly Saveur | June 07, 2011 at 12:47 AM
I've been a Lily Bean groupie ever since the article about your blog appeared in Artful Blogging!! Wishing you time filled with love and laughter with your "little one"...
Posted by: Benice Basson | June 07, 2011 at 01:18 AM
My baby just turned 8 and sometimes I feel sorrowful because I know just how quickly it goes by. His sisters are 16 and 12. Every once in awhile I think how did all that time pass by? You must always follow your heart that why I follow your blog...I love it!!! I'm so excited to see how yours and Mish's art quilts come along. I think I will try too. I have a sewing machine I got for Christmas still in it's box. I don't know how to sew but, want to learn in the worst way. Maybe its time to just get over the fear and try!
Posted by: ValerieC | June 07, 2011 at 03:36 AM
Wonderful post...I love my little ones (grands)...and enjoy so watching them grow and reminding me of their daddy's and mamma's...here is a link you might enjoy...
http://bethleintz.typepad.com/gathering_dust/2011/05/you-know-whats-fun.html I think you can copy and paste it...have a nice day!!
Posted by: Diane Hover | June 07, 2011 at 05:05 AM