Friday, November 20, 2015

Snail Mail and a Fabric Postcard

My friend (even if we have never met in person!) Connie at Constance Rose: Art & Life is having weekly give-aways..
Source:  Constance Rose

This week is a fabric postcard, which I'm keeping my fingers crossed for. Connie's fabric postcard reminded me of when I first got involved with quilting and stitchery and was involved in several fabric postcard swaps which were a lot of fun.  

Before the fabric postcards, I spend a couple of years active in the Mail Art community-- I had a great time making, sending, and receiving snail mail.    


Even before that, I'd read Nick Bantock's Griffin & Sabine series (so beautiful and such fun) and decorated envelopes sent to my kids when they were in college.  Whoa!  Long time ago!

Seeing Connie's fabric postcard made me think of a new project--fabric postcards would make good Christmas greetings!  Not that I am inclined to do anything about this at the moment, but in my de-clutter activities I was considering putting a bunch of Christmas fabrics in the GoodWill bag.  This is exactly what happens every time the de-clutter, clean out, and dispose of process occurs--I think of just the project that might make use of whatever items headed for GoodWill (or trash).

If I ever get out of this slump, I'll make a few fabric postcards!  Until then....

Have a great weekend!

14 comments:

  1. Oh dear friend, first I have to comment on the comment you left at my blog....I can't tell you how much you encouraged me. I was thinking I had gone overboard and maybe offended someone, or was just being too darn whiney. Well, I think I was. But your kindness was just what this down in the dumps woman needed! I thank you from the bottom of my heart....
    But also-yes, your art is for sure good enough to sell. That's the problem - we artists suffer from being so sensitive-good in a way, but sometimes to the point of hurting our own selves. So please, get an Etsy shop. It's not hard to do, and it's pretty cheap. You could even sell your destash ( I have done that in my fits of cleaning out stuff)
    I've been here at your blog long enough to see some very fine work of yours. Your dolls are amazing-you are light years ahead of me.
    Thank you again-I'll always be in your debt for cheering me up today....~Debra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For goodness' sakes, girl! I'm always impressed by the quality of your work--nothing to do with kindness! But I do know what it feels like to be down in the dumps, discouraged, and frustrated. Right now, I wonder how many people are feeling over-shadowed by world events. Like the weight of the world is pressing down and making all of the personal problems seem worse. Maybe our whiney feelings are part of the Paris Effect. That's what I attribute much of my miasma to.

      Delete
  2. Good to hear the ideas are coming back - if not exactly the ones you were looking for!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What I really need now is the energy and motivation to get started!

      Delete
  3. Hmmm Valentine's Day is just around the corner - hint, hint, hint! *smile*

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for featuring me on your blog today! Much appreciated. Have a terrific weekend! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :) Your fabric postcard has provided inspiration, Connie! And I love the stamp head postcards you do and treasure the one you sent me!

      Delete
  5. OMGosh I go through that declutter syndrome too!! At least now I am older and know that there are just certain things I will not do anymore and the parting is easier, but fabric!! I don't think so!!
    xx, Carol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! I spend more time debating than I do culling! One day, I'm efficient, the next day, I dither. Working in more than one medium means collecting even more stuff. Right now, the goal is to spend at least a few minutes each day clearing--and you know that few minutes can expand or contract.

      Delete
  6. I think we all have that hoarding gene when it comes to fabric - I sure do. Bins and bins and shelves full. I also have the feeling that I need to make something for loved ones for Christmas and get stressed about it every year. Do you do that? (sigh)
    thanks for the intel on the postcard, it's a beauty. I have made them as well and gave as Christmas gifts. I do know that most people have saved them which is cool. an easy thoughtful gift without to much expense or time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! I'm afraid of giving handmade gifts that nobody wants! I think the postcards as Christmas cards/gifts is a good solution. If they save them, wonderful, but anyone would appreciate the thought just as with any other card. We all love getting mail.

      I just realized that you are a McDowell, which is my maiden name. :)

      Delete
  7. It never fails that within days of giving or throwing away items, I think of a great use for them. I've started hoarding more to avoid that problem, but then I feel guilty about the hoarding. There's no way I'll use up all the stuff I've collected.

    As for the creative slump, you'll overcome it. In the meantime, just enjoy the stitchery, books and shows. Maybe you just need a rest. I think that most creative people go through spells of down time when they find it difficult to create. At least, I've gleaned that from reading blogs. So it may not be a bad thing, just a restful spell. Maybe use the time to look into selling some of your work. Or go through your items and decide what you can let go of. Or just do nothing for a while. As my students say: it's all good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! Doesn't this always happen? Save it for months or years then throw it away and then need it. No way to win, because even if I save it, I can't find it when I need it. Whatever it is. :)

      Delete

Good to hear from you!