Making good choices--Mixed Media

[Betsyannlob]

I've wanted to enter a craftster challenge for a long time, but the entries are always so amazing...This time I actually had an idea, and intended to get it posted early so I wouldn't be intimidated by all of the amazing entries.  That didn't happen, but I'm posting anyway.  I figure it's good to support things you love, and I love Craftster.  And it's nice when marginally talented people post things, along with all of the amazing people, so that we feel OK posting too.

Anyway

I want to make good choices in 2008.  This is a mixed media (sounds so fancy) collage that features some of the things in my life I'm thankful for and the good things that I can do with my time.  The idea is, when I'm feeling like sitting around or eating junk or feeling sad, I can look here for inspiration to do the things that will make me feel better, instead of worse. 

I made a few teeny replicas of crafts I like to do, a little quilted square and a crocheted piece, and there's a picture from a pattern for a little girl's dress.  A picture of my daughter running in a race reminds me to exercise, a flower reminds me to doodle, color, and work outside.  A teeny copy of my weekly chores reminds me I'm happier if I stay up with my work, Bible verses remind me to stay connected.  Pictures of my daughter, my Mom, and my hubby remind my why time is precious.  I re purposed a frame and mat from Goodwill (my favorite store)

I didn't take any pictures while making it, sorry. 

This is scary, but here we go! 

[princesspepper]

It's so lovely and and a very nice way to keep your solutions by looking at pictures of the ones you love.
great work.

[bunx]

I love that
it's so sweet!

[Hawkins]

Really nice!  I always love framed quilting and other fiber art. 

[mixymo]

Oh don't be scared!
I love how you've put in little pieces of crochet and quilting and stuff.

[ScrappySue]

This is a fantastic idea!
I love that you have made it so personal and meaningful,
really fantastic
s

[Betsyannlob]

Wow, thanks everybody.  This is such a nice place.  Now I'm going to get off the computer and stop the compulsive checking!

[mixymo]

Now I'm going to get off the computer and stop the compulsive checking!

join the club! *runs to other end of house*

[Cabin Fever]

Very nice, I really like that idea! I think I could use that for some ideas for some gifts in the future.

[Rhiannon Sarah]

I was all excited too - planning on posting early and the such. Then I didn't, and I saw everyone elses entries, and I was almost put off. How could I match to these people!!!

But I entered anyway. Because I wanted my diary, and there was no real reason not top - except for my own shame. But I feel so good being up here with everyone else, and you should be too! You have a wonderful project, and it's all yours!

[eternallyeve]

I really love your idea, It's neat and compact and gets straight to the important stuff in our lives. Wonderful!

Is it just me or there a few craftsters out there that use this forum as a place to reconnect with others and find some small words from strangers to lift ourselves up and be proud? I know I do. As much as I love crafting I think I like the sense of community on here just as much. I don't get out much as a wife and at-home mum and it feels really good to see a few random sentences from strangers appreciating my work.

I hope your year is filled with joy and time slows to a comfortable pace so you can achieve all those important precious things. Happiness is out there.

Eve

[Betsyannlob]

Is it just me or there a few craftsters out there that use this forum as a place to reconnect with others and find some small words from strangers to lift ourselves up and be proud? I know I do. As much as I love crafting I think I like the sense of community on here just as much. I don't get out much as a wife and at-home mum and it feels really good to see a few random sentences from strangers appreciating my work.

Oh, I think you're right.  It's nice to find such kindreds here.  And craftsters are so so kind!  I think this is a wonderful place and Leah deserves some sort of prize.  The Nobel Peace Prize of websites?

[ScrappySue]

Besides my daughter and a select other few, I think the people here in Craftster are the only people I know who get so excited about crafty projects.
I dont feel so alone or weird, knowing you are all out there.
S

[funkensteins]

I love your project, its inspiring me to go have some family fun!! YAY!

[bubblegum_phoenix]

We are all our own harshest critic and so far, personally, I havent found a single thing on Craftster that doesnt deserve to be here. So keep up the amazing work! 

[manycrafter]

It's a sweet and precious project. One that you can be proud of and look back on later in life to remind you of who you were at this time in your life. I've done several similar pieces from different times in my life--newly married, with young children, after the children left home--and I like to look at them to remind me of what was important to me at that time in my life. Keep it up!

[swampcricket]

OMG 

I love this idea!  Making good choices with my time instead of getting caught up in negative self talk and mindless tv watching.  I have to make one for myself. 

Thanks for the great inspiration.   

[miss sarah jane]

I think this is really beautiful.  Maybe I'm just being all pregnant and emotional, but I actually teared up a bit when I read what you wrote and looked at your entry.  I think that's the best, most worthwhile resolution I've ever heard.  Making good choices...  That's what the key to a long, happy life is, I think.  Making the right choices.  Wonderful