How Am I Doing on No Spend Month?

Tuesday, August 19

Fantastic!! I am doing excellent. Other than monies spent on supplies needed for Sunday’s class making the peyote leaves, I have spent ZERO cents, ZERO dollars on craft supplies this month.

I didn’t think it was possible but I am over halfway there and see no reason to fail. I am saving a HUGE amount of money since I was averaging an outrageous monthly total spent in craft stores. I am sure those on the receiving end aren’t too delighted but when the shop owners know you by your full name, your favorite colors and what you like, it is time for a timeout.

I think I am going to continue this self imposed wallet sealing for another month. I am sure my budget is saying “You’ll thank me later.”

Peyote Leaf Earrings Made in Class

Monday, August 18

My class at toocutebeads went very well on Sunday, yesterday.

It was my first time working with fishing line instead of Nymo thread. My Instructor (Rose) said fishing line was needed for this project to hold the beads stiffer than regular beading thread would do.

Also another first. I learned how to “increase” peyote rows. I was like a kid on the first day of school. Happy to be there. Taking it all in. Jotting down notes.

The class instructed how to make beaded peyote leaves to be made into earrings and a necklace using seed beads and crystals.

I completed the earrings in class and our Instructor gave us homework. Finish the rest of the leaves and bring them to class next Sunday to construct the necklace.

All done with my homework.

Will come back and show you the necklace next week. The one on display sure is pretty.

Check This Out… What A Nice Thing To Do!!

Sunday, August 17

My Halloween trick-or-treat bag is featured on this blog.

Lots of cute Halloween ideas.  Also a giveaway of free stuff.  Check it out.

http://raechele.blogspot.com/2008/08/trick-or-treat_17.html

http://raechele.blogspot.com/search/label/Etsy%20Faves

http://raechele.blogspot.com/

Tying Up Loose Necklaces

Friday, August 15

I made these necklaces a couple weeks ago trying to finish up some things started but just sitting.

Black rubber tubing and different sizes of wood beads.

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Agate gemstones, wood beads and other odds & ends

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Turquoise ceramic squares, black onyx gemstones, gold links and jump rings

Lost and Found

Tuesday, August 12

LOST

It’s been a week since I last posted. A lot has happened. The most memorable was living in a dungeon. Hardly any daylight seeping in during the day and pitch black at night. That is until the lights were turned on.

You see, the outside of our house was being painted and the painters covered all the windows with paper AND plastic. I was starting to feel claustrophobic, wanting to get out. It was not a good feeling. Crafting was the furthest thing from my mind.

But now, it is all behind me. The painters have packed up and left. Hopefully, if their work matches their warranty, never to see them again for 15 years. Light is pouring in through the windows and it has been a beautiful day since Sunday afternoon. Life is good. So what is my problem? Motivation. My motivation is lost. My desire to create is MIA.

FOUND

But I did locate my embroidery supplies, see… the photos. I have thread, lots of it. Different types of stabilizers. Spray adhesive. Four hoop sizes. Even embroidery needles. Oh, and thousands of designs.

So once I shake off my current state of disinterest, the first thing I want to do is download the designs and then select one. I have an idea on what I will make first. A notebook cover. I saw it at www.Janome.com and it looks easy enough. Embroider something on fabric. Sew it down the sides to create an envelope for the notebook to slide into. Piece of cake.

UPDATE on Life’s Other Things

My No Spend Month is going fantastic. Not one penny has been spent on crafting supplies. I am really happy about that. I tallied monies spent for the last year and it was WAY out of range in comparison to my other expenses. So, a reeling in was absolutely necessary.

August Is Also No Spend Month and Exercise Month

Tuesday, August 5

OK, hopefully after this post it is back to business. Back to This Year’s Dozen.

I temporarily lost my “crafting” focus with so many things vying for my attention. Ideas and inspirations were coming from many directions. From other bloggers, friends and from that healthier person inside me begging to get out.

NO SPEND MONTH

First off… last month I read an article here on WordPress about a family of 3 budgeting only $250 for the month of July. NO SPEND MONTH and how they were going about sticking to it. This family is such a delight. It is well worth the read.

http://smallnotebook.org/2008/07/01/july-is-no-spend-month-whats-it-about/ 

I decided to adopt this plan for the month of August and apply it to my craft supplies spending. I will spend ZERO dollars this month for craft supplies. If you could see my stash, rather stashes if that is a word, you would understand. So, whatever I don’t have, I will improvise, go to plan B or go without. It is going to be tough for I do like to browse and spend.

However, there is one exception to this no spend rule. A scheduled craft class. I already signed up for this August 17th class to make a peyote fall leaves necklace. Class fees have already been paid but I need to buy supplies that day. But good news, they owe me $15 for overpayment on materials for the wirewrapped ring class I took last month. Couldn’t have come at a better time.

WALKY TALK

And now for the BIG NEWS of the day. I have joined an online walking group to get in some much needed exercise. This plan has me walking the length of the State of Michigan. All 3300 miles, one step at a time. **Correction: 491 miles**

I am so excited about this program that I have spent a good portion of the last 6 days walking around my neighborhood. 

Go here for details. 

http://www.walkytalk.com/ 

So.. join me if you also need to get in more exercise. Or check with the health providers in your own state. Maybe there is a similar program being offered. Walky Talk is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, my health care provider. Wish me luck!!

August is Embroidery Month

Saturday, August 2

Get out the feather duster and the lint brush. Time to get the old sewing machine dusted off and ready to purr. Time to see if all the bells and whistles really work.

I purchased my sewing machine, Janome Memory Craft 10001, about 18 months ago.

It has built-in embroidery stitches and several different hoop sizes. A box of embroidery thread in assorted colors came with it. I even purchased additional patterns for downloading.

Hang on a second. Can I ask a question?

WHERE IS ALL THIS STUFF!!??

I have no clue.

I will have to go find everything so Embroidery Month can officially begin. BBL.