And I'm always on the prowl for creative resources - especially those that fit my current budget, which is zero. Yes, truly zero. My creativity has been drastically curtailed, not because I've run out of materials, but because I dread the day that I do.
When I do find resources, it's time for a happy dance and a heart felt hallelujah! Seriously, I wish I could tell each person that offers freebies just how much their generosity means to me; how much their thoughtfulness feeds my soul!
As just one example, today I was visiting April Cole's blog (you should definitely visit!). She's a wonderful artist and each week she features Friday's Lovely Links highlighting online discoveries that she's made. And one of her links was for free chevron patterned papers. Hooray!
When I clicked the link, I was taken to Mel Stampz and it truly was time for that happy dance, lol. Not only did I find links for the chevron papers, but also thirty-nine (yes - 39!) other gorgeous papers.
And a wonderful page full of links to templates - tons of templates. Moustaches, dress forms, animals, birds, tags - more than 100 separate items!
So, my creative gypsies, join me in my happy dance! Have fun visiting, exploring and creating with all the generous, gorgeous gifts on this wonderful site!
If you have a site or blog of your own that includes freebies, I'd love to feature it here! Or, if you know of someone else who offers them. Just let me know in the comments and I'll be in touch.
Sharing on The Trendy Treehouse Share Wednesdays and
Whatever You Want Wednesday at Free Pretty Things For You
Check Me Out Saturday at I Am Only One Woman
Show Off Your Stuff Party at Fireflies and Jellybeans
Wow, Cynthia! Your kind kind words are the best sort of creative discovery for me. I can't thank you enough. Sometimes I wonder if the patterns I make are any good (I'm no pro!) :-) And to hear that you like them and can use them makes me grin so big that I have lipstick on my ears. Thanks so much. Can't wait to explore your blog! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a comment Mel(and for following - woohoo)! I had to laugh, picturing that grin leaving lipstick on your ears - it made such a hilarious picture in my mind, lol!
DeleteI'll definitely be exploring more of your work.
Thank you so much for the wonderful links! Have you seen Mel's "100+ things to do with gesso" - oh holy cow, I love that woman!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally hear you about being poor, and having no money for art supplies. I'm poor, too (because of disability), and look at things like PanPastels, Copics, art classes and the like wistfully - they're just outta my price range. I'm not at the point where my creativity budget is zero, but I do sacrifice things monthly (like, ahem, food and thrifting for clothes) to buy art supplies, so as not to have the anxiety about creating. So, I basically substitute one kind of anxiety for another.
My friend Zura's got a blog post that talks about exactly this, if you want to take a look: http://www.creativeclown.com/have-you-ever-been-poor/
I haven't seen the gesso post, but I'll definitely go looking for it!
DeleteI have art markers (not Copics) that my son gave me for Christmas - woohoo! And my two kids are wonderful at gifting me with supplies on holidays. But I still dread running out of things :/
I've even been lucky enough to win spots in several classes, but supply issues really keep me from enjoying them.
Thanks so much for Zura's link! I commented on her post - and I'm now following both of you.
How awesome of you to share these resources!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from SITS Sharefest.
Alison - thanks! It's awesome to see you here, lol. Love your blog & recent post on body image!!
DeleteWow! This is fantastic! Don't you love when you find a find like this to share and share and share? I am visiting from SITS Saturday Sharefest & it looks like we have a LOT in common. Would love to connect more deeply!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
Julie, thank you :) It's true, I do love sharing, lol.
DeleteWould love to connect more deeply as well - I've sent you a friend request on FB!
What wonderful things to share! I have enjoyed making things in the past but have gotten away from it ... so maybe this is the start of the inspiration I need to get me going again! Thanks! (Stopping by from SITS and can't wait to explore more ... Thanks for visiting my blog)
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I'm so glad you're here! I'd love it if one of my posts inspired you to get crafty again :)
DeleteThank you VERY MUCH for stopping by my blog! I appreciate each and every comment! I will be around! I loved your post! I find it hard to be creative and I think your blog will really help me! I am running to follow you on FB too! ;) ... Paloma from "The Coffee Shop"
ReplyDeletePaloma, I'm glad to have discovered your blog! I've 'liked' you FB page as The Bottomless Heart (my 2nd FB page). I'd love for you to check out my newest blog too - http://TheBottomlessHeart.blogspot.com. There's less emphasis on creativity, more on lifestyle and inspiration!
DeleteFirst i want to thank you for linking up in Exposure 99% weekday blog hop.. Following back and i look forward being part of your blog..
ReplyDeleteI read your about you and i found it really interesting, loving the creativity you exhibit in your blog.. Keep it up..
May, it's so nice to see you here - and thanks for following (and the wonderful compliments)!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! (and we absolutely adore chevron right now!) We appreciate you linking up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” We love seeing all of the great recipes and fun ideas! Hope to see you again next week! -The Sisters
ReplyDeleteI was tickled to discover your link up :)
DeleteI have to say, too, that when I was growing up I often (really often) dreamed of having 5 sisters instead of the 5 brothers that my parents gifted me with, lol.
I'm doing the happy dance now, too! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Laurel! I'm not surprised that you like the link - after all, you're a Graphics Fairy fan too ;)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Hi Cynthia, Thanks for following on my blog. I'm following here now too. You know, in Ukraine our situation is probably much like yours, in that there are no craft stores so none of the great materials to work with that are in the west. Nonetheless, the advantage is that I've found it has made me more inventive. If you look around there's probably a lot in your own home you could recycle into cool projects if you like to alter things. That said, you might want to check out my "Images, Mostly Free" at pinterest.com/coleenfranks/ for lots of cool free stuff.
ReplyDeleteCheers....
Cynthia, thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I really appreciate it. BTW, I like this idea about the ribbon spool box. May have to try that as I've been saving them. Now I know why. Happy for you to post the art mag to your sites. I post things that I like and want to go back to. I saw some things on your site I might like to grab too. We can share that way. I have a number of tuts on my blog, but much more on my FB Like page.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Coleen in Ukraine
PS. you'll get more comments if you remove the word verification gadget. I did years ago and have never had a problem. Just a thought.
Awww... Thank you for the "shout-out", Cynthia.
ReplyDeleteYou are a sweetheart! ((hugs)) :]
I'd love to be featured,
ReplyDeletemy blog is here
http://bonitarose.com
email me with the details!
xo hugs
would love to know more about the postcard compassion project.. I hv many images I could offer postcards for.. let me know if u are interested! bonitarose