Posted in Make & Muse

From Abandoned Projects to Creative Comebacks

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Okay listen… I know, I know—I’m a quitter. Was a quitter. Let’s say I’m  “in recovery,” okay? Breaking that habit is no joke though, especially when quitting has always been my emotional support hobby. Life gets overwhelming and suddenly scrolling, snacking, and napping feels like the holy trinity instead of… actually finishing anything.

And it reminds me of that Gilmore Girls moment where Paris goes:
“She’s got a ‘C’ average, which means she’s either lazy or stupid. I can work with either. Frankly, sometimes stupid is easier. I can scare the stupid out of you, but the lazy runs deep.”

Now listen—I’m not stupid. That’s not up for debate.
But lazy? …yeah, I fear Paris would have a field day with me.

BUT. Plot twist. Character development. Redemption arc incoming.

It’s official: I’m launching my ✨Comeback Tour✨starring every project I ever ghosted. Here’s a not-so-fun confession: The last time I posted anything remotely artsy was way back in 2023. Yikes! The creative guilt is real! In honor of my half-finished crafts, I’m breaking out the classic Blend the Rules feature pic—because following the script just isn’t my style!

Exhibit A: I started crocheting tiny dog and cat dolls for my friend’s baby… when said friend was still pregnant.
That baby is turning THREE this year.
THREE.
Anyway!!!(Don’t judge—I just found the pattern again: Tuna and Bones Free Amigurumi Patterns (Crochet Dog Pattern & Crochet Cat Pattern) | Needlepointers.com)

Exhibit B: the cardigan. The cardigan™. The one I dramatically started four years ago and then ghosted like it texted me “hey.”
Tell me why I also found the exact video I was using back then?? The universe said “you’re not escaping this one.”

Exhibit C: the chicken purse.
When I tell you this obsession came back HARD—like why are there a million variations and why do I suddenly need all of them??
Also… I found my old unfinished project and genuinely thought it was a failed beanie. Nope. It was the chicken bag. I abandoned her mid-cluck 😭

AND because I clearly don’t believe in easing into things, I’m also jumping back on the sourdough train. Yes, like 2020 me.
Do I know where my original starter is? Absolutely not. She’s gone. Lost to history.
But I have a new one now!!! And her name?
✨Doughbi Wan Kenobi✨
Was it necessary? No.
Does it bring me immense joy? Yes.

Posted in Make & Muse

Teaching Myself to use Watercolor

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Today I will blend some rules while teaching myself to use watercolor paint.

I like to think of myself as a creative person, but I’m not very good at the means of traditional art. I have an image in my head, and sometimes I have difficulty putting it on paper when drawing or painting. I’m also a little hard on myself since I’m a perfectionist.

Now I’ve seen a lot of videos about painting, and everyone says the same thing. Watercolor is harder to use, so I should start with acrylic paint. Controversial opinion, but I’m not too fond of acrylic paint. I like the control I have when using watercolors.

Thank god for the internet. I’ve learned different tricks and tips from watching YouTube and TikTok.

And these people are self-taught artists – I mean, every artist is probably self-taught. I mean, these people are definitely not art school graduates.

Now my goal isn’t to become the next Monet. I want to experiment with art without feeling like I’m wasting supplies or my time.

Now I didn’t rush out to buy expensive art supplies. I used the paint from a Target art supply kit, and a friend gifted me the paper.

I just used layers. I started with a thin detail brush and made a rough outline. I don’t like sketching with a pencil in watercolor painting because I don’t know how well I’ll be able to cover the pencil.

It was mostly layering colors, and I don’t know if there’s a word for this, but I would use a dry brush to remove paint when I thought it was too piled up.

I’m pleased with my results.

I need more practice. I want to experiment more and learn to paint bigger pieces of art. I would love to one day own my own house and have random art on the walls and have some of those be my art.

Posted in Make & Muse

And when I felt like I was an old cardigan

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I’ve said a few times that I want to be more creative and try to express myself through different types of art. I have a habit of starting hobbies and then never following through. I’m trying to change that and use all the materials I have at my disposal. I’m going to start actively giving updates on projects and calling it Blend The Rules.

This is obviously the Lately, I’ve been searching for a crocheted or knitted cardigan.

After searching for what felt like forever, I found some sweaters. I didn’t have any specific pattern or design in mind. I wanted a chunky cardigan. The only downside was all the nice ones I loved were between $200- $400. There’s no way I can spend that much on a sweater. I’m poor.

So my self-confidence led me to believe I could make my sweater. I don’t know where that confidence came from, honestly. The last time I knitted, sewed, or crocheted was in 2017. I made a cow print and denim skirt, and everyone around me was like, “eww, cow print.” only for it to be the next popular trend.

So now I’m stumbling through a teach yourself to crochet book. It is worth it. It was $12 from Walmart. It’s a complete kit; you only need to buy the yarn.

I haven’t done much yet, but I did make a tiny little heart.

I don’t have a pattern for the sweater. I’m going to play it by ear.