What's Your Inspiration?

I know the calendar says it's almost fall, but my internal temperature still hints of summer heat. What better way to cool off than with some creative therapy!

While browsing through Cost Plus World Market a few weeks ago, trying desperately to use my $10-off coupon (before it expired at the end of that day), a bright yellow metal sign caught my attention. It reads: "Life is a process and your participation is required. Life – just show up."

Needless to say, it found its way home with me. As I hung the sign up on the wall, I decided to use it as inspiration for my next art project.

Inspiration is all around us. One just needs to stand still long enough and look around. What inspires you? Is it an antique painting on the living room wall? Your favorite kitchen appliance? Your pet? Whatever it is, place it (or a photo of it) on your craft table, and just look at it. Absorb the textures, colors, rhythm and words. Use this item as your inspiration as you embellish a large wood initial of your choice.

Using the colors of the metal sign, I painted the "D" (which is 9" tall x 6" wide, made from white MDF board) with yellow acrylic paint. I traced the outline of the letter onto an orangy small-flowered pattern paper, then cut it slightly inside the lines. 

I inked the edges, and applied the paper to the letter with Mod Podge.  When completely dry, I stamped flourishes on the "D" with black Staz-on ink.

Then I tore and Mod-podged contrasting paper, and stamped a sentiment with brown ink.  Although it is difficult to tell from these photos, using just a little white paint and quick, short strokes, I added a distressed look to the paper.

Life got busy, so I had to put the completion of this project on hold.  A week later, I found a $1 stamp at Michael's with the word "Life", and remembering the inspiration sign, I thought this would complement my initial wall art nicely.  After stamping the "Life" image on the wood initial, I put one final coat of Mod Podge on it.

I finished the project by gluing on several different textures and colors of ribbon (including ric-rac and toile) and a button.

Life.  It's a Process.  Just show up.

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