You know that feeling when you’ve finished a big project.  Your idea takes shape and it makes you happy so you know that all the time spent was worth it?

That’s how I feel today!!!

I still can’t believe I actually wrote for 31 days straight.  For this beginner blogger, this was such a boost in confidence because now I know I can handle a normal amount of posts.

There is so much to learn when starting a blog or any new creative project, it gets hard and frustrating and you feel like stopping.  But, through persevering there is such a sense of accomplishment.  That feeling is totally worth it!

Source unknown, pinned on Pinterest

I am so grateful for all of you who followed this series, who took the time to comment, who started following me.  It was so encouraging to come back each day and know that people stopped by.  In return I hope all of you were encouraged by this series and start finding time for your creativity.

This is really just the beginning for this blog.  I have so many projects lined up to share with you over the next few months and I don’t want any of you to miss it.  So, if you haven’t followed me yet, please do.  The buttons are on the right hand sidebar.

Thank you all so much again for the boost to continue the blog!!  Now all of you put the tips from this series into action and unleash your creativity, I can’t wait to see what you do!

Check out the whole 31 days series here.

I’ve given my husband the woodworking bug!  There are so many cool projects out there to build, but I’m a bit intimidated to do it myself.  We have to figure out what tools we need, what types of wood are best, what finishes are best, when to sand, and so much more. While I know I could figure it out eventually I thought it might be fun to have a partner.  So, while I was talking about all of the cool projects I’ve been seeing, he said he thought it would be fun to start doing stuff like that and I grabbed him!

I’m so excited to be sharing something new with him.  After 12 years it’s kind of hard to find new things to do together.

Here is the project that got my ideas flowing, it’s so gorgeous!!

Simple Outdoor Dining Table by Ana White

We obviously need to start smaller than that so we can figure out our methods, but it’s good to have big goals.  That’s what keeps us motivated to learn how to do something new.

With any new creative project you want to take on, find something beautiful that you want to make using that method.  Don’t compare your beginner work to it, instead let it motivate you to continue learning new techniques so that you can be an expert too!

Check out the whole 31 days series here.

Part of giving ourselves the freedom to create needs to involve our view of ourselves.  If we constantly see our faults, which as women we tend to do, how will we ever open ourselves up to our full creative potential.

This quote hit me between the eyes today with truth.

“You won’t be of much value to others if you don’t learn to value yourself and your efforts.”                        -Twyla Tharp, from The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life 

Fields of Love Art Print by Kelly Bermudez on Etsy

You know how everyone says we need to take care of ourselves first?  With how we eat, rest, spend our time, etc.  Women always put everyone else first because we have that guilt complex built right in.  It’s hard to bypass it, but maybe we do need the me time that comes from creating so we can give ourselves back to our families and friends fully.

Let’s start to value our efforts and ourselves.  Amanda has intentionally added grace to her life and I love how encouraging her series is.  We can all learn a lot from her words.  I think it’s absolutely possible to create without guilt once we give ourselves a little grace.  I’ve seen glimpses of it.

How do you think you can do that starting today?

Check out the whole 31 days series here.

Part of being creative is knowing when to take a step back.

It’s ok to put a project on hold. When you go back to that project you will see it with fresh eyes and will be better inspired to finish it.  I have lot’s of works in progress and I don’t see them as burdens or failed projects.

I dabble in a lot of different types of crafts.  While I may enjoy quilting for a while, after some time, I don’t want to look at my sewing machine.  That’s when I end up crocheting again or making cards again or making embroidery again.  The quilts will get finished, just not right now.

Do you enjoy having various works in progress or do you like to complete each individual project as it comes along?

Check out the whole 31 days series here.