Creative Energy Optimizer

One of the pillars of my plan to embody Ageless Beauty for the rest of my life is to be a Creative Energy Optimizer. I want to optimize my own creativity-of course- and I especially want to inspire others to not only appreciate beauty everyday but to begin to create beauty themselves.
This weekend I had a lovely Sunday afternoon playing with making fabric flower costume jewelry with my sister. We were chatting about how being  creative and playful makes us feel more energized. Too many chores ,work, basic cooking, laundry, housekeeping,etc. are exhausting.This week I want to inspire you to take some time out to be creative.
 What sparks creativity in you?  What did you like to do as a child? There are so many crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, coloring some of the beautiful designs available now in books or online, drawing, baking, cooking something new- learning a new dance routine- learning a new piece of music- whatever is fun and perhaps just a bit challenging that will result in something that gives you pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. The operative words here are FUN and CREATIVE.  What would you like to create?
When I started making costume jewelry, I began with a book for children-Jazzy Jewelry- part of a series of craft books called Kids Can!.  I figured if an 8 year old could manage some of the projects, I surely could . Here are some of my projects

Here is the book and a page of instructions

Here is a close-up of what I made from those pages

I am a slow right brain learner- so seeing pictures and beginning with really simple directions helps me to develop skills - and makes the learning curve less steep! Ever since I was a tiny child I have loved dressing up in elegant clothes with unique or antique jewelry. Now after a few years practice I can make almost anything I want. And most important- I enjoy playing with the materials and I have fun!
There are so many really good instructions available now in books, on blogs, on Youtube for almost any project you would like to create! If you need to ease in to this suggestion - just begin by making a wish list of what you would like to try and/or what you loved to do as a child.
My sister and I were reminiscing about Sunday afternoons at our stepmother's house. Our stepmother was a very busy working mom, but at heart she was a creative genius. She had so many different materials available in cupboards and closets neatly packed in boxes. Anything we wanted to learn was possible! Over the years she taught us to cook, to sew, to make toys , to paint... so many things! Best of all she gave us the gift of knowing that we could learn how to do whatever we were inspired to do.
Here is the work in progress from Sunday afternoon- red petals ready now to be assembled and my first-not perfect!- finished flower barrette.

I would love to read your comments. What are you dreaming of creating? Something new in an art or  craft that you already know how to do - or  learn a new skill? Are you willing for your first efforts to perhaps be less than perfect? Please leave me a comment below or email me colleen412@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook. You can also see my pins on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/colleen2322/