Sometimes I forget to truly enjoy my slow stitching time. At times it seems like I am in such a rush to finish this project or tackle another. Yesterday I sat down and worked on "The Garden is My Home" embroidery. I shared this little doodle way back in July of 2025.
Here and there I have been working on it a little at a time. As I worked on pulling the floss colors for the flowers, I realized that I am really enjoying taking my "own sweet time" with this stitch. I still have a few motifs to work on . I believe I will add French knots to the center of the flowers.
One of my favorite "artist" Youtubers that I like to watch each day is Janet Nash. Janet works on a variety of projects like gentle journaling, slow stitching, painting and embroidery. She is a joy to watch and so inspiring. She truly seems to enjoy the process of creating. If you have a chance, pop over and visit her. Like Janet, another joy that I indulge in is journaling.
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| Clippings from pamphlets ready to be pasted into my journal |
I try to journal every day, but that is not always possible.
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| I use maps and pamphlets and lots of "junk" in my journals. |
My journals are not pretty like Janet's but they are filled with writings, clippings and doodles. They are a pleasure to work on especially if I can take the time to "really enjoy the cut and paste process".
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| Working on arranging a page. |
So tell me .Do you sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy the simple joys of creating?
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| I fold decorative papers over the journal page edges. |
As Always...
Happy Stitching and Quilting,
y'all
Melisa
"If you hear a voice inside you say 'you cannot paint' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. "- Vincent van Gogh
Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤
Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo.
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🌞A Spooky Parade - Halloween freebies up to October 4, 2025. More Halloween pieces followed this date.
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🌞Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Parade Of Previous Freebies- 2025- A Parade of Christmas Freebies up to the date of November 15, 2025. More Christmas Freebies followed this date.
🌞A Chilly Parade of Winter Stitches 2025- A parade of Winter themed freebies up to the date of Dec. 21, 2025
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I've always wanted to journal. Thanks for sharing. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI keep several art journals at the same time: one with quotes, another with clippings and collages, and another just for painting flowers.
ReplyDeleteI also keep a travel journal for every trip... that's why I don't have time for anything!!! 😂😂😂
I'm glad you're enjoying slow sewing.
When I turned 50, I decided I would only do things that truly made me happy (well, work aside 😂😂😂)
Hugs from Spain
I keep a daily (organizational--I tend to forget things!) journal--just a little book for appts etc. then I have my writing journal which tends to be "whenever" things overflow and I need to get them out; and of course my gluebooks for fun;))) Every single day for me takes the "joy" out of anything. The only thing I loved doing every day was my piano practicing--but now with old Mr. Arthur Itis in force, I no longer can do that..but it leaves time for my crafts--so one door closes but another opens, right??? I do watch Janet and love her videos--she is a wonderful fearless crafter. Hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteI used to journal, and now I can't seem to get back into it. :( Like you I cut out bits and dabs of things and pasted them and wrote on the pages. They were so enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI have a garden journal that I update when I change the plants or design of my garden. . I have a photo “journal” on my phone for cross stitching - on the day I start a pattern I take a picture of the pattern and the work completed that day and when I finish the cross stitching I take another photo. I take a third picture when the project is made into a pillow or framed. I also keep a monthly note each year on my phone to list projects I want to complete and check them off when completed. At the end of the month projects I have not completed are either moved to another month or moved to next year. There are so many projects and patterns I want to complete that it can become stressful at times, so I focus on the current projects and put the others out of sight. This has helped me enjoy my stitching. Alicia
ReplyDeleteThat's a sweet stitch and makes me even more ready for spring, Melisa! I'm glad you are enjoying your creative process and slowing down. I've never tried journaling but I may check out her video. Thanks for sharing that! I hope you have a mahvelous week, dahling! Hugs, B
ReplyDeleteI do journal regularly, but just boring writing and mostly complaining!
ReplyDeleteYour hand stitching project reminds me of sun filled days. I am looking forward to those! I am thankful for each day I get to stitch. I feel it is a gift to stitch. Creating whether it is in the kitchen or the studio is more fun when I can share and play with friends.--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute embroidery piece. I'm ready for warmer temps and some gardening. There is so much I want to do creatively that I feel like I am always in a rush. Slowing down and enjoying the process is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't do journaling but I do go to a monthly writing group, in fact today is the first meeting of the year, I write short stories of my life and this time, I was inspired by the news item of a breach on the Pontcysylite Canal in the UK. Robin and I did a week long trip on this canal some years ago on our friends narrow boat which was a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteI journal in the old fashioned sense, writing down what happened during my days. Not every day but several times a week. These newer style journals are so pretty but I have never considered doing it. Loved the quote you chose for today. Van Gogh was really somethin', wasn't he? I love so many of his paintings. Have you ever seen the movie Mona Lisa Smile with Julia Roberts? There is a part in there about his Sunflowers painting that I love.
ReplyDeleteI love journaling also and follow Janet Nash....LOVE her blog and her style of working. I find it very refreshing, although I am very slow as I have many things I am juggling at the moment. I have a journal that I keep mementos in. that is my speed right now. thank you so much for your adventure tidbits and freebies.....love reading them all. vivian
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