Once is Not Enough... Recycle

I have two people living inside me: 

one likes the house to be clean and tidy and everything in its place. 

The other likes to collect everything in sight because 

'I'm sure I can do something with it'. 

Sometimes things get done, sometimes not, 

but the mess certainly accumulates and fast! 

A while back my sister moved to a new house. I was visiting during the renovations, just as the contractor was taking off the wallpaper in the nursery. He had to dampen it to take it off so most of it was ruined but a few pieces were in good shape and had a cute design, so of course the hoarder me took them. 

I've grown tired of looking at this bulky, untidy, mess and decided to either throw it away or do something with it. As my stash of cards was getting low, I made a small pile of greeting cards.

Cubes are Fun

Little Ethan, possibly a future footballer,

getting his first practice

Inspiration

Today I want to write about a blogger that inspires me - 

Esther Alvarez from Madrid

I cannot recall how I first came across her blog, that was a few months ago, and I've been going back ever since. We've been exchanging comments for a while now and not only is she talented, she is very nice as well. There are some very professional, successful bloggers out there and I follow their blogs with interest and admiration, but at the end of day the blogs that I really like are the more personal, intimate ones, like Esther's. She works with the same materials I do, needlework, crochet, paper crafts, and always surprises me with her funny ideas and sweet touches. Often there is a little story that goes with the craft and sometimes a glimpse into her family life and history that I can always relate to (her grandmother's sewing machine, a birthday party). I could see myself spending an afternoon with her, crafting, having tea, talking, finding the many other small things that we have in common, but until then there is always the blog.

Now I want to show some new lavender bags, this time for coat hangers 

Amalia Takes a Class

After 10 months of posting I am ready for the next stage 

and have enrolled in Holly Becker's Blogging Your Way class

I am quite excited about it and plan to work hard and learn a lot (though nobody mentioned that there would be homework!). I am also hoping to meet more bloggers because while I spend a lot of time on-line, I don't interact enough with other bloggers and I think that is important. This blog will still be about my handmade creations and dedication to live a creative life, but just a little bit better all-around, I hope. To celebrate this new beginning I'm posting a photo that has all the things I like - something made by me (the cardigan), a recycled paper craft (the little bag) and family (Dana, a sweet niece and a loyal model).