Cath Sheard Art

Blog

  • Starting the year by crafting

    Today I sat down to finish the Documented Life project for 2016. I enjoyed being part of this, but found this year’s format suited me less than the one in 2015 so ended up doing my own thing a lot of the time. No great surprise there, really… People angst about having the right folder or doing it the right way – it’s art & craft, there is no right way! Just enjoy creating and stop fussing so much.

    The creators of DLP have decided to move onto other things so Mixie has started a Life Documented Facebook page and I’ve decided to join in. No doubt I’ll ignore the prompts and do my own thing again, but it’s good to share ideas and encourage others along the way.

    Shown are the last page in my DLP16 folder and cover page and monthly divider for 2017, which I am using the same recycled Smashbook for. 

    dlp-final-page-2016ld17-cover-pageld17-week-1

  • As 2016 ends

    As 2016 draws to a close, it’s time to think back on the year that was. As is often the case for Tony and I, it’s been a mixed bag. He had surgery at the beginning of the year, and is likely to have surgery early in 2017, and I had surgery in September then got very sick. He and Ailsa nursed me, which I am grateful for. It took ages for the fence to be repaired after a drunk driver crashed into it, and the roof leaked again!

    On the plus side though, we have our own home, I have a job I love, we have a few wonderful friends and two pets we love dearly. I’m grateful we live in New Zealand where we can feel safe, despite being worried about what is happening in the world. I’ve lost over 35kg so far and am finally starting to feel well again. More importantly, after 24 years together, we remain as much in love as ever and are each other’s biggest supporters.

    Here’s to 2017; I’m looking forward to a year of loving work, loving Tony and loving our life.

    new years eve 2017

  • Making cards

    I wanted a couple of basic cards to send off this week. The ‘awesome’card uses the ‘you = kind’ stamp and die set from WPLUS9, Copic markers and clear Wink of Stella for a little shimmer. The cat card uses Dyan Reaveley stamps, Tim Holtz distress inks, StencilGirl stencils and Gloss Accents from Ranger for some gloss on the cat’s eyes.

  • ColourMePositive ends

    Here we are at week 52; it’s been fun journalling a quote each week, and seeing everyone else’s work on the facebook page. For this one I used Dylusions paints, StencilGirl and Tim Holtz stencils.

    week-53-opportunities

  • One little word – prepared

    Every year I choose a word that is my keystone. In previous years I have had – mapping, balance, determined, calm and, in 2016, intention. Each has served its purpose, constantly bringing me back to what I want for myself for the year, both at work and at home.

    This year I mentioned ‘one little word’ on Twitter and people suggested hope, courage, and strength. They’re all good words, but the one I keep coming back to is “prepared”. It just feels right. So, in 2017, I will be PREPARED

    • to spend quality time with Tony
    • to devote time to my art
    • to ensure I eat properly
    • to use the tool of my weight loss surgery wisely
    • to make my lunches even when I don’t feel like it
    • to drink enough each day despite the nausea
    • to use the exercycle despite the pain
    • to put enough time into my own professional development
    • to say no to things that I don’t want in my life

    So often what we want is just out of reach, and what’s required is more effort or a deliberate action. In 2017 I believe being prepared will help me achieve more of my goals.I think it’s a good word for my professional life as well, and will write about that at on my KiwiLibrarian blog.

    one-little-word