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The famous chef, Emeril Lagasse used to always say "kick it up a notch"! And why not? This gets a little deep sharing my beliefs about creativity, so I may not leave this post up very long.
I wrapped birthday gifts for 2 of my Grandkids (the Twins) on Friday, quite a task in itself (I'm pretty much immobile right now w/chronic pain, limited walker & wheel chair). I signed the musical cards with LED lights I had ordered online, took pause to reflect on why I wasn't making my own cards, then drew a few animals/nature stuff on the outside of each envelope (they loved it).
I miss making a big mess when I'm creating things - on a big table and I need the freedom to jump up & go find whatever new tool or material I might decide on in the spur of the moment! Drives me a little crazy I can't do it right now (trying not to be more of a burden), but that doesn't stop me from creating in my head and since cid brought up the subject of making cards with me, I'm re-evaluating what I am able to do in the mean time (thanks, cid)!
cid mentioned she has a die cut machine (which I think can be a great help), but since I'm pretty wicked w/ an X-Acto knife & #16 blades, the machines may be limiting for me. I have a friend who creates cards completely on her PC, but I thrive on the use of my hands.
Here's the deep part - "my" general philosophy on creativity (for everything I make or even playing the Fiddle) has to do with "Craft" vs "Art". I believe "Craft" can always be taken to the next level of "Art" - this includes MUSIC!
"Craft" - inherent knowledge of materials/tools & the skills to wield/manipulate them. I like to "cross-over" knowledge/skills from 1 craft to another whenever possible. Always keep in mind safety/durability. I've learned the biggest secret of a "Pro" is to "finish" your project well. For cards, usually hide any inner workings with another piece of paper. Want your work to last generations? Use good materials (acid-free in this case) and keep from direct sunlight (unless meant for outdoors). For my 5-string "Mortimer", it means continually perfect my intonation, vibrato and double stops!
"Art" is a form of communication that begins with an "Inspiration", an idea. It's easy to be inspired by observing what & who you love or hate - what's unique is HOW you choose to present your idea. With "Craft(s)" under your belt, ask this simple question - "What are ALL my options to kick this up a notch?". Make a list, then experiment with some combinations of your options. If you're lucky & encounter "Happy Accidents" in the process - embrace them!
I believe "Art" can be utilitarian, even food. Use the knowledge of how your Violin produces sound, along with the bow & skills you've learned - maybe get crazy with unusual strings or EV adjustments to interpret and create music! ...or turn your next "VSO" into a work of "Art"!
Now for cid - here's just a few suggestions to help spark creativity & fun in making your cards.
Plain card stock? Try cutting out a design in linoleum to hand print. Maybe cover all or part of the card surface w/ornate washi paper - or a few large brush strokes of watercolor & while wet, sprinkled with coarse salt (remove after dry) - back cut out openings w/colored tissue paper (or colored plastic film) for a "stained glass" effect or sew on fine silk. Try "Scented" ink or set card in a bag w/a sachet! Maybe crimp the edge of your die cut shapes, or glue on dried herbs. Wet paper & emboss or press into a soap or candy mold to dry before adhering to card - use a spring for motion, or fastener so it can "spin" - even a silhouette (w/window cut out) can be fastened to the surface so it turns to reveal a surprise photo. How about a simple "pop-up" version, "accordion" style or have flaps that open to reveal a msg. A different shape of card and envelope, maybe 3-D like a pyramid! Okay, you may have to mail some of these in a box. Whew! Then... there's even micro motors, recordable modules for music and msg's & LED lights you can add!
Grandkids/family/friends always treasure everything you create for them (including MUSIC!) because it comes from your heart, so I hope everyone "kicks something up a notch", today!
Care to share any thoughts on "Creativity"?
- Emily
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Interesting stuff, Emily. I am guilty of sending b-day eMails so, indeed, I will take your suggestion to "kick it up a notch" to heart.
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First, please excuse the many more than normal typos. I am having trouble seeing at the moment. I will try to catch all the red lines under typos.
Thanks, Emily. You forgot one! I am also recycling old cards and running them through my cutter. My sister and I exchange cards every year (Inalso make her an ornament). She apparently liked this one, I got it three years ina row. She did not believe me when I told her. Then I showed her all three, 2017, 2018 and 2019. LOL
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Amyway. I used one of the cards. I love this cutting, I figured I might as well cut the “to my SISTER”, too. I still have area on the tree on the rest of the original card that I can make cuttings from.
I don’t have my watercolors out right now, no place to do it. But, yes, I have all kinds of things I can use, I don’t do any scented stuff, I can’t stand it, and I would not want my grandkids exposed to the chemicals. Walmart gave us someone else’s groceries the first time we did pick up a few weeks ago. We got all our stuff and a bunch of someone else’s. We were told to keep it, I told them I was going to anyway because we were not driving back. I just wanted to make sure we were not charged and make sure they made it right for the other person. Anyway, whoever that stuff was for, used scented bounce sheets and scented Tide, I do not, Those scented things cannot be in the house. Out to the trash they went. Stunk up the garage until we went to the dump. So, no scented stuff is used.
I make my own envelopes for them. It is quite easy, I found a really nice video for it. I am low on embellishments right now because I gave a lot of it to my 7 year old great-niece last Summer.
I actually put a sheetbof diuble sided adhesive on the back of some left over quilt material and it adhered nicely to it. Then I thought, “What would happen if I ran it through my cutter without a die, just to set it. Worked beautifully, The card looked like it had wallpaper. Anyway, I can use up some of my left over quilting material. My machine will cut material, but not intersted in doing that.
I have a friend from schol who does this and she has rhe same manual machjne I have. I have another friend with a Brother Scan n Cut. She has ro be connected to the computer and the wall socket. I am not interested in having to do that. I would like to just take it outside if I want to.
X-acto knife? You din’t want me around ine of those. Ask me about the cuttinf wheel and the 12 stitches some time, and I did not even use it yet when that hapoened!
Here is the card I made my niece, the aunt of the great-niece I gave the craft items to. This is the niece I gave a cello, banjo and guitar to ladt Summer. I made her this card last week, and put a notw inside for her:
The turtle represents a slow climb out of the pandemic but “Smile” we will get there. I actually did not have to cut any of those shapes on the card. I don’y even have those dies. My school time friend sent me a bunch of different cuttings, She was teaching it part-time until the pandemic. I nade the envelope. It looks like an odd dimension envelope in the photo. I like that card paper. It was the only sheet I had. It came with the sample pack with my Big Shot Plus. I have a little left for cuttings. It was 12x12 until I cut it for the card.
I have to put the cards on hold now. I just talked to one of mh daughters, she needs more facemasks. She goes through a few a day at work. I am gling to make some more for her husband, too. I now have a better colored material for him. He does like the marina themed material with the reddish background and little anchors, but, I didn’t have much else to pick from when I made his first seven masks.
Man, I cannot see very good at all. Sure glad I could for the viola lesson earlier today. It was postponed from Friday. LOL I think I addresses everything, so I will end the book.
Edited on 10/27/2020 to delete the photos
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By the way, photos will be removed in a few days.
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bocaholly - you can kick anything up a notch!
cid - I really like your suggestion of recycling old cards - I have quite a few saved just for that purpose, only I'm thinking of letting the Grandkids cut them up to make their own cards this year. 
about your Sister!
Too bad there aren't any "I kicked it up a notch" badges for playing the fiddle!
- Emily
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One year my aunt did not sign the christmas card she sent me. I saved if and sent it back to her the next year. She said that she liked it. I told her that she should, she sent it to me the year before and never signed it. I used an envelope from the box of cards I was using that year. So, I recycled that card. wow, that was so many years ago.
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cid - thanks for my "Laugh a Day"!
Forgot to ask (ref to scent) does that mean you don't like to "smell the roses"? (lol)
Also, wanted to mention I like your creative use of fabric. I've used the "printer ready" sheets of silk and cotton - printed sheet music on fabric is wonderful in projects (or copyright free, string related humor).
Off subject, I spent time learning the traditional techniques Japanese use to make their magnificent dyed and woven fabrics. I've also been able to procure a huge collection of these silks and cottons - most are works of Art in themselves & others only after pieces are aligned in clothing. It's been hard deciding how to best utilize/showcase these masterpieces. I'm a bit biased - think all traditional Japanese craft is "Art" and so glad information on how to learn them is more readily available, nowadays.
I need to learn more about traditional Japanese music...
- Emily
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A little glimpse of creativity.
"Vili: Concerto for the Violin Alone, Op. 109"
Talk about "Kicking it up a Notch"!
- Emily
Winston (7/2002 - 10/26/2020)
"A Purrfectly Mannered Gentleman"
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very sad Emily @ELCBK I know youll miss him.. sorry for your loss.
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Thanks @ABitRusty -
A little over 18 years... remarkable when you think that's about the length of time we spend living with our parents or have our children live with us.
"Winny" wasn't vocal like our other 2, he was a "toucher" and master of the "Big-eyed Stare", i.e. Puss N' Boots. I'm sure you've seen funny cat YouTube videos or GIFs of the like (lol).
He was an entertaining companion, a living anti-depressant, never ruined a single thing in the the house, had the kind of amazingly plush fur most women only dream they can afford in a coat and loved every minute of torture by the Grandkids.
Been preparing myself since we've given him a fair bit of supportive care this last year - think he enjoyed his life with us.
A visit from new #7 Grandbaby "Ender" today helped to change the mood.
- Emily
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Sorry about you losing Winston, I know how you feel, we lost Mittin's awhile back after 18 years, she was just part of the family.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
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Emily,
I’m so sorry about Winston. I lost my Maya a few years ago when she was 21 years old. I think of them as fur angels that we get to take care of for a little while.
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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@Mark, @SharonC -
Thank you both very much!
I'm very glad to hear you both had so many years with your feline companions. I didn't even know that was possible, until Winston.
I hope I'm as lucky with the 2 (younger) rascals we still have.
- Emily
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