Hey friends! I’ve been on a forced slow-down the past few days because I managed to get a concussion. Fun, right? I’ve been trying to rest up (as much as one can over a holiday, anyway) and limit my computer time and crafting time, because concentrating on both those things does not help my headache. But I’ve actually got quite a few fun things going on right now, so I thought today instead of a project, I’d be all self-indulgent and just share a little update about how things are going in the Surian household this spring.
First things first – did you know my first book is scheduled to hit shelves on August 1st? It is! I wrote a craft book called “DIY T-Shirt Crafts” with Adams Media, and it’s available for pre-order right now through Amazon. It’s a collection of 50 recycled t-shirt crafts that you can make in an hour or less – 49 of which I have never shared here on the blog, so they’re brand new projects even if you’re a regular reader. (You can reserve a copy right now if you’d like by clicking here – and I’ll be sharing again once the launch is closer!)
In other news, I’m gearing up for ArtPrize 2015, which is a huge art competition in Grand Rapids, MI. It takes place in September but artist registration begins in a couple of weeks. You may recall that I participated last year with my mosaic, Tree at Dawn. I’m in the final stages of a new mosaic now, and I’m struggling a little with what to call it. Here’s a little preview of the work-in-progress:
This photo is when I sealed all the completed tiles, and it’s currently on its third coat of glaze, curing for a final 24 hours. I still have to mount each tile on the final base, but it’s so close to finished. I initially thought I’d call it “Sunset Daisy” because I was moved to take the photo in the last light of the day – the red was just on fire in that light. But it just doesn’t seem to fit the image, not now that I’ve put the work into it. So it’s currently untitled but I’m sure inspiration will hit me any day now.
In other news, we had a wonderful Easter and have done some other fantastic spring activities like visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens’ annual butterfly exhibit.
My daughter REALLY got into it this year, and we went on a great day – we saw hundreds of butterflies this year. It’s one of our annual traditions. Ever since our visit, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been in our book rotation daily. :)
I do have a couple of projects to share later this week, but quite honestly, being forced to slow down with this concussion has been as much a blessing as a curse. It’s been so nice to spend more time unplugged and enjoying my family! I love designing new projects and writing and my art – I will be restless if I’m not feeling better soon. But for now, I’m making the most of the situation (and logging off now, before my eyes go buggy, haha).
What have you been up to so far this spring?
I’m sorry. Take your time, the world can wait.
Greetings from Finland, Helsinki
I’m so sorry that you have a concussion!!! Take it easy until you better :) Congratulations on the book coming out. Love your tile mosaic….beautiful! Hope you feel better!!
Hope you’re feeling better soon. It’s good to unplug occasionally.Although it would be more fun without a headache! I think you’ll find a name for your beautiful mosaic. Look a how you just described it- the red was just on fire in that light
Feel better
Hope you feel better soon!….I am looking forward to ART PRIZE, also. I am not entering this year, but love to go there and walk through the displays., enjoy the vast array and types of art on display.
Your piece looks awesome! and I would like to see it in person, please share your display location when it gets closer!
Adrianne, So very sorry about your concussion! I had a similar experience 2 weeks ago. Turned my ankle, lost my footing, and went flying into my church parking lot face first. No concussion, thankfully, and no broken bones! I did look like I had been in a major fight (which I think the rough-surfaced asphalt won!) Nicely skinned nose (but no broken glasses. How did that happen? Also, knocked my teeth through my upper lip and managed to bruise both lips and skin my chin. Came away from the ER with a full head CT scan and several x-rays to my right hand and wrist. Amazingly, no stitches, no lost teeth, and no broken bones. Only had glue and Steri-Strips added to my facial makeup for the day.
Yes, events like this make us stop and take some often needed moments to care for ourselves. I had been overloaded, and I know God knew that. So He was actually quite generous to give me some “downtime” and not allow my injuries to be so severe. I finally had some time to sit, to think, to rest, to create (even beaded!) as I recovered from my tumble.
I hope you heal quickly and that your downtime will be beneficial to your creative side. =)