#Project365 Campaign

Hello everyone! Since June introduced me yesterday, I figured I would describe the pictures we will be posting here as part of our #Project365 campaign. Some of the pictures will be nature pictures so as to encourage you to get out in nature and enjoy as much of our beautiful biosphere as you can. Some of the pictures will be projects we have either produced in the past or current projects. Either way, you can look forward to something new regularly now!

My first three pictures (including yesterday's picture) of this year focus on trees. Trees are something very special to me, as I often use wood from trees as part of our art projects and other projects. I also appreciate their shade in the summertime and the oxygen they produce. Their beauty and magnificence might not mean much to someone until he or she visits the Great Plains or desert areas or high mountainous regions above the treeline where there AREN'T many or any trees. Furthermore, I understand how much more important trees are to me now that trees are being devastated worldwide due to a variety of issues including climate change, pollution loading, agriculture, and other human activity.

These two pine trees appear to be touched by the maple branches in this picture:

 Believe it or not, this picture of these maple leaves was taken in JANUARY here in Fort Wayne, Indiana:

This is a "Home is Where The Heart Is" decoration in progress.

Until next time.....

Behind the Scenes...Erik Michaels

It's been far too long since the last Treasured Traditions share. 2017 will be a great year. So many show and market opportunities. We'll keep you updated better.

So...a huge shout out to Erik Michaels for being an important part of Treasured Traditions. He's the go-to guy for cutting wood, lots of gluing ideas as well as his extreme love and talents for wood working and photography. We'll share more about his talents in the next several weeks.

Erik Michaels - Nature Photography

To Part or Not To Part?

Art is truly subjective as is collecting baubles and unique items for future designs. Sometimes it’s a struggle as what to do with distinctive items when I sit down to get creative or decide to thin out my personal collection of goodies. The hoarder gene says “keep this kitschy gem for a future project”. The realist says  “how many of these shiny objects must you keep in a small space?”

Take the singular art nouveau cufflink that lost its mate some time ago. It’s design is quite fetching. It would be a shame to part with the nostalgia and glamour exuded from this type of cufflink. But what to do? Keep it for a rainy day project? Sell it? Use it in a mixed media design or some jewelry creation? Well today, this classic men’s fashion ensemble will patiently wait for a future inspired project for another day!!

Patience is a Virtue

They say "good things come to those who wait". We all have to be "patient" even when we want things "right now". My nineteen month old niece (Linnette) reminds me constantly that she needs "Elmo" NOW (all the time).

Growing patience is like growing beautiful flowers in that you must water, nurture, care for, and really work diligently on bringing tiny seeds to lovely, full blooms. Some of my favorite mixed media components include Scrabble times, dictionary pages, and other bits and pieces of our lives (which encompasses a lot of stuff). My "Patience" design reminds me that it takes a lot of many wonderful parts to create artsie beauties.

"Patience" is a gentle reminder for a friend that you must be willing to look at many aspects to grow your patience. It's truly a virtue. You can look at patience too as most wonderful results are worth the wait and time involved.

Oh, we have plenty of time to show Linnette that "Elmo" and other great things (in life) are there; we just need patience on the journey.

Cherished Birthday Gift from a Friend

I celebrated my birthday last Friday with family and friends. It feels great to have so much love gathered in one spot. It's always cool to receive birthday gifts too.

I loved all my gifts and was especially touched by the gift from my friend Dawn and her husband Brian. Dawn is the artist and owner of Donnibelle Studios here in Fort Wayne. Her mind is always working on ways to take past loved treasures and give them new life. I guess that's one of our shared loves. Dawn is also an encouragement to my creativity with Treasured Traditions.

I am the proud owner of a Donnibelle original heart locket encrusted with my birthstone (amethyst) and other findings. I can't wait to find two appropriate special photos to adorn the inside of this wonderful locket. Thank you so much for an awesome, unique birthday gift!

Take a look at Donnibelle Studios sight to see a wide variety of her great creations.

 

Almost Happy Valentine's Day!

Most people have a favorite holiday. Mine is Valentine's Day for a couple of reasons...I "love" LOVE. I think we need more love in the world or at least showing more love (kindness, care, and respect) for others. And February is my birthday month so having a holiday in the same month just seems cool to me.

With Treasured Traditions, I get to BE creative for me and others. I enjoy being able to take "old" and make it new. So in this spirit, I crafted some super cute "pockets" from authentic, genuine sheet music. Keep in mind that the sheet music was very "loved" and shows all the age and use (rips, tears, handwriting, and even "lipstick" on one page). One of my personal "rules" is to not cut, alter, or otherwise "use" pristine paper (sheet music, books, maps, etc.). It's okay though when the paper is seriously "loved".

I have a stack of old atlases, dictionaries, and cookbooks just waiting for me to give it a second life. Can't wait to bring together old ephemera and give it a special twist. All ideas are welcome as inspiration! Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Happy January!

It's extremely cold throughout the Midwest and beyond. The idea of going outside day or night just gives you the shivers (all over).

Just wanted to share with you about the Treasured Traditions birthday month celebration. Middle of each month, we'll draw one persons name from those followers who have shared that information with us (privately). The monthly birthday winner will get a special little gem from Treasured Traditions. If you didn't circle your birthday month at one of the holiday events last month, feel free to private message us via email or on Facebook.

To keep the warm weather cheer in the air, here's a pic of one of our favorite "Life's Better on the Beach" ornaments.

Let's Talk about Treasured Traditions

 

Welcome to Treasured Traditions of Fort Wayne

 

Whether you need assistance with creating your "DIY" themed wedding or want to keep those cherished alive, Treasured Traditions gives you unique options and choices. Check back often for pictures and helpful information.

 

 

 

 

Need help right now or just want to chat about cool stuff? Dial us up at 260-402-1533 or email at june.hoffman@gmail.com