Thinking Pink Kumihimo Bracelets

Lately, I've been trying to keep busy making Kumihimo (Japanese braided bracelets).  It's just complex enough to be both challenging and relaxing and the end results are attractive.

Shades of pink seem to have captivated me and I made several pretty bracelets that are mostly rosy-hued or pinks mixed with other colors.

Here are a few of them:

What do y'all think?  Should I keep thinking pink?

Kitty!

ATCs: Working Small

Digitally created ATC

Although Artist Trading Cards or ATCs have been around since the late 90s, I only learned about them in about 2008.  Immediately I found myself drawn to creating them.  Their compact size (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches) made it easy to finish a single card in one sitting (before my attention was drawn elsewhere).   ATCs can be done in anywhere from a few minutes to few hours, which satisfies the  "instant gratification" need that most of us possess in the modern world.

The smaller format also meant that since there wasn't a huge investment of time or effort expended in making one, if  a finished ATC didn't "work", it didn't hurt so much to put it aside and start over.

Most of my ATCs are created in "Mixed Media" with a combination of hand-done elements and various items like scrapbook embellishments, ribbons, buttons etc. etc. Creating "digital" ATC's on the computer is also fun and opens up more avenues for creativity.

It can be especially enjoyable to pair art or illustrations with  favorite quotes and motivational sayings.  

Since ATCs by nature are meant to be shared/traded with others, many of mine wind up traveling to new homes. I've also been lucky to get a range of gorgeous ATCs from friends and swap partners.

There are numerous groups online that offer opportunities to learn various techniques and serve as places to meet others who enjoy creating them.  Many of these groups also host "swaps" where you make one or more ATCs and trade them with other artists around the world!

Try your hand at this enduring trend. It's quick, easy and fun. 




Smiles and Purrs!
Kitty!