There are some bits of this Messy May page that I like, but the main lesson has to be "don't try to make positive art about things that you're not currently feeling positive about".
Author: Crafty Rat
Crafting, watching, reading, thinking, writing, refining, caring.
Messy May “habit”
This Messy May prompt was an easy one to follow. I already have the habit of rescuing (too many) things that could be useful from the rubbish. And, on this page, I made a point of using some of them for mark-making.
Awaken #1 circles
I went back to a piece of alcohol ink experimentation and rather than let it linger in a pile somewhere, I turned it into four mini works with the addition of some doodling. This is the first of those.
Messy May “imperfection”
"Embrace imperfection" they said, so I got out my little gelli plate, paints, some leaves, and a piece of grip mat and made an imperfect but interesting page for this Messy May prompt.
Tom Servo
I really need to get out of the habit of coming up with ideas for cards only a few days before they're needed. Luckily I worked out how to create the cut file design, assembled the finished Tom Servo card, and beat the deadline this time.
Messy May “connection”
Another Messy May prompt and, while the finished page isn't one of my favourites, it did give me an excuse to both shop for art supplies and trawl through old photos, which was nice.
More than luck
I stretched the timescales in finally getting around to completing this free Copic class, a mere six years after signing up for it. It's always interesting to try a different approach to an established skill.
Messy May “spark”
A little bit of paint and a handful of bits and pieces from the leftovers box that caught my eye as I was rifling through it were all I needed to complete the "spark" prompt for Messy May.
Butterfly rose
Time to make birthday cards for the twins again. I made it easier on myself by using a frame die set, and then harder again by getting the microfine glitter out.
Messy May “mess”
I don't do journalling and I don't usually use words in my art, so creating found poetry from my own writing wasn't easy. The collage and ink splats make me happy though.
Folded circle pocket
It is unbelievably hot in here, so hot I had to distract myself with a tiny bit of papercraft. Another quick play making these cute pockets inspired by a Pinterest email.
Art Journal Joy
I enjoy doing art classes; it's always interesting to see what you can learn from other people's processes. This time it's using collage and mark-making to spark ideas.
Flowers Magic 2022
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned making eco-dyed papers and fabrics in Francisca Nunes free Flowers Magic class last year. Well, the class has been revamped and will be running again in a few days if anyone is curious.
W(aicste)TF?
A spur of the moment Cricut project prompted by a friend's casual comment. Not my usual sort of thing at all, but it's nice to know I can make vinyl signs easily — once I've managed to choose the fonts!
Messy May “cultivation”
Just like working in series, only smaller. This Messy May miniature composition exercise is a fun way to do some quick experimentation.
Crafty Rat 