Archive | Class RSS feed for this section

 Hi There!  Won’t you take a minute and like Button Bird Designs on face book?  Right over there to the right?!  Why thank you!  Also if you’re interested sign up to receive these posts by email!  xoxoxoxo Angela

Creative Inspiration is everywhere.  But we have to take time to slow down to see it.  When I finally opened my heart to God and started living in the present, I began to be inspired by things all around me.  Not just fancy art galleries but even the grocery store became a source of inspiration.

However, there are times in my life where I find myself a little burned out or running on empty.  I get overwhelmed very easily, and start to panic when I have too much on my plate.  I try very hard to keep my life as simple as possible.  When I do find myself tired and in need of a little recharge in the creative department, there are several ways that give me that creative boost that I need and crave.    Thrifting with a friend, taking a trip to the dump, going through my neighbor’s trash, attending a craft group, heading to the bookstore to devour craft books and magazines, checking out pinterest, visiting art galleries, are just a few of the ways I find creative inspiration.  One of my favorite ways to get the creative juices flowing is by taking a class.   I have tried lots of different art classes, sewing classes, and even went to upholstery school.

The sewing class I took almost 7 years ago started as something fun to do with a group of friends.  We signed up though the local community college for the 8 week class.  I really just signed up to get to know the other girls better and as a way to get out of the house.  I had NOOOOOOO idea that I was about to stumble upon something I loved so much.  Sewing is my passion. I am completely and totally at peace and happiest when I am seated at my sewing machine.   Sewing brings me so much joy, and I often think about what if I hadn’t taken that class.  I can’t even imagine.

These owl pillows are my favorite things to sew.

 I mentioned that I  went to upholstery school.  Trying something out of your comfort zone is a great way to jump start your brain and can lead to other ideas.  Don’t I look like I am having fun!?  Don’t be fooled.

That’s my chair on the left.  You notice my friend Stephanie to the right seemed to get the hang of upholstery a little faster than I did!  I really thought I would love upholstery.  I love fabric and love finding old pieces of furniture that just need a little love.  Unfortunately I did not enjoy this at all!!!  But that’s ok.  Trying something new or taking a class opens up a whole new world and unleashing tons of new ideas.

When I realized I would never take the time to reupholster this chair, the upholstery class experience lead to another idea!!!  I would paint it!  I never would have thought of painting that chair if I hadn’t failed upholstery school!!!!

It is now one of my favorite pieces of furniture in my home.  I painted this chair several months ago and it is holding up perfect!  Even though I am not running an upholstery business, taking that class has helped me in so many ways.  It opened my eyes to other ways of doing something.  It has inspired me to tackle projects that I never thought I would attempt.  I did something so out of my comfort zone that now I am willing to try anything (nothing illegal or bungee jumping, that’s just wrong).  Trying something outside of your comfort zone is a great way to jump start your brain and can lead to other ideas.  It doesn’t just have to be an art class to unlock your creative inspiration! Try a class in cooking, sailing, photography,  gardening, yoga, or even drumming.

A few months ago my friend gave my Lilly a guitar that her daughter was no longer using.  Lilly expressed an interest in taking guitar lessons.  I thought about it, took my own advice and signed us both up!  I have alwayssssssssss wanted to play a musical instrument.  I played the drums in middle school and took drum lessons in high school.  I would loveeeeee to take up drumming again but I just don’t know how my husband would react if he came home to a drum set in the dining room.  Those tend to take up a lot of space and can be very loud.  But guitar lessons sounded awesome and something that Lilly and I could do together!!!

We have been taking lessons together each week for over a month now and I love it!  I love sitting in my sewing room, practicing cords, and channeling my inner Sheryl Crow.  I have found that playing the guitar helps me relax and calm down when I am a little stressed or overwhelmed.  Several times when I am running around like a maniac, I have stopped, sat down and practiced.  Practicing the guitar helps me feel more peaceful and quiet, which for me always leads to creativity.  Who knew!!!

Classes can be expensive.  If you are on a budget try trading out with a friend.  Find a friend that cooks really well and ask her to teach you how to make a couple of dishes.  You can teach her how to take a great photograph.   I taught my friend how to sew and she has helped me with the computer.  About a year and a half ago, I painted The Nester’s table and she helped me set up this blog!

 I have a hard time in the kitchen. My dear friend Tracy came over last week and we made 8 meals, and two apple pies to freeze for future dinners!!!  I learned so much just from watching and listening to her!  I saw kitchen gadgets that I didn’t even know existed!  Amazing spending a little time with her in the kitchen taught me so much!  Ahhh Tracy I owe you one!!!

Is there a class you have been putting off taking!?!?  What’s stopping you!?!?