Starlight
I will be
Chasing
Starlight
Until the end
Of my life.
~Starlight, by Muse
I’ve always considered myself an individual with a high-functioning-multiple-personality-disorder. There are a lot of us in here. A lot. How many? I keep losing count. But this is not my point, my point is each personality seems to need her/his/its own field of expression: writing, painting, drawing, chasing after dust motes that look like ghosts, etc. Keeps me busy and off the streets. I highly recommend giving in to your creative impulses. It will require some *wrangling capabilities on your part, but I do believe that the **rope burns are worth it.
This post is about my latest creative impulse: Pocket Charms. Below is a record (of sorts) of my project. Making these charms works best if you have some knowledge of symbols and their meanings.
First you need a disc. My preference is wood. For some unknown and wicked reason I chose wood discs that are a mere 1 1/2 inches in diameter. What was I thinking? Yeah. That is one of the drawbacks to following one’s impulses. Things often turn out to be more difficult than initially anticipated. In this case, the discs are very small which makes painting them a bit of a pain.
Here’s a few. Aren’t they cool? Each one has a different wood pattern. By the way, these discs are scrap. So, the tree that was harmed? Wasn’t harmed again to make these discs.
You will also need one of these.
Yes. You really do need the nail file (sandpaper, whatever). These wood discs come with flaws. Mind you, some flaws are cool and should be left alone. Which actually makes them quirks, rather than flaws.
Hmm…since I have these discs and a nail file and paper…
Hang on.
You’ll also need lots of these.
And then not-magically-but-kind-of-with-magic you get a bunch of these
Sometimes you mess up.
Messing up is part of the being-a-human deal. Try not to let it bother you. You’ll feel much better after a little…
The failures are worth it when you get one of these…
After painting, you will need to coat it with a sealant. Oh, and remember to not only read the directions, but follow them as well.
Turns out “Shake can vigorously for 2 minutes” is actually important. Not 1 minute or 1 and 3/4 of a minute. I don’t know how the contents knows whether or not you’ve shaken the can for the exact 2 minutes, but if you don’t you may get one of these
If you’re not interested in making your own charm for your pocket, purse, bedside table, night cap or egg custard cup you can always purchase one of mine here. Each Pocket Charm comes with a spell printed on 100% recycled paper, and a little 100% unbleached cotton bag.
*No personalities are harmed during the wrangling process. After they’ve been wrangled they can express their thing (whatever that “thing” may be) and then are set free to graze or run wild, whichever or whatever may suit their individual fancy. This is why we all get along and haven’t experienced a revolution in quite some time.
**The rope burns are caused by holding on to the reins too tightly. You can avoid this by giving up the reins entirely. I have not given up the reins, because I really do appreciate the illusion of order.
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I didn’t know painting could be so much fun, or involve so much swearing and rope burns! Obviously I’ve been doing it wrong for soooooooo many years!. I love the designs of the charms IK particularly the butterfly and the hearts one (and the f-up one looks really cool in an archaeological fashion). I hope the pocket charms brings you luck, happiness and sales!
Great writing as always IK and I LOVE the humour you put in your captions! Another great IK post!
Oh yes, much swearing is involved in the creative process, but generally only when I’ve messed up. On the other hand, rope burns happen all the time, whether painting or not. Haha! You never fail to give me a smile, if not laugh outright, Steve. Always a pleasure. 🙂
I love this idea. The pictures are cute too! XD
So glad you enjoyed! Hope you work on your own project and have a blast doing it. 🙂
You make it look so easy, but I can’t even draw a decent stick figure. I love your discs–even the one you messed up. You’re quite a talent, my friend.
That means a lot, Amberr. And I love that you even like my messed up disc! lol
Actually the messed up disc is my favorite one of all! It looks old and well loved and since its a charm, bound to have lots of magic in it. Great work!
That is so cool! I LOVE how you think, Twisted. 🙂
These little charms are perfect. I actually like the fucked up one best, it’s got a bit of a Picasso feel to it, it’s really cool Sis. Irishman has a selection of charms that he carries around with him in various pockets and suitcases and briefcases but they can’t beat yours because you have added a touch of loving magic to them by making them yourself and the little pouch and the spell that goes with them makes them a perfect gift. Clever, talented, brilliant Sister xoxo
I can’t let go of that one. There’s something about it.
Sooooo very glad you like them, Sis! And I love that your Irishman carries charms around with him. I think a lot of people are attracted to bits and bobs: a sea shall, a clover, a pretty stone, or some other lucky charm. It makes us feel good, which is always nice. xoxo
those are awesome! you are so talented! And of course, as always you made me laugh! Very cool!!
Thanks, Devin! So very glad that you like the charms and that I could give you a laugh. xoxo
great stuff IK! I like how its not simply paint on canvas very creative! makes me want to get into arts and crafts (i think the last i did something of the sort was way back in some summer camp! lol)
It never hurts to have an additional creative outlet. You’re already a published author, why not add painter to the list, too? Thanks for stopping by, Jeremy!! 🙂
You just helped me decide what the hellz we’re doing for Christmas gifts this year! Thanks, IK! I am bookmarking this for reference as the holiday season approaches. Cannot wait to get my baby girl involved so we can make these for all our extended family members!!! xoxo
Excellent! Have a blast making them, Andi-Roo!