It's week 5 of Amisha's Being Creative linky party already!  Already at the halfway mark.  Huh.  My how time flies. :)
This week Amisha wants to know: What counts as creative time?  Hmmm.  That's a tough one.  I think I count the actual time actively making the creation obviously, but I'm torn about how I should really count "research" and "acquiring".  I mean last Sunday I spent 4 hours making this leather wrap bracelet.  Having signed up for this class with friends ages ago, not knowing that I would have 2 creative deadlines looming and a week long jury obligation.  Ah well, it was good I had this class lined up.  It helped to reboot my creative mojo.
So obviously classes and "in studio" work count, but then I have guilt about this next "thing" I count as creative time.  IS it creative time or creative time sink?  Yes, it is that temptress blog-surfing.  Does it count when I get so much inspiration???  Does it still count when you factor the HOURS AND HOURS I spend hopping from one blog to the next, not actually making anything myself??? 

Well the jury is still out on this one, but stay tuned for more updates. :)  Hey speaking of updates- We're doing pretty well with the no TV thing.  Occasionally we forget to turn the TV off, but I will say usually it's because we're being productive instead of sitting on the sofa and that's why we've forgotten.  As soon as either of us remembers we do shut off the "boob tube".  Should it be called the "high def dipstick" these days?  Hmmm.  Talk amongst yourselves. :)

I'd love if you talked to me about your creative time!  I promise to spend more time catching up with everyone this week!!!!  (I'd say it's a quiet week ahead, but why jinx myself.)

Well folks, I've finally been bitten by the cold bug.  And here I was just the other day thinking how great it was that I hadn't gotten sick yet in spite of the vicious bugs going around my school!  I'm currently surrounded by various forms of tissues, teas, and over-the-counter cold remedies, so I thought I might share some shots of my first attempt at a birds nest necklace. :)
My buddy Fitz is modeling this attempt at some neck beauty.  Pretty, but less tasty than the other birds nests I have made. LOL!
My technique needs a little tweaking for sure, but really these are so much fun to make.  I see some Christmas gifts in the making!!!

Any advice for making a cold go away faster?!?!?!?!  Take pity on my poor husband and help him out. He's a easy patient, but I'm such a baby when I am sick. :(

As promised, more goodies from Crafting Hands!  Fran, one of our uber talented crafters, created these fantastic beaded bracelets. I'm hoping to get her to show me how these are made at the next Crafting Hands workshop.
I really enjoy how happy these bracelets look.  Don't you just love when a craft can make you smile?!?  This one in particular seemed very March/spring/St. Paddyish so I ran to my supplies to see what I could create! 

I thought the blues and greens of the background papers were an excellent play on the bracelet.  The overall effect is a little more subdued, maybe the rain outside had some influence on the final product too. :)  The base of the card is Memory Box that I stamped with Delightful Daisy in Olive Green StazOn ink.  I layered on with Amy Butler Faded China paper and then used a rub-on I had in my scraps.  I think it's also from Amy Butler, but let me know if that's wrong. :)
I guess then the bling could be subliminal raindrops (hee-hee). Well, we wouldn't get May flowers without April, a-hem March, showers.

Here are the challenges in which I've entered this card.  Check out the links from other entrants!
Raise the Bar- Go Green 
The Treehouse- Clean and Simple
Stamp with Fun- Spring
Hope Stamps Eternal- Green
Etsy Inspired- Inspired by