Moving On Up

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Click here to read about
my latest project.

For quite some time now, I've been thinking about moving to a different blog domain that would allow me more flexibility in creating my posts. For all the advantages of Blogspot, it can be quite cumbersome at times. Furthermore, it doesn't allow me to build and link multiple pages like a regular website. So after much deliberation and even more procrastination, I have decided to make the leap to my own domain on Wordpress. From this point forward, I will be posting on Wordpress on my own site, gitana-thecreativediva.com. (I'm consistent if nothing else.)

The move to Wordpress brings with it a learning curve that I am currently working through slowly. Initially I thought I wouldn't be able to figure out how to build a site, create pages, assemble photo galleries, etc., but I'm doing it, albeit slowly. The panic that set in after I dove in is subsiding a bit and I have no doubt I will come on the other side of this just fine. For the present, it is a work in progress. I eventually plan to sell my work through the site but that's still down the road a ways. For now, baby steps.

Although the site is still incomplete, I have managed to put up a blog post where you can read more about the golden mask you see in the photo. You can find it here or you can click the hyperlink under the photo cation above. Please go check it out, leave me some love in the comments section and subscribe. And share it with your friends. Every little bit helps.

See you at my new address.

- Gitana, the Creative Diva

A Major Setback

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My semi-bionic knee.

As I had predicted in my last blog post, February was indeed a very busy month but not for the reasons I had thought. My assumption was that the various minor holidays that take place during February would keep me busy creating projects for the members of the Dorchester Senior Citizens Center crafting class. (See the photo below of the Mardi Gras masks we made at our last class.)  Unfortunately that was not the case. You see, while I was up on a ladder decorating the center for Mardi Gras, I fell off and broke my left knee. I was lucky to get away with only a broken knee. It could have been much, much worse. Anyway, the knee required surgical repair. The x-ray image you see here shows the plate and screws used to hold the pieces of my broken knee in place while it heals. I was released from the hospital after a week to continue my recuperation at home and I've been laying in bed most of my time keeping my leg elevated to help alleviate swelling. I can not place any weight whatsoever on my leg for at least two months, maybe longer depending on how well I heal.

My seniors show off their Mardi Gras masks.

On the bright side, I'm slowly getting better and I have a bit more mobility in my knee every day. Three weeks post-surgery follow up determined that I have up to 80% flexion in my knee. I'm getting around a little better each day but that's not to say I'm ready to run. I have to use crutches or a walker to move around. Going up and down stairs is still challenging but I manage. I still have problems standing in one place for any length of time because it places great stress on the one leg that is supporting me. It also places stress on my left hip which must hold the left leg off the floor so as not to place any weight on it. This fatigues me quickly and I feel like a limp noodle. One thing is for sure. When this is all over, I won't be climbing any ladders any time soon.

Anyway, there won't be any craft projects with my seniors for the foreseeable future, something that greatly distresses me but can not be avoided. Hopefully I'll be in a position to do some crafting on my own in the near future which I will share with you. Until then I hope you'll stick around for the next chapter in my crafty life. Many thanks.

- Gitana the Creative Diva

Starting The New Year Right.

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"Precious Metals"

Our crafty mavens at the Dorchester Senior Citizens Center have started 2018 with a couple of cards that highlight the gleaming sheen of metal.

"Precious Metals" features metallic card stock in gold, silver and copper colors. The silver cardstock, in particular, looks like vintage pressed tin when it is embossed.
The tiniest bit of black card stock peeks out from under the embossed pieces to offer a bit of contrast to the creamy white base card layer.

These crafters love their "LoveBirds" card.

Our second card takes a look ahead to one of the many minor holidays that occur during the month of February. This love themed card comes just ahead of Valentine's Day on February 14th but the color scheme makes it a perfect choice for a wedding or anniversary card. The silhouetted love birds on a branch and the sentiment "Always and Forever" undeniably make this card one for lovers. Like the previous card, this one also features silver card stock with just a touch of gold and some sparkling rhinestones for accent. Not shown is the inside card liner which also has subtle silver and gold accents.

I made an large poster-sized version of this card in traditional Valentine's Day colors to use as part of the senior center decorations. Here they are, side by side, so you can see the size difference.

Also on the calendar for February are Mardi Gras on February 13th and Chinese New Year on February 16, not to mention President's Day on February 19. It's going to be a busy month.

Life is a creative process.

- Gitana, the Creative Diva