It Only Takes a Spark...

 It only takes a spark...to get a fire going. That is the first line of a song we used to sing in Sunday School oh so many years ago but it could definitely relate to my life these days. I love crafting...but, I have been at it for so long that there really isn't much I haven't already done and I'm not big on doing the same things over unless there is a whole new spin on it. I am always looking so, when I signed off of my last blog, I kind of had the 4th of July on my mind. I headed to Pinterest thinking I would see the same old, same old but, I happened upon an Uncle Sam "doll" that kind of looks like the two quite expensive and collectible ones that I have...that I did NOT make but bought. I'm really not much into "dolls" but this guy didn't read quite that way for me and before I knew it, I was off to see what supplies I might already have.

This guy is available on Etsy but, if I just bought him, I wouldn't have a project in store. And so, me being me...I was off to see what supplies I have and I have absolutely EVERYTHING I need to do this project-including the wool roving for his hair and beard. I have had that stuff since my girls were in elementary school and I made Santa head ornaments as teacher gifts so we're talking about 45 years ago. Someone please tell my daughters that sometimes it pays to be a hoarder saver.  The funny thing is that I knew EXACTLY where that stuff was even if it hasn't been seen or moved in FOREVER! Lol

And then I happened upon this guy. He's just a bit different but I like parts of him better.

He was just a picture so I'm not sure where he could be available but I'm thinking that I am going to take my favorite parts of each and come up with my own Uncle Sam. This won't be a simple project so I will save it until I have a few days free but I am going to enjoy it so much. Every once in awhile it feels good to dust off all of my old sewing skills and see where I end up. I'm back off to see what else I can find but it makes me happy I will have even one new thing to add to the mix this year. Pinterest seldom lets me down. 

Stay safe and stay tuned.

So that is where I left the blog thinking I would publish it this morning. But then, this happened...

One of my daughters gave me cash for my birthday in the hopes that I would use it anywhere or in any way that I wanted. I had had my eye on this sign for a bit and decided that this is what I wanted. And it actually came so much sooner than I expected. And, when I propped it behind the rest of my growing red, white and blue collection, my spark burst into a full on flame. It's really a good thing that I leave early tomorrow morning or this house would look a lot different right now! Lol

And so, with my creative juices flowing-and knowing I can't come up with any new ideas that require printing right now...like my go-to shelf sitters or signs...I not only found more Uncle Sam images on Pinterest but also think I might try a Lady Liberty. I am SO looking forward to grabbing pieces of each of these cuties and seeing what I can come up with.

And, since the sewing machine will be all warmed up, maybe I'll go here as well?

And, if I can find the paper mache' boxes, maybe some of these as well.

And, I could even do this! I could prop him up on the round boxes instead of these wooden ones.

Although, as I look at this picture, I could probably come close to duplicating it with a lot of the old wooden boxes I already have.

If you can't tell, I'm very excited to get going on these things. I'm not wishing my trip away by any means because it will be so much fun celebrating Liv and being with family but, when I get home, I actually have some new ideas to look forward to.

The rest of the day will be spent getting the house ready for my departure and suitcases packed, so I might be MIA for awhile. But, if my grand daughter can teach an old dog some new tricks, I might be able to blog from my new laptop. Time will tell. Once again, stay safe and stay tuned.