Blogging is Hard!

Blogging is hard! 

Not because I don’t want to share with all of you.  But because there are different schools of advice on how a blog should be written.

One side says it should tell a story or share insightful, life changing hope.  The other says it should be informative, more How To.

And if you are like me, you get bogged down in the conflicting pull and so stare at your screen while the minutes slog by and no words magically appear.  (Where’s my box of Lucky Charms?) I just want to share my heart and love of art with all of you!

So today, I decided, Why not do both?

This week has been a struggle for me. You know the kind.  The one where every decision feels heavy and creativity feels far away.  So how do you cope and what do you do to lift yourself out of them?

Maybe some of these tricks will help you, too.

A warm cup in my hands. For me that’s coffee, but warm tea or cocoa or whatever is the most soothing drink for you.  Just feeling the warmth brings a sense of well being to my soul.

Stepping outside and standing in the sun, even if just for 10 minutes, can help. Just lift your face towards the light and let the warmth wash through you.

Having someone you can reach out to for encouragement, is crucial to mindset. Be sure that friend is supportive and brings you positive thoughts!  If you need one, I am here and there are amazing communities available where you can find people who love you!

Read Psalms 91 in first person!  Doing this brings these promises from God into a more personal love letter to you!

If you have any other tips, I’d love for you to share them!

Now that our spirits are lifted, let’s get to the How To part of this!

Any of you fellow furniture artists love finding antique dressers, but despair of the veneer shredding on the sides? It gets tedious gluing each strip down, not to mention the filling and sanding!

Here’s a quick tip on how to avoid that work and still end up with a beautiful polished piece!

Take some paint sticks, or if you’re handy with power tools you can cut some thin strips. Paint sticks are usually perfect for this but be sure to check your measurements. Use some wood glue and press and clamp the strips into place.

Simple, quick and no messy struggle with shredded veneer.  It also has the bonus of strengthening the sides of these old treasures and keeps the aesthetic of the craftsmanship that makes these vintage pieces so special! 

Hope your week is filled with Joy, Laughter, and Hope!   And lots of Creativity!

Renee