Welcome back! Craft Retreat is in session. In the last post, I shared a little about the peace pole. In this post, I’m going to tell you about the other organized craft I tried – “painting” tiles with alcohol ink. It’s the kind of craft you won’t enjoy if you are the type of person who feels the need to control every aspect of the creative process.
We started with a clean, white tile and gently dropped the ink on to it one drop at a time. After each drop, you can watch the ink spread and branch out in ways you didn’t intend or expect. It’s a creative exercise in not controlling your art. Each drop has a mind of its own – you can see how they vary.
You can drop the ink onto the tile using a paint brush to create smaller spots. You can also dilute or alter the look of your design by dipping a paint brush in rubbing alcohol and lightly “painting” or dabbing it on the tile. Once you are finished and your ink is dry, you will need to spray the tile with a sealant.
I’m not sure yet what I will do with this colorful little square of art, but looking at its vibrant colors makes me happy. Side note: We were told NOT to use the finished tiles as hot plates or trivets. Also, we were warned not to do this craft near an open flame.
If you search “alcohol ink” on Pinterest you will find tons of ideas and tips – glass Christmas ornaments, ceramic mugs from the thrift shop, switch plate covers... The possibilities aren’t quite endless but they are pretty close. I’m hoping to share this new-to-me craft with my craft group soon, so stay tuned, I might have more examples of how to use this medium in the future.
Later in the afternoon I took a walk in the woods by myself. The November air was crisp and the leaves crunched under my feet. I noticed the subtle kaleidoscope of the colors of the leaves underfoot and the few remaining on the trees – the autumnal browns, burnt oranges, golden yellows, and deep reds.
I paused a few times just to take it all in and to enjoy this moment here among the trees, my cheeks starting to warm from the walk and breathing in the aroma of autumn woods. At a certain point when the shadows started to grow longer on the trail, I decided to turn back. Dinner would be in an hour or two and I might want to sneak in a short nap. I mean, what is craft retreat without making stuff with your own two hands, spending some time among the trees, and taking a quick nap?
Creativity, nature, and catching up on lost sleep are just a few things for which I am thankful.
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year? What are you thankful for always?