Monday, March 21, 2016

A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal: Zentangle


Today I am participating in the AtoZ Challenge Theme Reveal Blogfest.  
Check out the link to see the other blogs that are participating.

Last year I created a piece of Zentangle Inspired Art each day using tangles from Tanglepattern.com that started with the letter of the day.  
I had so much fun that I am going to continue with the theme this year.  I will choose at least one tangle that I have never tried before each day.  I am really looking forward to the challenge!
Have you ever tried the A to Z Challenge?

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

WIP Wednesday: CYC Crochet Instructor Samples

I have been working on the Craft Yarn Council Crochet Instructor Program for some time now.  When I first downloaded the materials, I got really excited and started reading the two manuals and crocheting all the samples immediately.  Some samples were easy.
A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on
Others challenged me with color work and crochet cables.  I learned a lot and tried new things and techniques that I might normally avoid out of fear. 


Then I read the actual instructions for the samples that I am supposed to submit.  The instructions for each sample should be adjusted so the end result measures about 5 inches square.  None of my samples measured that size.  I had to start over.


A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on
Reading the instructions more closely also showed me that I had crocheted more samples than I actually needed.  Now I have almost finished all my samples.  I just ran out of yarn recently, but once I buy some more, I should be able to finish quickly.  I am really enjoying the experience and I am looking forward to completing the program and beginning some local crochet classes.

What are you working on this week?
I am linking up with Life and Yarn and Small Things this week. 

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Weekly Wrap-Up (March 6, 2016)

Blog Posts
February Monthly Check-in

A Peek in My Art Journal #13

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
Dafont.com - This website is full of fun and interesting fonts.  I've been using it as inspiration for some hand-lettering in my art journal.  I can't wait to explore this site more.

Most Popular Instagram Post
My most popular Instagram post this week was my completed Tangle a Day Calendar.  I can't wait to start my March calendar!
A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on

Link-ups I Participated in
Diva Challenge #253 and #256


How did your week go?

Thursday, March 3, 2016

A Peek in My Art Journal: Link-up #13

I started a series of drawing lessons on Youtube.  This is the result of lesson #1 of Start Drawing with Paul Priestly.
 My response to the Diva Challenge #256:  Duotangle with Boo Kee and Artoo.
 My response to Diva Challenge #253:  Molygon
 My second drawing lesson with Paul Priestly on Youtube

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Monthly Check-in (February)

Most Popular Blog Post
February Focus Projects - The sad thing is that I didn't finish any of these projects.

Most Popular Instagram Photo
One of my samples for the CYC Crochet Instructor Program
A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on

Challenges and Link-ups I Participated in
Creative Every Day 2016 - I participate on Instagram
Project 365(366) - I take a picture every day and post it on Instagram
Month of Letters - I didn't send a letter every day, but I did send about 10 and received 3 replies!  Such a fun challenge!

February Focus Projects

Year-long Goals Progress
1.  Each month, choose three projects to focus on: one personal, one gift, one to sell
I chose three projects.  I did not really focus on those projects.  I did not start any others :)

2.  Each month, choose one project from my Pinterest boards
I did not make progress on this goal this month.

3.  Each week, stick to my blogging schedule: Tuesday Tips and Tricks, Thursday Peek in my Art Journal, Friday FO
I took a 3 week break from the blog this month.  I lacked motivation, and my eyes were hurting.

4.  Teach a crochet class
No progress yet.

5.  Send all birthday gifts on time
Two birthday gifts were gifted on time.  One is still late :( but it's my mom.  She will understand.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Weekly Wrap-up (February 7, 2016)

Well, this was a boring week :)

Blog Posts
February Focus Projects - I only posted once this week, to share my focus projects for the month.  

Interesting Stuff I Found on the Internet
I have not spent much time on the internet this week, no time to find cool stuff.

Most Popular Instagram Post
Another kitty picture.


A photo posted by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on

Link-ups I Participated in
No challenges or link-ups this week


How did your week go?

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

February Focus Projects

One of my big goals for 2016 is to choose three focus projects each month: one personal, one gift, and one to sell. 

Here are my focus projects for February 2016.

Personal Project:  Repair and Adjust some jewelry

This photo shows only two of the jewelry pieces that I need to repair/adjust.  A link broke in one bracelet and the other lost its dangle.  I also have another bracelet that broke at the clasp and a fourth that has always been a little too small.  I plan to fix all four bracelets and any other jewelry pieces I can find around the house.

Gift Project:  Cardigan for my sister
photo from Interweave

I am leaning towards the Nova Cardigan from Interweave right now, although I am not sure that I can finish it in a month.  I will do my best because I think she will love it.

Professional Project:  Complete my wips
The same project as last month, I know, but I want to continue working on it.


What are you working on this month?  Have you knit the Nova Cardigan?  What do you think of the project?