Day 96 :: Thursday April 5 :: Ottawa

Work backward. Work in front of a mirror, looking at what you're creating only in the mirror until you're finished.

I don't really do makeup... so this seemed like a good chance to look up some video tutorials online and give it a try. This is my attempt at a cat eye using liquid eyeliner and a touch of mascara - and yes, I did poke myself in the eye in the process!

Day 95 :: Wednesday April 4 :: Ottawa

Ask a stranger for a suggestion of what to do today. Explaining what you're up to is part of the experience! Bonus: Get them involved in the actual thing you make.

As i went about my day, i pondered exactly which stranger to ask... Someone walking past me on the street? The person sharing my seat on the bus? Finally, i bit the bullet at the gym and asked Kim, who was working out nearby. I then went off on my next circuit, and when i returned to my log, i found the following note attached to it:

Sounds good. It didn't take me long to think about who to call! Mom was first... voicemail. Next call was to wish-sister #1: Sparta in Montreal... voicemail. Last but not least, my last call was to wish-sister #2: JoJo in Toronto... voicemail. Boo! I left them all similar messages, explaining my task and wishing them a fun night. 

Update... all three got back to me. Mom left me a sweet voicemail; Sparta and Jo some love via text messages and Facebook. I really wish all of them lived closer to me for some real live hugs!

Day 94 :: Tuesday April 3 :: Ottawa

Nothing rhymes with orange. Work only with orange materials today. Try working on an orange surface for a real challenge.

Orange bell pepper + orange plate = a fun little pattern. And bonus – it will also be a yummy addition to tomorrow's lunch.

Day 93 :: Monday April 2 :: Ottawa

Nuts and bolts. Make something with any nuts, bolts, screws or nails you have lying around. Borrow or buy some if you have to.

For as long as I can remember, my toolbox has included a box of 1000+ finishing nails – finally, a chance to do something with them! I chose to create a skull, in honor of Skull-A-Day creator (and author of my super awesome creative book) Noah Scalin. Thanks for inspiring me!

Day 92 :: Sunday April 1 :: Ottawa

Write a letter to yourself at another time in your life (past or future). Bonus: send it to someone who is currently that age and discuss it with them.

I wrote to my past self, but the contents of the letter are a little too personal for this blog. I have no idea who I could send it to, so it shall remain safely tucked in this little envelope :)

Day 91 :: Saturday March 31 :: Ottawa

Use dry coffee beans, dry or wet coffee grounds, or even liquid coffee (in a cup or not) to create something today.

As I'm not a coffee drinker, this assignment first involved a trip to the nearest corner store for some take-out coffee! I grabbed a bunch of napkins at the same time to use as a canvas. The process was a bit trial-and-error, as the 'spills' were drying quickly; but it was still fun.

Day 90 :: Friday March 30 :: Ottawa

Make a piñata and destroy it! Bonus: Have a party specifically for the occasion.

Wait – what?! A piñata?! My first reaction was to kiss my evening goodbye... then i got to work. The shape was made with an empty box, a roll of toilet paper and some balled-up newspaper; the papier-mâché part went a lot quicker than expected. I let it dry overnight and added the tissue paper on Saturday. Voilà: a unicorn head. I haven't destroyed it yet, but will document when it happens – which just may involve frisbees :)