Jan 07 2008
It’s Elemental: Project Spectrum THREE
The classical elements. The forms and states of matter.
The elements provide endless amounts of inspiration and creativity from the natural world.
FIRE - EARTH - AIR - WATER
These elements provided a philosophy and an understanding for early civilizations, combined with the final element, one to describe non-matter and what was beyond this world: the IDEA.
The ancient model of the four physical elements with the spark of a creative idea was my own inspiration for the third year of Project Spectrum. Much like the previous Project Spectrum incarnations [year one and year two], PS Elements has a list of associated colors and month.
FEBRUARY / MARCH - FIRE- orange, red, pink
APRIL / MAY - EARTH - green, brown, metallics
JUNE / JULY - AIR - gray, white, yellow
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER - WATER - blue, black, purple
Something so unique that there is not anything exactly like it in the world… not even one. Creating with your own hands - using your precious time to make something beautiful, something thought-provoking, or something simply spontaneous…
Creating memories. Creating stitches. Creating something that only existed on paper or in your mind before it came into your capable hands. Creating something completely new and beautiful from an item that someone else discarded and considered useless.
What can be more rewarding than that?
Colors inspire. Colors elicit deep emotions and memories. Colors symbolize life events and the changing of the seasons. We surround ourselves with color - in our homes, in our gardens, and even on our dinner plate.The idea of Project Spectrum is simply a celebration of the colors around us, and taking the time to notice them. Participants can dye, crochet, weave, decoupage, spin, build, stitch, knit, paint, scrapbook, construct, sew, quilt, cook, grow, collage, photograph, bake, or bead items in that color group (of course all arts and crafts that I missed are totally welcome as well!)
You can choose to make one thing out of the designated color(s) in the two-month span - or twenty things! This is a no-pressure project. You can simply make a photo essay - you carry around your camera with you and post pictures of the color objects you see throughout your daily travels.
Projects can be big or small - it is not a race, it is just about sharing your creative work to inspire others and express your spirit!
Taking that final element - the IDEA - and letting your mind and spirit explore. Expressing yourself creatively - making something beautiful, and creating something unique. Thinking outside of the box - perhaps taking up a new hobby or a long neglected one, or finally dabbling in design.
It is about texture and depth, making an item that is tangible and real. With the elemental theme, texture plays a large part in the process: flowing waters, crisp flames, grainy earth, and smooth breezes…
Please remember that Project Spectrum is not a knit-along. It is an opportunity to join a community of crafters, artisans, and generally creative people who explore the meaning of colors and their impact. Some of the participants in the Project Spectrum Flickr group have suggested working with mediums related to the elements, like working with clay and pottery, or cooking for the FIRE element, or planning an herb garden for EARTH. These ideas excite me, and I hope they excite you too.
There are many ideas and several projects in the works - including a card swap, book discussions, and some contests to encourage participation and true exploration of these elements. I will update with more information in the coming days. In the meantime, you can join the communities at Flickr and Ravelry to start discussing your own plans for this third year. Maybe you will be inspired by someone else - and you can inspire others as well.
The third time will truly be a charm ~ won’t you join me?
I love it! This is a great breakdown for PS3. I’m eager to see how it goes!
(Also, belatedly - you had a lovely post over the weekend. Happy anniversary!)
Fantastic idea! I’m looking forward to being inspired by this year’s theme, as well as by everyone else’s interpretations!
I am loving this color breakdown and I can’t wait to get started! I think it will be a great tool to help me stretch my creativity using many different media.
I also can not wait for PS3. This is going to be a lot of fun!
I’m in!!! I love the elemental theme - very inspiring!
Woohoo! Count me in!!!
ohhh can’t wait. This time I am in!! I also thought wouldn’t it be cool to use the 4 elements as a backdrop and put the project spectrum circle in the middle and use it as a badge for PS3? Hmmm just a thought.
Awesome! Great idea. I’m in.
Count me in!
This is going to be really cool! Great idea, Lolly!
What a great idea–your prose is so inspiring!
You bet am in!
Yay! I had actually been planning to knit socks…one for each element using colors and patterns that I thought “fit” the elements. So this is pretty perfect! I’m glad I can incorporate other things into this year long meditation on the elements! :o)
I read a book recently called The Earthpath by Starhawk and in it she talks about how to live more green, and has a chapter or two on her thoughts about each of the elements, and how to incorporate them into your life. Sounds strange…but it’s a great book. Might be of interest :o)
Nice concept for year 3! I’m in!
I’m working myself up to this. Right now my natural worlds is all air and water as we are in the middle of an 8 day storm with snow on the ground and grey and white skies. It is difficult to see fire right now, other than what’s in the wood stove, but your challenge is sparking the fire within me and I’m sure it will grow to a warm glow soon.
I love the theme and am looking forward to seeing what we all create.
OK, what the heck, I’m in too.
I somehow missed the last 2 incarnations of Project Spectrum (don’t mind me while I emerge, blinking rapidly, from under my rock) so my interest and curiosity is absolutely piqued. I’m in!
Awesome! I’m so glad this is back. I love having a knitting/spinning project in colors I wouldn’t usually put together.
I’m just using some yarn I dyed for August last year, and loving it! It is purples and browns, something I wouldn’t have thought of before, but now is a color combination I find myself dreaming about often.
Such a truly inspiring post to prelude the next Project Spectrum. How can I resist? I’m already trying to think of projects that include both the assigned colours and also a touch of the element.
Ah, I wasn’t going to join this time, but you managed to put a new spin on it and now I’m all inspired!! I’m in!!
i really like the mosaic of elements. may i download it from flickr as a thumbnail and use it as the button on my blog?
I sort of fell down on PS2 but I’m willing to try again with PS3!
Count me in! I enjoyed seeing it last year but didn’t participate. Love the theme this year.
This is my first time participating & I’m really excited about it. I love how you’re weaving the elements into the overall theme.
awesome!! i love this. last year i was really on the sidelines a lot, I hope to really get into it this year
Wonderful! I took year two off because I did a miserable job about keeping on task for year one, but I’ve since become a bit more crafty and less knitting-centric - so I’m READY!!
Every year I have joined, but then I end up losing steam
I will enjoy looking looking at what everyone else is making though!
ooooh! Yes!!! I need to sign up!
I want to join but I don’t know how disciplined I can be! I’ll try but I can’t promise no green projects before April… I have a lovely green malabrigo waiting to be made into Wicked!! I’ll try to keep it as a reward, but it will be difficult!
Oh Lolly, I love it! What a great idea. Can’t wait to get started.
[...] Have you seen the theme for Project Spectrum 3? It’s the elements! I am so chuffed with this idea, in the past PS hasn’t been [...]
Oh, I’m so excited! I just dyed some red/orange fiber for spinning a (Valentine’s Day) yarn inspired by Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire.
As usual, perfect creative serendipity!
This is really inspiring so I’m in! The elements, how awesome.
Thanks for running this again - it really gets my creative juices flowing! I’ll definitely be joining in this year.
I’ve been watching on the sidelines durring the second half of PS 2 and am very excited about participating in PS Elements. I plan to try to explore different mediums with this project and tie it into what I already enjoy doing, cooking, gardening, photography, collage, knitting etc. It will give my work a bit more focused exploration. Thanks for allowing us to participate in this wonderful project.
I love this structure. I’m in!
I love the elements idea! I’m so excited for PS3, it definitely has been something to look forward to, inspire me, and get me motivated!
Your ideas are always inspiring and thoughtful. I’m going to try and follow along this time, instead of just being a dedicated spectator
Thanks for being a source of creativity!
Tee hee. I just wanted to share a little story with you about the new project spectrum breakdown. I was reviewing your “elements” idea with hubby and my son overheard me. He was so excited that Ms. Lolly was doing an “Avatar” project spectrum theme. Now if I could just figure out how to air bend my needles into knitting on their own. . . . . hahahahaha
(Avatar is a cartoon series on Nickelodean)
Thank you for such an inspired PS3. I am so looking forward to the broadened mindset and exploration of the coming projects.
YAY! I remember reading about the element idea on the Flicker page for the last PS, and being excited. Now I am even more so. You’ve outdone yourself again Lolly, can’t wait to get started!
Very cool concept for this year’s PS!
Lolly, this is really great! This year I will be more daring with colours!
Yes please! So in need of some fiery colours to get me through the winter!!
Great, I’m looking forward to it!
Yay! I can’t wait!
Yay! I’m so excited for PS 3! I love the elements idea, and hope that I will be inspired to explore other crafts besides my usual knitting!
Brilliance, itself. I look forward to participating!
Oh yeah! I want to play! There is great inspiration in nature and using the elements will be great for that.
Awesome. I’m feeling inspired already! Can’t wait!
Looking forwards to it!
this right here might just be my inspiration… this year I think I am going to jump in the fire and the pool and swim
Count me in. I can feel the fifth element kicking in already.
I watched Project Spectrum unfold on many sites last year, and you can count me in for this year. Can’t wait!
I’d love to join in this time. I LOVE the elemental themes - very earthy and natural. YUM. I’ll use this as another way to get more in touch with my creative side!
:O)
I’m in! I couldn’t “keep up” last year but it was still fun. I can’t believe it’s year 3!!
Being a crazy hippie pagan that I am? I LOVE THIS IDEA!
Im in.
i feel ready to try this, this year. Can’t wait!
Great pictures. Truly inspiring!
Count me in again. I guess I need to start planning projects
Oooh, I missed out last year - really looking forward to this!
Yay PS3 !! I’m in
You had me at “elemental”. I’m finally in!
What a very cool way to theme PS 3!
I’m taking the PS jump for the first time!
I think I’ll try it out! Seems like a good way to focus on creativity this year.
Love the new theme!!
I am in, in, in!
Beautiful post Lolly! I’ve been thinking very elemental myself recently, thinking of the basics of the earth and how I could translate it into yarn. My next sock club is going to go with the same theme
Happy anniversary!
Happy Belated Anniversary!
I love the new Project Spectrum. Elemental, my dear Lolly.
Great concept for PSIII. Plus… I get to tell my boys that I’m in PS3 and they’ll be so envious thinking I got the latest Playstation. Love the photos.
What a cool theme! I’d heard about PS after the first two were done, and I’m excited to join in this time.
Sorry, how do you join? I have a feeling the instructions are right under my nose. . . . but I can’t seem to find them. Is it as simple as ‘joining’ the Flickr or Ravelry group and that automatically joins me, or do I let you know somehow? (I’m obviously new to this, though I’ve heard quite a bit of buzz about it.)
Thanks!
I’m definitely in!!!
I am in. Loved the theme.
Denet: you do not have to join - you just participate! There is no signup, and you do not even have to join Flickr or Ravelry groups. However, these two forums are a way to interact with others and to share your creations.
Hi Lolly, what a great color scheme you came up with, I love it. I am in! Karin
Wonderfully written…I’m looking forward to participating and being inspired!
I love this PS go-around! Wonderful idea!
Hey Lolly.. I made a simple button using your graphics from this post for the 2008 Project Spectrum.. you can find it here: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2302/2183717361_7abe87c28c_m.jpg
Can’t wait to start up.. I’m looking forward to using my camera more this year and PS 2008 will definitely help!
I love this idea. I am already thinking about what i want to knit first for February. I told my husband about it and he thought it was a really cool idea. He’s going to take pictures to go with each theme for me to post to my blog. I’m excited that we can do this together even though he’s not a knitter. Yay!
I love the idea! Can’t wait.
An inspired idea!! Wonderful….. I will find you on Ravelry!
Great idea! - again!! - Count me in!
Inspired is certainly the right word ~ I would love to join the ride, too!
This is such a wonderful idea!
i LOVE this idea!! can’t wait to see how people combine the colors + elements… this is going to be a fantastic journey. count me in for sure!
and belated happy anniversary
e + i are going to be 6 years this fall… seems like the blink of an eye!
xo
I think I can get behind this… it should be lots of fun!
Okay, I’m convinced! Thanks for the comment. I’m in –and looking forward to it.
I have followed the previous spectrums, but now I am ready to jump in!
I want to be a part of this for the first time
Count me in!! I was in the last time, and I surely am in this time too!!
[...] try. It is just too perfect to pass up - especially with the thematic and the chromatic focus of this version of Project Spectrum. But this time, there will be a few changes… good ones that will make it a more enjoyable [...]
[...] January 14, 2008 by prairiepoppins The Four Elements. What a wonderful hook for this year’s celebration of colour that is Project Spectrum 3. [...]
Hey sweets. I am finally reading this. And you know what? I love it! I was so me on PS last year, which I feel badly about, but THIS is speaking to me. I love that the colors seem month appropriate as well–reds around Valentine’s day, green when buds start to sprout, air when the sky is clear and full of wispy clouds, and water when we all head down the shore! I’m totally in this year. Thanks for organizing something so excellent. xoxo
[...] tendencies that I’m dealing with is my need to do everything. I really would like to join Project Spectrum. I attempted to join this a couple of years ago and only managed to make it through a couple of [...]
Love this idea so count me in. Finally a good reason to use all those different colors when knitting, instead of red always :).
I am in, too!
These elements are very nice idea, I like it. 
I´m in!
I’m in too
Wonderfull idea for this season, count me in!
I’m in too.
For the first time - I’m in!
I´m in too.
Hello! Please count me in, again! I was waiting for this!
I really want to participate in this. Please sign me up if it’s not too late. I’d like to be part of the ATC swap, too. When does that start? I’m so excited!
I’m so looking forward to stretching my mind, and using my “creative juices” to come up with some fun projects for PS. Thanks so much Lolly, for doing this. As always, the pictures are just beautiful
I´m sooo excited about this new IDEA of Project Spectrum! You are again giving so much colour inspiration with this project. I’m really looking forward to this - again!
What a lovely idea! I’m in!
I’m in!
First timer but more than anxious
I´m in too….. a great color scheme.
Hi! Can’t wait to get going on this:)! Love the idea - it’s wonderful and really leaves room for some thoughtful reflection if that’s your thing (it is:)).
and there’s time to get ready - I love it!
Take care,
Joan
I love the idea of the elements! I’m in!
I’ve followed Project Spectrum the last 2 years, and have finally decided to take the plunge and participate. I love the elements!
Kathy
I want to play!
Love the idea! I’m in too.
Love the theme! I´m in!
Wonderful idea! I’m in too.
Elemental theme is very nice! Count me in, please.
I’m in!
I think I am going to hop this train - at last. As I have made a quiet vow with myself to do more stash knitting, this would be a great way for me to dig into what I have and make my knitting part of a bigger project. Thank you for the inspiration!
I’m so gonna be in this time, the first time ever! Loving the idea of using the elements as a theme!
I’m in, for the first time!
yes, me too
And me! Exciting!
Count me in! This is SO fantastic!!
I´m in! For the first time. Exciting!!
I am also in, first time for me.
me too
[...] thinking about what projects to knit next, I think I would like to follow along with Project Spectrum this [...]
I`m in!!
sign me up!
I’m in. Really looking forward to have an exciting journey!
I wimped out on the last PS, but I really would love to be a part of this next one.
I’d love to take part!
This sounds like a great idea. Count me in!
I’m in! First time for me. Last year I was too busy with a wedding to commit to anything like this, but this year looks more relaxed.
Hi! Count me in. Just starting to create things, looking forward to get inspirations. I joined the group in ravelry, is there something else I need to do to be counted in? I´d like to make a link of this in my blog. Is it ok and is there some button or a picture ready to use?
Greetings to everyone from Finland!
[...] Jump to Comments I am in a rut as far as my crafts go. I’d really like to participate in Project Spectrum 3: Elements(I love the idea) but other than knitting, I’m not really crafty. With the new [...]
Love the idea! Count me in.
I’m in too
I just love these themes! I’m in!
I’m in, for the first time!
[...] algab ka teine asi - kolmas Project Spectrum. Eelmisel aastal otsustasin mitte osaleda, seekord aga mõtlesi kaasa lüüa. Midagi roosat [...]
Having joined up last year, and completely failed to participate, I am determined to do this this year. Please sign me up!
Am I too late or is it still possible to jump in? Very much would love to…
Hi, I’m participating for the first time. I like the idea of non-competitiveness of Project Spectrum a lot.
Ooooh I like the sound of this….I’m not usually a joiner but this could be really interesting, count me in
[...] in creativity. Well, it’s a new year and a new spectrum. This year the focus is on elementals. I am excited to give this a shot and see just what I may be able to come up with. February and [...]
I’m in and I have just the thing for “Fire”!
Count me in!
[...] fire, dust and air. We’ll just add water and stir.I’m excited about this year’s Project Spectrum: Elements. (Sounds like another slick Bravo series, doesn’t it? As you know, in knitting, one day [...]
Wow, I tuned in just on the perfect day! I’ve been looking for something to distract me from my grey sweater! Yippee!
I just found this and love it. I’m in!
[...] ystävällisesti järjesti. Lankahamstereihin en osallistunut tänäkään vuonna, ja viimevuotisen PS kokeilun jälkeen päätin jättää sen myös väliin. Siinä ne neulerintaman viimeisimmät [...]
I’m in…this will be my first year. I’m very excited.
[...] I’m not sure it was entirely chance that led Fire to be chosen as the first element for Project Spectrum 3.0. It can’t have escaped attention that February and March are cruel months. We here in [...]
i joined the ravelry group and am quite excited!!!
Count me in. I am curious where the “elements” will lead us to:)
I’m totally in for this round of project spectrum! so excited by this ‘elements’ theme.
[...] Project spectrum 2008 Aihe: Neulominen, Project spectrum 2008 — by Tess @ 1:53 pm Liityin sitten Project Spectrum:iin. [...]
The idea is great and it´s a wonderful inspiration! I´m in :-).
Greetings to everyone from Germany
[...] year, Project Spectrum focuses on the [...]
I’m in. This will be my first Project Spectrum! I photographed all my “fire” yarn today. At first I thought I wouldn’t have much in the way of Fire related yarn since those colors aren’t my favorites (I will totally rock during the Earth months). I was surprised by how much yarn I had that fit into the Fire category.
[...] Project Spectrum is in full swing again so I’ve been thinking much about fire, the first element we are working with. Just one of the benefits of loading some of your stash for Ravelry [...]
[...] Project Spectrum element for February is Fire. Orange. Red. Pink. This is definitely my element. I’m much [...]
I’m in too, for the first time.
Bet this will be fun!
Oh, count me in too! You had me with the elementals as well! WooT!
[...] not bored with London - I love it I saw a lot of red in London and thought these were perfect Project Spectrum [...]
I just found out about PS. I hope it isn’t too late to join in. As luck would have it my most recent sewing project was red . . .
I hope I am not too late to join. I just got details last nite at a knit group. As luck will have it, I am just now finishing a bright red pair of socks for my sister. Perfect for Fire. Earth is next? How appropriate for spring. I already have a project in mind for water. Can’t wait.
is it too late to join? i love this idea and just finished a orange/multi hat…
I know it’s late but can I join too? I’m not a huge fire colours fan but I am knitting something pink just now for a friend’s baby and I’m surprised to say I do quite like it. It’s pinkness is quite sweet and the knitting is quite a challenge due to the fringes.
[...] kinnastes on pisut ka roosat, võib neid lugeda ka minu esimeseks Project Spectrumi tööks. Mis siis, et kõiges muus meenutavad nad pigem kommi, jäätist, talve ja lund kui [...]
[...] Project Spectrum 10 03 2008 There have been many bloggers of all crafty-ness discussing Lolly`s Project Spectrum. Which now reading some blogs, and looking at the group discussion on Ravelry, I have decided to [...]
Hi, I just found your web, and love this project! I dont know if I’m in time to participate or is too late. Just let me know if you can. And if it’s ok let me know if I can add you on my blog links. Thank you so much, hugs from Argentina!!
What a great idea! I would love to participate too. I’ve just begun blogging and love the whole craft blog community. It might be too late for me to do “fire” but I am excited about giving my crafting a little direction. Cheers!
I’d like to play along too. I just finished some cute red birds so I’ve got fire down. Better late then never right?
[...] participar no project sprectrum para descobrir de novas cores e para me motivar a tricotar meias. Porque, por estes lados, parece [...]
[...] Project Spectrum: Elements is starting February 1st, and there’s also an ATC swap, which I’m quite excited for. [...]
[...] You can create something that uses just one of those colors or any combination. Visit this link for more [...]
[...] was the last day of the earth cycle of Project Spectrum. These photos were taken at Wildwood - the mud shows just how much it has rained here recently. The [...]
[...] I took this lovely skein of yarn for a walk this morning. I saw this bright picnic table in the distance and felt it was the perfect back drop to the firey orange. I am thinking of coming up with a one skein firey project to make this into. Part of my plan is to create a project per segment of Project Spectrum. [...]