september goals

My art portfolio postcards arrived!

Even though I have been quiet on the blog this summer, lots has been happening creatively. August is my birth month and as always I had a bright creative fire burning throughout the month. I wanted to share my process and excitement with you a number of times but, it's been harder then usual for me to formulate my thoughts and write. I know I will regain my writing momentum and sharing here soon.

For my birthday this year I was gifted the glorious device that is the iphone from my wonderful mother-in-law (thanks mom!). I love that I no longer have to carry my camera, plug it into my husbands laptop, transfer my pictures to a thumb drive and then upload them to my computer before I can post a picture. So much easier to just snap and share. With my new phone came the world of instagram! That little camera program is oh so fun. I have been snapping pictures and sharing them on instagram and facebook. If you are on either site I would love to connect with you! You can find me on instagram @kristenfagan or on facebook at CreativeStash.  

Well, here's what I've been up to with my business goals...

August Goals

Business - Send portfolio postcards to printer. Done! See the beauties at the top of the email. They are actually 10 postcards binded into a mini portfolio. I gave myself the goal of finishing it the week of my birthday as a gift to myself and that finally got them done! Well that and I took  a couple days off work to do some personal projects :)  

Illuminated Path iPhone Case

Art - Complete tree painting, think about reflection painting and whether it is done. Get both of these professionally photographed. Check out two art openings.  I completed the tree painting which I titled Illuminated Path, original available here and prints available here. My husband bought me the Illuminated Path iphone case as a birthday gift. I love it! (thanks babe). Reflection painting is also complete and now titled Desert Wash, original is available here and prints available here. 

I checked out 1 art showcase and visited a few local places that host featured artists. It is great to be out and about seeking art. It's been too long since I have done that. 

First in a series of abstract landscapes using a new painting technique

I started working with a new painting technique of using old gift cards as my paint brush / palette. This has yielded 5 new abstract landscape paintings this month alone. Can you say inspired?! Yes!

Blog - Decide on a wordpress theme. Moving this to September.  

Design - Continue work with clients on wedding day needs and business stationary. My friend Noel was married this month in New York. I wasn't able to attend but I was there in spirit with the programs shown above) that matched her invitation suite that I designed. I also picked up a new freelance design client that I'm really excited to be working with. 

Shop - Post about new additions in the shop to blog and facebook. I have not been good about this. I have so much I should be sharing! I really need to step this up for September. 

Read - The $100 Startup This was great. I think it lived up to the hype for me. I had to bring it back to the library pretty quickly so, I had to read fast and jot down the notes that jumped out at me and I can see this needing to be re-read again in the near future.

Family - Enjoy kids going back to school, setting new routines and seeing school friends. Nice to be back on a routine. Kids are happy to have their minds challenged and their social calendars filling up. 

Health - Wheat free, dairy free, drink 64 oz water a day and go to 2 yoga classes with my friend Kandes. I was pretty good about wheat. I did the best with dairy yet, I got 2 yoga classes and 1 zumba class (yay!) but, that darn water drinking. It's the hardest for me! Overall this year I am down 13 lbs since last August so, I'm a happy camper.

Soul - Meditate, journal (written or art), find some quiet time for myself. A little meditation and I found some wonderful pockets of quiet time.   

September Goals

Business - Compile local shops to approach about my artwork. Work on a holiday postcard.

Art - Complete new abstract landscapes by sanding, painting sides, adding hanging hardware and scan.

Blog - Decide on a wordpress theme.

Design - Continue work with clients on wedding day needs, business stationary and event promotions.

Shop - Share new additions in the shop. Work on items for Hissyfits Hullabaloo in November. 

Read - The Violets of March.  

Family - We have some packing to do as we are moving. I've been in denial, but it's time to face the fact we need to find a new home, pack and move by mid October. Yikes.  

Health - Wheat free, dairy free, drink 64 oz water a day and go to 1 yoga and 1 zumba class. 

Soul - Meditate, journal (written or art), continue to check out local art venues.

 If you would like to join in The Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams.

august goals

July was all about our family vacation. We had a great time visiting friends and family with time at the beach a visit to New York City and an enjoyable Phish concert. The first few days back I was in denial about being home, lounged around and did as little as possible. Then it took another week to get myself back on schedule.

June/July Goals

Business - Work on portfolio postcards. I have not given this project any of my time.


Art - Custom Alphabet Bunting painting, share mermaid painting, one new painting. Done, done and done.


Blog - Think about blog series and schedules. I thought about a few options for posts  but, mostly I have been thinking about moving my blog to wordpress and redesigning it with a proper portfolio. I narrowed it down to a few themes I like and want to take the leap and begin working on it.

Design - Work with a new wedding invitation design client, continue work with logo design clients. Finished invitation design & assembly for new wedding client and worked with a new graphic design client on business stationary.


Shop - Art necklace, and 8x10 prints and add one new painting to online shops. Art necklace has been added, the 8x10 prints I had printed are added. painting has been created just not added yet.


Read - I'd Rather Be in The Studio and Raising Freethinkers. Still reading I'd Rather Be in The Studio. I didn't get a chance to read Raising Freethinkers and brought it back to the library for another time. Instead I read  The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World.


Family - Drawing classes and activities from the Being your Best book with the kids, lots of movies, pool time and water play. We had lots of movies, pool and play time but, I wasn't able to get the drawing classes and activities together. My plate has been too full. Low key playtime has been more my speed this summer.


Health - Wheat free, drink 64 oz water a day and try a yoga class at my local recreation center. Wheat free! Still doing well. I was about 75% good on vacation and am working to be back at 100% wheat free again. Drinking water is still a struggle. I did a little yoga on my own, that felt good.


Soul - Meditate, journal (written or art) weekly, find some quiet time for myself. I went to a meditation circle for the first time, that was cool. I intend to go again and see how this helps me in my every day. Journaling is sporadic as is finding quiet time for myself but, I'm grateful for the time I have. 

August is my birthday month so, I plan to be a little extra kind to myself when possible. I have been in need of yellow paint for awhile and I saw this aqua color a month or two ago and couldn't stop thinking about it. So, while shopping for supplies for two weddings I'm working on, I bought a few tubes of  new paint to play with. What artist doesn't enjoy new supplies?!
 
August Goals

Business - Send portfolio postcards to printer. 

Art - Complete tree painting, think about reflection painting and whether it is done. Get both of these professionally photographed. Check out two art openings.

Blog - Decide on a wordpress theme.

Design - Continue work with clientson wedding day needs and business stationary.

Shop - Post about new additions in the shop to blog and facebook.

Read - The $100 Startup

Family - Enjoy kids going back to school, setting new routines and seeing school friends. 

Health - Wheat free, dairy free, drink 64 oz water a day and go to 2 yoga classes with my friend Kandes. 

Soul - Meditate, journal (written or art), find some quiet time for myself.

 If you would like to join in The Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams.

june goals

Hemp Watercolor Affirmation Art Note Cards in my Etsy Shop

“An artist cannot fail; it is a success to be one.”
~ Charles Horton Cooley

I only recently learned of the quote above. I find it be really motivating and comforting and reminded myself of that quote a few times since I learned it. It rings true, allowing yourself to pursue the passion of art in and of itself is a success. When I am feeling down or like I'm not as far along with my "art career" as I would like to be, thinking of this quote snaps me out of my funk. Instead of worrying about whether I am in the right place in time, it has reminded me that practicing my art at all is success.

I started reading I'd Rather Be in the Studio by Alyson B. Stanfield. It is a wealth of information and I am an writing notes all over it, using it as a workbook instead of just a book I read and then place on my shelf. I also read Leo Babauta's book The Power of Less and really enjoyed it (I am a long time reader of his blog, Zen Habits  focused on simplicity and living in the moment.) I am often overwhelmed by my "to do" list, information, emails and visual stimulation. Finding my focus and calm is really important for me to practice. This book guides you on how to simplify and refocus on what's important. It's a quick read with short chapters (my favorite) and has a wealth of actionable tips. Highly recommended.

As for creativity, I created early in the month but, slowed down the last two weeks. We had lots of wonderful events celebrating the end of school and now the kids are home for the summer so, my schedule has shifted a bit. Plus, my husband has been sick for an entire week. He is a tremendous help with household chores, cooking and caring for our children. Having him not well for so long had me focusing on the basics of just keeping everything going. I am grateful he is feeling better today and thankful for all that he does to help keep our family running smoothly. I missed my partner in crime and was so happy to see him crack a smile or two today.

May Goals 

Business - Work on portfolio postcards.I had good intentions but, this was pushed aside again.

Art - Continue to work on mermaid painting, explore an abstract painting, complete two custom necklaces.  I finished mermaid painting and need to share it with you, I explored abstracts with this painting and finished two custom dragon pendant necklaces. I also created a second knitted bracelet which I love and also need to share with you! I began sharing "Sunday Sketches" from my sketchbook each week over at Creative Stash on Facebook. 

Blog - Create a Wedding page. Think about blog series and schedules. Soon, very soon.

Design - Finish wedding invitation design client, continue work with logo design clients. Wedding invitations done. It turned out beautifully. My most intensive design assembly to date but, well worth it. I am waiting on feedback from logo clients. Both are in no hurry so, not sure when I will finish them up.

Shop - Art necklace, note cards and 8x10 prints and "Ladybug Flowers" to online shops. Note cards and Ladybug Flowers Painting and Ladybug Flowers Prints were added to online shops. I sold one set of note cards and one print this month! woot!

Read - I'd Rather Be in The Studio and Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way Finally started I'd Rather Be in The Studio. I'm reading it slowly and writing notes in the book. I didn't finish Beyond the Sling. I was looking for something to help with older children. The title had me thinking this was for older kids but, it is geared to new baby's and young children. It is a great book just note for the ages I thought.

Family - Celebrate the end of the school year with recitals, presentations, open house and teacher gifts. My oh my, we had lots of events and each once was a great chance to see my children shine. Loved all of them. Hip Hop dance rectial, Violin recital, Bug Chorus recital, Classroom "Coffee Break" where kids shared poems, yoga poses and songs and an end of the year party at the community pool with DJ, Laser Tag and Waterside. Great end to the school year, 

Health - Continue wheat free diet and go to a yoga class at my local recreation center. Wheat free has been fantastic. I am sleeping better, waking better, more focused, less controlled by food craving (biggie for me) and I lost 8 lbs in 5 weeks! This has been a great change and one I plan to stick to.

Soul - Meditate in the evening, journal (written or art) weekly. I meditate on an doff. Basically on nights I have trouble falling alseep I use it as my sleep aid. I have been journal writing on and off - maybe 3 times this month. I think this would be good practice to help me write more deeply here on my blog. I find I am more inclined to write at night then in the morning.  

Creative Every Day *One* - Suggestions: create art in a monotone theme, focus on a single object in a piece of art, take yourself on a solo artist's date, make art using one kind of mark. I played with this abstract painting with this prompt in mind. I stuck to one direction.

June Goals

Business - Work on portfolio postcards. 

Art - Custom Alphabet Bunting painting, share mermaid painting, one new painting. 

Blog - Think about blog series and schedules.

Design - Work with a new wedding invitation design client, continue work with logo design clients. 

Shop - Art necklace, and 8x10 prints and add one new painting to online shops. 

Read - I'd Rather Be in The Studio and Raising Freethinkers.

Family - Drawing classes and activities from the Being your Best book with the kids, lots of movies, pool time and water play. 

Health - Wheat free, drink 64 oz water a day and try a yoga class at my local recreation center. 

Soul - Meditate, journal (written or art) weekly, find some quiet time for myself.

 If you would like to join in The Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams.

may goals

"Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or small, has its states of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory."
~ Gandhi

April moved at a very quick pace. It was filled with lucky moments when I won not 1 but, 2 giveaways! Really how lucky was that? One is an adorable book about Cinco De Mayo illustrated by Holli Conger that I can't wait to enjoy and share with my kids. The other is 100 postcard portfolio's from Next Day Flyers, a printing company I often use. I am excited about the possibilities of what I will have printed.

Remember, how excited I was to get I'd Rather Be in the Studio by Alyson B. Stanfield in the mail last month. Yeah, well I haven't opened it yet! I think I've been scared to start it. Well, I need to face my fears and dig deep and empower myself this month! I have been painting a lot. I finished the butterfly fairy painting and after varnishing, it will be ready for delivery. I have a mermaid painting in progress and have been exploring watercolors in my sketchbook. I brought it with me everywhere last weekend and painted in the car, on the couch, while visiting family, it was awesome!

Last week marked this little blog's 4 year anniversary! It has been an amazing journey and I am excited about what the future holds! Thank you to all that visit, comment and read along with me. To celebrate, I'm having a little giveaway. Check it out here.

April Goals 

Business - Check out www.score.org. They have great resources on their website, and offer free mentoring sessions with a seasoned professional. I need to get my business setup properly for growth. Connect with artist's I met last month. Oh wow, I haven't even thought about this. Moving to the "later" list.

Art - Begin custom butterfly painting and continue to work on mermaid painting.Custom painting needs a varnish and it'll be complete and mermaid is in progress.

Blog - Create a Wedding page. Think about blog series and schedules. Eek another area I have not thought about.

Design - Begin on new wedding invitation design client, continue work with logo design clients. Still ongoing. I also worked on a Spring Boutique Flyer and birthday invitations for friends.

Shop - Add art necklace, note cards and 8x10 prints to Etsy. Add "Willow Tree" and "Ladybug Flowers" to Etsy, Society6, FAA and Facebook. I got "Willow Tree" posted this month. Still have much to do.

Read - Wheat Belly and I'd Rather Be in The Studio. Well, I didn't start one of these yet but, I did finish Wheat Belly and have been wheat free for 1 week! You can read my review on that book here.

Family - Celebrate Ethan's 8th Birthday, Easter and Earth Day! We celebrated Ethan's 8th birthday for an entire week. He has been enjoying all the extra attention and activities. He loves Super Mario so, I placed him in Mario's race kart for his invitation. He was thrilled! I went on Hudson's first field trip to the zoo. It was great to spend a day with him and his classmates exploring.  With only a few weeks left of school our calendar is filled with events to celebrate the end of the year. 

Health - No snacking after 7:30 pm. Start my day with hot water and lemon (somewhere I stopped this). Check out the yoga class at my local recreation center. No snacking is doing well, without wheat this last week has been a breeze. I'm just not craving food and that is amazing. I keep forgetting to pick up lemons! Hopefully, I will remember next shopping trip. I have not gone to yoga but, I did finally check out the schedule and write it on my calendar!

Soul - Meditate every evening, journal (written or art) weekly. I am meditating a couple of nights a week. If I am having a hard time falling asleep I turn to it and it works every time.Little bits of journaling and used my sketchbook this month which is good.

May Goals 

Business - Work on portfolio postcards. 

Art - Continue to work on mermaid painting, explore an abstract painting, complete two custom necklaces. 

Blog - Create a Wedding page. Think about blog series and schedules. 

Design - Finish wedding invitation design client, continue work with logo design clients. 

Shop - Art necklace, note cards and 8x10 prints and "Ladybug Flowers" to online shops. 

Read - I'd Rather Be in The Studio and Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way


Family - Celebrate the end of the school year with recitals, presentations, open house and teacher gifts. 

Health - Continue wheat free diet and go to a yoga class at my local recreation center. 

Soul - Meditate in the evening, journal (written or art) weekly. 

Creative Every Day *One* - Suggestions: create art in a monotone theme, focus on a single object in a piece of art, take yourself on a solo artist's date, make art using one kind of mark.

 If you would like to join in The Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams.

april goals

“There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.” – Freya Stark

March started out with a bang with my RAW Artist Showcase. I was floating on a cloud for a couple of weeks and so full of gratitude for an amazing event. The rest of the month was a steady wave of activity. I posted lots of new work in my Soiety6 and Fine Art America shops. We had a breather in the middle of the month for the kids Spring Break. Although we stayed home and I worked daily, we kept our afternoons open with kid-centric activities and had a great week together. I wrapped up a custom wedding invitation suite and am sending it off today. The design turned out great and reflects the bride and groom and the location of the event wonderfully. I received my first Yoga Journal magazine this month (woo hoo!) and I finally purchased I'd Rather Be in the Studio by Alyson B. Stanfield (double woo hoo!). I am really excited to dig into that book and check out my free trail for a month of the Artist Conspiracy. 

March Goals 

Business - Profile cleanup. With so many shops and social media outlets I want to spend some time on consistency this month. I need to add my new bio and artist statement to my online profiles and update my profile picture and make sure all available items are posted for sale. Connect online with all the wonderful artists I met at the RAW art show and preschool craft fair. I did a profile overhaul and made them all cohesive with the same picture, bio and artist statement. I have yet to connect with the other artists I met and need to say hello.

Art - finish ladybug painting and begin custom butterfly painting. Ladybug painting is completed and the butterfly painting is in the beginning stages.

Design - complete wedding invitation design, continue work with logo design clients. Wedding invitations completed and shipping out today. I was buried in envelope liners yesterday evening but, I made it through and they turned out great!

Shop - add new jewelry, canvas earrings, note cards, prints to Etsy and also make sure Society6, FAA and Facebook page are all up to date. This is partially updated. I added original artwork, 2 new bracelets and gave my canvas earrings a makeover. 

Read - The Dragonfly Effect. I just finished and it was a great read. Refreshing to read about about marketing for social change. The authors, Aaker and Smith, break down popular campaigns that used social media well and explain the hows and whys.  The book is very easy to read. The premise is that there are 4 facets of a successful campaign or promotion: Focus, Grab Attention, Engage, Take Action. They liken this to the four wings of a dragonfly that, when using all four of its wings, can fly in any direction, not just forward. The authors present many case studies on how social media can trigger change. Though it's directed at nonprofit organizations, anyone interested in social media would benefit from this book.

Family - Spring Break! See friends, hike, roller skate, watch The Lorax and enjoy a St Patty's Day parade and farmer's market. Had a wonderful Spring Break. Kids declared it the best week ever! So, you can't beat that.

Health - work on not eating after 7:30 pm. I did okay on this. It did stop me from snacking "some" nights. I am going to continue to work on this. I really want to kick my late night snacking habit. I am weak when I am tired! 

Soul - continue meditating in the evening, find a video on you tube to help guide me, journal every day. This declined this month immensely. I need to bring my nighttime meditating back. It was really good for me. Journal writing isn't my thing so, if I could journal once a week I would be happy.

Creative Every Day *mixed media* - Suggestions: Create art in a mixed-media style, Film yourself at work and share it, Put on music and draw the way the music makes you feel, Create a collage of found items (junk mail, screws, keys, bits of yarn.), Express yourself in an art journal. I created this mixed media piece, showed my work in progress in this mixed media piece and updated my vision board.

April Goals 

Business - Check out www.score.org. They have great resources on their website, and offer free mentoring sessions with a seasoned professional. I need to get my business setup properly for growth. Connect with artist's I met last month.

Art - Begin custom butterfly painting and continue to work on mermaid painting.

Blog - Create a Wedding page. Think about blog series and schedules.

Design - Begin on new wedding invitation design client, continue work with logo design clients.

Shop - Add art necklace, note cards and 8x10 prints to Etsy. Add "Willow Tree" and "Ladybug Flowers" to Etsy, Society6, FAA and Facebook.

Read - Wheat Belly and I'd Rather Be in The Studio.

Family - Celebrate Ethan's 8th Birthday, Easter and Earth Day!

Health - No snacking after 7:30 pm. Start my day with hot water and lemon (somewhere I stopped this). Check out the yoga class at my local recreation center.

Soul - Meditate every evening, journal (written or art) weekly.

Creative Every Day *language* - Suggestions: Let the origins of a word inspire you. Use pages of a book in a mixed media piece. Try expressing yourself through the language of movement. Express yourself in an art journal.

 If you would like to join in The Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams.

march goals

 

“An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world." George Santayana

Holy moly, February went flying by! I cannot even begin to express all the good, creative, exciting whirlwind that was February. It was a direct opposite of my slow and reflective Jan. It was fast moving, hyper focused and full of enthusiasm.

It started off with me thinking about my word for the year. I really couldn't pin it down. It was the first time I tried choosing a word and although some popped in my head they didn't stick. So, I stopped trying to force the idea and instead decided to make a dragon necklace to honor the Year of the Dragon. Dragons have always held special meaning to me, I used to draw and paint Chinese dragons obsessively in high school. I painted one on my bedroom door and I wore a dragon pendant all the time (which I still have in my bead stash). I decided to make an asymmetrical, ultra long chain and seed bead necklace with a red, white and gold dragon pendant that I think I picked up at a thrift store some time ago. I love wearing it and feel like it has brought me good luck this month.

The month started with a fabulous new haircut thanks to my sweet husband. I feel great, it is short and cute and easy to manage and looks great most days. Much more then I can say for it before. Then I was invited to the RAW event, I'll share more about this in coming blog posts. I have so much to share about the experience! I spent a wonderful relaxing weekend in Sedona with Bert mid month, hiked A mountain with the kids and finished off the month with a creative and administrative explosion for my fine art in preparation for RAW.Above all that I did pretty darn well on my goals.


February Goals 

Business - work on artist statement, about me, my work, my methods and my philosophy. Done. This took me a few hours of research and about 6 drafts to complete but, I am happy with where it is at. Yeah!

Art - complete willow painting and scan 4 artworks for prints. Done. Not only did I complete the willow painting, I finished "Sanctuary", "Energy and Stillness" and "Tri-Color Feather" paintings and started "Ladybug Flowers" and a mermaid painting. I have scanned almost all my art and had 10 of them made into 8x10 art prints. That right there was an explosion!

Design - continue work with logo and wedding invite clients. Sent off new drafts to design and wedding invite clients. These are all still in process.

Shop - add new jewelry and artwork to shop (10 items!). I did not get this done, I have a bunch of new items to get into the shop.

Read - from passion to profit. Done, it was a nice read. I thought I was going to get some guidance about pricing my work from this but, I didn't. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it though.

Family - a valentine craft with boys, trip to Sedona with my husband. I did not get a chance to make a valentine craft with the kids, we did have a small painting session this month but, really I was so consumed with preparing for my first art show that I was MIA quite a bit. The boys really started to miss me and I think my husband and kids are happy the event is over. The next time I hope to have more time to plan so it's not so much all at once. I did get to Sedona with my husband and that was fantastic!

Health - notice and limit my carb and gluten intake - I noticed but, didn't do anything about it, haha.

Soul - meditate 15 min each night, do something alone and away from home just for me. I meditated most nights this month. I really think it helped. I met my friend Jill for coffee and had quite a bit of time for myself this month creating.

Creative Every Day *night* - constellation artwork, walk in the evening, create at night. I did a lot of nighttime creating but, I was not able to work on the constellation artwork. Another time maybe.

March Goals

Business - Profile cleanup. With so many shops and social media outlets I want to spend some time on consistency this month. I need to add my new bio and artist statement to my online profiles and update my profile picture and make sure all available items are posted for sale. Connect online with all the wonderful artists I met at the RAW art show and preschool craft fair.

Art - finish ladybug painting and begin custom butterfly painting

Design - complete wedding invitation design, continue work with logo design clients

Shop - add new jewelry, canvas earrings, note cards, prints to Etsy and also make sure Society6, FAA and Facebook page are all up to date.

Read - The Dragonfly Effect

Family - Spring Break! See friends, hike, roller skate and indoor rock climb and St Patty's Day parade.

Health - work on not eating after 7:30 pm

Soul - continue meditating in the evening, find a video on you tube to help guide me, journal every day.

Creative Every Day *mixed media* - Suggestions: Create art in a mixed-media style, Film yourself at work and share it, Put on music and draw the way the music makes you feel, Create a collage of found items (junk mail, screws, keys, bits of yarn.), Express yourself in an art journal.

 If you would like to join in The Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams.

february goals

 “It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis.” ~ Margaret Bonnano

January was slow and reflective and I lacked motivation. I started the year knowing I needed to slow down. I craved soups and warm foods. I found myself sleeping a lot and had a hard time waking each morning. I read a great fiction book just for fun. Everyone in our house caught a cold that seemed to last forever. We settled into a bedtime routine for the boys in their newly shared room. I wanted to share all the new things I have created over the last two months and add new items to my shop but, the timing wasn't right. I rebelled against all the "should do's" calling out to me in my head, tried to quiet them and let them go. Next month I said. Next month I can start fresh with enthusiasm and a full heart. So here I am, starting the month fresh and excited about getting down to business.

In the interest of keeping balance in my life I am setting at least one goal in each area I would like to focus on. By including family, health and soul goals I'll remind myself to check in on those areas as well as business.

February Goals  

Business - work on artist statement, about me, my work, my methods and my philosophy

Art - complete willow painting and scan 4 artworks for prints

Design - continue work with logo and wedding invite clients

Shop - add new jewelry and artwork to shop (10 items!)

Read - from passion to profit

Family - a valentine craft with boys, trip to Sedona with my husband

Health - notice and limit my carb and gluten intake

Soul - meditate 15 min each night, do something alone and away from home just for me 

Creative Every Day *night* - constellation artwork, walk in the evening, create at night

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

november biz goals

October has been a month of adjustments. We moved. My youngest son had never lived anywhere else so, this move was all new to him. My boys are now sharing a room for the first time and that can be hit or miss depending on the day. We experimented with new ways of getting to and from school, bus, drop off and walking to see which route was the best for everyone. We are all settled in and really enjoying the new place.
This did take up a fair amount of my time in October so, I guess I can forgive the areas where my productivity took a nose dive.

October Goals

• alphabet bunting painting for little girls room - I dropped the ball on this and need to get an 8x10 canvas so I can start.
  
• graphic design work for Olive- work in progress
  
• work on outright accounting program - yay! I finally got this up and running. Very humbling to see what I am actually bringing in vs. going out. I have some planning to do for 2012.
  
• follow along with esty's holiday boot camp and whip shop into shape - well I started off strong and them lost momentum. I'll try to keep up.
  
• add to shop: art pendants, bookmarks, greeting card sets - I got 2 bottlecap bookmarks added but that is all.
  
• blog about new watercolor sketches and scrabble artwork - done, blogged here, here and here.
  
• creative every day autumn theme - seasonal dream board sounds interesting and I'm going to try and start with fall - yay! so happy to have done this. See my seasonal dream board.
  
• move into our new rental home and get settled! - all set.
  
• family walks, yoga and dance - a few walks, one yoga session and no dancing.
  
• others things i accomplished this month ... posted 4 new recycled bottlecap magnet sets, completed wedding ceremony card and favor tag for Sara & Josh's garden inspired wedding suite (which I need to share with you this month), and have been following along with the World's Biggest Summit presented by Goddess Leonie. So amaaazing!

November Goals

• art every day challenge, create art every day this month!
• graphic work: Olive
• graphic work: Jamie
• add to shop: art pendants
• add to shop: greeting card sets
• work on: alphabet painting for little girls room
• work on: a new mandala painting
• work on: invitations blog page
• read: the money book
• esty's holiday boot camp
• family walks, yoga and dance

Through it all I want to remember to be grateful. November is a great month to notice the little things and say thanks. With our weather finally cooling off we are looking forward to lots of outdoor play and picnics. I hope you have a wonderful month creating art, working towards your goals whatever they may be and giving thanks.


If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

my first seasonal dream board | ced: autumn

One of my creative goals is to make seasonal dream boards. This month's Creative Every Day theme is Autumn and that fit right in with me wanting to start a fall dream board so, yesterday I finally got to it. It has taken me sooo long to get myself psyched up to start a dream board but, once I started it only took 30 minutes to complete. I choose all sorts of things to inspire me for the season: recipes, home decor, paper goods, plants and flowers, colors and sayings. I think this will be a really great way to make use of all the wonderful magazines I have lying around and get me excited for each season, I don't know why it has taken me so long to embrace the whole idea of a dream board, but I am happy I finally did! I choose a simple cork board and push pins setup so I can easily rotate the images each season and if something isn't working for me or I come across a new piece of inspiration I simply change it up in the moment.

Have you created a dream board or vision board? I'd love to hear how you used one to help manifest your dreams!

october biz goals

September, you were lovely as always. You helped us celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary this month at the Grand Canyon and you welcomed my baby boy into the world 5 years ago. He was presented with the honor of Student of the Month in Kindergarten this month! I especially love the start of the fall season, the colors, the color temps and many park play dates are on the horizon. I hope to visit some areas in our state with changing leaves this year since we didn't really see too many last year. 

On the business end I have been working on a wonderful garden inspired wedding suite, just finishing up the ceremony card and favor tag. I sold two original paintings, created a painted set for a wedding gift and had a commission for a painting for a little girls room. I am really happy about more painting opportunities coming my way!

 September Goals

• creative every day challenge check in, theme this month is "history"- this theme didn't grab me too much so, I let it slip buy this month.
  
• play with new watercolor paints and paper - ooo I had a little fun and I realize I haven't blogged about it yet!
  
• work on this blog pages: design, invitation and praise - eek nothing new to report here.
  
• work on fine art america shop - I placed a few test orders but, none of my images where up to snuff. I took my first two paintings to be professionally scanned this month and need to make this a routine each time I finish a piece from here on out.
  
• create necklaces with art pendants I made a few months ago - nothing new to report here either, I am toying with the idea of posting the pendants for sale with out designing an entire necklace. we'll see ...
  
• outright accounting program - I had really hoped to work on this. I'm going to make it a priority for Oct.
  
• pick up on preparing for move - we found a place to live and the packing has been put in high gear! This month I mostly cleared out my craft stash, the hallway closet and laundry room closet. All those fun areas I stuff random things. Only 12 days until we move!
  
• make time to move - family walks, yoga and dance - a little yoga and a few morning/evening walks this month. Nothing too strenuous but definitely helped maintain my stress.
• others things i accomplished this month ... posted 6 new recycled bottlecap magnet sets in my shop, rephotographed all my necklaces for sale, sold the connected in love mandala painting and created a painting to compliment it for the same customer titled connected in truth mandala.

October Goals

• creative every day challenge check in, theme this month is "autumn"
• alphabet bunting painting for little girls room
• graphic design work for Olive
• work on outright accounting program
• follow along with esty's holiday boot camp and whip shop into shape
• add to shop: art pendants, bookmarks, greeting card sets
  
• blog about new watercolor sketches and scrabble artwork
• seasonal dream board - sounds interesting and I'm going to try and start with fall
  
• move into our new rental home and get settled!
  
• family walks, yoga and dance

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

september biz goals

August was a great month of creative energy. Being an August baby, I always make sure to have a good time in August (no matter how stinking hot it is here in Arizona). The kids are back in school, they are really enjoying learning and the new activities they are experiencing. Ethan is learning the violin this year and Hudson is giddy about everything at school especially computer lab and P.E. I am enjoying everyone in the house being back on a regular schedule. 

August Goals

• promote etsy birthday sale - did this all month and had a few sales!
• finish "blue" bracelet I started - need to pick up crimps before i can finish
• creative every day challenge check in, theme this month is "red"- blogged here and here.
• create a 35 before 35 list - Fun! I tweaked it a bit all month and I think I am happy with the final list here. Now the real fun will be doing these things
• play with new watercolor paints and paper - this has been great 
• continue preparing for move - Put this out of my mind for the month, I needed a break.
• make time to move - family walks, yoga and dance - I started walking my myself in the morning and took the kids a couple of evenings. I hiked tonto natural bridge with my family and I joined a friend's yoga class one night which was wonderful.
• others things i accomplished this month ... opened a fine art america shop, although not ready to show it yet, posted new braided necklaces for sale in my etsy shop, made my first hemp necklace, created the teach play love painting for our dear daycare provider who we said goodbye too as our youngest child went off to elementary school and lastly finished commissioned painting for a baby girl's nursery.

 September Goals

• creative every day challenge check in, theme this month is "history"
• play with new watercolor paints and paper
• work on this blog pages: design, invitation and praise
• work on fine art america shop
• create necklaces with art pendants I made a few months ago
• outright accounting program
• pick up on preparing for move
• make time to move - family walks, yoga and dance

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

35 things to do before i turn 35

Most people do the "before I turn 30" lists, but since I'm a few years late for that (and a sucker for lists), I decided to create a wish list of things I would like to do before 35 to live my wonderful life.

35 Things To Do Before I Turn 35

1. have more fun

2. donate my hair

4. lose 30 lbs, maintain

5. have my work in an art show

6. go sledding

7. invest in a quality printer

8. have an emergency fund

9. fly in a hot air balloon with my husband

10. grow a garden

11. do art work for a charity

12. take an art workshop

13. play in the leaves

14. watch less tv

15. show those i love that i love them

16. create a vision / dream board

17. meditate and practice yoga on my own

18. own a hammock

19. explore art and nature with my kids

20. be a vegetarian for a month

21. go to a creative retreat

22. take a martial arts class

23. participate in the sketchbook project

24. visit a foreign country

25. begin my second gratitude journal

26. volunteer for a cause I believe in

27. paint with ochre rock dust

28. write a manifesto

29. create a real business plan

30. sell prints of my artwork

31. go to a yoga / spiritual retreat

32. live in the moment

33. read at least 25 books on my list.

34. visit the grand canyon

35. find the perfect place for our family to live

I might not love the idea of getting older, but I do love the idea of having 2 years to fill with the amazing 35 things on the list above.  

Tell me what's on your list. Have you created a wish list of your own?

august biz goals

I pretty much got to everything on my list for July. August is my birthday month (woo hoo!!!), the boys start school next week and we are preparing for a move across the country so I will be keeping things extra simple with an emphasis on creativity instead of the business side of things. 

July Goals

• S & J wedding invitation - sent to the printer, should arrive this week!
• creative every day challenge - worked on bracelets based on the "blue" theme
• continue packing and preparing for a move - yep still packing, sold some things too
• possibly post a moving sale for Etsy shop? having a birthday sale instead
• create pdf file for artwork page instead of the long list and then move on to design page - still to do
• try and make time to move - I have not been good about the gym and am cancelling my membership due to moving but, I did do some yoga on my own. I have a hard time motivating myself at home to exercise so, that was a big step for me. 

 August Goals

• promote etsy birthday sale
• finish "blue" bracelets I started
• creative every day challenge check in, theme this month is "red"
• create a 35 before 35 list (sounds like fun!)
• play with new watercolor paints and paper
• continue preparing for move
• make time to move - family walks, yoga and dance

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

july biz goals

Wowza, June sure did fly by. We uprooted ourselves from Arizona and traveled home to Long Island, New York for 2 whole weeks to visit family and friends, explore NYC, catch a Phish concert and hit the beach. It was a great trip and aside from my stomach being a constant issue it was perfect. I'm not sure why my stomach goes into disarray each time I go away, it's such a pain, literally. It must be stress induced since I was fine as soon as I returned home. What is that all about?! Anyhoo, here were my goals for June ...

 June Goals

• continue work on S & J wedding invitation - working away ...
• post new beaded necklace and 2 art resin earrings in shop - done, done and done
• creative every day challenge check in - checked in with other artist progress, so nice to see!
• enjoy two weeks of summer vacation with our families!!! - woo hoo
• added my paintings to this blog's artwork page.  may decide to narrow it down to show just a few images on the page and link to a full showcase of artwork via PDF.

Bridge in Central Park

Large Nests at Brooklyn Botanical Garden

 July Goals

• continue work on S & J wedding invitation
• creative every day challenge check in
• continue packing and preparing for move later this summer - eek! Right now we are unsure of exactly where we are going but, we need to leave our rental soon so, just keep packing ... just keep packing
• possibly post a moving sale for Etsy shop?
• create pdf file for artwork page instead of the long list and then move on to design page.
• try and make time to move - family walks, yoga and dance. It feels good to move.

"We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us" ~ Joseph Campbell

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

june biz goals

They say when you put it out into the universe, the universe answers. Last month I said my hope was to act on my inspiration and boy did I. As a person who goes to extremes, I was wrapped up in a flurry of creativity all month. I did quite a bit of painting and beading and listed a bunch of new items in my shop! Now I'm ready to go on summer vacation :)

May Goals

• S&J wedding invitation design - I began working on floral illustration studies.
• baby nursery painting - ahoy painting done, mailed to Colorado and super cute!
• design jewelry with resin art pendants - Created a necklace for a giveaway this month on a super awesome blog which I was really happy about, but I was hoping to get more done.
• complete 1 new painting - 2 paintings in progress which is awesome, willow tree with tire swing and a small abstract design I still need to blog about.
• add artwork page to this blog - I added "artwork" and "design" pages and I am feeling fairly comfortable with them. I'm not confident with expressing myself with words and end up over-thinking it a lot. How do you stop editing and decide it's good to go?!
• get involved with creative every day theme  - I didn't work on the theme but, I did check in and see what other artists are up to and am really happy I did.
  
• family art play time - we played with beads
• setup monthly meal plan - ugh forget it. This isn't happening. 
• movement - family walks, yoga and dance - I worked yoga into my schedule more this month then I have in a long time, also got to Zumba class last week. It feels good to move.

 June Goals

• continue work on S & J wedding invitation
• post new beaded necklace and 2 art resin earrings in shop
• creative every day challenge check in
• enjoy two weeks of summer vacation with our families!!!

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.
- John Lubbock

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

may biz goals

Wowza, can you believe that it is May already?! Luckily we are still having really beautiful weather here in Arizona. Here's a look back on April ...

April Goals

• begin S&J wedding invitation design - not as far along as I would have hoped.
• complete commissioned baby nursery painting - have not begun yet
• print art and resin custom coasters - finto! these turned out great.
• list new bottle cap magnet set and create with resin art pendants - total slacker, in fact I didn't get any items added to my shop this month at all.
• add about page to creative stash blog - yes! the blog template I had didn't allow for pages to be added easily so, I installed a new template and worked on my about page. So excited to get the ball rolling on this. I plan to add a new page each month until I have it all complete.
• get involved with creative every day theme - small - rats, another month slipped by me on this.
  
• family art play time - we painted eggs for Easter and gave the kids playroom table an update.
• setup monthly meal plan - I am having a mental block on this
• movement - family walks, yoga and dance - took some walks this month with our dog

Here's what I was up to this month ...

 

We celebrated Ethan's 7th birthday! I cannot believe I have a 7 year old son. He is growing up so fast. He wants a pool party so, we are planning his party for this summer.

I had a custom order for art coasters. I was so nervous about setting these in resin and whether they would be level and able to hold a glass. They turned out great. I just have to ship these lovelies off to Brooklyn, NY!

I made personalized bottle cap magnet sets for mother's day. I didn't do a very good job of marketing for mother's day and need to make a mental note to pay a little more attention to the calendar ;) Personalized magnet sets are for sale in my Etsy shop.

 

We went boating and fishing for the first time with some friends. It was a beautiful time.

We painted eggs, made a scrumptious carrot cake and celebrated Easter. For those who don't already know, sadly, my grandmother passed away this month. She fought a long, difficult battle with Parkinson's. She was a generous women and loved to spoil my sisters and I when we were children. I traveled home to NY for a week to say my goodbyes and be comforted with the support of my family. We shared many stories together and celebrated her life.

For May, my hope is to act. To stop gathering inspiration and instead embrace what I already have inside and act. A new month means new challenges and I am really excited to create and see where it leads me!

May Goals

• S&J wedding invitation design
• baby nursery painting
• design jewelry with resin art pendants
• complete 1 new painting
• add artwork page to creative stash blog
• get involved with creative every day theme - big
  
• family art play time
• setup monthly meal plan
• movement - family walks, yoga and dance

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.  ~Author Unknown

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

april biz goals

I moved forward in many creative ways in March.  I strayed from my goals and allowed my journey to take some twists and turns.  Before jumping into April let's see what happened in March ...

March Goals

• credible nutrition postcard design - done!
• east valley artisans postcard - only received 1 artist image so, I need to follow up on participation.
• move creative stash website to my blog - eek, I'm ignoring this
• begin new wedding invitation design - I will be tackling this asap
  
• custom painting - need to purchase the canvas and get started
• custom coaster - artwork prints have been chosen, I need to print, cut and resin.
• get involved with this month's creative every day theme - this was lost in the shuffle.  I will try again for April.
  
• family art play time- yes of course!  lots of family painting sessions this month
• try meal planning- downloaded a planner but haven't set time aside yet to think on this.
• gym - pretty good.  Not great but, pretty good. We took some family walks this month which were nice, would like to keep up with those.

Although my goals still need attention, I did get down to business in the following ways ...

 I have designed a few software icon packages in the past and received a referral this month to create this software icon package for Design Tech. 

I received a custom order for an art print necklace and since I was mixing resin for that, I made a bunch of art pendants to create new necklaces with. 

 I have been wanting to experiment with a mandala style paintings and one evening I was inspired to do it.  This painting is for sale in my Etsy shop along with these new items.  

A few months ago I created the logo design for Credible Nutrition and this month they contacted me about designing a postcard to go along with it.  Barbie and Rachel are a joy to work with.  They offer a wide range of counseling and consultation options to help get you healthy! 

Lastly, a childhood friend is expecting her first baby and had a baby shower back in NY.  Sadly, I wasn't able to attend but, I channeled my energy and love for her into a gift for the baby's nursery. I really want to show you it but, I just mailed it off yesterday so, I'll have to wait until she receives it next week to blog about it.

So you see, I was quite busy even if my goals were a bit abandoned.  I hope my momentum stays and I can will my wondering self into doing what I plan this month!

April Goals

• begin S&J wedding invitation design
• completed commissioned baby nursery painting
• print art and resin custom coasters
• list new bottle cap magnet set and create with resin art pendants
• add about page to creative stash blog
• get involved with creative every day theme - small
  
• family art play time
• setup monthly meal plan
• movement - family walks, yoga and dance

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. ~ Arthur C. Clarke

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

a creative odyssey

This post is my contribution to the Creative Odyssey Blog Hop. During December, over 40 bloggers will be sharing their creative dreams and goals for 2011 and today, along with The Personal Blog of Tracey Sawatzky and PeachHoneyLove, I am sharing mine.

For those new here, welcome! I'm Kristen, wife to a very supportive husband and mother of two energetic little boys ages 4 and 6. I work from home full-time as a graphic designer, teach drawing to elementary kids twice a week and spend the rest of my time at Creative Stash where I freelance small business graphics, design wedding invitations and create as a mixed media artist.  Life is bursting at the seams but, I love it, I really do.

This quote resonates with me as 2010 comes to a close.  It has been a wonderful year of creating, exploring, blogging and growing! Almost too good really, this quote helps me think that 2011 will, in fact, be better!

My Goals for 2011 ...

Keep an Open Mind

I love to learn and grow and change.  This year however, I struggled with whether I wanted to do one thing really well or whether I wanted to keep the creative path open. I know deep down that I want that path open. So this year, I want to work on be comfortable with the fact that I may never be "one great thing" and to stop beating myself up over it. Just do what feels right and you'll be fine, better then fine even.

Make More Art
Like many of us, I want to make the time to create more art for myself and with my children. An art journal to channel ideas and create without expectations will no doubt help me cultivate my style and my story. I also want to use my current mix of supplies and recycled items to create beautiful things. I want to expand upon my current product lines, market my graphic design services and create with canvas in new ways.

Stay Involved
Through joining an Etsy team, social media sites, the Creative Every Day challenge and The Meetup goal sharing group,  I have made wonderful friendships with many talented and passionate people.  I want to continue to connect and support this amazing creative community!


Overall Well Being
Well, an important issue for me to address is that I tend to work for the sake of working. My work is my passion and  I am most happiest when I'm making things, but there are times when I get swept up in working and I cannot concentrate on anything else and that has to change. I need to keep my life in balance. I must be present with my family, have more fun, enjoy the moment and ease up on worrying about my to do list. Taking care of my overall well being through creative fun, yoga, dance, eating and sleeping well will all help me achieve a calmer, happier existence. 

Cheers to a very Happy and Creative New Year!