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.

this week i'm loving ...

meditation

Meditation Flags by Cazmira

I went to my first meditation circle on Sunday. I have been meditating off and on at bedtime to help with sleep and wanted to try meditating with others during the day so, I checked out meetup.com and found a group nearby to sit with. I usually use this guided meditation video from youtube which helps me clear my mind by listening to the soft sounds and voice guiding me. This was a very different experience. We sat meditating for 20 minutes in silence. My mind has a lot of chit chat going on. I engaged in the thoughts and then tried to let them go and gain space. The space was short lived though as a new thought would arise one on top of another. We took a break and then meditated in silence for another 10 min. The second round I did a little better but still chatty. This is going to take some practice. Some meditation flags like the ones above would make a nice reminder.

toy cleaning and organizing

Diaper Caddy by Hip Baby Boutique

With school a couple weeks away I figured now was a good time to clear out toys, trash broken items, donate others and organize the stuff worth keeping around.It was a two day ordeal as I needed lots of little breaks to get through all the stuff. I completed the kids playroom but, still need to tackle the bedroom. How cute is this Diaper Caddy above? I think it would work really well for organizing little bits in the play room too!

snickers ice cream bars

Need I say more? For some reason I decided to buy a box of these and by eating a half bar here and half bar there I managed to finish the box almost completely by myself in a few short days. Man, these bad boys are good.

true love wedding stationary

This month I attended the wedding of two good friends in New York and I had the honor of designing their wedding invitation suite, programs and favor tags. This wedding marked the eighth wedding stationary suite I have custom designed. I decided it was about time to share these designs with you and I am starting, well, at the beginning with my own wedding invitation almost 11 years ago.

I got engaged two short years after I began my career in graphic design. I knew I would design all the paper goods for our wedding. I was in love with drawing digitally at that time so, naturally I wanted to put those skills to work and create an illustration dear to our hearts. We are both lovers of trees so, the idea to draw two trees intertwined and growing into one another was a natural one.

 

Not one to miss the opportunity for a little pop of color and whimsy I added a butterfly between us to complete the design. The response cards (not photographed) had simple wedding rings illustrated on them and for the the travel guide I illustrated a man on a bicycle. Again a touch of whimsy. The trees have little green apples that I repeated in our wedding day decor, bouquets and had green apples with seating cards pinned to them. That day was and still is one the best days of my life. True Love.   

vacation on long island

My family and I are back from a two week vacation on Long Island in New York. We saw so many wonderful people and places. I gathered a few favorite photos to share with you.

We celebrated two great friends tying the knot, caught some waves at the beach, rocked out at a Phish concert, celebrated two great friends baby shower (see the painting I created for their daughter Lily), kids played with their cousins, celebrated a childhood friends bridal shower, roasted s'mores over a campfire, took a day trip to NYC and attended lots and lots of BBQ's and pool parties. It was a whirlwind of activity and jammed packed fun. We got home on July 10th but, it might as well have been yesterday. It took me a really long time to get back into my daily groove. But, that's what vacations are for right - to laugh, play and the come home and reset.

Hope you are enjoying some summer fun and hopefully even a little relaxation sprinkled in too.

this week I'm loving ...

sleep

 Stacey Winters

After a very busy 12 days traveling with two kids, attending a bridal and baby shower, celebrating a wedding, a little phishing and visiting with our friends and family in New York it feels great to sleep in my own bed and to drastically slow down our schedule and allow for some lazy summer days at home.

clouds

Pony And Poppy

It has been cloudy, rainy and all around beautiful this week in Arizona. A break from the sun is most definitely welcomed this time of year. This also made for some extra sleepy days, bonus!

chris guillebeau

I love reading. I always enjoy reading something that is entertaining but, usually you'll find me reading books on how to better myself in work, life, parenting, diet, ect. It can be a sickness really. The latest book that has challenged me to think differently is The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau. It is a great read for anyone who wants to live an unconventional life.Chris questions education, credibility, and influence, and gives useful ideas as alternatives to the traditional methods of gaining those qualities as well as how to apply them to your career based on what has worked in his own life. The apply part is really the tough one for me. I get stuck just before the stage and veer off course. I need to figure that out still. Lucky for me, I am picking up his newest book The $100 Startup today! Very excited about what I will learn next. 

inspired by ...

Alice Pasquini 

Driving through New York a couple weeks ago my oldest son said "Oh my goodness, why would someone do that? That's terrible." When I realized he was speaking about the graffiti along the highway, I had to laugh. It was such a sweet and innocent response to something he rarely sees and I barely notice is even there. Had he seen the the beautiful street art created by AliCè: Alice Pasquini, a visual artist who works as an illustrator, set designer and painter, that would be far from his reaction. Her work is joyful, soulful and colorful.

Based in Rome, AliCè has traveled the world bringing her art to the streets of many countries. Alice's work shows acts of love, hope, and affection. I browsed her work on flickr and got lost in the most beautiful of ways, take a look for yourself here.

bead and button show treasures

After a couple weeks away visiting family and friends in New York, I'm back! I left in a frenzy wrapping up odds and ends and didn't have a chance to share my goodies from the Bead&Button show with you. I didn't have a whole lot of time to really look and shop at the show but, of course I managed to pick up a few treasures.

I have had some raw crystal ideas swimming in my head for awhile so, finding a strand to play with at the show made me really happy. I came home and designed these 4 necklaces and 3 earrings with these straight away! Above are the pieces I have left to work with when new inspiration strikes.

Soft Flex Company

Before heading to the show, I noted of my lack of black jewelry in my stash. I wear a good amount of black/grey clothing so, picking up some interesting black stones was high on my list. This beautiful strand of Tektite gemstone beads fit the bill. They are gorgeous! I picked these up from the Soft Flex Company booth and have to say it was really hard to resist all the pretty gemstone beads Soft Flex has in their booth while I worked all week!

Earthenwood Studio

I was gifted these beautifully crafted ceramic beads by Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studios. She is so very talented and sweet too! I am thinking that the rose connector or wing would go nicely with some Tektite gemstone beads.
  

Jennifer Wilson

My friend and co-worker Jenny Wilson gifted me her handmade and adorable lampwork bumpy beads and a recycled beer bottle glass ring component, sweet! I love the teal blue color of the bumpy beads and couldn't resist whipping up a pair of earrings with them as soon as I got home. So cute! I made the ear wires while demoing how to make ear wires in the Soft Flex show booth. The ear wires are made with 18 Gauge Soft Flex Craft Wire in Pewter. 

Soft Flex Company

Speaking of ear wires I picked up a spool of 18 Gauge Soft Flex Craft Wire in Smokey Quartz, a cup bur and a rubber block so I can make my own ear wires at home. I think I should have picked up 20 gauge wire too though as 18 gauge can be a little thick for some ears.

Envirotex

Cami of Envirotex Resin generously gifted me some jewelry resin (yay!). I can't wait to try it. I love working with resin to make art and personalized magnet sets and art jewelry.

Kerri Fuhr

Green Girl Studios

Above are a few bezels I brought home to play with the resin. I love how large and beautifully ornate the antique copper bezel from Kerri Fuhr is and in contrast I adore the simplicity and handcrafted quality of the pewter bezel and swirl charm from Green Girl Studios. 

Tresori Trovati Jewelry

Last and certainly not least is the inspiring "follow your bliss" Simple Truths pendant from Erin Prais-Hintz of Tresori Trovati Jewelry. To see the full necklace, see my post here.

Bead&Button is always a great show full of artful beads, tools, wire, education as well as a great place to connect with jewelry artisans, beaders and friends alike!

simple truths celebration

Tesori Trovati Simple Truths Pendant "follow your bliss"

Erin Paris-Hintz of Tesori Trovati is celebrating her Simple Truths line of art pendants today. I am delighted to be part of the celebration and share a necklace I made with Erin's Simple Truths pendant.

I was first introduced to Erin and her work in 2010 when I worked with her on her featured web page over at Soft Flex Company's Spotlight On .... I instantly fell in love with Erin's style and the jewelry she creates and was lucky enough to meet up with Erin at the Bead&Button show last month, she is so kind and easy to talk to. She generously gifted me a Simple Truths pendant of my choosing. She handcrafts so many beautiful pendants that it was hard to choose. Ultimately, the wise words "follow your bliss" choose me and are a beautiful reminder for me to create with passion and follow my bliss!

In addition to designing jewelry, Erin creates this line of Simple Truths art pendants that combine wise phrases with sweet images on hand painted polymer clay. You can find Simple Truths and her jewelry in her etsy shop, Tesori Trovati. 

Be sure to visit Erin's blog where she will be giving away a Simple Truths subscription to one lucky commenter who has never owned a Simple Truths pendant as well as a discount offer for her shop.

Please visit these designers and see their Simple Truths creations, you will be glad you did.

Erin Prais-Hintz
http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

Sharon Misuraco
http://goinoffthebeadinpath.blogspot.com/

Tanya Goodwin
http://pixiloo.blogspot.com

Alice Peterson
http://www.alice-dreaming.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger
http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Lori Bowring Michaud
http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Rebecca Anderson
http://songbeads.blogspot.com

Chris White
http://dzeyenrstudio.blogspot.com

Cherrie Fick
http://designsinthelight.com

Rosanne Garvison
http://fabfibers@blogspot.com

Shelley Turner
http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com

Marlene Cupo
http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com/

Mary Harding
http://www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com

Lola Surwillo
http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Michelle Burnett
http://reverieandrevival.blogspot.com

Kirsi Luostarinen
http://kirsiluokorut.blogspot.com

Paige Maxim
http://pmaximdesigns.blogspot.com

Kristen Fagan (That's Me!)
http://www.creativestash.com

Cynthia Riggs
http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com

Thank you, Erin for your generosity and the motivation to bring my Simple Truths pendant to life! 

bead and button show recap

I am overflowing with beady inspiration thanks to working at the BeadandButton Show this month. I took a week long trip to Milwaukee with Soft Flex Company to help them out in their show booth. It has been a few years since I helped in the booth and it was really nice to get out from behind my computer desk and spend time with my co-workers in person.

I don't talk about my "day job" much on this blog but, I am a full time graphic designer for Soft Flex Company and have been for 9 years. Soft Flex Company is a beading wire manufacturer that sells tools, beads and beading wire to make your own jewelry. How cool is that?! Way cool. It's really nice to work for a company in a creative industry and that is full of creative employees.

The first few years working for Soft Flex, I traveled to a few shows to help out, learn our products, meet customers and vendors face-to-face and check out how other companies display their products and signage. It was always great fun. After becoming a mom of two, going away for a week to help with a show just wasn't do-able for me and my family anymore. This year, now that my kids are a bit older, I was asked if I wanted to go. I was a little hesitant at first but, knew it would be a worthwhile and I'm glad I said yes.

 
While there, I helped run our daily Make-It-Take-it projects during the show and assisted customers and demonstrated how to use our tools and wire while in our company booth. In addition I was able to meet many people I talk to via email face-to-face and that is always nice. I also got to see new products other companies have and feed off the creative energy that is bouncing all around. It's amazing to be around so many creative people - bead makers, jewelry designers, book authors and teachers oh my! You can't help but get excited talking with people about their passion.

The BeadandButton Show is a really well run and inspired show, I highly recommend you check it out someday if you have any interest in the beading / wireworking / metalsmithing / lampwork jewelry world. They host an amazing number of classes and the booths are just brimming with wonderful pretty things to inspire your designs and tools to make designing easier. The show is held in Milwaukee in June every year.

Stay tuned as I gather the treasures I brought home and share them with you ...

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.