1.31.2013

The Big Picture

The only way we can change, grow, and improve in areas we acknowledge we need to improve is to be a big picture thinker.

As humans we tend to be in the habit of seeing our own world first, but if we were to look at the world from the eyes of our customers and others in our mediums we would realize their are so many opportunities out there for us to explore.

Big picture thinkers are 
always learning, great listeners, 
and always looking for ways to 
expand their experiences.

Question:
What might change in your life if you were to start thinking from a big-picture perspective? How would it change your business? personal life? Financial growth? 

Use a big piece of paper and write, draw, or collage your thoughts about this questions. Use what you discover to create a plan of action for growing your business and changing your life.

It's in all of us to be big picture thinkers, are you ready to take on the world?
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1.29.2013

Seeking Inspiration Everyday

Last weekend my husband and I went on one of our favorite dates, dinner and the book store.

While at the bookstore I read an article in Entrepreneur magazine about marketing guru Seth Godin, and how his blog gets about 50,000 hits a month with little to no effort on his part.

I was in awe that he could get that many hits without having to do anything, and my husband said
  "people need inspiration everyday".

He went on to explain that people visit his site because they know he will have information that will inspire them to act. Seeking information and learning is what moves us forward, and that's why we strive for it daily.

I thought about that and realized that I do seek inspiration everyday. I am always on the hunt for information about my business, art, and how I can inspire others.

Do you seek inspiration daily?


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1.28.2013

Motivation Monday

                         Source: redbubble.com via Valerie on Pinterest


Accept
what was and what is...
and you'll have more
positive energy 
to pursue 
what will be.

Instant Happy by Karen Salmansohn


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1.27.2013

I'm Curious

◄▬ I'm taking a poll

Source: flickr.com via Monica on Pinterest


Do you keep a journal?

If so what kind:

Personal - With your private thoughts and emotions.
Business - A book with your goals, business ideas, and tracking.
Art - A sketchbook with your ideas, projects, and inspiration.

◄▬ Choose all that apply

Thanks for sharing!
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1.25.2013

DIY Friday - Creative Ideas to Make Your Own Stamps

I love creating cards and wrapping paper, and a lot of the time that includes creating stamps for my designs. There are so many creative ways to make your own stamps, here are a few of my favorites.

This would work with and veggie with a stem like celery, lettuce,  or even onions.
Cool ides with things you have around the house.
Carved erasers stamps
More eraser ideas
Cork carving
Cool ideas to do with kids
Have you ever made your own stamps?


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1.24.2013

Give Yourself Permission

The past couple of weeks have been unproductive for me.  I have not been very motivated to get into work mode, so my days are starting later then usual and I have not been getting everything done that I plan for my day. I might be a little fried after my busiest holiday season ever. I made over 100 pieces of jewelry in a couple of weeks, so maybe I am just being a little hard on myself.

As business owners we always want to be productive and working so we can achieve our goals, but sometimes we just need a break or time off.

What if we gave ourselves permission to start our day late, take a day off, or just surf the web. We might get more done in the end because were not beating ourselves up for the time we are not working.

By giving yourself permission, 
you take away the anxiety and 
frustration you feel about 
not working.

Next time you are beating yourself up for not getting the things done you want to finish try these three things:

• Start your project acknowledging you will need some time to away to regroup.

• Reach out for help in your creative community. Maybe someone you know can give you a hand or advice that will inspire you to stay on track.

• Don't compare yourself to others. Do things on your own schedule. If you are trying to do to much at one time it may be time to step back and reevaluate where your are in the process.

Most importantly give yourself permission to take a break and to take the time you need to do your best work.

Do you give yourself permission to take a break?


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1.23.2013

Weaving Inspiration

“We all have our own life to pursue, Our own kind of dream to be weaving... And we all have the power To make wishes come true, As long as we keep believing.”
-Louisa May Alcott



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1.22.2013

Clearing your Creative Well

Creativity has more to do with the elimination of the inessential then with something new.
-Helmut Jahn

As artists we are inspired by the things around us and we spend time learning new techniques and perfecting our craft. Over time as we are filling our creative well it can get to full, making it difficult to organize our ideas.

Creating space within our creative well will help more original ideas grow. 

This process of clearing your mind or creative well can be as simple as cleaning your closet. 
Slowly go through your closet and and start pulling out things you never wear, things that don't fit, and anything that is not your style. Don't forget to go through your shoes and accessories. When you are done pack everything up and take it to a local charity.

This process of elimination helps your mind relax and as you are clearing your closet you are also riding your mind of old ideas.

As those old ideas release, you are now open and ready to cultivated new ideas.

What do you do when you need to clear your mind?
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1.21.2013

Motivation Monday

Photo by Kersti Peenema
When life's strong winds come blowing bend with them and let go.

By bending you will become stronger in new places.

By letting go, you will make room for the new and better.

Instant Happy Karen Salmansohn


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1.18.2013

DIY Friday - Working With Wood

The wonderful thing about today's projects is you can do most of them with recycled, reclaimed, or found wood. With a few tools you can create these fun projects for your home.

Wooden Floor Mat
Wood Slices Mirror
Sliced Wood Chalkboard
Wood Tags
Coffee Stirrer Clock 
Wood Bangles 
Found Wood Pencil Holder
What kind of fun projects have you created with wood?


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1.17.2013

Your Branding Message

Are you consistent with your online and offline branding presence?

As business owners we market ourselves all over the web via our shop or shops, social media sites, and blogs, it's important that we are sending the same message so we are easily identified on all our sites.

Your brand message is important for customers, to get to know you and your business. When you send a consistent messages your customers will know what to expect and be excited to see what you have to offer.

I was reading The Mogul Mom blog and this graphic sums it all up:

The Rules of Branding


Review your online presence. Is your message consistent? Is your brand easily identified on and offline?


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1.16.2013

Put Your Favorite Quote Into Action

I love inspiring quotes and I use them all the time in my blog posts. I think those few simple words can give you the boost you need to get through your day.

It's also easy to read quotes, agree with the message, and just move onto something else not ever giving it a second thought. What if you were actually inspired by a quote and practiced it's wisdom.

                         Source: niftyswank.blogspot.com via Valerie on Pinterest


I have come to realize that an inspiring quote can guide you to become the person you want to be. 

                         Source: purpletugboat.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest


Try this:

Find a quote, one that really hits home for you. Something that has meaning and inspires you to want to make it part of your everyday life.

Take that quote and turn it into something you can hang on your wall. Use paint, pencil, collage, or your computer, whatever medium you prefer, to make it work in your space.

Then break down the quote into steps you can incorporate into you daily life.

                        Source: whispsofinvisibleme.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest


This is a favorite quote of mine. I am one of those people who is always full of ideas, but not very good at starting or finishing any of the big projects I want to do. This year I am going to step out of my box more and start doing all those things I really want to do. That's why I chose this quote to keep me motivated.

I started by creating a list of everything I want to achieve this year and then broke each idea down into action steps. I added these action steps to my daily calendar and each day I spend 15 - 30 minutes on a project I want to achieve.

Having this quote posted is a daily reminder of what I want to accomplish.  I can glance at it whenever I need a boost, and it's words can inspire me. Every quarter I am going to incorporate a new quote into my space, so inspiration is all around me all year long.

By finding one quote that will be your theme for a month, quarter, or the whole year is a great way to stay inspired to achieve all you want to achieve.

Those inspiring quotes should be more then something to quickly read and nod your head in agreement. Put them into actions and let them become part of your life.

Do you have a favorite quote that you have made part of your everyday life?


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1.15.2013

Artist To Know - Cornelia Konards

Cornelia Konrads


German born artist Cornelia Konrads creates amazing permanent and temporary sculptures for parks, public spaces, and private gardens.

She creates large-scale installations that give the illusion of weightlessness. Using things like logs and bricks that are suspended in mid-air and  look like they are created by an "invisible" force.

Her work is original and inspiring.









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1.14.2013

Motivation Monday

                    Source: landscapelifescape.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest


View your life with
Kindsight.

Stop beating yourself up about things from your past.

Instead of slapping your forehead and asking,
"WHAT WAS I THINKING?"

breath and ask the kinder question,
"WHAT WAS I LEARNING?"

Instant Happy by Karen Salmansohn

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1.11.2013

DIY Friday - Art for Your Home

As much as I would love to have a house full of art, it is not in my budget to invest a lot of money into art. Over the years I have painted a few canvases, but I am not a painter and they were never what I really wanted. Recently I found a few ideas for adding art to your house that are inexpensive and easy to do, perfect for DIY Friday.

Canvas and Metal Repair Tape
Mini Canvases and Paint
Frame Fabric Squares
Paint and Tape
Embroidery Hoops Reinspired
Recycled Cardboard
Scrapbook Paper Mod Podged to a Canvas
What kind of art have you created for your home?


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1.10.2013

Creating Breathing Room


If you have been around for awhile you might remember in 2010 my sister the organizer helped me organize my office/studio so that is was more efficient. You can see all the photos and read all about the process here.

Before studio in 2010
After 2010
Well we did it again. Since I work in the basement I decided I wanted my space to look a little nicer.

I recruited my husband and father to paint my space, my sister and I created a desk with an old door some crates and some tiles, and we reorganized everything.

Preparing to paint
New paint colors
The desk I created
My work space and inspiration board
My desk area and a second work space when I need assistance.

I am thrilled with my new space, it added the perfect amount of breathing space for the area that I spend a majority part of my day. It is a pleasure to go to work these days.

What have you done to your space for the New Year?


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