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Ok, so I've been quietly holding on to my fabric and while I do plan to save some of each design, I don't need to actually be saving it all :-)
And finishing the colors on my 8th collection last week, I'm realizing that the studio needs to make room once again = biggest destash to date.
Two big boxes, a 10 yd and a 20 yd, of Creative Thursday are available at the shop. And as of this post! one more scrap bag.
{sweet, tiny baby not included!} {she is my studio assistant Rachel's daughter}
So I’m back on Facebook, podcasting again and blogging more….Another plan I have with Creative Thursday is to introduce you to and/or update you on projects by creatives/entrepreneurs I personally know, more often. Now, just for the record, I know there are a lot of affiliate recommendations happening these days and this is not one of them. Should I ever be an affiliate to a project I support, I will let you know.
As I’ve mentioned recently, for me: the internet is becoming saturated with voices, products, classes...While I believe the cream will always rise to the top, why not do what I can to get it there a little faster? One of the ways I would like to help cut through the saturation is by recommending people I am inspired by, know and trust.
Christine aka SwirlyGirl is one of those people. You might already know her, or remember her? as I’ve mentioned her here many times throughout the years. My first commenter, the first person I reached out to online, who became an in person friend, and one of the first to support my work, not only by buying some of my very first daily paintings, but also by sharing my blog and my podcast with her online circle of friends way back in 2006, remember those early internet days…!
We also did a podcast when she self-published her first book. You can still listen to it here.
Relentlessly supportive, honestly she is one of the few people I know who will think of helping others, often before herself. She started and ran a successful creative company long before the internet. An eloquent, thoughtful writer, she has since had another book published. And organized, did I mention how organized she is? This awesome lady knows her stuff.
Christine is not only a friend but we’ve worked together as well. We’ve taught classes and joined forces on a few projects including a couple of art shows. One thing you learn is that not all friendships can become working relationships, but Christine can bridge that gap. She is a great collaborator.
What I’m saying here; If I were looking for guidance with my book, Christine is the one I would want to help me.
That’s why I have to share her newest project with you “The Conscious Booksmith” - even following my earlier post addressing too many 'online classes' - this should tell you just how much I recommend Christine as a teacher. And seriously, just watch the video above. Knowing Christine this is one of the best, most sincere videos out there in promotion of a course. There are a few, just a few offerings that I do recommend and this is one of them. I know, Christine will go above and beyond to help you develop and share your voice.
More about the “The Conscious Booksmith” from Christine:
The course has been carefully designed to provide a solid foundation and organized structure to support you in the process of creating your book. At the end of the course, you will have a beautiful binder full of downloadable tools, inspiration and resources and will be well on your way to holding your book in your hand.
The intention for the course is two-fold:
1. We will take your book idea – which usually feels huge and overwhelming – and break it down into smaller, more manageable parts.
2. We will explore your values, priorities and ideals so the book creation process unfolds on your terms.
There are plenty of books, courses and encouragement for those wanting to pursue a six-figure book contract and the New York Times bestseller list. While I love big plans and grand visions, I believe any dream – small, medium or large – is best served when pursued with careful thought and intention. When our dreams are brought to life mindfully – and reflect our day-to-day lives – they are imbued with that much more joy, light and truth. Things like families, pets, grocery shopping and laundry are all part of the process and integral elements of our journey.
This is an invaluable opportunity to tap into to the knowledge, wisdom, experience, inspiration and encouragement of an artist, author and creative entrepreneur with 18+ years of experience who loves to support the dreams and visions of others.
A topic and a painting inspired by Kathleen Hannah featured in the documentary I shared in my last post, "The Punk Singer"
I realized when editing, that there is second topic included in this recording. How to turn frustration into change.
This episode runs approximately 13 minutes.
To download the audio to your device with a Mac: click on the audio player above while also holding down the control key. A window will pop up with options to open in Itunes and download the mp3 etc.
Thanks for chiming in on the last podcast. I really enjoy getting your thoughts on these topics.
Do you know this about me? I'm obsessed with stories about creatives and entrepreneurs.
This means documentaries and I get along well.
Honestly, on the days when I doubt the life I've chosen {they still happen although less often than they used to} and I think about if I still want to keep going with this art buisness or simply on days when I feel misunderstood, there's nothing better than sitting down with Sean, a bowl of popcorn, my favorite white fuzzy blanket and watching a documentary like these.
I keep telling friends about all the new ones I've come across lately so I thought I'd put together a list of a few of them here, to share with you and also make an easy link I can just email. Most, if not all, of these you can 'watch instantly' on Netflix. I've linked each to their trailers.
Beauty is Embarrassing one of my all time favorites, I've posted it before but it needs posting again incase you missed it the first time .
Did I miss some? What are some of your favorites?
Full disclosure, this image may or may not relate to this podcast. It's up to your interpretation. I just happen to be obsessed with the cuteness of this tiny bird button, my assistant Rachel made yesterday. It's the bird on the giraffe in my zaza zoo fabric. It always amazes me how a design becomes something completely new when you focus in on just one tiny part of it.
Ok, on with the podcast. So the deal is that you can listen to this audio in full on your computer, and sadly not on your device. Typepad is aware and working on it. I am also figuring out how to include download link so you can take me with you, if you'd like! ****Edit April 16**** to download the audio to your device on a Mac you click on the audio player while also holding down the control key. A window will pop up with options to open in Itunes and download the mp3 etc. Any of you on windows know the key command to do this same action? Is it a right-click?
This episode runs approximately 20 minutes.
I have some questions for you:
How do you know when you are ready to charge for your knowledge?
How do know when you're ready to pay someone for their knowledge?
Do you feel like people on the internet are supportive? as they once were?
What do you think about all the free content available today?
....and a few more I ask you on the podcast.
I really look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.
Ok guys. It's official. I'm back on Facebook.
Why you ask? especially after the thoughts and opinions I expressed in one of my most read blog posts.
Because, I give in. Even though many of my opinions about Facebook have not evolved, my desire to connect with others has. Let's be honest, it's where the majority of people are connecting and getting information online. To continue to resist this, especially as a business owner who has something to share and to say, is futile.
Stubborn I've been; about a number of things related to the expansion of my business and maybe that's just a normal part of the 'business growing up' phase? Lately I am resisting less and becoming genuinely open and appreciative of more.
I am however approaching Facebook entirely different this time, and that is solely as a business. I think honestly this will be a better fit and I'll probably enjoy it more. Over the years, I've also become increasingly comfortable managing all of the social media in a way that still feels balanced with my ultimate plan of being creative. I think when all of this started, it was easy to get on sensory overload. Probably still is...maybe our senses have adjusted?! Mine have and I'm still painting, and creating, so all good for now. What is great is that if you prefer to follow along with me there, now you can. Alrighty, then. here we go.
Something happens when April rolls around. Bunnies, lots of bunnies.
And giraffes, who doesn't need an {easter} giraffe?
At the time of this post, there are just 2 bunnies and 1 giraffe left. If you had your heart set on one, let me know as I might be adding a few more to the shop.
