the Creative Thursday blog

this book!

If you're on my email list then you're already aware of all the changes coming for 2015. And if not, it's time to let you know!

I've been ready for these changes for quite a while... and then this book showed up in my life, several times actually, the first week of the new year. And now, there's seriously no going back.

Since December, posting on this blog has felt a little paralyzing - because there's no easy way to say this, but it's time for me to let it go. It's surreal to stop a commitment you've been keeping consistently for almost nine years, especially when this is also the first time I've kept such a commitment. What I haven't decided yet, is if I will leave it up, or let it go entirely? There's a lot of good stuff here! And yet I'm also not this person or artist anymore. I've changed. What this book has me understanding more than ever, is that holding on to your past anchors you, rather than supporting you to be fully in your present and confidently step into your future.

What I know for sure is that I'm officially done with maintaining all of these online homes. Everything for Creative Thursday will be moving to one site, and that moment can't happen soon enough. The new site will absolutely have a place for me to share news and "talk" to you when I have something important and interesting to share. So, it's not like I am suddenly going to be silent now. Nope, that's not going to happen. Also, my intent with the new show is to share more of my thoughts and experiences there via video. I'm also working on re-vamping how I approach sending email updates.

We'll see? A lot to think about?! And it does not all have to be decided right this moment. I just wanted to pop in, say a quick hello and recommend this book. It really is a game changer.

happy 2015 xo

 

 

Creative Thursday Coloring Book!

Seven years of art and design transformed into 53 pictures and patterns just waiting to be colored!

I started this business to be creative. And my mission in all that I do is to inspire you to be creative too. So besides designing fabric for you to create with, I'm so excited to share that I have been working on a COLORING book! And it's finally ready!

I don't know if you've colored in a while? But coloring books aren't just for kids. The number of adults who turn to coloring books, not only for creativity but for relaxing and a sense of calm, is growing. And lucky for us, the number of  modern artists who are creating them is growing too. I first became introduced to them through my friend Jenean Morrison, whose beautiful and intricate designs fill a growing collection of 6 books. Jenean inspired and encouraged me to design one too {thank you Jenean!} with the best advice: "create a book you would love to color". 

So here it is! A book I'd love to color, that I know you will love too! I hope this will be a treasured and thoroughly enjoyed part of your Creative Thursday collection.

It is hard to narrow down my favorites without showing you all 53 pages, but here are a few of my favorite, favorites!

 

 

Best part {besides all the cuteness}, it's available on Amazon so you can get it super quick in time for holiday gifties. {you can even use your personally colored pattern pages for small gift wrapping}

let the holiday season begin! with CREATIVITY & COLORING!

Creative Thursday in Korean

So, this little guy arrived at my doorstep. First Chinese, now Korean. 

A giraffe in a hat.

This is when an author learns more about the contract she signed. When your book gets translated into other languages, it basically gets sold in its entirety to another publisher, who also has the right to re-design it in the way they see fit for their market.

{look at that tiny tiger!}

Luckily, so far so good. I actually love both re-designs. The layout, the tiny details. And especially, the giraffe in the hat. The Asian design aesthetic seems to fit really well with mine. 

And both the Chinese and Korean characters, so beautiful. They look like art on the page.

This has me thinking seriously about how I might want to evolve my own designs, while continuing to trust more of what comes naturally to me. More negative space and I like tiny, I really do.

Creative Thursday in Chinese

When my book came out, I opted out of a lot of traditional "marketing" methods to reach a bigger audience. I don't know why? really? other than I was tired and I have a hard time asking people to promote my work. And right now as you know from my earlier post about teaching online, I don't feel like shouting over everyone.

Honestly, I feel like enough people out there know me and what I do, and I'd really prefer, if they chose to promote or share my work because they feel inspired too not because I asked and not out of any obligation. So I quietly decided that if this book was meant to have a life, it would all on its own. And if not? that would be ok too.

I like to think quality work created with heart and excellence will always find its audience. While I know my work is not for everyone, this book is something I will always be proud of. 

I had always hoped it would find it's way in the world and considering a Chinese version arrived at my doorstep yesterday and, I received the nicest email from someone reading it in Brisbane Australia this morning - I think it is! finding it's way. 

Introducing my Pop Up Box Book

A collaboration with Fun Stitch Studio, a division of C&T Publishing. 

30 boxes to pop & fold {color} collect or give!

I spent this past Saturday at a huge Girl Scouts event, Girltopia, here in L.A.. Believe me when I say, I spent hours putting together these boxes with girls of all ages and I can personally attest to the fun that will be had! Seriously these would be the best party favors?! stocking stuffers, holiday gifties, everyday gifties and as always if you're like me, you want it just because; it makes you happy.

Available on Amazon, in stores and boutiques soon and I also have a limited edition over at my shop starting today. 

Announcement: If you are needing holiday orders to arrive in time, please order this week especially for those of you ordering internationally. The studio is working on a special project November 18 - December 4. Orders will start shipping again after December 6 - 16 and then we'll be on our holiday break. There will be! an annual holiday shop update, as I have some new treats in store for you, so stay tuned here at the blog. 

even sweet, tiny babies want to make pop up boxes :-)

the big book giveaway

Just FYI - this is happening right now. Seriously I have most of the books in this collection and whatever your level of inspiration is now, you will be MORE inspired just picking up any one of these titles. And if you're the lucky duck to win all 21...I'm giving away 2 copies of my book and! will be including extra treats for the winners!! good luck!

Mollie Makes

Creative Thursday was featured in the newest issue of Mollie Makes. {thank you Mollie Makes!}Such a treat, especially because this magazine is one of my favorites. I LOVE it! I also just discovered their home edition. Something about British style and sensibility, it's a comfort and inspiration to me. They seem to like warm, thoughtful, eclectic design and crafting, with bursts of color ~ as much as I do.

If you haven't picked up a copy yet, you should! A little tricky to track down in the states, I've seen issues at JoAnn and more recently I ordered a copy from another favorite, Fancy Tiger. If you just email or call Fancy Tiger, they stock the magazine and are happy to ship it to you. Oh and! you can get an electronic edition too! {thanks Delphine}

Journal It

Second up for review: Journal It, by Jenny Doh

One of the things I love about holiday weekends is momentum. There's something about having that extra day that makes all the difference, especially when it comes to being creative. Either you started early and you have that extra day to keep going or you finished all of your other business that you usually do and voila, an extra day just for you?!

Either way, whatever you're up to on this holiday Monday. I thought it would be fun to share this book with you today, because it's inspiring and happens to be a perfect kickstart to getting momentum going in the first place. Which if most of us are being honest, is always the hardest part to getting any kind of creative-ness happening.

I've often mentioned that I'm not a journaler. Something about keeping such intimate thoughts on record in what feels like a permanent way has always felt odd to me. I judge. I do. I judge myself and have a very hard time going back and reading what I wrote. Sometimes, not even remotely as personal as an actual pen on paper journal, I even cringe at old blog posts I've written. But then there are those moments that I actually like re-reading what I've shared and I'm so glad I took the time to record it. I remember that journals are for expression in the moment, for working it out. They are the perfect place for evolving our voice and our art.

I forget that the expression of the written word combined with all kinds of creative mediums in such a raw form is so alive. That's when beautiful books like 'Journal It' remind and inspire me to explore more of my artistic evolution in this format. Because sketchbooks I keep. I love looking back at old drawings, seeing how my art has evolved, and re-discovering old ideas.  I actually really enjoy working out an idea with pencil, pen, paints and photographic imagery, and only wish I took the time to do more of it. That's where the some of the best ideas make an appearance, by the willingness to keep putting pencil to paper.

I think ultimately the  goal here, for all of us, is to find and practice what keeps our creative juices flowing. One of my favorite parts of 'Journal it' is seeing how all of the contributors approach this art form so differently. Getting a glimpse into their process gives the reader so many ideas on how to get started. {please note that photos were taken with the Iphone and filtered, so the actual imagery is even richer}

I love the vibrant and contrasting use of black ink and watercolor that is Bel's specialty.

I also really like this idea of developing your own alphabet through your journaling, the way that Debra has done. I've been exploring more with my hand lettering lately too. My Creative Thursday logo from the very beginning has always been my handwriting. In fact my first logo came straight from the pages of one my sketchbooks. The newest version is also the title on the cover of my book.

And using needle and thread in your journal, as shown by Roben's gorgeous example. Of course! I never thought of adding that element to my sketch book, even though combining sewing with fine art is one of my newest obsessions, that I can't wait to explore more.

Jenny put together another wonderful collection of art and artists that is bound to get you creating within moments of breaking open the cover. Seriously. Filled with all the resources, techniques and ideas you could hope for, reviewing the imagery alone is all you need to get started.

'Creative Thursday' reviews

So the book is out! as you already know or will know after you stumble upon this post.

I made a decision. After my Los Angeles event, I thought about how I want my book to be 'marketed' and that is that I don't want it to be marketed, I want it to be promoted if people feel inspired to share it.

I am not doing a blog book tour and I am not asking bloggers to review the book. If you are seeing reviews out there it is because readers are choosing to talk about it. And while it is standard for publishers to giveaway copies specifically for people to review, most of the reviews I've seen are from people who actually bought the book, which is generous on top of generous {thank you}

Now before I go any further, for the record: I'm not opposed to or suggesting that marketing, blog book tours or giving people copies for review is disengenous. All of these are fine and excellent, and some would say necessary ways to get word of your book out there. I'm just an author and business owner choosing a different approach for now. Let's be honest; a book's shelf life is ultimately determined by word of mouth, by its readers.

That in my opinion is just how it should be. I want 'Creative Thursday' to have a life beyond it's first printing if it speaks to people enough for them to continue to give it life and if not then that is absolutely fine. I don't want anyone to share any reviews or links of my book, or my work for that matter, out of even the slightest bit of obligation. I want word of my work to continue to spread because - I'll tell you about it, as I'm usually pretty fired up about new projects and also as a self-supporting business - it's nice to keep your customers in the loop. I will also show you some additional peeks into the book in this post :)

But that's it. Beyond that if a project succeeds or doesn't beyond it's initial offering, that will be up to my supporters, customers, readers and in the case of this book the stores who choose to carry it. done and done.

As an entrepreneur, the life of my business is ultimately determined by personal decisions about how I want to run it. Simply put what feels right, inspired, honest, what feels genuine - not what anyone else tells me I should be doing to either make my business grow or  sell my book. Because truthfully if I make any decisons not from these intentions, it doesn't really work anyway. 

I love this book- more than ever, missing page and all {which you can download here by the way} Based upon the emails I'm getting, and reviews I'm reading you love it too. This alone tells me that writing the 'Creative Thursday' has already fulfilled it's purpose. It is being received exactly as I hoped it would be. And I'm thrilled about this. I also intended for it to be timeless, so of course I want it to have a home on bookshelves and electronic devices for years to come.  With that said, every bit of positive feedback, reviews online and on Amazon, telling your friends and family about it, buying it as a gift all help move it forward. So I guess I am actually asking but I am asking you to share something positive if and only if you feel inspired to do so. If you send me an email telling me how much the book speaks to you and you also feel comfortable sharing it on Amazon, that would be awesome. 

For those of you who have emailed me and who have already posted such kind reviews, thank you so much! If you are interested in reading some here are few to get you started Stitch Craft Create,  RedlineDesign, Dining Room Empire, Sue Bulmer. And if you have posted a review be sure to let me know so I can link back to you. Thank you Melanie for suggesting 'Creative Thursday' as a giftie for Valentine's day and thank you to those of you sharing snapshots on Instgram too, like Shayla above. And the best, I made it to Amber's 'these are on the back of my toilet and sometimes I read them for three whole minutes' list. I am complete.

Stitch Savvy

I've been asked to review a couple of books this year. First up: Stitch Savvy

I met Deborah at my very first quilt market, and pretty much love everything about this lady. She is who she is, a straight shooter, fellow creative, awesome sewer who continuously cracks me up. And she's a great teacher and author. This is her second book. Her first, Stitch by Stitch, a must have for every sewer,  she sent to me as a gift with a little note encouraging me in my very early days of sewing. 

As I've mentioned sewing was always intimidating for me so I take my teacher and book recommendations seriously.

Sewing is not something to be elitist about. You know the whole, 'I sew and you don't so therefor I'm superior to you.' Seems silly right, especially when it comes to creative pursuits - but we've all gotten that from someone at sometime. We humans have taken that attitude often when it comes to all kind of activities that can feel challenging at first, and it's time for that sh*t to go.

That is one thing I will always be thankful to blogging for. Bloggers have made so many activities way more accesible and approachable. Sewing in particular. {be sure to check out Deborah's blog too}

These are the reasons I like Deborah's books so much, they are friendly and supportive right fromt the get go. She writes like she's your friend, talking to you, walking you through the steps, and thinking about any question you might have along the way, always ready with tips and ideas to make the process easier. The photography is beautiful, and the step by step instructions are simple and clear, not overwhelming at all. These are books from the heart. Her love for sewing and teaching comes through. Deborah really wants everyone to know that they too can sew, and she is here to help us. And that's that. Nothing more nothing less. 

Filled with a variety of projects for all different levels, each teaching you new techniques to expand your knowledge and confidence. 

What I also love is that at the end of each project Deborah has reommendations about what project to try next. I can't wait to get started with my favorite one first. Ok fine, I'm a little biased - and - thrilled with how sweet this tea cozy is using Creative Thursday fabric, Meet the Gang and my very first Spoonflower designs that Deborah was so sweet to purchase as soon as I made them available online. Then I want to try every recommended project after that, a Tufted Duvet, a Lovie Blanket, and a Picnic Basket.

Did I mention that Deborah is also a mom to 4 kiddos? With the level of detail in this book, makes me immediately want to ask, how did she do it all? But then, I think we are all constantly asking that of each other these days. And no one really has the answer, other than somehow you just make it work and get it done. And I'm so glad, because then we get more books like this. 

I leave you with one of my favorite Deborah quotes from the book that pretty much sums it up. And if you'd like a copy she'll be giving away two copies tomorrow at her blog.

"Remember that your instincts are way more important than rules" ~ Deborah Moebes