Taking Inventory and finding Joy

This is a photo my son took at the balloon festival. I love seeing things through his eyes! I've been taking inventory quite a bit lately... it's just something I do. My personal life, my family life, my class, my creativity... I am so full of joy. So many things are a celebration of that joy.

Last night was our first group chat for the class. I am absolutely in awe of the women who chose to join me. They are each amazing. We are only one week in out of the 6 week course... and I can't totally fathom the ride I am on yet. That is a good thing.

This weekend will include some more journal making so keep your eye out! And if you'd like more information on when my next class is, drop me a line at robynsart@live.com

Create

This journal will be listed in my shop today. I'm having such a good time creating new and inspiring journals! This one has a goddess button for the closure and the word "Create" branded on it.

I personally feel much more... alive? happy? fulfilled? yeah, pretty much all of those when I'm creating. When I'm pursuing the things I enjoy, and when they bring something to other's lives... that just makes it all the more amazing!

That is part of what I will touch on in my upcoming class. Besides getting your creativity flowing, but how to keep creating things you love despite crazymakers in your life. Despite the people who say they support you but who will do anything they can to stand in the way of your creativity. As artists, we need to be selfish at some points. We need to take that time to fill our well. And as women, being selfish goes against everything we've been taught. So the first start of the battle is within. We are doing a tug of war.

What I will tell you at this point is that once you put that type of selfishness into practice (and it's not a bad thing, it makes you a more whole, happier person), then those around you will adjust and it will stop being a struggle. But, yes, what a battle it is to begin....

I do hope you'll join us for our class. It will begin July 5 and there is a link on the upper right column of this blog!

Creating Again

I had not created anything since my Dad's death on Feb. 13. Yep, basically a month and a half. Did not pick up the camera, didn't make a single thing. But this weekend I've made 6 journals, 6 photo paperweights, and photo'd 7 sets of photo greeting cards. I will work on listing them all throughout the day.

It feels amazing to be creating. At first, it was quite bittersweet because I had a strong urge to call Dad and tell him about the amazing new leather journal I made. But my friend Kevin assured me that now I have "direct connect" and can talk to Dad any time I'd like.

There are some possibly-amazing things afoot creative & business-wise for me... and I will keep you posted as those things unfold. My fingers are crossed, but I am going into new ventures only after a lot of soul searching and research. I know that the perfect avenues are right before me, and they'll still be there if I take a moment to reflect before choosing.

I wasn't ready before... for those new paths, for the healing that creativity would bring. But now I think I am ready.

Changes

I had a bit of fun yesterday editing photos. This version didn't quite make the cut to go into my shop, but I still like it.

I was feeling quite under the weather yesterday, but I still managed to talk to some wonderful friends online, edit photos, and list 3 of them. Oh yeah, caught up on my Artist's Way homework too!

Saturday, we went to Washougal to watch the boys race motocross. They had a tough time, because it was very muddy, but the day went well, no major injuries! Then we all went out to dinner, and I made kladkaka. They were oh so happy as they ended their day with video games.

I feel some new creative directions pulling me their way. Many things will be changing in my shop over the next few months. For instance, journals as I currently have listed may cease to be listed... maybe. That's the thought at this point in time... we will see where I am led.

Where are you being led creatively? Are you following or fighting it?

New Photos

I added these photos to my shop over the weekend. Well, all except the wood duck, he will be added today. I went and took pictures yesterday, wandering through the woods at a local park. I had forgotten how exhilerating it is to go out, take photos, come home, upload them and get immediate feedback.

I have a friend with whom I can toss ideas around with and the things he comes up with are quite amazing. A true meeting-of-the-minds experience. Pretty breathtaking when that happens.

I'm bouncing all around today... I started The Artist's Way with 2 girlfriends yesterday. I have done the 12 week program 3 times in the past, and I am thrilled to be facilitating their journey this time!

This week will hopefully bring about some amazing creativity! Encourage one another!

Kick Start Creativity

I took this photo one day with my dad. He was driving, and would stop each time he saw something photo worthy. Then I would get out, snap a few, and off we would be to the next photo opportunity.

Tomorrow, I hope to get some photography done, but it could very well work out that it will be Sunday. Either way. I just know I want a creative weekend.

I have been thinking a lot about doing The Artist's Way again. I'd love to start it right now, but I am realistic and know it may have to wait til March. In the meantime, I need to get my Artist's Way book out again, and just kinda look through it for a little kick start.

I know me. And I know that all I need is the gumption to get started... then I will be off and running again. Tomorrow, I will make journals around any possible photography time. I will also edit photos at some time this weekend and add items to my shop.

I'm lost without goals... how about you?

Plan for Creativity

This weekend, I am committing to working on items for my etsy shop. I hope to make new journals, go and take new photos, and spend some time editing some photos to list. I have not felt very creative lately, and I know that I need to just get started with it... if I force a start, the creative juices will flow freely.

Tonight will be about play. We are going to a concert. Tomorrow work, Saturday sleeping in... then the creativity muse will be knocking... I can feel it already. Just need to get some energy to let her in.

I hope all is well in your world.

By the way, blogger's not allowing me to upload a photo, I'll try in a bit.

Fall is about renewal to me

I know, I know... to everyone out there, Spring is about renewal. But Fall has always been laid out for renewal for me. Back to school time just seems like the most obvious time to start on new projects.

And that's exactly what I'm going to do! I have many things on clearance in my shop, in order to make room for a new product line. (I know, my shop could hold an infinite number of products, but I like to keep it between 100-120). I am working on this new line, and will be unveiling it within 2 weeks.

I had a wonderful summer with my boys. It seems like each summer I get to know them so much better than I ever had before. I am so thankful, and so blessed. They are amazing young men!

I hope for a productive week. What are you up to?

Allowing the flow

I am going to be doing quite a bit of editing on this photo today. I should be able to get some done at work, along with writing in my friendship journal. I have definitely felt a creative surge lately. Brought on, I believe, by walking away for a bit. It was feeling forced, so I stopped. I didn't allow myself to 'work' at it for several days.

I didn't market my shop. I didn't go to buy paper. I didn't make journals. I withdrew. Then, much quicker than I had imagined, it pulled me back in. I made several journals over the weekend. I went to the rose garden to take photos.

I'm still not feeling completely comfortable getting back into the amount of time that I was "marketing" before. I think that's a good thing! I was getting so sucked into 'pushing my wares' that I was no longer enjoying the creative process.

I have a friend who is doing very well with his online shop. He pops online throught the day, markets, then goes about his day. I think he has good ideas. I am going to try that. Get the most bang for my online time. Not to say I won't interact with my online friends... but I will not be present to market constantly.

I am on a mission. A mission to find what balance works best for me. I can't stop creating altogether, that's not an option. And I can't market constantly because that sucks the energy from my creativity.

Creating is so good for my soul

What an amazing weekend I had! I listed two new journals, 2 new bookmarks, and a new photo print. Sunday I went to the Portland Rose Garden and made friends with my camera again. The rose garden was all abloom and quite fragrant. And it was sprinkling on and off, making for some gorgeous photos!

I have another journal made that I need to list... and a few more in the works. And who knows how many more photo prints are to come from that trip! I can see a summer full of photos. And a summer full of love and fun with my 3 boys... life is good.

Sometimes, you can't catch a break

So, I'm trying to step back away from the time vampires. Trying to reclaim. Trying to not be so exhausted, and let the creative juices flow.

Then I find out I have to work Saturday. The first Saturday that we have been opened in a year, more or less. But, I will be there all alone. I will take my journal, take my camera, perhaps take some journals to work on. I will find my bliss. I will find my joy in being there alone, and having quiet. I will have some interruptions, but nothing major.

Sunday, I hope to have a photo day. Perhaps I'll go to the Portland Rose Garden. Or maybe out to the vineyards. Not sure where I will end up, but I will become friends with my camera!

On a very happy note, I had made and listed a custom journal for a friend about a month ago. She then became very ill and had a lot of things to take care of. Well, last night, she bought her journal! I stopped marketing and I made a sale... isn't that about right?

There's a Long Weekend Coming up

I am beyond thrilled at the prospect of a 3-day weekend! Ideally, I would stay home and create journals. I'm trying to build up stock to free up more time for my children this summer. However, there is most likely a road trip in the plans. I love road trips! My camera battery is charged... I am ready!

I took the above photo while visiting a friend. He has these all along the pathway leading to his backyard. In life, it's so nice to have a light to guide you....

That tutorial I promised is underway, and I will be posting it soon.

You know, that's a lesson that is taking me the longest. I have self-imposed deadlines and I get all stressed out over them. In a way, that's good... it leads to getting things done. But oftentimes life gets in the way, and the deadline becomes impossible. I need to learn that life happens and it's ok. So... let me try that. Life right now, for several reasons, is very hectic. I am working on the Etsy Account Tutorial, but will finish when I once again have a big block of time that I can dedicate to it.

I have a million thoughts zipping through my head... I'm sure they will form themselves into something cohesive soon. Happy Wednesday to you all!

Coming down off a Glorious Weekend

The weather this weekend was amazing. Sunny all weekend, yesterday the temps were in the 80's. Saturday we cleaned. Moved some stuff out... made 5 trips to the dumpster. Organized. Just one area really, but every little bit helps. During the week, I'll be cleaning my craft area, and cutting paper for more journals. Trying to get enough ahead that I can basically pack away my creating area prior to the summer. But still being able to create this summer, you know?

Yesterday we went to the Portland Saturday Market. I love this town! There was so much going on down there... people milling about everywhere, everyone enjoying the sunshine! And there are amazing items for sale there too! I bought a small piece of art for my walls... not that I needed it, it was just so beautiful!

Today I should be listing 2 new journals. One is a special order for a friend who wanted graph paper instead of the white paper, so she can write straight in her journal. The other is an 8X10 dragonfly journal. I've been on a paper buying spree lately, so there are many more to come! I'll be creating throughout the week.

I'm working up my tutorial on creating an etsy account. If there are any questions, or things you'd like me to make sure I cover, please list them in the comments! I hope for the most wonderful week for all of you!

Brainstorming is good!

Yesterday was a very creative day, as far as planning goes. I was brainstorming ideas for my shop a few different times yesterday with online friends and they had some of the most amazing suggestions!! I'll be trying out all the ideas very soon, and will let you know when I've listed them!

One of the ideas was to make journals that are aimed more towards children. I've always just thought before that you know, kids could just use the ones I already make. But I will be coming out with some that have more playful covers on them, and one for the Harry Potter fans out there, not using that name directly, of course, but with a "wand". Another will feature silk fibers from a spinner I know embedded in homemade paper on the cover! Oh, and one of her homemade knitting needles as either the spine or the closure. Yep, I'm going to be working out the details of closures and stuff soon.

Creativity is good... and round-table discussions where artists toss ideas at one another--that's amazing! I've spent a lot of time in a cave. When I was a stay at home mom, married to a man in the air force, I kept to myself. Only after we separated did I go to a weekly writers meeting a few times, and once I even presented one of my poems! Those meetings, with critiques and comments flying, were such a rush. Yesterday reminded me of that.

I've always had a dream. Of living in an artist's community. Where interaction with creative people is a constant. In my dream world, this would make for such a happy existence! And in a sense, I'm living it now more than ever! Today I urge you... if you have a project that you're in the middle of, or even if you're just thinking about starting one... discuss it with someone you trust. Toss around ideas! Take notes, get input! See where it takes you.