Weekly Inspiration Photo...Get Creative!

I love looking at things from a different perspective. Normally flowers past their prime, if you know what I mean, aren't very appealing. My husband brought home a dozen tulips for me recently. Then we went on vacation...coming home to find them wilted. But even with the petals folded back and the flower itself rather droopy, I thought they were still beautiful. The colors remained vibrant and true and I really felt like they were worthy of a photo and an inspiration. So, there you go. Hopefully, you will be inspired this week to look at things differently and use new materials or unlikely components in your wonderful creations.

Now, go get creative!

Featured Artist Spotlight....Knots!!!

Wow! What can I say about Marcela from Knots! Other than being one of my favorite customers, she is also a fabulous artist and friend. I'm sure she goes by many more titles, but I'll let her tell you! I actually own one of Marcela's knots. I wear one of her hair pieces everyday. Now I can class up my ponytail with a gorgeous one-of-a-kind knot...makes me look hot if I do say so myself :) She carries a full line of beaded goodies, including necklaces, rings, ponytail holders, earrings, bracelets, and a new series for young girls! She is a sweetheart and her work is amazing. She lives in Cambridge, MA (I love it there) with her husband and two children.

Okay...now here is more information about Marcela. I asked, she answered!

MJ: How long have you been creating/designing? When did you first learn you had a creative side?
Marcela: I've been creating knots for 4 years now, but started the business just when I joined etsy, before I was selling here and there to friends, etc. Although I'm a physician and worked as such until i came to live in USA, I always had a creative side. Jewelry making has been my favorite hobby since I was a little kid. This passion is growing and growing and I keep adding new ideas and materials. I personally never leave the house without wearing a piece of jewelry (lately mostly mine) and I always get compliments.

MJ: What is your inspiration to create? What is your motivation to succeed?
Marcela: I get inspired by clothes, nature, or just my imagination. I love making these as well as making money! I have pure joy in the creating process, from choosing the colors to taking the final pictures of the piece.

MJ: When you are not working on your craft, what are you doing?
Marcela: When I'm not crafting, I work as a consulting physician from home for a Boston group of doctors from the Brigham and Womens Hospital. Also, and most important, is the joy of mothering! Spending time with my kids just fills me up with so much love!

MJ: Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?
Marcela: I belong to the I Love Etsy group.

MJ: What is on the horizon for you? New products? Etc.?
Marcela: I'd love to sell more and at some point have my own website.

MJ: Share one thing about you that you think would surprise people?
Marcela: I hate watching TV, I love french fries with vinegar, and I have a very acid sense of humor.

Marcela (isn't she smokin' hot!) and her husband.


Her two children.




Check out Marcela's Etsy Shop.... Knots To Wear

Weekly Inspiration Photo...Get Creative!

This was taken at the Aquarium in Atlanta, GA. Let your imagination soar, or should I say swim! I'd love to hear how this photo inspires you and also see photos of your inspired creations!

I encourage you to not go with the flow and really step outside of your own creative box and try something new, something bold. Perhaps this image will inspire you to listen to those renegade voices. Be the fish that swims in the other direction.

You can do it!

Asheville Earth Day Celebration

On Saturday, April 19th, there will be an Earth Day Celebration at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Asheville. Hours are from 10AM to 10PM. There will be live music, green activities, kids area, and craft vendors. I will have a booth set up featuring my jewelry.

This is a free event, open to the public. Come on by!

For more information...visit Asheville Earth Day Celebration

Customer Appreciation Treasury

I'd like to take a moment to thank all my wonderful customers. I truly appreciate all your support of my craft. Thank you for allowing this stay-at-home mama to add a little to the family income. Your encouragement allows me to do something that I absolutely love doing...creating beautiful jewelry for you.

Above is a thumb of the treasury I created on Etsy. I wish I could have included all my wonderful friends and customers. Please show your love and support for these great artists by clicking on the treasury and visiting their own Etsy shops...

Treasury

Love ya!

Weekly Inspiration Photo...Get Creative!

The above photograph was taken last summer in Kenduskeag, Maine on my brother's golf course. If you are looking for some inspiration this week, then let this picture guide you.

I'd love to see what you create based on this photograph. Feel free to post links to your works of art in the comments section.

Now go get creative!

Thank You, Lisa. You Rock :)

Wow! My friend, Lisa, is the best. Not only is she a fabulous jewelry designer, she is one of the kindest & sweetest persons I have ever had the pleasure of *meeting* online. A truly genuine person with a heart as big as Texas...now that's big :)

Lisa has an Etsy shop where she sells gorgeous, jaw-dropping jewelry. I have been a huge admirer of her work for some time and recently had the pleasure of receiving some of her beauties in the mail. You see, Lisa sent me a pair of earrings with a matching pendant for my birthday. They are so feminine and pretty with Swarovski crystals, breathtaking lampwork glass beads, and sterling silver accents. How cool is that? I told you she was the best!

Please check out CBL & Company on Etsy where you will find more wonderful handcrafted jewelry designs by Lisa!

Thank you!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Welcome to Fenway Park!

This is for all you baseball fans, specifically Red Sox Nation! This is my Etsy treasury dedicated to Fenway Park! Most are self-explanatory, while some of you may not *get* the last row. From L to R, Big Poppy Soap is a reference to designated hitter David Ortiz, aka, Big Papi (Big Poppy); the Remy vest is a shout out to NESN sports announcer Jerry Remy (love ya RemDawg); and the earrings are a tribute to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, which is played before the bottom of the 8th inning at every home game.

Books...what's on your top reading list?

I'm always looking for suggested reading lists. I'm going to share what my favs are and encourage you to also post what you have read that has really moved you, inspired you, made you laugh, made you cry, etc. Whether you read trade books, books for enjoyment and amusement, reference books, fantasy, fiction or non, please share!

I recently finished On Agate Hill by Lee Smith, which I loved. A very moving novel of historical fiction set in the Carolinas just after the Civil War.

Others on my list include:

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Naked by David Sedaris
Continental Drift by Russell Banks
Bead on a Wire by Sharilyn Miller
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Eragon series by Christopher Paolini
Webster's Dictionary

Weekly Inspiration Photo...Get Creative!

I've decided to do a weekly inspiration photo every Tuesday. This is to get our creative juices flowing, especially when we find our muse consistently showing up late for work, always on the phone, or out to lunch. Whether you get inspired by the colors, the textures, or even a memory...get creative!