Weekly Inspiration Photo...Get Creative!

I love being inspired by animals. These photos were taken at the Western North Carolina Nature Center last month. Of all the great species to see there, this peacock was my favorite. Free to roam the property as he pleases, this peacock was a big hit everywhere he traveled. While I couldn't ever find him with his plumage fully fanned, I found these photographs to be just as interesting. The colors are iridescent, magnificent, wonderful, etc. Definitely worthy of an inspiration or two!



And, can you imagine having to haul those around?!!!

For Mom....Cool Etsy Finds for Mother's Day :)

Mother's Day is fast approaching! Next weekend, May 11th, people will be celebrating Moms, Grandmoms, Aunts, and so on. I was browsing a few of my favorites on Etsy and came across these wonderful gifts for Mom!



A Sugar Affair offers cookies, brownies, and other edible treats like these I Love Mom cookies as shown above. Take a look around, you'll be drooling in no time :)



Sharon Art has a fabulous collection of originals, ACEOs, and prints like this hand-painted greeting card as shown above. Check out her shop for other handcrafted gift ideas :)



Crafts By Chris not only creates polymer clay beads, she also designs jewelry and baubles like this beautiful customized mother/child pendant. See her shop for other fine jewelry gifts :)

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