Creative Inspiration

Have you ever thought that you just didn’t have enough time or energy or motivation to create more of your handmade art or craft, like you know you would like to? I have been aware that I needed to be creating more art to list on my Artfire site, so that my store didn’t become stale and boring.

Every time I thought about listing more of the items I already have in my stock (i.e. the oil paintings and fused glass art and jewelry), a lethargy took over me. I got bored and listless, and self-doubt tried to move in. Or, when I thought about creating new artwork, I would just shift stuff around in my art space, without really accomplishing much. It just wasn’t gelling. Has that ever happened to you?

I have been struggling with myself to figure out how to create some new and exciting stuff that would be fresh and enticing to prospective buyers. Not to mention, that it would be exciting to me, too, so I would feel inspired to create more every day. Nothing seemed to work until now.

Today when I thought about a topic for my post, I was happily down in my studio in the middle of creating a painting for a challenge I am participating in. When I signed up for it, I wondered why I was committing to it, when it seemed that I already had too many commitments for my time.

This one is different, however. It has the potential (and it is certainly delivering what I expected and MORE!!) to stir up my creative juices. The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. I haven’t felt this inspired for a long, long time. Just what I need, I thought, even if it means that my other projects might have to wait a little while longer, or the house perhaps isn’t as clean as I would like it to be, or dinner gets a little late some nights.

I couldn’t help myself. I joined the 100 in 100 Challenge, which is a commitment only to me, though I am publicly declaring that I am participating. It is something I am doing to get out of my stale mold, to inspire myself to see and try new things, to go beyond where I ever thought possible.

If you ever have felt stalled in your art, or needed new inspiration or ideas, to be able to move beyond your usual stuff that holds you back creatively, I encourage you to take a look. Even though it started a little over a week ago, it’s not too late to join in. You can catch up or extend your hundred days from whenever you start. It doesn’t matter. I started a few days late, too, and I am still able to get a lot out of this. Also, it is totally free to participate. No cost whatsoever!

Here it the first post where it is described. It is being run by Warrior Girl (Rowena) who creates unique “Flying Girl” paintings. What do you think? You can tailor it to whatever you want to create more of in your creative life. What if this is the one thing you can do to get out of your creative rut?

Come join me and others and have some fun!

Arlene
http://www.SpiritEssenceArt.com
http://www.SpiritEssenceArt.artfire.com

Technorati Tags: creative,handmade art,painting,crafts,inspiration,100 in 100 Challenge,Artfire,studio

Vote in Artfire Cafemom's Weekly Contest

This week's contest theme is Graduation and here are the three entries. Let us know which one is your favorite.

Mindy's Embroidery entered her "Naughty Pooping Graduation Owl" . She said, "Here is my Graduation contest entry. Its a Candy holder."


ByCoco submitted her "Bethany Angel" saying, "How about an angel to "guard and guide" as the newly graduated venture into the next phase of their life?"


Haffina Creations entered this "Pearl and Crystal Necklace". She asks, "How about a beautiful pearl and crystal necklace for a female graduate?"


If you'd like to learn more about the piece, click on its title or picture. To see everything the artist has for sale in their shop click on their name.

Mom Behind the Shop: Jewelry By Janzia

This week's Mom Behind the Shop is Jewelry By Janzia, aka Jeanette. Jeanette is sponsoring a giveaway of a very pretty PURPLE AMETHYST SHIMMER BRACELET. We decided to interview her to find out more about this giving mom in our Artfire Cafemom Team. So here is a bit about this talented mom!

Who are you:

I am a jewelry designer, wife, former mental health social worker and a stay at home mom to two wonderful children. I grew up in WV but have lived in Charlotte, NC for the past 7 years. I miss the mountains and countryside of WV but am happy to call Charlotte home now. It has a beauty of it's own and is a great place to raise a family.

What kinds of items do you sell:

I sell handcrafted jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. I work mostly with semi-precious stones and crystal but like working with a wide array of materials. I've recently started to experiment with some paper materials and resin but am still perfecting the technique. I will also be attending a wirework class soon and look forward to learning ways to improve in that area too.

What made you get into your craft:

I first became interested in making jewelry when I commented on liking a pair of my neighbors earrings and she told me that her daughter had made them. I was amazed by the idea that you could make your own earrings and a little seed was planted. The next time I went to my local library I checked out every book I could on jewelry making. I read everything I could on the subject but wasn't really spurred to action until I went to a jewelry party (not the handcrafted kind but a company sponsored one). I loved everything I saw but after reading so much about it I kept thinking to myself I could make that. I figured by this point it was time to stop thinking about it and start doing something. I went home and scoured all my books once again and then made my first piece which I gave to my mom for her birthday. After that there was no stopping me.

Not one to ever do things halfway I went on a shopping spree and started making more than I could ever give away. I first got the thought to sell my jewelry when my neighbor asked if I had anything to sell because she was looking for a gift for her niece. I sold my first piece that day and at the urging of my family and friends decided to create Jewelry by Janzia and here I am.

Tips for online businesses:

There's so many, I don't know where to begin. I think first and foremost you need to learn how to take great pictures, which is something I'm still working on. Really read your camera manual and learn what each of the settings are for. Learn about lighting, build yourself a light box, shoot different angles and in different lighting. Remember that customers online can't touch or see your items close up so try and get the best pics you can. After you've got that down then promote, promote, promote!

Tips for moms :

Take time out for yourself and don't feel guilty for it. Sometimes I think guilt is my middle name and I just have to remind myself that I deserve to have my needs met sometimes too.

What is your favorite place to visit:

I'm a kid at a heart so I'd have to say Disney World. I've been there a ton of times but still enjoy it every time. It's especially great now that I have kids, watching their faces just brings joy to my heart. I'll never forget when my little girl had her luncheon with the princessess, the look on her face was worth every penny!

Your comfort food:

It's a toss up between homemade macaroni and cheese or a nice hot bowl of homemade soup. I love soup and could eat it about every day and do most days but there's something about macaroni and cheese that just soothes the soul.

If you were able to do anything in the world, what would it be and why:

Right now I would have to say that I would love to be able to take a get away weekend with some of my best girlfriends. There's nothing like being able to kick back with the people that love and know you best, having a few drinks, a few laughs, good conversation, and, of course, good gossip.

A few more items from Jewelry By Janzia's Store
(Clicking the picture takes you to that item in the store)

Denim Blues - Sodalite & Crystal Hoop Earrings

Joy, Respect & Harmony

Crystal Cube Bracelet

Giveaway #5: Jewelry By Janzia

Welcome to our FIFTH blog giveaway!

The shop behind this giveaway is
JewelryByJanzia!

"The name of my studio is Jewelry by Janzia. I wish I could say something creative about my name but I chose Janzia as my internet name years ago while trying to register on a forum and my real name Jeanette was already taken. I decided to continue using it for my studio name because I think it has a nice ring to it, plus I just like the name Janzia. In my studio you will find handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I work mostly with semi-precious stones, glass, and crystals but try to provide a range of items to suit a variety of people. I find inspiration everywhere I look, nature, magazines, paintings, even the way colors are put together in a towel or a bedspread. I try to observe my surroundings and find things or color combinations that speak to me."

She is giving away her PURPLE AMETHYST SHIMMER BRACELET.

About the Item:
A fun and and chunky lampwork bead bracelet where the color ranges from the palest lavender to the deepest royal purples. The bumpy dot beads are brought to life with amethyst teardrops, purple shimmer tubes, and miyuki square seed beads, all accented with silver toned rounds and daisy spacers. Bracelet clasps with a silver tone hook and eye clasp. Bracelet measures approximately 8" in length with an inner diameter of approximately 7.25". Can be resized if needed.


How you enter:

Go to JewelryByJanzia's shop and find the item that catches your eye! Copy and paste the URL here in the comment section along with a valid email address in case you are chosen as our winner. One entry per person. If you want a second chance to win this beautiful bracelet - you can blog about it. Be sure to include photo of the bracelet and a link to the ACT blog. When you have blogged about the giveaway, all you need to do is post a link to the blog in the comment section. You can do this all in one comment and it will still count for two entries.

The giveaway will run from Friday 4/17 to Thursday 4/23. One winner will be chosen by random. We will contact the winner to get a valid shipping address. Please reply within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen. Item will be shipped via USPS First Class or Priority Mail within one business day.

***Please leave your email address since this is the easiest and most efficient way of contacting the winner!***

Good luck!

Welcome to ACT!!

Here's a special welcome to our new members!! I visited 9 new members at their artfire studios and shine our spotlights on 1 of their goodies each!!



~*~*~*~ Everyone say H! ~*~*~*~

Ps; I am running a special blog giveaway at my own blog.. There are 3 free, pretty and functional handmade zip pouches to be sent for free via international registered airmail!! Check it out at http://djstoreroom.blogspot.com

Artfire Cafemom Team Suppliers

Happy St. Paddy's Day everyone! Hope everyone is wearing a bit of green, perhaps something from one of our studios, in order to avoid pinches today.

Since we've already highlighted green, I thought for today's feature that I would highlight some of our wonderful studios that help make our shops possible with supplying us, well with, supplies.

First up is pinkflamingo61 who carries sewing supplies, vintage, and new unusual supplies for the altered artist and steampunkers. I found this adorable typewriter charm embellishment while browsing her shop.

For all you resin lovers out there ResinObsession supplies us with all our resin needs, including resin of course, moulds, bezels, sealants and more. I love these jewel frames and can imagine many different ways to incorporate them into something crafty.

Iheart carries decor tapes , stamp kits and paper supplies for various crafting needs. These cute stickers would look adorable in any scrapbook.

At matsbeads you will be able to get tools, thread, beads and findings. I found this tool there that I never knew I needed but of course want now.

Spiritbearbeads supplies us with a beautiful array of beads and zuni bears. While browsing I fell in love with these cute little zuni bears.

This is only a handful of suppliers from our wonderful Artfire Cafemom Team Members to check out the rest visit http://www.artfire.com/. Thanks for looking!

St Patrick's Day

Since St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, I thought I would highlight some team items that feature the color green! Click on the photo to get to their shop.


This green glass plate crafted by SpiritEssenceArt would be the perfect item to get your house in the green spirit! It measures 5.5"x5.5".


This is the perfect St Patrick's Day outfit for your little one! This outfit was cleverly crafted by StitchNLove. It is sized at 3T and made out of adorable nursery rhyme fabric.


This is a beautiful stained glass clover by ByCoco. It measures 6"x6" and would look beautiful hanging in your window!


This is a beautiful bracelet crafted by JewelryByJanzia. This bracelet is made with Czech fire polished emerald beads and crystal rhinestone rondelles. This would be the perfect accessory to your St Patrick's Day outfit!
This is the perfect burp cloth set for that modern mommy! These burp cloths were crafted by JazzyJemz and measure 10x18 inches. The underside is made from terry cloth which makes is extra absorbent and helps keep the cloth in place in your shoulder.


This is a cute mini korker set crafted by BowsforBaby. They are attached to an alligator clip and all come with a no slip grip. How cute would that small green korker look holding your little ones hair back?

Thank you so much for taking a look at all of our items. There are a lot more items on Artfire made by the wonderfully talented Artfire Cafemom Team (ACT). If you would like to see all of items, just search for "Artfire Cafemom Team". We offer a wide variety of items that appeal to every individual!

Kelsey
Bows For Baby

New membership

I am very excited. Our Artfire Cafemom Team guild on Artfire is growing by leaps and bounds. We will have 150 members soon!

Here are some more awesome items from our group of moms. Please click on the photo to visit their shop:

Sterling Silver Necklace with Clear Beads

Mithril Dreams

So Soft Baby Blue Afghan

Jemz

Vintage Spring Cherries Medium Zipper Pouch

DJStoreroom

Brown & Orange Wool Baby Boots- Toddler Slippers

Springtime

Thanks for looking!!! Remember to search "Artfire Cafemom Team" on Artfire to find more fabulous products from our talented guild