I'm starting to feel that fresh-slate, hopeful feeling spring always brings. Love that feeling. I've been cleaning out and organizing all over the place and I've got NEW INSPIRATION for my etsy shop. I'll be working this week to get all new, springy offerings listed. The flocked assortments currently listed will remain up until the new listings are ready. All the assortments will change to better match the coming season.
I'm also trying to focus on getting my creative juices flowing. I've been a little dry lately. What do you do to get the juices flowing? I made an ATC yesterday and it was fun. I need a 2 or 3 hour span to sit down and crank out more. Maybe some of you would like to trade? Email me if you're interested. I haven't made ATCs in years. Forgot how fun it is. Jennifer Paganelli does a cool thing to fuel her creativity. It's been her creative jump starter for nearly 2 decades. She'll be teaching a class about it soon so if you're in her area check it out. She is one of the most encouraging and kind people I've met in blogland. I've seen lots of other artists use Jennifer's technique for creative focus. I have a stack of magazines waste high right beside me as I type. I need to start cutting and pasting. Be sure to actually read Jennifer's post about the class because I know you will completely relate to what she's talking about. I can get very hung up by looking at the work of other artists because it often makes me feel like a schmuck by comparison. The key is to trust in your own creative vision without using others as a meter for your success. It's not easy, but it's extremely important.
I'll leave you with a couple of shots of some incredible old millinery showroom samples. When I saw these on ebay I was overtaken with the need to have them! I wanted to preserve them as showroom samples keeping the tags with color names intact. I mounted them to some wallpaper covered foam core and hung them in the dining room. Hoping to someday create a nice shadow box for them, but, for now, this is a heck-of-a-lot better than where they've been which is buried in a box on my studio floor:)
Those samples are so beautiful. I would love to do some ATC trades with you. I have been working on some too trying to find my muse. I think she is on vacation somewhere warm. Spring has yet to arrive here.
Hugs
Annie
Posted by: Annie Frazer | March 15, 2009 at 06:23 AM
I am so excited for spring to arrive. I need something to boost my creativity~
Bristol
Posted by: Honey Bend Vintage | March 15, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Those flowers are beautiful. I'm glad you saved them and I can't wait to see if you do put themin shadowboxes. I don't know why you of all people would compare yourself to others...you are an amazing artist. The fact that you care about the materials you use and their history sets you apart. Just keep being you and cranking out your artwork.
Posted by: Wanda | March 15, 2009 at 08:09 AM
those are gorgeous!
Posted by: susan | March 15, 2009 at 11:34 AM
I have an ATC to make this week for someone, and I don't usually make ACTs, so am out of practice. Seems like it is better to make a bunch, not just one. I'd love to trade with you!
Posted by: karla nathan | March 15, 2009 at 06:37 PM
The millinery flowers are to die for- you have died and gone to vintage flower heaven.
Let's swap ATCs- I haven't done any in awhile- I'm more of a tag person, but I'll see what I can come up with.
Posted by: Beth Leintz | March 15, 2009 at 07:35 PM
To die for....xoxox Jennifergot my package ..thanks incredible lady!!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 17, 2009 at 03:36 AM
Can't wait to see all your new creations. I have new items to put up too...it just takes FOREVER to get photos taken, edited, a write up and then posted.
Posted by: Jeanne | March 18, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!
Posted by: dissertation write upĀ | March 19, 2009 at 03:00 AM
love it, wonderful.
xoxo
Posted by: kasey | March 19, 2009 at 01:17 PM
I love my ATCs, I have a really nice collection- I think it's great that you're making some. I'm always up for a trade :)
Posted by: tina | March 20, 2009 at 02:16 PM