Celebrate your Accomplishments

Only one more day left in 2010 and it's time to celebrate everything you accomplished!

Take an hour for yourself with your journal, and create a list of everything you accomplished this year.  Having trouble getting started here are a few questions to get you going:

How did you promote your art?
What did you do to enhance your online presence?
What computer skills did you learn or improve?
How many Twitter followers or Facebook fans did you gain?
What medium or skill did you try or learn?
What did you try that was completely new?
What did you try that was uncomfortable, but helped you grow?
What art events, galleries, and museums did you visit?
What resources did you discover?
How did you improve your studio habits?
What books did you read to help your career? 
What seminars/workshops/lectures did you attend or teach?
How did you enhance your office or studio?
What articles or blog posts were written about your work?
What was the single best thing that happened to your art career in 2010?

It's time to celebrate!  You accomplished a lot this year, more then you probably thought. Now it's time to take all the new things you learned and discovered about yourself and start your new year plan off strong, for much success in 2011.

Need some ideas for creating your new year plan, join me all next week for a fun and creative way to  put together your goals list for 2011.

Share one of your biggest accomplishment in 2010.

10% OFF EVERYTHING IN MY ETSY SHOP TILL 12/31

Don't just Plan - Make Real Changes

Today's post is a reprint from 12/2009. I thought this post had many good points for planning your new year, and worth sharing again.  Let me know what you think.

I recently read an article in Success magazine called Goal Setting doesn't Work. In this article the writer talked about how you really can't achieve the success you want until you are ready to change yourself.

There were a few things that struck me in the article:

First - when you are creating your list of goals or plan for the new year, you want to state your goals in the positive. For example: I am going to have ____ amount of sales this year.

Second - you have to think about what you need to change to achieve your goals. Ask yourself: Who do I have to become to achieve this? Answer in the positive - for example: I am a smart, confident, and effective leader. I will feed my ideas and inspirations that will support my passion.

Third - you have to be willing and ready to work hard at achieving your goals to create your own success. Why not try starting each day reviewing your goals to reinforce your commitment to achieving them.

These steps will work for all the areas in your life, losing weight, changing a relationship, as well as building your business.

It's time to stop creating a wish list and create a plan!

I'm ready, are you ready to create a plan for the new year?

10% OFF EVERYTHING IN MY ETSY SHOP TILL 12/31

What will be your Personal Theme in 2011?

This is the week to make your plans for the new year.  Sometimes it's hard to just sit and come up with ideas and goals.  That's when coming up with a personal theme for your business helps you start the process.

What is a personal theme?

It's a few words or a sentence that describes your overall plan for the new year.  Here are a few ideas for a personal theme:  Collaborate & Innovate, Build a Web Empire, Work Smarter, how about Work, Life & Balance.

Choose words that will describe what your want to focus on over the next year. Use your personal theme words as a guide for creating your goals.  

Knowing what you want to achieve and where you want to take your business will help with the process of creating your goals a little easier.

What do you want your theme to be in 2011?

10% OFF EVERYTHING IN MY ETSY SHOP TILL 12/31

Simple Ideas to Reinvent your Indie Business in 2011

It's the last week of 2010, and time to start planning for 2011.

One of the easiest ways to attract new customers and grow your business is to make simple changes that will have big impact.

Here are some ideas to think about as you start your planning:

• Review your products - is their a way to change it so it attracts new customers? Can you give it a new purpose?

• Teach your customers - show your customers different options for using your product. Teach them via a blog, facebook, or even twitter.

• Re-merchandise your website/shop - by changing your photos, creating new sections, and changing your avatar and banner.

I am going to give all these ideas a try.  I hope to see a lot of growth in my business in 2011.

What are you doing to reinvent your business in 2011?


10% OFF EVERYTHING IN MY ETSY SHOP TILL 12/31

End of the Year Sale

END OF THE YEAR SALE

10% off my entire Etsy Shop until 12/31

Happy Holidays

Holiday Wishes

We wish for you a holiday

That's better than your dreams,

Filled with peace, good will and hope

And firelight that gleams,

Overflowing with holiday spirit

Good food and holiday laughter;

And when it's done, We hope that you

Live happily ever after!

By Joanna Fuchs

Holiday Traditions

It's that time of year, when your family visits, the house is decorated, cookies are baked, and gifts are given.

We have traditions that we do every year, and we look forward to creating new ones.  What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Let's get the holiday's started by sharing what we enjoy most about this time of year.

Be Inspired - Paper Ornaments

Words to Inspire

“Laugh often,
Dream big,
Reach for the stars!”

Idea to Inspire

Remember how much fun you had making those paper snowflakes when you were a child, why not break out some paper, and scissors and create some today.  Let the paper and geometric shapes be your inspiration.

Photos to Inspire

Enjoy this Flickr collection of paper ornaments. Be inspired by the cool designs, shapes, and textures.


paper ornaments by minimallyinvasivenj


Paper ornament by vpickering


Paper Ornaments by tyzhang75


paper ornaments by reed design

New Use for an Everyday Organizer

I love it when I see something and my repurpose little light bulb goes off in my head.

I was shopping the other day and I saw an over-the-door shoe storage hanger with clear pockets (Bing).  Instantly, I started thinking of alternative ways to use it beyond shoe storage.

Since it is the holiday season why not use it to store holiday decorations:

1. Lights - separate by color, size or style
2. Garland - separate by length, color or type 
3. Trinkets - choose the size pocket based on the size of the item 
4. Wrapping materials - ribbon, bows or gift tags

The nice thing about this type of organization it can hang inside a closet door and be out of sight but still accessible.  If you have a shoe hanger with opaque pockets use a permanent marker or sticky label for easy identification of items in each pocket.

After the holidays the shoe hanger can be removed form the door, and rolled up and stored away for next year.

What would you store?

Pam Moore

Open Space

Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.

Beautiful Packages

Gift wrapping is one of my favorite things to create for the holidays.  My daughter and I usually get brown craft paper and paint or stamp it with fun colors. 

Last year we painted newspaper with water color paint so the newsprint would show through, it looked cool but it was a lot of work and really messy. 

I have searched the web and I found some pictures of wonderfully packaged gifts.  I hope they inspire you to create your own unique packaging this holiday season.

Do you have a favorite medium for wrapping your gifts?

New York City

Greetings from New York City!

I have been in New York since Friday, and today I am heading to my stepson's college graduation.  I have known him most of his life and I can't believe how grown up he is.  He's a smart man and and I am very proud of him!

My husband and I meet in New York City 22 years ago, and we always have a good time when we come back to the city. 

The city is full of inspiration, so I will take lots of pictures and share them with you in future blog posts.

I hope everyone is prepared and ready for the holidays.

Unique Ideas to Fill a Vase

This time of year it may be more challenging to find the perfect flowers to fill a vase for the center of your holiday table, and more expensive. 

Here are some fun, inexpensive, and creative ways to create a beautiful centerpiece.

Start with a vase in your favorite shape and then fill with:

Fruit

Moss

Coffee Beans

Tiny pine cones or gourds

Evergreen sprigs

Glass ornaments

Fiber - textured fabric or yarn

Bare branches

Use these ideas as a starting point to let your imagination transform a vase into a beautiful holiday centerpiece.

Last Day

Today is the last day to place an order in my Etsy shop 

and receive your package before the holidays (US only). 

TODAY ONLY - FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE

All orders must be placed before 5 PM

Any order received after that will not be shipped until 12/23/10

Anyone else have a promotion today - share in the comments!

Be Inspired - The Wreath

Words to Inspire

“Symbolizing eternal hope, the wreath goes 'round and 'round, And where it starts or ends cannot be found. Woven of things that grow - for life, and hung for holiday delight."

Idea to Inspire


green wreath by craftapalooza

Create this fun and easy button wreath for your holidays. Here is a easy to follow tutorial from Craftapalooza.

Photos to Inspire

This Flickr collection showcases the beauty of the holiday wreath.



Aqua, Green Wreath by Adeline Country Cottage


New wreath by savannahchik



Christmas Traditions - feathery wreath by Kumukulanui


Fall Wreath, Explore #135 by Puzzler4879


Another Wreath by moxie-girl

Check This Out...

This is a monthly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our businesses.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Need a last minute gift idea?   Here's a collection of accessories from a few Etsy artists. They all would make great gifts. 

Studio 54 Wide Wrap Infinity Scarf Red / Silver by boubo

Beaded Wire Wrapped Lock Washer Earrings by Additionsstyle

Soap Sample Stack Cold Process Handmade by MarmaladeHills

Black Metal Speedy Cuff by tamisloan

Gray and Brown Recycled Fleece Scarf  by xmittens

What kind of items do you look for when you are doing your last minute shopping?

Mark your Calendar

Thursday December 16 is last day to place an

order in my Etsy shop for holiday shipping within the US.

Don't miss getting your recycled

hardware jewelry before the holidays.

Orders must be placed before 5 PM. All orders after 12/16

will not be shipped until 12/23/10.

A Handmade Holiday

I am a big fan of handmade wrapping paper, tags, and cards for the holidays.  Etsy has a wonderful collection of paper goods that are a lot of fun for this time of the year. 

It was really hard to choose with so much to pick from, but here are a few I liked.  A few of these shops have just opened so check them out, and leave them a heart.

A Holiday Gifting Kit by parcelandpaper

Bows Gift Wrapping by travisina

Christmas Holiday Greeting Card Four Pack by cursiveart 

Peppermint Round Holiday Tag set of 10 by 1paperplace

Letterpress Wrapping Holiday Paper by vivalapress

Mini Holiday Party Favor Box double sided set by madebyjackie

Enjoy finding the perfect handmade holiday items for your handmade holiday.

Be Inspired - Holiday Cookies

Words to Inspire

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder quote

Idea to Inspire

I am not a baker, luckily my daughter loves to bake.  Today's photos inspired me to want to bake and create holiday cookies this year.  Take an afternoon this holiday season and bake some cookies with someone you love. Here is sugar cookie recipe to get you started.

Photos to Inspire

Cookies are the perfect inspiration for the holidays.  Enjoy the shapes, colors, textures, not to mention how tasty they look. 


Snowflake cookies by nikkicookiebaker


Even more Holiday Cookies! by g:m:me|bakery


Sugar Cookies by AKA MEDIA INC.


Holiday Cookies by cococello

Whats Your Favorite Time Management Tip

It's a little crazy this time of the year, trying to juggle running a business, preparing for the holidays, and finding time for family and friends.

Good planning makes getting things done easier.  Creating list, using a calendar, and online organizing programs are a great way to stay on track.

Do you have a favorite time management tip that helps you this time of year?  Please share.

Gift Giving Planner

I have been working on my gift list for the holidays.  I like to make many of the gifts I give, but sometimes I just have to buy a few.  I like to give items the gift recipient will actually appreciate having, and buy handmade whenever possible. 

I was hanging out over at Scoutie Girl, and found a great post with ideas for a non-traditional holiday that includes a free printable abundant giving planner.

The planner gives you the options to decide if you want to buy something, make something, offer an experience, or send a greeting.

A couple of ideas from Tara's list, buy food or craft supplies, make ornaments or jewelry, plan to meet for dinner or plan a craft party, send a letter or holiday card.  Check out Scoutie Girl's blog post for even more great ideas.

Click here to print your own FREE Abundant Giving Planner.

This planner made me really think about unique gift ideas to give this holiday season. I hope you find it useful too.

Do you have any unique gifts you give over the holidays?

We are having our first snow fall of the season this weekend.  Of course it cold, wet and heavy, and my husband is out of town for the weekend.  So I had to spend the morning shoveling. 

While shoveling I kind of got into a zone and the ideas started flowing.  I worked out ideas for my blog, some plans for the new year, and even a few design ideas.

I read recently, while doing  mundane projects like doing the dishes, sweeping, or even shoveling snow, if you take a minute before you start to clear you mind, and concentrate on your movements it can be like meditating.

What everyday project do you do that helps you come up with new ideas?

Birthday Rituals

Today is my Birthday and I can't believe another year has gone by so quickly. 

Birthdays only come once a year and starting creative rituals on your birthday are a great way to mark the passage of your life. 

Here are a few simple ideas:

Make yourself a Birthday card - let it reflect where you are on your life journey. I love making cards and I am looking forward to breaking out my art supplies.

Give yourself a present - it could be something simple like buying art supplies, books, or getting a manicure. I get a facial on my birthday, it feels great and it takes away that extra year, at least for a few days.

Do something to honor yourself, your body, and your strengths - take a class, cooking a special meal, or just meditating. Today I am going to get my favorite meal, have some wine, and watch sappy movies all night.

Spending time with yourself on your birthday is a great way to reflect on the past year and the year ahead.  Creating your own birthday rituals are a great way to appreciate yourself and the gifts you offer the world.

I am looking forward to spending a day filled with activities I don't do very often, but wish I could. Share a ritual you do every year just for yourself on your birthday.

Be Inspired - Winter Wonderland

Words to Inspire

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.
John Ruskin

Idea to Inspire

Adding a little sparkle with glitter, is the perfect way to add a little winter wonderland to your artwork.

Photos to Inspire

For the first day of December here are some great Flickr photos of the wonderful winter season. 


Let it snow by farfuglinn


Snow in the Chilterns by algo


Snow Storm by Todd Klassy


Snow in the deep South - Vestavia Hills - IMG_5382 by Bahman Farzad