Organizing Quick Tip - Movable Office

Do you move from room to room when you work at home?

Have you noticed that sometimes two hands is not enough, but you try to take everything in one trip anyway?

Here's a few suggestion on how to stay organized as you move from one spot to the next.

1.If you carry mostly flat loose items (such as paper or bills) try a portable workstation they have pockets for safe storage of items, including a laptop, as you move around the house.

2.If you tend to carry bulkier items (such as books or magazines) try a plastic storage bin with a long handle. The longer handle will be helpful for large items that need more room.

The potable workstation has built in pockets and compartments to help you stay organized. For box users, it may be helpful to use a pen/pencil box and a file folder for papers inside the box.

These quick tips hopefully will lead to fewer trips back and forth around the house.

How do you stay organized as you move from room to room?

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.

Shop Handmade on Cyber Monday

Are you shopping today?  It's Cyber Monday and the perfect time to find amazing deals online.  Check out this fun collection of cool finds from Etsy.com.  Happy Shopping!

Rainbow trees One of a kind 3d bird art by PragyaK

Handmade Mini Cards In the Greasses Package by TuckamoreDesign

New Leather Wristlet Wallet and detachable strap by studiocatb

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale Handmade by MimiMicheleJewelry

Wire Wrapped Lock Washer Pendant by additionsstyle

One Small Porcelain Red Tree Plate by yashabutler

Buttery Gold and Deep Violet Round Candle with Henna by hannaya

Visit all these amazing Etsy shops for a variety of cool holiday shopping options.

You can also check out some of my favorites featured last week for Black Friday.  Click here to check them out.

My Favorite Black Friday Finds

Check out some of my Etsy Favorites.  Perfect finds for those special people in you life.

Friends

“A friend is a hand that is always holding yours, no matter how close or far apart you may be. A friend is someone who is always there and will always, always care. A friend is a feeling of forever in the heart.”

Be Inspires - Autumn Flowers

Words to Inspire

“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today”
Anonymous

Idea to Inspire

Fill a vase with flowers in the warm colors of autumn.   They are perfect touch to brighten up a room and inspire creativity.

Photos to Inspire

Flickr photos showcasing the beauty of autumn flowers.


Dahlia by mira_foto


centerpiece by smcgee


Fall Bouquet 1 by MargotMadison


10-18-08 302 by Mitchells Flowers

Take Time for Yourself

This is a stressful time of year and it is important to remember to take a few minutes for yourself every opportunity you can get. 

Here are a few quick and easy ways to enjoy a few minutes of alone time and to pep you up to finish your day.

Flowers have the power to make you smile - put a bouquet in the room you spend the most time in

Take five minutes and enjoy a hot coco

Sit by a roaring fire - the sound of the crackling wood will help to reduce stress

Hit the snooze button - everyone could use a few extra minutes every now and then

Mellow out with some music - singing along relaxes the mind

Eat a clementine - the scent will boost your mood and it has vitamin C to keep you healthy

Buy a new lipstick

Enjoy a candy cane - the smell will pep you up and calm your stomach

What do you like to do to help you relax during this busy season?

Organized Quick Tip - Holiday Shopping

The holiday shopping season is upon us. Are you excited about shopping or are you dreading every moment?

Even if you don’t like shopping, going to the mall or a department store does not have to be the worse part of your day. Here's a few organization tips to make your next shopping trip a little less dreadful.

1.Start with a list of gift ideas – be specific and write them down (not just in your head), it will help you not deviate from your plan

2.Create a budget – research gift items on line, print coupons, and write a price range next to the gift item

3.Look online for the mall/store directory – viewing the maps and knowing where the stores/departments are located will help you determine where to park, what door to enter/exit through, and where to get a snack :). Even though you are there to shop for others, buy yourself a treat (I like caramel corn)

4.Dress comfortably – especially shoes (if you are shopping with someone else make sure they have on comfortable shoe as well)

5.When you arrive, park in a well lit area, lock your car, and consult the in-store directory and posted signs to confirm the location of where you shop (pull out your list and make note of location next to gift item)

Take a deep breath, get a snack, don't forget to pick up something for yourself, and have fun!

If you are indecisive, a procrastinator, or hate shopping all together:

•Do all of the above and go to the mall/store 90 minutes before it closes and in the middle of the week, there will be fewer shoppers - be patient! If you shop late stores will be a little messier and retail staff may be a little crabbier (being calm makes thing a little more manageable)

•Have a hands free experience – carry a small purse with essentials or use an over the should bag so you don’t have to juggle multiple things in your hands

•Listen to your favorite music with a MP3 player or iPod

Want stress free shopping? Shop online.  Visit Etsy or Artfire.com for a wonderful collection of handmade and vintage gift ideas.  Don't forget to check each shop for shipping deadlines to ensure you receive your gifts before the holidays.

As much as I like to lollygag and window shop there are times when I need to be efficient and being prepared with an organized plan is always very helpful.

Do you enjoy shopping and the crowds or do you dread hitting the mall?

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.

Journal Prompt - Holiday Memories

It's that time of the year, we create new memories with family and friends.

I'm sure, like me, you have funny stories, events, and mishaps from all your previous holidays.  This is the perfect time of year to document these events so you can share them in the future.

This year take out your journal and write down what you enjoyed most about the holidays.  They are a great way to  document the stories of your life, keep track of holiday traditions, as well as be an inspiration when you create.

Do you have stories for previous holidays that yoiu have written down?

Stack on the Bangles

Stacked bangles are the hottest trend for the holiday season.  There are lots of different ways to add bangles to your holiday looks, the trend is to stack on as many as you can handle.

Need a little inspiration? There is a amazing collection of bangles on Etsy.  Here are a few cool options.

Set of 5 Wool Wrapped Stacking Bangles by mysticfibers

Recycled glass bangles by Metamorphosi

4 Skinny Stacking Bangles by inbloomdesigns

How about making your own bangles?  You can easily create bangles in custom colors and designs that are just right for your holiday look. Check out these links for ideas to create your own styles.

How to Make Chunky Bangles

How to Make a Bangle from a Vintage Map

How to Make your own Silver Bangle Bracelet

How to Make a Beaded Bangle Bracelet

Bangles are a great way to update you look. So make them, buy them, and stack them on!

How many bangles can you wear?



Be Inspired - Light Inspirations

Words to Inspire

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill

Idea to Inspire

Take pictures of your work with the macro setting on your camera for a closeup shots.  Close up shots are great for viewing details, and showing your art from a different perspective. Inspiration can be found in the details.

Photos to Inspire

Light Fixtures can be beautiful! The photos from these Flickr artists show you just how beautiful they are. Enjoy the shapes, colors, and textures.


lights in Bellagio lobby by Steve from NJ


Spiraling light fixture by Rutger Claes


Light fixture by HiperOranz


Light Fixture Globe at West Baden


Hall Light Fixture by Chris Carr Photography

Who is your Inner Critic?

You know that little voice in your head that tell you that's not good enough, or it's the wrong color, or any number of self critical statements, that is your inner critic. 

I know my inner critic all to well.  I create several pieces each week and their are always pieces I don't use because of that little voice in my head.

A couple of weeks ago a lot of people shared what they would name their creative side in the comments section of the post What would you Name Your Creative Side? It was an insightful into each persons creative process.

Today it's time to give your inner critic a name.  That inner critic plays a big role in our creative life, and giving it a name helps you get to know it better and the better you know your inner critic the easier it is to send it away.

It may require some thought but if you have a name in mind please share it in the comments.

I will share mine later today.

Artist to Know - Sam Gilliam

This inspirational artist, creates works of art full of inspiring colors, textures, and shapes.

Sam Gilliam

Sam Gilliam was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and was the seventh of eight children to Sam and Estery Gilliam. He received his Bachelor and Masters degree of Fine Arts at the University of Louisville. In 1955, Gilliam had his first solo exhibition at the University of Louisville.

He is most widely known for the large color-stained canvases he draped and suspended from the walls and ceilings during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

He was inspired to do this by observing laundry hanging outside his Washington studio. This was the first of its kind and was of huge influence throughout the art world. His drape paintings were suspended from ceilings, arranged on walls or floors, and they represent a sculptural, third dimension in painting.

In 1975, Gilliam veered away from the draped canvases and started producing dynamic geometric collages, which he called “Black Paintings” due to the hue. His most recent works are textured paintings that incorporate metal forms.

Gilliam is also one of the few successful, self-supporting African American artists who views the teaching of art as a mission. Gilliam still devotes time to conducting workshops, participating in panels, and delivering lectures in this country and abroad.

Gifts for Guys

These Etsy finds will make the guys in your life enjoy the world of handmade.  Here are some of my favorites guy gifts this season.

Upcycled Bass Guitar String Belt Buckle by Plucking Pendants

Hand Stitched Leather Card Holder by harlex

Ingenous Cuff links by MeatlsClubAtASU

Upcycled repurposed belt by CoveyleeCreations

6 oz Stainless Steel Flask Grey on Light Blue by whimsyandink

Bicycle Clock by recycleclocks

These shops are full of cool items, check them out!

Only one day left to get 10% off all the men's items in my Etsy Shop.  Stop by today!

Shopping with Men

Did you know that 70% of all shopping is done by women? Men prefer to get in, find what they are looking for, make their purchase, and leave. 

Woman like the journey or hunt of shopping, discovering new shops, touching their favorite items, trying things on, and leaving with the latest styles.  It's this journey that men don't like. 

Men like to shop prepared.  They research items before they purchase them, they know what questions they are going to ask when they get to the store, making it easier to make their purchase and get out. 

My husband enjoys the hunt, and shopping in general.  We can easily spend a whole day hanging out shopping.

What is it like to shop with a men in your life?  Have a story, please share.

Be Inspired - The Watch

Words to Inspire

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
Mark Victor Hansen

Idea to Inspire

When you need a little inspiration take out your sketchbook and do a few timed sketches.  Sketch as many trees, or faces, or flowers, or just doodles, as you can in 5 minutes. Do at as many times as you need until you feel inspired to do your next project.
Photos to Inspire

Look at the amazing photos I found on Flickr showcasing the watch as art.


Chiming Pocket watch by Nick Harris1


Open Time by fringelore


Pocket Watch by penniwali


Art Nouveau Pocket Watch by IGioiellidiManu

Organizing Quick Tip



Valerie's Booth Setup

Yesterday Valerie had a post about the show I assisted her with over the weekend.  Today I want to share with you a  few tips that helped Valerie streamline everything she needed for a successful show.

1) Prior to the show, set up your both at home. This way you will know exactly what to take with you and not over pack. It will also prevent making last minute decisions about set up and insuring you are fully prepared.

2) Take a picture of your set up so you can refer to it while setting up.  We took pictues with the phone so we had access to the photo easily.

3) For packing, use zip bags and small boxes to store like items. For example, Valerie has a shoe box size plastic box for her "office". The office box contains extra pens, receipt book, calculator, jewelry repair kit, business cards, stapler, tape, push pins, scissors, and baggies for purchased items.

Planning and preparing before the show will make the day of the show less stressful.

A big thank you to my sister Pam for all her helpful tips.  This was the first show that all I had were my tables and one box of supplies.  Being prepared was a big part to the success of the show.

Any other tips, that have made your craft shows successful?

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.

Being Prepared for a Craft Show



Shot of my booth from my phone

 I had a great show this past weekend.  It was nice to talk with everyone who stopped by my booth and to hear what people had to say about my work. 

I have done over 100 shows in the past 14 years and I have a really good system in place for creating a nice booth and having everything I need on hand for processing sales. 

My sister the organizer has helped me streamline my supplies, and I now have my entire set up in one box.  It's great.

I have had some special moments where I have forgotten stuff.  One show I remembered all my lights but only brought one extension cord and I could not reach the outlet that was available to me.  Luckily artists are nice and wonderful people, and someone shared a cord with me.  At another show I forgot business cards.  Of course since I forgot them everyone asked for one. 

Creating a list of supplies and checking them off as you pack up for your show is a great way not to forget anything.  I found a great list of What to Bring with you to a Craftshow from Indiefixx.com Buzz Blog.   It's a great place to start your own list.

Are you doing any shows this holiday season?  Have a great resource for a successful show? Please share.

10% off all Men's Items till November 13

Journal Prompt - Get it Done

During the busy season it's easy to try to do several things at once. Multitasking is great, but if things are falling through the cracks then it's time for a new plan.

Use your journal to create a list of everything you want to get done before the year is over.  Don't sensor your list, just put down everything.

Take a few minutes to go through your list and pick out the top three items that you need to get done the most.  I know it can be hard to pick out the top three, but focus on your most important items first.

Now that you have your three tasks, list three action steps for each one so you can get the tasks done. Now you have a to do list that you can use daily to complete your tasks.

Put those action steps on your calendar, hang the list so you can see it everyday, focus on just your action steps until you are done with your task. 

I know some tasks will take days or weeks to finish and some you can get done in a day or even hours. By focusing on just three items at a time it will be easier to stay focused, and start to cross things off your original list.

When you have completed one of the three items on you list go back to your original list and choose another item, create action steps and add them to your calendar and to do list.

This is a easy way to stay focused and get things done during the holidays.  Of course you may need to make modification on the items that need to get done, but working with three items at a time instead of your entire list you actually see things getting done.

Get things done, start your list today!

Do you have a long list of thing you want to have done by the end of the year?

What Would you Name Your Creative Side?

When we create we get in a zone, and we are all about the process.

I know when I create I am thinking of all the different steps I have to do, and how I could take this idea in a new direction. I don't think about whats going on around me or what I have to do later, I just focus on the act of creating. Sometime it's like I'm another person outside of my regular life. 

What if you could give the creative side of yourself a name?  What would your be?

Think of a name that best works with your creative side.  It can be a combination of words that sound good together, it could have a personal meaning, be the name of someone you admire, or one that projects a certain image to the world.

This may require some thought, but if you have a name in mind share it with everyone in the comments.

I will share the name I came up for myself at the end of the day.

  

Be Inspired - Talk the Stairs

Words to Inspire

“You won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been.”

Idea to Inspire

Look at things with a new eye.  Go to your favorite place and look at it from all different directions, behind objects, laying down, standing up high, find a view you have never seen before and let it inspire you to look at your art with a new eye.

Photos to Inspire

Last year I had a Photos to Inspire post with fun and colorful collections of stairs. This time it's all about texture, shape, and a new perspective.  Enjoy today's Flickr collection of an everyday object.


Spin Stairs by Alberte Couto


Eye of the Stair by todd


Garfield Stairs by StickWare


Black Madonna Stairs, Prague by Mike G. K.