Deconstructing Inspiration

I am working on a big a project that involves the study of how artist use and interpret a source of inspiration.

While meeting with one of the artists I am working with, he talked about the deconstruction of an inspiration source. This is a idea that as artist we all do, but don't think about.

When I go some place new I have to check out my surroundings and look at all the light fixtures (I love contemporary light fixtures) and the paintings, and other artwork and furniture.  My sister always tells me she can see the little light bulb over my head while I deconstruct and turn everything into jewelry.

Light Fixtures by sunlocked
I love this fixture - see the possibilities?

I have found that even if it's not something I like but find intriguing I will still break it down into parts until I find something that inspires for me.

That's how I am when I watch fashion show, I may not like the clothes but parts of an outfit or element of the style intrigue me and those parts can be very inspiring.

When you see something inspiring do you find yourself deconstructing it into artwork?

Journal Prompt - Almost No Writing Required

This week instead of writing or drawing in your journal consider adding one memento per day.  Add things like ticket stubs,receipts, newspaper clippings, tags from new clothes, photographs, a note from a friend or family.


Travel Art Journal Inside bye lara**

Tape the item to a journal page and add a little text as a reminder about what made that item worth keeping.

When you add items to your journal entries you are adding depth and complexity, as well as new meaning about your daily life.

When you look back over your entries in years to come, those items will spark memories, and maybe a boost of inspiration.


What special things have you added to one of your journal entries?

Household Inspiration

Tired of working with the same old tools or supplies?  Look around your house for inspiration.

If you work on paper, canvas, wood, or fabric, anything washable can be used with acrylic paint to add visual texture.  Try stamping designs using found objects like bubble wrap, doilies, fibers, or even wrap a block of wood with string in different directions to create a cool stamp.

Junk from my junk drawer - I see possibilities

Go through your kitchen drawers, cabinets, and closets for unused objects match stick boxes, old keys, plastic toys, or used ribbon to add a unique embellishment to jewelry, home decorations, or to make 2D projects 3D.

Your home can become a great source of inspiration and a simple way to recharge your creative process.  It can also save you money by using what you already have instead of purchasing lots of new items.

Found anything interesting in your house that you turned into art?

Keep you Art Affordable

Is over spending on supplies a challenge for you?

Tuesday's post Too Many Supplies received a lot of comments, ideas, and suggestions on how to save money on supplies and to keep art affordable.



Here are a few of the ideas that were shared:

Linda B has decided to focus her creative efforts to just making jewelry. Creating in just one medium is a great way to save money.

VaLon is smart about setting aside a monthly budget for her craft supplies, and if there is something she wants she saves up for it.

ReMaryd Originals watches her scraps and cast offs and reuses them whenever possible.

Christie Cottage suggests that not having all that extra stuff on hand can help with your creative process. You have to think what you can make with only the materials on hand.

Here are a few additional suggestions:

Apply the use one thing up before you buy something new plan, that will save you a little money and keep you from having more supplies then you need.

Finish projects you started but never finished - If you don't have interest in it anymore, then take it apart and recycle the parts.

Host a art swap with your artist friends - this is a great way to get new stuff without any cost.

Reinvent older items - if you have items that don't sell or you are tired of having them then come up with a new idea using all the same parts.

When you can use your craft/hobby store coupons (check online for coupons) I love the Joanne and Michael's coupons.  Keep an eye out for special deals from your favorite wholesalers.

The need to be frugal does not diminish the need to create. Finding ways to keep it affordable, so you can keep creating is an important part of the process.


Do you have a supply budget?  Have any other tips for saving money on supplies?

Be Inspired - The Hope of Spring

Words to Inspire

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”
Karen Ravn

Idea to Inspire

Spring is coming soon.  Use the beautiful images of spring in your artwork, as you prepare for warmer weather to come your way.

Photos to Inspire


It has been a long cold winter, I am looking forward to spring coming my way. Today's Flickr collection is a showcase of the beauty of spring.


Spring @ Brxl - 3259195 by Lieven SOETE


SPRING 2010 by Henning


Spring by judo_dad1953


Spring 2 by bowtoo

Too Many Supplies

I was recently reading about ways to cut back and save money on my craft business. The story talked about having to many craft supplies.  The suggestions was to buy only what you need when you need it.

I thought about this and I don't know if I could only buy what I need at the time. On many occasion's my creative process is about pulling things out and trying to come up with good combinations.

Some of my supplies - I have 3 more full drawer sets just like this one

I understand how buying only what you need can be a cost saver.  I have lots of items I bought that I don't need, and even items where afterwards I'm like - what was I thinking.  It does not help that there are so many cool art supplies to purchase.

Some of the finding I started buying in bulk

Finding the balance between buying a few supplies at a time and having enough to spark my creativity will be a challenging one for me.  I am going to start buying my finding in quantities that will save me money by only buying the ones that I use regularly in bulk.

Are you good at buying only what you need when you need it? Have any money saving tips you would like to share?

Artist to Know - Frida Kahlo

About a month ago I had a post about Art Movies and shared with you how I was not a fan of Frida  Kahlo's work but after seeing the movie Frida I learned to appreciate her intriguing work. Today I thought I would share with you the work of this remarkable artist.

Frida Kahlo de Rivera 1907 – 1954

Frida was a Mexican painter, born in Coyoacán. Perhaps best known for her self-portraits. Kahlo's work is remembered for its "pain and passion", and its intense, vibrant colors.

Frida was one of four daughters born to a Hungarian-Jewish father and a mother of Spanish and Mexican Indian descent.She did not originally plan to become an artist. A survivor of polio, she entered a pre-med program in Mexico City.

At the age of 18, she was seriously injured in a bus accident. She spent over a year in bed recovering from fractures to her spine, collarbone and ribs, a shattered pelvis, and shoulder and foot injuries. She endured more than 30 operations in her lifetime and during her convalescence she began to paint.

During her lifetime, Frida created some 200 paintings, drawings and sketches related to her experiences in life. 143 of her paintings are about her physical and emotional pain and her turbulent relationship, and 55 are self-portraits.

Today, more than half a century after her death, her paintings fetch more money than any other female artist.

Enjoy more of her work at this Frida Kahlo website.

Do you have an artists who's work you learned to appreciate?

New Directions

In the comments of yesterdays post Check It Out... Ashley commented that the goal for her Etsy shop this year was to come up with new products and streamline her branding.

It got me thinking about trying new things and taking your product line in a new direction.

I try to come up with a new idea for my hardware collection every season.

Over the last couple of years I have had the Hardware in Bloom Collection and the Floating Collection.

2009 / 2010 collections

This year I am working on creating smaller daintier pieces in the hopes to attract more customers.
 

I experiment all the time on the hardware to see where I can take it next.  Be on the look out for more one of a kind pieces coming this year.

What about you have you looked at your collection to see if you can take it in a new direction?  Have you tried adding new color or textures, or even starting a new line?


What new direction are you taking your business this season?  

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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Be Inspired - The Heart as Art

Words to Inspire

“Remember today, for it is the beginning of always. Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold. Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true.”

Idea to Inspire

Let the heart inspire you.  Use the heart shape in one of your creations this week.

Photo's to Inspire


The heart shape is classic.  These Flickr photos show that the heart shape can be found anywhere.


One Heart... by bigbrowneyez


Heart Bokeh by jonghank


Antelope Canyon heart of reflections by GMA Lou


My Heart is Filled by janoid


Heart Nebula (IC1805) by edhiker


Kiwi's heart by alfanhui

Invest in your Business

How have you invested in your business lately?

I am not talking about investing money (well maybe a little), but investing in yourself and your skills.

When investing in yourself that means staying healthy by eating right and exercising, fulfilling your spirit by staying motivated and inspired, and increasing your knowledge to expand your business.

One of the best ways to invest in your business is to learn new ideas and techniques.

Taking classes in your medium to learn new skills that will help you come up with new ideas and expand your designs.

Participating in online workshop, reading e-books, and networking locally, will help you develop new skills to help grow your business.

Check out these resources for learning online:

The Crafted Webmaster
Hubspot.com
Blacksburgbelle.com

How have you invested in your business recently?

A Six Word Love Story

Some of the most timeless and beautiful thoughts are the shortest. 

"To thine own self be true". Shakespeare
"Well done is better then well said." Benjamin Franklin

Back in 1920 Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a complete short story in six words, he responded with  "For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn". He said it was the best thing he had ever written.

Today is Valentines Day and I challenge you to write a 6 word love story to someone you love.


It requires a little thought to say everything you want to say in six words, but it's a great way to express your love in a simple and pure way.

Here are my six word love stories.

To my husband:
Randomly meet 
instant love 
forever soulmates.

To my daughter:
Smart and Beautiful
forever my love.

Can you express yourself in six words or less?

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

There are times when you sit in front of your blank journal and just don't know what to write.

Journal prompts are a good way to spark an idea.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Retell your earliest memories from childhood.
• Find a photo in a magazine of a person you don't know and create a story about their life.
• Reflect on the things you value or enjoy in life
• Make a list of all your favorite jewelry and why the items is special to you
• Fill in the blanks:  In five years I'd love to be _________. 

We all need a little nudge to get the words flowing sometimes.  If none of these ideas are working for you try looking online for journal prompts, there are many options to get you started.

Theses ideas are also great prompts to start a new piece of artwork.  Let the ideas inspire you to discover a new direction.

Do you use journal prompts when you get a little stuck for ideas?


<-----  Love to know your thoughts - poll question.

Be an Active Listener

Inspiration may be as near as your next conversation.

Everyone has a story to tell.  Some stories are more interesting then others, but the human experience is a rich source of inspiration.

This weekend talk to a couple of artists about what inspires them.  You will gain a new perspective on the creativity of others and have the opportunity to absorb new information.

Be an active listener.  Which means absorbing the words, perspective, and story of the people you are talking to without interruption or judgement.

Need some ideas to get you started?

Connect with artists online, take a class, visit a gallery, attend a open studio, craft fair, or craft supply shop.

Have a couple questions in mind to get the conversation started.

What is your personal favorite work or art?
Where do you find your inspiration?
What is your favorite material or tool and why?

Your next idea may come from someone you have a conversation with this weekend.  All you have to do is ask a question.


I'm ready to listen.  What is your favorite thing about creating?


<-----  Participate in my New Poll

Create with a Friend

Creating is something we normally do alone.  We spend time trying to stay motivated, inspired, and creative everyday.

A couple of weeks ago I had a post about borrowing tools and ideas from a friend, even hosting a crafting party. All good ideas for inspiration and to boost your creativity. 

Today is about spending a day creating with a friend.  Let them join you in your creative process. It's the perfect time to talk about art, brainstorm new ideas, and motivate each other.

I have a creative friend that is a mixed media artist and she loves to share her supplies with me.  We try to have art dates at least once every 3 months.  Together we talk about art and books, we bounce ideas off each other, and inspire each other creatively.


Do you have a friend that you share creative ideas with?


<----- Participate in my New Poll

Be Inspired - With a Friend

Words to Inspire

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

Idea to Inspire

Taking a break and spending a afternoon with a friend is a great way to recharge your well of inspiration.

Photos to Inspire

These beautiful Flickr pictures showcase amazing places to spend time with a friend.


Friends by Rishi S


Friends by Michael Brooking Photography


Thats what true friends are for... by jadesweetdreams


Friends Forever by Bruno Misseeuw

When Did You Know?

When I was young I was very crafty.  I spent years sewing, making jewelry, drawing, and general crafty projects.  When it was time to decide what I wanted to go to college for, I did not know what I wanted to do.

I wish I would have known what I wanted to do, cause I would have gone to school for jewelry design.  I always said that if I had discovered art and jewelry design much earlier in my life, I may be in a different place right now.

That being said I did not discover jewelry making or anything art related until my mid thirties, and now I can't get enough.  I enjoy everything about art and when I made it part of my life, I knew that this is what I wanted to spend my life doing.

I stared making jewelry after I took a earring making class and loved it.  I went out the next day and bought everything I could afford so I could make my own jewelry.  I realized after a few weeks of making jewelry I knew that this is what I wanted to do, and 15 years later here I am.

What was the defining moment for you when you decided that art/crafting/creating was going to be a part of your everyday life?

A Handmade Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a week away, and today I am featuring a few items that will make the perfect gift for someone you love.  Check out these Etsy sellers for lots of fun stuff any time of the year.

Blue Heart Collection Heart Decorated Cookies by lorisplace

Scrabble Letter Pillows Choice AZ by chunkymonkeyluv

Sweetheart Personalized Mugs set of 2 by happiestdaydesings

10% off monogram art 4 letter words by colorstorydesigns

Sweet Tweet PairEndlessly in LoveGoat's Milk Soap by KcSoapsNmore

Love Art Love is Being with you everyday by Tilependantjewelry

i love u Hand stamped sterling silver by betsyfamerdesigns

What is your favorite thing to get on Valentine's Day?

Journal Prompt - Quotes

I love inspiring quotes!

I post a quote every week in the Be Inspired post on Wednesday's.

These days you can find good quotes, in magazines, books, online, pretty much anywhere.

Writer's quote journal in what are you by looseleafpaper

Why not create a quote journal.  A journal is a great place to keep all the quotes you have read in books and magazines, song lyrics you like, even things people say, that you want to remember.

This is one of the easiest journals to keep.  You can keep it simple by just writing down the quotes, or you can do them as a college, add color with paint or colored pencil.  Of course with any journal the ideas are limitless.

It will become a great resource when you need a little inspiration or motivation.


What is one of your favorite quotes?

Plan the Perfect Evening Alone

Have an evening all to yourself, why not turn it into the perfect evening alone.

All you will need:

Pajamas to cozy up in

Your favorite music

Your favorite drink - Take out the good glassware and enjoy your drink in style.

All your favorite junk food (guilt free)

Any movie you want to watch



Add these extras depending on what kind of evening you want:

Relaxed  - a fun and easy to read book.  Something you normally don't have time to read.

Reflective - use your journal and read things you have written in the past and write what inspires you now.

Party - dance around your room in you pajamas enjoying all your favorite music.

Chatty - Grab your phone and a headset and call all your friend and spend the evening gossiping.

This is your night, make it fun, loose, and relaxed. Remember its all about you!

What is you favorite thing to do when you have an evening alone?

One Thing About You

We spend a lot of time thinking of, helping, and doing stuff for all the people in our life.

This is my daughters last year in High School and she will be heading off to college this fall.   I think about all the things I need to do to help her get prepared,  how I can revise our budget so we spend less and save a little more, and all the things that need to get done around the house.

With all this on my mind I don't think about myself very often.

I know some of you may be in the same boat, a lot going on and putting thoughts of yourself on the back burner.

Today is about you.  Let's share one thing about ourselves, one thing that does not have to do with our family, or anything around us.

Share one thing that makes you, you. Something you are passionate about, what makes you special.  

I know this might be hard for some of you, it is for me too, but we are just as important as all the things happening around us, and sharing will help us realize that.

Start now, share one thing about yourself today.

Be Inspired - Take a Minute

Words to Inspire

“Spend some time alone every day.”
Dalai Lama

Idea to Inspire

Find a quite spot and take a little time for yourself today!

Photos to Inspire

These photos from Flickr showcase beautiful places to take some time for yourself.


Reading on a September Afternoon by Danny


Would like to come and enjoy the last Sunrays? by neloqua


Cuba Gallery: Two chairs Grass hill - Cool clouds & sky background by CubaGallery


Lonely in golden place! by khalid alamsoud

Are You Still on Track?

It's the first of a new month, how are you doing on your goals?

I have a simple list of goals I am working towards this year.  I am pretty happy with myself because I have actually started projects for a couple of my big goals.

Sometimes it's hard to stay on track and to keep moving toward your goals. They say that if you work on something for 21 days it becomes a habit.   Working towards a  goal  is the same way, if you keep doing small steps toward your goal, you have a good chance for success.

Are you slacking on your goals for this year?  Here are a few posts to help you get back on track.

Don't Just Plan - Make Real Changes
Creative Goal Writing 
Action Steps
3 Action Steps

Are you on track to reach your goals?