9.30.2011

Streamlining: Everyday solutions to simplify

De-cluttering small spaces

Do you have junk drawer? How often are you trying to find something that should be at your fingertips?

The task of removing clutter can be overwhelming. Starting with a small space can help decrease feeling overwhelmed. Once you have conquered a small space move up to larger spaces. Try the steps below for instant gratification:

Step 1: Choose a space to de-clutter

Step 2: Take a picture and print the image (having a before shot will be a good reminder of what to avoid in the future)

Step 3: Remove EVERYTHING

Step 4: Create 3 piles
  • Items to put back
  • Items that belong somewhere else (put away or give away right away – don’t start new clutter)
  • Items to throw away or recycle (dispose of)
Step 5: Determine the best method of organization, for example:
  • Junk drawer – divide drawer into sections with a jewelry tray, cardboard cut to size, silverware tray or purchase draw divider
  • Bookshelf – magazine boxes, book ends or storage boxes
  • Car trunk – milk create, plastic bins, reusable bags or purchase a trunk organizer


Step 6: Using your new method of organization, replace items and take a picture!

Simplify your life by following the above steps to increase productivity and effeciency.

What ways will simplifying help you?



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9.29.2011

What Type of Procrastinator are You?

Is procrastination a problem for you?

Their are two types of personality types that are prone to procrastination:

Idealists - want to do everything perfectly or not at all

Enthusiasts - tend to take on too many things at once

I am definitely an enthusiast. I am big on working on several project at once.  I read a couple of books at the same time usually a chapter of each every night. I work on a few projects at the same time and call it multi tasking, but not always getting as much done as I would like.

Knowing this about myself has made me cut back on trying to work on several projects at once. I still need to do more, but it does help for planning my day.

Knowing which personality trait you are will make it easier to recognize whats holding you back from getting things done, and figuring out the steps you need to take to achieving your goals.

Are you a procrastinator? Which personality trait are you?


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9.28.2011

Be Inspired - A View from Above

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

Inspiration comes from unlikely places. Check aerial shots on Flickr and discover new and interesting shapes and combination of shape, interesting textures, and exciting colors. You will be amazed at all their is to see.

Photos to Inspire

Aerial shots have always inspired me, I found some great options to share with you from Flickr.

from JFK to SFO
from JFK to SFO by sgoralnick

Pittsburgh fog aerial
Pittsburgh fog aerial by press1

aerial abstraction 5
aerial abstraction 5 by ezippe

Aerials 01.jpg
Aerials 01 by friedpixphoto

SR 548 Roundabout - Aerial
Aerial by WSDOT
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9.27.2011

Artist Inspiration - Pthalo Azul

When I saw Rachel's work I loved the detail and texture of her unique designs.  I was thrilled when she decided to be a guest blogger on Everyday Inspired, and share what inspires her to create her amazing work. 
Thanks Rachel for sharing today!

Circle Floral Pattern Brooch
Pthalo Azul

My name is Rachel Anne Jones, which is why I often go by Raj--which I use as my artist pen name. I graduated with a BFA in Illustration from BYU, and so a majority of my work is in graphic design and illustration, yet I also run my Etsy shop, Pthalo Azul, which sells my designs and illustrations in cute little brooches, prints, and wall hangings.

Victorian Skeleton Key Black Acrylic
My shop, Pthalo Azul (Th-Eh-Low Az-ool), is named after my favorite color to paint with: Pthalocyanine blue (sometimes spelled Thalo or Phthalo depending on the brand) and it is the warmest blue that comes in a bottle--painting with it is like eating chocolate without the calories--it's an incredible color. It's also very strong and intimidating to use, since it can easily overwhelm your painting.

Red Riding Hood Art Nouveau Style Paint
I started my shop to sell the experiments I do on my own time. Most of the materials I use are ones that I wasn't trained in, but I decided to learn because I've always had an interest in how things are made, and actually making them yourself is the best way to find out. So, I decided to name the shop after my favorite blue, an intimidating and risky color with unexpected results. When I started to sell things (which took several months of tweaking my items), I realized how I could serve clients in a different way with a different medium, and it's fueled me to promote my shop professionally.

Brooch Typography Question Mark Etched into birch wood
While laser cuts might not involve paint, it does help me with my paintings. I'm a firm believer that the more that you learn and know about any talent and any skill, the more it will benefit every facet of your life. So I would say that aggressively learning new and old mediums inspires me to create, and I try to keep track of what I learn and create at my blog (thisisnotacraft.blogspot.com) and that also keeps me learning since I have pressure to update the blog.

Brooch pin black acrylic snowflake sillhouette
Artists from the Victorian Era also inspire me, and I don't know if its because of my proximity to San Fransisco (which is heavily Victorian in style) or if its because those artist did things that we have difficulty doing today even with all of our technology, but I find them endlessly inspiring.

Visit Pthalo Azul's Etsy shop and Blog.


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9.26.2011

9.23.2011

DIY with Kzieglerdesign



How To Make a Ribbon Flower

It's gradually getting colder outside, but I always like to cling to summer as long as possible with these adorable ribbon flowers.

What you need:
- Thread, needle, pin

- 12-18 inches of ribbon, any size/color/shape you like. Use multiple strands in different sizes to create a layered effect

- Scissors

- Small scrap of a strong, sturdy fabric, like leather or felt


What to do:
1. Fold one end of the ribbon to the back side at an angle and pin.

2. On the longer side, stitch along the edge to the other end. Use wide stitches, and leave extra thread at the end.

3. With a new piece of thread, stitch the sturdy fabric scrap to the back side of the angled edge (where you pinned it). This will be the center base of the flower.

4. Take the extra bit of thread from the first seam and pull on it, scrunching up the ribbon. As it scrunches, start wrapping the ribbon around the center until you come to your desired shape and amount of layers for the flower.

5. Hold the shape tight, and fold the flat end of the ribbon in, to the inside. Sew zig-zags through the back edges of the flower and the sturdy fabric until the flower is secure.


From there, you can attach the flower to hair bands, bobby pins, or use hot glue to attach it to magnets, pins, or buttons.

What color would you make with your ribbon flower?




Click here to visit Kim's website


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9.22.2011

100 Sales 100 Days & Pinterest

It's been a good couple of weeks. I have spent some time on twitter and Facebook promoting my shop, as well as on my new favorite site Pinterest.

I know, another social media site, but Pinterest is different. It's full of wonderful pictures collected by you and your online friends. Of all my social media sites, this is my favorite.

Never heard of Pinterest, here is what they have to say about their site:
Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

I started creating boards at the beginning of the month, and love having one place to save all the inspiration I find around the web. It's also a great way to save blog posts you want to reference in the future, photos to use in future posts, and a great place to keep a visual holiday gift list.

I also added a board for my Etsy shop, and when I add new items to my shop I share them on my Pinterest inspiration board. Keep in mind you don't want to use this site to only promote they do have rules. Click her for more info.

Last week I added 6 new items to my board and 3 of them sold within the hours of listing them.

Here are a few blog posts that will help you get started on Pinterest:
Pinterest 101
A Pinteresting Tutorial
4 Ways to Use Pinterest for Business

It is easy to get sucked in on Pinterest, so if time is an issue give yourself a time limit and stick to it.  Pinterest is a lot of fun and inspiring. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Do you already use Pinterest? 
Whats your username, I would love to follow you.  
Mine is Additionsstyle.
_____________________________________________________________

Stats for 100 Sales / 100 Days
9/7 - 9/22
Etsy Sales:  9
Items Sold:  12
Shop Hearts:  17

Use the Linky tool to attach the blog post with your stats.

Do you want to be motivated to make more sales this fall and holiday season, join us.  We are keeping track of our stats through December 15, decide how many sales you want to make between now and then and then jump on board.  Want more info click here, then email me and I will add you to the list.

Contact Valerie if you have any questions additionsstyleblog@gmail.com


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9.21.2011

Be Inspired - Beautiful Collections

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

Start your own collection of something you love.  It's not only fun and beautiful, it's inspiring.

Photos to Inspire

It's amazing to me how you can take ordinary things and turn them into beautiful collections. These Flicker photographers have taken their collections and turned them into art.

collection caillou
collections caillou by cocon work

collection of old hardcover books
collection of old hardcover books by Denis Vrublevski

Vitra Collection
Vitra Collections by Maurice Scheltens

collections 1
collections 1 by Brittany.Jones

Shell collection
Shell collections by mplis
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9.20.2011

Emotions and Creativity

EMOTION  by sasaalliimm
I know some artists who create their best work when they are stressed, angry, or full of emotion. They find that emotional state opens them up to create.

I personally don't create well when I am emotional or stressed. I need my mind to be at peace to do my best work. When I create I listen to books on CD, and I get totally engrossed into the story I am listening to and my projects.

When I am upset or stressed out I find the writing is a better way for me to destress and leave my worries behind.

Do your emotions affect your creativity?


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9.19.2011

Motivation Monday

Do you wake up on Mondays and think I Hate Mondays?

Monday is usually not considered the best day of the week, so if you wake up dreading Monday here are a few ideas to make getting up on Monday a treat.

Use Mondays to: 

Start new projects that you are excited about
Make it a create only day
Work only on projects you enjoy
Get up a little later and take some time to yourself before you start working
If it's a really tough morning consider taking the day off and regroup for the rest of the week

When you wake up knowing that its going to be a great day, no matter what day of the week it is, think how motivated you will be to get things done.

Do you love Monday?


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9.16.2011

Dressing Smart 101






I absolutely cannot wait for fall to arrive. There are various trends that are popping up like excessive amounts of sequins, and color blocking. But I found some styles that are just very smart, and sharp. It is not trying too hard or going over the top, its simply being well put together, and looking fabulous.

So how can you dress smartly this fall? Here are some simple tips and ideas:
  • Mix a combination of tailored and non tailored pieces. Such as a knit sweater with a collared shirt underneath like the last look from Yigal Azrouel. 
  • Wear straight leg tailored trousers that come right to the ankle.
  • Pair with basic heels or flats.
  • Carry an amazing leather carry all.
  • Wear minimal to no jewelry, a very simple necklace would suffice.
Will you be trying out the trend of dressing smart? How will you be trying it out?

I would love to hear how your getting ready for fall! :) 

 
Ps I'm so excited to be blogging with Valerie every month! I can't wait to hear from you! 

J. Crew, Jason Wu, Sachin + Babi, Yigal Azrouel: via Style.com

Click here to visit Kelly's Blog


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    9.15.2011

    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.
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    9.14.2011

    Be Inspired - Railroads

    Words to Inspire

    “If you only do what you know you can do- you never do very much.”
    Tom Krause

    Idea to Inspire

    Find a railroad in your area and let the tracks inspire you.  Take a walk next to the tracks, take pictures, and collect things you find.

    Photos to Inspire

    I love this Flickr collection and all the textures, colors, shapes, and intrigue of all these photographs.

    Old Railroad Terminal
    Old Railroad Terminal by Steve Stanger

    Railroad Wye Switch
    Railroad Wye Switch by Noel C. Hankamer

    Railroad Tracks
    Railroad Tracks by Matt Bango

    Railroad Trestle
    railroad Trestle by jamec199

    railroad switch
    railroad switch by vienna71
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    9.13.2011

    Creative Business Quick Tip

    Here is an easy idea you can do everyday in your local neighborhood.

    Start carrying around zip locks, or a small decorative bags filled with a business card, a mini flier of your local events or specials, a discount coupon (optional), hard candy or lollipop, promotional items such as buttons or stickers, and any other information that will encourage people to check out your shop online.

    Pass out your bags to people you run into daily bank tellers, cashiers, at your kids sports events, hair dresser, leave them at in waiting rooms, take them everywhere you go.

    This is one of those out of the box ideas I am going to start doing this holiday season. This is an easy way to spread the word about your business.

    What would you put in your pass out bag?


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    9.12.2011

    Monday Motivation

    Motivation comes from getting things done.

    Now is the perfect time to start!

    It is so easy to say, I will do that when I have time, or more money, or even the skill, but by putting things off you are not achieving everything you could for you business.

    Try doing one thing you always said you wanted to do, but have not yet started.

    I stepped out this month by setting a big goal for myself of having 100 Sales in 100 Days. I'm also going to try some marketing ideas that are a little out of the box for more sales.

    Do you have something you have thought of doing but put off? What are you waiting for? The perfect moment is now!


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    9.09.2011

    DIY with Kzieglerdesign

    Tis the season of garage sales and going back to school. Combine some fun finds with a clock kit from a Michael's/Hobby Lobby/Menards/Home Depot-like store to keep you on track this new school year:




    What you need:

    -Cymbal (or other circular object with a hole in the middle)
    -Clock kit
    -Battery

    For all the details click here.

    Click her to visit Kim's website

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    9.08.2011

    The Unknown

    In the past two weeks I have had art 2 shows.  I normally don't do shows close together because my jewelry sells well at shows, and I need time to build inventory between shows. So it was a very busy two weeks, of making jewelry.

    Since my sister was here helping me with my shows, I recruited her to help me make jewelry.  She always tells me she can't because she not creative, but she proved herself wrong this trip.  She decided she wanted to make something for herself and started making a little collection.

    When I saw what she was making, I told her that they were super cute and we needed to sell them at the show. She did not agree, but I made her put them in the show anyway.  Her mini collection sold really well, and her items was the most looked at collection for the day. 

    She really fought me about selling them, telling me they weren't good enough, that she did not like them, and that no one would want them.  She even tried to under price them, but that was unacceptable.

    My sisters very cute collection
    I really pushed her out of her comfort zone and into the unknown world of creating.  Even though she felt uncomfortable about sharing her creations, they were a huge success. By the end of the show she was surprised and thrilled.

    We need to step into the unknown to discover new things about ourselves and our creative venture.  Trying new things is one of the most important things you can do for your creative spirit.

    What have you done lately that pushed you out of your comfort zone?


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    9.07.2011

    Be Inspired - Doors

    Words to Inspire

    “When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open, and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.”
    Michael Bridge

    Idea to Inspire

    When taking a walk look at all the doors for different colors, textures, and shapes.  Doors can be very inspiring, so bring along your camera and start a collection of doors.

    Photos to Inspire

    I just spent two wonderful weeks with my sister and she is the inspiration of today's post.  She loves doors, and has a collection of photos of doors from all over the world throughout her house. Today's collection from Flickr is full of inspiring images of doors.

    Door of colour
    Door of colour by Tim van Kempen

    Door Photography
    Door Photography by d o l f i

    Doors #1
    Door #1 by OmarD

    Garden door
    Garden door by Pia-Artemisia1975

    Door at Robinson College, Cambridge
    Door at Robinson College , Cambridge by Aidan McRae Thomson
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    9.06.2011

    100 Sales 100 Days

    Are you ready for a successful sales season?

    I set a goal - 100 Sales in 100 Days. I bet you have a goal as well, so why don't we work together on achieving our goals? This is an invitation to individually set a goal for our shops and collectively reach that goal together.

    By participating in 100 Sales / 100 Days, together we can motivate each other, stay inspired, and work together to achieve our goals.

    Participation in 100 Sales / 100 Days is simple. Start by making a commitment to your shop; be willing to create a blog post every other week with your stats; and share a story about your success, a business tip, an idea, or a link.

    Each of my posts will include a Linkly tool for ease of tracking each others progress and most importantly, to encourage each other towards success.

    Tracking our sales starts tomorrow September 7 and runs till December 15. The first post for sharing results will be September 22. 

    Look for a variety of marketing ideas each week to help you achieve your goal.

    Here are my starting Etsy stats:
    Etsy Sales 357
    Items Sold 622
    Shop Hearts 1496

    You can participate in 100 Sales / 100 Days with any online shop.

    Do you want to have a 100 sales? Well let do it together! List your blog or shop today and join me for a successful 2011 holiday season.


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