DIY Friday - Denim

A couple of years ago I cut up a couple pair of old jeans and made my daughter a denim book bag. She loved that bag and carried it for the entire school year and to lots of sleepovers.

Denim is a fantastic material to recycle/upcycle, it durable and comes in lots of colors. I found some great project you can create using denim. Recycle your old jeans and give them a new life.

Denim art

Do it all bins

Denim coasters

Denim flower necklace

Pocket pillow

Bulletin board and pencil holder

What is your favorite way to recycle/upcycle old jeans?

Idea to Reality

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. He who looks outside, dreams. He who looks inside, awakens."

Carl Jung

Inspired idea

I walk around all the time with ideas rolling around in my head, and I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how I can make them work. When I get those big ideas I want to remember, I usually write them down in my notebook, and promptly forget about them because I know they are written down.

I realized the other day while paging through my notebook that if I had these ideas on my action board they would stay in the front of my mind inspiring me want to work on them.

My business vision board

Creating a vision board specific to your ideas(s), mind maps, or timeline colleges, are wonderful options to inspire new ideas while working through the process of making your idea a reality. You don't have to do this with every idea, but for those big ideas you know you don't want to forget about, this could be a great way to start the process.

Mind map idea

I am going to start creating mini vision boards with space to add notes and expand my ideas. Want to create your own? Here is a mini Mini vision board for you to plan out your big ideas.

Click here to print out your Mini Vision Board

As creative people we get new ideas all the time, why not keep them where you can see them, and have them inspiring your work toward putting them into action.

How do you stay on top of your big ideas?

A Little Laugh

Everyone needs to smile!

Enjoying a couple of minutes to laugh at a funny picture or a joke is great way to clear your mind and gain perspective.

Here are a few funny photos to make you smile today.

Source: icanhascheezburger.com via Batikwalla on Pinterest

Source: stupidfunnypics.com via goshery on Pinterest

Source: google.nl via Melinda on Pinterest

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Abi on Pinterest

Source: zazzle.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Share your smile today!

Artist to Know - Andrew Meyers

Andrew Meyers

As a child Andrew Myers was artistically influenced by european life and culture. Born in Braunshweig, Germany and raised in Ciudad Real, Spain, his exposure to classical architecture inspired the modern design found in his artwork.

He trained at the Art Instuite of Southern California where he cultivated his style and passion for the work that he creates.

His blend of modern materials and classical technique featuring a universal subject matter are prevalent throughout his work.

Motivation Monday

Small Business Manifesto

                         Source: buildalittlebiz.com via Valerie on Pinterest

A Spring Full of Accessories

With it being so warm lately I can't help thinking about all the cool and colorful accessories I want to have this Spring. I found a wonderful collection of items on Etsy that would make the perfect addition to any wardrobe.

Red Poppies silver Earrings by KUKLAstudio

Royal Blue Fold Over Clutch by Kslademade

Hand woven scarf by Timeja

Mixed metal flower necklace by additionsstyle

women cloche hat by Hieroglyphic

Cute buttoned green clutch by meshkadesign

Visit these shops to find the perfect Accessory for your Spring wardrobe.

What is your favorite Spring accessory? 

Five Questions

As online business owners, we know that their are certain times of year when business is slow, and  it is no fun when things are not selling.

Here are five questions to inspire you to come up with a plan to keep your business going strong during the lean times.

* Do you have friends or acquaintances you can contact to help boost your business, brainstorm, or advise you about your business? (List names and contact information)

* What can you do offline to increase you income?

* What are five things you can do to boost your business right now?

* If your shop was closed down right now, what are you going to do to keep your income flowing?

* What do you need to stay motivated?

Take a few minutes and answer these five questions. Be as creative as you want, write out your answers, collage, or use paint, whatever inspirations you need to help you through the process.

Use the answers to your questions to create your plan, and how you are going to put your ideas into action. That way when business is slow you are a step ahead and you won't lose any income.

Here is a printable form for answering the questions and a little doodling space for inspiration. Also an additional form to put your plan on paper. When you are done with the process you will have a business boosting plan to post in your work area and keep you motivated.

Five Question Printable Form

Business Boosting Plan Printable Form

Do you have a plan in place for the slow times of the year?

Be Inspired - Abstract Art

Words to Inspire

“Wisdom is the abstract of the past, but beauty is the promise of the future” 
 Oliver Wendell Holmes

Idea to Inspire

Create a piece of art with no plan. Use a variety of colors, add texture, and enjoy the process of freely creating with no destination in mind.

Photos to Inspire

Art can be inspiring. Abstract art, whether you like it or not, is a showcase of colors, textures, and shapes. I hope today's abstract art collection from a variety of artists on Etsy inspires you.

Original Abstract Art by CA  Jasper

Gold Flower Abstract Art Print by JoannePooreART

Original Abstract Art by C A Jasper

Original Abstract Art Gestural Form No1 by goldbergfineart

Original Abstract Art PostSemiotic Craft by goldergfineart

Pretty Packages

I love to get packages in the mail.

The experience of opening the package is just as exciting as what's inside. 

Why not make your packing materials and promotional pieces an important part of your brand and a memorable experience for your customers.

Here are some easy tips for creating that experience:

Your branding should be represented throughout all your package. Have your packaging materials, business cards, and thank you cards all have the same look.

Wrap your item. There is nothing more exciting then unwrapping a package, so wrap your item(s) so they feel like a gift.

Add a personal touch. A thank you note, a special quote, smile faces, something that the customer will remember, making them a happy repeat customer.

Go the extra mile. If you have to raise your prices or shipping cost a little to create a memorable experience it's worth it. 

Be Unique. Brainstorm a few ideas, find your unique voice and let it come through in every package you send.

It took me a while to find my way with my packaging, but I am really happy with the results. It requires a little prep work, and I try to do a whole bunch of cutting at one time so everything is ready to go when I need it (especially during the holidays).

  

Supplies for packing a box

Inside the package

Package ready to be shipped

It's worth the extra work, have had a few customers who have shared how much they enjoy opening up their jewelry. 

However your choose to package up your items, it does not have to be expensive or time-consuming, just offering thoughtful ideas with a little fun is all you need to create a memorable experience.

Have you received any memorable packages lately?

Motivation Monday

               Source: anglophilemeetsbibliophile.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest

DIY Friday - Flowers

The weather is getting warmer and the trees and flowers are starting to bud, and it's nice to add some flowers to the inside of your home. Since their are not a lot of flowers available this time of year, why not try these DIY flowers for that perfect touch of color to accessorize yourself and your home this spring.

Felt flowers

Rolled Paper Flowers

pom pom flowers

Fabric Flowers

Paper map flowers 

Fabric Flowers

Which flower project would you like to try?

Simple Pleasures

It's important to take time to yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures in your life.

Yesterday we had a wonderfully warm day here in the Chicagoland area. I decided I need a break from all the new projects I have taken on lately, so I took out the lounge chairs from the garage put them on my deck and sat with a glass of wine and listened to the birds sing in the trees for an hour or so. It was wonderful!

We get so caught up in our busy days we forget to take some time just to sit back and enjoy a little quite time

Need some ideas to get you started:

Watch some children playing
Take a long walk
Sit by a pond and feed the ducks
Take a drive to your favorite spot
Relax in a park and people watch
Have a cup of tea and gaze out a window

The list could go on and on, you just have to choose something that is perfect for you. Even when life is crazy carving out some time in your busy day could be all you need to renew your energy.

What have you done for yourself lately?

Be Inspired -

Words to Inspire

“One that would have the fruit must climb the tree.”
 Thomas Fuller

Idea to Inspire

Enjoy a piece of your favorite fruit, and let the color, texture, and smell inspire your artwork today.

Photos to Inspire

One of my favorite things about Spring is all the veggies and fruit you can find at the farmers market. Fruit come in amazing colors and textures, today's collection from Pinterest showcases the beauty of fruit.

Source: meadowtree.tumblr.com via Louise on Pinterest

Source: goodmood-food.tumblr.com via Pixel on Pinterest

Source: thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com via Trella on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Iron on Pinterest

Source: uranophane.tumblr.com via Trella on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Alicia on Pinterest