What is Your Creative Process?

Inspiration is an important part of my creative process. I spend a lot of time looking through my design books, checking out inspiring boards on Pinterest, and planning out my ideas for the new pieces I create.

Sketching out my ideas as I process them is the most important part of planning a new collection. I draw out new ideas, and then I take a few minutes and draw out variations of my main idea.

This really helps me when it's time to create. I can page through my sketch book and start making the pieces that make sense. Usually only a few of my sketched ideas are turned in to pieces for my collection, and many times once I start creating the pieces turns out different from what I originally planned.

Viewing other inspiring jewelry pieces and sketching out my ideas is how I create most of the pieces in my jewelry collection, but I also like the spontaneity of going through my collection of hardware and putting pieces together randomly.

If I am creating from a sketched design or the spontaneity of digging through hardware, I love the act of creating and taking something simple and turning it into something great.

What is your creative process?

Production Work is a Necessary Part of a Creative Business

I like creating jewelry this time of year. There is no rush to get items created for shows and holiday orders, and I can just be creative and make a variety of new pieces.

I have been doing a lot of that lately, as I am starting to put together pieces for my new Limited Edition collection. Here is a sneak peek at some of my new pieces.

Pearl and Hardware Pendant

Pearl and Hardware Earrings

Crystal and Pearl Choker

Here are a couple of pieces that are not listed in my Etsy shop yet.

As much as I enjoy creating new pieces I still have to work on building up my inventory for when things pick up later this year.

Production work is not my favorite things to do, but a necessary part of my business. I have several, as I'm sure you do, pieces that are good sellers that I need to keep a good stock of throughout the year.

I have started mixing it up this year, I create a new piece and then I do a couple of my production pieces. This way I still get to have fun creating, while building up my inventory. If I stick to this schedule I should have a nice inventory for show season.

How do you handle your production work?

Motivation Monday

Attitude Makes a Difference

Your attitude effects every part of your business, relationships, health, self-image, and life.

Would you be surprised to know that there are more then two kinds of attitudes, besides positive and negative. There are actually many different type of attitude, such as confident or insecure, cheerful or depressed, peaceful or destructive, appreciative or ungrateful are just a few examples.

All of these attitudes are reflected through the tone of your voice, expression on your face, body language, and how you relate to and treat others.

You attitude affects how people see you and in most cases deciding whether they are going to like you or even want to do business with you. 

I have done many art shows that were slow and everyone complained. When you have all that negativity around you it makes it challenging to have a good show. I try not to get sucked in to the negativity at shows, and most of the time I have pretty good shows.

Customers can feel the negativity at shows and then they don't want to look or even buy. Negative comments are felt by your customers as well. That's why I stopped hanging out in the forums. A lot of the time it was very negative, making it challenging to to be excited about having an online shop.

One thing that I vowed to myself this year is to respond to the question "how are you?" with good or great and smile. I figured even on the days I don't have a good attitude it will help me get in a better mood. So far it has worked. I have not had that many days where I feel negative, and most of the time I actually feel good.

Having a positive attitude is a choice, and completely within your control. Making good positive choices will make a big difference in how you feel about your work, health, relationships, and life.

Dose your attitude effect your work?

Ask Yourself...

I shared a couple of weeks ago that I am going to spend this year dedicated to building my jewelry business. I am working on getting more sales in my Etsy shop, and building my wholesale and show business.

I made a commitment to myself that I am going to spend my time and my energy to do something everyday that will generate income. So that means I may list new items in my Etsy shop, post in social media, email stores, contact blogs for features, or research show opportunities. My goal is to do something that will increase my visibility and sales opportunities.

Have you decided on an area of your business that you are going to work on this year? if so ask yourself this question:

How do I choose to spend my time and my energy to achieve my goal?

Knowing the answer to that question will make planning your day a whole lot easier. When I do my to-do list I always keep in mind what can I do to generate income that day.

I have found on the day's that I actually make an effort I get sales. On the day's I don't nothing is generated.

Make a plan. Decide how you want to spend your time and energy on you business.

Are you doing something every day for your creative business to achieve your goal?

Monday Motivation

Find the Beauty

It's there in everything we see.

Sometimes it's shining out at us.

Sometimes it's hidden deep within.

Look for the core beauty:

in nature's balances;

in the human spirit;

beautiful friendships;

the beautiful mind;

the beautiful heart.

It's Never Too Late... by Patrick Lindsay

Movie Time

Need a little alone time?

Take a couple of hours and go to a movie you really want to see, the one you know your significant other won't want to check out.

When I have the time I love to spend an afternoon with myself, visiting a book store, having lunch, and checking out a new movie.

If you don't want to leave the house no problem, make yourself some lunch, pop in your favorite DVD, and sit back and relax for a couple of hours.

I'm showing my age, but here are a few of my favorites :)

Think of how nice it will be to just get lost in the visuals and the dialogue of a really good movie during the afternoon.

How do you like to spend time with yourself?

DIY Friday

Happy Valentines Day!

Need a last minute idea for your Valentine, check out all these ideas.

Click here 

I hope these ideas inspire you to share a DIY Valentine with someone special today. 

Have a fantastic day!

Get the Passion Back

As we work our businesses, things can get stale and unexciting about all the tasks involved in getting things done.

How would you like to put the passion back into your business?

In honor of Valentines Day here are 5 ways to revive the passion for your business.

Appreciate your customers
Give them free samples, share a coupon code just because, retweet one of there tweets, mention them in social media. All simple ideas to inspire you and get your customer excited about your product again.

Take a risk
Design a new collection, create new packaging, create a new offer for your customers, is there a service you can provide to get new customers?

Get networking
Find new people to connect with for your business and to build your customer base. Become part of a non-profit, attend a conference or event in your area. This is a great way to revive your desire for your business, and you learn new strategies, and of course meet lots of new people.

Invest in yourself
Do something just for you. By investing in things you want or need it will make it easier to spend time doing all the things you love about running your creative business.

Look to the future
As we spend our days working on our business we lose site of the big picture. Is your business living up to your personal goals? Reviewing your goals often can give you the boost you need to feel the passion for your business.

What do you do to get the passion back?

Motivation Monday

Who Needs a Vacation? I DO!

It has been a long long long cold winter here in the Chicagoland area. I am really tired of the snow and the cold, this is the first year since we moved to this area that we have had mountains of snow in the backyard.

All of this cold weather has inspired me to start saving for our next vacation.

It is a great time of year to put a little money aside. Every time you have a sale pull out $5, $10, or even $20 of your sale price.

Planning a vacation and starting to save for it, will encourage you to  work your business and get  more sales. Before you know it you will have a nice little chunk of change saved for your next getaway. 

Need a little more encouragement, start searching for a place to take your next vacation or weekend getaway, and create a Pinterest board with photos to keep you inspired.

Where are you planning on taking a vacation this year?

Do One Thing Really Well

As I shared with you last week January was very challenging for me and my business. I have not been as motivated as I would like and I have felt like I have so many things I want to do that I didn't know where to start.

I decided earlier this week that I am going to stop stressing over all the things I had planned to do and concentrate on doing one thing really well. 

So this year I am going to spend most of my working time building my jewelry business. This means I will work on my Etsy shop and create a plan to double my sales this year, work with more stores to build my wholesale business, and add a few more art shows to my schedule.

Now that I know where I want to spend most of my time I will start working on ways to really make things happen. Knowing what I really want to do has really helped with my motivation, and now I am more enthusiastic about working each day.

Is there one area of your business that you plan to concrete on this year?

Inspired Books For Your Creative Business

This is the time of year that I like to learn some new things to run my business. and a new technique for creating new jewelry.

I have several book in my library that I like to pull out and read, to find new ideas for marketing my blog and Etsy shop.

This year I have 5 books that are inspiring me right now, so I thought I would share them with you.

Jab, Jab, Jab Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk
This is a great book about social media. It is full of examples of good and bad posts, that has helped me fine tune my social media posts. I also recently found an online class that he is teaching about the same subject, so if you prefer to have all the info you need via video verses reading then this class if for you.

Engagement from Scratch! How Super-community Builders Create a Loyal Audience and How You Can Do the Same by Danny Iny
This book is filled with info from a variety of different blogger like Kristi Hines from Kikolani - Blog Marketing and Blogging Tips, and Guy Kawasaki from How to Change the World blog, sharing tips and ideas for building a blog community. I have really enjoyed each persons perspective on blogging, and all the actionable ideas.

Maximize Your Potential  - Grow Your Expertise, Take Bold Risks & Build An Incredible Career by u99.com
It is a collection of post from a variety of people in the business community. This book is very inspiring and full of helpful ideas. It is an easy read and something you will want to refer back to several times during your career. u99.com is a wonderful website, that will inspire.

The Little Big Things - 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence by Tom Peters
This book is filled with easy and practical ideas for your business. Not all 163 will work for a creative online business, but most can be adapted to for your creative business. You don't have to read this book straight through, it has a great table of contents and you can easily find a topic and just read the sections that are important to you and your business.

Achieve Anything in Just One Year - Be Inspired Daily to Live Your Dreams and Accomplish Your Goals by Jason Harvey
This book is set up to read one page a day, with 365 days of inspiration. Each day offers inspiring words and actionable ideas for working on your goals, staying motivated, and feeling happier with life.





I hope you find these titles inspiring and informative for your creative business. I would love to hear what you are reading for your business, and I'm sure everyone else would like to know as well.  Share the titles of the book your reading in the comments section.

Motivation Monday

Let it All Hang Out

Sometimes you must release pent-up pressures.

Don't be half-hearted about it.

Make sure you open the valve fully.

Some do it with a primal scream.

Some let off steam with a full-on workout, run, or swim.

Whatever works for you, do it.

The feeling of freedom is delicious.

Now Is the Time by Patrick Lindsay

Flowers for Every Room

This time of year we could all use an unexpected pop of color in our homes. Here in the midwest we have had snow on the ground for months and some little bursts of color sound wonderful.

source

How about getting a bunch of flowers and making small bouquet to put in all the rooms you are in frequently. Think of how nice it would be to have flower next to your bed or in the bathroom.

Not only will the flowers look pretty, they will lift your spirits during this long crazy winter. Flowers are the perfect thing to add a sweet scent to the air, and put a smile on your face regardless of the weather outside. 

When was the last time you have flowers in your home?