Motivation Monday

                              Source: google.com via Valerie on Pinterest

DIY with KZieglerDesign

Several years ago, I had to get some nice black shoes for my college choir concerts. They've always been super adorable, but since I've been wearing them more often lately, there's been a bit of wear and tear.

The other day, parts of the black started coming off, and we can't have that. After a bit of thought, and taking mental stock of my materials on hand, I figured out a plan.

They look good as new! My boyfriend said he wouldn't have been able to tell that the shoes didn't come like this in the first place.

What you need:

- Old shoes
- Ribbon
- Thread, needle
- Fabric scraps in corresponding colors

Here's what to do:


1 Clear the shoe of all the bits coming off.

2 Take one end of the ribbon and sew it to the shoe as close to the bottom rubber as you can. I started on the outside of the shoe.

3 Wrap it over to the other side of the shoe, making sure to cover up the icky bits, fold the end over, and sew it as well.

4 Admire your awesome handiwork

5Decorate! I did my best approximation of a flower that 5 Letter Design makes, and I'm pretty proud of it.

Do you have any shoes that need a little TLC? 

How would you redo them?

We All Need Support Sometimes

We want to do it all, run our business, take care of our family, and hang out with friends. As we know it can be very challenging to do it all and do it all well.

Building a support system will help you better meet your goals, and still have time for family and friends.

Here are a few ideas for building a support system.

Family - If you have family close by, tap into those sources to help with child care, run errands, pack orders, maybe someone to bounce ideas off. My sister lives in another state, but I relay on her to flush out my ideas, help me make plans, and get her feedback.

Friends - Sometimes they are just as good as family. They will support you when you need it, and give you a place to vent as well. I have several friends in my support system and each one helps in different ways. When my daughter was younger, I had a good friend who would help me with transportation, theses days she offers to pick up things for me when shes going to the store.

Neighbors - They are close by and most of the time willing to help. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, but if your in a spot, Someone will always help.

Business Contacts - Network with people on and offline to share business ideas,  talk shop, and do some cross marketing on social networks.

Don't forget to pay back the favor whenever possible.

Asking for help can be difficult, but having a support system in place you will find that you are able to get more things done and see your business grow.

Do you have a support system in place for your business?

Be Inspired - Red and Pink

Words to Inspire

“Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.” 
 John Lubbock

Idea to Inspire

Creating Valentines for your family and friends, don't forget to add the visual element of texture. Use the photos below for inspiration.

Photos to Inspired

Red and Pink have always been associated with Valentines Day.  Inspired I have a  collection of photos from Flickr showcasing textures and shape in red and pink.



Red Spiral by Chrissie2003


Pink sunrise by -yury-


Red by jpunwat


Hot Pink Industrial Grunge Textures 3 by webtreats


red by GibZilla


Red Willow Sea by Sean Bagshaw

Share a Valentine with a Friend

Check out these cool Etsy finds that you can share with a friend.

BFF Best Friend pendant set by flapperdoodle

Handmade Journal / Notebook by Newleafjournals



Dark Chocolate Caramel Hearts Collection by ChouquetteShop



Scrabble Tile Keychain by IncredibleHip

Pretty Little Lichen Vessel Terrarium by TinyTerrains

Blue Heart Collection by lorisplace

Zipper Flower Brooch by bloomingaccent

Visit these shops, they have a variety of items you can share with a friend.

Do you share Valenitne's with your friends?

Motivation Monday

Source: believe-toachieve.tumblr.com via Valerie on Pinterest

DIY Friday

Valentine's Day is a day I don't usually decorate for, but with all these fun I ideas I might add a little love to my house this year. Try one of these crafty ideas in your home this Valentine's Day.

Source: tipjunkie.com via Becky on Pinterest

Source: joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Raya on Pinterest

Source: ljcfyi.com via Tamra on Pinterest

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Ashlee on Pinterest

Source: loveofthesea.com via sharonfosterart on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Arlene on Pinterest

Do you get crafty for Valentine's Day?

Creativity

                             Source: Uploaded by user via Valerie on Pinterest

Vincent van Gogh described creativity like this in a letter to his brother "It is a feeling of love and enthusiasm for something, and in a direct, simple, passionate, and true way,you try to show this beauty in things to others - by painting it"

360 Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

While reading the book The Artistic Muse by Betsy Dillard Stroud she said creativity is indescribable, like a silvery pink reflection on a wave at sunrise. In essence, it is a lot like the word sacrament - an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

Remembrance of things past by Betsy Dillard Stroud

To me creativity is an expression of what you want to share with the world. I believe that everyone is creative in their own way, and we all  choose to express our creativity differently.

What does creativity mean to you?