Artist to Know - Jackson Pollock

Today's artist is Jackson Pollock

Basic facts:

Born as: "Paul Jackson Pollock"
Pollock was born on: January 28, 1912
Born at: Cody, Wyoming, United States of America
Pollock Died in a car accident: August 11, 1956

6 Facts you may not know about Jackson Pollock

1. He lived from 1912 to 1956 - he was only 44 when he died in a car accident.
2. The style for which he is known is called "drip" or "drip and splash", and also "action painting." 3. He sometimes mixed broken glass with his paint.
4. His painting, "No. 5, 1948" sold at an auction in 2006 for $140 million, making it the most expensive painting ever.
5. He chopped off the end of a finger at the age of four, playing with a hatchet.
6. He once knocked down a wall to make a room large enough for a 20-foot canvas.
From biglearning.com

More interesting facts:

♦In 1949, Pollock decided to number his paintings, including the year they were created, instead of using descriptive titles. This began with his 1949 solo exhibition at the Betty Parsons Gallery.

♦Pollock's paintings differed from before he moved to the Hamptons and right after the move. Before moving to The Springs in East Hampton with his wife, his imagery was congested, the colors were somber, and the overall mood of his paintings was anxious and conflicted.

♦ After the move to the country, the colors were brighter, his compositions were more open, and the imagery reflected a new responsiveness to nature.

♦The most important element in Pollock's paintings is that of lines. When he first started using the method of pouring and dripping paint onto canvas, it resulted in huge areas covered with complex linear patterns that created image and form.

Pollock saw painting as a spontaneous activity, believing that the canvas should express directly the artist's emotions. The picture was not painted- it happened. To quote Pollock, "The painting has a life of it's own. I only let it come through."

Want to create your own Jackson Pollock go to http://jacksonpollock.org/ and give it a try.

There the several websites with information on Jackson Pollock, just put his name in your search engine and check him out.

Shop News

I hope everyone survived Black Friday and is geared up for Cyber Monday. They say it's the biggest online shopping day of the year.

What are you doing to promote your online shop this Monday?

Stop by my Etsy Shop for

FREE SHIPPING Worldwide

until 11:59 pm 11/30

I added several new items on Black Friday and I will be adding more on Cyber Monday, so now is the time to see all my new items. Here are some of my favorites.

Check it out my shop and let me know your favorites.

BLOG NEWS

During December on my blog I will be sharing simple ideas for writing your 2010 goals, alternative gift wrapping ideas, and every Friday recipe's for fun drinks and appetizers to serve during the holidays.

Stop by daily for some holiday inspiration!

Have a great week!

Explore - Holiday Gift List

For the past few years my 16 year old daughter has created me a list of all the items she wants for Christmas. Now this is a special list to make sure we her get the right stuff. So today I thought I would share her idea, it's fun to do yourself or for the kids in your life.

→She starts with a blank piece of paper, it does not matter what color it is.

→Next she goes through the Sunday ads, but you can use magazines, or even a newspaper.

→She cuts out the the items she wants, what store they are from, and the price, so we know where to go and how much we will have to spend.

→She glues the cut out items to her blank piece of paper and she is done, a visual Christmas list.

→If you prefer you can also take a few minutes to add some colored paper, or stickers to make you list look nice, or just for fun.

Here is this years visual wish list

Think of how nice it would be to have a list of exactly what everyone wanted, no guessing, or trying to figure out if you are getting the right item. And think, you create a list of your own and you will get exactly what you want.

You can't go wrong with this project, and if nothing else the kids will have fun cutting up the paper and creating their lists.

Enjoy! This fun idea will make your holiday shopping a little easier.

My Black Friday Favorites

My plan is to shop handmade this year on Etsy, so I have started my search. Here are a few amazing finds I found for my black Friday shopping.




Are you planning on shopping handmade this season?

Thursday Thought

“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
Brian Tracy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Photo's to Inspire - Center of the Table

With the holidays approaching, I am in a festive mood, so I thought I would share beautiful table centerpieces from Flickr to inspire you for the holidays. These centerpieces are works of art. Enjoy!

Centerpiece by MonocularJack

My Sugar Showpiece by cupcakeamour

Fall Table Decor by mainec6

Centerpiece by Marilyn M

Spices by smcgee

Centerpiece by smcgee

What visual images inspire you? Let me know and I will pull together a Flickr collection and share that you are the source of inspiration for the week they are posted.

Accessory Style - The Bib Necklace

I was reading the Chicago Tribune Style Section a week ago and according to them the Bib Necklace is a must have this holiday season.

I also checked some of my favorite fashion blogs to see what they had to say. I found out that the bib necklace has been around for several seasons, last season it was the statement necklace, but this season as well as for spring 2010 it's the bib necklace.

There are many styles and options, from simple and subtle to big and ornate. You just have to choose the style that is best for you. Of course all the big designers have their version of the bib necklace, but you can also find some wonderful handmade options. Here are a few I found on Etsy.

Black and Red Tagua Nut Necklace by veronicarileymartens

Aunt Betty's Brooch Necklace by jlpisrael

Organic V Bib Statement Necklace by giia

New Silver Screen Star Statement Bib Necklace by florabond

Maybe you want to make one of your own, check out these easy to follow instruction on CraftyStylish and create you own one of a kind piece.

Whatever you decide to do, buy a designer piece, buy from a wonderful Etsy artists, or make your own one of a kind creation, the bib necklace is a must have!

Creative Happenings - My Show

Wow, what a show I had this past weekend!

My sister and I were busy all day, and my feet still hurt to prove it.

We started our day very early for our 1 drive to the city. The weather was wonderful for a November day in Chicago, sunny and 50. We arrived at Pulaski Park Auditorium unloaded all the bins, tables, and supplies. I am sure we looked special pushing all that stuff down the street, stopping for all the cracks and trying to move our cart up and down the curbs.

We had one hour to set up, so we had to work very quickly. Amazingly we were able to get everything done and the booth turned out great.

Photo's from my booth at the end of the day from my cell phone.

As soon as the door opened the customers poured in, and we had wave after wave all day long. We meet lots of great people and enjoyed talking with everybody. If you were at the show thanks again for stopping by!

We had customers till the end of the day, and when it was time to pack up we were tired!

As much fun as the day was, I was really happy to be home. My sister fell a sleep before 9:00 pm and I barely made it to 10:30, the earliest I have been to bed on a Saturday in a long time.

Shows are great fun and a lot of work, I am glad its behind me, now it can be all about the holidays.

Shop News - Blog News - Personal News

My shop was featured on Scoutie Girl this past week, stop by and leave a comment. It's a great blog and I am honored to be featured. Thanks Tara!

I can't say it's been a booming week, because it's been slow. I am still waiting for that holiday rush and I hope it happens this weekend.

I am working on taking pictures of my new pieces and I will be posting new items all week. I am going to start working on one of a kind pieces that I will be listing in Etsy and 1000 Markets shops in December.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Special
Everything in my Etsy shop will have
FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
November 27 - 30

BLOG NEWS

If you missed last weeks post Journal Prompt take a second and check it out, it will inspire you to start thinking about your plans for 2010.

Also on Wednesday's post Amazing Museums, DJ from eye shutter to think added a link to another amazing building you have to check out. The link is in the comments section.

I know it is a holiday week, but I will still post everyday. Tuesday I will have an accessory trend you can't miss, Wednesday's Photo's to Inspire will feature holiday centerpieces and table settings, and Friday my favorites from Etsy and 1000 Markets.

PERSONAL NOTE

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this week, for the first time in a long time it is going to be just me, my husband, my daughter, and our dogs of course, and we have decided to have a non-traditional Thanksgiving, so no Turkey. I am looking forward to cooking some of our family favorites, and my daughter is going to a bake pie and cookies.

My husband gets home Tuesday after being on a 3 week long business trip and we have missed him a lot! I know he can't wait to be home and relax and we are all looking froward to a nice weekend hanging out as a family.

Have a great week!

Awaken your Creativity - A New Perspective

Do you ever get into a creative rut? Making the same thing over and over, or a different version of the same thing? Sometime you have to step back, and think like someone else.

Try looking at creativity from another persons perspective.

Choose a creative trade that is different from what you do now, but that you might enjoy.

Need some ideas:
Automobile designer
Lighting designer
Advertising
Fashion Designer
Architect

Now in your sketchbook or journal create a list of how they would find inspiration, skills they might need, what materials they would work with, how they would advertise their product.

You could also do this same project using a inspiring picture of something you love, and try to figure out their source of inspiration, what skills they used, the materials used, where you might find an advertisement for the product.

Take your time, you don't have to do this process all at once. It's just a simple exercise to help you look at things differently.

It does not matter which option you choose, when you are done you will have a list of new inspiration sources, possible new skills you could learn, new materials you could work with, and some new advertising ideas. Just adapt these ideas to what you have available, your time, and your skills.

Hang onto the list and refer back to it in the future or even when you are planning your goals for 2010.

What creative trade would you analyze?

Creative Happenings

I am doing my first Additions art and craft show this weekend in Chicago. I have done a lot of Fine Art shows with my Art Jewelry, but now only about 2 a year. I am looking forward to this new opportunity.

The DIY Trunk Show 09
Saturday November 21st
10 am - 5 pm
Pulaski Park Auditorium
1419 W. Black Hawk
Free Admission
More information - http://diytrunkshow.com/

If you are in Chicago this weekend stop by and say HI!

This is the first time I am showing the Additions merchandise at a show, and I have been working hard to come up with interesting display ideas to showcase how fun this jewelry is to wear. I think I have come up with some great ideas and I will post pictures on Monday.

I have spent the last week pulling out all my inventory, putting on price stickers, and packing up boxes. I have a few more pieces to create and I will be working on them for the rest of the day.

It's hard when you do a show for the first time, because you don't know what to expect. I know I am going to bring more stuff then I need, but it's better to be safe then sorry, right?

My sister gets here today (she is driving down from Minneapolis) and I can't wait to see her. I am looking forward to having her help me at the show and the good giggles we will have over the weekend.

Wish me luck!

Your Thoughts

When you hear, see, or think of the word

INSPIRATION

what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Leave a comment on your thoughts. I am working on a post about inspiration and I would like to share images from our community. Thanks!

Thursday Thought

Happiness is the fine and gentle rain that penetrates the soul, but which afterwards gushes forth in springs of tears.

Maurice Guerin

Photo's to Inspire - Amazing Museum's

When my family and I travel we always try to go to the museum in the city we are visiting. Now I have never had the opportunity to go into any of the amazing places I have chosen for today's collection,but I hope to one day.

In a some cities the building is almost as unique and wonderful as the art inside. Today's Flickr inspirations are the buildings, of museums from all over the world. Enjoy studying the vision of the people who designed them.

Royal Ontario Museum by Jay Lu

Mercedes-Benz museum by 8mobili

National Museum of Australia by Sam Llic Photography - STAGE88

Sciences Museum. Valencia by jovidoes

American Air Museum - Duxford by nick.qurrod

#0905 Guggenheim Museum Spain by Martin

What visual images inspire you? Let me know and I will share that you are the source of inspiration for the week they are posted.

Creative Business - Black Friday Tips

Today I have a few quick reminder for readying you Etsy shops for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

• Change your banner and your avatar to a more festive holiday look

• Don't forget your shipping announcements - what will be your cut off date for guaranteed holiday arrival, will you offer priority mail?

• Don't forget your Featured Item section - use your most festive items there, it's the first thing people will see when they stop on your page.

• Do you create one of a kind items? - start promoting them, people are looking for those kind of items during the holidays.

• If you are having a sale start your promotions a day or two early to create excitement around shopping for your items.

• Create a buy now environment - check out this post Buy Now for tips.

I personally can't believe how fast the holiday are approaching. I will be working on my Etsy shop and my 1000 Markets shop all week.

Do you have any other ideas to share about getting ready for the holiday?

Artist to Know

Today's artist has created over 300 quilts, is the founders of The Art Quilt Network , and the leader of the modern quilt movement.

Her name is Nancy Crow

Nancy Crow produces quilts of stunning originality using deep saturated colors, often made with hand-dyed fabrics. She also designs fabrics for commercial use and for the other quilters.

Her patterns range from the geometric to more organic, colors from saturated and intense to subtly mottled effects. She also creates effects that are segments that appear to have been "drawn" on the fabric. The quilts are cut and machine-pieced by Crow and then either hand- or machine-quilted by assistants.

Here is a paragraph from her artist statement:

The purpose of my quilts is to make something beautiful for me but at the same time they are a means of expression representing my deepest feelings and my life experiences. In addition, my quilts are all about how I see color and color relationships; how I see shapes; and how I see line and linear movements. They are also about complexity, sadness, and hope.

Check out all her work and read her artist statement on her web site Nancy Crow.

Shop News

I finally had a couple of sales in my Etsy Shop this week after weeks of no sales. I hope this is a sign that things are starting to pick up, I am ready to make some sales.

I have been working hard over the last few weeks to build my inventory and prepare for the DIY show I am doing this weekend (11/21). This is my first time in this show and I am looking forward to meeting lots of new people, and selling jewelry. I am also excited because my sister is coming to help me with the show, and we always have a good time hanging out.

If you are in the Chicagoland area, stop by the show and say HI!

The DIY Trunk Show 09

Saturday November 21st

10 am - 5 pm

Pulaski Park Auditorium

1419 W. Black Hawk

Free Admission

More information - http://diytrunkshow.com/

BLOG NEWS

I hope you had a chance to see Saturday's Journal Prompt, It's a post to inspire you to thinking about your plans for 2010.

Stop by daily for more inspiration, creativity talk, and a business tip. If you have any suggestions or ideas to share with me, please feel free to contact me additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Have a great week!

Journal Prompt

As we get closer to the end of the year, in the back of my mind I am thinking about my plans for 2010, and I am sure you are doing the same. In the next few weeks I plan to do a few posts on goal setting, planning for the new year, and growing our businesses. So today's journal prompt is to get you started with the process.

I know it is hard to think about that type of stuff when your busy with the holidays and shipping out packages, but as business people we have to make time, so we can have the success that we strive for. I promise to keep the ideas simple and easy to do.

Today is a journal prompt. It will require some time to think and you will want to write down things as they come to you. You don't have to do it all in one sitting, process it throughout the week, change your ideas as you go along, just make sure you include everything you come up with. What may seem like a bad idea now may be a good idea later.

OK, here is the question:

What does success mean to you?

Think about this question, be specific about your answer, consider things like:
→What would make you feel like a success?
→How many hours a day would you work?
→Would you work alone or have employees?
→What would you want your work space to look like?
→Create a list of what it would take for your to be a success.

Remember this is about you, don't compare yourself to anyone, or model your ideals around another business, concentrate on what it means to you. Once you have the answers, compile them into a statement that best describes what success means to you.

You will find as you move forward to setting your goals that this statement will be very helpful in making that process a little easier.

I will be working on this as well, I will share some of my plans and ideas with you in a future post. If their is any way I can assist you with the process or if anyone just wants to share please feel free to email me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Explore a Creative Reuse

I love to see items that are usually thrown away turned into something useful and beautiful. Today I am going to share items I found on Etsy made with old CDs and some fun projects you can do yourself.

Recycled Sunburst Clock by c2design

2010 Calendar Nature Journal CD size by LesleySmitheringale

Purple Owls Mandala Suncatcher by EyePopArt

Want to use up your old CDs

○Place candles on them, and use them as a candle holder. Your candles won't drip on the table and the reflective surface picks up the candlelight for extra ambiance. Add those little rubber feet your can get a craft stores for height.

○Make a festive invitation. Write the information for your party on the shiny side and send it in a padded envelope.

○Add felt to the non shiny side and use it as a coaster.

○Create a cool sun catcher. Glue two CDs together (shiny sides out) and make a hole using a large needle. Hold the needle with a pliers and place over a flame until the needle is red hot and then place it on the CD until a hole is melted all the way though. Add some fishing line in different lengths and place in your window for cool sparkle added to your room. You can also drill through them.

○You can also use those plastic cases the CDs come in. Turn one or several into a picture frames. Cut the picture to the size of the case and close it up. Set it on a table or add the hooks you can buy at the craft store and hang them on the wall.

Do you have more ideas? Share them in the comment section.

Explore - Inspiration

Do you remember the last time you had an idea that you loved for your next design project?

It's easy to let those ideas slowly fall apart when we get sucked into our everyday lives, our routines, our online marketing, or our daily chores of running our business.

Inspiration - is a sudden creativity in artistic production. Do you know what that feels like?

The best way to explore a new idea is to know when an idea is coming to you. No it's not magic, it is a physical reaction that lets you know to pay attention.

Try This

Grab your sketch book or journal and go back in your mind to the last time you had that feeling of inspiration.

Answer these question:
►What did it feel like when the idea arrived?
►What time of the day was it?
►What physically indicated your inspirational moment?
~visual - what images did you see
~audible - music, a song, someones voice
~Smell - inportant to remember, a familiar smell can bring back a flood of memories
►What about your emotions at the time? Did they play a part?

Visual images are really important for me when I have that inspirational moment. I don't always hear what's going on around me, but I do get that excited tingle, that need to create in that moment. There are times when that moment has happened to me when it is not possible for me to just drop everything and create, so I always have a notebook with me and until I have a chance to put my idea on paper I can't think about anything else.

Do you remember the last time you had an inspirational moment? How did you feel?

Photo's to Inspire - Rock Formations

When I was young I loved rocks. I wanted to grow up and be a geologist, until someone told me I would have to study science, and I hated science. So, I did the next best thing, creating jewelry and working with gemstones.

This week I have amazing Flickr photo's of rocks formation from all over the world. Their beauty will inspire you to see new colors, shapes, pattern, and textures. After you check out the picture as a whole, check out all the little details, maybe you will find something new to inspire you.

Lower Antelope Canyon by Rod Monkey

The Rocks of Fistral #5 by Aubrey Stoll

Layer (rock) cake 1 by felixspencer2

Teter Rock by busychild424 (Josh)

Camel Rock at Sunset by Kevin Eddy

Devils Garden - Arches NP by Tucapel

Bird Rock - Point Lobos, California by PatrickSmithPhotography

It was hard for me to choose just this small colletion, I could have added lots more. If you want to see more use the tags rocks and canyon when you are on Flickr, and enjoy the beauty of our world.

Leave me a comment on what inspires you, and I will share with everyone that you are the source of inspiration for the photo's in the post.