Additionsstyle News

BLOG News

I am going to make some more changes to the blog over the summer starting with the name of the blog. The new name will be EVERYDAY INSPIRED by Additionsstyle. What do you think?

Some other changes, I'm going to add some ad boxes that will be available at a really low price sometime in June, more links on my link page for your business and creativity, and more ways for us to connect as a community. If you have any ideas or suggestions let me know, I want this blog to be about growing and sharing as artists and your ideas are important to me. additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

If you missed last Monday's post there was a fun link for a self test (takes about 3 min) to find out What Archetype you are. After you take the test stop back and share your results in the comments section.

Creative Book of the Week
The Creative Journal by Gwen Diehn
Click on the link on the right side bar to read all about this amazing book.

SHOP News

I am going to start my big project of changing all the photo's in my Etsy shop with a new background, rework the tags, and making use of SEO to bring more customers to my shop.

New items with my new background will be coming this week.

All my shops (1000Markets & Zibbet) are going to get a update. Each store will have it's own identity and selection of items. I will keep you posted when I start making those changes.

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend, have a great week!

Journal Prompt - Getting Started

Sometimes the hardest part of keeping a journal is starting. The blank page can be very daunting and not very inviting to start writing.

Blank white pages were challenging for me, so I found if you decorate your pages it is easier to get your thoughts down.

Need some ideas, check out this book (one of my favorites) The Decorated Page, for easy, fun, fresh ideas, to eliminate those blank pages.

Today I have the beginning of 3 sentences you can use to get your journal started:

I feel inspired when...

One thing I never thought I could do...

I see beauty in...

Choose one or answer all the them. Once you start writing is will become easier and even hard to stop.

What holds you back from writing in you journal?

Bra Art

I read a post the other day that said the bra was 100 years old. I thought what a cool idea to celebrate the bra by showing art created showcasing the bra. Well after a little research I found out the bra tuned 100 in 2007. Since I found some really cool items on Etsy featuring the bra, I'm still going to share these amazing pieces with you today.

Bra on Studio Floor Oil Painting by SiuTing1108

Sexy Lingerie by jrandall

Sweet 8x10 inch print by heatherfwilliams

Leather Mandi Bra pouch/purse with bow by bambina

Lacy Hang up by WendyJNZ

Naughty Eye Mask Fully Adjustable by BibBon

History of the Brassieres Digital Download Collage by petitepaperie

Anything can be inspiration, what can you create with a bra?

Check This Out...

This is a weekly 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 ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Be Inspired - Rain Drops

Words to Inspire

“May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”
Irish Blessings Quote

Idea to Inspire

Let a rainy day to recharge your creative juices. Take a walk in a light rain shower and engage your senses in the experience. Enjoy the scent of the rain filled air, watch the rain fall into the puddles, listen to the rain hit the ground, and let the rain glide off your skin .

Photo's to Inspire

Rain can be beautiful. Check out these photo's from Flickr and see the true beauty of the rain.

Sunny Morning with Rain drops on Banana Leaf by Zulkifli Razali

Rain Drops Tree #2 by Onihide

Rain Drops by ūndeniably ♥ tinå

Spider web rain drops by stillshots

Inspiration can come from everywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

What is your Design Process?

Woven gemstone bracelet 6-7 years old

I am in planning mode for a new collection for my sterling silver art jewelry line. I am working to build up my inventory for the shops I sell too and a couple of shows I am doing this year.

This collection is a lot more work and takes about a month or two to complete because I create all the chains, ear wires, and clasps to go with each piece

A pair of earrings called Piece of a Circle 3-4 years old

When I am in the planning stages of a new collection I can't get enough information. I have been to the library checking out design, furniture, and art books, looking for new shapes, colors, and textures. I even go to the bookstore to check out magazines of current fashion, art and design, and trends.

A ring from a collection I did about 2 years ago

I now have about 20 pages of sketches, that I have to narrow down into a 12 piece collection.

I go a little crazy when I am in design mode, but when I get an idea I have to run with it. My mind never shuts down until I have the last piece designed. As I start working on this collection I will share with you a few of my pieces in future posts.

What is your planning process when you designing/creating?

What Archetype are You?

While checking out Totally RawKin Design blog by Tiffani, she had a great post about archetypes and a link to the self test listed below. I took the self test and it was spot on about me, so I thought I would share it with you today. Thanks Tiffani for sharing the link on your blog.

Archetype (noun) ar·che·type/ˈɑrkɪˌtaɪp/ [ahr-ki-tahyp]
1.the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind

are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
2.(in Jungian psychology) a collectively inherited unconscious idea,

pattern of thought, image, etc., universally present in individual psyches.

Carl Jung first applies the term archetype to literature. He recognized there was a universal pattern in all stories and mythologies regardless of culture or historical period. He concluded that part of the human mind contained a collective unconscious shared by all members of the human species.

Want to know what some of the archetypes are, here is a list of character archetypes.

Now for something fun. On the Spirituality & Health website they have a self test so you can see what type of archetype you are. (It takes about 3 min to complete)

What Archetypes are Calling You?

After you get your results, come back and share with everyone.

Journal For...

As artists we should keep a journal to remember where we were and where we plan to go on our artistic journey.

It took me awhile to get into the habit of keeping a journal, but once I figured out what works best for me it became much easier. I use my datebook to keep track of things I need to do, things that happen that week, my personal thoughts, and plans for the future.

My version of a journal may be different from yours, but all that's important is that you write what down what's important to you.

Here are some basic reasons to keep a journal...

Self discovery

Opening up to new possibilities

Setting goals

Healing

Change

Living life

Do you keep a journal? What is your reason?

Artist Inspirations - ComeShopPinkLemonade

Join me in welcoming Paige from ComeShopPinkLemonade , she is a 14 year old with a passion for creating. Today she is sharing with us what inspires her to create her cute embellished tank tops, jewelry, clothing and accessories. Thanks Paige for being a guest blogger!

My name is Paige, and I have been crafting for 8 years now. When I first started crafting I made bracelets, earrings, and purses- that lasted about 3 years- Being a beginner and basically teaching myself, I wasn't very good! :) Since then, I have continued to craft- it's in my blood!

However, most of the growth in my business has happened in this last year. When I started making a more steady supply of my newest creations, clothing and chunky necklaces, the sales started pouring in! I am constantly coming up with new designs for my clothing and jewelry, and I am having so much fun! I tell everyone this-Once you find something that you love to make, everything else falls into place- crafting should be an enjoyable experience!

What inspires me the most? Life! Everything around us is inspiring! A sunny summer day inspires me! Look around, inspiration is everywhere! My favorite thing to do is go outside and go for a walk before I start sewing or beading- it helps me keep my items bright and happy!

Stop by Paige's Etsy shop and see all of her wonderful creations. She also has a blog and Facebook fan page, take a minute to visit them and leave a comment.

This is a weekly 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 ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Be Inspired - Trees

Words to Inspire

Do not be afraid to go out on a limb ... That's where the fruit is.
Anonymous

Idea to Inspire

Enjoy a day in nature. Plant a tree, walk through a forest, lay under a tree and enjoy one of natures greatest creations.

Photo's to Inspire

Enjoy these amazing photo's of trees from Flickr.

A tree and a cloud by mark.os

Lime Tree Avenue Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire byLincolnian

Sunlight Under a Live Oak by Old Shoe Woman

Beech tree, Buxton Derbys by tina manthorpe

Inspiration can come from anywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Thing You Can do with $5

Have an extra $5 this week?

Here are a few things you can do...

• Buy a greeting card from an Etsy seller and send a note to a old friend

• Buy some herb seeds and start a herb garden

• Buy yourself a special chocolate treat and savor it slowly

• Buy someone a pair of shoes. Make a donation to GiveShoes.org

• Freshen up a photo display. Give some old frames new life by painting them all the same color.

• Start a savings account. Every time you have a $5 bill, set it aside instead of spending it. At the end of the week deposit all the $5 bills in the bank.

• Learn Spanish or sign language with bargain language software from 5DollarSoftware.com

• Buy $5 worth of lemons and put them into a pretty bowl you already have, for a pretty and fragrant centerpiece

What other ideas do you have for $5?

Whats your Inspiration?

Inspiration (noun) in-spuh-rey-shuh
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or

creativity a product of your creative thinking and work.
a sudden intuition as part of solving a problem
divine guidance: (theology) a special influence of a divinity

on the minds of human beings. arousing to a particular emotion or action

I talk a lot about inspiration on my blog, because I'm intrigued by how artists use inspiration.

When I create jewelry I am inspired by contemporary paintings, buildings, light fixtures, furniture, as well as geometric shapes, texture, and color.

I read a post by Cate on her Heart On My Sleeve blog about how laundry can be a source of inspiration.

Earlier this year Sharon from Knot-Cha-Chá! did a post about how a gray day inspired her to use the color gray.

Dickesen Dabbles blog by Betheny has a post about being inspired by riding on mass transit, painting what she sees out the window of the train.

What inspires you to create?

Additionsstyle NEWS

SHOP News

I have not had a sale for a couple of weeks, I have been frustrated because I was basically working for free. On Wednesday I found out that I was featured in Etsy Finds post on Etsy Storque on Tuesday. It was my first time and very exciting. It's funny, when you are feeling most frustrated something happens to make you excited about working again.

While trying to get thing going with my Etsy shop I made some plans for big changes in my shop that I am going to work on over the summer. For starters I am going to re-shoot all the pieces in my shop with a new background, rework my tags, and work on the SEO (search engine optimization). Hopefully all this work will pay off for the holiday season.

I also plan to create several new pieces so I can start adding a new piece everyday, with the hope of having between 150 and 175 pieces available in my shop by September.

I hope all the changes will bring my shop to the next level, more sales, features, and maybe even a chance on the Etsy front page.

What are you doing to help increase sales in shop?

BLOG News

Last Sunday I shared information about my new project, if you missed it check out the post My Inspiration.

I shared a couple of links this week, the blog Hearts Expanding and a fun website for creating word clouds called Wordle. Both worth checking out.

Follower News
In the post Check It Out... trixiefishstabber productions wants to start sculpting Fimo Clay and is looking for a tutorial or website with information into the process. If you know of any sites send a link to Trixie.

Creative book of the Week
This weeks book is called Foolsgold:Making Something from Nothing and Freeing your Creative Process. Click on the link on the right side bar to go directly to Amazon.com.

Have a great week!

My Favorite Jewelry Trend

Asymmetrical Necklaces are a hot new trend for Spring/Summer and Fall/ Winter 2010, and the more asymmetrical the better.

Blending chains, charms, leather,with big and small elements creates a strong piece that will be a stand out. Mixing and blending elements goes for earrings and bracelets too!

Pull out all your jewelry and start layering it on for a quick update to your wardrobe.

Here are a few pieces from a variety of Etsy artists.

Shapes and Loops A colorful cluster-ful candy drop by TheApple

Red Mathilde Necklace by NoSoapRaido

Sea Spray Necklace by jamiespinello

Pearly Branch Bronze and Ivory Pearl by RubyRougeJewellery

Camilla Upcycled Cameo and Pearls Assemblage by daniellerosebean

Two blue flowers crochet necklace by lottaart

Do you like asymmetrical styles of necklaces or do you prefer symmetrical styles?

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our business.

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 ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Be Inspired - A River

Words to Inspire

“You know a dream is like a river/ Ever changing as it flows./ And a dreamer's not just a vessel/ That must flow where it goes.”
Garth Brooks

Idea to Inspire

I am lucky enough to live by a river, but I know not everyone has that option to sit by the river for inspiration. Try the next best thing search river sounds online and use it as background noise while you work. Then let the sounds of the river inspire you through out your day.

Photo's to Inspire

Enjoy these amazing shots from Flickr.

River Lagan Rainbow by gerard1972

Vista from Oxbow Bend by ePut

Golden River by Weirena

Lyell Fork Tuolumne River by Buck Forester

Inspiration can come from anywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.

Creative Link - Wordle

I found a fun link the other day, thanks to my sister. It's a site called Wordle and it creates word clouds from text you provide.

The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in your text. You can play with your cloud by changing the fonts, layouts, and color schemes.

The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends.



It's fun to do. Go make your word cloud and stop back and leave a link so everyone can check it out.

Every Day is a New Day

I read an amazing post last week by April on her Hearts Expanding blog called Fresh. In her post she has what she calls her anti-resolutions list, it really is her daily list of things to do.

Last year I did several posts about planning and setting goals, and I believe it is important to have long term goals to help guide you in your life and business. I also believe that when you have small workable goals it can be easier to reach your long term goals, just like April's anti-resolutions.

April's post reminds us that we may have a rough day or even week where we may want to give up on our goals, but every month, every week, every day, even every hour, you can start fresh.

Everyday I get up I go out for a walk, I eat a good breakfast, a good lunch, bust some days I may not do as well with my goal to eat healthy. The best part I can get up the next day and start over, and over time I will meet my goal.

If things are not going as planned one day, then the next day start over, because every day is a new day.

Are you living each day as a new day?

My Inspiration

When I started the Additions collection I did not have an idea about what I wanted to create. One day I went to the hardware store to pick something up and I discovered the washer isle.

After walking around and finding all the different varieties of hardware available I realized I could create jewelry that looks like silver jewelry but at a price that is affordable.

In my process of discovery, I became intrigued by the power of inspiration. I have read several books, and read a lot of information online, but I wanted more.

To further my knowledge I developed The Box of Inspiration: A Look Inside the Creative Process, to learn more about inspiration and how it can influence an artists creation.

It started out simple, I was going to do a short YouTube movie, following how artists create. But as I started talking about the idea it evolved into something more.

I worked out the detail of how I wanted the project to work, and the final product which includes a short documentary DVD, and a book showing the artists process and their final project.

I realized quickly that to make the project worthwhile my limited budget was not going to be enough to get the project off the ground. So, a few of my friends who believed in the project donated money, and then I knew it was going to actually happen.

When I got accepted to Kickstarter.com, I knew I had an opportunity to raise the money I need to get started.

Go to my page at Kickstarter.com and read all about my project, make a donation (it can be as small as a $1), and watch out for future posts about inspiration, I may use your comments in my book.

Thanks! Have a great week.

Journal Prompt - Take a Cue from a Child

I used to own an art school a few years back, and we offered classes for adults and children as young as three.

I taught jewelry classes and worked with kids age 7 and up. I loved to teach. I loved the process, and helping people discover their creative side.

Watching the kids in my class was the best part for me, watching them decided what to work with, learning the process, and their excitement over the final product.

Kids are so free when they work. They are not thinking about what anyone will think about their piece, or if they are doing it exactly right, they just create what makes them happy.

It was Annette from Under the Loupe's blog post Watching children create, that inspired this post today.

She shared a story about watching her daughters choosing beads for jewelry she was going to create for them. In her post she expressed her amazement at how they could think outside the box.

Today Take your journal/sketchbook cue from a child.

-Do a series of drawing with your eyes closed,

-create with crayons only,

-if your right handed work with only your left hand only,

-paint a picture and tear it up and then put it back together with your eyes closed.

These are just a few ideas to get you started.

Share your stories of watching children create.

Dreams

I remembers my dreams almost every night. With so many images in my head I decided I wanted to know what they all mean.

About 20 years ago I went out and bought the best dream book I could find, and I have been interpreting my dreams and my friends dreams, ever since.

It is always fascinating to me how the images I see when I am dreaming really do mean something in my everyday life.

Tell Me Gently by risamay

Today I want to share some interesting fact I recently read about dreams.

You forget 90% of your dreams - with in 5 minutes of waking up you forget 50% and after 10 minutes 90%.

Everybody dreams - if you don't think that you dream you are just forgetting them upon waking.

In our dreams we only see faces we already know - We see hundreds of thousand of faces in our life so we have a endless supply for our brain to use in our dreams.

Chair of Joy by DanaKomjaty

Not everybody dreams in color - about 12% of sighted people dream exclusively in black and white, and the rest in color. Prior to the 1950's most people dreamed in black and white, but the introduction of color television changed that.

Dreams are symbolic - dream speak is a deeply symbolic language.

Emotions - the most common emotions in dreams is anxiety. Negative emotions are more common then positive ones.

You can have 4 - 7 dreams a night - on average you can dream from 1 - 2 hours every night.

Even Better Thank I Had Dreamed by ekobisk

Dream incorporation - our mind takes images we see throughout the day and incorporates them into our dreams. This happens to me all the time, that why I never watch a scary movie or TV show before I go to sleep.

Men and women dream differently - men tend to have more men in their dreams and women dream with equal amounts of men and women. Men tend to have more aggressive emotions when they dream.

Precognitive dreams - 18% - 38% of the population has had a precognitive dream, while 70% have experienced déjà vu.

You can read the complete list at BoredPanda.com.

Do you know what your dreams mean?

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our business.

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 ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Be Inspired - On the Road

Words to Inspire

Somewhere on your journey don't forget to turn around and enjoy the view.

Idea to Inspire

I love to travel by car. The easiest way to clear your mind and be inspired is to hop in a car and enjoy the views from the road.

Photo's to Inspire

Enjoy these amazing shots of roads from Flickr.

Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles by maxby

The road to... by gutter

Uneasy Roads by ifiamblue

High Lonesome Road by Eric Vondy

Inspiration can come from anywhere, I hope today's post inspires you to find a new idea.