Quick Poll

When I am not feeling creative or want to be inspired, I love to go through my books! Lots of books. I pull them from my library and start paging through them spending time sketching, until I am ready to work again.

What about you?

When you are not feeling inspired to create, do you have a routine that you do to get inspired?

Do you do the same things every time or try a variety of techniques to inspire yourself?

Thanks in advance for your input, I look forward to the discussion.

Be Inspired - Amazing Fibers

Words to Inspire

The best changes often start as single, simple thoughts. Think big, and discover how to make your dreams real.

Idea to Inspire

There are so many beautiful fibers! Find a ways to add fiber to your art work, learn to knit or crochet and make yourself a scarf, go to a yarn store and walk around and enjoy all the inspiring colors and textures.

Photos to Inspire

Today an amazing collection of fiber from Flickr. The color, texture, and shapes are very inspiring, enjoy these beautiful pictures.

Beach by gramarye

JSI by Kirpernicus

freeform knit & crochet fabric closeup by freeform by prudence

Regalia Pendant close up by fancypicnic

Creativity Boost - Friendship

It is a day to cherish friendships...including the one with yourself.

The Awe-Manac by Jill Badonsky

Need a creative boost? Try stepping away from your work and take a day off creating what you have to create, and use your time to create something for a friend.

Take a few minutes to reflect on a friend you have not seen or talk to in awhile and create something just for them! You want the piece to reflects their likes, color choices, and style.

Once you complete their piece, give them a call and set up a date for you to meet and give them the piece you created, and enjoy your time together.

When you step away from a project and create a something from the heart, it's a great way to recharge your creative spirit.

Do you create for family and friends?

Speculation

This past weekend I saw the movie Wall Street 2. I found the movie interesting, and if you are interested in wall street or the financial market then you may enjoy this movie as well.

There was a lot of talk about speculation of the market, in the movie and it got me thinking about art and selling on line.

As artists we speculate what we think will sell everyday. At the beginning of the spring season I was really excited about two new collection Hardware in Bloom, and Vibrant Hardware. I thought they were really cool and would be fun to wear. Well, to make a long story short, I did not sell one piece. (I still have a few piece available in my Zibbet shop, if you would like to check them out.)

After spending the summer revamping my Etsy shop taking all new pictures, working on my tags and titles, updating my shop policies and bio, I realized what was selling best in my shop were the item made with only hardware and not embellished.

I speculated that my customers wanted something different because I did. As artists we get to decide what we want to create, but we speculate what will sell.

I always create items that I like, use materials that work for me, but I have found that I only list the items that I think have the possibilities of selling.

I would love to hear your thoughts! Do you create and sell what you like regardless of if it would sell or not? Do you create only item you know will sell?

Journal Prompt - Vision Board Mission Statement

On Friday I had a post about creating a Vision Board. Today you can take your vision board to the next level by creating a vision mission statement. Creating this plan is not only a great way define your creative path, it will also help keep you on track of your creative vision.

Quick tip for creating your mission statement:

Review the vision board you created.

Make a list of your overall theme and ideas that show up on your vision board.

Your emotions play a big part of your creative vision. Create a list that defines how your vision board make you feel.

Use your lists to create your statement.

Remember this statement is just for you. You don't have to invest days or weeks into writing it, all you need are a couple of sentences that will motivate you and keep you on track.

Once you complete your statement keep it in your sketchbook, or journal, or post it where you can see it everyday. Read it when you need to be motivated, feeling in a creative slump, or need a boost to stay on track.

Have you created a mission statement for your creative venture?

Create a Inspiration Board

Inspiration boards can give you insight to what trends, styles, or designs are important to you right now.
Creating a board is easy and requires only a few supplies. It can be created in a day or take weeks to complete. Their is no right or wrong way, it's all about what inspires you at the time.

You can make your inspiration board any size and it can be created on paper, poster board, canvas, a cork board, or any other type of board you may have.

Working on a cork board is the most versatile; you can change it as often as you want and do it for certain projects, different seasons, or the mood you are in at the time.
There are no rules to creating your board. It’s just a matter of finding photos, objects, fabric, examples of texture and colors that you can pin to your board.

Three tips to remember when making your board:
1. Nothing is off limits - keep your eye out for anything that inspires you. Photos, magazine pictures, fabric, personal memories.

2. Follow your instincts -let your subconscious guide you. You don't have to understand why it inspires you at the moment; you just have to find it interesting.

3. Embrace fantasy - ignore realities of everyday life. Again just choose what really inspires, even if it not something you would ever choose.

A small list of sources for inspiration:

European fashion magazines - they push the style envelope, so you will see more innovative and cutting-edge photos.

Home and garden magazines - great source for textures, fabric, patterns, and shapes.

History, old movies, and pop culture - use the web for pictures you and easily print and add to your board.

Celebrity photos - always a rich source of inspiration.

Your favorite web sites and blog - another great source.
Once your board is complete you will want to take a little time to analyze what you have on your board. You may see a pattern of what style or direction you can take your art in right away, or you may find your board random with no clear pattern. Sometimes you just have to walk away for awhile and when you comeback your theme will be clearer to you.

Creating your board should be fun, and having the option to change it as often as you like will make your board a great source of inspiration.

Have you created a inspiration board?

Check This Out...

This is a monthly 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 - Wire Inspiration

Words to Inspire

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”
Benjamin Spock

Idea to Inspire

I love wire and I'm very inspired with everything about wire. I can look at objects or pictures of anything wire and have to break out my sketchbook and design. Take a look of the one thing that inspires you most and use it to come up with a new idea.

Photo's to Inspire

Today's Flickr collection is a showcase of wire inspirations. These photo's show finished objects and found objects and I hope one of them inspires you to find a new idea.

Handmade "Love" of wire... by ivy style33

Nevena Uzurov - Wire by venkane

rolled wire by loryraffa 15

Fractal sine waves (wire rendering) by roddh

Wire Tower #07 by Tetsuya Blues

A List of Fashion Websites

The Internet is full of links to fashion websites and blogs. With so many to choose from narrowing down a list of favorites can be challenging.

Here are a few sites that I check out to keep me updated on the fashions world.

Lookbook.nu

Sour Tang

The Adventures of an Urban Socialite

Focus On Style

Fashion Magazine

Independent Fashion Blog

Do you have a fashion blog or website that you enjoy? Share the link.

What every Wardrobe Needs

There are a lot of great trends this season, and whatever your style, classic, funky, bohemian, preppy, casual, high fashion, their are a few basics that every wardrobe needs.

Today is a short list of wardrobe staples.

Signature Coat or Jacket - Coats are something we don't buy every year. So when you purchase your coat for the season invest in the best one you can afford. Choose one that you love and totally reflects your personal style.

T-Shirt - This is something you can have in every color of the rainbow, but if your like me and can only afford a few black, white, navy, and gray are essential. They work great casual with a pair of jeans or with your favorite skirt for a night out.

Scarves - They can instantly update a basic look, add color, and keep you warm on chilly days. Oblong scarves that have animal print, strips, or are tie dyed can be a hot addition to your fall wardrobe.

Jeans - Always choose jeans that fit perfectly and are comfortable. When you find the perfect pair buy two, they may not be around next year.

Jewelry - Layering several necklaces and statements necklaces are big trends this fall (see more jewelry trends here). Find styles you love and add them to your outfit for an instant update.

These five basics will keep your wardrobe fresh and up to date so invest in them, and they will be your wardrobe staples for years.

What is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Add a Pop of Color

As the seasons change and autumn approaches, our wardrobes get darker as we start to wear more black, brown, and gray in the cooler weather.

Color can instantly update those dark colors, giving you a warm glow, and make those dark day ahead not seem so daunting.

These fun accessories are perfect for adding that pop of color you need. Check out each of these Etsy shops they have a variety of items, one of them might be perfect for you.

Lady in Red Fashion Jewelry Facet Glass and Pearl by ToranjDesign

Organic saddle pouch in grape by minus

Trench coat shortie in Pumpkin orange cotton twill by DeNovoStyle

Dahlia Fabric Flower Statement bib necklace freshMetal

Clear Orange Vinyl Record Bracelet by SarahsAlternative

Hand Knitted Knitting Green Capelet Cowl Neckwarmer by filofashion

French Navy Blue Leather Knot Wrap Belt by elizabethkelly

Orange and Pink Sari Silk Scarf by atelierfrost

Avant Garde Inspiration

Their are some great trends this fall 2010 season, lots of styles that will be easy to incorporate into our regular wardrobe.

There are also a lot of avant garde styles that may not fit into our wardrobe as easy, but style that can be a great source of inspiration.

I love fashion shows. I enjoy watching them, not only for the clothes but because they inspire me and my ideas. My sister does not understand what I see in those crazy clothes (as she calls them) but their is so much to be discovered in one of those shows.

When I watch fashion shows or read fashion magazines, I don't see the clothes as a whole I see all the little details. I look for color trends, details, textures, shapes, and overall style. I can then interpret all these little details in my jewelry designs.

Do you enjoy looking at high fashion? When you look at those avant garde clothes what do you see?

Be Inspired by the Colors of Fall

Words to Inspire

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.”
John Burroughs

Idea to Inspire

Monday's post has a list of the hot colors for fall 2010. Use one or all of the colors in your art work this week and let the color be your inspiration.

Photo's to Inspire

I found a wonderful Flickr collection of pictures showcasing some of the fall 2010 colors. These pictures are full of wonderful color, texture, and style, I hope they inspire you to find a new idea.

GoldenIV / Basket by faerietail

coloring - autumn reds by Yorktown Road

Scrumble Purple - Roxo Misturado by marcecampos

coloring - dark teal by Yorktown Road

Cushion - 365 Day in Colour Challenge - grey by denimay

Creative Business Quick Tip - A Back up Plan

We all want everything to be perfect, and have nothing to ever happen, but as we know that's not always the case.

It only take a few minutes to put a simple plan in place to have your business covered if something happens.

Most importantly when putting together your back up plan is to make sure someone knows your passwords and can access your online accounts.

That way your customers can be informed and not feel left out in the cold.

I recently read in the Etsy forums about someone who had paid for an item and waited almost 6 weeks with no contact from the shop, and when they checked the shop again it had disappeared.
They don't know what happened or if or how they were going to get there money back.

It is important that your customers don't feel like you abandoned them, and leave you negative feedback about your business.

When you are ready to come back and run your business again, you want your customers to still do business with you.

A few other things to consider creating a back up plan for:

• If your computer crashes

• Something happens with your home or car

• If you or someone in your family were sick for several days or weeks

Making a plan now and having everything in place, will give your peace of mind and keep your business moving in the right direction.

Do you have a back up plan in place for your business?

Fall 2010 Color Trends

The fall 2010 fashion season if full of easy to wear trends and exciting jewelry trends.

A easy way to update your wardrobe without buying lots of new items is to add the hot colors of season with a few simple items and accessories.

Here is a list of the Fall 2010 Color Trends

Want to see and read about the color fashion trends from the designers, check out this link for the full Pantone 2010 Fall Color Trend Report.

With lots of great colors to choose from this season, which one is going to be your favorite?

Journal Prompt - Feeling your Best

You know how when you look good, you feel good too! Well today's journal prompt gives you the chance to explore how you can feel that way all the time.

In your journal/sketchbook answer this question:

What outfit make you feel your best?

Break it down to each piece and why you liked each piece. Also why it worked so well as a whole outfit.

You may want to include a picture of yourself wearing that outfit as well, as a reminder of how you felt when you wore that outfit.

Now that you know what pieces make you feel good, and the style that you feel you best in, why not purchase more of these items. Mix and match them with other items in your wardrobe, so each outfit you have always has you feeling your best.

What is one of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe?

Fall 2010 Jewelry Trends

Jewelry is the easiest way to update your wardrobe without a lot of expense. There are some great trends this season, so it will be easy to find the perfect style that is just right for you.

These beautiful finds are from some of the amazing artists on Etsy. Click on each link to see all these shops have to offer.

Opulent & Luxurious - lots of stones and sparkle, choose wide chokers, chandelier earrings, and big cocktail rings with lots of stones.

Sparkling Green Glass Chandelier Earrings by CandidGrace

Elegant Layering - jewelry that looks like fringe. Fringe chains, shoulder dusting earrings, multiple layers of chains, and small stacked rings.

Waterfall by missanniemay

Lots of Color - wearing all one color from head to toe or shades of one color mixed together. Add Big rock rings, short gemstone necklaces, colorful stud earrings, beaded bracelets, and lots of crystal.

Swarovski Crystal Cocktail Ring by HardCandyGems

Leather & Lace - is perfect for all the cutting edge styles this season. Add statement leather cuffs, long pendant necklaces, big brooches, and cool cuff links.

Rock and Roll Funky Brooch by albenaben

Mixed Media Jewelry - is all about big bold and eclectic pieces mixed with relaxed cozy styles. Layer and stack bangles, and statement necklaces and chains.

Autumnal MixandMatch Stack of EcoFriendly Bangle by greenbelts

Lots of Vintage - add to your simple classic pieces for a quick update. Break out your pearls, pieces with a decorative clasp, statement rings, over sized bangle cuffs, and any kind of brooch.

Take Me Back Silver and Gold Recycled Vintage by secondlookjewelry

There is lots of variety this season, and it will be easy to find ways to add that perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

What trend are you going to try this fall?

Afternoon at the Mall

This past weekend my husband, daughter, and I went to one of the larger Mall's in the Chicago area so my daughter could do a little shopping.

I will admit that as I have gotten older shopping does not appeal to me as much as it did when I was young. I used to spend a whole day in the Mall with my sister, we would make an event of it, even when we did not have money to spend.

It has also become important to me to be comfortable when I go shopping. It was really interesting to me how many woman shop in high heel shoes.

So here's a question for you:
When you go to the mall / shopping, is dressing in style more important then dressing for comfort, and do you ever wear heels when you go shopping?

I would love to hear your thoughts. I was trying to dress hip in my comfortable clothes and shoes, but I will admit I did feel a little old hanging out in the mall this past weekend.

Have a story of hanging in out in the mall, please share.

Be Inspired - The Scarf

Words to Inspire

“The work of art must seize upon you, wrap you up in itself and carry you away. It is the means by which the artist conveys his passion. It is the current which he puts forth, which sweeps you along in his passion”
Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Idea to Inspire

A beautiful scarf is a great way to add that extra touch of color and style. When you are happy, it is easy to feel creative.

Photo's to Inspire

This collection of Flicker photo's showcases beautiful hand painted scarfs. They are full of color and texture, and I hope they inspire a new idea.

Chocolate Roses Close up by silkshop

Silver & Pewter Hand Painted scarf

Necklace Scarf hand painted silk chiffon pirate's treasure by morgansilk

In_nature_hand_painted_silk by dgmart

What Animal Print are You?

Today is a fun quiz to determine what animal print you should be wearing this fall season. It's a lot of fun and takes about 30 seconds.



Click this link to take your quiz blogthings.com


After you take the quiz, stop back by and lets us know what animal print your going to be wearing this fall season.

The Unoffical First Day of Fall

Have a Wonderful Labor Day

My daughter and I were talking the other day and she asked me about Labor Day and why it was a holiday. I had not thought about it in years and I could not really answer the question beyond the basic understanding of the holiday.

So today I thought I would share with your what I found out about the Labor Day in the United States, and what I shared with my daughter.

Labor Day was created by the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It's a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, planned by the Central Labor Union. By 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day has come to be recognized in the United States not only as a celebration of the working class, but also as the unofficial end of the summer season.

My family and I are going to spend a relaxing day with our neighbors.

What are your plans on for the unofficial last day of summer?