Embrace the Bad Days

We all have those days when we wake up and were not in a good mood, or life feels heavy, and you just don't want to get out of bed.

I have those day as well, I can't stop stressing about money, my to-do list, and sometimes I just don't have the desire to do anything. I have come to accept these days as a normal part of life and learned that if I embrace them rather then try to act like everything is OK they it gives me time to regroup.

Embrace those bad days. Start by taking inventory of your blessings, and the good things around you. Then let the day just happen. The day will pass before you know it and soon you will feel like yourself again.

You can't know happiness if you don't know sadness, and those bad day show you your strengths and weakness and what you need to move forward.

Once you realize that those bad days come and go and they are a normal part of life, you can take the steps needed for it to pass quickly, leaving you ready to take on the world!

Do you embrace your bad days?

Artist Inspirations - Get to Know Eyelah

I follow a lot of blogs and I'm inspired by all the creative people. One of my blog friends Ayla, has recently gone through a lot of creative changes, from making jewelry to purses, and on her blog. Today she  is sharing a little about her creative journey.

Thanks Ayla for sharing!

How do you describe your work?
I like to describe my work as a colorful statement. Whether its the jewelry I make or the handbags I like to make things that stand out. Which is actually completely opposite of my personality. I do not wear things or do things that standout. The only thing that does standout about myself is my curly hair and there is nothing I can do about that.

When did you first realize you wanted to create? Who or what influenced or inspired you?
I have always been somewhat creative. I learned to crochet when I was younger and I was always trying to learn to draw although I have no capacity for art. Both of my parents are very creative in different ways. My father is more into writing and music and my mother 'makes' things. She is probably the one person that inspires me because she learned to sew by herself and she is awesome at it. She even made my junior prom dress. Growing up she had 'sewing/crafts room which had almost everything you wanted to make things.

What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
I'm a scientist at heart and what I enjoy the most of the creative process is the problem you have to solve to make something. I really enjoy putting things together and taking them apart and solving the problem of making something awesome. I really feel that the scientist in me comes out when I'm creating a new pattern for something.

What do you do when you need a creativity boost?
I stop making things and do something else. I have many interest which include reading, watching movies, spending time with friends or family, or other crafting things. Because I have so many interest when I get bored or frustrated with one project I move to the next. That really helps with the creative growth because my mind is not focused so much on that one project and gives me time to think about it.

How did you get started with your online business, and how would you like your business to grow?
I starting selling online back in 2009 that is also when I learned to make jewelry. A friend of mine told me about Etsy so I checked it out and I opened my first shop under AAlexandra. This shop was suppose to be primarily jewelry but I did add some other items that sold as well. I closed my shop after about a year or so because I was not sure what direction I wanted my shop to be. I was still very new to the business and still unsure where I wanted myself to go as well.

After about a year of my shop being close I decided to open a new shop under the name Eyelah and focus my efforts on handbag making. I tried sewing clothes but I really enjoyed the process of making handbags and so I have directed my efforts to that. I still plan on jewelry making but I will probably add that to my personal website once I have that up and running. My ultimate goal is to have my own online business and work for myself.

Do you blog and what is your blog about?
I never thought I would be into blogging. I started a blog shortly after starting etsy to kind of track my progress with Etsy and crafting. I never thought I would have followers or even have people regular comment on my posts. I really thought no one would care. But, as it has it I have managed to find a lot of blogger friends that keep in contact and seem genuinely interested in the whacky things I say. I try my best to blog every week and I try to keep it about crafts, etsy stuff, and personal things. I like to keep a healthy balance to keep the viewers interested.

Where would you like your blog to go?
I would love to increase my followers, add more blog swaps, and include more tutorials. I like the direction I am taking my blog and more recently I have opened the option up for ad swaps. Initially I thought adding ad spaces that people can purchase but I think there is some fun in allowing blog ad swaps. I got my blog ad on other blogs and it just keeps growing as I allow more and more people the opportunity. So if you are interested in a blog ad swap just email me at eyelah@gmail.com

Connect with Eyelah 

Shop     Blog     Facebook     

Be Inspired - Waterfalls

Words to Inspire

“Remember today, for it is the beginning of always. Today marks the start of a brave new future filled with all your dreams can hold. Think truly to the future and make those dreams come true.”

Idea to Inspire


Pull out your old sketchbooks or journals, and page through your designs and ideas of the past. Let your past inspire your ideas of today.

Photos to Inspire

I love waterfalls! They are are amazing force of nature, and the sound of the running water is inspiring. I would love to see and hear any one of these waterfalls. Enjoy today's collection of photos.

Source: jootix.com via Steve on Pinterest

Source: 1x.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: goo.gl via Else on Pinterest

Source: pxleyes.com via Pia Zoraya on Pinterest

Source: boredpanda.com via Veselina on Pinterest

Artist Inspirations - Milk & Honey Naturals

I found Courtney Jo's all natural products via her blog. I am a fan of her mix of stories about her family, her products, and  what every comes to mind. Thanks Courtney Jo for taking the time to share with us what inspires you to create your all natural products.

Courtney Jo - Milk & Honey Naturals

I have been creating my own natural products for over a decade. I can remember as far back as 11 years, making cabbage acne masks from a book all about natural cures from the bible. I really pushed myself to create after I had a few unusual reactions to synthetically produced products. After struggling with problem after problem for years, I finally turned to only natural care. Most of what was available in stores was unscented or medicinal smelling, boring and flat out bland. Over the years I have done a lot of research on holistic medicine, herbal therapies, natural cures and have learned a lot about how earth products nurture, nourish, heal and cleanse. I started experimenting with herbal infusions for color, pure essential oil blends for punches of amazing natural aroma, swirling, layering and sprinkling for visually interesting effects. With a small nudge from my husband, Milk and Honey Naturals was born.

Mandarin Truffle Lip embellishment

I started my business with a head packed full of knowledge, college training in business, hands that love to create, $200 and a big dream. I'm really scrappy when it comes to wise investing, researching the market, putting together a workable business plan and I learn fast. After the first year of exhaustingly hard work and a lot of seed planting, I was able to stay home with my twin boys and help support our family for what looks like the foreseeable future.

The biggest inspirations behind my shop are family and health. They really go hand in hand. When I read the ingredient lists on regular store products, it irks me to no end. I've become even more fussy about ingredients since having my kids. I remember finding a baby lotion that actually boasted "no essential oils, only fragrance." There is a long list of essential oils that are not only safe for kids, but can actually help with conditions like colic. I dream for my family, I create for my family, I work hard for my family and I share my creations so that all people and all families can have access to quality natural products.

Pamper Me gift Set 

My process first starts with the functionality of a product. I always ask myself what I would like to get out of what I'm trying to create. I research and find the natural ingredients I need to get the results, then it's on to design. I take visual inspiration from anything and everything around me. It can be a slice of cake from a European bakery, to the colors created by light peeking through fall leaves all the way to a beautiful marble floor I remember from childhood. I compose ways to use the necessary ingredients to create my design and with a light hand, leave it at what naturally occurs.

Honey Almond All Natural Handmade Soap

Visit Milk & Honey Naturals and see all the wonderful products Courtney Jo has to offer. Don't forget to stop by her blog as well and get to know Courtney Jo the mother, wife, and artists.

Website ~ Etsy Shop ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Artist Inspiration - Pthalo Azul

When I saw Rachel's work I loved the detail and texture of her unique designs.  I was thrilled when she decided to be a guest blogger on Everyday Inspired, and share what inspires her to create her amazing work. 
Thanks Rachel for sharing today!

Circle Floral Pattern Brooch

Pthalo Azul

My name is Rachel Anne Jones, which is why I often go by Raj--which I use as my artist pen name. I graduated with a BFA in Illustration from BYU, and so a majority of my work is in graphic design and illustration, yet I also run my Etsy shop, Pthalo Azul, which sells my designs and illustrations in cute little brooches, prints, and wall hangings.

Victorian Skeleton Key Black Acrylic

My shop, Pthalo Azul (Th-Eh-Low Az-ool), is named after my favorite color to paint with: Pthalocyanine blue (sometimes spelled Thalo or Phthalo depending on the brand) and it is the warmest blue that comes in a bottle--painting with it is like eating chocolate without the calories--it's an incredible color. It's also very strong and intimidating to use, since it can easily overwhelm your painting.

Red Riding Hood Art Nouveau Style Paint

I started my shop to sell the experiments I do on my own time. Most of the materials I use are ones that I wasn't trained in, but I decided to learn because I've always had an interest in how things are made, and actually making them yourself is the best way to find out. So, I decided to name the shop after my favorite blue, an intimidating and risky color with unexpected results. When I started to sell things (which took several months of tweaking my items), I realized how I could serve clients in a different way with a different medium, and it's fueled me to promote my shop professionally.

Brooch Typography Question Mark Etched into birch wood

While laser cuts might not involve paint, it does help me with my paintings. I'm a firm believer that the more that you learn and know about any talent and any skill, the more it will benefit every facet of your life. So I would say that aggressively learning new and old mediums inspires me to create, and I try to keep track of what I learn and create at my blog (thisisnotacraft.blogspot.com) and that also keeps me learning since I have pressure to update the blog.

Brooch pin black acrylic snowflake sillhouette

Artists from the Victorian Era also inspire me, and I don't know if its because of my proximity to San Fransisco (which is heavily Victorian in style) or if its because those artist did things that we have difficulty doing today even with all of our technology, but I find them endlessly inspiring.

Visit Pthalo Azul's Etsy shop and Blog.

Artist Inspirations - 5th Season

When I saw 5th Season's work on Etsy and read her story I knew she would be perfect for the Artist Inspiration series going green month on Everyday Inspired.  Her bags are super cute and very well made.  I am thrilled to have Akiko as a guest blogger today to share her inspiring story.
Thanks Akiko for being a guest blogger!

Upcycled tote Grocery bag Everyday Bag Book Bag

5th Season


Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
My name is Akiko and I started a business called 5th Season: Clothing Reborn, where discarded clothing and textiles are innovatively and artistically transformed into fashionable, 100% hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind bags in an effort to divert trash from the landfill. Didn't someone once say, “One man's trash is another man's treasure”? ;) Well, at 5th Season, we literally practice that through our creations. Through our creations, we hope to resonate the importance of reducing our consumption and waste by challenging each other to creatively look at consumer products beyond their original intended purposes.

The name '5th Season' was chosen to signify that discarded material can enjoy yet another season – reincarnated, upcycled and refashioned into something new and unique.

Our product line covers messenger bags, makeup bags, totes, shoulder bags, hip pouches, electronic sleeves, diaper bags... I am always designing and creating new products and am open to input!

Upcycled clutch Makeup bag Pencil bag  

Why and how did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed materials?
I grew up in a household that didn't produce much waste. My parents reuse and reuse and reuse and then reuse some more ;) They aren't big consumers. They turn whatever they already have into whatever they need. Some recent examples: they wanted a bench, so my father felled the dead aspen in his backyard and made it out of that; my mother wanted planter boxes, so my father planed old fence boards and made a whole bunch; my mother wanted some plant wires for her sweet peas, so she wove together some grape vine trimmings from my father's vineyard; my father wanted a water filtering system for his pond, so he “MacGyver'ed” old egg crates and a cracked plastic bin and made one.

Growing up and watching my parents fulfill their needs this way, I learned to be resourceful and creative about fulfilling my own needs. This influence began at a very young age. Instead of LEGOs, my brothers and I had a box of old toilet paper cores, egg cartons, milk jugs, kamaboko wooden blocks and other clean trash to create with – it was awesome! I was also taught to sew at a young age by my grandmother and mother. They are both very talented sewers/creators. My grandmother takes scraps of fabric, paper, thread and whatever other “trash” she finds and creates wonderful pouches, jewelry, figurines and apparel out of them. She is incredibly talented and dedicated to her work. She's 88 and still busting her butt! My father is also very handy and is always creating and fixing. He has always been this way. When he was only 7, he rummaged through junk yards and built himself a radio. I absolutely love that. The determination and discipline to work for what you want. So I think it was a natural progression for me. My “reuse everything”/“don't you dare waste anything” upbringing + acquired sewing skills + innate enthusiasm to create = 5th Season.

iPad sleeve Upcycled Recycled Burlap Circle appliqués

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?
The first time I made an upcycled bag was when I needed a yoga mat bag. I remembered I had some old pants that I no longer wore. Bam. I turned one leg into the body and the other leg into an adjustable strap.

I know that it is my privilege, not my right, to produce waste and then stash it in someone else's backyard. At the end of each school year, year after year, seeing dumpsters brimming with “trash” and whole apartment parking lots turning into a land of disposals, I felt rather overwhelmed to take some sort of action against it. Through 5th Season, I feel like I am contributing as a sustainable consumer by not only repurposing for my own use but providing alternative products for my customers. It's heartwarming to know that what I create was born out of something that was deemed useless...like I rescued something and gave it new life. It's quite personal for me.

Upcycled medium messenger bag Corduroy Red Floral

What is your favorite thing about creating/designing?
I realize each day that there are number of things I mindlessly take for granted. Being able to tap into my imagination and design, then create with my own two hands...that's magical. I can not take that for granted. The whole process emphasizes the need to not only be grateful for my abilities but use and share them for the good of the community. I love it.

Upcycled belt pouch Hip bag 

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/5th-Season-Clothing-Reborn/108345403315
Twitter: twitter.com/5SeasonDesigns
Website: 5thseasondesigns.com/
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/5thseason

Visit 5th Season's Etsy shop to see all of her creations.

Artists Inspiration - Bottlecrop

It's amazing the things that artists use to create.  Katrina is another one of those artists.  She works with glass bottles and turns them into things you can use everyday.  I was thrilled when she said she would participate in my Artists Inspiration series.  
Thank you Katrina for sharing your story with us today!

Recycled wine bottle canisters with natural corks

BottleCrop

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.

Hi there. I'm your typical right brainer- a shy egomaniac who would do anything rather than talk about myself. Check out my "profile" on Etsy: www.etsy.com/people/bottlecrop See? However, since Everyday Inspired asked so nicely: I studied design at Pratt Institute, and I spent many years as an art director in NYC before fleeing to rural Bucks County PA, husband in hand and baby in arms. I've always been inspired and sustained by nature and bringing up children in the country has given me an incredibly happy vicarious second experience of childhood. (And my beloved organic garden)

Seed starting kit recycled glass tumblers edible

Why and how did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed materials?

think people who learn to draw are given the gift of noticing- looking at everyday things (especially living things, outdoor things) a little more closely, and that's my inspiration. It's also why I've always repurposed/recycled/upycled things- why ruin the landscape growing landfills if something can still be made useful somehow?

Recycled glasses bear bottle tumblers leaf emblem

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?

Bottlecrop evolved like this- every year I make a big batch of handmade gifts for friends and family- something that my kids can participate in. Something eco-friendly that will not add to the clutter of useless "prop" gifts that we all receive. Something that can be eaten, reused or used up. One day while loading glasses into the dishwasher I noticed the colorful light shining through an empty bottle I'd placed on the windowsill to sketch. I thought- how funny that we use glasses over and over for decades but recycle bottles after one use. (Inspiration for my Etsy "profile" poem.) I remembered cutting a glass bottle with string when I was a kid and how fun it was, so that year our gift project was glasses made from bottles, hand painted by the kids. A big hit, and the beginning of bottlecrop. I don't use string to cut the glass anymore and the kids are busy with other things, but I can't seem to stop making things out of bottles.

Terrarium in recycled wine bottle indoor garden 

What is your favorite thing about creating/designing?

My favorite thing about creating/designing? Everything. It's just what I do, and I'll never stop. Even as I write this I'm rearranging my coffee mug so the light hits it just right.

Recycled glasses from wine bottles tall green set

You can see all of Katrina work in her Etsy shop and on her website http://www.bottlecrop.com/.

Artists Inspiration - Colorstorydesigns

I am part of an Etsy team called Upcyclers.  It's a team with artists that reuse, repurpose, recycle, and upcycle . Today I am featuring a member of the team.  They create amazing pieces with recycled magazines, stop by their shop and see all of their must have items. 
Amy and Andrea thanks for taking the time to talk with us!

Pixel flower vase made from recycled magazines

Colorstorydesigns

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
Why and how did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed materials?

Hi there- we are Amy Gibson and Andrea Read and I (Amy) live outside of Seattle on Bainbridge Island, with my husband and my golden retriever/ large hairy first child - named Koa. We moved out here (from Tulsa) after collage and have since bought our first house and have begun making a life for ourselves. After architecture school (where I met my husband) I began the process of working in various architecture offices in the Seattle area. Andrea and I met while working at a large firm, and immediately became great friends. Soon after meeting, the economy began slowing and we put our heads together and came up with what is now… colorstory designs. Initially, we began working with magazines because of their color and we are able to get them donated to us from our local library system. Andrea and I both believe that recycling and repurposing materials is important and we love that these used magazines would otherwise be taken to the landfill. So we began coming up with ideas based on these very simple and abundant magazines.

Burst of brights picture frame

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?

I’ve always been drawn to color and texture and I find inspiration from everything in life. Nature is a beautiful place to look for color and texture. I never create anything that I can't imagine displaying in my own house. Also, I find very simple and clean shapes classic and beautiful and I think that colorstory designs reflects that perfectly.

Flutterby wings right side shadowbox

What is your favorite thing about creating/designing?

My favorite thing about creating/designing is knowing that something that I have created and put my heart in will now bring joy to someone else's family. I love making things with my hands and I never get tired of the fact that everything single item that I create is unique- it's like every piece is new every time! That also means that every customer gets to enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art and that is exciting.

Pixel votive holder 

You can find Colorstordesigns at:
website: www.colorstorydesigns.com
etsy: www.colorstorydesigns.etsy.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/colorstory/105913713568?ref=ts

Who knew magazine scraps could look so amazing!

Artist Inspirations - Kzieglerdesign

I am thrilled to have Kim from Kzieglerdesign as a guest blogger today, sharing what inspires her as a artist.  Kim's handmade books and hand drawn maps are wonderful, check out her Etsy shop to see all that she has to offer.  Thanks Kim for sharing your story with us!


KZ Loves Paper

Springtime Sketchbook Square

I. Love. Paper.

I've loved books since I was a kid. I'm on a mission to collect as many as I can. It's my dream to someday have a library that rivals the one in Beauty and the Beast.

Hand Drawn Map of Ireland

I learned to sew when I was 11, so I was pretty comfortable using needles and thread by the time I was introduced to book binding in college. It was in one of my graphic design classes. The teacher showed us how, and I couldn't put it down. I bound that book through the rest of that class and the next one (it was art history, can you blame me?), until I ran out of floss and paper. Since then, I haven't been able to keep my hands off of it.

8x10 Photo Print colored Pencils

I've also fallen in love with drawing maps. It started with a book series I was reading - there was a map in the front of the book and I was sick of turning back to see where I was, so I drew a copy. I branched out to ancient civilizations from there, and now I do all countries. I love the history associated with them, especially old-looking maps.

Sunny Side Handmade Greeting Card

And of course, I can't forget my graphic design background. I let out these urges in my greeting cards and photography. I've always said there's nothing quite as nice as an exquisite photograph, and I try to achieve that with every piece. The goofy side of me comes out in my cards. I love super-corny jokes, and don't worry, there are more to come!

Personalized Hand Bound Notepads Set of 3

I'm on facebook (www.facebook.com/kzieglerdesign), I just joined twitter (@kzieglerdesign), and I have a blog (kzieglerdesign.blogspot.com).

Don't forget to check out her Etsy shop!

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.

Artist to Know - Chris Ofili

Recently, while in the library I saw a new book about an artist named Chris Ofili. The cover is amazing. Upon first look at his paintings it looks like thousands of little beads on a canvas, but after further review I realized it was lots of tiny dot of paint. After looking through the book and reading his story, I realized he is definitely a Artist to Know.

Chris Ofili

Born in 1968 in Manchester, England, to Nigerian parents, Chris Ofili graduated from London's Royal College of Art in 1993.

His artwork is full of references to the diverse traditional African art, images from popular culture, and hip-hop music, Chris Ofili’s paintings explore the contemporary black urban experience.

Ofili’s intricately layered works combine bead-like dots of paint, inspired in part by cave paintings in Zimbabwe, with collaged images from popular magazines and such materials as glitter and map pins.

Ofili is one of the most visible of the generation of British artists known as the YBAs (Young British Artists).

Their are hundreds of sites that refer to his work. Put Chris Ofili into any search engine to find out more about this amazing artist.

Artist to Inspire - Flying Haystacks

Join me in welcoming Tod from Flying Haystacks , as he shares what inspires him to create his original mixed media hand embroidery. Thanks Tod for being a guest blogger!

I make hand embroideries. I started about two years ago. I had been making photo collages for some time. The thread was at first just a way to join sections of different collages together, then it became the sole medium. I did some research on the internet, looked at some contemporary embroidery art, learned what embroidery hoops were, etc. and haven't looked back since. The funny thing is I never in a million years thought I'd ever be doing embroidery. But I quickly found that embroidery works well with me for many reasons - first, its the most inexpensive medium I have ever used, which makes a big difference for me. Secondly, I used to work a lot with wet media (ink, paint, glue, etc.), and I never wanted to wait for any of it to dry if I wanted to add more. Well, you never have to wait for anything when you embroider! You make a stitch and boom, it's there! and you can continue immediately. Also, I have just always liked the look of stitches. So I guess it makes sense that as I make a stitch I get inspired to do another one, and another one after that, and so on, and so on, and so on....

As far as subject matter, I like comic art, mythological and religious images, anatomy, folk art, illustrations from very old books, things like that, and I mix them up in a surreal, expressionistic fashion. I have about 2 bookshelves worth of magazines and books that I have collected over the years for reference material. I don't have to look far to get image ideas. But sometimes the books aren't enough. I need to get inspiration from other sources.

Fortunately lots of things inspire me. Music inspires me. For example, in my current embroidery work I had planned to use black threads for a specific section. When the time came to do the actual stitching I just happened to begin listening to a particular piece of music that I had just acquired. The music was adventurous and compelling. While I listened and stitched I put away the black thread and pulled out a colorful variety of threads instead. The work became as adventurous as what I was listening to. It was a direct influence. I'm very happy the way it came out, and I never would have done it that way without hearing that particular music.

Photographs inspire me a lot. I like the 'photos to inspire' posts that you do here on your blog. Flickr has an abundance of fantastic photos as well. I could stay on that site all day....until, that is, I become so influenced that I want to put down my needle and thread and pick up a camera. At that point I force myself to log out (that's usually within 10 minutes or so).

There are other little things here and there that happen to inspire my work. On a recent embroidery I was using metallic thread. The stitches were very small, almost like little dots. I wasn't quite sure where I was going with it though, but as I kept looking at the shiny dots my mind flashed back to when I was a child. I used to spend a lot of time in my grandmother's basement. She had a collection of rocks and gems that she had found and dug up herself. Some of the rocks had these fantastic crystal formations on them - thousands of little crystals, they glittered like stars. I used to stare at them and my imagination went wild. Suddenly I had a direction. I continued with the little metallic 'dot' stitches, adding different metallic colors, and made them resemble the glittering, crystal surfaces of those wonderful rocks. I had a definite direction after that. The memory helped me finish.

I recently did a major 'reinvention' of my living/working space. I organized, cleaned, consolidated and threw-out. I made sure everything was conducive to sewing and being creative. All the day-to-day mundane tasks are more efficient now. The result has been miraculous. I feel like I've started a new life. It's pumped up my energy level.

Life is so full of beauty and inspiration - anything from somebody's hat, the sunlight glittering on a puddle, a wall of beautiful old bricks. If it sets off endorphins its good! I try to filter out negative influences, which unfortunately can be anything and everything in life. Like the news. I hate the news. The news makes me feel hopeless. But I feel I must read about it so I can be up to date and informed. I can't totally isolate myself from the bad things, even though my day job is enough I should think!

See all of Tod's work in his Etsy shop, follow his work in progress on his blog, and become a fan of his on Facebook.