Join The Conversation...

Join The Conversation is a series, of community conversations about inspiration, creativity and business. Every new post will have a question and responses from bloggers in our community. Then, you the reader, will have the opportunity to answer the question in the comments. I look forward to having you Join The Conversation!

Question:
What single experience has transformed your business?

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Cynthia from Antiquity Traveler - For me, probably the most influential has been joining the blogosphere. Talking to other artisans has encouraged me to consider other options or angles to making jewelry or how I go about selling it. But even more so... joining all the various bead 'hops' has pushed me to try new things. We have a saying at our office (my day job) where we start meetings saying 'let's get uncomfortable.' Which means if we're comfortable then we're doing things the same old way and not trying anything new. But to explore new areas and learn new things you have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. So I might moan a bit about trying something new because I'm a perfectionist, and I hate when my piece looks wonky. But I wouldn't be trying all these new techniques, and pushing my creativity without having met all of you out there blogging. And for that, I am so grateful.

Shop ♦ Blog

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Duni from Duni's Studio - Although I've had a number of pivotal experiences concerning my business, the one that made the most impact was a remark a client made about my professionalism. It boosted my confidence in such a way, that I took the plunge and started selling my own clothing designs internationally. It still amazes me that people from Singapore to Sidney wear my designs!

Shop ♦ Blog

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LeAnn - Pounderings -My involvement in Etsy teams has been the single experience that has helped me transform my business from a floundering "Lost In the Crowd" shop with less than 10 sales, to a growing and evolving shop with steady sales.

I'd especially like to thank the leaders of the Lost In the Crowd, Etsy Success, Baby Boomers and Blogging Business Artisans teams.

Each team has its own personality, but each provides a sense of community, challenges, information sharing, promotional opportunities, and, most importantly, support and encouragement.

Shop ♦ Blog ♦ Facebook

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Sharon from Knot Cha Cha - No one single experience stands out for me. That I even have an online business is the result of so many different jobs I had throughout my career which gave me a variety of skills. I am still searching for that one thing that will transform my business to a higher level.

Shop ♦ Blog

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Now it's your turn to answer the question. Share your answer in the comments.

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     

And the Winner is...

I am so excited to announce 

Debbie 

from 

Abracadebra Designs

is the WINNER of the 

One Day Giveaway

on Everyday Inspired

I want to thank everyone for participating in the giveaway to celebrate my 1000th post and for following along with me on my blogging journey on Everyday Inspired!

Take a Risk

I recently read a blog post from new follower Lisa of Soul Stokes Studio, about taking a risk. 

She shares in her post  how she is going to take a risk in 2012 and commit to building her business from the ground up.

Take a risk by soulstrokesstudio

Lisa's post got me thinking. I am good about planning for my business and coming up with big ideas, but sometimes I just have take bigger risks to see growth in my business.

In an article I recently read about being a better risk taker I found some great tips to putting yourself out there and achieving success.

So next time you are unsure about a project consider these 4 tips:

Create your own rules - Figure out what will cause you to stop your activity. Knowing that you can back out if you get that iffy feeling, lets you move forward without any hesitation.

Mentally prepare - Take the time to mentally look ahead and see all the steps involved, and all the details. By the time you are ready to start you will feel totally prepared.

Think for yourself -  Tune out anyone telling you not to try, or it can't be done. Use your own common sense to reach a conclusion that is best for you.

Don't go overboard - Only take on one risky project at a time. If you invest your time into one project at a time you will increase your chances for success.

Step out of your box, set big goals for yourself, and don't hold back. Success can be yours in 2012.

Are you a risk taker?

Check This Out - Share your Holiday Promotion

This is a monthly post where you can share 3 things about yourself, your business, or any promotions you are running. 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
-a sale that you are having
-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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Check This Out - Share your Holiday Promotion

This is a monthly post where you can share 3 things about yourself, your business, or any promotions you are running. 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
-a sale that you are having
-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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

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
-a sale that you are having
-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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

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.

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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

10 Random Thing to Know about Me

Every month I do a posts called Check This Out as a way for each of us to get to know a little about ourselves and our businesses.

Today I thought I would share a little more about myself so you can get to know me a little better.

~ I enjoy cooking and creating interesting meals
~ I am addicted to books on CD.  I listen to them everyday
~ I love magazines of all kinds, but especially art magazines
~ I like to sew, but I don't do it as often as I want
~ I love to travel by car
~ I hate to clean the house and I only do it when I have to
~ Creating is part of me, it's what makes me happy
~ I love books, I have almost 200 books in my collection
~ I like action movies
~ Fall is my favorite time of year

I would love to get to know you a better, what do you want to share?

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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

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 suggestions,  ideas or questions.  You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

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!

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.

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.

Your Color Personality

Do you want to know what your favorite color says about you?

I found a quiz about color to share with you today. It's a fun way to find out your color personality.

Click the Real Simple to take this quick and easy quiz.

When you are done stop back by and share with everyone if what they said is true about you.

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.

When did you start creating?

I always wished I that I started my art career right out of school. I did not start making jewelry full time until my mid thirties, but wished I had started sooner.

I also wished I knew what I wanted to do out of high school, so I could have gone to college for art and jewelry design. I studies business and fashion and worked in fashion for a few years, but it was never my passion.

Last week I had a post called Reminiscing about High School, everyone who commented shared a little bit about how they felt about high school. Check it out.

So here is a question for you:

Did you create and know you wanted to create right out of school?

Were you able start your creative career right out of school?

And the Winner is...

.~*~.C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s! .~*~.

Random Number Picker chose number 42 making

Katie from Remaking Memories

The winner

Katie, enjoy trying all the projects in the Creative Awakenings book, writing and drawing in your new sketchbook, and and feeling the inspiration while wearing your inspired necklace with a lapis gemstone.

Thank you everyone who participated in my first blog giveaway!

The next giveaway will be in January 2011.