Your Signature Motif

Do you have a signature motif?  An element that shows up over and over in your art work or a style that you use all the time that stands out as your signature motif.

We all design with a certain style in mind when we create, it may be a style that we use or come back to, that can be used to describe your style of work.

V. Design signature square with gemstone dangle

V. Design gemstone  and circle necklace with gemstone dangle

With both of my jewelry lines I have a certain style and shape that I like to work with, making my jewelry recognizable.  I love geometric shapes.

In my sterling silver collection V. Design I have mostly squares and circles.  In my hardware collection Additions most of the hardware is a geometric shape with lots of circles.

Additions signature - tiny hardware to finish off the chain

Additions signature

I also add an element to most of my pieces that is uniquely mine.  On my V. Design collection I add a gemstone drop to each necklace and bracelet.  On the Additions collection I add a tiny piece of hardware.

Even if you don't think you have a signature, you can easily come up with an idea and start making it a regular part of your artwork.  Lets say you work with rubber stamps, maybe you have one that you use all the time, add it to all your layouts and use it in different ways. If you knit you could finish off a piece with a stitch or knot that you create.

Most of the time you already have a signature, it may just take some time to identify what it is.

What is your signature motif?

Be Inspired - The Color Red

Words to Inspire

“Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.”
Bo Bennett

Idea to Inspire

Red is the symbol of life, vitality, and passion.

It is good for:

♦ increased enthusiasm and interest
♦ more energy
♦ action and confidence to go after your dreams
♦ protection from fears and anxieties

Add some red to your artwork and even your life today.

Photos to Inspire


This Flickr collections is full of life and passion.  Let the color red inspire you today.


Red by GibZilla


Red by NaturalLight


Red rose by flod


Red Sun Set / sun / set ( sunset ) by Bahman Farzad


Red Japanese Maple by honey 77

Color Palette Resources

There are many decisions you have to make as an artist to create a piece of artwork.  Deciding on what colors to use can be a challenge sometimes.  

I have found a couple of wonderful resources you can use to create a color palette from what inspires you.

The Color Palette Generator

Check out this example of how the Color Palette Generator works on a painting from Toni Swarthout.

dull #662211 #333333 #992211 #bb4444 #bbaa99

vibrant #aa0000 #554433 #ff0000 #ff5544 #eeddcc

Another great options for creating custom color Palettes is Color Hunter.

Both of these sites are easy to use and give you a collection of colors that can use in your creative project.

When you are working with colors how do you decide what colors to use?  

Deconstructing Inspiration

I am working on a big a project that involves the study of how artist use and interpret a source of inspiration.

While meeting with one of the artists I am working with, he talked about the deconstruction of an inspiration source. This is a idea that as artist we all do, but don't think about.

When I go some place new I have to check out my surroundings and look at all the light fixtures (I love contemporary light fixtures) and the paintings, and other artwork and furniture.  My sister always tells me she can see the little light bulb over my head while I deconstruct and turn everything into jewelry.

Light Fixtures by sunlocked
I love this fixture - see the possibilities?

I have found that even if it's not something I like but find intriguing I will still break it down into parts until I find something that inspires for me.

That's how I am when I watch fashion show, I may not like the clothes but parts of an outfit or element of the style intrigue me and those parts can be very inspiring.

When you see something inspiring do you find yourself deconstructing it into artwork?

Journal Prompt - Almost No Writing Required

This week instead of writing or drawing in your journal consider adding one memento per day.  Add things like ticket stubs,receipts, newspaper clippings, tags from new clothes, photographs, a note from a friend or family.


Travel Art Journal Inside bye lara**

Tape the item to a journal page and add a little text as a reminder about what made that item worth keeping.

When you add items to your journal entries you are adding depth and complexity, as well as new meaning about your daily life.

When you look back over your entries in years to come, those items will spark memories, and maybe a boost of inspiration.


What special things have you added to one of your journal entries?

Household Inspiration

Tired of working with the same old tools or supplies?  Look around your house for inspiration.

If you work on paper, canvas, wood, or fabric, anything washable can be used with acrylic paint to add visual texture.  Try stamping designs using found objects like bubble wrap, doilies, fibers, or even wrap a block of wood with string in different directions to create a cool stamp.

Junk from my junk drawer - I see possibilities

Go through your kitchen drawers, cabinets, and closets for unused objects match stick boxes, old keys, plastic toys, or used ribbon to add a unique embellishment to jewelry, home decorations, or to make 2D projects 3D.

Your home can become a great source of inspiration and a simple way to recharge your creative process.  It can also save you money by using what you already have instead of purchasing lots of new items.

Found anything interesting in your house that you turned into art?

Keep you Art Affordable

Is over spending on supplies a challenge for you?

Tuesday's post Too Many Supplies received a lot of comments, ideas, and suggestions on how to save money on supplies and to keep art affordable.



Here are a few of the ideas that were shared:

Linda B has decided to focus her creative efforts to just making jewelry. Creating in just one medium is a great way to save money.

VaLon is smart about setting aside a monthly budget for her craft supplies, and if there is something she wants she saves up for it.

ReMaryd Originals watches her scraps and cast offs and reuses them whenever possible.

Christie Cottage suggests that not having all that extra stuff on hand can help with your creative process. You have to think what you can make with only the materials on hand.

Here are a few additional suggestions:

Apply the use one thing up before you buy something new plan, that will save you a little money and keep you from having more supplies then you need.

Finish projects you started but never finished - If you don't have interest in it anymore, then take it apart and recycle the parts.

Host a art swap with your artist friends - this is a great way to get new stuff without any cost.

Reinvent older items - if you have items that don't sell or you are tired of having them then come up with a new idea using all the same parts.

When you can use your craft/hobby store coupons (check online for coupons) I love the Joanne and Michael's coupons.  Keep an eye out for special deals from your favorite wholesalers.

The need to be frugal does not diminish the need to create. Finding ways to keep it affordable, so you can keep creating is an important part of the process.


Do you have a supply budget?  Have any other tips for saving money on supplies?

Be Inspired - The Hope of Spring

Words to Inspire

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”
Karen Ravn

Idea to Inspire

Spring is coming soon.  Use the beautiful images of spring in your artwork, as you prepare for warmer weather to come your way.

Photos to Inspire


It has been a long cold winter, I am looking forward to spring coming my way. Today's Flickr collection is a showcase of the beauty of spring.


Spring @ Brxl - 3259195 by Lieven SOETE


SPRING 2010 by Henning


Spring by judo_dad1953


Spring 2 by bowtoo