Archive for August, 2010
Happy Thoughts…
Posted by: | CommentsWhat are the things that make you smile, recall a special memory, fill you with joy, or make you feel alive?
Do you have those little thoughts that sneak into your day and divert your attention to something special? 
They are for the most part, unplanned little serendipitous moments that often catch us off guard. They provide a little “vacation” from the ordinary moments of our day.
We might recall our small children splashing in the tub with exuberance while we are cleaning it. We might be driving near a bakery and the smell of fresh baked bread takes us back to our grandmother’s kitchen. The scent of rain in the air can make us recall a childhood memory of dancing in the rain. The sound of the ocean can make us remember our special trip to the islands. A song can take us back to our first love. Creating a special gift for someone can make us feel alive with the act of creativity.
These are all special moments that we are to claim, embrace and even savor. They are life’s memories that are meant to connect us to our past, those we share this life with, and the reasons we are here. They are mini-vacations into our live stories that we need to connect with to stay hole, happy and complete. They are God’s gift to us.
Next time you have one of those happy thoughts, stop to really enjoy it. They are one of the ways we can celebrate life everyday and to make the ordinary special. Happy thoughts…
Daily Creative… Inspiration Boards
Posted by: | CommentsDo YOU have an Inspiration Board? 
An Inspiration Board is a fabulous way to display ideas, thoughts, keepsakes, and images to “inspire” one to create, connect or live from.
There are many reasons to create these boards- to inspire our thoughts; to remind us of lovely, favorite things; to inspire our creativity; to keep our goals in front of us; to keep us positive or grateful; or to help us with a project.
I like to use Inspiration Boards for all of the above. I have a rotating board that changes with my mood. I have a few more boards for projects and creative boosters. I also have some Inspiration Folders and Binders- filled with overflow elements that I seem to wander through when needed.
Key elements for an inspiration board: keep it in view, keep it simple enough to gain from the content, keep it fresh if you are not looking at it and responding to it.
How does one create an Inspiration Board you say? It can be quite simple- a cork board and some push-pins can be an in-expensive starter. A custom fabric covered board with criss-crosses of ribbon to hold the elements on is another version. A vintage framed magnet board with hand-made magnets is another.
Not enough wall space for a large piece? Try a small cork inserted into a cabinet or closet door. As I mentioned above, try out a Folder or Binder if you are limited on space or just prefer to be able to carry your inspiration around with you. Either way, it’s a simple way to hold on to the elements that strike our hearts or creativity.
What goes on it? Anything that inspires you!! Favorite quotes or scripture, photos of places or people, art, magazine clippings, handwritten notes, advertising images, color swatches, words, fabric, jewelry, ribbon, in other words, anything that brings you joy and motivates or inspires you!
My challenge for you today is to create a Inspiration Board. If you already have one, either update that one, or start a new one. Let your imagination take off as you introduce these new thoughts to the front of your brain!
What would you like to see?
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I am in the exciting and overwhelming process of choosing products for my upcoming online shop. I have found so many wonderful finds, and craftspeople to share with you already. I also am very interested in what you, my readers, would like to see.
The NEW SHOP will be a mix of vintage and flea market finds, along with hand-crafted art, home decor, soft goods, and personal items. Some items will be one-of-a-kind pieces, others will be available in multiples, a few items to be custom or special order. All items will be chosen with the thought of making our daily routines and homes infused with special touches.
So, what are you interested in?
What do you find hard to find?
What do you love to collect?
What brings you joy when you use it on a daily basis?
What do you like to gift when buying for that someone special?
What special items do you look for to add to your own nest?
I want to hear about what you love. I am having a great time collecting these things and plan to have the shop up and running sometime in September.
Let me know what you would like to see in the comments below. I value your input, so please give me your thoughts!
Thank you…. by the way… the shop name will be revealed soon!
I love when God is in the details…
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I have been a bit stressed out lately with all of the details for the upcoming online shop. It is exciting, yet tons of work. Often one step forward and two back, but for the most part, it is a fun and an exciting journey.
I have so many ideas that I am working on bringing to fruition, it is a challenge some days to just be patient and wait for each detail to fall into place.
One of the scriptures that I keep having to go back to is: 1 Thess 5:16-18. I will share that with you today, so the words might bring you hope, peace, and a bit more patience too! Blessings for your day!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.
We have a winner!
Posted by: | CommentsThanks for those who entered the Curly Girl Contest! I was happy to share my love of Leigh’s designs over at Curly Girl Design. 
Without anymore delay… the winner of her favorite product is…Kimberly P!
Kimberly chose the matted print “The world is full of people”. Good choice Kimberly!
(Please contact me through the comments with your mailing address so I can get that right out to you! Your information is protected.)
For those of you who haven’t, please check out the website over at Curly Girl Design.
Have a great Thursday!
