When I started reading blogs, I learned very quickly, that I could really spend hours each day/week discovering and reading new blogs, not counting all of the time spent on old favorites.  Every time I find a new blog that speaks to my heart and passions, I find it’s like finding a new friend.  It’s hard to say, “ya know, I really have enough friends, I don’t think I need any more.”  Then, I unexpectedly meet another wonderful kindred spirit that I become fast friends with and there I am, starting another friendship.  Thank God for friends too… what would we do without them?

Well, blogs are really like that.  We think we just can’t manage reading another one, and then we fall in love with another.  Being at the Creative Connection Event last week, introduced me to so many wonderfully fantastic new women, that I just know not only am I going to have so many new friends, but so many more new blogs to read too!

Blogs are a great way to grow friendships as well.  I can follow my new friends and colleagues on their blogs to see what they are up to, what creative projects they are enjoying, and to celebrate their journey with them.  I can comment and add praise when a post asks me to and I can feel like I’m a part of their world, even if we live a world away from each other.

So, today I want to share with you 5 New Creative Blogs that I was introduced to at the Creative Connection Event:  (Okay, to be honest, a couple of these I followed a bit before the event, but since I was able to meet the authors in person, I am even more excited to follow them each day, and besides if I count them, I can share them with you, right?!)

1. Debbie Dusenberry from the The Curious Sofa: Debbie owns a boutique shop in Kansas City that is known for it’s collection of furnishings, uncommon finds and great gifts.  I have had her shop on my list to visit for several months, but until I get down to experience the wonder for myself, I must live vicariously through her blog.  On her blog, Debbie shares her decor and shop inspirations, day-to-day happenings at the Curious Sofa, and other life experiences of being a creative entrepreneur.  I think you might find her blog and shop inspiring!

2. Lisa Tutman-Oglesby authors Celebrate Creativity: (I know, I fell in love with her blog name, since we obviously think alike!)  I met Lisa briefly, but since our blogs share a similar name, I really wanted to check out what inspires her and what her blog is about.  Lisa recently blogged a fantastic review about the Creative Connection Event, and it was like reliving it again.  Some of my other favorite things about Lisa’s blog, included the directions for sewing and crafting projects, along with some book and project guide reviews.  If you are a crafter, or would like to be, Lisa’s blog may give you some inspiration for that next project!

3. Suzanne MacCrone creator of Italian Girl in Georgia: Suzanne first caught my eye with her gorgeous presentation for one of our meals.  Jo Packham and Nancy Soriano, creative co-founders of The Creative Connection Event, chose one artist to feature at each of the meals we shared.  Suzanne’s presentation was really simple, yet timeless and beautiful.  Her light neutral colors graced the tables and entry to the ballroom location with vintage newsprint and typeset pages for the Editorial Breakfast.  Suzanne created wreaths, runners, and centerpieces out of vintage paper- see them here.  Gorgeous and simple at the same time…  So, along with her Etsy shop creations and her beautiful photos, you can enjoy Suzanne’s creativity on her blog.  Stop by soon!

4.  Vicki Howell can be found at Vicki Howell.com and at her blog. She is an amazing powerhouse that is transforming the way we look at crafting.  She is a blogger, author, spokesperson, marketing consultant, television host, knitter and so much more!  I am amazed by all of her talents.  She is bringing a hip passion to knitting and the needle arts, along with everything else she touches.  Check out her blog and find movie reviews (with a knit fashion inspiration), kids’ crafts, home decor, and free projects, among so much more!  Discover the creative in you!

5. The Pleated Poppy’s Lindsey Cheney has a fun thing or two over on her blog for you as well!  I have read Lindsey’s blog in the past and I think you will find something you will like as well.  A bit of creativity combined with snippets of her life as a homeschooling mom to three little ones, who runs her creative biz at the same time.  Find out how she does it, what her inspiration is, and how she maintains a business amongst the daily.  Her beautiful hand-sewn creations are fun and colorful, from bags to notebook covers.  Take a break and check out her site, her blog and her shop!

Now that I’ve shared with you 5 New Creative Blogs, I can tell you that I will have to return with some more.  I want you to be able to meet so many more creative and fantastic women.  I am passionate about sharing creativity with others, and that includes sharing other artist and creatives with you. I will be starting a Monthly Feature to be able to share more great blogs with you!  I do highlight blogs in my posts from time to time, but I want to put even more focus on it, but hosting a little Monthly Feature that will really showcase not only creative blogs, but any that I think you might find give you inspiration for your journey of Celebrating Life Everyday!  (More Feature details coming soon…)

I want you to be able to meet the women who spend their days creating everything from art, to sewn creations, to designing fabric, jewelry and homes.  When we support each others talents and really invest in heart-made creations, we not only support an artist in their craft, but we bring a whole new level of wonderful into our homes and lives.  What better way to live than to bring handmade items into our lives to help us celebrate the daily?  If I spend my dollars with an independant artist or business owner, instead of at the big box stores, I commit to making a statement that real live artists are more important than the bottom dollar for a big corporation.  I want to chose who gets my dollar and my support.

So… please discover these talented women and consider making a purchase from them, or any other artist/ local business person, that is out there to make our lives more beautiful, functional, organized, or meaningful with their heart-made creations.  YOU deserve it.

Oh, and don’t forget to leave a comment or two on what you discovered while visiting these blogs… I’d love to hear your thoughts.