Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Thought for today...

Friends come from so many walks of life and unexpected avenues. They stand witness to the changes in my life in the last 6 months that have been so personally challenging and rewarding.  Most of all their support and belief in me is truly humbling.  I am truly blessed for so much more than I can articulate here.

For the first time in my life I've been able to focus on my own path and enjoy where it is leading me.  Surprises along the way, and doubt too, but that's to be expected.  In any case, when I'm this introspective I get restless, seeking direction, I guess.

When this happens, my new habit is retreating to my art area and exploring a new idea, a new medium or an old one.

Last Saturday, with the frigid temperatures encouraging us to stay indoors, I pulled out my Ice Resin and the molds I'd already made in a class last August. No, I'd not touched it since then. The items that I'd made in that class were awaiting paint and play, trying out different combinations for brooches or even pendants.

Many ideas are rumbling around my head but the one that had to be made immediately is this brooch.  It blossomed into a class idea of making brooches or hair clips or even pendants from hand made resin pieces.  Of course it did.  



Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Favorite Pin --- today


5 DIYs to get Craft Clutter Under Control

Am I the only one addicted (somewhat) to what you can find on Pinterest?  I don't think so.  Today I came across this one http://www.pinterest.com/pin/256775616228524970/.  Do you need more organization in your craft area or studio?  I know I do.  I had to click on it.  I just had to.  Well I was excited to see that I am already using two of the ideas and the organizer for paint is excellent.  I think I'll have to talk to my dad to see if he can help me make one.  Where I'll put it?  No idea, the walls in my craft studio (shared space with my husband's office) are quite full but I willl figure it out. 

What is your favorite craft organizer (or any organizer)?


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Collage experiments...

Sometimes you need to just paint and create whatever is in your head and heart. This past week gave me a lot of time to do so.  So what was in my head you ask?  Take a look and enjoy.


The glasses from Michael's inspired this one.

I absolutely love dresses  - to paint, to wear, to collage.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

2013 -- Opportunity, dreams, hardwork...

Well most people do a recap of the prior year at New Year's and to be honest I'm trying to be more present and look towards the future. 2013 is what it was and brought incredible change to my husband and I. However, a quick recap on 2013 is in order to provide context for what is coming in 2014. 

2013 was full of unexpected opportunities that obviously were known by the greater universe.  My teaching schedule for art classes increased by 50% over 2012.  Word was getting out about my fun classes.  I also created more art than ever.  One of the biggest changes was having my position at the day job eliminated in July, creating an opportunity for me to fully explore the potential of Twisted Fiber Studio.  You know me ... full steam ahead.  Goal setting began, a class on running an arts and crafts business, coaching for all aspects of working (entrepreneurship and more), trademark research, class development, teaching, networking, learning new skills, business plan writing and visualization, dreaming, and more.  It has been a busy, busy 5 months. 

2014 will be full of hard work and new personal growth to bring Twisted Fiber Studio to bloom and grow.  I am looking forward to every step of it...even the data entry! So many fibers and tendrils to follow and see where we go from here.  Each day brings new opportunities, new friends, new dreams, new insights into myself, new confidence, and new ideas.  Check in here often to see what happens! 

As for today, the first day of the new year, it's a snowy start in the Chicago area -- 6" and counting, encouraging my husband and I to spend a perfect relaxing day together. 

Happy New Year to all!  

Shari

P.S. In the meantime, check out my holiday sale