Pay it Forward...

Hello, I'm back. As I say every week, I find it so hard to find time to blog. Yesterday I spent hours cleaning my computer, emails, bookmarks etc. I am constantly bookmarking things and creating folders of information to use later on. Some good and some I can't remember why I bookmarked them! I have folders for inspiration, sources, favorite artists etc.


I've also been busy working on my Emmy prepping. I've been printing notecards, making samples and playing with the packaging. Here are a couple of photos I took today. I've changed the jewelry tin to a kraft box and printed some new tags for the drawstring since the last photo. I also started to design a small bio sheet that shows some more of my designs. I'm still deciding how to frame my print for the display. Hopefully I'll have something to show in next couple of weeks.

I've also been trying to catch up on my blog reading. (I know I should be reading my book club book instead!) I always search for really good creative blogs. I have learned so much about materials, sources, venues, business and everything handmade through artisans all over the world. Creative people are such a wonderful, giving community. Many artists share inspiration, ideas and tips and more for other creative souls. We should say thank you and pay it forward.

The first pay it forward goes out to The Artisan Group. They are incredible in every way. They are supportive and helpful every step of the way as we journey to the Emmy's. Their blog is full of information about us including links to our own blogs, giveaways and general information about the group. Right now they are running a giveaway for when they reach 300 Facebook fans, so sign up!  Here is the link  http://theartisangrouporg.blogspot.com/   They also just had their first of three twitter parties leading up to the Emmy's and the next one is in Thursday, July 14th at 8pm. I will be giving away one of my notecard sets as a prize to one of the lucky winners. For more information go to  http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/profile/TheArtisanGroup


The second pay it forward goes out to Kelly Rae Roberts. If you don't who she is, she is as she puts it, an "artist, author and possibilitarian". I took an e-course with her last June called "Flying Lessons, Tips and Tricks to Help Your Creative Business Soar". It really helped me overcome my "fear of flying" as she says, to believe in myself and realize that I can accomplish anything I want to. She writes a great blog, which openly talks about her journey that has taken her to what I call "creative stardom". Her blog on Monday thanked the people who have help her and talked about how it basically takes a "village" to have a creative business. It's where I got my "pay it forward" theme for this week. Here is the link to her blog  http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/

And while I'm on the subject of gratitude... I sit in my studio everyday and feel so lucky that I have the support and love of my family and friends to take on this adventure. I have always dreamed of having a little space that is just my own, to draw, to create, to dream... and I thank my husband for letting me spread out and create a area just for me, that inspires me to work. It may be a little cluttered, but it's well organized and full of inspiration. Thank you!

Starting to Plan...

Starting to Plan...

Happy Saturday to everyone! I had a wonderful morning perusing a huge "gently used" sale and found some cool little knick knacks! It was much needed. I spent the last week mostly indoors planning and organizing myself for the Emmy swag bags. Yesterday I ordered most of the supplies and samples I need to start production. I printed out a blank calendar to keep myself on track because I really have to plan each day; there just aren't enough hours! 


As I've said before, the social networking is a big part of this process. I spend a good hour or so a day, checking Facebook, Twitter, various Blogs etc. It sounds frivolous to one who doesn't do it (I used to be one of those people), but it is an amazing marketing tool for small businesses like me. The more I connect and tweet and follow, the more people do the same to me and see my work. And hopefully new business will come from it.


There were many exciting things this week... I hit the 100 fans milestone on my Facebook page, woohoo! I sent quite a few press releases out this week and the local "Alternative Press", a online paper, published it. The "Livingston Patch", another local online source emailed me back with some more questions and are going to run a story on me. Other member's of our group have been getting local press coverage as well. It's really all kind of surreal!

I can't blog a lot today, because it's Saturday, family time, but I didn't have a chance yesterday. My last words are a question for all of you. Would you like to win some celebrity swag? Well here's your first chance! The Artisan Group is running a three Twitter Parties. The first one is May 11th. Answer some fun trivia and you will have the opportunity to win something a celeb will get from our swag bags! Here's the link with more information: http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/profiles/blogs/primetime-emmys-twitter-party

And of course... Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there!

Emmy Prepping... Physically and Emotionally

Emmy Prepping... Physically and Emotionally

I am very fortunate. The response to my Emmy announcement has been wonderful. The support of family and friends is such an amazing thing.  


Last week I spent some time deciding what to put in the swag bags. I want to represent myself the best way I can, so I decided to put in some of my note cards and one of my pendants in each bag. The notecards really represent who I am; they show my whole mandalas with their inspirational sayings. My pendant on the other hand shows how I like to use small abstract areas of them. (And of course maybe a celeb will actually wear one somewhere... they can't wear a note card!)


I'm thinking of wrapping them nicely together in an organza bag with a business card, mini bio etc.  The necklace will probably be set in a small round tin. I still have a lot of details to work out, but I'm going to order supplies this week and hopefully start making them next week. Here's a sneak peek of what I'm thinking...

That's the physical part of "Emmy Prepping", but I can't forget the emotional side of this whole thing. I've been talking about this little adventure for a few weeks now, and it still doesn't seem real sometimes. I mean people keep saying, "OMG! The Emmy's! you mean the REAL Emmy's.", and I say "Yes", like it's the local craft show I am participating in. The enormity of this opportunity hasn't really sunk in yet. I'm just thrilled at the chance that something could happen from that kind of exposure. I think I am still so excited that I am not nervous yet. I have plenty of time to make my products, but you know how it goes, "best laid plans..." So I really have to start work like it's shipping next month, not in August. 


One last thing I wanted to share today... Here's a portrait of me made by my little cousin Jessie. We love to draw together. LOVE IT! It's me in my purest form, smiling and creating.