Help [ME] Ronda

Creative Jumpstart 2013

Here we go again. After last year's success of Creative JumpStart Nathalie Kalbach decided to organize it again. About 4.500 subscribers joined the Creative JumpStart in 2012. I had a blast last year both creating a video and watching all the videos.  Here is the scoop on how to join in:

January is approaching--a month that is full with promises, resolutions and intentions. A month that for many is following lots of holiday celebrations, family gatherings and other end-of-the-year events. It’s also time to start creating again. But suddenly there is that lost feeling on how to start. INSERT CREATIVE JUMPSTART.

Nathalie invited a group of wonderful, inspiring and creative ladies and gentlemen from around the globe in the mixed media and scrapbooking world (including yours truly) to join together for the Creative Jump Start Summit 2013. We are coming together to show you some ways to get back into the creative groove and how to get your creative juices flowing. We want to share with you "3 Ways to ..." to help you jump-start your creativity in 2013. Let me show you who is participating:

Here’s what you get and how it works:

1. Throughout January we will share videos showing tutorials to inspire you –
2.  You sign up for the Creative JumpStart 2013 newsletter HERE and, in January 2013, you will receive a daily link and password to unlock the view of the materials as soon as they go live
3. On some days our Sponsors will have a giveaway for you and you will receive two newsletters these days
4. You watch the presentations and you will be hopefully inspired to be more creative—all for FREE! (If you like it you can donate to help cover the costs - check it out here.)

Get inspiration from some of the most creative people in the community.  What are you waiting for? (Did I mention it’s FREE?)

United by Art: Denise Morrison

One of the things i love about this industry, this hobby, this art is how it brings people across the globe together.  How we can find inspiration across the world and bridge our cultural gaps, make new friends, and learn from each other.  Even though we live in so many different places and speak so many different languages, we are united by art.

I love to blog hopping and finding this inspiration, seeing other peoples approach to scrapbooking & mixed media art.  I want to share (with their permission of course) people i find along the way.

United by Art #12: Denise Morrison

Country: Montana, USA

I met Denise through One Little Word.  She started playing along with us and i couldn't help but notice her pages.  Her words, her art really caught my attention.  Then we had a DT call and she applied.  I will never forget her MORE layout.  it was the kind that you find yourself trying to lift the layers to see how it all came together.  When she came on the team, i didn't know i would walk away with such an awesome friend.  Warm, giving, spunky (she's a roller derby girl!), you never know what to expect from this beautiful soul.  She has a way with words.  Go check out her NO post and get wrapped up in her story.  Denise's always one for growing and learning too.  I love seeing what she is up to next, like rocking graffiti like layouts.  She is a whiz with spray paint. Take a look at some her stellar creations. 

Thank you Denise for being a ray of sunshine in my life and letting me share your incredible talent.

United by Art: Louise Nelson

One of the things i love about this industry, this hobby, this art is how it brings people across the globe together.  How we can find inspiration across the world and bridge our cultural gaps, make new friends, and learn from each other.  Even though we live in so many different places and speak so many different languages, we are united by art.

I love to blog hopping and finding this inspiration, seeing other peoples approach to scrapbooking & mixed media art.  I want to share (with their permission of course) people i find along the way.

United by Art #11: Louise Nelson

Country: Australia

I met Louise first through the internet through mutual friends.  While we never conversed really, i couldn't help but to notice Louise and adore her work. It seems our paths kept crossing like we were destined to meet.  We were both part of Nat's Creative Jumpstart, Louise (#8) & Me (#23) and then both were at Winter CHA 2012.  It was time we met in real life!  Louise & i finally got our face to face at the Lily Bee Booth, thanks to Georgia, and just loving her to bits.  I really hope i get another opportunity to sit down and chat with her.  She's is much fun and has incredible pages i just adore.  The texture, the colors, and the white space (ooh the white space) are such eye candy.  This Aussie packs a punch with her awesome designs. Check out these gorgeous creations.

Thank you Louise for finding me at CHA and letting me share your beautiful art.

United By Art: Helena Virpi

One of the things i love about this industry, this hobby, this art is how it brings people across the globe together.  How we can find inspiration across the world and bridge our cultural gaps, make new friends, and learn from each other.  Even though we live in so many different places and speak so many different languages, we are united by art.

I love to blog hopping and finding this inspiration, seeing other peoples approach to scrapbooking & mixed media art.  I want to share (with their permission of course) people i find along the way.

United by Art # 10: Helen Virpi

Country: Italia

I met Helena in person while teaching in Greece at the Kouros Hotel.  We got to spend some time before and after the week long event.  We had a fun filled day in Elina's Jeep exploring Mykonos that i will never forget.  It was an incredible day filled with lots of laughter.  Before that I knew Helena from the Cocoa Daisy Message board.  She is originally from Finland but has lived in Italy for many, many years.  If you ever have the opportunity, ask her how she met her husband.  it's a great tale that i just love.  I have loved watching Helena's skills grow and find her style.  It's filled with beautiful layers upon layers.  Here are some of my favorite pieces. 

Thank you Helena for letting me share your colorful art.

Q&A: Products, part 2

 

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about products.  Since there were lots of questions, i decided to break it up into two three parts.  Keep in mind these are my personal taste in products.

What main paint do you use? 

I like paint. a lot.  I use a variety of manufactures and types.  The ones i tend to grab the most are Liquitex & Golden paints.  I have more Liquitex than any other brand.  I also use Claudine Hellmuth/Ranger Paints.  My paint choice depends on the project and what i am hoping to achieve.  I also have some dabber paints for quick use and two big bottles of craft paint in white & black. 

Which product you just can live without ?

Paint.  I love paint.  You don't even have to give me paint brushes.  I will still find a way to use it, fingers work well. Spray ink would be a very close second.  Love those glorious bottles of dye in a convenient little spray bottle.  Color Me Happy!

I love the 3 stamps in the picture above could use please let me know where you got them?

Those stamps are from Stampin' Up!  The set was called Stamp of Authenticity.  It came out a long long time ago so i don't know if it is still around.  I found a picture of it at Splitcoast stampers.  You might be able to find it on Ebay.  it is an extremely cool set.

What is the one product that finds itself on almost everything you do? If you were sharing with someone new to everything out there what 1 product would you recommend them starting with?

Paint or Ink.  One of those two will always end up on my pages or art pieces.  My recommendation for starting out is to pick the product that inspires you, even if it scares you.  Play around with that product again and again and again.  Explore all the techniques you can do with the product.  Seek out inspiration, seek out tutorials & techniques. Make that product your new best friend.  Then when you are ready, move onto the next.

So you go through your supplies and purge very often or do you try and use them all up? 

I do purge but not as often as i need to.  i mostly purge paper and embellishments.  I have really purged a lot these last two months as i am doing a complete clean out of my craft room.  I plan to purge once every two months and will hopefully stick to that schedule.  I don't tend to purge tools.  Tools to me never go out of style.  And the minute you give it away is the minute you want it.  Paper will come and go.  A new favorite will be released but tools are the bread & butter.  There are products that i do use up.  If i love it, i will replenish it.  I am mostly talking about spray inks, paints, etc.

What is the best way to categorize stash (color, theme, etc) so you don't lose/forget that you have something perfect that will match the project you are currently working on?

I like to categorize products by color and sometimes by manufacture.  Sometimes both.  My spray inks are by manufacture in rainbow order.  My cardstock is in rainbow order as well as my buttons, ribbons, etc.  Other products are categorized by type: Rub-ons, Stickers, brads, etc.  At the beginning of my project, i will pull the objects i think will work on a page using my choice of color palette.  Do what works for you!  Try it one way, if it doesn't work don't hesitate to switch it up. 

TCW/Balzer Designs Stencil Hop Peekaboo

Welcome to the Crafter's workshop/Balzer Designs Blog hop.  I am so excited to be part of this blog hop because i do truly love the Crafter's Workshop & their stencils and so love Julie, my wickedly talented friend.  If you haven't jumped into stencils yet, now is the time.  So many creative ideas on this blog hop you will sure to be inspired. So let's get started!

Today's hop features the Peek-a-Boo Stencil.  Love me some Balzer stencils so i decided to use it in a couple different ways.  If you know me this a usually occurrence.   I start with one project and find myself so inspire i cannot stop creating.  I love playing around and seeing what crafty endeavor lies just around the corner.

First up is my Dream Tag Trio.  I used both the large (12 x 12) and small (6x6) stencils.  I am sure you are curious to see the whole piece but first take a peek (so punny ;) at this video showing you how i got the texture on these tags. 

I cannot tell you it was hard for me to stop at just one embossed tag!  It is so cool to see that tag pop out of the machine with all that texture.

I told you it was hard for me to do just one, so i made three.  This Dream tag trio is so full of color and texture thanks to the awesome stencil.  Take a look at the detail shots.  Click on any image to make it larger.

Can you see the embossed peek-a-boo stencil?  I also went over the tag with mists using the large peek-a-boo as you can see behind the umbrella man. 

Here's another quick tip.  After you have embossed and colored your tags, you can highlight those raised images by laying the stencil over the image and rub on some ink.

and just in case you are wondering, the back is mostly done too.  This trio is destined for someone special so i want to add a personal note on the back as well as a gift card.  The back seems like the perfect spot for it!  I have folded the trio down and tied it with baker's twine.  Now all i need to do is mail it!

This layout fell together so easily.  I get so giddy when that happens.  I can also tell you this layout is what i call clean-up creativity.  You see i had been creating a lot lately and really needed to clean up my desk area.  The above layout is a result of this "clean-up."  Whatever was in arms reach went on the layout.  I had bits of music paper and book paper laying around. The text butterfly die-cut was originally going to go on the tag trio above but i went with plain black instead.  The white bling butterfly was an extra one created during the making of this tag.  The lock & key as well as the tiny yellow flowers, blue brad, and flair were embellishments sitting on the desk i hadn't put away yet.  The maya road chipboard alpha was pulled out for the word dream above but was a smidgeon too big but worked beautifully here.  I love how everything came together. 

Today's blog hop includes:

• Julie Balzer
• Jenny Doh
• Joanne Sharpe
• Ronda Palazzari (You are here!)  

 Now hop on over to Julie's blog if you haven't been there already.  Tell her Ronda says "Julie Rocks."

Q&A: Designs, part 2

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about design.  Since this seems to be a hot topic, i decided to break it up into two parts.

Do you pre-design a layout first and then put items together or go with the flow when designing your work?

The answer is yes.  Most of the time i just go with the flow.  I have a story to tell which is the most important part for me.  Then i just start playing around starting with the background.  I do sometimes sketch out designs.  This is mostly when i am not working.  I keep my eyes open for design inspiration too, fashion, magazines, store displays, etc.  I cannot shut off my creative brain and it's always going so i've learned to keep a note pad or small journal near me at all times.  I have multiples of these little journals.  One on my night stand, one in my purse, one on my desk.  One of these days i will compile them all into an art journal, art piece, or scrapbook page.

What advice can you give for a scrapbooker/artist who always "overthinks" her layouts too much. How does one learn to just "let go"?
  
"'Come to the edge,' He said. They said, 'We are afraid.' 'Come to the edge,' He said. They came. He pushed them...and they flew." Guillaume Apollinaire

It's a scary first step. Trust me i know.  I am a perfectionist and overthinker.  I have learn to let that go.  Mostly.  and it is so freeing.  What's the worst thing that can happen if you say spray on a background and just don't like it?  Put it aside and start over.  Cut it down and use it in another piece.  What if you if you stamp on a layout and it's ruined?  Cover it up with piece of patterned paper.  i admit i sometimes have to talk to myself.  "chill out ronda.  it's only a [insert a project here].  just do ronda."  Freak outs happen but don't let them define you.  You only live once right.  Take a leap and let go.  What do you have to lose versus what you have to gain?

All the of the journalists I read about like to make messes. I don't - I like straight lines. Do you have to be a messy person to art journal?

No you don't!  An art journal is your place to be free.  You get to define what it looks like.  If you want straight lines, then do straight lines.  You can play with paint, inks, and spray inks in a controlled way if you wish. If can be a strip of paper, a few doodle words, paint in lines, etc.  Just do what moves you without worries or judgement.

My question is do you sit and complete these layered pages in one sitting or do you go back multiple times.

Depends on which kind of art we are talking about. Most of the time with scrapbooking, i do it all in one sitting.  I go go go until it's all complete.  Occasionally though i need to let it sit and brew.  It's usually when i am tired or need a break.  I will take my time with the mixed media/artsy pieces.  I need to let the gesso, paint and/or ink layers dry so that gives me time to think.  I will work on multiple mixed media pieces at once but only one scrapbook page at a time.  Crazy i know but it works for me and i highly suggest you find what works for you.

How are you able to achieve the artsy journal type pages vs. the more clean style of scrapbooking?

I didn't start off artsy and my style has definitely evolved.  I found when i let go of conventions and notions of what a scrapbook page should look like and listened to what i like, it clicked.  I started by adding in spray inks or stamped images.  I moved onto paints and gesso.  I keep adding to my repertoire of techniques and try out new things.  i found my style but i will keep exploring.  it's part of my nature and i have embraced it fully.  Guess what, you can too!

What is your number one thing you would suggest to us perfectionists that want to let go and get messy!?!

like Nike says, JUST DO IT.  Do you remember finger painting as a kid and how fun it was?  Why cannot it be fun right now?  Why do we always have to grown up?  Do something that has no end.  What i mean by that is just play without it trying to be something (scrapbook page, art journal, etc).  Teach yourself to be free.  It isn't going to happen all at once trust me.  But all it takes is one step in that direction and pretty soon you will be looking back at the big change.  One day maybe trying spraying on a piece of paper.  Play around with it.  Cut 2 x 3 pieces of paper.  Spray it up close.  Spray it far away.  Spray it in a stencil.  Try making a puddle and splashing the piece of paper in it (monoprint).  See this video about play.

Q&A: Designs, part 1

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about design.  Since this seems to be a hot topic, i decided to break it up into two parts.

What is your favorite color palette and how do you get inspiration for using color?

is RAINBOW an acceptable answer?  I do love ROY-G-BIV.  I love color.  I mean LOVE COLOR.  I love combining color.  I have studied color theory and taught color theory.  It's one of my favorite classes to teach.  Here are some thoughts on how be inspired by color.  Look around your home and in your wardrobe.  What colors are you drawn to?  Use the fashion industry as inspiration and notice what color combinations are in store windows.  Check out some color design sites. Here are some of my favorite color inspiration sites: Design Seeds, Jessica Tierney Designs, and Photocard Boutique.  Take on a Color Challenge with The Color Room.  Keep your eyes open and take notes. I also keep lots of Color inspiration in my Color My World board on Pinterest.

When creating, are you concerned about the design elements or do you put more weight on what you like?

The answer is yes.  I really place a lot of emphasis on what i like but i do know design elements.  There is a reason why they work.  Things do seem more pleasing in odd numbers, 3s, 5s, 7s.  a design triangle works.  But here's the  deal, I am also willing to break the rules and not let them define me.  If i have two elements on the page and it looks good, i keep it.  If something looks missing, i see i can complete the design triangle.  I trust my instincts and do what works for me.  Check out some of your favorite artist.  Ask yourself, what design elements do they tend to use?  What is it about the design you love?  Notice what you gravitate too and explore those elements.

How do you know when you have JUST enough embellishments on the project or when you need 'just one more'?

I think this is one of the hardest things in design but it becomes easier with practice.  For me i start with the background and then build up my embellishments.  Sometimes i will pull out a handful of items i want to play around with or i think might coordinate with my story.  I keep them sitting right next to my layout.  I will start adding them and subtracting them.  Here's a good way to help to know is it enough.  Add the element, take a look at the page and think does it work?  That's the first part.  Now take it away.  Are you missing it?  If so put it back on, you want it there.  If not, let it go.  It wasn't meant to be on that page.

My question is do you sit and complete these layered pages in one sitting or do you go back multiple times.

Depends on which kind of art we are talking about. Most of the time with scrapbooking, i do it all in one sitting.  I go go go until it's all complete.  Occasionally though i need to let it sit and brew.  It's usually when i am tired or need a break.  I will take my time with the mixed media/artsy pieces.  I need to let the gesso, paint and/or ink layers dry so that gives me time to think.  I will work on multiple mixed media pieces at once but only one scrapbook page at a time.  Crazy i know but it works for me.  I think it's because the scrapbook pages have become so instinctive for me.  That doesn't i don't push paper occassionally.  It just means i have become very comfortable with scrapbook.  With my artsy pieces, it's all about the process as much as the final product.  I enjoy getting my hands inky and messy.  I like adding layers of color and watching that slow build up.

Q&A: Technique

Beauty Canvas - Chapter 4, Art of Layers

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about technique.

What is your all-time favorite "go-to" technique?

You want me to pick just one?  I don't think i can do that.  The book is called Art of layers because i love layering on the techniques.  Ok if you make me pick just one i would say spray ink/paint splatters.  They can transform a page or project right before your eyes.

Which chapter from your book is your favorite, working with the paper, embellishments, etc?

I like it all.  I really do.  They each bring something different to the pieces.  A little touch of fabric, a stitch here and there, a piece of patterned paper, some bling tossed around, paint strewn about.  But alas you want me to pick just one....MESSY (aka paints & mists).  If i had just plain paper and tubes of paint, i can play around until my heart is content. 

I would love to know your thought process on painting your projects?

You want a peek inside this Dorkapolis brain?  Alright but you asked for it.  When i sit down to paint, i first have to decide what is being painted up....canvas, watercolor paper, wood, fabric?  Yes please.  Next up is my trusty drawer filled with tube paints.  I also have a spinner rack filled with liquid acrylics.  I usually pull out the gesso too.  I usually have a color story already in my head but it's not set in stone.  I feel like if i try to control the paint, color, and story too much it squashes the creativity.  Creativity needs room to breathe.  I'm a texture girl so that needs to be in there somewhere.  i have quite a few paintbrushes right at my finger tips.  I have draws filled with stencils both purchased and homemade.  I have lots of tools to create textures too both bought and homemade.  i often will throw my fingers into the mix.  there is nothing better than painty fingers finding their way around a canvas. 

What is your favorite tool you work with?

Again with making me pick one!  ok this goes along with paints, the paintbrush.  With paints in one hand and a paintbrush in the other (preferable the right one), i see a world of possibilities.  A piece of paper can become what ever pops into my head with a few strokes of paint and moments of creativity.

what tips do you have for stamping on layouts? I love the look of it, but have a really hard time pulling it off.

"To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong."
Joseph Chilton Pearce

Here's the biggest fear with stamping on layouts..."what if i mess it up?"  so i ask "what if you do?"  Do you have more paper?  Do you have more ink?  I am guessing chances are you do.  So let go of the worries.  There will be times when the image isn't where you want it or you drop the stamp on the page by accident (guilty!) but it's ok.  You never know what masterpiece you could create if you don't try.  There are also some tips and tricks to help if this happens on a layout you totally love...Mess it up, Dress it up!  Cover it up with some patterned paper, a photograph, paint.  Still worried? It's totally ok. We all have (including me) worried about messing things up.  But if we don't take those leaps then we have nothing to gain. Begin with something easy.  Stamp an image on another piece of paper, cut it out, and place it on the layout.  See the above photo. The blue/green butterfly was stamped on white cardstock and colored in.  If you want to stamp on the background, either use the acetate printed sheet that comes in the packaging to see where you want the stamp.   Another option is to stamp the image on some acetate(transparency) and use it to find your perfect position. 

When you stitch on your projects, do you pre-pierce the holes or do you just let the needle do the work?

Always.  I use an old mouse pad and a paper piecer to pre-punch my holes.  I do this for two reasons.  1) I always know where i am coming up from the bottom.  If you do this without pre-punching the holes, you run the risk of coming up in the wrong spot.  2) the holes are more controlled and less tearing occurs.  You can use a push pin or your needle to pre-punch your holes as well. 

How do you select papers for your projects?

I have the story in mind when i select papers.  I know the mood i am trying to set.  Take for instance the above layout.  When i saw this picture of my sister, it seemed to me that life was much simpler then, softer.  So i pulled out soft papers.  Not all papers i pull make the page.  I usually pull more than i need so i have a selection.  The colors aren't the only deciding factors either.  Patterns matter too.  They have to work well together.  In this case i wanted to photo to stand out so the patterns are soft.  Think of your story, think of colors to tell your story, and then see how you patterned papers go together.

Do you have a favorite technique that you tend to go back to by default? and why do you thing you return to it often?

see question 1 for the answer ;)

What are some of your most favorite techniques?

 Ok now you are letting me pick more than one...GREAT!  i don't like to be boxed in.  Paint &/or Spray ink splatters, hand stitches here & there, torn patterned paper, layering of embellishments, clear embossing, paint layers.  A LOT of my favorite techniques are in my book Art of Layers.  It's some of my most trusted techniques. 

Layers of Love

Q&A: Inspiraton

On a previous blog post you graciously asked questions about me & my art.  I am still going through them and putting posts together.  I lumped them into categories that made sense to me so i could answer them easier.  Today's post is about inspiration.

What inspires you to create such beautiful artwork?

First let me say thank you for calling my work beautiful.  I have always had this drive, this need to create.  It started when i was really young with drawing, sewing, cake decorating, painting, etc.  I have come to realize too that it helps me express my mood.  I do not always acknowledge my feelings or what is bothering me but it comes out in my art.  I have learned to use it to renew myself.  When i am scared, hurt, or happy, i create.  They are not all masterpieces but they bring me peace of mind to have it out of my head and onto paper, canvas, etc.

What kinds of days give you the best inspiration?

I do love a good rainy day to create.  I love watching the weather in Colorado heading over the Rocky Mountains seeing what we are going to get in about an hour.  I love quiet mornings, especially in the winter.  There is something magical about the stillness of freshly fallen snow, a cup of tea, and a paint brush in my hand.

What inspires you the most? Is it the materials, techniques, books or something completely different?

As my friend Julie would say, the answer is yes.  My creative brain rarely shuts off completely so even when i am grocery shopping i notice packaging or displays.  I love reading home decor magazines and seeing colors, design elements, etc.  I have been gravitating towards a lot of Stampinton Magazines: Somerset Memories, Somerset Studios, Sew Somerset, Art Journaling, etc.  Another favorite of mine is Cloth, Paper, Scissors.  I watch fashion shows not only because i love them but because i get to see the latest trends.  i think what inspires the most is just playing around with my materials and seeing where they want to take me. 

how do you start a page, a mini, or card? Do you start with a photo or an inspiration piece, or what?

Most of the time I start with the story i want to tell.  If it is a scrapbook page, it's the story and photo.  Same with a mini album.  I have to be motivated by the story.  I start searching through my photos and see what hits me.  I recently just got back from my niece's wedding and i have all these stories to tell.  I get excited and want to get it on paper.  Here's a few post peeking into my process:

• walking through: a scrapbook page
• Reflections: a mini album tutorial
• Art Journal Cover
• Scraps to Cards
• Jumpstart Creativity Video

What seems to give you the most motivation when starting a project?

a story to tell, a product to play with, a technique to try, or even a deadline.  Once i start a project i really want to finish it!  I want to see the end results.  But i am careful not to rush it too much for there is something to be said about the journey there.

I guess you have many projects in mind to work with, how do you decide which one to do first?

This is admittedly hard for me.  I do have so many projects in mind.  I now keep lists so i don't lose any.  I prioritize my list by what is inspiring me the most at that moment, what deadline is next, and what product/technique i want to use.  I am a firm believer though in doing the one that is screaming at you "pick me, pick me."  Listen to intuition. 

Where's your favorite place to go for inspiration? Do you cruise Pinterest or other online sources? Or turn to nature? Or something else perhaps?

The answer is yes.  I am inspired by lots of things including but not limited to nature, fashion, magazines, pinterest,nature, color combinations, design elements, architecture, a story to tell, etc.  I have trained myself to keep my eyes wide open.  To see things in a whole new way.  Take for instance the photo and layout above.  I was at scrapfest last year with Maya Road.  The wonderful sweet lady who was doing a make & take allowed me to photograph the beautiful flowers on her sweater.  I knew i wanted to replicate them somehow.  A lot of french knots later (and one sore finger...someone forgot she knew how to use a thimble) and i had exactly what i wanted all inspired by a sweater.  KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN & TAKE NOTES.

What inspires you the most when planning a project.In other words how do you keep your inspiration FRESH?

Keep moving!  Keep trying out new techniques.  Something that scares you.  Fear is a great motivator.  Allow yourself to make mistakes.  Even if you don't like it, chances are you have learned something new.  Don't give up.  if at first you don't succeed, try try again. i sound like a bunch of cliches but it's true.  you can be content to say in what's comfortable or use the fear to create something magnificent. 

Do you have times when your heart feels like creating but your body does not? I have been in a funk :-/.

Find little ways to be creative.  When your body is ready, then jump in full force.  Sometimes it's helpful to take a little break.  If you are in a funk with scrapbooking, try art journaling, sewing, or some other craft adventure.  Don't let the funk destroy you. There was a great quote we (Julie, Emily, & Eileen) heard at the Denver Art Museum.

"I have had to train myself to turn my back on the fear that the stuck means anything. It means nothing.  It just human nature.  i'm tired.  I'm afraid it might not turn out.  I've learn to turn my back and sit down and start." Karen Kitchell.