Seller Tips- Get Inspired

I'm an indie-preneur, a micro-business owner constantly looking for ways to promote my work. I started this column, Seller Tips, to help me keep track of my findings and to pass them on to you.

[what's it called] 10 Ways to Rev-Up Your Creativity
[where'd you find it] In my inbox via the ArtBistro newsletter
['splain it please] Tips to help revitalize your creativity.


I found this in my inbox a little while ago, loved it and knew I had to share it. While ArtBistro as a site is directed to artists of the paint and ink variety, much of their advice can be translated into the craft world. The line between the two is hazy at best.
After the hectic holiday season and subsequent and well-deserved break, getting the creative juices flowing may be a little difficult. Mike Lenhart, a visual arts expert, compiled a short list of ways to get the ideas going again.

Even if you're not un-inspired at the moment, keeping the list bookmarked or on-hand somewhere may help you work through a new design. I know I hit snags sometimes and it would help to grab a pencil (the first tip on the list.) They're simple things. Some, such as take a trip to a museum, gets you out the house, which is I think is great because being an artist can be solitary work.

Have a fun with it and whatever new or revamped project awaits you!

thisnext:: to 2010

Dear New Year, may you rock!
Picks to help you get things done and be encouraged.

Get this sweet handmade calendar from Queenvanna to adorn your desk or shelf and you'll never need another. Just keep rotating the blocks and you're all set.

Available in a variety of paper schemes and blank for you to create yourself.

From QueenVanna

I like to make lists. Problem: I often use the backs of scrap paper or some such so my lists are usually lost before I can commit them to memory. Hence making another list, on another scrap of paper and...well, you can see where this is going.

These little books are great because they're narrow like a list normally is but all bound together...like a book normally is. hehe.

From The Container Store

Because you/I totally shouldn't. Just a little extra encouragement to keep saving, keep going.

From printliberation

As always, if you want to follow my picks between Tuesdays you can check them out here or subscribe.

wb- holidays

I hope, dear readers, that you had a merry Christmas, or a happy day off from work/school if you don't celebrate Christmas. My day could be summed up in this tweet:

waffles are getting cooked, gifts wait to be opened, music is playing, cat is skittering around confused.

Good food and games followed while the Carpenters' Christmas played in the background. Even though I don't get quite revved up in the pre-holiday madness, Christmas always feels special a little magical.

Post Picture: Me on Christmas Eve. I think the anticipatory smiles fits for it almost being New Year's, too.

thisnext:: ornaments

Wishing you and yours a merry holiday!

The seller mentions 'wanderlust' in the copy about this ornament. I would say that suits. There is something rather fairy-like or magical...perhaps it's the nest of tinsel in the middle.

From midlifemodern

My brother loves to bicycle. Maybe for Christmas I'll get him a set of these. Shh!

From filzfelt

Oh, the patience it must have taken to create this. And such precision and even stitching. Embroidery and ceramics are two crafts that I love but can't do. I admire work like this ornament. Divine!

From suzik

As always, if you want to follow my picks between Tuesdays you can check them out here or subscribe.

wishing hoping praying

Looking forward to the new year. Trying to figure things out. And, oh yeah, Christmas. Kinda not feeling it this year what with the death of my mom's friend and another man who I barely knew. It's a little tough, but I have my family so it will be okay. Refocusing on what matters, on important things, higher things. And gnomes!

Post Picture:My eyes.n.brows. Have challenged myself to take a photo everyday, break out of the craft lethargy I allowed myself to sink into. Feels good.