by Linda | Jan 15, 2013 | my creative journal
We can all agree that the Internet has opened up a whole new realm of inspiration and connection for creatives like you and me. We have instant access to so much content and visual stimulation. It can be a feast for the eyes, propelling you into a world of imagination.
Unfortunately, you’ve probably experienced information overload as well. Inspiration can quickly turn to overwhelm and self-doubt. It’s important to limit your information diet, but of course you want to take advantage of everything available as well. It can be fun to surf your favorite blogs, scroll through Pinterest and leaf through your favorite magazines, but then what do you do? How do you put inspiration to use?
Physically using your print magazines and tactile materials…
I’m a huge fan of print magazines and have a pretty hefty collection on my bookshelf. This year I’ve decided to really put them to use. Yes, they are beautiful and precious, but they would serve me better if I cut them up and used them in my journaling. I can also give specific issues to creative friends when an article would serve them well. Finally, I could also donate books to the library and allow others to gain some inspiration and knowledge. I need to process and pass things on.
Thinking back to 2012, so many books and magazines were kept safely on my bookshelf – collecting dust. So I’m making it a point to go through my physical inspiration stash and use them somehow. This goes for art prints, papers, stationery – all those bits and pieces of inspiring materials we tend to hoard. Stop hoarding, start using!
Using digital and virtual inspiration…
It’s sad to see many print publications disappearing these days, but thankfully a new generation of digital publishing is rising up to take its place. I definitely turn to online magazines and virtual content for inspiration as well. I want to share my list of favorites for visual eye candy, but before you click away, I wanted to talk a bit more about how to put that inspiration to use first.
Although you are looking at something virtual, if it peaks your interest, don’t hesitate to snap a photo or print out a copy to include in your journal. You have to take notes somehow if you are going to put that inspiration to use. I often have my journal beside me, so that I can doodle and jot down notes while perusing around.
To take it a step further, don’t just clip or bookmark the inspiration. For those who use Evernote, it can be too easy to just clip everything and never have time to look back! Think about why you want to stop and record that inspirational spark. I find it best to actually write out my idea as a task or project.
The point is to take in the inspiration, digest it and really think about how you can apply it to your work and life.
It really only takes a few minutes to see something inspiring and then decide that you actually want to start a series of prints in that same color scheme. Or perhaps a certain geometric design you saw will be the starting point of your next line of sewn bag design. Put inspiration to use by taking that tiny step ahead in the process. Eureka – inspiration hit – now what does that mean for you? I guarantee that changing your mindset in this way will help you feel truly inspired and more importantly – productive – at the end of the day. It’s really inspiration time well spent.
Now here’s my list of inspiring publications…
Of course, taking a walk outside and snapping photos can be amazingly inspiring as well. Putting inspiration to use can apply whenever that spark ignites.
I want to add that it’s not about making your recreational time about work – by no means. If you are taking time to recharge then acknowledge that the time is spent for that reason. However, if you are out trolling for inspiration, then make sure you put that inspiration time to use in the end. Looking for inspiration is completely different from recharging your energy!
So what sources do you turn to for inspiration? Have you put that inspiration to use?
by Linda | Jan 10, 2013 | my creative journal
The Pixel and Paper Series highlights digital techniques and products for scrapbookers like you and me. I believe that everyone should consider digital elements to be a part of their scrapbooking toolbox, so let’s learn together what the possibilities are. Each week, I’ll be sharing the opinion of a real-life scrapbooker to reveal how they use digital in their scrapbooking. Each post will also offer a freebie download to help you get started on your pixel and paper journey. Enjoy!
Sometimes there’s a divide between digital and paper scrapbookers. It seems silly for a hobby that is meant to bring people together, but inevitably differences arise. Scrapbookers often refer to themselves as either digital or paper (sometimes hybrid). I want to promote the fact that we are all hybrid or mixed media in the end, so really there’s no point in saying digital or paper. When we use store bought products know that those are digital designs, simply pre-printed for your convenience. Is there really a line to be drawn between pixel and paper? I don’t think so. Ultimately, everything is simply a tool for our own memory keeping goals.
I believe that we will start to see a blurring of the lines in scrapbooking. From art journaling techniques to other mixed media tools… we do whatever is fun and gives us the effect desired. That’s the way it should be for this hobby we call scrapbooking. I hope that we can all keep an open mind and let ourselves explore and experiment.
So to riff off the topic and share something useful with all of you, I decided to start this series of posts. Each week I will share the opinion of a real-life scrapbooker so we can see how they use digital in their projects. From designers to teachers to prolific everyday scrapbookers, my hope is to highlight the possibilities and help you have more fun and success during your scrapbooking time.
by Linda | Jan 7, 2013 | my creative journal
As many of us probably have a huge list of scrapbooking to do’s, I sometimes feel the overwhelm of all that I want to document. Even though it’s a hobby and there is no right or wrong, I still feel the obligation at times. We all have scrapbook goals afterall! To start off my year on the right foot, I decided to create an opening page for my 2013 album.
The background paper is a paintable by Prima Marketing that I watercolored up partially. Then I added a bunch of bits and pieces to welcome the new year with my one little word (#OLW) together on a toothpick flag. There’s more detailed journaling actually within the envelope from Maya Road.
The journaling card is actually an experimental card that I made using some Hero Arts stamps. Instead of using all new materials, I put this layout together by shopping my own stash. I think it’s actually a nice reflection of the reality of life. We are made up of our past bits and pieces… and it doesn’t look too shabby either. I’m pretty happy with the results and looking forward to a year of happy and fun scrapbooking.
The layout was partially inspired by my word of the year as well – together. It’s an idea that just presented itself and I usually don’t concentrate too much on choosing a word. I simply wait and see what surfaces itself naturally. In thinking about my word, I like that it can mean keeping myself together as well as being together with others. Dual meanings, always nice!
As we are expecting our first child this February, I know my time will be strapped and I will be challenged in so many ways. So it’s important for me to keep it together, not just in getting things done – but in the respect of taking care of myself as well. It’s all a bit scary, but good scary. I’m definitely looking forward to rocking the year of 2013. Are you ready for the new year?
by Linda | Jan 4, 2013 | DIY printables
I’m a huge fan of the Heartmade blog by Mayi Carles and for 2013 she put out a call for help to promote her Life is Messy bootcamp. I immediately thought of my default girl illustration writing out the message “I’m Messy and I Know It” – so here’s the final product!
LTieu Messy And I Know It
I used my Wacom tablet (finally, getting more practice instead of scanning!) and really love the result. Drawing how I want to draw and just following my heart. Just like Marisa from Creative Thursday, Mayi helped me to learn that cute can be professional and successful. I used to be plagued by misconceptions, thinking I had to be serious and grown-up to be taken seriously. But it was all wrong, because it just wasn’t the authentic me.
Now that I follow my heart and create freely, I’m a much happier and more successful person. Funny how things work out. Thank you, Universe! I thought it would be nice to give back to the community, so please take advantage of this free art printable. Declare your messiness and know that it is a-okay! Be yourself and thrive! I hope you enjoy and don’t hesitate to Tweet or Facebook share – I would really appreciate it.
Let’s rock 2013 together!
by Linda | Dec 26, 2012 | my creative journal
Hope you had a lovely holiday with family and friends!
I’ve been trying to clean up my space and found myself tempted to dive into a bit of crafty fun. Nothing like getting your hands into materials to spark inspiration. I noticed that my collection of leather has been building up, so I thought it was about time I used my leather scraps for something. Often a project that uses fabric can be applied to leather as well. Here’s my round up of leather craft tutorials – enjoy!
If you are looking to buy leather, think of upcycling old jackets, boots and purses you already have. Sometimes it’s cheaper to get something from a second hand shop as well. Otherwise, you can check out the Tandy Leather Factory. Is there a leather project that really peaks your interest?! Share your projects… because I definitely will.
by Linda | Dec 19, 2012 | my creative journal
I know that every day, something sad happens somewhere in the world. This holiday season we’ve all been faced with gruesome news and challenges of every kind. I know we all feel it somewhere in our lives.
Even though my hands are shaking with worry and fear at times, I wanted to share an illustration with all of you. Let’s think about peace on earth. Let’s cherish the time we have with our loved ones and live life to the fullest. Be kind. Be happy. Be you.
Download Printable Card Peace on Earth ZIP
by Linda | Nov 20, 2012 | my creative journal
The opening of our art show last night was just lovely and it was wonderful to connect with old friends as well as meet new people. Besides all the great work in the gallery and excitement of sharing our work… I think the most touching part was during Gnocchi Artyst‘s performance piece – really a collaboration with all of us.
The symbology of ringing our bells with some whimsy and fun… but also her heartfelt words afterwards. She was speaking to us, about us, for us. It was beautiful and touching. I was certainly reminded of the importance in community… being together in Art. It’s not just about me, me, me… my work this and that. The interaction and responses are so important.
I’m honored to be a part of our little SACI group of grads and felt even more honored to have my work up along side everyone elses’. My Lessons From Mother Goose print series are just the beginning of a new stage for me… I feel that anyway. Suddenly, I feel so much more energized and filled with possibly. Each of us are definitely taking away a little bit of magic with us… just like 10 years ago. Pretty darn cool.
BTW, I’ve posted the girl prints onto Society6, so you can grab yourself a print. I’m going to be framing a large version of Old Mother Goose for myself… quite proud of the look I’ve been able to achieve with these works. Another step forward in my journey.
by Linda | Nov 19, 2012 | my creative journal
Today I’m off to meet up with my fellow alumni in Florence, Italy for the opening of our reunion show – Cacciucco 2012. It’s amazing to me that 10 years have passed since I first stepped foot onto Italian soil. So many amazing memories and feelings of nostalgia, for sure. I’m excited to have this opportunity to regroup with my classmates again… not to mention, show a bit of what I’ve been up to.
Now that I’m married and a mama… life has definitely changed so much. I might not be a famous artist exhibiting in museums or fancy galleries. But seeing the world with an open, creative mindset is something I treasure… and honestly still learning and growing into.
For this alumni show, I created series of prints around Mother Goose nursery rhymes. I guess you can say, I have babies on my mind. The rhymes are personified into girls… my illustrations, tweaked into digital designs and presented as prints at the exhibit. I honestly would have opted for giant subway sized prints… and sort of make it neverending, flowing down onto the floor, like draperies of paper. Or maybe a million postcards, that people can take away… but budget resources restricted that vision. However, I suppose the idea is forever here on my blog…
It would be fabulous if you can visit the exhibit in real life, here in Florence. But otherwise, I hope you enjoy seeing the prints here online instead. Thank you!
by Linda | Nov 15, 2012 | my creative journal
Since I’ve been designing bits and pieces for my own December Daily preparation, I decided it would be nice to share the work in the form of journaling cards. Although I suppose they are 4×6 decorative cards that would be great for layering on your pages or as title cards for project life scrappers.
You can customize using the Photoshop, changing the background of stars to various colors and using the rounded edges mask or not. Edit the numbers to change the date and you’ve got yourself a whole set of pretty cards for December! I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think. Happy scrapping to you all.
Enjoy!
by Linda | Nov 14, 2012 | my creative journal
Recently, I saw the cutest idea on Design Mom – pom pom bookmarks! It’s a simple idea, but so darn adorable… so I had to try it out. I always have this longing for crafting with practicality and bookmarks are always useful in my book – LOL!
I started making a few pom poms from a bunch of yarn I had lying around (it was actually a huge mess because my Westie pup, Vash, got into it!) I quickly realized that the more yarn you use the puffier and tighter your pom poms will ends up. Not to mention you have to trim them nicely to get a symmetrical shape in the end.
Then with some other basic materials I decided to upgrade the whole idea. I’ve never liked “string” type bookmarks, not enough foundation for me. I decided to add a solid paper portion that slips into the book instead. With a bit of glue and cardstock I made myself a sturdy base with the pom pom hanging at the top.
I think of it as a 2.0 version of the pom pom bookmark. I also decided to collage over the cardstock with old bookpaper and ink the edges with copper paint. I suppose it doesn’t exactly match with the blue… a bit eclectic!
The point is that the idea can be taken further depending on how you like your bookmarks – thinner material or thicker? Different decorations? How about using leather instead of yarn for the pom pom? What else can you add instead of a pom pom? Hmm. For now, I’m pretty content with my lovely little up-cycled yarn pom pom bookmark 2.0. Craft happiness for the week! Enjoy!
