pictograms

week 2...and i'm already behind schedule! i blame it on the holidays...once thanksgiving hits there isn't much time for anything until after the new year. nonetheless...this week's exercise is to create pictograms.

using 4 straight, equal lines and one whole circle, i created pictograms:

pressure, delirious, lucky, suspense, dangerous & joyful

the lines had to remain equal in length and thickness and could not be divided in any way, and the circle had to remain a whole perfect circle.

i have to say this was a really fun and challenging exercise. at first i didn't even know where to begin, but once i started doodling some ideas i couldn't get enough. i almost added more words to my list so that i could come up with more. i love to doodle, but its so easy not to take the time to do it. it was great to sketch without any pressure to make it look like anything but what i envisioned. so, here is what i ended up creating:

creative workout

we all understand the importance of regular exercise. in order to become stronger it is essential to work your muscles. i am a regular runner, and when i want to go faster i have to change up my workouts. it is not enough to just to keep running the same distance at the same speed everyday to improve my running. furthermore, if i would just continue running the same thing all of the time eventually the benefits i gain from running would decrease…essentially losing the effects of running just by not including variety in my exercise routine.

the same thinking goes for our creative muscles. it is important to exercise the mind with a little creative thinking and problem solving outside of the normal routine. this is why i have decided to start exercising my creative muscles. every sunday night i am going to do a creative exercise outside of my normal design routine. for the first week of the experiment…i will be writing short and memorable headlines for air, water and pants:

air

            “the unseen breath of life”

water

            “keeping things hydrated”

pants

            “who wears them in your family?”

and so week one of my new creative exercise plan has ended.  check back on monday to see what i have in store for next week. 

my etsy store is up and running!

look for more to come...this is only the beginning...

i will also be improving my photos as soon as i can find myself a better camera. the waterproof camera is great for most days...but not so great when trying to photograph my pieces....enjoy!

shoe obsessed

lately i've become obsessed with shoes...here are just some of my new loves...i want them all!

nothing like a great fall boot

everyone needs a good pair of wellies...and these have fleece liners you can use for winter weather!

great pair of shoes for loafing around town on a sunday

these will dress up anything and incredibly unique...can't even find them online anywhere....they're dumond's

renegade craft fair 2010

talk about inspiration...the renegade craft fair is filled with it. i couldn't even tell you how many artists were there, or how many different types of products vendors were selling...but it was incredible...almost overwhelming. in one hand i was wandering around feeling completely inspired and ready to go home and start creating...and on the other i felt completely inadequate unsure i could ever compete. i am going to try to stick with the inspiration side of it and get my etsy site back up and running...we'll see.

but a few of the artists i was loving...

well for one...there was rustbelt fiberwerks. i actually bought an apron from her...she's a very sweet woman from good old wisconsin. i am a big fan of anthropologie...and their aprons in particular...and i have to say leah could really give them a run for their money. i actually bought this apron below for a friend getting married this upcoming weekend...its sentimental, reversible, adorable AND durable. what more could you possibly want in an apron?

another favorite was nicole deponte. she creates beautiful accessories using old neckties in her lillian asterfield collection found on etsy. very unique and innovative work...definitely something worthwhile.

and another, foundRe: furnishings...they use repurposed materials to create frames and furniture...there is nothing like solid design with a little history behind it

 

of course there were several more booths that i absolutely loved...but these were a few that stood out enough for me to remember to share them. if you ever get the chance to check out the renegade craft fair (in any of the 5 cities) i HIGHLY recommend it. 

decorating my apt.

i can't lie...its been fun trying to figure out how i fit into this space...along with my roommate. for the most part he has let me have total freedom to decorate how i see fit...and at the request of my mother...here are some pictures of the apartment thus far (i apologize for the quality of the pictures...i took them with my phone)

two inspired artists

Sometimes there are a lot of things that happen in life....good and bad. The bad could get you down, but my philosophy is that life is better on the bright side of things. This blog is my way of shedding light on some of those things...or just share things that inspire me. So, for my first post I'm going to share two of my favorite artists.

A few years ago, my friend Jessica sent me a greeting cards for my birthday: 

I loved it so much that I have it framed. At the time I didn't think too much about the artist behind the card, or about the line of cards. However, it wasn't too long after receiving this card that I started to notice more cards like this one by Curly Girl Design. Ever since there always seems to be an occasion to send one of Leigh's (the artist) cards to a friend. Each card has a carefree, witty charm about it with great artwork to boot.

Then, somewhere along the way. I started noticing another artist in most of the same places as Curly Girl Designs...Kelly Rae Roberts. Unlike Curly Girl, she does not set her focus on greeting cards. Although, her pieces do have a greeting card quality and charm to them. She is most known for her angels, and most recently her new book/e-courses. Here are some of the angels (a few of which I have purchased for some friends):

Both artists create very inspirational messages through their artwork to share with friends and family. I recommend you check them both out...their work is definitely worth taking the time to look at and enjoy! Makes you want to create something doesn't it?