December 5, 2011

artist charity auction: spreading the cheer

Scoutie Girl friend Khristian Howell recently told us about a wonderful project she’s doing this week. We thought we’d share it with you – and give you a chance to get in on the action!

Artist Charity Auction

Tell us about the Artist Charity Auction. How did it get started?

The holiday season is in full swing. We are all so very busy with life, family, and work – it’s true. However, this is also a really great time of year to reflect. I was doing just this last weekend, and this idea popped into my head for this auction. This has been an amazing year, and I felt compelled to do something to express how thankful I am for all that has come my way. I am thrilled to bring this auction to you. I am so proud to have joining me this incredible group of very talented artists, and I am so thankful that they took time out of their super busy schedules to help me make this happen.

How does the auction work?

There will be a new batch of wonderful items to bid on each day starting today, Monday, December 5. The auction will run through Friday, December 9. 100% of the proceeds will be donated via Charity Choice to the American Humane Society, Toys for Tots, and the American Red Cross.

Learn more and place your bids at the Artist Charity Auction website.

Who is donating work to the auction?

Participants include June Shin, Jessica Swift, Khristian A. Howell, Jessica Durrant, Stephanie Corfee, Stephanie Ryan, Michelle Armas, Niki Malek, Linda Ketelhut, Leah Duncan, Rachael Taylor, Danielle Malmgren, Valentina Ramos, Three By Sea, Sarah Watson, Fifi Runn, Pawling Print Studio, and Aimee Myers Dolich.

Happy bidding, and Happy Holidays!
Khristian A. Howell + (amazing) friends

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August 29, 2011

art to inspire: simple tips for avoiding burn out

Feeling uninspired and overwhelmed by your work?

Don’t worry, it happens to everyone. There are some easy ways to avoid complete and utter burn out. You just have to recognize when it’s time to step away and listen to that little voice inside.

So, let’s start with a couple of questions…

How do you know when you’re about to burn out?

Oh, you’ll know! Trust your instincts on this one. If you are starting to feel bogged down and unenthusiastic, that’s a tell tale sign that its time to step away before you hit the hard road to B.O. (yep, I abbreviated burn out as B.O. because, let’s face it, it stinks!).

And when do you know when you’re ready to come back after taking a break? There is no definitive answer here. It may take a few days or just a few hours. It really depends on how deeply rooted your burn out is. When you do come back you’ll want to trust you instincts again. Listen to that inner voice. It will tell you when you’re ready to come back.

(above) Trust your Instincts + You Know More

Okay, so what are the steps for avoiding burn out or recovering once it has happened?

If you are teetering on the edge of burn out, you need to clear your head and your mind of the stresses that are causing you to feel exhausted. One of the best ways to do that is to change your environment. If you work indoors, head outside and away from the computer. Go do something fun that is just for you.

Hobbies are a great thing. So, don’t let your work run over the other things you really enjoy doing outside of your business, blog, or nine-to-five job. And along those same lines, taking care of your physical health is just as important as your mental health. Maintaining that balance will help you de-stress.

(above) Clear your Head + Unplug

When you’re feeling re-energized, slowly transition back into your regular work load. Maybe start by heading back to the drawing board. Brainstorm new ideas away from the computer if that is where you do the bulk of your work.

Working and creating in a new place just might give you that fresh start that you need. Who knows, the change of scenery might even lead you to the the brink of something wonderful.

(above) The Brainstormer + On the Brink

And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Team up with like-minded people. Sometimes two (or three) really are better than one.

(above) Together

What are your tips for avoiding burn out or bouncing back after the big B.O.?

Share your response in the comments section below.

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August 15, 2011

art to inspire: lessons learned from the eternal optimist

Being your own boss is amazing, but it’s not always easy. There are ups and downs in every business. So, when things start to lean more toward stress than success, take a few lessons from an eternal optimist (and add your own to the comments below)…

Half Full + Every Cloud

1. Your glass is always half full. Be a “half full” kind of gal (or guy). Seeing the positive in all situations (or at least as many situations as possible) can do wonders for your overall mindset and outlook on life. Your business will benefit from a positive attitude.

Get Back on the Horse + When Life Gives you Lemons

2. Get Back on that Horse. Remember, there are going to be hiccups in your biz – you can’t avoid them all. So try to remind yourself, whenever you need, that it’s how you handle those hiccups that will determine whether you become a success story or another statistic.

If You Think You Can, You Can + Do Something About It

3. Dream it and Do it. And finally… This last tip makes a whole lot of sense, but it isn’t always the easiest to follow. So, here it goes: YOU have to make things happen! It’s great to dream, but you are responsible for making those dreams come true!

Now it’s your turn… Share your own lessons for success in the comments section below.

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August 1, 2011

Art to Inspire: The “Follow your Dreams” Guide

You are a passionate woman (or gentleman) who has goals in life.

Lots of goals, in fact. Or maybe just a few very BIG ones.

You have a list of accomplishments you hope to one day achieve. You have hopes and you absolutely have DREAMS.

If you’re nodding your head right now, this is the guide for you.

There will people along the way who tell you can’t do “it”. Whatever “it” may be. Heck, that person might even be yourself. So, when things get tough, pull yourself back up, and read this guide to remind you of the things, I am willing to bet, you already know. Sometimes a reminder is all you need…

1. We are the Dreamers: You are not alone. There are many, many of us out there with dreams, goals, and aspirations. We all have something inside of us that allows us to think bigger and try to see the larger picture in life. Some people just ignore. You don’t.

2. Let Go of Disappointments: You will have ups and downs. Successes and failures. But don’t let the hard times overshadow those amazing things that you want to accomplish. Go back to number one and remember you are not alone: we are all dreamers. You can do this!

3. Dream Until your Dreams Come True: In the words of Journey, “Don’t stop believing.” Don’t let those dreams die or fall to the wayside when other “stuff” comes up.

4. If You Can Dream It You Can Make It: Anything is possible. So don’t lose faith in yourself. Remember when your mom used to say, “You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to”? She was right! It might take some (seriously) hard work and dedication, but you can do it if you make the effort to go down that winding path to success.

5. Dreams are Filled with Silver and Gold: And finally: Your dreams matter! They are special and important. Don’t forget that.

Take action now. What positive words of encouragement can you share with those that might be struggling with their dreams and/or success right now? Leave your response in the comments below. Or share your goals and dreams for the future.

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July 18, 2011

Art to Inspire: 6 Full-Proof Ways to Ensure Happiness in your Business (and in life)

If you are feeling stuck in your art, unable to move forward with your business, or simply feeling uninspired, it may be contributing to your overall happiness (or unhappiness) not just with your work, but your home life, too.

So this week, I have put together six full-proof tips for getting back on track down the “happiness path” in your business and in life.

And for even more inspiration, visit my Art to Inspire gift guide, featuring 20 additional prints and originals to make your heart smile, after you’ve read through this post.

1. Choose your own path: Don’t compare yourself to others. It will only get you heading down the wrong path quick. Instead, choose your own path and know that the one you choose is the absolute right path for you at this moment. Trust your intuition and let that little voice inside of you in.

2. Creativity takes courage: When you are feeling down remember that you are courageous as a creative entrepreneur. This stuff takes guts. And it can be tough. I mean come on, even Henri Matisse thinks so! Are you really going to argue with Matisse on this one?

3. Sing your own song: Be you! I can sense that you are the very best version of yourself when you are around people you feel comfortable with. Maybe your close family and friends – with them you let your hair down, you sing your own song, act a fool without apologizing, speak your brilliance, and just “get real”. If you can do it with them, you can do it with everyone else (strangers, perspective clients, and fellow biz owners included).

4. Don’t wait for inspiration. Pursue it: Don’t wait around for that magic moment to strike you. Create the magic moment yourself. If you wait, you’ll never get there. And we are not living in eternity.

5. Haters gonna hate: You have to know that “haters gonna hate”. It happens to everyone at some point. It is not just you. So, you need to remember that you cannot please everyone. Period! And you also need to learn to be okay with that. If you can do this, you will be so much happier.

6. Always radiate sunshine: Finally, make an attempt to radiate sunshine from the inside out every day. It’s the little things that bring joy to your life. If you can find those things, you will radiate happiness (and sunshine) until the end of days.

What do you do to maintain happiness in your business (and in life)?

Share your response in the comments below.

Filed Under: brittni {paper n stitch}, illustration | painting, inspiration Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , 15 Comments