August 2, 2011

constant comment

Every day, we get lots of inspiring comments from you, our readers! In this roundup, we share some of our favorites from the previous week.

Lacewood Slimline pen by GrainWorks - click for info

I just had a tiny epiphany. Your art (and the work of others) actually appeals to me even more when you aren’t trying to attach a heavy message to it. It’s beautiful; It reminds me of beauty and makes me want to do beautiful things. That is powerful & that is enough.

I absolutely love this:
“I want to show you magical discoveries I find with my camera and the layers of memories long ago and yet to be.”

I feel the same way about my jewelry, but I struggle with a way to express it.

One thing that helped me center myself lately was Lisa Work’s Passion Flavor exercise. It’s a free resource that was apparently worded just the right way to work for me. I’ve typed my flavor focus at the top of my to-do list for instant reference.
- Amy in response to The Power of Questions and How to Find What You Didn’t Lose

i am sooooo excited about a few ideas i am working on…and yes they have flowed into something more than the original idea (which I LOVE!). and you know what…even when i am done and ready to put it out there into the world, and it doesn’t succeed, i had a blast creating it!! i often think that i am more into just creating for myself and if it sells it sells rather than trying to create to please a certain market…that is just not who i am.

ps…loved this post (subject) and a similar one on christine miller’s blog. love hearing real, authentic, heartfelt honest posts like these!
- Kathryn in response to Do You Honour Your Own Vision?

 

Whew, I got a little scared for a minute there before I saw your disclaimer that this schedule is too full!

I’m notorious for underestimating how much time something will take me – keeping track of the actual time is a great idea.

Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to reading more about productivity fantasies (schedule all the things!).
- Alexis in response to Low Level Planning: Baseline Activities, Estimates and Metrics

You just told me exactly how to do a project I have wanted to do for a while! Thank You! I have trouble getting on my knees and working in the flower beds and this is a great solution!
- Jan in response to Acute How-To: The Anti Green Thumb’s Garden

 

I love lavender! It’s my favourite scent for soap making. I also use it on my pillow to help me sleep… or during the day, if I’m stressed, I’ll smell it to relax… I’m a lavender junkie…
- Marie Noelle in response to Little Things Link Love: Lavender

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July 25, 2011

constant comment

Every day, we get lots of inspiring comments from you, our readers! In this roundup, we share some of our favorites from the previous week.

Sunny Hello cards by hendersweet

What an encouraging post. I agree with Elizabeth’s comment above too; that inspiration isn’t simply something that hits you when the “magic happens,” you make it happen too. That’s what makes us “creative entrepreneurs,” afterall. And yes, haters will certainly hate–I needed that reminded today to try not to take it personally–you’re right Brittni, we can’t please everyone. All of these tips are excellent reminders!
- Mai in response to Art to Inspire: 6 Full-Proof Ways to Ensure Happiiness in your Business (and in life)

I know I’ve made a mountain out of my own expectations of myself when I feel resistant to even start the idea, creation that excited me to begin with…there is a hesitation and I find more things to distract me. I love this post. I feel the same way about my work…shouldn’t I be doing it all for somebody else to benefit…to better this planet, this world. I think that my lifestyle already does that….so why not just let me creative expression be that…an extension of myself which is what this planet wants me to be anyway!!!
- Meekah in response to My Blinding Epiphany… Again

 

In my fitness business, I have found that people will not buy unless they know you, like you and trust you. There’s no better way to help develop a relationship with potential clients than letting them know you are accessible. Great post!
- Joyce Nichols-Moore in response to Are You Making it Hard for People to Connect With You Online?

I grew up in a house that did not encourage dreaming at all-dreaming was impractical, shameful and something that you were mocked for. As a result I’ve always either kept mine to myself (safe) or ignored them altogether (even safer)…but I think you’re right about needing to share them. I’ve been working on not worrying so much what people will say or think and on having the courage not only to dream but to follow those dreams. Thank you very much for this post-it’s good to know that other people hesitate to share their dreams as well. And that they find the courage to do it anyway.
- Samantha B. in response to Vulnerability in Action – Share Your Dream

 

I write out daily to do lists and then erase the items that get finished (I use an HTC tablet that I can write on). If there are items left the date gets changed at the top and I keep them on until they are done.

I’m thinking about adding Google calendar in to my organization though, since I could sync between my computer and the tablet…
- Lindsey in response to Low Level Planning – Use a Calendar Tool

I love the idea of buying one chair at a time as they are found. Right now my dining set really needs replacing, (small children and whitewashed wicker are a bad combo) but a full vintage/antique set is out of my price range. But I can accumlate one chair at a time. I bet the price per chair is a lot less when you put together your own set too. Thanks for the great tip.
- Chantelle in response to Thrifted Thoughts: Teak Side Chair
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July 18, 2011

constant comment

Every day, we get lots of inspiring comments from you, our readers! In this roundup, we share some of our favorites from the previous week.

Selfish Kitty thank you card from Smart Wit Cards

As a person who is totally connected to information all the time, information overload happens on a regular basis. In April I went off the grid for a weekend and came back totally inspired and completely sure of my direction and what I wanted to (last month I just launched my etsy site, website and blog, so progress is good). Unplugging is necessary for sure!

One thing I wanted to share was a book I found called The Power of Less (http://thepowerofless.com/). What is so awesome about it, was that it helps you be more productive while doing less. The guy who wrote it has like 6 kids, runs marathons, quit smoking, wrote a book, and has a blog. While I didn’t do everything suggested, it has helped me streamline a little bit and its a really small book too, so it packs a punch!

Good luck with your disconnecting!
- Jennifer in response to Being busy and the End of the Endless Summer

I know it’s a “hole” when I think of the topic and I sink a little lower or slump over my shoulders.

I feel so lucky but also proud for how hard I am continuing to work to make my dreams a reality. The one gaping hole is financial security. I actually made a commitment to myself today to make it a reality! First I have to stop hiding, then I can start empowering.

It’s starts with a dollar, and then two, and then four, and then eight, etc.

Why are we so often afraid of total and complete abundance of wealth? (and I am not talking money wealth on that one)

Thanks for the visual–it’s encouraging!
- Andrea Mansfield in response to Plugging the Holes: What’s Holding You Back?

 

I totally and completely have a TON of respect for this post and for Eleanor (I know every time you have a new blog post girl and I am right there reading it!!) But I really want to bring mention to something that is rarely (if ever) spoken of, especially on blogs like Scoutie Girl (and other creative business related online spaces). I WOULD DIE if I had to live by a daily outlined calendar. I would suffocate. I would also DIE if I had to subscribe to the Getting Things Done method. I feel like we use the topic of productivity, in so many cases, to make ourselves feel like we are not enough or that we haven’t gotten it right yet in life. I realize this type of blog post is 100% helpful to many people. But there is also another size that is never, ever spoken to. I cannot live my life this way. The only way I get things done is to return to my values consistently and make decisions based off of that, not to look at a schedule. Maybe I should write about this since I haven’t ever seen it done anywhere. MAD RESPECT for those of you who can live this way. I Just want to tell others who can’t that it’s OK! You are ok! There is nothing wrong with you!!
- Ashley Inzer in response to Down in the Weeds – Low Level Planning

I think you are right, Danielle. A partnership is a wonderful thing. I think one of the most important things to note about Meghan and Benoit is that they work at the same craft but in different specialties. In other words, they complement each other. A lot of partnerships go sour because the individuals are too much alike in personality or both have the same primary talent. What’s that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen? Special products are born from special bonds but only if everyone is offering a different ingredient (perspective, specialty, background, technique).
- Janice Bear in response to Where Craftiness Comes From: Meghan and Benoit Devinat

 

I LOVE postcrossing! I’ve been an active user of postcrossing for 5 years or more and it’s sooo cool to receive postcards from all over the world!

It’s fun to check the mail, everyday, in case there’s a postcard from a total stranger waiting for me!
- Marie Noelle in response to Little Things Link Love: Snail Mail

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July 12, 2011

constant comment

Every day, we get lots of inspiring comments from you, our readers! In this roundup, we share some of our favorites from the previous week.

good/evil dichotomy card by upupcreative

I remember when I was working my first ‘real job’ and the company was ‘re-branding’ and I was the only one not understanding the terminology. It’s like we were just supposed to know what it meant, like it was innate, something we’ve always known- and no one could explain it to me. It was one of those words that no one can define except with it’s own word repeated.

Now, as a creative business owner myself I understand why they had the difficulty explaining the act of re-branding to me and I struggle with it every day myself. You feel like, if you’re working on your brand that you’re no longer working on your art- but in reality, the two coincide, are side by side, and should be. Just like your reputation, your feedback, your personality, your art…

Great post.
- Talia Halliday in response to Branding vs. Being, or What Is Independence, Really?

Oh dear. Once again this blog has read my mind! Hubby and I were just talking about how I need a hobby before I burn out, and I’ve only just started my shop! I LOVE photography and have been pursuing it since I was 13 but when I brought up the idea that it might be more profitable to sell than my plush hubby pulled the rug out from under me. “No more hobbies into businesses! You need to R-E-L-A-X!”

Seems like you’re backing him up on this one! I’ll take the hint. Your work time is only as valuable as your play time, because without it you’re just a big ball of stress.
- Dani in response to Hobbies: You Have Some, Right?

 

At first I, too, thought “oh snap!” but then I realized, no matter how hard I try, I can’t find a way to monetize reading trashy novels. Tho I’m sure someone has, I totally do not want to even try!

Especially paired with a glass of ice tea and a hammock!

Now, a group hobby, that might be worth investigating…
- Alexis Yael in response to Hobbies: You Have Some, Right?

Cool! Wondering what software you use to create these lovely mapping-out-your-plan plans!? Thanks!
- Clair O’Connor in response to A Little Closer In – Mid Level Planning

Eleanor’s answer: Hi Claire, Thanks for you comment! I used Illustrator to create this graphic, but that is just for illustration purposes only. I usually use a combination of excel, paper and my mail and calendar program (Outlook). In my next posts I will get into some more detail about tools.

 

As a German I have to say: I really don’t like garden gnomes. Nowadays Germans tend to make fun of those Germans who actually put gnomes in their front garden. It is viewed as a sign for eternal backwardness (or how do you call it?). It is a little bit embarrassing that actually a lot of tourists from foreign countries think those little ugly gnomes are something totally normal in Germany. Like the cuckoo clock. (I really don’t know anyone who owns a cuckoo clock.)
Some years ago there was a big scandal, where an artists made garden gnomes that showed the Hitler greeting.
- Chisa in response to Little Things Link Love: Garden Gnomes

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July 5, 2011

constant comment

Every day, we get lots of inspiring comments from you, our readers! In this roundup, we share some of our favorites from the previous week.

printable notecards by e.m.papers

As an artist, I am always learning and experimenting from everyone and everywhere around me – and I think most creative types are this way as well. I’m always reading books, magazines, going to exhibits, taking workshops and teaching others – how does one learn otherwise? Sometimes even when teaching others, I learn from the students – it’s a give and take. I have a quote that I have on my studio wall by Pierre Auguste Renoir…”ART MUST BE INDESCRIBABLE AND INIMITABLE…” and I go about creating with this in mind – and if someone wants to copy it – GOOD LUCK! True artists are a living, breathing, evolving entity – it’s in our veins, we have to create…we can’t live without doing so. Theives are just that – there’s no passion to create, just greed – plain and simple.
- Susan M Brown in response to Bad Artists Copy. Great Artists Stea.

Eeeeeek!! this is absolutely WONDERFUL!! i’m printing it out so i can view it daily. it’s amazing how much work i do, but sometimes feel like i’m crazy for these ideas…stepping out of the box…doing it differently! lots of others think i’m nuts…but i have to follow my heart and i know that in the end i’m helping others in such a big way! thanks for this reminder!! definitely needed at the most perfect timing!
-Renee in response to You Have a Secret Admirer

 

“Yes, we need to earn money to live, but at what expense?” I LOVE this. I’m going to print it out and hang it above my crafty table.

I just put in notice at my Day Job to work full-time on my crafty business and see where I can take it when not spending all day working in a toxic industry. And I keep hearing this voice in the back of my head bemoaning how I’m going to miss the entire summer (a fleeting thing in this part of the country!, drive myself into the ground, and forego any form of enjoyment because from now on every. single. moment is going to have to be about the hustle.

If I wanted a life with no time for sleep, good food, mental renewal, or any form of self-care, I could’ve stayed at Day Job and collected the regular paycheck. Thanks for pointing out that I am being ridiculous.
- Darlene in response to How Do You Do Self-Care?

thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. i have a moleskine new project planner, but have been clueless as to how to use it most effectively. your demo page above your post was just the visual i needed!
- Rochelle Foles in response to A Helicopter View – High Level Planning

 

As I dig deeper into my own creative business, I’m finding that I really do enjoy the business side of things. I dig marketing, and promotion and research. Heh, not sure if I’ll ever look forward to doing my taxes, but maybe there’s still hope.
- Brandy in response to Success Doesn’t Know Where You Live

Two words: Red Vinyl.
- Amber Ybanez in response to Thrifted Thoughts: Bar Cart

 

I love making popsicles out of super pulpy orange juice! Sweet and refreshing and ridiculously easy. I’ll have to expand my horizons and try your recipes next time!
- Kate in response to Acute How-To: Frozen Treats

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