Dreaming for a Reality

If you have a creative mind you already know that it does not come with an "off switch".  The right-brain users are commonly also lacking of sleep because of  it.  I am one of those, and I try to find ways to help me control the streaming information and ideas that come into my mind.

I keep notebooks around.  I have one for the home and one for the car.  I jot down ideas when they pop into my head and I cut and paste visuals if I do not have the time to process or act on them at the time.  It frees my memory and it also is a sort of documentation for reference later.  

  
When you have dreams, ideas, inspirations, goals and eventually projects in the works, you have a constant flow of information that needs to be sorted.  When your dreams are finally your reality, you can look back on the notes taken and appreciate the creative steps the journey has taken you through.

Take time to save your best thoughts and keep them in the forefront to more readily help put your dreams into real time.

Mini Canvas Series

The mini canvas series is a new category addition to the Club Creative Studio online items that incorporate hand-made beads and other elements.  They are small stretched and primed canvas creations measuring two and one half inches by two and one half inches.  Each item is one-of-a-kind and has various artful techniques used to complete the whimsical style or theme.  They are available for quick and easy display because they arrive with a simple wood display easel that perfectly fits the canvas size.  They are considered a mixed media item and are one-of-a-kind designs perfect for gift giving.

If you are wondering where one may place such an item, there are many suggestions to consider.  It provides a perfect splash of color for any small spot.  Any nook or cranny can be transformed by a focal point with art added to it.  Create a special place where art is displayed and appreciated. Highlight a bare spot on a shelf,  use as a decorative detail in a office waiting room or business space.  It will provide charm to a desk in a dorm, and brighten up the decor of your recreational camper.  Your art may contain and is not limited to containing hand-rolled polymer clay elements, office and craft supplies,torn papers, hand-painted and hand-stamped areas, charms, vintage jewels and other miscellaneous objects.  Unique and petite. All canvas creations are priced afforably at $22.00 USD each. Each canvas is signed by the artist on the back as well. You have the option of also hanging this mini canvas on a flat surface such as a wall or attach a small magnet to the back side to adhere to a metal surface of your choice such as a refrigerator or a file cabnet.

Working With Distractions

It is difficult at times to juggle the many elements of any given day that you would ideally like to be more controlled.  It is difficult in today's life to remain focused.  Everyday, we are challenged to work with the distractions around us and to work with the distractions we create for ourselves.  To make a few suggestions and allow for the possibility of helpful considerations, I offer a few ideas.  I do not have a ton of answers for how to remain on task or not be overly distracted for too long but, it is a process that can be put into practice. 

I have a friend, Kristen of KRDesign, which is a Strategic Marketing firm that has a system that may also work for others.  Her day is organized and blocked out in specific work times (task oriented times) which she expects herself to adhere to when possible.  This chart is placed in a book that is seen often.  There is no real difference between this list and having a calendar with the same information placed in it but, it is a written routine that is pre-printed out.  It reminds me of my high school class schedule.  We had a "block schedule" that included the same classes on a rotation in the week.  Taking time to plan the day will be a less likely excuse to veer from it.  The main reason that it is a great idea to plan a day is so you have that "vision" of productivity seed planted early when you awake.  We know that the mere start of a "bad day" can turn your entire day upside down.  Knowing what is in store (to a degree) can be controlled and anticipated with producing a day of satisfying progress.

Here he is, the reason why I  am posting this particular blog.  I introduce my kitten, Adidas.  What an added joy to my life and...what an added pain to my day as well.  First off...who can resist a cute ball of fur like this?  I use our kitten to some extent, as a well deserved "break".  He becomes too overwhelmingly adorable at times that I have to actually stop work in the studio to take time to cuddle.  I would not do this in the day if it weren't for it's existence. I might think that without him, I might be more productive. It takes time out of my day and diverts me from the task at hand.  However, it is my responsibility to care for and love the pet that we have taken into our family. It turns out though, that he is a type of therapy for me and my work day. Instead, I am finding myself taking and using the down time as a time to recharge- even if it is just for ten minutes.  That gives me returned focus and a bit of urgency to get back to work at the same time.  It works for me...to a point.  The only added distraction is when the kitten discovers that he wants to be my assistant.  His attempts are usually not appreciated by me.  Hopping on top of a half way completed design or scattering beads to the floor is not progress to me.  It takes a bit of time to redirect him or pick up the disorganized mess made.  I deal with it altohough at times I feel like a have an active and spirited two year old child in the house working along side of me.  the kitten will not be a kitten for long, so I will appreciate him and wait patiently for the day that he becomes a friendly lap cat and will do nothing but sit on my lap as a welcome distraction.  Find your focus prompts, recognize them and adjust to grow from them.  Best of luck for progress!
-Club Creative Studio.