Finding the Perfect Hand-made Gift

Need to find a gift for someone special that has it all or is just plain hard to buy for?  Consider a hand-made item.  Giving hand-made items is not a sign of extreme frugality.  In fact, it is actually a thought provoking action.  It takes much more effort to seek out a hand-made item and it also definitely takes much more time and thought into creating it.

Club Creative Studio offers cost-efficient items both online and at craft fairs.  The convince of finding unique one-of-a-kind gift items online are at your finger tips by viewing and ordering from the online store: www.clubcreativestudio.com

We have expanded our jewelry line to include many price points and have also ventured into making several new items that incorporate the hand-rolled clay beads and the hand-torched glass beads.  I strive to create focal points for your everyday wardrobe,  and now have created many items to be used and appreciated in your home decor efforts.

Our hand-made art is an excellent way to make a statement about your unique personality, interests, and lifestyle.  To obtain a hand-crafted item shows that you have an eye and an appreciation for art and the artists you have purchased from. As you avoid the normal preference to shop and give gifts that are mass-produced, know that you are supporting the creative efforts of artists and own the sophistication of sharing enchanting expressive art.

Remember, when you bequest an artful item, you give gifts filled with imagination, distinctiveness, aptitude, substance, enterprise, zeal, style, and merit from your exemplary acquisition.  Your efforts are appreciated for finding a great gift!

Color My World- With Paint Chip Samples

One of the reasons why I loved being an Art Teacher in the past was because I had a range of freedom on lesson plans and how I wanted to introduce a topic and engage the students.  Sometimes I miss that interaction time of instruction and inspiration of others on a daily basis.  It is however, still  a  joy to get or give ideas based on a seemingly everyday or normal occurrence and turn it into a teachable or inventive moment.

Author, Keri Smith has a creative book out that I am experiencing called: How To Be An Explorer  Of  The World - Portable Art/Life Museum.  It is a hands-on book, ready for fill-in-the-blanks, self-discoveries, and assignments.  On page 41, there is a fantastic exercise that reminded me of a lesson plan that I made for my art students in the past.  My lesson included the normal box of crayons and an additional larger box of a larger count and variety.  The task was to investigate the names of the crayons and rename them or mix a new color and name that hue.  Based on the student's life experiences, the color name choices ranged from personal (Dawson's dirty baby diaper) to inventive (kitty's fur ball gray) for example.   The exploration in this book deals with paint chip samples.  And, if I were still teaching I would use this as an exercise in creativity.  It's really along the same line of thinking that I challenged my art students with several years ago. For example: in the book, a few paint chip samples are named: ladybug red,  you are my sunshine, golden vista and calypso blue.  The examples of what came to mind as an association were: ladybug red= my red shoes, you are my sunshine=Nana's House, golden vista=sunset on 01/09/08, and calypso blue=the mailbox.  It would be fun to see how creative a class could be with this.

Storage for the Storage

There are times that your storage system takes room and then you have to make room for your storage system plus the items you need to store.  What do you look for in storage?  It may be important to have a system look good, fit properly, take up as little space as possible, be portable, be stackable, and of course, hold the things you need to store securely.

I found, by accident a great system for  adding to my storage and organization.  It fits many characteristics that are favorable for holding many items close at hand.  At Target, near the stationery aisle, there is often times a discounted area.  This is where i found these collapsible boxes.  They snap together and stack well.  The available colors were bright and bold colors and the snaps on the sides make for portable storage as you need it.  I paid only $2.00 per box.  the original price was still manageable at $3.00 per box.

If you are looking for new storage, look in this section of a store from time to time, as well as in the home ware section where plastic bins or other containers are.  You may find a great fit for the size items you normally work with.  It feels great to have things stored attractively as well as easily.  Best wishes for finding what works the best for your crafts.

This system was offered in bright colors and included a window for adding identifying content.  It has silver tone details.

The flat box is pre-folded.  It is easy to form by folding upward and pushing snaps.

The box snaps are fashionable and the finished boxes stack well for display purposes.

When not in use or for waiting use, the box can easily collapse again...great find! 

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.

The meaning of METROCHIC

In an attempt to describe the term that you may have heard and are seeing on the streets today: the "Metro chic" look, I will tell you how I see it: "corporate-girl-gone-wild"  look.  And, I love it because once again Club Creative Studio offers items that fit into that category of style.  The trend is energetic and experimental, with a bold dash of color.  "Urban Cool" is the look that is inspired by the sights and sounds of a city that never sleeps.  Jewelry trends now are imaginative and beautifully daring as they are fun, ultra feminine and have a slight edge as a twist.

High on the visual appeal in clothing for this trend which is predicted to carry over into 2011 is the pairing of silks and denim, and pearls and leopard print.  With that visual in your mind, you can now add the ideas of combining the metro chic jewelry characteristics.  Faux gemstones, opulent and transparent stones, edgy motifs which are ideal for turning heads and textured designs which create unique and polished looks. 

Metro chic combines resin and acrylic faux gemstones mixed with semi precious or precious gemstones.  You will also notice big singular bauble clusters of faux gemstones used to dress up an outfit and add a touch of elegance.  Collar necklaces, link bracelets and chandelier earrings are included in this mixture of urban cool. 

Celebrities in particular appear to be indulging in motif jewelry.  The specific trends spotted are of snakes, flowers and birds.  The theatrical piece that you will spot quickly is a grown-up accessory with a child-like name: Bib Necklace.   The bib necklace is an instant style of color and material.  The over-all design is bold, large and has texture with eye-popping appeal.  Theatrical necklaces are created using multiple strands with large clustered beads, pearls, semi precious, or precious stones.  The major presence in this season's shows. For those of you who enjoy a subtler style with a daintier and less dramatic look, a small but no less intricate and stylish appeal is also great and less super sized than a runway version.

When you think Soho, Madison Avenue, Broadway, 5th Avenue and Central Park, you are thinking of metrochic. Remember that Metro chic is the bold clash of color, shapes,  and modern details- the vibe that is city-inspired but can have a focus on snakes, flowers and birds as spotted on many celebrities.