Finding the Creative Person Within and Annoucement of a Winner!

Without further ado, we have a winner for the random drawing of the "Two Shall Become One" jewelry from Arise Shine Designs at http://www.ariseshinejewelry.com/ and congratulations to #4 comment belonging to Julie! Thank you all so much for your comments!

I was thinking today that this has been a pretty creatively intense four months---but in a good way. It's amusing [and a little quirky] how I jump from one project to another whether it is sewing, stenciling / painting [I'm not a painter!], doodler, outside-of-the-box thinker, jewelry, and organizing. Sometimes I don't finish my project. Now, I'm realizing that I just need to stick with it even if it doesn't turn out right; and then try again. If Thomas Edison had been like me, we would still be in the dark now.

This is an example of a project turned lackluster----although it is so homey and I love everything red, white and blue. This one is for Betsy Ross---perhaps just as primitive as that first flag. Or maybe Betsy was a true craftswoman whose perfect stars and stripes impressed everyone who saw that flag waving.
What do you think about my flag with its 50 stars? You can see my practice stars to the left of the finished flag. I used a potato and made a star stamp. It works pretty good when you're in a tight spot!

The highlight of my day can be as simple as stopping by Books-A-Million to see if the new creative magazines are out. By that time, I've already worn the previous issues ragged. I've been finding myself really obsessed with the publication "Where Women Create" http://www.wherewomencreate.com/ and if you have visited their site and blog , you will probably agree with me. There are some phenomenal creative people out there. I love reading the stories about how they started, the hurdles they've overcome and what they have learned about themselves in the process. It calls back to me and encourages me forward. What about you? Is there a less-than-perfect project that you have---perhaps abandoned in a box because it just didn't turn out as expected; or maybe something that you wanted to try but just sort of gave up and became content to read the creative magazines where artists abound with creativity and incredible FINISHED projects. The feature about Kelly Rae Roberts is truly motivating and inspiring. I would love to participate in the "Flying Lessons" e-course or even have the e-course books! If you go over to the WWC site, you can enter a giveaway. This would be great if you're an entrepreneurial [which I think I am] and it's great to learn from someone with her experience!

What projects are you working on? What skills would you like to have? What can you do to obtain these skills [take a class, learn from a mentor, learn from YouTube :) , online courses, or my tried and true method, "trial and error"]?

This week while in the creative mode jumping from fabric project, paint project, wood project, collage project to paper project [are you dizzy yet?], I was reminded of Creation and how God made all things [Genesis Chapters 1 & 2] and He saw that it was good. I have decided to enjoy the lessons in creating little things---even with their imperfections ---- and learn to think that it is good. Perhaps not good in someone else's eyes, but just to see something that is born from a creative idea or thought and hold that something in my hand, is an accomplishment & a gift in itself. I have decided to never quit, never give up, never stop trying, never stop tweaking and never stop learning. Oh, and never stop sharing! This is part of the joy of life. Isn't it fun to create? Blessings to you and yours!

It's All Coming Back to Me Now.......and a giveaway, too!

Just a quick note....at the end of this long post :) , I have a giveaway for you! This will be a great gift for a bride-to-be or perhaps just for you to remember your special day by. So, there's a reward for hanging with me on this long post. I am glad that you're here visiting me---I love company!...........on to the post......

It's all coming back to me now. It's definitely a new day with the wedding styles of 2010 and I must say that I rather like it! I love eclectic-vintage-y, natural-looking decor and elements of today's wedding style. I'm trying to get adjusted to the updated version of the wedding that I have thought about many years as a mother of two precious girls. This updated--somewhat "hip", retro and new spin on yesteryear's -traditional- look is really growing on me. And, many brides [like my sweet girl] are going a bit more casual. It's great. Truly, it is. I've bought it. Hook, line and sinker!

Yet, the whole world of bridal gowns, flowers, cake, photographers, rentals, gifts, caterers.....whew....can be a little overwhelming when you throw those fast balls without giving your mind a break. This weekend, I had the "gift" of attending a bridal show in Nashville with one of my daughters and I think that I enjoyed it far more than she did. It was her company that I enjoyed the most. Or, was that just the sugar rush that I had going from all of those cake samples? Nope, it was definitely her company.

Just visualize the endless cake booths, all with their own specialties to offer; catering companies who put their best dishes forward for hopeful brides to sample; florists who displayed their finest work for all to see; and so many other things were offered to help make the day as special as any newly engaged girl could possibly imagine or dream. And, don't forget the moms. Maybe you have a special story or memory of planning a wedding and all the fun [and challenges] that go along with the festivities. It would be nice to just have a great big "Mother of the Bride" party and hear all about it. We should do that! Maybe blog style. What do you think? Would it be funny or misty-eyed? I'm trying to keep mine as funny as possible. The misty eyes will come later.So, on to share some of the highlights.....and some of my favorite vendors that I met, talked with and some who were kind enough to either let me take a picture of things that intrigued me or were novel....and even collections of business cards that I would pour through once I landed safely at home. In my quiet little nest that used to be filled with my birdies. This will be a happy time for me. I have decided. That's it. This is the time of my daughter's life----and I am here to share this time with her. What a great gift that God has given to me! Here we go....on to the show!

First of all, I met so many great caterers, cake artisans, florists and so forth, that I have to mention Crumb de la Crumb whose cake was absolutely decadently infused with flavor & it was love at first bite :) [I know that's really cheesy--but bear with me!]

and the 8 Lavender Lane http://www.8lavenderlane.com/ , owner Debbie Sutton and Artistic Designer, Cheryl Guest were too kind to humor me with my pictures of their beautiful lavender flavored tea [beautifully displayed, too!] The picture of their drinks will be posted later and they also provide catering! I hope you'll come back and see the next set of pictures as I've run out of room on this post! The Farmhouse ladies at http://www.farmhouseonthesquare.com/ provided that warm, Southern hospitality that really impressed me [fruit fusion tea!]! Chef Penelope's Catering http://www.chefpenelope.com/ was serving two of her signature dishes and it was all just delicious! Thank you all so much! You really outdid yourselves at this bridal show and I know that you will be booked up soon...

We are zooming to a March wedding as fast as lightn'ing and I am just happy to be here for this exciting ride! No roller coasters here----just a delightful, lazy river of wedding planning. I hope you'll come back to visit for the updates. And the pictures. Don't forget the pictures.

Now, for the giveaway that I've promised! It's really, really simple! No jumping through hoops like little poodles! Just check out my website at http://www.ariseshinejewelry.com/ and let me know which piece is your favorite; then come back here and leave a comment for me about that piece; and you will be entered in the drawing for August 9, 2010 for the piece "The Two Shall Become One". That's super easy! If you sign up to follow my blog, please leave a second entry and you'll have a second chance to win. [To all of you who are already followers, leave a second comment for your second chance to win!] **extra note*** I can make this piece in a sweet bracelet of Swarovski crystals and pearls if you would prefer!

And, if you really want one more chance to win this giveaway, blog about it and I'll enter your name another 2 times! Please leave your link info so that I can check out your blog, too!

Sweet blessings to you all!