commit to being creative

woo - time is a funny thing...............

You think of so many things you're going to do at the beginning of the day, and then BAM!!!  it's 5 o'clock and you have NOTHING TO SHOW for it!!

it's not always like that, but most days, if you're anything like me, you have grand plans of doing a heap of things, but then a little thing called life gets in the way, and you're lamenting at the end of the day for the rest of the world to stop, just so you can catch up on what you had planned.

WELL STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!!!

You are not going to get everything ticked off your to-do list - so stop beating yourself up about it!

You are going to look at a million things every day (thanks Pinterest) that you want to do, but you JUST CAN'T!!

You are going to struggle each & every day to find some time to release that creative monster in you.............I know this................it eats me up each & every day too!!

BUT....................YOU CAN #committobeingcreative!!

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT!?!!

With life being so busy these days, it's almost impossible to find time for YOU!!  Husbands, wives, jobs, kids, pets, family, friends, businesses, volunteering, sports, groups, etc.  WHEN DID WE GET SO BUSY!?!!

My new mantra is commit to being creative - simply find 10 MINUTES EVERY DAY to do something that you LOVE!!

It doesn't have to be crafty - you can cook, sing, read, make chutney, declutter, clean, scream, laugh, listen to music, watch a recorded show, hell.........you can even sleep if you want!!

The secret is to do it EVERY DAY,  for a minimum of 10 minutes..............that's all!!!

It's damn near impossible to find a half hour each day - and don't even TRY for a full hour to yourself.............but 10 minutes..........hey, that just might work!!!

SOME SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU FIND 10 MINUTES

Get up 10 minutes earlier than you usually do
put your hair in a bun instead of drying it for the day
put on lippy & mascara and forego the spakfilla makeup (you are beautiful enough!)
put the cereals & milk out for the kids and tell them to make their own (they can do it, believe me!)
reward your kids with tv time if they get ready early, then you can all start the day relaxed
get the train and use that time to do your thang
at work, during your lunch break (you know you're entitled to one!)
set an alarm for the same time every day so you don't forget
at night send the kids to bed and stay up 10 minutes later (if you can make it only 10 minutes!)

Now I'm not saying that it's going to be easy to find that time..........every day is different, and every situation is more challenging than the last...........and you'll probably find yourself spending more than 10 minutes a day doing it sometimes............but that's not a bad thing, is it!?!!

Before you give me your pity stories about how busy you are.....................I run a small business in a retail space that is open 6 days a week............I have to do the business work behind the scenes to make sure the business is running professionally after hours too (that BAS isn't going to do itself)..............I have a second job helping a friend two days a week (work that out!!)...........I have two school aged children who i need to care for and spend time with, who also play sports on weekends and train after school twice a week................I have a husband who is away more than he is at home (luckily he's also willing to give me time away when he gets back on weekends)................and I have no family members nearby that I rely on.

So................your excuses won't work here!!

Find 10 minutes a day to do something you love - YOU KNOW YOU DESERVE IT!!

I've already started the promotion on instagram last month, and we've already had nearly 700 posts from all over the globe!!

So why don't you join the party and #committobeingcreative...............starting TODAY!!!!

finished #5 - scarf top

finished #5 - scarf top

So you might not know that i'm addicted to Pinterest yet - WHO ISN'T!?!!

and I'm always searching for a few minutes between working full time in my business, and being a mum & wife for the rest of the time

Pinterest is a lovely escape and a great resource for all things possible.  If you want to be inspired, humoured or even shocked at times, you need to be a part of it - seriously.

But back to one of the jobs on my "if only I had more time..." board - A SCARF TOP

I found this image and repinned it so that I could look back onto the instructions later.  Sadly the link just takes me back to nowhere - so me being stubborn, I thought I may as well just do it myself!!

First thing I did was grab some fabric I had bought from a local BrisStyle gals de-stash http://kittybooboodesign.blogspot.com.au/ and cut 2 pieces approx. 1m x 1m (sorry if you're looking for the technical terms, that just ain't my thang!) and overlock the edges.  I did this as it wasn't a scarf I used for this particular shirt.  Next time i have time alone I'll be going to my local oppies & getting a few lovelies that are already edged.

next I put the pieces up to me, and pinned a spot on either side above my shoulders (just on the outside of the collar bone,) so that I could sew those spots later - note as per the picture that I only sewed a small space to join the front & back together.

After that, I then grabbed some black ribbon and (after turning the shirt inside out,) I attached the ribbon to the waist area of the top (this will differ for you - at this point it's probably best to put the top on and measure the waist area for yourself.)

The ribbon length, by the way, was approx. 55cm

Don't forget to turn the top inside out when sewing the ribbon piece in.

Once that's done, turn it the right way around and pop on.  You'll see the top sits nicely on your shoulders, and then the ribbon when tied together at the back also brings it all in - so simple & lovely!

 

 


If I was a professional I'd talk at this point about the importance of using the right type of material for the job and that the overlocking on my fabric one does tend to stand out.  If I can be bothered I'll be sure to maybe turn it around so it's not as obvious - but that'll have to wait - cause I've been distracted by something else I've found on pinterest!!!

don't forget to iron your finished product when you go out (like I clearly didn't!) - and also be sure to tell everyone, "thank you for the compliments, I MADE IT MYSELF!!"

COMMIT TO BEING CREATIVE

SPEND 10 MINUTES A DAY DOING SOMETHING THAT YOU LOVE

Are you time poor?
Do you miss doing things you love because you're too busy doing the things you hate?
Have you got a creative streak but no time to do anything?

IT'S TIME TO MAKE YOURSELF A HIGHER PRIORITY!!!

JUNE 1st WILL BE OUR STARTING POINT..........ARE YOU GOING TO JOIN US!?!!

These days we are so busy 'doing things' that we aren't doing what we want really want to..............our creative endeavours are always the last thing on our list because we feel guilty if we do them instead of cleaning the house or spending time with the children or pets.

The mess and people will still be there..........but you'll be sad at the end of the day because you haven't been creative.


So TAKE THE PLEDGE with me to be creative EVERY DAY.............and spend just 10 minutes on something you truly love.  If you usually have trouble looking for a spare hour, then don't!!  It's not that hard to find the time if it's only 10 minutes....
   
                *         get off facebook
                *         turn the tv off at night
                *         wake up 10 minutes earlier
                *         use a stopwatch to get the kids into action in the morning
                *         stay up at the end of the day
                *         get your kids involved
                *         find time during your lunch break (you are entitled to one, you know!)

As long as you GET IN ACTION you'll find that you can spend some quality time on you - and that's ok!!

Here's some ideas of what can be done in 10 minutes - with a few links to other blogs courtesy of Pinterest!

Potato stamp

Rubber stamp

pom poms

http://www.ohcrafts.net/decoration-pom-pom-flowers.php

Lolly jar

Sharpie baked plate

Sharpie baked mug

Record bowls

 http://weddingsinspiredfromtheheart.wordpress.com/page/3/

Magnet artwork with frame

Bookmark

Crochet magic circle

Beaded earrings

Muffins in a jar

 

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/12/27/make-a-mix-muffins-in-a-jar/

Polymer clay keyring

No sew cushion

Chalkboard paint

Write on board

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=606685186016839&              set=pb.287224641296230.-2207520000.1369946202.&type=3&theater

No sew sock animal – worm

Sugar scrub

Paper bunting

Yarn from a t-shirt

String/wool wrapped tin/jar

Bird seed bell/feeder (toilet roll with peanut butter)

Glitter magnet balls

Galaxy shirt (spray paint with bleach)

4 x button crafts – earrings, magnets, paper clip tops & bobby pins

Cookie sheet magnet board (fabric cover)

Love heart nail art with wool

Wool bowl from blown up balloon

Glass tile pendant

Fabric platted headband

Paint dipped pinecones

Yarn wrapped bottles

Paint dipped tins & jars

 

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/12/27/make-a-mix-muffins-in-a-jar/

Glass etching

Peg magnets

Mixed media eraser board

Lace wrapped glasses candles

Fabric covered notebook

Platted fabric headbank

Wax crayon canvas

This is just the tip of the iceberg - and you don't have to just do crafts...........but

take 10 minutes out EVERY DAY for yourself......................i would love to see how you're going at the end of the month!!! 

6 steps to decorating your house

do you love thumbing through the magazines with their beautifully displayed rooms?  do you dream of having the photographers of real living shoot YOUR house!?!!  Why not apply these simple tips and see the transformation unfold…. 

one room at a time...... 

 

 Visit elv-s.blogspot.com

clear the space – it’s hard to see a masterpiece unfolding if you aren’t starting with a blank canvas.  If you can’t move things out, try using an online planner, or get our your sketch book & colourful pencils (cause who doesn’t love to colour in!?!!)

 

find your feature piece – this is where you’ll get your colour palette from.  Whether it’s an art piece, a blanket, or a favourite piece of furniture, pick the colours from it (or go to a paint shop and find complementary colours on those paint sample cards.

www.etsy.com/shop/helloitssandra

http://www.zoffany.com/pages/products/products_wallpapers-detail/gustavus/1/

the walls are closing in – does the room need a new lick of paint? or do you think a feature wallpaper might add to the atmosphere










 larger furniture pieces move in – think of practicality and start the layering effect (don’t forget rugs at this stage too, they completely change a rooms ambience)

  Visit apartmenttherapy.com

the icing on the cake – small accessories like cushions, wall hangings and special momentos are what makes a room personal.  make sure they complement the feature piece in some way, and if they don’t, find other complimentary pieces to team it up with.  it doesn’t all have to match perfectly, but (like making pottery,) it has to have some sort of family resemblance!!  It’s always good to have a box of accessories to choose from when you feel the room needs a change too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7556502@N03/3973770095/in/faves-isleniacaico/

go to the next room and start all over again – you know you want to!!  It’s not much to do this in each room…………just easier to take it step by step!!

how to turn your hobby into a business

TURNING YOUR PASSION INTO YOUR INCOME......

TIPS & THE TRUTH

If you don't know......I own in.cube8r gallery in fortitude valley......have done so for 3 years now (this Saturday!)  I've learnt so much about business while running the gallery.....but I still have much more to share...........this was something I wrote for the main website, but I thought I should share it here too!

__________________________________________

If you make things, it comes as no surprise that you’ve thought to yourself at some point, “I wonder if I could make some money out of this!?!!”

Have you given your handmade pieces to friends, only to have them say to you, “you should SELL these in a shop!” 

Makes you feel good, doesn’t it!?!! 

The only problem is…………HOW DO I GO ABOUT IT!?!

photo courtesy of http://typeverything.com/post/24947919015/typeverything-com-question-mark-by-kumi

Have you gone to bed wondering about it…….only to be kept awake with your brain turning things over!?!!

Do I need an ABN? How much stuff would I need? What would it cost? How do I even approach a shop to see if they’d like it?

What if they don’t like it?  What if they SELLOUT and I have to make more straight away? How do I sell online?

OH THIS IS ALL TOO HARD………..I’M GOING BACK TO BED!!

I’ve seen it all too often in the gallery – people with a talent are overwhelmed before they even begin, and so they don’t do it – which is pretty sad L

SO………………..I recently hosted a night for some passionate handmadies that had already started with their businesses, but just weren’t sure how to MASTER the whole ‘handmade living’ process.

 

With the help of some Brisbane professionals, namely the devine Jess Van Den from epheriell and the lovely Liana Kabel, we wrestled some hot topics, and came out at the end of the evening with a better understanding of what needs to be done, and where to actually go from here! 

Here are some of the highlights from the evening that we’d like to share with you….

·         Get clarity on what you want to do exactly, and make sure it’s something that can be profitable – sit down & think hard, write a list of things you’ll make, and get feedback through any outlet you can to make sure it’s something that people want to buy

·         Plan plan plan – where do you want to be in 5 years?  Where do you want to be selling?  (as a wholesaler, at markets, online exclusively, at outlets such as in.cube8r.  What does a typical week look for you, have you included in promotional time, or are you just make, make making?

·         Get into action – start at the beginning and go from there…………make your items, approach your retailers, rent out a space, get an online presence.  It’s not going to happen in 24 hours (read closer to 2 years before profits start turning in your favour,) but start at the beginning and stick to the plan………….make sure you review every few months to make sure you’re on track…….the targets might move now and then – make sure you’re still aiming in the right direction

·         Promotion – whether it’s online, handing out flyers, finding affiliate promoters, paying a PR company, blogging, facebook, instagram, pinterest, markets, exhibitions – whatever it is, it’s an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY – people aren’t going to knock on your door and ask to see your work………..build up your list of followers so you can share your work with them.  Over time you’ll gather the numbers you need, but it’s a slow & steady kind of pace.

·         Network – go and visit markets, go to exhibitions, comment on other peoples blogs, BUY HANDMADE YOURSELF AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS, join craft groups & business entities with similar interests………….do all of these or just one, but be seen to be involved

·         Be Unique – what sets you apart from all the other makers out there?  (do a quick google and see how many others you’re competing against!)  Make sure your style reflects “that thing that you do differently” and that your customers see your story behind your work too.

·         Keep at it – it’s a continuous wheel of activity – and no two days are going to look the same (isn’t that a good thing for us creative souls!?!!) one day you’re making, the next you’re meeting with a prospective seller, the one after that you’re blogging about your stuff as well as getting a wholesale price list printed…..have a well-structured plan, but be flexible – opportunities arise when you start to work towards your truth!

·         Keep it professional – remember when you’re online you’re out there for all to see (and critique & comment on,) so make sure you play nice!!  Spend a bit of time on getting your photos up to a high standard, have good descriptions, get feedback from friends, and give your own to others.  If something goes bad, remember to keep your cool and get back on plan………no one likes to hear people whinging and bad mouthing others – so choose to take the high road

·         Find your market – get clarity on this when you can…….find out who your demographic is and where they shop – look for opportunities to ask questions of your customers, (through surveys like Survey Monkey or just on blogs, etc.)

·         Remember you are constantly learning – you will never know  everything about handmade, or business – keep learning every day.  Go to courses (BrisStyle hold some great free ones,) do some online classes, get involved in great business courses like National College of Business as long as you continue to learn

 

·         Stay grounded – after the monotonous tasks comes the happiness……just remember that it’s not all the good stuff – the hard or boring stuff is all a part of it – if you don’t do it you really are denying yourself the very thing you want……..a BUSINESS (warts and all) making money from something you love doing.  We live in a world that gives us so many opportunities.  Take life by the shirt front and give it a go……………..it’s better than living with the regret of not trying!

We were also lucky enough to have Anna-Marie & Belinda from Made of Australia who spoke at length about their experiences with funding assistance from local councils.  This was a great insight into the process, and we all learnt about this as a possible avenue to get our businesses up & running if we needed large amounts of capital. 

We spoke of many different apps, software programmes & websites, so I’ve listed those that I remember for you to do some searching in your spare time

www.etsy.com/ - international site for selling your work – the holy grail of handmade

www.madeit.com.au/‎  - an Australian version for people who want to sell online & support Australian handmade at the same time

www.mailchimp.com/‎ - Online email marketing solution to manage contacts, send emails and track results.

 

www.blogher.com/‎ - the Web's leading guide to the hottest news and trends among women in social media.

 

www.picasa.en.softonic.com/‎ - Manage, edit and share your photos with ease.

 

And finally…..thegoodguide.com.au/2013/03/20/bam-espresso/‎ - BAM! Espresso in Fortitude Valley. The coffee house caffeinating people and saving the world one espresso at a time – THANKS MICHAEL FOR BEING THE HOST WITH THE MOST!!!

So that’s it!!  A few simple steps that you need to take on your own before you head off into the business wilderness!!  It’s a fun & scary ride…………..but at the end of the day…………….when you realise that you’re in fact the only one that can make this happen, you feel empowered & RARING TO GO!!!

Remember that there’s always others out there ready & willing to help you out, and to be there when you need reassurance or a guiding hand!!

NOW GET OUT THERE AND MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!!