The Crafty Cafe » Inspiration

I Post Therefore I Am?

Jess — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:23:17 +0000

Do you ever feel like that as a blogger?

When you’re not posting, your blog tugs at you, sometimes with longing to have the time but sometimes with a little jab of guilt for not being there?

I’m trying to change that mindset for myself… as it’s kind of bogging me down.

So I’ve had to really sit back and think on what I want from my blog.

I’ve been reading lots of articles lately on how to have a ‘successful’ blog one should post every day… and I do get that to a point. Post every day – your hits go up and people check back with you to see what’s new. Simple as that. And I love blogs that post every day, good quality, reliable content like my morning news.

But what makes me feel my blog is successful?

Is it the hits? Well, kind of. Seeing my hits go up is so much fun. Not to mention getting new subscribers, and the all important comments.

But does X more hits one day vs. the next inspire me more creatively?

Nah not really. So I don’t consider that a success.

Is it for money? Hey’all No.

I don’t do ads on my site. I tried it for awhile once but quickly realized I didn’t like at all the vibe it brought to my sacred space. Please don’t get me wrong, if you have ads on your site to generate a little extra dough than more power to you. And to those that can earn a living through ads I say bravo!

While I do blog sometimes due to products I’m endorsing ( I mean c’mon, crafters like free stuff to play with), I just don’t want detergent ads on my site.

Don’t make me preach about laundry again.

Is it for prestige?

Um, well, the hits… they are nice. I can’t pretend they aren’t an ego boost. But I don’t display anything that shows how many hits I have or subscribers or ‘Top’ what-have-you for a reason too. It gets obsessive, and I know because I used to put those things up. “Whoohoo! I’m up 10 places!” can quickly turn to “Argh no! Why did I fall 20 places! Wah!”, and too much self obsession. I also don’t want anyone who stops by to have a preconceived notion of my blog due to the numbers game. I know how many hits and subscribers I have and that’s enough. And I have a rule to only check every so often. (I am, after all, not completely immune to the rush of a new follower or two).

So if I’m not into making money, and I don’t go for the numbers… I’m not sure why I get that “Ugh I haven’t posted anything in a few days” feeling.

This is my creative space and where I want to share projects, ideas, and the occasional stream of thought.

I am not supercrafter and don’t necessarily have those every day. (Dear Marvel Comics… ‘Supercrafter’… you’re welcome)

I started off this year pretty good, posting 3-4 times a week, vlogs, a recipe a week… and my subscribers tripled. So I know I was doing something right. But I got burnt out way too quickly again and I don’t want to do another hiatus of not blogging for months. That made me feel icky.

But the reality is I work at a sometimes stressful day job… I have long days that drain my creative juice like everyone. And I don’t want to spend my entire Saturday prepping 5 posts for the next week. Sometimes I just want the couch, M&M’s, and a kitty on my lap while I watch non-stop Law & Order: SVU.

So where am I going with this?? First as a tiny explanation to those new subscribers (thank you and I love you for wanting to see what I have to say) as to the sporadic posting these past 2-3 weeks. And second as a recommitment not to my blog but to myself as a blogger.

Dear self….I promise to seek out enough inspiration and create enough to post at least twice a week*. More if I’m totally inspired, but no more forcing creativity to post every day. I’m not into this for the work I’m into it for the fun and creative outlet.

*Usually. If I’m not here for a week because I’m elbow deep in paint or out taking photos of trees on a beautiful day, that’s just the way it goes. Pressure off.

So, if you enjoy my posts I’d love it if you subscribed so that you know when I’ve been inspired and posted about it, and I don’t feel like I might be letting you down by not posting every single day. Let me be the one in your Reader who doesn’t necessarily post a lot, but really really means it when she does.

And comment or email me every once in awhile so I can get to know you too, because even if I’m not writing I can guarantee I’m blog surfing. Sometimes I feel like we just comment back and forth to get a comment for a comment, (another “rule” of blog land) but I really want to see who you are and be inspired by you, so know I’ll stop by your space and book mark it. And if we comment back and forth enough we’re destined to be friends.

And I hope as I shift back a little from being a blogger who crafts to a crafter who blogs every so often, you continue to enjoy the journey with me.

That is what would make me feel like my blog is a success.

Thanks for stopping by today, and see you again soon.

XOXO,

Daily Imperfections

Jess — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:59 +0000

By Rosie Geissler, see more amazing work here

The term “perfection” is so irrelevant when it comes to living creatively.

And I’m not talking about “there is no perfect design”. We all know that speech.

I mean realizing that in order to nurture creativity in our lives… in real, normal lives where we don’t get to wake each morning to song birds, have a cup of tea on the terrace while we meditate in a billowy lavender gown and watch the fawns playing in the distance…

I’m talking regular daily lives where we wake up way too early to a blaring alarm clock or bellowing children, and live on the notion that coffee is indeed a food group, while we don our uniforms… and don’t get to think about creativity until it fits into our schedule.

It is just a reality for most that creativity takes a back seat to that daily life. There is so much we have to do before we can do what we want to do. We scrapbook, paint, or write after the real work is done first, the kids are in bed (or in my case the husband busy with a video game), calling those moments “me time”.

I don’t think I have to preach about letting the laundry go for a day in the name of creativity, ordering in one night instead of worrying about dinner if deep in thought on a project, or being good to ourselves when it comes to scheduling that “me time”.

But I’ve been thinking lately that in order to truly live a creative life I need to embrace the fact that imperfections in daily real life are indeed daily and just a part of who I am, not only for when I decide to say ” to heck with the laundry” and make time for what I really love to do.

That writing usually means staying up too late and that I won’t get as much sleep as I should.

That to spend time making a mess of paint and paper I forgo home cooked meals way too often in favor of take out.

That I’m just the type of person who would rather play than do what’s responsible around the house…. so it’s pretty neglected dust bunny wise.

Man, I am SO imperfect at this “real” life.

But I’m so creatively fulfilled for it.

What are your daily imperfections that you can embrace in the name of being creative? I hope you can name at least 3 too, or in the rare case you have none at all… at least make one by forgoing the laundry for a little while today in favor of play.

Billowing lavender gowns are probably dry clean only anyway.

Imperfectly,

The Oscars of Craft Organization

Jess — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00:33 +0000

Hello there friends! How was your weekend? Did you watch the Oscars? I have to admit I love awards show season. The excitement, the fashion, the montages… yes I adore a good montage.

Especially when there is 80′s music involved.

Writing my most recent article for Craft Critique on how to choose your craft organizers (check it out here) has me in the mode of finding wonderful ideas to make my space inspiring yet functional, and in the spirit of the awards season here’s a few favorites I’ve run across recently.

The envelope please…

Best Organizer Using Vintage Elements

Vintage Tin Can Organizer from bhg.com. Love the colors, love the idea, love the many balls of white yarn… love everything.

Best Use of an Everyday Item

$5 Ribbon Organizer from Spunky Junky. Easy, cheap, brilliant! Check out the tutorial here.

Best Make it Yourself Organizer

DIY Lazy Susan from The Crafters File Box. Huge bonus points for it being a Pottery Barn Kids knock off! Easy tutorial here.

Best Traveling Craft Kit

Vintage suitcase from DIYideas.com. I love how this looks, and I love the idea.

Best Use of Wall Space

Clipboard Wall Organizer found via Apartment Therapy. What a great way to keep a rotating array of inspiration! And the idea could fit whatever wall space you have.

And finally, for the big one…

*Enter Steven Spielberg*

Best Craft Room Transformation Before and After

This amazing transformation from a formal dining room to a craft room at Tatertots and Jello. I mean come ON amazing. See more pics at her site.

And there you have it, and we only went 4 1/2 hours over.

For more crafty awards, be sure to check out Craft Critique’s Best of the 2011 Winter CHA Show.

Lots of wonderfulness to get excited about!

I’m off to kick off these high heels, roll up the red carpet, and climb out of this huge taffeta ball gown I’ve been wandering the house in.

We take the Oscars serious round these parts.

Ok not really that serious, but that would be awesome.

Have a wonderful and rewarding day,

A Valentine to the Mess

Jess — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:25 +0000

I just spent about an hour on a layout…

And then tore the whole thing apart.

I’m finding myself sometimes on Sunday nights rushing through a project just so I can get something creative accomplished from the weekend.

Something new to share, something new to post.

But, that’s just not working for me.

With the daylight hours fleeting I start pasting things here and there, rushing my journaling, not caring if that letter is a little crooked, etc.

Forcing myself to finish.

Nope not working.

So I took it all apart (thank you Un-Du) and now it’s just all a jumble on my work top.

And now it’s dark outside as I sit down to blog ‘something’ for tomorrow…

Because the days I didn’t last week I sure missed it.

And I stare for a moment with disappointment at the mess on my desk.

The slightly curled stickers, the piece of patterned paper that has now been cut, and the adhesive roller that’s now depleted for no good purpose.

Argh all I’ve done is made a mess.

But then again I think…

I was just creative for a good hour.

And no it didn’t really produce anything tangible.

But tomorrow morning I will go into work to a different desk that doesn’t have a mess of sparkle, stick, and shine.

I’ll instead have a neat pile of numbers, charts, and problems to be solved.

Things I have to finish.

Things that if I took them apart just because it didn’t feel right there would be serious deadlines missed, and definitely consequences.

So I look again at the mess.

And this time I smile.

And any frustration I feel melts away.

Because even though I may not yet know which direction it will go, or when if ever I will get it cleaned up and into some kind of finished project,

I can’t wait to come home to it.

I love this mess.

Happy Valentine’s Day sweet friends.

Love,

5 Places for Printables to Bookmark

Jess — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:00:20 +0000

Have I said before how much I like to make embellishments and projects my “own”?

Have I also said anything that makes that easier is fantastic?

I love, love, love it when fellow bloggers and websites share printables of crafts and projects. I mean, talk about fostering creativity.

Love.

Here’s some of my favorite such places that you should add to your bookmarks too. Next time you need a little creative jump start with a helping hand along the way, these are perfect.

1. First off, my new personal fave, Ishareprintables.com.

Beckie from Knock Off Decor introduced me to this site … this amazing treasure trove of links from bloggers who wish to share their free printable goods. I adore it, I get lost in it, I may never have to create my own stuff again.

Well ok I will…. but still.

And of course you can share your own too, great traffic driver friends!

2. Next, a fellow Jessica who writes one of my favorite blogs, How About Orange.

You should read her, I love her style. She also very frequently shares printables, like these adorable Valentines:

Darling.

3. Of course we can count on the incomparable Martha to help us along should we need a template for a crafty project.

Now there isn’t a ton here. But what they have are templates in Word that you can use again and again… like Candy Bar Wrappers and Gift Tags. If someone already does the sizing for me on a printable I am off and running!

4. Feeling adventurous and super creative? Ever heard of Robert Sabuda?

Mr. Sabuda is the master of pop up books… he takes them to another level. I’m sure you’ve seen one of his books in your local store. The best part? He shares his knowledge with free printable templates.

Including a set of Star Wars pop ups:

(*Squeal!*)

Making these, soon.

Click here for the list of what you can try too.

5. And finally, if you love all things Somerset, if you love all things vintage, and if you love a fantastic blog that inspires you daily… you must bookmark The Graphics Fairy.

Free. Vintage. Images.

Lovely.

Need I say more?

Really, visit her, and follow. Your creativity and craft supply will open up to you immediately. Just go here to her category listing and get ready to be inspired.

Happy Friday to you. I hope you’ve had a wonderful week. I’m looking forward to a weekend of being stuck indoors due to the cold and snow.

*Sigh* Guess I’ll have to craft or something.

Have a wonderful weekend, and see you soon!

5 Wonderful Flower Tutorials

Jess — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:00:08 +0000

Flowers! Oh how I love them… they are an embellishment that can be applied to any project and give it that little something extra. I’m not a girly girl by any means, but something about them just feels so lovely.

And they are everywhere too… is there a manufacturer who doesn’t make flowers? But what about making your own? I’m all about making my own embellishments when I can, so went in search of some tutorials and found some absolutely wonderful ones to share.

1. These Felt Rosettes from the sweet Mrs. Priss are so cute! Click here for her easy tutorial. We could just crank these out in front of Grey’s one night and then have them at the ready.

2. How cute are these pom pom mums from Domestifluff? I love pom poms but never in a million years would have thought of this. A great tutorial on making pom poms with your hands too, click here to check it out.

3. These felt Dahlia’s from Holidash are so gorgeous! They are a little more complicated, but oh what a result if you take the time. Just beautiful. Click here for the tutorial.

4. Our favorite medium, paper, makes wonderful flowers of course. These from Talk Crafty to Me (hee hee love that name) are similar to the felt rosettes above, but the paper gives them a whole different look. Love it! Check it out here.

5. And, my absolute favorite find which I will be trying asap… the beautiful fabric flowers from Simply Vintage Girl. You have to check out the tutorial, I never, ever, ever would have thought of it. Click here.

Love Love Love!

Do any of these look like some you might try?

Wishing you a lovely, flower filled, day (husband bought or otherwise ),

Tending to Our Paper Hearts

Jess — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:00:03 +0000

Crafters have to have very special hearts.

It takes a paper heart to do what we do.

We cherish our supplies, sometimes to the point of not using them for fear of ruining their simple beauty. But every bit of paper, string, and paint, is a word of possibility written on our hearts for safe keeping until we are ready.

We tear off little bits and pieces off our hearts, putting them here and there on a project ‘just so’ until it looks right.

When finished, we make a little gift tag with our hearts as an “I love you”, and then let our creations fly into the hands of the one that we made it especially for.

And then when all of that is said and done, we are left with a smaller heart than before. Having used it up so liberally of course.

But that’s the beauty too of having a paper heart…

It’s so easily made whole again with just a little glue, and a little paint…

and frankly some serious glitter if we’re feeling sassy.

And then we get to start all over again.

I hope you’ve been able to tend to your paper heart this week.

Have a wonderful day,

5 Great Sources for Retail Inspired Projects

Jess — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:00:40 +0000

I absolutely love browsing catalogs and retail sites of certain retailers to find inspiration for handmade projects. When I run across something that costs $100, but I can totally picture how I’d make it myself, it goes in the idea file to tackle later.

A great example would be this Word Art Canvas I did over a year ago:

Mine’s the one on top, inspired by the one on the bottom from Pottery Barn.

In fact, when I find myself a little lacking for inspiration, I sometimes find that places like the ones below will give me just as many ideas as an actual craft magazine.

1. Pottery Barn

I love them, but for some of their items, I just can’t justify the price without first trying it myself.

Like these Found Pharmacy Bottles:

$69 for the smallest bottle, all the way up to $149 for the large one. Um Whoa. I’m thinking thrift store or the like, some printed labels distressed with a little alcohol ink, and Mod Podge. So much cheaper right?

2. The perfect place to find inspiration for easy paint and canvas projects is Home Decorators Collection.

Their Wall Decor section is brimming with gorgeous artwork, that if you think about it, you could easily replicate to your tastes. Like this Vintage Wall Art:

Find some square canvases in the size you like (they frequently go on sale at Michael’s), and cover in your favorite coordinating patterned paper set. A much better deal than the $97 this go for, and it will be all to your exact taste.

3. Pier 1 Imports.

Though honestly I could buy everything in this store sometimes, I hold back, thinking someday I’ll try to make my own thingamajig that catches my eye at the moment. Like this yarn wrapped frame (love!):

Yarn, I have tons of yarn in colors I love. And also many, many unused frames that just don’t go with my decor. Hello I think I’ve got a project in mind for next weekend!

4. For holiday themed projects, there is no better inspiration place than Terry’s Village. Cute, cute stuff that I love and they have just about every holiday covered.

Not too expensive either, but honestly I think making something inspired from here would just be so much fun! Like this heart wreath, so cute for upcoming Valentine’s Day. (They’ve disabled being able to share their photos on another site… but the link will take you there).

Paper, felt, fabric, all sorts of mediums could be used with this. Super cute design.

5. This next one I had actually never heard of until I received their catalog in the mail, and am hooked. They have the most wonderfully rustic style. And some great inspiration ideas too.

This brilliant and elegant idea for candle wings immediately caught my eye:

A great buy at $5 a pop, but honestly… hands raised from those of us who bought a ton of those chipboard wings when they were so hot a couple of years ago… but no way used them all. Metallic paint and a double sided pin and you’ve got winged candles of your own.

These are just a few of my favorites of course. At any retail store you may find yourself at, browse the home decor section and see what jumps out at you.

I think I’m off to wrap some frames… do you have any retail inspired projects? I’d love to see! And remember your comments automatically put a link to your site in my sidebar so other visitors can pop over and see you too!

Hope you’re having an inspired week,

A Collection of Calendar Projects

Jess — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:24 +0000

I have a deep love for a brand new crisp calendar. Kind of like that same feeling one gets when cracking open a brand new pad of paper.

Writing down dates in the future of things to look forward too, seeing what picture you get for your birthday month, planning for possible vacations, events…

Ahhhhh. It’s bliss.

Have you put together your 2011 calendar yet? I have one for our kitchen, but I’ve found so many cute options from around the web I have to say I’ll be putting together several more. Check it:

Andrea Currie Crafts and Karen from The Graphics Fairy bring us this beautiful vintage printable calendar. Isn’t this design simple yet elegant enough for just about anywhere? I love it. Click here for the link to all 12 months of downloads.

My Owl Barn also has free printables… and if you love owls, this one is for you! Gorgeous artwork from so many artists that you are welcome to print. And the neatest part?? You get to pick which image you love for which month. It’s so hard to decide. These little punkins are too cute. Click here for the link to all the gorgeous choices. (Special thanks to my friend Fab for pointing this one out on Facebook)

For an adorable calendar just perfect for your artsy space that you can customize with your own photos, you just can’t go wrong with this adorable hybrid template set from my sweet friend Leah. Isn’t that just too much fun? You can purchase here in her digi-shop bluebird chic.

How about this super cute make it yourself calendar from Canon? I just love the idea! (As long as I remember to flip the dates of course). Click here for the link to download.

Photojojo (subscribe to their newsletter if you haven’t… I love them) has instructions on how to make this uber cool photo calendar. Such a great way to display your favorite photos all year. Click here for the tutorial.

And finally here’s something extremely elegant (that would make a great gift for sure!). This make-it-yourself calendar from Melissa Samuels featured on Passionately Artistic is just so cute and chic all at the same time. It even has a little notes section. (be still my Virgo heart) Click here for the supply list and instructions. (I originally found this via Tip Junkie…. love her!)

So much fun. I think I may be combining the owl calendar with the idea of Photojojo’s photo calendar for a little project.

Hope you are having a great day today. We’ve made it to a new year, just a couple more months and we’ll start hearing the birds of spring sing again. Go and write down a few future dates in your calendar to look forward too and they’ll be here in no time!

Leaving several dates open for craftiness of course.

XOX,

Resolve

Jess — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:00:07 +0000

Resolve – Define: decide: bring to an end

I have decided I am not fully enjoying life without integrating some kind of creative thinking each day. I am bringing an end to the though that it is something I do not have time for.

Resolve – Define: conclude: reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation

I conclude that the best way to keep actively creative is to blog, write, share. Whatever I feel like that day.

Resolve – Define: purpose: reach a decision

I will live creatively on purpose. Decidedly out loud.

Resolve – Define: answer: understand the meaning of

I will answer the call that has been ringing in my heart and mind for months, understanding that it’s a blessing to have the urge to create , rather than something to get frustrated over “having” to do.

Resolve – Define: find the solution

The solution is simple. To just do a little something creative every day. No matter how small, it’s better than nothing.

Resolve – Define: resoluteness: the trait of being resolute

I will live creatively in 2011!

I can’t wait to share the year with you. The silly, the deep thoughts, writing, photos, things I love, and yes even the occasional craft or two.

Resolutely defined by creativity,