48 for Larry ~ Radiothon and Silent Auction

"In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." Flora Edwards

Please check out the silent auction where you can bid a on dozens of beautiful handmade items, or consider making a cash donation. Visit the Blockhead Radio site now to read more about Larry and this effort to make a difference. Bidding ends today at 6pm.

Check out my mosaic bottle which is up on the auction block.

Thoughts for the Month of July

"The Collection" Now available at Center Framing and Art in West Hartford, CT

It's been a while. Summer is flying by. My artwork has taken a new turn and I am excited to say that I have a few consignment accounts now. My attention has shifted from strictly my Etsy shop and 1000 Markets shop, to maintaining my inventory and planning ahead month by month on what work is going where. I am so grateful for the opportunities that have come my way! This new path is proving to be a challenge, but it is one I have been waiting for.

In a past post, I had talked about the overwhelming feelings surrounding the effort it takes to maintain so many places on the web, so many projects and so many things. I have since had a moment (or several moments) of clarity. By slowing down, turning off the computer at 5pm instead of 11pm, taking the time to read a book if I feel like it, or just listen to music, or watch the Yankee game or just sit outside I have learned that I really only have to do one thing at a time. I create my chaos. I choose to always be "doing" instead of just "being". Twitter is not the enemy! Me thinking I have to run there and post, and follow and chat... that is where the problem comes in.

For me, there is peace in shutting down the computer before dinner, working on a new mirror because I am moved to (not because I have 3 hours to), and taking time just to watch TV or read. I like doing one thing at a time, and fully experiencing and enjoying that one thing I happen to be doing.

Wow!

It has been a good week! My art was featured in two more stunning treasuries this weekend. I'd like to thank slvilov for including one of my peace sign mosaics in her beautiful treasury "Lovely Dotty, Mosaics, More".

And I'd also like to thank BethanyRoseDesigns for including one of my mini mirrors, Aqua Dot in her "Nutmeg State Artists" treasury. It is cool to be featured among other talented artists from my home state of CT.

Thank you both very much. :o)

Wishing I Was at the Beach

But for now I will settle on being in this beautiful treasury by aimeesarmoire. It is titled: Just Another Day at the Beach and includes my mosaic mirror Tropical Kiwi, (a favorite of mine because I love green!) Lovely picks! Thank you so much.

New in my 1000 Markets Shop

Vintage Love

An altered art domino pendant. Amazingly rich, bright and gorgeous color on this piece! Vintage floral ribbon looks like a watercolor painting. Green glass bugle beads add texture. A brass vintage stamping with the word Love hangs off the bottom and is dressed up with a pretty rose colored bead. Arrives on the brass ox 18" ball chain seen in photo.

A Hundred Directions.....

....That is what I feel like I am headed in. Too many projects, too many social networking sites, too many things. My art world is getting a little jumbled. While I have never been one to focus on one thing exclusively, I am at a point where I am not focusing enough on any one thing. Lately I have been more likely to pick up a book or my Ipod than to sit down and create. There is just too much going on.

I have dealt with creative slumps before. Those long and drawn out periods of time when you have shiny new supplies, and loads of time and energy to create, but the ideas are just not there. Right now it is a bit different. I have started too many things and left them unfinished, or just did not put forth the effort to really develop an idea as far as I should. It is time to figure out what is working for me, what truly makes me happy, and to change or eliminate the things that do not.

This applies not only to things I have been working on, but also that super long list of social networking sites bookmarked in my favorites. Between user names and passwords, and trying to keep up with them I am tired. It has got to be more effective to give 100% to 2-3 than to give 20% to a dozen.

The ole' quality not quantity theory. Is anyone else with me on this? I have read that as artists we should branch out online, build a brand, join this, join that, sell here, market here, market there. Even this crazy Gemini that is usually fueled by multi-tasking is on overload.

What is actually working for you? What has proved to be the most valuable way to spend time other than making your art? Will my world really crumble if I don't Tweet or send updates to my Facebook fans?

This month I plan to simplify. My creativity and sanity depends on it. I'll keep you posted on my progress or any profound realizations I happen upon. I'd also love to hear from you. Post here and share your thoughts. Maybe together we can figure out how to just get back to creating.