Golden Cage

Last weekend, the ladies and I were talking about music and busting out of musical ruts. Not too long ago I was in a huge musical rut myself. Busy with design school and staying up late late late into the night I needed new music to keep me company. I was soon introduced by a studio-mate to the Kings of Convenience. Their album "Quiet Is the New Loud" was the soundtrack to my design school years - and I still love it today. At this point it is like a well-worn musical blankie. Pure comfort. 

Being introduced to that band opened up my ears to a whole smorgasbord of new music. I started listening to KEXP, and began a long list of songs I loved, which turned into bands I loved, and soon I was completely busted out of my rut. And I keep finding new-to-me music (it helps that I missed out on anything new for about a year or two when I was in full-time baby-land).

And speaking of ruts, I'm trying to bust out of an artistic one. I've been enjoying drawing with pencil this week. Sometimes the simplest things can bring you so much happy.

What does this all mean? Pencils + Kings of Convienience guitarist  Erlend Øye, = the inspiring unofficial video to Golden Cage by The Whitest Boy Alive, hand drawn by the talented Geoff McFetridge. Enjoy!

 

In The Swing

The week away from my blog and the weekend away from my home couldn't have been more perfect. The past two months have been challenging, to say the least. Going to camp with four new and amazing friends was exactly what I needed to 'reset' myself. I enjoyed three days of not cooking, the ability to start and complete thoughts, great conversation, quiet time, and beautiful views like this:

One of the many highlights was the 'giant swing'. After being hoisted some 40 feet into a tree by a group of cheering ladies, there was a very silent moment when I had to decide to pull a cord at my waist to drop and start the ride. As I psyched myself up to pull the cord, I thought about letting go of all the things that held me up in my 36th year. I took a deep breath and let it fly.

The 'Waaaa-Hooooooo!" I let out was probably heard all the way to Canada. What a great way to start a new year.

A blog vacation + real vacation

"Hannah" Remixed Vintage Train Case  - $70 by Remixed Vintage on Etsy

Just dropping in to let you know I'll be taking the next week off from blogging. I'm going to be getting a real life break as well when I take off for a few days to attend a ladies wellness retreat for some serious rest and relaxation. I'll be back next week - fully recharged and feeling spunky again. 

Exciting news!

Grow 8 x 10 print available at my etsy shop and now at Bella and Max

Friday! Boy am I happy to see you. I have some exciting news to share - just yesterday I dropped off a load of my work to be sold at the Bella and Max boutique in Bothell, Wa. Now you can see my prints and cards in person if you wish!

This is just the beginning of my getting stuff in actual brick and mortar shops. Getting my work in shops has been a goal of mine for oh, something like 10 years. I've worked at it off and on during that time but now it is really happening.

I am so happy this week is coming to an end!  Though it was full of great stuff I am running out of steam - and I still have a lasagne dinner to prepare for 12 people tomorrow. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though,  and look forward to rewarding myself come Sunday (with a nice long nap). 

Have a great weekend!

Tips of the Trade #2

That crazy busy week I mentioned in my last post? It is happening. So far so good though. May I share?

1.The sun is out and I am ticking things off the to - do list. 

2. I had a delicious coffee while the kiddo was successfully dropped off at school.

3. While latte sipping, I found a perfect creative business coach I am looking forward to working with.

4. I'm awaiting the arrival of my latest item, hot-off-the-soy-ink press, from my printer in Los Angeles. (A little sneak peek above). 

5. And BIG FUN NEWS tomorrow I drop off a load of Pixel&Post items to be sold in a boutique. A huge step for me - more about that tomorrow, though!

I've been reading and organizing more of my business links and here are a few more articles I wanted to share with you. These are mostly about marketing. This is the most challenging part of my work right now - if you struggle with this aspect of your work give these a read!

6 Reasons You Avoid Marketing

For Moms: 5 tips to boost your sales

Defining the target market for your craft

I Heart Marketing My Etsy Shop and You Will, Too! Part 1,2 & 3

I also want to mention meetup.com. Have you checked them out? Today I found three free events I'll be attending that are all focused exactly on the aspects of my business I need help with! Inasmuch as online marketing tools are important I really believe that nothing is more powerful than talking to actual people, in real time, about what you do and hearing about what they do too. 

Crazytown

The week ahead is full of good stuff - and according to my calendar every moment is packed to the brim. I'll be trying my hardest to get a decent amount of sleep, eat well, and just try to take care of myself / my family in the moments in between the crazy.

To kick off this week I want to pass on a video I found over at Marisa Haedike's blog, Creative Thursday. I love what John Cleese says about creativity, creating an 'oasis of time and space', and phlegm. Yes, phlegm.