joy to the world

if you feel discouraged with the world and the state we are all in at the moment, take two minutes and watch this video of pure joy...and the second video, which shows the reactions of those who saw the amazingness unfold. and to feel some of the joy yourself...pass it along.

"quote"

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
~ Anais Nin

spectacularly delectable treasury

LizardQueenJewelry featured me in a wonderful treasury that is sure to start you running to your candy drawer.

check out the lizard's blog-o-rama here!

thursday - amazing shop feature

hi everyone....so, this week begins my weekly (or thereabouts) feature of wonderful indie sellers, crafters, artists, and all around creatively genius people.

for my very first one, i'd like to tell you about sugarelli, whose shop is on etsy! i first found this graphic artist when i was looking for someone to make an ad for me. i was soooo happy with the outcome that i then bought one of her custom birthday invitations the very same day. again, i was nothing but thrilled with the outcome. and, i should add that she worked patiently with me on numerous revisions on both of these projects and was wonderful about it.

want to know more about sugarelli? read on...here are her answers to my feature questions:

• How long have you been at your trade?
  

Since the year 2000, so approximately eight and a half years.

• How did you become interested in doing what you do? Did someone teach you or are you self-taught?
  

I have been interested in art and design ever since I was a young child. I was always in the art club, taking summer art courses, and attended several art workshops growing up. In high school I took every art course that was available, including a course in Graphic Design. I graduated high school in the year 2000 and enrolled in art school that fall to study Graphic Design. After completing my schooling for Graphic Design a couple of years later, I decided that I wasn't interested in the printing press, layouts, and all of those branches of Graphic Design. I really wanted to do what *I* wanted to do, so I started doing freelance design, which is where I am today!

• Where do you find your inspiration?
  

I definitely find my inspration from my two kids. Before having them, I was designing mostly CD covers and random little jobs that I enjoyed, but didn't love. After the birth of my son in 2005, I decided to try my hand in designing birth announcements. Soon after, I added party invitations into the mix. Now I have truly found my passion. I love the fun colors and baby related designs. I love hearing my two kids squeal with excitement over my latest illustration. They're both fans of the owls, which is why more items keep popping up with the owls on them.

• Pick one song that speaks to you as an artist and please tell us why.
  

I would have to say "Moses" by Coldplay. That song has such a special meaning to my son and me. It was the song I sang to him while he was in the womb, when I had many severe pregnancy complications. To this day it is his favorite song. That song is so special to us, and he is the one who really helped me find my artistic passion.

• What is your favorite item in your shop and why? How does it make you feel? Does it hold a special meaning or remembrance for you?
  

It's not in my shop at the moment because it sold, but my favorite is definitely my Sweet Baby art print. I created that piece for my daughter as she sat on my lap. It shows a mother owl snuggling with a baby owl, just as my daughter and I were doing. I added the words in the background to describe my daughter and all of the things I was thinking right then. The words in the foreground that read "I love you, sweet baby" were written for her right at that moment. I decided to share this one by making prints, because I thought it would be a nice way for other mothers to show their overwhelming love for their children. Hopefully it is one that the child can treasure all of his or her life.

• What is the one thing about you and/or your art/creations that you would want someone who is about to visit your shop to know?

I would just want them to know that I love what I do every single day. I put my passion into each and every single design I do, no matter how small. I don't do it just to make a quick buck, and I don't do it just to do it. I do it because I really, really love it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
besides her wonderful custom graphics, invitations, and announcements, sugarelli has a few other gems in her shop. two of my favorites are her "rainbow chirps nursery art print" and her "pink and cream vintage style toile wishing star" ... see and click below. you won't be disappointed!

listen peeps...

i was just talking about "causes" on here yesterday. and this cute little bear "button" is permanently on the left side of my blog-ola until this insane CPSIA goes into effect or gets squashed like a bug .

but we're getting down to the wire here, folks, because right now this act is set to go into effect on 02.10.09! so i'm moving mr. cute bear button onto an actual post to try to reach more people. this law truly IS ridiculous and a complete over-reaction on the part of the government...for more info on it, check out the Buy Handmade Blog.

to get involved and for more resources, go here and to sign an online petition, check out this site (yes, you can sign it anonymously). also, check out papermasks' idea to send soon-to-be-banned items to the white house! ingenious! save handmade.

so it begins....

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. ~William J. Clinton


today is an amazing day, whether you are left, right, up, or down.

artwork by jdryerart

can i get a ...

craft room? really. clearly i don't have one. and, as a result, <--- this is what becomes of my 2nd bedroom/guest room/office when i am crafting away like a little maniac. but then it is a mess and i haaaaate that. aargh! plus, i think i may be gettin' some brain damage from these paint fumes. yes, i realize i should not be spray-painting inside if i don't have to and blah blah blah but it is freezing outside and i just can't be bothered. so i went searching and found this amazing craft room of my dreams. someday, right? a girl can dream. heh heh.

please comment with links to your fab craft room finds (yours or others')...

...and if you have tips on what i can do to create one in a limited space...let me know.

a dream

"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
a relatively simple sentiment but, really, have you ever heard anything soprofound? in the past few years i have become more and more passionate about making a difference in things, even if it through tiny acts like small monetary contributions, signing petitions, etc. yes, our individual voices may be small but that is only a place to start. i urge you to get involved in whatever it is that moves you...i think you'll find that it brings a sense of peace and accomplishment...and there is no better gift to give yourself...or others.

i did a quick google search and found a great resource for activism and advocacy groups. but there are thousands upon thousands of such groups on every issue/cause under the sun.