There are stages and seasons of uninspired struggle, despair, and lack of incentive to continue your art practice. As artists, we can get lost in this sea of struggle and lose focus. Losing focus can stall our movement and crush our spirit. But, there is hope! In this post, I will address how to challenge your inner critic and renew your art practice. Asking Key Questions First, you need to ask yourself some questions to determine what the struggle sounds like. Are you struggling with ... continue reading...
How to Find Your Creative Confidence
Confidence is like a muscle, you have to exercise it to make it grow. Yes, some artists are naturally gifted with more confidence than others but I am almost certain it came from practicing their art, accepting failure, learning from others, doing what they love and challenging their inner critic. In this post I will guide you through these five essentials for how to find your creative confidence. 1. Experiment Firstly, don't be afraid to try new mediums. Spend a few hours in an art store, ... continue reading...
How to Set SMART Goals
Just as I spoke about in the recent post, How to Do a Brain Dump, you need to stay focused and on track in order to accomplish your creative goal. It is important to have a reference to measure our process against. SMART Goals are exactly that. It should be used as a continuous check in for you. In this post, How to Set SMART GOALS, the process requires you to ask important questions that keep you on a very specific goal path. What is a SMART Goal? It is a well-known acronym for five key ... continue reading...
Free Printable Goal Sheet
September is a new year, a new beginning for so many. Change is in the air; hopes and dreams are renewed towards accomplishing our goals. Each month, I send out a free printable goal sheet or task list. This September I have a beautiful freebie for you! One of my favorite flowers are sweet peas. They are so fragrant and delicate and remind me of my wedding as we had them in the bouquets and on the guest tables. I have a small but beautiful array of these beauties trailing up my veranda ... continue reading...
Two Essentials for My Quiet Time Routine
Along with the release of my monthly Free Printable Task list, I like to include a sampling of new products for my shop. This month I have released four new products (journal and coffee mug) with my two favorite flowers; peonies and roses. I love the peonies and roses that adorn our front flower garden. Keep reading for learning the two essentials for my quiet time routine. Along with taking in the beauty of my garden each morning, there are two constants to my morning ritual; my journal ... continue reading...
DIY Shorts from Jewels Pattern Collection
If I have learned one thing in these last few years about sewing, it is that making your own pattern template is the best way to get the best fit. This is important because not all commercial patterns fit all body types. If you have a basic pants pattern but you would like to know how to tweak it, then this tutorial is for you. This DIY is also for you if you have a basic pants block. What that means is you have drafted a template for your measurements in the form of pattern pieces. Not only are ... continue reading...
Journal Prompts for Imposter Syndrome
We need tools to combat the inner critic when it shows up, (usually unannounced). I wanted to get specific with one of the inner critics called Imposter syndrome. Once you recognize that your thinking is really imposter syndrome, you can start to use tools to challenge it. By the end of this post you will know which journal prompts for imposter syndrome are a fit for you and how to put them to use. What is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is when our inner critic is turned on and is ... continue reading...
Recognize and Challenge Imposter Syndrome
You may have heard the phrase used among creatives, imposter syndrome. For many creatives, this is common, although we may not call it this. Naming this behavior is important because if you don't, it can hold you back from reaching your highest potential. For this post, I will be speaking to creatives and artists specifically. I will be covering what imposter syndrome is, signs that you may have it and how to change this behavior. By the end of this post you will have tools for your tool kit so ... continue reading...
Sewing Hacks for Beginners
I've compiled quite a few tips and tricks over the years when it comes to sewing. I am about to share my sewing hacks for beginners secrets with you. Make cutting out patterns easier When you lay out your fabric, right sides together, pin the selvages together so the fabric does not move as you are placing/pinning your pattern pieces to your fabric. Hand stitching secret For hand stitching with needle and thread, use the length of your shoulder to wrist for just the right ... continue reading...
Making the Marnie Blouse
I had some hesitation about making the Marnie blouse from Tilly and the Buttons. Let me first say that the blouse is gorgeous and looks stunning on everyone who has shared this make. But, I truly thought it would be too much for me. I mean the ruffles, tucks, puffs and billowy sleeves were a lot. In this post I will share if it worked for me or not. I also want to share with you the aspects I loved and the things I would change. Showcasing my fabric My fabric, Shards of Beauty from my ... continue reading...
