Unravelings

Make a jewelry roll

How to make a Jewellery Roll - More DIY How To Projects

Creative? You can get organized!

Thanks to Marcia Francois for permission to publish this great article.

Creative people need different ways to organise themselves because traditional methods won't work for them.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to organising; in fact, I believe that since each person is unique, each person's organising system should also be different.

Let's look at four areas to organise yourself for success:

1. Attitude

There's a myth going around that creative people can't work in a structured environment. On the contrary, having a bit of structure in your life actually enables you to be even more creative and to do better work.

A few weeks ago, a client emailed to tell me how she's been energized and has been creating beautiful things again.

What was the difference in her life? We'd worked on organising her office space and within the order, she could be creative once again.

Stop telling yourself that you can't be organised; rather tell yourself that you organise yourself in non-traditional ways. And that's perfectly okay.

2. Schedule

Traditionally, we've all been told to work according to the clock. I'm telling you to work with your energy cycles; don't do battle with them.

If you know that you tend to go through a bit of a slump around lunch time, maybe that's when you want to run errands or exercise to give yourself an energy boost.

If you design websites and you know that you're most creative at midnight, then design your websites at midnight Who says you have to start working at 8am?

3. To-do list

Scrap the to-do list. Yes, you read that correctly. The to-do list may set you up for failure especially when you feel you're not getting things done.

Rather use an Eat the Frog list. This list helps you be more flexible so you only need to get the most important things done. My clients are always a bit shocked when I tell them, "the less you have on your list, the better it is". Just make sure those are important things on your list.

4. Workspace

When you can find your equipment and supplies easily, your valuable energy is used for actual creativity and not wasted on looking for things.

It's so important to have your workspace set up according to your organising style. Are you a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner? Are you a paper or electronic person? Maybe the reason you can't seem to get your papers organised is because you're actually an electronic person.

I've had clients with very messy offices whose computers are perfectly organised, and vice versa. It's so important to play to your strengths.

If you register for the Virtual Organising Makeover Session, you'll definitely uncover your unique organising style.

My challenge to you: Check your attitude and tell yourself you can get more productive once you organise according to your style.

And if you're not sure what your style is, find out here.

Want to use this article in your ezine or on your blog? You may, as long as you include this complete blurb.

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You'll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.

Jewelry by Desiree: Featured Artist - Charlene Anderson

 This is the last of many interviews that I have left to post on my blog. I know that I've gotten some new followers in the past week so if any of you would like to be featured just contact me and I'll be happy to email you with the questions!

Here's Charlene of Purveyor of All Things Creative, she's got a great mix of totes, jewelry supplies, beads, and fiber arts supplies.

What’s your name and where are you from?

Charlene Anderson, born in Hollywood, CA, lived in Hawaii 20 plus years, now in beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming

via jewelrybydesiree.blogspot.com

eBay Top Rated Seller

I have been selected as an eBay Top Rated Seller! My commitment to quality products and great service have earned me this distinction. I'm very proud of my business!

Denim gadget case

Denim Gadget Case - More DIY How To Projects

Teaching quilting at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

C&T Publishing and author Alex Anderson are working together to enhance the quilting program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon.

About 7 years ago, an enthusiastic quilter named Koko Sutton heard that a women's prison was opening in her community. She believed that learning an art form like quilting would benefit the inmates in many ways, so she started the Coffee Creek Quilters group at the prison.

Sutton gathered volunteers to teach their weekly group classes using the book, Start Quilting with Alex Anderson. "Alex's book is the perfect example of simple quilts with clear instructions...that can be made successfully by beginners," says Sutton. The inmates, some of whom are dealing with mental health and substance-abuse issues, donate more than 100 of their handmade quilts each year to various deserving organizations, including hospices, nursing homes, and low-income medical facilities. Their group's motto is "Two for charity, one for myself, and all from the heart."

According to Sutton, the program was a hit from the very beginning. Eighty inmates are currently enrolled, with over a hundred more on a waiting list. "The program teaches so much more than quilting...our students develop their skills in problem-solving, math, reading, team-work, perseverance, and self-discipline. They also learn from experiencing the joy of giving to someone else in need."

When Alex Anderson heard that her book was a part of this wonderful program, she contacted C&T to discuss how we might be able to help. "We were thrilled to give the prison several cases of Alex's books, so each student could have her own copy to keep after completing the class. C&T Publishing will continue to supply The Coffee Creek Quilters group with books as their program grows." Publisher Amy Marson explains, "This program at CCCF is a perfect opportunity for C&T to work together with teachers and students to keep our mission statement alive—Innovate. Educate. Create."

The Coffee Creek Quilters group is always in need of volunteers and donations. To learn more visit Coffee Creek Quilters or call 503-257-1320.

Teacup pincushion

Cupcake in a Teacup Pincushion (recycled/upcycled/repurposed!) - More DIY How To Projects

Review: The Subversive Seamster

This is not a book I would normally pick up in a bookstore. At first glance it is aimed at an age demographic slightly younger than the one I belong to. But don't let that stop you for from taking a look at this book. It's creative, fun, and full of great ideas.

I'm not normally a garage sale or thrift shopper (living in a place where winter lasts 7 months does away with a lot of garage sales and our one thrift ship is not all that inspiring. But reading this book made me want to go out and look for those one-of-a-kind items to refashion in my own style.

Subversive Seamster will help you navigate thrift shopping, help you decide what might and might not work as you remake a garment, provide, ilustrate basic sewing techniques youu'll need, and then gives you step-by-step instructions for everything from a duct tape dress form (great instructions) to tank tops, gaucho pants, checkbook covers, and more.

The Resource section will guide you to some garment districts, fabric stores and craft fairs across the country.

This book won't be everyone's cup of tea but have a look at it and see if it strikes a chord. I enjoyed it and plan on making a few projects to step out of my wardrobe box.

You can buy Subversive Seamster here.

Review: Button Ware

I love buttons. I collect buttons, but not in the sense of a serious collector looking for historically important buttons. I collect ordinary buttons, fun buttons, buttons I take off clothes that are too worn to wear, buttons from yard sales, buttons from friends...anywhere I can find buttons. I store most of them by color in canning jars...so they make a pretty display and I can build designs based on color.

Amy Barickman, founder of Indygo Junction and the author of Button Ware, obviously loves buttons as much as I do. Her new book features 33 projects from elegant to cute, all suitable for creating with new and vintage buttons. This is a visually beautiful book, well-laid out with 90 gorgeous photos. Instructions are easy to follow, in a type size suitable for those with over-40 eyes.

Button Ware contains complete instructions for bracelets, necklaces, beaded pins, rings, and boutique style apparel. The projects use simple techniques as well as techniques and sophisticated designs for experienced crafters. Kits for some of the projects are available from Indygo Junction for many of the designs if you are not lucky enough to have a button stash. This book makes me want to go out and find more buttons!

Buy Button Ware Here!

National Sewing Month