Club Creative Studio hand-made wire bracelet.

Turquoise bracelet hand-twisted wire from Club Creative Studio.

Club Creative Studio speaks often about creativity. Here on the blog, you will find inspiration from art, project ideas, and other helpful information stemming from creativity. Today is no different in that I am sharing a short story from the spark of creativity that comes from the opportunity to collaborate and brain-storm.

I attended a networking event a few months ago and there, I met very interesting business people. Among all of them, I met a lady who had a common thread with me. We both shared the love and passion for beads. She was also designing jewelry so needless to say we had much to talk about. What began from a single common friendship fostered a bond through beading. As we connected via other social media methods, we learned more about each other. We planned an outing together to a local bead store that was going out of business. It was there that we spent several hours looking and speaking about beads as well as shopping for beads. It was really a fun time to spend time with someone with a shared enthusiasm for beads and supplies. We are now “beading buddies”.

My beading buddy bought a bracelet (say that three times fast). The wire bracelet was a store sample from one of their classes. When we looked at it we thought the same thing. We both had wondered how it was made, and if we could figure it out by closer examination, since there was not a way to get instruction from the store that was going out of business. We both had mentioned that we had wanted to try to create something similar but had not taken instruction on the technique. We thought that we could make them ourselves. We ended up splitting the cost of the bracelet and I took it home to dissect so we could recreate it later.

After meeting for a brain-storming session, we combined our creative time, and collaborated with our supplies to make our own versions of the same bracelet. Turns out the pattern was a good starting point for us to springboard into our own style and wire-wrapping techniques. Our skill levels were expanding together and we were inspiring to each other. That is what I am thankful for today, the opportunity to connect and support the creative drive of a fellow artist. Can you think of someone you have merged talents with or have benefitted from bouncing ideas off of? Do tell how it was a positive impact for you.

I am now getting comfortable with the technique and my materials. I will soon be able to offer these hand-made bracelets online for others to enjoy and purchase http://www.clubcreativestudio.com

Feel free to “like” Club Creative Studio on Facebook. You can see a “Sneak Peek” from time to time of a fresh design on the Club Creative Studio Facebook page at http://www/facebook.com/clubcreativestudio

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• The Curse of a Beader (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)

SNOW ON THE BEACH!  There is a whole lot ta whoop la going on today in my world about getting to see snow along the east coast.  It doesn’t happen very often.  The sheer anticipation has been building for a few days.  I am looking out the window at a beautiful and steady snowfall, as I write this blog.  Today is not the first time for snow in our area but still, in my neighborhood some do not have shovels, an ice scrapper, hand-warmers in the glove box or the notion of how to build a snowman in their front yard.  We are simply  not as prepared as we could be.  Most of us were lucky enough to get information about this in a timely manner and  we experienced anticipation until it actually became part of our life early this morning.  It’s a time to really pay attention to happenings around us.

I especially took note of this predicted snowfall because I knew it was going to have a direct impact on my plans for the day and maybe the whole week.  I subconsciously also had the idea of making an analogy comparing this weather and my business efforts.  I started to think of the correlations, and decided to blog about my thoughts and comparisons.

For days now, the weather updates have been trying to prepare us of what we may encounter.  The anticipation has been building.  The first aspect that came to mind  as a business connection was the Club Creative Studio Facebook page.  On that page, I too share information about what fans can look forward to seeing as they prepare to visit the website.  I often post “sneak peeks” of art not yet posted online, in the same sense that the weather anchor gives us a picture in our mind as to what is heading in our direction.  I provide images of what to look forward to seeing and perhaps even purchasing.  My special feature section recently added a spot where I can highlight an item and expand on a bit more detail about it.

Snow in NC- 1-10-2011

Once the predicted weather is actually part of our day, the reports switch to looking around and noticing what needs to be done to insure that a situation gets better.  I too like to look around and try to figure out how I can share art with those who are both familiar and new to our creations. After all, I am trying to make the fashion and home decor situation better as well, visually better! I strive to be creative everyday.

Continued updates and newsflashes give us more information on the weather at hand. I’d like to think that I can be like the scrolling inclement weather advisory at the bottom of the television screen.  I too can inform and update quick notes via the phone, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and by using photos and video.  I can prompt you to visit the online store, take note of the special feature section on the website, read a new blog,  or meet me as I display art in a specific venue. 

Once the weather condition has passed, we look around and reflect on how it made an impact on us.  As a comparison, it is like seeing the beautiful photos that people send in of the scenic beauty in their own backyard after a snowfall.  They use their camera or words to describe their personal experiences and  desire to share their image with the public.  For me, a similar reflection comes when a customer shares a testimonial with me.  They are valued testament of  satisfaction in product and service. Written or verbal, the approval reactions are valued and contribute to the whole story.

Like the weather, my art is ever-changing. The one-of-a-kind status of each item lends itself to a inventory that is updated frequently.  You’ve got to keep up if you want to see how we are evolving, and what is available.  Those qualities are what keep us challenged to be creative everyday and we enjoy the opportunity to keep in touch with you with any news.  How can your business relate to the weather report- are you open to change? Do you bend with the wind?  Are you prepared to weather each storm? Make sure you have a sunny outlook and take each day as it is given to you.

In closing, I think one main difference between me and the weather reporter is that sometimes the final outcome is not accurate to what was first reported.  I thought of how I do provide accuracy.  I provide detailed descriptions about my art on the website and  I provide the best photos I can in natural lighting conditions.  These factors along with continual truthful communication give me an edge to remaining accurate in what I report: Our Art  Sets You Apart!