Low Cost Idea- Spray Your Way To Improvement

Club Creative Studio loves to share creative low-cost ideas on Two-Cent Tuesday.  Today, the blog has a focus on an inexpensive project that will improve or change your world with the use of spray paint.

If you want a dramatic look in lighting, consider spray-painting your fixture black.  I recently took this photo of a beautiful crystal chandelier at The Union League in Philadelphia.  I thought while admiring it that this look could be replicated easily and cheaply with black spray paint.  If however, you have a metal light fixture or anything made from galvanized steel, there are considerations for paints.  Galvanized steel is a metal for example that is difficult to paint.  So, knowing the material you are working with first and foremost is important so that you are not wasting your time or money in your creative process. Check the can labels to recognize the best spray can type for your projects.

Getting back to Galvanized steel for example, that material cannot be painted with normal alkyd-based paints, which almost all spray paints are based. It is suggested that if there is any “alkyd…” don’t even think about using it on your steel project.  Looking on the aisle shelf, the brand “Rust-o-leum” does put on the back of their spray paint cans a warning not to use their spray paint on galvanized steel.  However, beware that most spray paint companies do not include this warning.

So what makes that metal so difficult? It is steel that has a zinc coating to increase the steels corrosion (rust) resistance.  It’s “hot-dip galvanization” is a process that makes it similar to steel with large visible grains. Using spray paint to other materials is not as difficult to choose.

Need ideas on what to spray in your home for a new creative twist? How about these suggestions: cabinet knobs and other fixture handles, frames for photos or mirrors, light switch plates, file cabinets or storage furniture, light fixtures, lamps, chandeliers, candle holders, appliances, radiators, steam risers, and even plastic, wood, wicker, and metal furniture.

A pro of using spray paint over brush application paints is that spray paint creates a smooth surface as opposed to brushing on paint. Faux textures like stone and granite as well as unique finishes like a clear coating and metallic are available for your experimentation. Suggested tips for great results are on all can labels.  You may need to gain extra supplies and endure additional steps besides a quick spray. Primer, sanding, or wire-brushing may be needed, depending on the object and the paint. So while this process can be low-cost, it does have a small percentage of cost associated with it depending on the size of your project and the type of spray paint you require.

No matter if you are making a cosmetic change or improving a home item like a flaking barbecue grill, spray paint is a great option to a quick change or improvement. Using spray paint for an improvement is a low-cost idea that can help in a creative improvement solution.  Let us know if you have used spray paint in a recent project. Taking a before and after photograph can be helpful to appreciate how far a project has come.
                              
                              
                           
                         

Learn How Jewelry Can Make Your Life Better

standard storage box for jewelry. Do you have something like this?

Club Creative Studio enjoys sharing creative knowledge that you can use or pass along. In today’s TNT (This-N-That) blog post, you can look no further than the jewelry box on your dresser for the answer to a better life.  Well…sort of. Here is a question: How can your jewelry make your life better?

At first glance of our jewelry hidden within the standard storage box designated the “jewelry box”, you may seem frustrated at disorganization.  Maybe your container is too small for your collection, maybe the dividing spaces are not adequate to separate or display the jewelry you own. Another problem with your storage may be your actual items you are holding on to.  Do you have lost or broken jewelry sections, tangled chains, or out of fashion creations? 

It may seem difficult to appreciate knowing that life can be made better by simply displaying your jewelry in healthier ways. You can be quite innovative in how you do this. In this respect, your jewelry has a link to making your life better.  Your life can be more orderly and your possessions more valued if you have a means to care for the jewelry you own using proper storage. After all, was not this the thinking methodology of “Santa” who gifted you the pink ballerina musical box for your plastic necklace?

Did you own a wind up musical ballerina jewelry box?

 I really should practice what I am preaching here. I personally have a mixture of ways that I refer to as my “jewelry organization”.  Some of my fine gems are stored in their original boxes and placed in a safe.  Other jewelry items that I own are displayed on hooks, smaller elements are placed in a traditional jewelry box and yet other creations are organized in small, clear, stackable bins with handles that are easily ready to view when I have to travel, or relocate.

No matter if you store in a standard table top box, in free-standing legged armoires, in a closet organizer pouch, or on some type of rack, caring for your jewelry and having access to it easily is the key to experiencing storage happiness with your jewelry.

To properly store for in-home, short-term, I suggest using a hooked display rack, ladder-type or screen-hole system with holes for earrings, box or plate that is placed in a room where you have an adequate landing spot to return to again and again. Being able to quickly see and review your jewelry choices is important for the items that you wear most often. If you make a habit of returning and neatly replacing jewelry in the same spot your life will be better as you will not waste time finding what you need. Your treasures will not be lost and they will last longer from the tender loving care and respect. A great “go-to” spot will serve you well in jewelry organization.

Found at: overstock.com for something like $130.

There is a wonderful product I learned about from a home shopping show that seems to be every girl’s dream jewelry case. It was a rectangular box that opened up on one hinged side and attached to the back of any door.  It was framed out and had a mirror on the front.  How wonderful is that? Fun and function…I LOVE IT! This type of jewelry storage unit could be considered both temporary and permanent because of its size and depending on the location you place it.  It was designed with many specific compartments. The areas had distinct places for bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, even scarves and belts. It had a secure hanging device that was over-the-door, so no nails were required for its installation.

So, with these few helpful tips in mind, maybe you can make your life better by making a special place for your jewelry. Happy shopping and organizing.  Be sure to stop by the blog again for creative information you can learn and share. We’d love to hear your conventional and non-traditional methods for storing your jewelry because you never know who may need the suggestions and help.  Thank you.

Related articles

• Jewelry Organizer for under $5 (cashnetusa.com)

Michelangelo- A Constant Learner

Image credit: abcgallery.com

Learning is continual and constant and creative learning is an individual  journey.  What can we learn from the above quote from the great Michelangelo?  Whether you are an emerging leader or artist. If you are a seasoned veteran at your craft, there’s always more to learn and new ways to grow within that field . At 87 years old, Michelangelo said it well: Ancora imparo (“I’m still learning).

Club Creative Studio appreciates the learning curve and supports curious minds in pursuit of creative knowledge.  Like Michelangelo,  the continual association with learning can be a passion and a reality to get the know=how to become better at something. Learning opens doors to growth and opportunity.  What do you think that Michelangelo at age 87 meant when he said “I am still learning.”  Do you think that he meant to express that he did not know it all? Did he perhaps imply that there is so much to learn about so many topics in the span of a lifetime?

Thinking about this quote today, what do you think this quote would mean to you if you were near the age of 87 versus now at the age you are now? 

This quote is great for many reasons if you ask me. It gives me a sense of wonder that the love of learning is a gift at any age, as well as a part of our life at any stage.  We simply can’t know or experience everything in our life-time.  We are in a constant revolution of thoughts and learning episodes.  We learn from our own life and from each other’s journey. We face trial and error daily and we are on a vicious cycle to catch up with the new as we hold onto and learn from the past.

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, known commonly as Michelangelo, was an Italian Renaissance Artist: sculptor, painter, architect, poet, and engineer who exerted unparalleled influences on the development of Western art.

This quote comes to mind for me whenever I attempt a new skill and I have much to learn.  Although we look at the list of talents Michelangelo shared with us, he had to have known that with each of his creative jumps, came a humbling thought that it was all  a learning process. 

My life and creative offerings take on a personal spin from what others have done on as well.  Each creative process brings me to the realization that I can be comfortable with my level of expertise but, I can also take notice that with each topic at hand, I have opportunities to learn even more.  Taking time as an example, to attend more art classes, workshops, seminars, teleseminars and hands-on lessons, I have gained a newfound love for learning once again.  I can take time to slow down for instruction from others.  I don’t have to learn it all by myself.  In this same light as Michelangelo, I can say today that I too am still learning. Still learning new techniques, skills, people, traits, still learning about history, present day events, creative expressions, and still learning the best way to learn.

As your learning adventure marches on, what can you share about the level of excitement of continual learning?  Share your comments below, we’d love to hear about your challenges, and success stories about learning something new that helped you grow creatively.

Feature Friday-Inspired by Wood

Club Creative Studio’s Feature Friday blog post: Inspired by wood.

Welcome to Club Creative Studio’s Feature Friday post.  This week, I was inspired by wood. The Asbury Park, New Jersey Artist: Laura Petrovich-Cheney creates in mixed media and her work is part of a solo series at the Abington Art Center.

I can appreciate her love of texture and creations from found wood items. Gathering her art supplies from her daily walks and traveling adventures, Laura uses reclaimed wood pieces in a creative quilt-like way.  Making small alterations to the wood she adds depth.  You may find wood intentionally burned, impressed, sawed, pierced, or hacked not to mention processes such as casting or cleaving.

I immediately thought of the “crazy quilt” pattern when I first laid eyes on the irregular grid organized wood scraps.  Her raised surfaces put dimension to that same material quality of a hand-made quilt. The recent tragic weather activity on the east coast has washed up interesting wood scrap treasures for Laura to consider in her art creations.  So, if you are venturing out along the coastline for a walk, you may find this MFA holder in Studio Art, MS in Fashion Art, and BA in Fine Arts artist walking along side you.  She will be the one gathering interesting scraps of found wood.

It seems upon looking closely to her art, she combines wood pieces from random finds and original objects. I was inspired to create future beads with similar random patterns and color combinations. Do you see the square with brown, sky blue and pumpkin orange colors in the first photo for example?  I’d love to replicate that feeling in a few beads.  Stay tuned as I attempt to incorporate the pattern or color choice into hand-rolled clay beads soon. You know that I will post pictures of my finished project here on the blog and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/clubcreativestudio.  Thanks for stopping by and admiring this found art.  Your comments are always welcome, especially if this technique strikes interest.

Sharing Bead Soup

Portion of the Bead Soup I sent to my beading challenge partner Susan,

Club Creative Studio is taking part in the Bead Soup Challenge #7.  It will be fun sharing Bead Soup.

Please review past posts regarding the details of this wonderful sharing and creating challenge for those making hand-made beads and jewelry from them. Since the arrival of my beads from my bead exchange partner, Susan I have had time to simmer the ideas I have and will soon begin my creative thought process and my design using the beads she sent me last week.  I am looking forward to the creative growth.

I have not gotten official word that my box has indeed arrived to New Hampshire however, it has had adequate time. With that in mind, I would like to go ahead and share what I included in my package of fun. The idea of sharing is to highlight some of your own hand-made beads and pair them with interesting items that can be utilized in a creative challenge for the artist on the receiving end to express in their own style.  Lori Anderson is the host and brain-child behind the organization of this particular bead challenge.  It is perfect “soup” , warming my soul on a cold winter day for me living in Philadelphia.  I welcome the challenge.

I included a variety of supplies and I hope she is inspired to do something fun and add her own components if she desires as well. I included items of stone, Czech glass, hand-rolled clay beads, hand-twisted wire worked beads, seed beads, ceramic, rhinestone and metal charm elements just to name a few.

Perhaps she will blog about her experience. I plan to document my creative journey on the Club Creative Studio Facebook page with photos and within this blogging platform. I am happy to share the experience of the creative thought process and creative expression of this beading challenge by sharing my Bead Soup Challenges.

It is my hope that you find the steps that I take interesting and keep in touch as I share the trials and tribulations of this beading challenge. Please check back for future posts on this topic here and on the page: http://www.facebook.com/clubcreativestudio

Related articles

• Special Arrival: Box of Beautiful Beads (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)
• Enjoy Bead Soup (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)
• My Latest Beading Challenge (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)

The Bead Soup Challenge

Club Creative Studio is one of over 500 participants in the 7th Bead Challenge and Blog Party. Wonderful artists, wonderful talents, wonderful art, wonderful blogs and wonderful opportunity to learn about beads and beading.

Good Luck to all who are creating with beads for the love of art.

What would be reasons why someone would desire to participate in a bead challenge?

1. Taking part in a bead challenge is a creative growth step. Anyone who takes part in a bead challenge has a will to grow creatively.

2. Taking part in a bead challenge allows you to discover the power you have within to create with unknown factors and become successful from that.

3. A beading challenge brings together like-minded persons who create and design items using beads. They also bring together friendships with common grounds.

4. Taking part in a bead challenge is a welcome challenge for many to become aware of talents of others who are creating hand-made beads and items from them.

Here is a list of those who are participating within the 2013 creative journey alongside of me. I am happy that so many are inspiring and expressing with art. Thank you in advance to anyone from this list who stops by this blog to visit, or who follow my creativity on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/clubcreativestudio and who take time to browse or order from the Club Creative Studio website at http://www.clubcreativestudio.com

Alicia Marinache	www.allprettythings.ca
Adlinah Kamsir	www.dreamstruckdesigns.blogspot.com
Agata Grygiel	www.inny-pamietnik.blogspot.com
Agi Kiss	www.moonsafaribeads.blogspot.com
Alenka Obid	www.pepita-handmade.blogspot.com
Ali McCarthy	www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com
Alice Craddick	www.alicesbeadsandbaubles.blogspot.com
Alison Sachs	www.beadsbyearthtones.blogspot.com
Amanda Tibbetts	www.amandamade.com/blog
Amber Dawn Goldish	www.InventiveSoul.blogspot.com
Amy Severino	www.amybeads.blogspot.com
Amy Sims	www.amysimsdesigns.com
Ana Cravidao	www.acbeads.blogspot.com
Ana Krepel	www.catspajamas-dogstuxedos.blogspot.com
Andra Marasteanu	www.bijouxdemonange.blogspot.com
Andra Weber	www.andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
Andrea Glick	www.zenithjade.blogspot.com
Andrea Trank	www.heavenlanecreations.com
Andria Poole	www.Jewelleryartiste.blogspot.com
Angela Perkins	www.jeweledinspirations.blogspot.com
Anitra Gordy Boyers	www.LeeLuCreations.blogspot.com
Anja Schultz	www.anjas-perlenwelt.blogspot.de
Ann Sherwood	www.ann-sherwood.blogspot.com
Anna Nordeman	www.annas-adornments.blogspot.com
Annette Rivers	www.mamaowlsmess.blogspot.com
Annita Wilson	www.awjewelryandbeadwork.blogspot.com
Anu Tuppurainen	www.koti-ilta.blogspot.fi
April Grinaway	www.brooklynbeadgoddess.blogspot.com
Arlene Dean	www.aglassbash.blogspot.com
Astrid Boyce	www.astridboyce.blogspot.com
Audrey Bélanger	www.esperianterra.blogspot.ca
B.R.Kuhlman	www.mixedmayhemstudios.com
Barb Fernald	www.barbarasfernald.com
Barb Solem	www.vivimagoopresents.com
Barbara Bechtel	www.secondsurf.com
Barbara Mason	www.Adorninglyyours.com
Becky Pancake	www.beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Beti Horvath	www.stringingfool.blogspot.com
Betty James Hoppensteadt	www.tybetastidbits.blogspot.com
Bev Breisinger	www.countryfrogcreations.blogspot.com
Billi RS Rothove	www.billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com
Birgit Klughardt	www.gitesbeads-gite.blogspot.com
Birgitta Lejonklou	www.lejonklou.blogspot.se
Bobbie Rafferty	www.beadsong.blogspot.com
Bonnie Coursolle	www.jaspersgems.blogspot.ca
Brandi Burdick	www.tofallorstumbleupon.com
Brandy Thomason McNair	www.bellavitajewelry.blogspot.com
Breana Fry	www.vault31.blogspot.com
Brenda Sigafoos	www.brenda-sigafoos.blogspot.com
Brenda Sue Lansdowne	www.bsueboutiques.typepad.com
Bridget Torres	www.Shears58.com
Candida Castleberry	www.spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com
Carmen Lau	www.littlemake.blogspot.com
Carol Dee Myers	www.caroldeezigns.blogspot.com
Carol Dillman	www.dillmansdallies.blogspot.com
Carol Wilson	www.jetadorn.blogspot.com
Caroline Dewison	www.blueberribeads.co.uk
Carolyn Chenault	www.carolynchenault.wordpress.com
Carolyn Gebert	www.kookykardinal.blogspot.com
Carolyn Lawson	www.carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Caron Reid	www.caronmichelle.blogspot.com.au
Cassi Paslick	www.cassisbeads.blogspot.com
Cassie Donlen	www.cassiedonlen.blogspot.com
Catharine Temaluru	www.ienmaginationsjewelry.wordpress.com
Catherine King	www.Catherines-Musings.blogspot.com
Catherine Turrell	www.fairysketches.blogspot.co.uk
Cathy Jakicic	www.bds.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/How%20To/Bead%20Room.aspx
Cece Cormier	www.thebeadingyogini.com
Chandra Merod	www.junipergoods.blogspot.com
Charlene Jacka	www.clay-space.com/blog
Cheri Reed	www.creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com
Cherrie Fick	www.designsinthelight.co
Cherrie Warzocha	www.colorsofshae.blogspot.com
Cheryl Brown	www.dragonflybeads.ca/category/blog
Cheryl Dunham	www.Renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com
Cheryl Foiles	www.getyourbeadon.com
Cheryl Gangle	www.RockCandyJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Cheryl McCloud	www.cherylmccloud.blogspot.com
Chris Eisenberg	www.wanderware.blogspot.com
Chris White	www.dzeyenrstudio.blogspot.com
Christa Murphy	www.adventuresofwonebeadywoman.blogspot.com
Christina Hickman	www.vintagetreasuresjewelry.blogspot.com
Christina Miles	www.wingsnscales.blogspot.com
Christina Stofmeel	www.fengbeads.com
Christine Hansen	www.intuitivesparks.blogspot.com
Christine Murrow	www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Christine Stonefield	www.sweetgirldesign.blogspot.com
Cilla Watkins	www.tellyourgirlfriends.com
Cindy Cima Edwards	www.cindycima.com
Cindy Ritchie	www.mooseriverglass.blogspot.com
Cindy Wilson	www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com
Claire Lockwood	www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com
Clare Etheridge	www.catseatdogs.com
Colleen Vinthagen	www.thewireworkshop.com/blog
Cory Tompkins	www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com
Cris Peacock	www.crispart.blogspot.com
Crystal Thain	www.beaddragons.blogspot.com
Cynthia Abner	www.createdtreasures.blogspot.com
Cynthia Riggs	www.cynthsblog.blogspot.com
Dagmar Liebisch	www.kokopellidesign.blogspot.de
Dana Fowler	www.blogjunepur.blogspot.com
Dana Hickey	www.magpieapproved.blogspot.com
Dana James	www.danasjewelrydesign.blogspot.com
Danielle Kelley	www.imbuethemuse.blogspot.com/
Darlene Fortier	www.darliciousrejuvenations.blogspot.com
Deana Hager	www.justdeesarts.blogspot.com
Deanna Cox	www.deannaaki.wordpress.com
Deb Brooks	www.fromtheheartcreations.blogspot.com
Deb Fortin	www.papergems2.blogspot.ca
Debbie Rasmussen	www.kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca
Debi Levine	www.oneheartsblog.blogspot.co.il
Deborah Read	www.deborahreadcom.blogspot.com
Debra Behrends	www.hopefuljourneys.blogspot.com
Dee Elgie	www.cherryobsidia.blogspot.co.uk
Denielle Hagerman	www.somebeadsandotherthings.blogspot.com
Denise McCabe	www.cabewoman.blogspot.com
Denise Milward	www.milwardstorysofar.wordpress.com
Diah Anggreni	www.pernik-manik.blogspot.com
Diana Frey	www.dianafrey.blogspot.com
Diana Gonzalez	www.arteypoemas.com
Diana Welte	www.lilyweeds.blogspot.com
Diane Valasek	www.dragonflyclose.blogspot.com
Dini Bruinsma	www.angazabychanges.blogspot.nl
Dita Basu	www.alankarshilpa.blogspot.com
DiYana Alcalde	www.agapecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com
Dolores Raml	www.craftydscreations.wordpress.com
Donetta Farrington	www.simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com
Donna Millard	www.fyrebeadz.blogspot.com
Doris Stumpf	www.glaszwerg.blogspot.de
Dorota Żerańska	www.gdymamczas.blogspot.com
Dot Lewallwn	www.speediebeadie.blogspot.com
Duane Clark	www.biz-e-bead.blogspot.com
Dyanne Cantrell	www.deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com
Elaine Robitaille	www.tooaquarius.com
Eleanor Burian-Mohr	www.cornerstoregoddessjewelry.blogspot.com
Elisabeth Auld	www.beadsforbusygals.com
Elizabeth Bunn	www.elizabethbeads.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Drake	www.mutteringsofacrone.wordpress.com
Elizabeth Jones	www.eyekandyjewellery.com
Elizabeth Owens Dwy	www.1996shabbylane.blogspot.com
Elizabeth Stolarczyk	www.elizabethsart.blogspot.co.uk
Elsie Deliz-Fonseca	www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com
Ema Kilroy	www.emakdesigns.com/blog
Emily Greer	www.gaiacopia.com/blog-2/
Emma Todd	www.apolymerpenchant.com
Enikö Fabian	www.perleni.blogspot.co.at
Erin Grant	www.ErinsJewelryCreations.blogspot.com
Erin Guest	www.renlish.com
Erin Kenny	www.beadifultherapy.blogspot.ca
Eva Kovacs	www.ewagyongyosvilaga.blogspot.hu
Eva Sherman	www.evashermandesigns.blogspot.com
Evelyn Duberry	www.ShebaMakeda.com
Evelyn Shelby	www.raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com
Evie and Beth McCord	www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com
Fay Wolfenden	www.torchfairy.blogspot.com
Francesca Watson	www.francescawatson.com
Francy Inman	www.8secondstudio.blogspot.com
Gen Smith	www.gennysworld.blogspot.com
Gina Hockett	www.freestyleelements.blogspot.com
Ginger Bishop	www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Ginger Davis Allman	www.thebluebottletree.com
Giorgia Rossini	www.joyblonde.blogspot.com
Gloria Allen	www.gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com
Grace Rotenberg	www.rivkasmomcom.blogspot.com/
Gretchen Nation	www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com
Hajer Waheed	www.mybeadedworld.wordpress.com
Hannah Annear	www.quirkyhannah.wordpress.com
Hannah Rosner	www.goodrivergallery.wordpress.com
Heather Davis	www.www.blissfulgardenbeads.com
Heather Marston	www.www.cswdesignsbyhehe.blogspot.com
Heather Otto	www.thecrafthopper.com
Heather Powers	www.humblebeads.blogspot.com
Heidi Kingman	www.Heidikingman.blogspot.com
Hope Smitherman	www.CraftyHope.blogspot.com
Ildiko Jarai	www.sviroalkotasai.blogspot.hu
Ilenia Ruzza	www.ile1974.blogspot.it
Ilona Hegedűs	www.ilkabeads.blogspot.com
Ine Vande Cappelle	www.jewelsbyine.blogspot.com
Inge von Roos	www.ingetraud.wordpress.com
Ingrid McCue	www.wrappedinsilver.com
Iveth Caruso	www.CreativeAtelier.net
Jackie Locantore	www.www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/MorningStarSanctuaryStudioarSanctuaryStudio/11618/i_started_out_as_a_child_
Jackie Ryan	www.kydojewellery.blogspot.co.uk
Jacqueline Keller	www.creartelier.blogspot.com
Jacqueline Marchant	www.jaacquelinesjewels.blogspot.com
Jan Petek	www.janpetek.com
Jane Pranata Lim	www.cherryeve.blogspot.com
Janeen Sorensen	www.wildvanilladesigns.com
Jane-Michael Stallings	www.craftvacuum.blogspot.com
Janine Lucas	www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories
Jasvanti Patel	www.Jewelrybyjasvanti.blogspot.com
Jayashree Paramesh	www.nchantme.com
Jayne Capps	www.mamasgottodoodle.blogspot.com
Jean Peter	www.jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com
Jean Wells	www.jeanawells.blogspot.com
Jean Yates	www.prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com
Jeanne Steck	www.gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com
Jelveh Jaferian Johnson	www.jelvehdesigns.blogspot.com
Jennifer Cabic	www.jennifercabic.blogspot.com
Jennifer Cameron	www.glassaddictions.com
Jennifer Davis	www.jennifersjewelsandjunk.blogspot.com
Jennifer LaVite	www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com
Jennifer Reno	www.jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com
Jennifer Tough	www.jenniferbeads.blogspot.com.blogspot.com
Jennifer VanBenschoten	www.vanbeads.blogspot.com
Jenny Davies-Reazor	www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog
Jenny Kyrlach	www.anafiassa.blogspot.com
Jenny Robledo	www.peppasdream.blogspot.com
Jenny Vidberg	www.shymessmycken.blogspot.se
Jessica Brower	www.ifcreations.blogspot.com
Jessica Klaaren	www.cellardoorjewelry.blogspot.com
Jill MacKay	www.jillmackay.com
JJ Jacobs	www.comingabstractions.blogspot.com
Joan Williams	www.lilrubyjewelry.com
Jo-Ann Woolverton	www.itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca
Joanna Matuszczyk	www.filcowe.blogspot.com
Joanne Tinley	www.daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com
Jodie Marshall	www.Marshalljodie.blogspot.com
Johanna Rhodes Nash	www.firephoenixcreations.blogspot.co.uk
Joyce Becker	www.joycesjoyfulgems.blogspot.com
Judith Johnston	www.lampworkbeadlounge.com
Judy Riggs	www.rigglettes.blogspot.com
Judy Riley	www.threeredbeads.blogspot.com
Judy Robinson	www.woodbeads.wordpress.com
JuLee Wolfe	www.thepolymerpenguin.blogspot.com
Juli Cannon	www.beadnik.net
Julia Gerlach	Www.beadandbutton.com/beadbuzz
Julie Anne Leggett	www.thepeacefulbead.com
Julie Bowen	www.blog.autochthonous-evolved.com
Julie Panusis	www.catsmeowco.blogspot.com
June Butt	www.onewhiteswan.blogspot.co.nz
K Hutchinson	www.jumbledhutch.wordpress.com
Karen Martinez	www.fairiesmarket.blogspot.com
Karen Mitchell	www.overthemoon-design.com
Karen Vincent	www.swallowtailjewellery.blogspot.com
Karen Williams	www.baublicious.blogspot.com
Kari Asbury	www.hippiechickdesign.blogspot.com
Karin King	www.maverickbeads.blogspot.ca
Karin Slaton	www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com
Karin von Hoeren	www.creativeideen.de
Karla Morgan	www.texaspepperjams.blogspot.com
Karyn Bonfiglio	www.plussizebangles.com/blog
Kat Barron Miller	www.mkpbeadart.blogspot.com
Kat Douglas	www.Washoekat.blogspot.com
Kate Dufour	www.mixfolios.wordpress.com
Kate Mulligan	www.mulliganstewjewelry.blogspot.com
Kate Richbourg	www.katerichbourg.com
Kathleen Gallant	www.partnersincharms.blogspot.com
Kathleen Lange Klik	www.ModernNatureStudio.blogspot.com
Kathrin Lembke	www.allesperle.blogspot.de
Kathy Lindemer	www.bay-moon-design.blogspot.com
Kathy Stemke	www.vintagememoriesjewelry.blogspot.com
Katie Nielsen-Nunez	www.Vikingcraft.blogspot.com
Katja Benevol Gabrijelcic	www.slovoni.blogspot.com
Katy Heider	www.onthepondcreations.blogspot.com
Kay Bolton	www.toodlesandbinks.blogspot.com
Kay Thomerson	www.KayzKreationz.blogspot.com
Kayla Potega	www.teejewelry.blogspot.com
Kelley Fogle	www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com
Kelli Jacobson	www.CreativeMoonJewelryAndThings.com
Kelly Patterson	www.travelingsideshow.blogspot.com
Kelly Ramstack	www.adventureswithkelly.blogspot.com
Keren Panthaki	www.vasdea.wordpress.com
Kiersten Kern	www.myglassbeadlife.blogspot.com
Kim Hora	www.kimmykats.com
Kim Houston	www.thepinkmartiniboutique.blogspot.com
Kim Sparks	www.beadabunch.blogspot.com
Kimberly Idalski	www.Kimisjewelryandgifts.blogspot.com
Kirsi Loponen	www.peikkonen.blogspot.com
Klaudete Koon	www.klaudetekoon.blogspot.com
Klaudia Tóth	www.klaudiabizsu.hu
Krafty Max	www.kraftymax.blogspot.com
Kris Lanae Binsfeld	www.cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Krista French	www.expressyourfaith.webs.com/apps/blog
Krista Quantrill	www.cornucopiaofcrafts.blogspot.ca
Kristen Stevens	www.kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/
Kristi Harrison	www.kristibasket-itsanewday.blogspot.com
Kristin Oppold	www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com
Kristina Hahn Eleniak	www.peacockandlime.wordpress.com
Kristina Johansson	www.wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com
Kumi Fisher	www.maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com
Kym Hunter	www.kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com
Lana Kinney	www.somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca
Laney Mead	www.laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk
Lara Lutrick	www.lutrick.blogspot.com
Laren Dee Barton	www.larendeedesigns.blogspot.com
Laura Bracken	www.laurabrackenblog.blogspot.com
Laura Demoya	www.Thebeadtherapist.blogspot.com
Laura Guenther	www.blueantiquities.blogspot.com
Lauren Fenty	www.laurenbeads.blogspot.com
Lauren Potts	www.lpsjewelry.blogspot.com
Laurie Hanna	www.jewelrybylh.blogspot.com
Laurie Keefe-Cecere	www.treeofliferootedinmysoul.blogspot.com
Laurie Vyselaar	www.Lefthandjewelry.wordpress.com
Lea Avroch	www.LAJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Leah Curtis	www.beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.co.uk
Leah Tees	www.mybeadylittleeyes.blogspot.ca
Leanne Loftus	www.firstimpressiondesign.blogspot.com
Lee Anne Messerschmidt	www.wiredhammerednworn.wordpress.com
Lena Adams	www.mommaslilbirdiesblog.blogspot.com
Lennis Carrier	www.windbent.wordpress.com
Lesley Watt	www.thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com
Leslie Schenkel	www.twistedchicken.wordpress.com
Leslie Wayment	www.aabeadsonline.com/blog
LiliKrist	www.pcbylik.blogspot.com
Linda Anderson	www.fromthebeadboard.blogspot.com
Linda Djokic	www.lutkaandco.com
Linda Kropp	www.lindasartbarn.blogspot.com
Linda Murphy	www.bonitabead.blogspot.com
Linda Newnham	www.earth-shine.co.uk
Linda Sadler	www.idalouisejewelry.blogspot.com
Linda Younkman	www.lindysdesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Boucher	www.lisasclayhappenings.blogspot.com
Lisa Johnson	www.whimsyswonders.blogspot.com
Lisa Liddy	www.lisaliddy.wordpress.com
Lisa Suver	www.fanceethat.blogspot.com
Liz DeLuca	www.www.creativeartyfacts.blogspot.com/
Liz Engriser	www.www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com/
Lizzie Clarke	www.theneedtobead.blogspot.com
Lola Surwillo	www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com
Lora Bright	www.fandangling.wordpress.com
Lorelle McIntyre	www.beadyart.blogspot.com.au
Loretta Carstensen	www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com
Lori Anderson	www.PrettyThingsBlog.com
Lori Bergmann	www.LoriBergmann.blogspot.com
Lori Bowring Michaud	www.artfullyornamental.blogspot.com
Lori Finney	www.lori-finney.blogspot.ca
Lori Lochner	www.lorilochner.com
Lori Poppe	www.lorillijeanscreativecorner.blogspot.com
Lori Schneider	www.Beadaddicted.blogspot.com
Lucie Bouvier	www.carlosbeadstore.com/blog
Lupe Meter	www.gesmpccorner.blogspot.com
Lyn Foley	www.lynfoleyblog.com
Lynn Jobber	www.thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk
Maddison Langford	www.maddy-moo.blogspot.com
Magdalena Sikora	www.porannagazeta.blogspot.com
Malin de Koning	www.beadingbymalindekoning.blogspot.se
Mallory Hoffman	www.rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com
Mandi Effron	www.craft-o-licious.blogspot.com
Marcella Austenfeld	www.goodtogojewelry.blogspot.com
Marcia Dunne	www.thealternativefoundry.blogspot.com
Marcy Lamberson	www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com
Margareta Saari	www.magsinhelmet.blogspot.fi
Maria Clark	www.sweetwillowdesigns.blogspot.com/
Maria Rosa Sharrow	www.willowstreetshops.blogspot.com
Marianna Boylan	www.stargirlshop.blogspot.com
Marianne Baxter	www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Marie Covert	www.thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com
Marina Dobrynina	www.savonfeutre.blogspot.fr
Marina Kosovic	www.machoopko-design.blogspot.com
Marion Simmons	www.shadetreejewelry.com/blog.html
Marita Suominen	www.momentofjewelry.blogspot.fi
Marjolein Trewavas	www.roomforchangemeuk.blogspot.co.uk
Marsela Schroth	www.marselita.de
Martha Aleo	www.ornamento.wordpress.com
Marti Conrad	www.marticsclay.blogspot.com
Mary Ellen Merrigan	www.MaryEllenBeads.com
Mary Ellen Parker	www.beetreebyme.blogspot.com
Mary Govaars	www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com
Mary Harding	www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com
Mary K McGraw	www.mkaymac.blogspot.com
Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens	www.glassbeadart.blogspot.com
Maybeline Tay	www.thejewelrylarder.blogspot.sg
Mea-B. Uebler	www.glasorakel.blogspot.com
Megan Milliken	www.maemaemills.blogspot.com
Melissa Meman	www.melissameman.blogspot.com
Melissa Mesara	www.one-earedpig.blogspot.com
Melissa Trudinger	www.beadrecipes.wordpress.com
Menka Gupta	www.menkag.blogspot.com
Merja Sundström	www.suntsan.blogspot.fi
Merja Syrjämäki	www.helmiriippuvuus.blogspot.fi
Michaela Pabeschitz	www.der-lamardebonita.blogspot.co.at
Michelle Buettner	www.MiShelDesigns.blogspot.com
Michelle Escano	www.cabbycraft.blogspot.com
Michelle Tucker	www.michellescreativemusings.blogspot.com
Michelle Wigginton	www.adornedonadelaide.blogspot.ca
Milla Hope	www.Lbcreativeart.com
Mimi Gardner	www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com
Miranda Ackerely	www.mirandack.com
Mischelle Fanucchi	www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com
Molly Alexander	www.beautifullybrokenme.blogspot.com
Monica Phillips	www.monicaglassandjewelry.com/blog
Mowse Doyle	www.mowsemadethis.blogspot.com
Mrs M Makes	www.mrsmmakes.wordpress.com
Nan Emmett	www.spiritrattles.blogspot.com
Nan Smith	www.wirednan.blogspot.com
Nancy Boylan	www.snazzydoodle.blogspot.com
Nancy Dale	www.nedbeads.blogspot.com
Natalie Davidson	www.northshoredays.blogspot.co.nz
Natalie Moten	www.runningoutofthread.blogspot.com
Natascha Marty	www.sommerlicht.ch
Nikki Banham-Hall	www.jewellerymakingblog.blogspot.co.uk
Niky Sayers	www.silverniknats.blogspot.co.uk
Noemi Baena	www.blog.noemibaena.com
Norma Turvey	www.moonlitfantaseas.blogspot.com
Pam Chesbro	www.afortunatesoul.blogspot.com
Pam DeBoer	www.pamelas-studio.blogspot.com
Pam Farren	www.re-maker.blogspot.com
Pam Hurst	www.pamhurst/blogspot.com
Pam Sandy	www.pamseclecticstuff.blogspot.com
Pam Traub	www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com
Pamela Gangler	www.shealwayslovedpink.blogspot.com
Pat Haight	www.wigglebuttblog.blogspot.com
Patina Queen	www.patinaqueenstudio.blogspot.com
Patricia Buchanan	www.artfire.com/ext/shop/blog/braceletstoo
Patricia Johnson	www.patricialjohnsonglassart.blogspot.com
Patti Pruhs	www.threebeadsandastring.blogspot.com
Patty Miller	www.cabaribeads.blogspot.com
Paula Hisel	www.simplybeadiful.weebly.com/simply-stated.html
Peggy Gabrielson	www.georgiamountainarts.blogspot.com
Penny Houghton	www.smellynelly.blogspot.com.au
Penny Mills	www.cobblestone-lane.blogspot.com
Perri Jackson	www.shaktipajdesigns.com/blog
Pia Kaven	www.piakaven.blogspot.com
Rachel Baron	www.rbarondesigns.blogspot.com
Rachel Stanley	www.2catchahummingbird.blogspot.com
Rachel Van-Walsh	www.balancedcrafts.com/blog
Rain Hannah	www.honeyandollie.com
Rana Wilson	www.ranaleadesigns.blogspot.com
Rebecca Anderson	www.songbeads.blogspot.com
Rebecca Sirevaag	www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com
Regina Santerre	www.reginaswritings.blogspot.com
Regina Wood	www.gina-design.blogspot.com
Renetha Stanziano	www.lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com
Robin Reed	www.willowdragon.blogspot.com
Rochelle Brisson	www.acreativechelle.blogspot.com
Rosanagh Watson	www.ring-a-ring-a-rosie.blogspot.co.uk
Rose Johnson	www.swtrosethorn.blogspot.com
Rose Rushbrooke	www.roserushbrooke.com/blog
Rosemary Cheslock	www.glasseyebutterfly.tumblr.com
Rossana De Gaspari	www.rdegas.blogspot.com
Roxanne Blanc	www.strikesmyfancy-2013.blogspot.com
Ruth Szapa	www.trudicrufus.blogspot.com
Sabine Dittrich	www.perlendschungel.blogspot.com
Sally Russick	www.thestudiosublime.com
Sam Waghorn	www.palemooncreations.tumblr.com
Sandi James	www.dobedobeaddo.blogspot.com
Sandi Volpe	www.sandivolpe.com
Sandra McGriff	www.skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca
Sandra Pendragon	www.sandrapendragon.blogspot.com
Sandra Wollberg	www.city-of-brass-stories.blogspot.com
Sandra Young	www.gypsyroadbeads.blogspot.ca
Sandy Richardson	www.SandyColoringBox.blogspot.com
Sarah Goode	www.pookledo.blogspot.com
Sarah Singer	www.singingsongsofsixpence.blogspot.co.uk
Sarah Small	www.bysalla.blogspot.com
Sarah Strover	www.beaupepys.blogspot.com
Shai Williams	www.shaihasramblings.blogspot.com
Shalini Austin	www.jewellery-by-shalini.blogspot.co.uk
Shannon Hicks	www.uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com
Shari Replogle	www.playswithpaper.blogspot.com
Sharon Palac	www.sharonsjewelrygarden.blogspot.com
Sheila Daniels	www.cheekymagpie.com
Sheila Davis	www.www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com
Sherri Stokey	www.KnotJustMacrame.com
Sherry Baun	www.unicornsjewels.blogspot.com
Sheryl Stephens	www.babblebead.blogspot.com
Shiraz Biggie	www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com
Shirley Moore	www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com
Sierra Barrett	www.giraffecanhas.wordpress.com
Silke Gröber	www.just-beads.blogspot.com
Silvia Sernicola	www.pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it
Siobhán Keogh	www.vovsjewellery.blogspot.ie
Skylar Bre’z	www.brisingbeads.blogspot.com
Solange Collin	www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com
Sonya Stille	www.dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com
Staci Smith	www.stacilouiseoriginals.com
Stacie Florer	www.soultosubstance.com
Stacy Alderson	www.iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk
Stacy Pomerleau	www.craftenvilleblog.com
Stefanie Teufel	www.stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com
Stephanie Haussler	www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Stephanie LaRosa	www.stringaholic.blogspot.com
Stephanie Stamper	www.Skwds.blogspot.com
Stephanie Weiss	www.uniquelymebwd.blogspot.com
Sue Burleigh	www.sagebreezes.blogspot.com
Sue Hamel	www.cardandjewelrycorner.blogspot.com
Sue Rennie	www.moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk
Sumi Rani	www.HundredColors.blogspot.com
Susan Bowie	www.susanbowie.wordpress.com
Susan Kelly	www.midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com
Susan Kennedy	www.suebeads.blogspot.com
Susan McClelland	www.mistheword12.wordpress.com
Susan of Libellula Jewelry	www.libellulajewelry.com
Susan Sheehan	www.susanasheehan.blogspot.com
Susanna Lehto	www.othellehto.blogspot.fi
Suse Stelljes	www.pearlify.blogspot.de
Susie Hibdon	www.vintagesusieandwings.blogspot.com
Suzann Sladcik Wilson	www.BeadphoriaBlog.com
Suzanne Fragiacomo	www.glassymom.blogspot.com
Suzette Bentley	www.elliesbijoux.blogspot.com
Tamera Norris	www.beadsinspireme.com
Tammi Sloan	www.mybrownwren.blogspot.com
Tammie Everly	www.ttedesigns.blogspot.com
Tania Hagen	www.pelimadesign.blogspot.co.nz
Tania Spivey	www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com
Tanya Goodwin	www.pixiloo.blogspot.com
Tanya Wiles	www.studioblog.tenebroushollow.com
Tara Plote	www.newbiebeader.blogspot.com
Tari Kahrs	www.pearlandpebble.blogspot.com
Terri G.	www.terrisbloomingideas.blogspot.com
Terry Carter	www.tappingflamingo.blogspot.com
Terry Matuszyk	www.pinkchapeau.wordpress.com
Theresa Buchle	www.bead-mused.blogspot.com
Theresa Frank	www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com
Tiffany Smith	www.southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com
Tina Bosh	www.bookbug-somanybookssolittletime.blogspot.com
Tina Holden	www.beadcomber.blogspot.com
Tina Noonan	www.wingedimp.blogspot.com
Toltec Jewels	www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Tracey Nanstad	www.abeadifulmess.blogspot.com
Tracie Dean	www.homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com
Tracy Bell	www.CopperGlassAndRecycledTrash.blogspot.com
Tracy Choy	www.bumblebeadsdesigns.Blogspot.com
Tracy Kruse	www.goldkissesart.blogspot.com
Tracy Stillman	www.tracystillmandesigns.com
Valerie Norton	www.hot-fused-glass.com
Veralynne Malone	www.veradesigns.blogspot.com
Veronica Campos-Hallstrom	www.clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com
Vicki Holliday	www.flopcatdesign.blogspot.com

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Special Arrival: Box of Beautiful Beads

 

Club Creative Studio’s post today highlights the special delivery from the mail this afternoon. My special arrival came today, it was a box of beautiful beads. The beads in my photograph were sent to me specifically for the Bead Challenge called:  Bead Soup Challenge & Blog Party, #7.

Susan Sheehan is my Bead Soup Bead Challenge Buddy.  We were paired from over 500 participants in Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup and Blog Party Challenge. She is from New Hampshire and works primarily in glass, creating wonderful beads, many with the floral motif theme (which is right up my alley). We exchanged boxes and I received mine today! She should get the box that I sent her by Monday.

The excitement starts to build the minute you are assigned your bead partner’s name and location. I had a chance to look on Susan’s website and read a few blogs once I knew she was assigned to me.  With exchanged contact information we are able to keep track and communicate along our creative journey.  It is wonderful that we have put together totally different packages to inspire each other.  She creates in her studio and can be found selling her art at: http://www.susansheehan.etsy.com  The challenge aspect comes next as we sit in front of the bead stash wondering what to create and how to use the elements in front of us.  I anticipate using a few of my own items as well, but, the majority of the supplies will come from the pile she has gifted me.

 What’s in her shared treasure box?

 

Admiring this selection, the first impression that I had was she has a great sense of color. The combinations are wonderful and I am inspired to create starting with a good color palate in front of me from the get-go. She included an array in styles of beads which will certainly make for an eclectic feel of whatever I end up creating from this collection of bead types. I am faced with working with a variety of shapes, sizes and weights of beads and that is a challenge unto itself.  I am not afraid of mixing metals so the copper-colored chain and the silver clasp and bead caps don’t frighten me.

Susan has challenged me to basically create using pink, turquoise, and brown. There are many larger beads all of which can combine to become focal beads or serve as a focal bead all alone. The obvious choice is using the large amber-colored glass round as the main focal bead.  It made me think immediately of using it as part of a center tassel, at first glance so I will see if that changes when I hit the design table or not.

The tube beads dotted with mini-seed beads and floral theme motif are about one inch long, there are four of those. Two brown rounds are not identical but have been made with the same feel. She included six interesting pink glass mosaic feel beads that shimmer in the light, those are cool as well.  With an interesting mixture of tiny crystals and Lucite, I can  imagine using them as little accents of color and dangle beads right now at first glance.

The highlight of her box are of course her hand-made glass floral beads. She has included ten for me to use in my creation.  They are dotted with spots of turquoise, pink, brown, orange and a little bit of purple. Wonderful!

After I let my  “soup” simmer overnight, I will think about what I want to create and then sit down and design, arrange and question.  I plan to document my creative thought process and share the development of my special arrival…my box of beautiful beads. Be sure to visit this blog again as well as the Club Creative Studio Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/clubcreativestudio for updates on my beading challenge process.

 

 

 

 

 

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Enjoy Bead Soup

 

It’s winter where Club Creative Studio is located and  it’s cold.  It’s time to enjoy a little taste of bead soup.  No, I have not decided to actually EAT, sleep and breathe beads no matter what others think that I already do.  I am taking part in a beading challenge called Bead Soup founded by artist Lori Anderson.  This bead soup challenge pairs up persons creating hand-made beads and places them in a challenge together where they put together a goodie package and mail them to each other, challenging them to create from the stash. 

This challenge has three separate reveal dates so that bead artists have time to complete their projects. Most like me, plan to document the journey.  This is the first time that I am taking part in this event.  I first got word that my “Bead Buddy” Susan was from New Hampshire a few days ago. We have a means to communicate and keep in contact throughout this project.  

The full content of our packages are supposed to be a secret until they are received by mail. We are allowed however to give sneak peeks or “teaser photos”. These are two photos that introduce with curiosity concerning what I have included for this challenge.  When I asked Susan for a hint of what she was going to send me in her package, she said with a bit of wit and humor that my beads all had holes…included something old, something new, something purchased, something hand-made, and something blue. Hummm…I can hardly wait!

My reason for taking part in this beading challenge is to experience a creative challenge and go through my steps of creative thinking with beads sent to me.  I am also in total support of the artist paired with me as I am of all of the artists also taking part in this creative process (which totals over 500 participants).  They all eagerly use their creativity and talent to make hand-made beads and share with others for artistic growth.

Please stop by this blog often as I continue to share photos and information about how my first Bead Soup challenge is going. I am ready and willing to enjoy my Bead Soup and share it with you.

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Creativity is Expression

It is no secret that creativity is a form of expression.

Have you discovered the reasons why creativity allows you to express yourself?  There may be several reasons why allowing creative thoughts and actions into your life can benefit you. In today’s Club Creative Studio’s blog post I want to touch on  few aspects explaining how creativity can  help you define who you are.  While it is true that “you are you” as a unique being and you are capable of expressing your individuality in several ways, how you express your creativity is where being creative comes into play.  Being creative and allowing yourself to be true will give you the chance to express yourself to the fullest.

Let’s say you are naturally a shy person. There is nothing wrong with having this quality at all, I am thinking of a word that has a reference to a characteristic many seem to want to overcome in some degree level.  Some people wish they were more outgoing, more brave and daring, louder, more showing of self-confidence.

Whatever the challenge we see as a potential shortcoming which by we identify with for any reason, I believe that by adding creativity into the mix, we  allow ourselves to tackle those challenges more readily.  Art therapists will probably be among the first of many to tell you that the use of art in many forms will free you of many things. I too believe in the power of art as a means of expression and a break through to many situational problems or concerns.  Letting out what is inside is a release of sort that can have a healing and revealing process associated with it. Do you know how being creative can benefit you?

 My Five Benefits to Being Creative

1.  Release.  Using creativity as a means of release can free you up of unwanted stress and tension. Free your mind of worries for a bit, or share what is considered over-load information in a different venue.

2.  Answers an Inner Need. Being creative allows you to be satisfied with the needs that you have to express what your imagination fosters. Do you have a need to be expressive and share your inner thoughts? No matter if a creative need is expressed to yourself in a private journal entry or sung out loud to the roof tops, creativity can call upon your inner needs and be filled.

3.  It’s Natural.  It may not seem that way sometimes but, we all have the potential to be highly creative. It is only when we become older that we lose sight of how easily creativity can flow because of all of our hang-ups. Being creative can become automatic and freeing we can appreciate the natural built-in drive to strive to be creative we already have, naturally. Creativity is natural and it is contagious. Creativity begets Creativity.

4.  It’s a Brain Game.  Looking at creativity growth as a personal challenge is a way to increase it with intended purpose. It takes practice to be creative without having to think about what you are doing.  The more times you are calling upon yourself to think or act on a creative thought or impulse, the faster those opportunities appear when you need them the most. Your out-of-the-box thinking concepts will become more frequent when you train yourself to be more expressive and imaginative every chance you can.  I believe being more creative can become a personal challenge and attainable goal.  Practice of anything will bring about a change.

5,  Shake It Up. Expressions of creativity shakes up our senses.  Adding a new view to a situation, a twist on a solution, or a vision of enlightenment stemming from a creative thought adds spice to life.  Even if you are not the one being creative but you are listening to a creative person or thought, their creative actions or words can inspire you to act in a creative manner as well.  Why not use creativity to shake up your world?  The world needs MORE creative thinkers. We need different solutions, we desire our days to be exciting and worth remembering. When creativity shakes up and changes something, we take notice.

If creativity or calling upon your creativity is not your strong suit, I guess I made this list for you in mind. If you can find one of the numbers helpful to inspire a creative spark and reason to be creative today, I’d love to hear about it by a comment below this post. Have a great day being “Creative Everyday”!

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Lady In Red

Club Creative Studio. Samples in Red.

Are you seeing red lately?  The color red?  Are you finding the desire to dress or wear accessories that are red in color? Would you notice a lady in red when you see one? 

It seems that the color red is around us more during December and February.  You are probably seeing red hearts, roses, bows, candy wrappings, candy boxes, clothing and jewelry highlighting the color red now-a-days.

Club Creative Studio loves to create with the color red.

Does the color red invoke certain feelings for you? I recently asked Club Creative Studio Facebook friends this very question: What comes to mind when you see the color red?  Here are some of their responses in a word: power, passion. love, lipstick, hearts. blood, roses. I think that the color red is also fiery, hot and bright.  It awakens our imagination and stimulates our brain.  Have you heard of the “power tie”?  A power tie is a necktie that is red.  Red gives you strength and confidence.

Take a look at yourself the next time you are wearing the color red. Are you acting with extra spunk or attitude?  Are you happy and loving when you sport red? 

You don’t need to be covered from head to toe to get a taste of red in your life. If it is not your normal color to wear try an accessory or small pop of color from a necklace, bracelet or earrings.

I do not have items “color-coded” on the website but, you will find red integrated into hand-made art within the Club Creative Studio online storefront found at http://www.clubcreativestudio.com  I welcome you to browse and see if something catches your eye there.  Maybe it will be something created in the color red, maybe in an unexpected color combination. Happy Shopping!

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