This economy has a lot of people on edge, frightened, and very leary about spending. Some of us are becoming known as starving artists, and some of us have day jobs! This too shall pass. So, in the meantime, get going out there and make some lemonade with all these lemons.

I figured out that one solution to the "crisis" is to back up, take stock, and review what's in the stock-pile of art and craft elements that might be sitting around the studio. Come on, most of us are women, we know how to make do! We definately know how to make lemonade.

I found an altoid tin, some sculpey, wire, a cabachon, and started on this little treasure box. I already have all the elements in my studio, just needed to put them together.





Who didn't enjoy having their favorite playmate come over after school to play with dolls, or to share a beloved treasure box?





And, boy, do I love this book I call, Mama Says. This book is almost complete with so many cute surprises inside. Can't wait to put the finishing touches on it.





I'm also very excited about starting on more of my spirit dolls. One of these days I need to share my sketchbook on my blog. I keep one for my special inspirations, and then I have a second one that is like a scrapbook of future ideas. The second book has clippings of magazine projects, articles, how to's, and what I like to do is just cut out pictures, and then I write a little note to myself to remind me what it was about the project or art piece that intrigued me, and how I might create something using a new technique or perspective. Oh well, I digress.
I'll be see you soon!

Here are more of the spirit dolls. I've listed these in my Etsy store, and soon I'll be back on ebay too. It's so good to be back to work again. Also, I have just created a website. It is just a small beginning, but it was really fun. I hope to expand upon it soon. You can see at www.zinniatreasures.net

I am so happy that spring is approaching. I love to work with roses in my collages. They just feel so warm and loving and exciting!

I chose the text carefully for this collage. "A rose is a rose, and nothing can make that change." It is very reassuring to realize that some things will always be just what they are. Especially when we live in a world that is always changing.

This collage is available on etsy.com, and I hope to make many more to inspire you.

This weekend was just incredible. I took my daughter out for her birthday and we took a beadwork class together. It was da bomb! We had such a great time, and all I could think about was, when did she grow up into such a fabulous woman? I am so proud of her.

Let's talk beads for a minute. Did you know that bead shops are a great place to learn all sorts of techniques? I tend to be self taught in almost every avenue I explore, but working with a group of others who share your interests is very fun and stimulating.

Here are some more of my latest escapades!

Inspire Me Beautiful is my new business name! Yippie, I have officially changed it from Zinnia Treasures. Last night I created my new logo, and it is an actual collage which I then scanned to my computer. So, I am really happy with it. I wasn't expecting to be so drawn to red and green, but it called me, and I answered.

I have finally begun the process of re-organzing my little art studio. It's been a journey into the chaos of so many projects and so little time! However, the good news is that I now understand the fundamental importance of the phrase, "a place for everything, and everything in it's place." Each drawer I've turned over, every jar and box I've spilled out is a sobering reminder of what happens when time is limited and ideas are plenty. With that said, I am very excited to say that the studio is taking shape. I have an organized cubby for everything except for my papers and ephemera. But, that isn't bad when I consider that my paints, inks, beads, embellishments, stamps, punches, tools, fibers, and fabric are now ALL well organized and clearly within my reach.

Besides the organizational exercises I've been working on the inspirational exercises too. I have so many, many ideas, and yet I've been very anxious to develop some new skills. I am learning beading and have received some pointers (no pun intended) from some wonderful ladies at my local bead shop who are amazing with a needle and a bag a beads! I've learned a wealth of knowledge about bead strings, bead types, and beading techniques. What a pleasure!

In addition to bead work, I have been making many projects in altered art. I will be expanding on the small mini size collages I've been doing and will be focusing on larger pieces on canvas, wood, and collage board.

I've spent less time on the net, and more time with my art, and it has really been a relaxing and rejuvinating experience. If you are like me, the level of your creativity parallels your mood, and I work best when I have a peaceful environment. Don't underestimate the power of a fragrant candle by your work bench (careful to blow it out when you leave the room). I enjoy sandalwood, and lucky for me Cost Plus has a good supply! And making the envirnment "harmonious" with your unique taste is helpful in the process.

Perhaps I've been inspired since I started making the shrine dolls! They really become a powerful presence wherever they are displayed, and I find them so comforting to look at! You really must make one for yourself and see how reflective they are.