Today's chat is with my special guest Malary Hansen. I met Malary when she was still in high school, 6 or 7 years ago! It has been fun to see her grow into a wife, new mom and now business owner.
Malary is a young wife and mama who believes that love matters most. She enjoys cooking and baking healthful foods, spending time with her daughter and husband, being in the mountains, and creating beautiful things. She recently started her business, Malary Brette Designs-- an online shop with uplifting jewelry, and soon more!
It was great to talk with her about how words are impacting her life with her Word of the Year, and the words she is stamping on beautiful jewelry she makes for her customers in her business Malary Brette Designs. Find her shop HERE. ( I fell in love with the earrings she was wearing, which she made, so I ordered a pair after our chat!)
With GROW as her word of the year, it is easy to see how much she has grown, and exciting to know she has more dreams and goals to grow even more.
Will you take her recommendation and find a little time here and there to get quiet and think about how you are feeling? How do you want to be feeling? Are those the same? What words are popping up as you consider this? Keep tabs on those words and see how they can help influence your life, the choices you make and moving you towards your dreams.
*************************************************************************** The Power of Words Companion Course is coming SOON! Keep an EYE out here!
The Putting Yourself Out There Companion Course is now OPEN! If you want to watch the August Topic and put all of it into practice for yourself - you will have a fun project and journaling prompts to help! HERE is the link to join!
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my Special Word Cuff course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member, join for one month or more!
Welcome to our Handmade U conversation today with Sherri Welser.
Sherri Welser is a mixed media artist and jewelry artisan who combines wonderful textures ,vibrant colors and inspirational messages in her work. She is located in the Fingerlakes Region of NY State and has been featured in many national magazines including Somerset studio and Jewelry Affair to name a few. She also hosts Art Retreats and just recently hosted her latest retreat " Art Of A Gypsy" in her new art studio in the woods.
You can find her on IG @wildheartart
and FB @WildHeartartSherri
We all go through things, have loss, tragedies, struggles and challenges in our lives. How many of us use these experiences to help others? How many of us put ourselves out there to share those stories in hopes of helping others. This might not be for everyone, but consider this, perhaps sharing your story, using your experience to help others can be healing and helpful for yourself too.
Also consider that putting yourself out there in small ways just to connect with people. Ask about the stories behind people's tattoos like Sherri's Mom does! What a fun way to make a connection with people! There are people that need to say things and people that need to hear those things as Sherri put it, so true. Which are you?! Or maybe you are both!
I love Sherri's point that Everyone has the ability to change a life in by doing small things.
Make those connections, just show up. If you have experienced a loss of a child and want to reach out to Sherri to receive more information on her upcoming retreat for those who have, use the connects above to find her! Thanks Sherri for what you put into the world!
Now go be creative!
Rachel
*************************************************************************** The Putting Yourself Out There Online course is now LIVE. If you are watching these conversations and wondering how to put all of this into practice for yourself - you will have a fun project and journaling prompts to help! HERE is the link to join!
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
So today's lesson is that Putting Yourself Out There is that it is sometimes messy, sometimes it doesn't come across exactly how you envisioned it, and sometimes technology is not your friend. After I finally got today's video to upload after 4-5 hours on our slow as molasses upload speed out here, I started re-watching so I could take my daily notes. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement, so sad a tech glitch would take away from the message that my special guest has to share. The recorder picked up some feedback as Ivy was sharing her story so it is a bit hard to listen to when you hear her voice doubled a bit. I REALLY hope you will hang with us through this video and listen to our chat. She has such great bits of wisdom and a great message to share. It does improve some towards the middle/end.
Lesson learned - I may need my chatters to wear headsets....will keep striving to improve the outcomes for you all!! Also when something doesn't go right, just keep trying, keeping learning and keep Putting Yourself Out There.
Ok now let's get to the good stuff...
Ivy is a published artist, art instructor and creative guide. Her online collection of artistic workshops have served thousands of students internationally and she prides herself on giving devoted care and support to her student body.
She spent most of her childhood growing up in Sydney, Australia and received private art education from a well known Australian artist as a young girl of 8 until her family was relocated to America when she was 16. She went on to finish high school in Connecticut and attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, receiving her BFA in Illustration.
After graduating she relocated to Austin, Texas where she was employed to create and implement an elaborate art education program at a local Montessori school. Life then took her to New York City, where she was employed by the Whitney Museum of Art working in the President’s office and assisting both the President and the museum’s Trustees. Finally a move to Portland, Oregon led her into the interior design business as a design assistant. A few years later, she owned and operated her own successful Interior Design company.
She left this fast paced role to become a mother to her two girls. While at home, Ivy engrossed herself in creative discovery and began to passionately shoot photography and author a blog. These endeavors ultimately led her to the online creative community - which inspired a fruitful and gratifying career as an Art Instructor - teaching both online and in person. Her domestic and international workshops offer rich and expansive creative experiences, with a focus on personal growth and renewal.
Ivy’s artistic message is to guide others to their creativity and nurture those special gifts in each of us. She strongly believes that every soul is creative and finding ways to express that creativity is paramount to joy and healing.
She has been published in several magazines including, Somerset Apprentice, Somerset Digital Studio, and Artful Blogging.
You can find Ivy at her website HERE
Also follow her FB page HERE
On IG @ivynewport
Do you feel something brewing in you? Are you ready to be vulnerable, take a chance and follow your heart? You don't need a GRAND Plan, no huge event needs to take place, just take a step, just one, and then another. You will experience a much richer life as Ivy has by taking those steps.
If you start down a path, taking those steps, and you decide along the way that you want to take a turn, move in a new direction, it is OK!! Don't shame yourself that you didn't follow through, or that you didn't succeed. This isn't necessarily a linear path, they will be turns and twists along the way. Just be sure you consider why you are making those turns, and feel good it is because you are really being pulled in a direction that follows your heart, NOT because you are scared or afraid to continue on your path.
You may be surprise when you put yourself out there that it is easier that you thought, or the feeling you'll have after you do it will be of great joy not only relief!
I hope you made it through the video, Ivy had such great wisdom to share! I appreciate you dealing with the "tech" issues I had with the sound!! xoxo Sometime putting yourself out there is messy, but surround yourself with support people and you will learn and keep going!!
Now go be creative!
Rachel
*************************************************************************** The Putting Yourself Out There Online course is now LIVE. If you are watching these conversations and wondering how to put all of this into practice for yourself - you will have a fun project and journaling prompts to help! HERE is the link to join!
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
Today is a really fun chat with Joanne Sharpe. I've admired her doodling artwork for sometime so it was a special treat to "meet" her and chat about Putting Yourself Out There, she's done it and continues to every day!
“Whimsical art maker” Joanne Sharpe is a colorful mixed media artist and enthusiastic teacher with a passion for art journaling, lettering, doodling and illustration. Joanne’s playful art has been featured in the popular publications Cloth Paper Scissors, Studios, Somerset Studio, Somerset Art Journaling and Somerset Apprentice magazines. In addition to teaching nationwide, she has been licensing artwork to the craft, fabric and giftware markets for two decades. Joanne resides in Rochester, New York.
I took a full page of notes again on this chat! So much good stuff from Joanne. I loved the idea of Putting Yourself Out There as a leadership role. Think of yourself as a leader in whatever it is you want to share, and know you are sharing to help others.
Also I agree with Joanne in sharing what you would want to learn, seen, experience etc. Putting your own spin on things will help create authenticity and will bring to you a community of like-minded people. I started Handmade U because I wanted to learn something specific, and I wanted the weekend to unfold the way I wanted to spend a weekend gathering with friends, enjoying art-making in a relaxed atmosphere and I wanted to eat good food ;)
Keep in mind not everyone will love what you are putting out there, but plenty of people will. Be ready to put in the work, be prepared, and show that you know what you are doing (even if maybe you don't quite know yet!)
I need to start a Love Notes folder like Joanne did. What a fun way to be able to go back to those supporters comments when you are having a hard day, or someone gives some bad feedback, it will be such an encouragement to have that folder of goodness!
Take Joanne's advice and Be Brave, Just Do It, what's gonna happen? Look at it Half Full - people could really really love you! Put your BEST Self Out there!
Thanks again to Joanne for such a fun chat! I enjoyed it so much.
Now go be creative!!
Rachel *************************************************************************** The Putting Yourself Out There Online course is now LIVE. If you are watching these conversations and wondering how to put all of this into practice for yourself - you will have a fun project and journaling prompts to help! HERE is the link to join!
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Today is Day 5 and we are working through the month chatting about Putting ourselves out there with some amazing women. Today's special guest is Kolleen Harrison. Kolleen is the founder of LOVEWild and creator of Mahabba Beads.... A mama, a maker, a lover of love.
I enjoyed this chat with Kolleen so much! She talks about creatively putting yourself out there, and finding the courage to just do it. Take a listen!
It is the simplest and best advice just to DO IT! I also love the added recommendation from Kolleen to not put any expectations around it. It is pretty freeing when we let ourselves just put something out in the world without the worry that we won't get 100 LIKES, or no sales, or people will wonder what the heck we are doing, just put it out there and see what happens. Whatever the outcome you will see that it'll be easier the next time you put yourself out there, and it'll keep getting easier the more you do it.
Also Kolleen's thoughts about starting a blank canvas and knowing you won't be forced to show anyone! Just do it for you, and then you can decide if you want to share it later!
I am definitely in favor, based on personal experience, of her suggestion of putting yourself out there in a LIVE in person retreat. There isn't much of a stronger chance to find lasting friendships than circling with women who are looking for a similar experience.
Whether it is a creative retreat or whatever type of event calls to you, if you feel that pull, GO! Click SUBMIT and get your booty there. You will love it. You won't imagine all the good things that will come from that one brave moment of signing up.
I also love the thoughts Kolleen shared on following and trusting. Sometimes we don't know where our creativity or pulls will take us, we just need to trust that they won't lead us astray. Listen to your Inner Guide. Be true to your compass.
And in the words of Kolleen's husband - One sure way to FAIL, it to not TRY!
Thanks so much Kolleen for joining us today!! Such great wisdom!!
Now go be creative,
xox
Rachel
The Putting Yourself Out There Online course is now LIVE. If you are watching these conversations and wondering how to put all of this into practice for yourself - you will have a fun project and journaling prompts to help! HERE is the link to join!
Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE. (Sign up ends August 15th)
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
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First of all THANK YOU! Thanks to all of you who clicked on over here and listened in on one or hopefully ALL of the conversations. Thanks and a Big Hug to all the women that agreed to #1 learn how to Skype ;), #2 find the place in their homes that the wi-fi was the best to Skype, and most importantly #3 Chat with me about Creativity!
Little did I know when I got the wild idea to start chatting with some friends on Skype and sharing the conversations with the Handmade U Tribe did I think it would turn out to be such an inspiring project for me, and by the sweet messages I have received from some of you, it appears that you were inspired by these women too! They all shared such great advice and thoughts didn't they?? My hope is that your mind was expanded, stretched, and broadened on what Being Creative means. Are you on board that we are ALL Creative? That we ALL have gifts we can use to bring Creativity into our days?
Have you sat yourself down and really had a heart to heart that you DO have the time to be Creative if you broaden that definition and make better choices with your precious time?
Have you flipped the script on being held to a standard of perfection that is out of reach for anyone and realized that enjoying the process of being Creative is all you need to do, no matter what the outcome?
Have you turned Comparison on its head and realized we should be inspired by others work and use it for good? To let it push us to create our own projects with our own style, because do we really want everything on Instagram or in the world to look and be the same? Wouldn't it be great to share our work and have people know it is ours without them even seeing our names on it?
You are Deserving, You are Enough, so Allow yourself the time to be Creative. Let yourself enjoy the process, know that mistakes will happen, and it will be OK! More than likely it'll be better than OK when you learn from those mistakes and try again, and maybe even again, it'll give it all texture, and isn't that what Life is about??
Here are a few of my wrap-up thoughts on the month of conversations!
If you have been inspired by this month and don't want to let it end I am creating a fun little class for you to take, more on that in the coming days!
Oh and don't think we won't be continuing with more Conversations! Tomorrow will be a whole new topic. This topic turned out to be much broader, one that really opens it up to talking about all kinds of stories from more amazing women. You certainly don't want to miss August on the blog. Stop by tomorrow and hear ALL about it!!
Now Go and Be Creative!
Rachel
Here are the links to all the ladies' conversations if you missed any!
Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE.
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
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Today is the LAST of the Cultivating Creativity Conversations! I would be really sad if that was truly it and the end, however I am really EXCITED to start sharing the new August Conversations with a Fresh Topic! All that will be shared soon! {if you are part of our email tribe you may already know!}
Have you enjoyed the July topic and challenge? Have you done more creative things in July? Or just recognized some of the things you'd been already doing are CREATIVE things?
Today I want to welcome my friend Branda Schrader to the blog! You can find Branda on IG @bodybyBranda and on FB @LulaRoeBranda.
Cultivating Creativity with Branda Schrader from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.
There was a lot of great tips in our conversation! First I love how Branda put it that being Creative is a matter of self-care. Much like working out, creativity just makes you feel good and happy. Branda admitted that she gets straight cranky if she hasn't been creative in awhile! Been there, haven't you? I think her suggestion of scheduling the time to be creative, and taking it one step further and SHUTTING OFF YOUR PHONE!! ACK THE HORROR!!! is such a good idea.
I'm about to get out a little journal notebook to start planning some new meals. I tried a new one last week which wasn't too bad - Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I made them a bit too gingery and spicy, but next time toned down, I think they'll be good!
And Branda suggesting to follow a kids lead is a great one. If you have kids, just let them lead you into creativity, they've got it going on I bet!
I love re-watching these and taking notes in my July Cultivating Creativity book I'm putting together! Will share when done! Do you love taking notes and capturing all the great words of advice to peruse later?
I'm a bit obsessed with notebooks of all shapes and sizes. I love making notebooks too! Check out my Youtube channel for a few videos on making your own notebooks! Also take a peek at these fun notebooks I've got in the shop!
Now go be Creative....
Rachel
Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE.
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
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I'm so thrilled it is Friday! Looking forward to a no-plans weekend with my husband Jim. Thinking the new Jason Bourne movie is on tap and I'm guessing some BBQ. I'll be excitedly getting ready to announce and share with you the new topic for our August Handmade U conversations! The chats have been really so much fun and this new topic really expands the stories the ladies are sharing, and they all are encouraging and inspiring.
I want to encourage you all to take a listen to my sweet new friend Anna Oginsky's conversation. I had such a wonderful time chatting and getting to know Anna.
Anna is a happily married mom of 3. She is a writer, loves to make art, teach classes and lead retreats in Michigan, where she lives with her family and their big yellow lab. She also just published her first book! Anna loves the intersection of creativity and community. ❤
You can find Anna here:
Website : www.annaoginsky.com
Facebook : www.facebook.com/anna.oginsky
IG : @annaoginsky
Find her teaching on Brave Girl University as well. Sign up below if you aren't already a member!
If you are interested in checking out Anna's new book please take a peek below.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Anna!
Now go be Creative....
Rachel
Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE.
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
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*Products may include Affiliate Links which would provide me compensation if you were to purchase. Your cost is the same with or without the links! Thanks!
Happy Day 26! If you aren't having a good day or need a reason to smile today you have come to the right place! I was lucky enough to have some time with this next special guest and my cheeks hurt after our chat from smiling so much, for real guys! Vanessa "Kiki " Johanning is an international full time Mixed Media Artist with more than 20 years' experience who loves to find the sparkle in your eye while embellishing every surface of life! A passionate collector of embroidered doilies, smiles, and experiences. She plays at a wonderful Imaginarium Design Studio, and is represented by several galleries in the Midwest. She is a published Trendspotter, Designer, Art Event Teacher and Inspirationalist. Everyday..looking for happy life changing moments! Find her at her website HERE And on IG @vanessakikijohanning Please join in on this colorful - FUN - conversation on Creativity! Cultivating Creativity with Vanessa Kiki Johanning from Rachel McGough on Vimeo. So there is a lot in there that inspired me! First I have to say I love that Kiki carries glitter with her. I am thinking it could really diffuse some boring or frustrating situations in your day! Also I think I need some pom poms! Also consider your little creative work area as a safe space that you can create - no one has to be watching! Don't take yourself so seriously - remember as Kiki says - It is your one and only life! Put your hands on your supplies! You can't create anything if you don't! Make something - share your true self! Thanks Kiki it was such a joy chatting with you!! xoxo Hugs, Rachel
Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE.
Want to join the Brave Girls University family?? - Join HERE! to take my course along with TONS of others you will receive as a member.
