Handmade U: art

Showing posts with label art. Show all posts

Day 21: Putting Yourself Out There with Stephanie Jones Rubiano

Hope you all had a great weekend!

To cap off the weekend I want to share with you a fun chat I had with Stephanie Jones Rubiano.

Stephanie Jones Rubiano is a native Austinite who graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M at Galveston with a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology. She worked as an environmental scientist for a major drilling company in Houston, TX, for five years after that. Therefore, it stands to reason that she has now chosen art as her career path. She is a mixed media artist who creates dimensional works within shadow boxes using a variety of uncommon objects. Her love of nature and fascination with Victorian photography is apparent through her combination of antique photographs and real butterfly or moth wings. Bits of text illustrate her irreverence for straight-laced Victorian society and lend a whimsical air to her pieces.

Stephanie teaches workshops at national art retreats as well as in her home studio. She has had Butterfly Boxes and work in past mediums shown in galleries and boutiques across the United States. In October of 2008 she participated in her first nationally-ranked art festival, the Bayou City Art Festival in Houston, TX, and placed 2nd overall out of 300 national artists. Her work has graced the covers of magazines and books, as well as been the subject of articles and how-to projects. Stephanie lives with her daughter, husband, two cats and a variety of backyard critters in Austin, TX.

You can find her over on her website Www.stephanierubiano.com She has a new online course coming soon so keep an eye out for that!!

Come listen to our chat:

Putting Yourself Out There with Stephanie Jones Rubiano & Handmade U from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

In talking about putting yourself out there it may be good to note that we aren't just talking to extroverts, you don't have to want to be on stage or sign out loud in front of a crowd. Even introverts want to, need to share their talents and passions and Stephanie is a perfect example of how an introvert can overcome her fears and put themselves out there.

You never know where your connections will come from or who they will be with so it's important to constantly be putting yourself out there. Keep sharing repetitively and it will happen. Creativity especially is subjective, so you will need to find your people. Be an eternal optimist, if it doesn't happen today, maybe tomorrow! It's important to develop a thick skin as well. It is natural to want to retreat under the covers when you hear a no, or get rejected. Dust yourself off and keep going. Find your inner GRIT, the ability to get up again and again is key!

Take Stephanie's advice and Just Do It! Take a deep breath and jump in! Thanks Stephanie for sharing your story!!

Now go be creative!!

Rachel
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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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Day 14: Putting Yourself Out There with Elena Lai Etcheverry

I hope today finds you enjoying a bit of rest before Monday comes! I want to share with you a conversation I had with Elena Lai Etcherverry where she really puts herself out there. Thanks Elena.

Elena is the Founder and Executive Director Charity Wings a non profit Art & Craft Center based in San Marcos, California. Their mission is to be an inspiring place for people of all ages to Gather, Give Back and Create. She brings people and organizations together to offer free or low cost creativity sessions to other charities. She is a Mixed Media Artist and writer and loves a good pair of wings.

Find her over on Facebook @CharityWingsArtCenter
IG @elenalaietcheverry

Listen to our chat here:

Putting Yourself Out There with Elena Lai Etcheverry and Handmade U from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

One thing to keep in mind in whatever direction people around us are putting themselves out there is that every person's journey is different. Just because we know one person with infertility doesn't mean we know exactly what another is going through. Same goes for any journey, perhaps you have an artist friend who create beautiful paintings, their journey in putting themselves out there might be wanting to find a studio that would show her work, where as another friend might want to license her work for home decor. We each have a path that we follow in which the timing is unique, the challenges are unique, and the end goals are unique as well.

It is important that we know how we can support our friends and family in their pursuits. It is as simple as asking, how can I support you? What might help encourage you? This conveys a desire to support as well as understand what your friends need. That can be the best feeling of all.

As we decide how we are putting ourselves out there with our goals we need to understand what we REALLY REALLY want as Elena mentioned. Once we know that the desire to take action will kick in. It won't always be easy, doing nothing will most likely be much easier, however in the end what will make you most happy? Doing nothing and ending up without your goal, or working hard, going through what you have to go through to end up with your goal.

Surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Do what's in your heart. Sharing your gifts or story is selfish and selfless as Elena said. You'll receive support and connect with others who resonate with your story, and in return you give people the knowledge that they aren't alone and perhaps will learn from what you share.

We aren't alone. Let's find each other.

Now Go Be Creative....

Hugs,
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!

ONE DAY LEFT TO SIGN UP FOR our Fall semester!! I'm finishing up name tags this weekend, shall I make you one??

Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE. (Sign up ends August 15th)

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Day 12: Putting Yourself Out There with Lisa Kettell

TGIF!

Today we have an industry expert joining us to chat about Putting Yourself Out There and Lisa Kettle has had a lot of experience in doing it for herself as well as helping clients put themselves out there as well!

Lisa Kettell is a graduate of Caldwell College, BA and MBA from NJ. She has become a leading expert in the creative arts industry and, has been published in over a 250 publications worldwide. Lisa has taught close to 1,000 workshops, spoken at over 65 venues and has dedicated time to marketing the essentials of art awareness. In addition to adults, Lisa builds child learning skills through various art enrichment programs which helps children and teens build creative learning, overcome challenges and establish leadership. She proudly wears many hats; graphic artist/illustrator, media platform specialist, frequency coach, branding redeveloper, and creative director. These hats have allowed Lisa to work with over 100 creative industry brands to date.

Please take a listen!

Putting Yourself Out There with Lisa Kettell and Handmade U from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

So many good tips and words of encouragement that Lisa shared in here! So many that stick out in my mind! First we need to release the insecurity. We all have insecurities, it is how we manage how those affect our ability to put ourselves out there, and work towards our goal that is important. By releasing them we open up so many possibilities.

Consider your personality and how putting yourself out there might work best for you. Do you have something within you that you need to get out? Or would you be more comfortable supporting a brand or business by working with them and helping them put their vision out there? You'd be putting yourself out there within their framework which works for so many people! Decide where you will SHINE the most, and if you don't know, TRY one and see how it feels for you!

It's again all about the connections and what and who resonates with you. There will be people your message, work, etc will resonate with. Keep looking until you find them! Keep a pulse on whether you feel you are on the right path, and keep doing what is making you happy.

STOP PROCRASTINATING! Try it.

Thanks Lisa for all your bits of wisdom!!

You can find Lisa on her website :http://lisakettell.com/

IG @lisakettelldesigns

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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*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!

Day 10: Putting Yourself Out There with Jenny Doh

Hi!

It's the middle of the week and I'm thinking you might need a dose of inspiration today to keep going! I'm sharing with you today a great, thought-provoking chat I had with the incomparable Jenny Doh of Crescendoh.

In her words:
"Regarding my paintings, a person once told me that she liked my "whimsical angst." I really like that description and am happy to classify my painting style as such. I also like to describe my style as "magical realism," where I celebrate the essence and not just the likeness of my subjects from both my real life and imagined life.

I also run Studio Crescendoh in the Artist Village located in Santa Ana, California, where I teach painting and fiber arts and also show my works there. I also host visiting artists who teach their art in the studio to learners who travel from all over to participate."

You can find Jenny over on her blog/website HERE to see what she is painting, what classes she is offering in her Studio Crescendoh and so much more! Also follow her on IG @jennydoh

Come listen to our chat:

Putting Yourself Out There with Jenny Doh & Handmade U from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

Lots to consider and think about right? I am interested in taking a look at the books Jenny mentioned:

I love the idea of letting the audience in on a story. Don't we all enjoys things more when we know the secrets behind what is put out there?! From understanding why an artist created her most recent masterpiece, or what her process is, the early works, etc. It all adds to our connection with those putting themselves out there.

I appreciate Jenny's idea of being honest with where you are TODAY, and to put work out there TODAY. It will be shared as part of a long line of work and how great will it be to see the progress to come. Just try it and as Jenny said "Put out an honest nugget". See where it takes you and the connections that will come.

Also the idea of sharing specific, honest, and real bits of yourself is pretty liberating isn't it? All you have to be in you, and you don't have to figure out this WHOLE BIG THING to share, just start small and be open. As Jenny said, never under-estimate the importance of those mundane things you think don't matter, because they do.

Thanks so much Jenny for your wisdom and shared thoughts!

Now go be creative,
xox
Rachel

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Day 6: Putting Yourself Out There with Hope Ellington & Handmade U

Hi Everyone!

Happy Weekend! Today's Special Guest is Hope Ellington. Hope opened Girlfriends on the Farm in 2012 on her farm in an antique Blacksmith shop. She has 22 unique and talented artists and collectors of vintage and antique items that fill her shop. Creating has been an integral part of her life, rarely is there not an idea looming away in her mind. She lives in Bloomington, IN.

You can find Hope at her etsy shop HopeEllingtonDesigns
on IG @hopeellingtondesigns
Her website is www.hope-ellington.squarespace.com

Come listen to Hope's conversation with me while she is hanging out at the County FAIR!!

Putting Yourself Out There with Hope Ellington from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

It makes me want to run over to a fair and have a corndog does it for you too??

Thanks Hope for joining us today!! I loved our chat and hearing about how you created such a fun shop and space for women to help them put themselves out there too! We really do inspired people to step outside their comfort zones when we take those steps to do it for ourselves.

I like how Hope summarized that there are times in our lives that we don't feel great about ourselves, that we might not measure up, and sometimes it takes digging into those things that are holding us back, doing the work to improve those situations, and then the sky is the limit once we have the confidence!

Have the courage, take a small step today, contact a magazine, reach out to someone that has inspired you, connect.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!! Thanks HOPE!!

Now go be creative,

xox
Rachel

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Day 30: Cultivating Creativity with Branda Schrader

Happy Weekend All!

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.

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Day 27: Cultivating Creativity with Melody Ross

We only have a few more days of July left, can you believe how much we've packed in so far??

And we aren't done yet!!

Melody Ross is our special guest on the blog today chatting about Cultivating Creativity!

Melody is married to a man she is madly in love with, they are parents to 5 creative fabulous kids, a full time artist, writer and forever seeker of all things beautiful and true. She is the co-founder of Brave Girls' Club and all the amazing things that come from that! She is coming to us from Idaho where she is a 4th Generation Idahoan!

Thanks Melody for joining us today!

Cultivating Creativity with Melody Ross from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

Are you all hearing a trend with these Creative women? The way to be Creative is to "Show Up" as Melody says. If time is your excuse, is there a way you can make better choices with your time so you can fit in being creative? Why don't you try Melody's recommendation today and add PLAY to your checklist of To-do's. Let us know if it works and what you make fun today. Let yourself do it for you and see how the ripple effects cascade over other areas of your life.

Does it also make you feel better to know that an Artist such as Melody let's us in on the knowledge that she may have 5 bad paintings underneath a beautiful Masterpiece? Every piece of art, every project, or even every recipe we make won't be a masterpiece people. Let's just all take a minute to say that out loud and let it sink in. "Everything I make WON'T be a Masterpiece." Does it lift a little weight off your shoulders? Let yourself be free to make some bad stuff. Laugh about it like Melody suggests! Then move on to your next attempt!!

Thanks again Melody for your thoughts today!!

Have a FUN Day!!

xoxo
Rachel

Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE.

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Day 23: Cultivating Creativity with Sherri Welser

We are getting close to our last week of Cultivating Creativity! Still so many wonderful ladies are here sharing what their thoughts are on why we aren't being creative, how to get over those blockers and what some fun ideas are to be more creative in our daily lives.

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

Also her website www.indigoearth.artfire.com

Thanks to Sherri for joining us today! She has some fun tips- listen in!

Cultivating Creativity with Sherri Welser from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

I appreciated the thoughts Sherri had on creativity. We need to celebrate our creativity, we are all creative and we need to celebrate that in each of us. That getting frustrated when you aren't in the mood to be creative isn't worth it - you don't need to force it, to just find another time when you are in the flow more freely. Remember this is suppose to be FUN!

Be someplace you love, be with people you love! Enjoy the world around you. You will be inspired. Be kind to yourself and don't be so critical.

Great tips, simple and practical. Just keep reminding yourself of these each day!

Hugs,

Rachel

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Day 22: Cultivating Creativity with Sandy Glass

Hola Everyone!!

Our conversation today is with the colorful, beautiful Sandy Glass. Sandy is the brain behind Crafty Brains, living in Miami with her husband and two kiddos. Sandy teaches classes in English and Spanish in her home, and has a new class on Brave Girl University. Sandy is also a Certified Soul Restoration instructor for Brave Girls Club. You can find her on IG @craftybrains.

Come take a listen as we chat about creativity.

Cultivating Creativity with Sandy Glass from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

So are you going to take Sandy's advice, pick one thing and just try it? What's the worst thing that can happen?? If you don't like it, cross it off your list and move on to the next thing!

Be inspired by what you see and think about how you can make it your own, put your own style to it and see what you can come up with! Surround yourself with positive, good energy people for you and you will be even more inspired!

Thanks Sandy for all of your thoughts!!

Be Crafty!
Rachel

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Day 20: Cultivating Creativity with Michelle Duke.

Hi Everyone! Day 20! Can you believe this is our 20th amazing lady that has joined in to chat about Creativity? I am still in awe over all the conversations and the bits of wisdom shared in each by these fine women!

Today's conversation is wonderful as well! Michelle Duke, Aka The Duchess of thedukeandduchessdesigns.com, she is an Event Planner and Mixed media artist. She also shared with us a little preview that she is also getting ready to launch a new blog Secretsoftheduchess.com

It's an idea she has had for years... A continuing collection of short stories. Michelle has always loved to write... and she will have featured authors and co- authors. It's developing! We are excited to see where it goes for her! Michelle also is a contributors to my Hosting Gatherings and Creative Retreat book that is in the works. I can't wait to share her thoughts and wisdom on that topic as well!

Cultivating Creativity with Michelle Duke from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

Thanks Michelle for our chat today! And we appreciate the beautiful backdrop of your back yard! Hope you didn't get too wet from the rain :) Great advice from Michelle, I especially loved carrying a sketchbook when you travel or just heading about your daily routine to write things down when inspiration hits.

I also like the idea that we can all go to places we haven't been to, or been in awhile. Whether it is a trip out of town, or just down the road to a museum perhaps you've never been to, just a change of scenery and being present in those moments will bring you inspiration.

Where are your favorite places for inspiration??

Have a Creative Day!
Rach

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Day 19: Cultivating Creativity with Michelle Geller

Hi All!

It's Tuesday, Day 19 of our month long dive into what is holding us back from being Creative and gaining inspiration from all these lovely women who agreed to have Skype conversations with me. If nothing else we have taught a number of gals how to use Skype and they've realized that it isn't too scary!

Today's conversation is with my good friend Michelle Geller of Hold Dear. Michelle is coming to us from Beaverton, OR. Michelle is a brilliant journal maker, letterer, and lover of all things vintage and more! If you don't follow her on IG you are missing out. @Holddear is a sweet indulgence of vintage ephemera and all kinds of journaling goodness. You'll hear me call Michelle the Dennison Label Whisperer in our conversation and I truly hope some of it rubbed off on me! :)

Come join in the conversation and let's chat about creativity!

Cultivating Creativity with Michelle Geller from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

Again I share proof that when we share our gifts who knows where that inspiration will travel! Little did Michelle know 6 years ago when she volunteered to host a swap with vintage ephemera pages that she turned into amazing journals that my desire to learn the process who inspire me hosting Handmade U to bring her to me and a dozen gals to learn from her. And little did I know too where that all would take us!

Thanks Michelle for your constant inspiration, I enjoy the consistency of your work being shared and appreciate your joyful spirit in what you do!

xoxo,
Rach

Join us for our Fall semester of Handmade U! Details and Sign up HERE.

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Day 18: Cultivating Creativity with Niece Jordan, Age 7

Hi All!

I have a super special guest today, our niece Jordan. I know that the thread of creativity flows through all of us, especially children. I wanted to explore whether kids felt the same way about creativity as we do as adults. Take a listen in to my conversation with Jordan to see what I discovered!

Cultivating Creativity with our Niece Jordan Age 7 from Rachel McGough on Vimeo.

So Jordan's recommendation is to choose your favorite artist and use their techniques to make something very different than what they typically make. So if Alma Thomas inspired you too, use the squares technique to create something new, perhaps a village, or a lake scene. Thanks Jordan for sharing this Artist with us!

Here is a new Art Book about Alma's work that looks like it will be pretty amazing.

Also let's keep Jordan's attitude about comparison in mind. If you see work that someone else is doing, rather than to compare and not feel your work will be good enough, think about something COOL YOU can do. What is your special talent or idea that you can share with the world? You never know who will see it and think how COOL your work is!

Thanks Jordan for your perspective on Creativity! We all can learn from you!

xoxo
Rachel

Artwork by Jordan