Creative Thoughts

I've been doing a lot of thinking about where I want to focus my creative talents.  I feel funny saying creative talents, because I feel like it is a little arrogant.  I guess, that I have to admit that we all have talents, and mine is loving and doing different types of crafts.

At one point, I was thinking that I need to focus more on one type of creative art area, but I am rethinking that.  I think that I love too many different craft forms to allow myself to only have one.  I don't think I would enjoy things if I felt limited.  I do think that there are some art/crafts areas that don't appeal to me as much, like painting and other fine arts, but I love paper arts, fiber arts, glass art, clay art, and many more that I can't think of right now.

Yes, I need to spend more time learning about these different creative outlets, and some people may not think that what I do is art, but I believe that any form of creativity is art wether it is fine art or "crafting".    I think that I need to take some time and focus on one area for a short time, and then I can move on and learn more about another area.  I know that I would not be happy if I were to limit myself to just quilting or just paper crafts.  I would not be living true to myself and what I needed.

Another area where I love being creative is with food.  I love cooking and making new recipes, especially healthy ones.  I am hoping that being creative and healthy with food and other mediums will make me a happy person.  I am hoping to find a way to have more time living and doing what I am passionate about, not jut what will make money.  I want to live a radiant life!

Live your life radiantly!

Amy

My Radiant Life

How do I live a radiant life?  Sometimes, I think I'm still trying to figure it out, but I think I am happiest when I am either being creative or learning about being creative or reading about others creativity. I love that we have access to the internet. I love my craft books, but I love searching online for new and different crafts and artists. 

I love following blogs and get inspired by all the creative people out there. Sometimes I wonder how important it is to read and follow all these creative blogs, then I get time to read them and I get totally inspired. This morning I got an email that I actually had time to read. I found another block of the month quilt a long to add to my library of projects. This one was from the "One Piece At A Time" blog which linked me to an aurafil thread blog. Once there I printed off all of this years blocks so far. Then I found last years quilt a long and printed those off. I wish I had time to read about each designer and will definitely take time to go back and read them. Threre was also a Christmas ornament quilt a long that I need to look into. Skimming all those posts also inspired me to take a look at my "studio" and figure out how to make it better!

I don't know if you can tell from my writing, but I am so excited just writing about this. If I were independently wealthy, I think I would spend a ton if time reading about crafting, buying crafting supplies, and completing projects. I'm not idependently wealthy. I have three kids, a husband (a teacher), a part time job (as a social worker), and not a whole lot I time or money, but when I am crafting or with my family I am in heaven!  Now I just need to stop finding new projects and start working on some. If I could find a job where I could use my love of creativity, life would be pretty much perfect!

How do you live a radiant life?

Amy

Spirit/Goddess Dolls

I keep trying to figure out what I can make and teach that speaks to me.  While I was doing some research, I found spirit dolls/goddess dolls/therapeutic dolls.  I am finding them interesting. I really need to make some and see how I like it, see if it really speaks to me.  If it does, I may talk to a friend who is looking to have people come to her studio and teach, and see if I can teach a class.

I think one of the things I love about these dolls is the different media that can be used.  I have seen all sorts of fabrics used, beads, paint, clay, and many other different media.  I also really like the idea of putting an intention into the doll.  I know that I still need to research more about it, but I am really looking forward to learning more about these dolls as well as actually making them.  This could be a great way to combine social work and art!

I decided to take part again in art every day month at http://creativeeveryday.com/art-every-day-month-2013-participants.  I have done this in the past and I think it has helped me to be more creative more often.  For me, having a goal and a way to be accountable without too much pressure is really helpful.  During the month of November, I'll be posting more about my creative pursuits every day or at least attempting to post every day.  There may be a lot of goddess dolls in the mix.

Amy