Inspire Me Monday

I'm a firm believer that inspiration is all around us each and every day.  At the same time, I realize its often difficult to *notice* all of the beauty, joy, creativity and inspiration that exists in our daily rounds.  How many of us get caught up in the minutiae, the "to-do lists" and distractions that seem to fill up our every waking hour?   We can become overwhelmed by these things easily...unless we pause to recognize there is inspiration to be found everywhere.  We just have to remember to look for it.

So as a reminder to myself to seek out that which inspires (and hopefully you too!), I'm participating in Create With Joy's inspirational blog party.

I'm Inspired By Food

I know its probably a wee bit early in the season, but this week, I've been inspired by pumpkin pie!  So much so that, I caved in and bought a Sara Lee frozen pie and plan to top it off with some whipped topping for an easy, comfort-inducing dessert this week.

I know, I know....frozen pie is not the same as whipping up a freshly baked one, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.


I'm Inspired By Color


The days are definitely getting shorter now...but one thing for sure is the spectacular color palette of autumn is only just beginning to be revealed.   There's something warm and reassuring about the rustic and golden tones which dazzle us on bright October days.

{Abstract Art By Christian Hetzel}

I'm Inspired By Owls

Mie is a whimsical artist from South Africa whose blog is a lot of fun to read.  She also has been crafting these adorable, cozy owls that I can't stop smiling about.

Owls are such awesome, autumnal creatures, don't you think?

I'm Inspired By Heroes

I may be late to the party, as I've only recently discovered the tv show Heroes via Netflix.  It's such a fascinating show layered with supernatural twists, and yet, there is something very common about the "heroes" who in spite of their special powers, struggle with life issues just like the rest of us.  In a way, its their flaws that make the characters more compelling.

I also really enjoy the theme of fate that is carried out through Heroes.  I tend to be of the school of thought that believes nothing ever happens to us by coincidence.  Every event, every person we encounter has something to teach us.


What's inspiring you today?

Creatrix Of The Moment: Allison, Paper Party In The House!

In this installment of Creatrix of the Moment, allow me to introduce you to Allison: outdoor addict, thrifting aficionado, paper craft queen, dog-mom, party consultant, loving wife, and entrepreneur extraordinaire!

Allison resides in Tennessee, along with her hubby and adorable fur-baby, Bailey. When she isn't doing outreach work at the Center for Civic Engagement or spending time with her family enjoying the great outdoors, she runs a wonderfully whimsical home and party decor shop on etsy called Hoopdaloop. Allison was so very kind to participate in the Creatrix series and I invite you to read along to learn more about this savvy, fun-loving, inspiring young woman!


Everyone loves a good party! If you could be asked to consult and provide the decor for any specific theme party right now, what would the theme be and why?

I would definitely go for a wedding and reception outdoors and then under a tent for the reception with a shabby chic, rustic vibe! I mostly feature custom paper garlands in my shop, but I would start with those and dream big (but affordable)! For my own wedding, I had a similar feel and spent many hours searching thrift stores for the perfect details and now that I'm older, I have even more ideas!

Do you usually decorate your home for various holidays? What are some of your favorite personal seasonal decorations?

Yes! Last Christmas was the first Christmas I shared with my husband and I spent a lot of time thrifting to find vintage wooden ornaments for the tree. I absolutely loved how it turned out! (Getting the idea that I dig thrift stores?!)


What is the difference between bunting and traditional paper garlands?

Well when people think of bunting, they probably think of fabric, but paper garlands are obviously made of paper. I love bunting, but I also love the versatility of paper garlands. For instance, I was consulting with a bride this past week on her wedding decor (that I am doing!) and was giving her a lot of ideas on how to decorate with her paper garlands. I loved the idea of taking large sticks or branches (think thin branches towards the ends of a tree limb) and putting them in a vase of jar and then draping paper garland over the limbs. You can't really do that with traditional bunting. This is also a great tactic for decorating Christmas trees!

Where do you find inspirations for the colors and patterns you use in your designs?

I have always been naturally drawn to colors. I think my brain unconsciously absorbs color palettes wherever I am whether it be shopping for clothes or taking a hike. I definitely love wild and crazy color combinations and natural hues. I spend a lot of time outdoors so it is definitely inspiring!

What do you love most about your work at the Outreach Center? What do you love most about creating items in your party decor shop?

I love working with kids and teaching them that they have a voice in their schools, communities, and world at large. For my shop, I love working with customers! I do lots of custom orders and my customers always have such great ideas and excited to make their event whether it be a family get together or a wedding special and unique.

Please share your philosophy or thoughts on your particular "creative process". What one thing about creativity/being creative in general holds true for you?

People often limit creativity to "art" or "crafts" and may not think themselves particularly artistically inclined. But creativity is used and can and should be used in so many ways! A great meal, a fun date, an imaginary game with your kids, the way you arrange your furniture or even just your pillows, making something instead of buying it, going on a walk and noticing the shapes of the trees... so many ways. I think creativity is something we should all intentionally foster in our lives and others. For me, I have an Etsy shop and a blog which are obvious outward expressions of my creativity, but I also love to look at the shapes of leaves, cook a good meal, or create crazy imaginary worlds with kids.


If you were to describe your personality in terms of a color, what color would you be and why?



Can I cheat and describe myself as one of my multicolor garlands? This means I choose a mixture of colors bright neons and neutrals and primaries and on and on. I don't think I am consistently just one color. Some days I'm chill and relaxed like a blue, other days I'm a hot pink, ready to get some stuff done! and so on and so on. I will say though that my favorite color is blue! Pretty much any shade!


Tell us what you enjoy doing when you're not working.

Being outside! I grew up on a farm out in the country and spent most days outside playing when I wasn't in school. Even when it rained, I would head outside to do a rain dance :) Out in the country, out in nature... that's where my heart is. I like being outside best when my husband and pup are outside. I also love spending time with my family and friends, reading, and learning new things.



What two or three traits or abilities do you feel are crucial for any business owner or entrepreneur?

Dedication- because it's a lot of work and not always easy. Ingenuity- a lot of times you have to do the best with what you have and know to succeed. Love- you really have to have a passion and love for what you are doing. If you don't, you will probably burn out and even if you don't it won't be worth it.

Not only is Allison a most gracious interviewee, she also is a generous soul. She has kindly offered a coupon for 15% off the total purchase for any items in her store for the readers of this blog. Simply enter the coupon code mizcreatixrox to apply for your discount at her store, Hoopdaloop.

Thank you to Allison, for taking the time to share and for being an inspiring example of what a being a Creatrix is all about!

Be sure to also check out Allison's blog, A Girl and Her Scout as well as her Facebook and Pinterest pages.

Creatrix Of The Moment: Louise, Jewellery Deisgner, Entreprenuer

Today I am so pleased to share with you the story of a very talented jewellery designer whose clever creations are sure to catch your eye.

Meet Louise of Aurora Wire Jewellery!



A resident across the pond, Louise has been an artisan for much of her young life. Her designs include handmade accessories and gifts for all sorts of occasions. Her sleek, silver necklaces are both trendy and classic and most certainly appeal to fashionistas who seek to make a statement with their choice of accessory. Read on to get a peek at the life and times of this stylish, cheerful, up and coming entrepreneur!

How did you get started in jewellery design? What drew you to this particular medium?

"I've been designing and making jewellery as a hobby since about the age of 10, but I started making it seriously when I was 15. I bought some jewellery making wire from a craft shop and grabbed a pair of pliers and started making rings and taught myself through trial and error. I was inspired to do this after buying a wire wrapped ring from Camden market in London and thinking I could have made it myself! However, what I really wanted to do was make proper solid silver jewellery - so I did some research on the internet and found a new medium of making silver jewellery called precious metal clay, or PMC. I watched in awe as I saw tutorials on youtube showing what seemed like modelling clay turn into pure silver as it was fired! I knew straight away that I wanted to do this, so using some of my savings and money from my 16th birthday, I invested in a lump of silver clay and some other bits of equipment to get me going... and that's really the story so far!"



Have you lived in the UK all of your life? Tell us a bit about where you are from.

"Yes, I've lived in the UK all my life. I'm from a seaside town in England called Weston-super-Mare. Although, my ultimate dream is to move to London. I spend a lot of time up there with my cousins who live there, and the buzz is always just so exciting - it's a great place to get inspiration."

Your pieces are beautifully crafted with silver...how did you come to love working with this material?

"I've always loved silver jewellery over gold or copper, and I particularly love the way it goes with any outfit because it's such a neutral colour. I came to love working with silver after investing in some metal clay and (thankfully!) loving the versatility it - it's almost like working with liquid silver but without any heat!"

What is your work space/studio like? Where do you do most of your creating?

"I don't as of yet have a proper studio, but I have a large desk in my room where each and every piece of my jewellery has been made."



Are you in school? If so, what do you enjoy studying?

"I've recently left school to focus on being a jewellery designer full time! But when I was at school my favourite subjects were photography, textiles and art."

On your blog, I notice you promote reading. What are some of your favorite books or types of books to read?

"I've been so busy lately that I haven't been able to properly get into a book, but my favourite types are probably fantasy books that take you away from reality for a little while. I find them really therapeutic! My other favourite books are really old jewellery books with everything from Victorian jewellery to ancient Egyption jewellery!"

What influences your designs for jewellery pieces? How did you decide to come up with the "Alphabet Necklaces" line?

"The main thing that influences my designs is when I think of a piece of jewellery in my head that I would like, then look for it and can't find what I want anywhere - or I can find it, but the price is way out of my price range! For example, with the Alphabet necklaces, there's quite a few similar ones around but the ones within my price range were made from base metal which really irritates my skin, so I just thought I'll do it myself! So to sum it up, most of my jewellery is inspired by jewellery that I (or one of my friends/family) want, but can't find!"



What are three things (craft/jewellery themed or otherwise) that are inspiring you right now?

"One thing that is inspiring me now is the sudden change in the weather here in England. It's suddenly got really cold and it's getting darker quicker, so a lot of my designs in the coming months will be winter-themed. Another thing that always inspires me is old jewellery books. I'm going to start expanding my jewellery range soon and trying out new things inspired by all the elaborate earrings, brooches, cuffs etc. that the ancient Egyptions wore! Lastly, my friends and family. I'm constantly getting suggestions from them! "

If you could spend an all-expenses paid week vacationing anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

"I would probably go to the opposite end of the world - or just anywhere that I could find that is the biggest contrast to England! I'd love to see somewhere like Australia, or even Africa!"

What has been the most difficult lesson you've learned as an entrepreneur so far?

"The most difficult lesson has been learning that everything takes time. You can't just expect to put your products online and think that people will find them and buy them straight away - you have to find ways of getting people to notice you! And when, like me, you don't have money for expensive ads etc., you have to be inventive and find ways round it - that's how my blog started!"

What is one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?

"Looking back I would say I was most surprised that I've actually stuck with it! I usually start things and have big ideas but they all slowly fade out, but I've learnt that I really do have a passion for jewellery and I'm thinking about it all day, everyday! "

What advice would you give to an aspiring jewellery designer?

"My advice would be don't give up!! It might feel like everything is taking a lifetime to get going, but when you find the medium that you love everything will start falling into place. And just practise whenever you get the chance. I've never been to a jewellery workshop or course - so it's no excuse! Just get stuck in and learn from your mistakes."

Many heartfelt thanks to Louise for taking the time to participate in this interview! Be sure to visit her blog, Aurora, to keep up to date with her creative endeavors. In addition to her esty shop, Aurora Wire Jewellery, Louise's work is also available for purchase through Rockettt St. George, a UK online store.