The Power to Create

I once learned from a wise woman that our power to create is our power to respond. Listen carefully and intuition will continually whisper in your soul and lead you to bliss. You can create your dreams. Just listen. 

I feel like cutting paper!

As I was researching folk art for my next project, I came across these beautiful designs, called Wycinanki, which is the Polish art of paper cutting. Read below for more details about this beautiful art style. I couldn't stop being inspired so there are lots of pix below! I love the bright colors and the graphic quality. And I of course love the flowers most! Enjoy!

Wycinanki (vee-chee-non-kee) is a Polish version of the art form of papercutting.

Wycinanki in Poland originated with sheepherders cutting designs out of tree bark and leather.^[1] Paper wycinanki dates from the early to mid 19th century.^[2] Colorful wycinanki were pasted on furniture or roof beams as decoration, hung in windows, and given as gifts.

Wycinanki vary by region. For example, wycinanki created in the Kurpie region are typically all one color, while wycinanki from the Łowicz region are multi-colored. Techniques include cutting, clipping, punching, tearing and carving of paper as well as nalepianki in which multiple layers are glued together.

Subject matter includes peacocks, roosters and other birds, circular or star-shaped medallions (gwiazdy), flowers, and decorative scenes depicting particular yearly events such as Easter, Christmas, and so on. In some towns and villages competitions evolved to create the most beautiful wycinanki. Traditionally done as relaxation in rural areas of Poland, the techniques were passed down from generation to generation, with new themes and ideas developing as the papercuttings became more detailed and intricate.

One of the most famous person creating Wycinanki these days is Malgorzata Belkiewicz, who crafts folk as well as her own artistic patterns in paper.^[3]

What's inspiring me now?

Window shopping....I love finding fun patterns such as these on little girls dresses in store! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

!

I also LOVE that I now get to do market research for notebooks and journals and calendars and stationery...and....is this really work??? I'm a lucky girl!
Have I mentioned that I love happy kids and sunny days!!!??? :)

And of course..these three lil' super heros!!! 

Have a happy weekend! 

10 ULTRA IMPORTANT THINGS TO ALWAYS CARRY WITH YOU

1. Lip Gloss...pink, of course!

2. pen

3. notebook

4. a book that makes you happy

5. your gymbag

6. iphone with client contacts...but most importantly...your best friends number a touch away!

7. a luna bar

8. water

9. your passport...you never know when you might be whisked away somewhere fabulous!

10. happy thoughts!

Happy thought of the day: Love who you are and when your best friends can't be reached, be your own best friend! :)

Key ingredient for SUCCESS

Keep a positive attitude...you will be surprised how many places this alone, will take you! Test my theory :)

The above is the first piece in my new collection, "Exotic Garden". If I lived somewhere exotic and tropical where the sun was always shining I wouldn't have to work as hard on cultivating my positive outlook. But since it's June 23rd!!!! and it's cold and damp in Seattle, it takes a little work! Here's to good work, happy days...and the sunshine that I know is coming!!!

Sweet as a cupcake....

My journey at Nordstrom has come to an end and it is time for my next chapter. I will so miss my friends, some who are more like family, as we have spent so many hours together over the past 12 years! Oh my. I began to get sentimental tonight as I was writing cards to my dear friends who I will miss and think of often. You will always be in my heart and I know our paths will cross at some point in the future. I wish health and happiness to all my Nordstrom friends and colleagues! Take good care!!!!

My first love is creating artwork for little girl clothing so I have posted above the group that is currently on the floor with my artwork. How sweet life is that I have had this wonderful experience! 

Surtex--The beginning of a creative journey!

Reporting in to say that Surtex was a huge success! Anything that much fun must be categorized as successful! I had a chance to say hello and share a smile with those in the industry whom I already know and also meet so many more wonderful people who I hope to see at trade shows for years to come!

Thank you to all of you who have helped me along the way!

Thank you to my "silent" business partner who traveled to NY! It meant so much for you to be there.

A huge thank you to my partner who came to help me at Surtex. Looks like we are partners in every sense of the word!

I couldn't have done this without either of you!

Here's to a new journey in the world of creativity!

Quote of the week: "Wake Up, open your eyes and look around you. Opportunity is everywhere."--Ralph Marston

So excited to be in the space! We were one of the first people there! I was surprised to see so many white walls. Just two more days and the space would be filled with so much art, color, and creativity!!!

My partner Carlos and my booth coming along...one by one...the collections were hung....

So happy to see my vision come to life. All the HOURS of measuring and remeasuring have been worth it!!!

The end of set up day 1. It's so hard to get a taxi from this place! But the sun was shining so it's all good!!!

We came back the next day to make sure all the duct tape successfully kept our art on the walls!! Ready for business tomorrow....

First day of the show.

Number one rule I always tell my boys: HAVE FUN!!! I love when I practice what I preach.

Me being true to myself. The best feeling of all!

Because...

If it weren't for great friends like you, I wouldn't have this fun piece to license at Surtex!!! Thank you for pushing me to "make it happen". :) I couldn't have done any of this without your great help! I am truly blessed with wonderful friends.