I wanted you to see it because she’s so joyful and so committed to her art form and her process, that it’s very inspiring.

Click on the video below to watch–or, if you don’t see anything, click here to see it on YouTube–it’s worth it. Enjoy!

So when I found out that Ira Glass has made 4 videos on the creative process, I had to watch them.

(Well, ostensibly, he’s talking about story-telling and the art of making stories for the radio because that’s what he does, but really, he’s talking about the creative process. So if you don’t make stories, every time he says the word  “stories” just replace it with the word “visual art” in your mind and it all still works.)

I loved all four, but I’m thinking that you probably won’t watch all four. But you should watch at least one.

So I’ve picked #3 and I’m sticking it here because he talks about something that no one really mentions when they discuss the creative process–what to do when what you make doesn’t measure up to your own taste level–what you personally consider really good.

He talks about why that’s completely normal, and the simple thing you must do to get beyond it. I love that he’s done this.

(And I’m not going to tell you what that simple thing is, because I want you to watch it. )

So even though he’s talking about stories and story-telling, it’s relevant for ALL creators of anything.

Here it is, I hope you watch it:

Your thoughts?

This summer, one of my best friends  saw the collage artist and recent MacArthur Award winner Mark Bradford speak at a conference for art teachers in Chicago and was blown away.

This weekend, she came down from Vermont to visit me and we hopped on the subway to the Studio Museum in Harlem (great museum with a warm, lovely vibe) to see his latest work.

While we were there, we sat down to watch a PBS Art 21 episode about him, and it was awesome.

I love the way he talks about his creative process!

And since you know I like to talk about the creative process a lot here on the blog, I wanted to share the link to this video with you. Please, WATCH IT–you’ll be inspired, I promise.

It’s so good. He’s so good. Art21 is so good.

It’s all good-good-good.

Mark Bradford Video

Here’s the link:

http://video.pbs.org/video/1239798931

Watch my short video where I explain all about it:

(if you’re receiving this in your email and you can’t see the video, click on this link: http://makegreatstuff.com/free-trial/)

Yay, FREE!

How Do Current Subscribers Get the Coupon?

If you already subscribe to my blog, thank you!

However, I’d love for you to re-subscribe because I’m using a different service that behaves better, lets me put the title of the post into the email subject line (so you can tell before you open it if it’s probably something that interests you), and sends prettier emails.

And if you do, you’ll get a coupon for a FREE trial of the Creative Breakthroughs Collage Tele-class.

This class is a great way to get unstuck, work around your self–censorship, and make time for your creativity every week.

And if you’ve already taken a Creative Breakthroughs Collage Tele-class, you still completely qualify for a FREE coupon–just  re-subscribe and it should arrive in your email shortly.

(You’re doing me a huge favor by switching subscription services, so I’m happy for you to have a free coupon.)

Please Share

I’d be honored if you’d share this offer with everyone you think might benefit so they can get back to their creative selves as well.

Tweet it, put the link in your FB profile, or email it to friends and family.

Here’s the link that has the video and explains all about it: http://makegreatstuff.com/free-trial/

Thank you, I really appreciate your willingness to spread the creative love.

I hope to “see” you on a call soon, and I really look forward to making art together!

Big hugs, Sarah

So many thoughts fighting for attention in there and suddenly, it couldn’t take it anymore and off it went.

All because I’ve been frantically getting the site for my studio done–you know, the local NJ/NY Metro outpost for Make Great Stuff: Jackson Street Studios.

And now, it’s finally, officiiiaaaalllllllly………………………….Done-Ish!

What do they say–don’t let the pursuit of the perfect get in the way of the good? Right–so that’s what I’m doing. I mean, not doing….Er, one of those–the one where I’m okay with the “good”.

So as you can see from the above sentences, I’ve worked my head off and am officially fried, but I must say that I’m getting rather fond of my little site–it’s improving every day.

And I AM super excited by the class I’m teaching. Will you please take a look?

The Creative Breakthroughs Technique–A Collage Workshop

That’s what I’m calling it. Because it’s such a fabulous way to break out of a rut and ditch the self-censorship. With just enough structure to support you if it’s been a while since you made anything, but with plenty of room to express yourself.

This isn’t a class where you just copy a technique, make something nice, but secretly still doubt your own skills. It’s a way of helping you re-connect to your own creativity again. For finding your voice (again). I mean, there’s no point in your finding my voice for goodness sakes.

What was it Oscar Wilde used to say… “You might as well be yourself, everyone else is taken…”? This class is all about that.

Everyone in the February workshop marveled at how different each person’s work looked at the end, which made me ridiculously happy. Same technique, many visions. How right is that? So right.

And I must say that I have some kick-ass art tools and supplies as well as an extremely cool collection of wooden Indian fabric stamps (which everyone really loved). Plus a lot of weird bits and neat vintage paper and embellishments. Cool supplies are half the battle.

I teach a new technique each time before we get started, and last time I shared my secret stamping and embossing trick–something very, very simple that no one ever does, but makes the process soooo versatile. And almost everyone tried it. Yay!

But what’s really great about this workshop is that you don’t have to make space, own supplies or have ideas. Just show up! Yes–let’s re-ignite that creative fire!

And even better, when we’re all done and the studio looks like a truck just ran through it, you get to go home and not worry about it. No clean up required. Admit it, that’s awesome.

I’ve got all the details at Jackson Street Studios–including a 2 minute video to give you a taste of what happens at the workshop. I’ve included it here: (If you’re reading this in an email, you’re going to have to visit the site to see the video. Aw, c’mon, It’ll only take a sec.)

Neat right?

My next class is on March 26th, with a screamin’ good deal available for those who sign up by March 19th. Won’t you join me?

If you live in the NJ/NY area and could use a creative breakthrough or three, this class is the perfect thing.

If you don’t live in the NY/NJ area but need an excuse to come to New York for a long weekend, now you’ve got one. Sign up for my Friday night workshop, create and take home a beautiful matted work of art (flat–easy to fit in a suitcase), and then spend the rest of the weekend hobnobbin’ around the city. Good times.

In addition, I’m offering the workshop monthly because participating regularly can build you some great momentum and catapult your creativity forward. Take the workshop once, thrice or every month like clockwork, it’s up to you! To get you started, I have a special price for your first visit.

We had so much fun at the February workshop–everyone learned, took chances and surprised themselves. I’d love to see you there.

If you can’t come or live far away, could you do me a favor and forward this to someone who you think could benefit from participating in a workshop like this? I appreciate it!

What do you think? Are you ready for a creative breakthrough? Are you creating like mad already? Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!

Last winter she gave a fantastic Ted Talk and I thought I should share it here in case you haven’t seen it.

It’s a great talk on creativity, “genius”, success, fear of failure, and the cultural stereotypes of the “unstable artist” and how we might rethink that. I hope you enjoy it–she’s very engaging.

(If you’re reading this in an email, you’ll have to click here to view the video.)

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Yes! The Telecrafting Teleseminar is next Wednesday, Dec. 16th  at 4pm. Whoa–time flies–Christmas is just around the corner! What does that mean for you?

It means that if you’d like to make a gift or two this year, and you’d like some support in the way of carving out a structured time to get it done, then you’ll need to order a Glitter Decoupage Ornament kit soon soon soon, now (ish), so I can assemble it, pack it and ship it out so you get it in time for our Dec. 16th rendezvous. I’m excited.

So, if you want to participate in the free conference call, you’ll need to order by this Saturday morning EST at the very very latest.

(Of course, you can always order the kits right up til Christmas day and make them whenever you’d like.)

Everything gets sent out priority mail, so if you live on the West Coast and you’d like to join in on the call, it might be better to order today, so I can get it out to you by Friday.

Testimonials

If you’re still on the fence, click here to read a couple-three testimonials from happy ornament kit crafters. I’ve gotten the nicest emails and Facebook & Twitter feedback–everyone seems to be having a really good time.

If you have any questions, btw, that you need answered before you can buy, feel free to contact me and I’ll get back to you asap.

Other Fun Stuff

Cool Drawing Warm Up/Loosening Up Exercise

I stumbled across this wonderful “artist warm up exercise” on Instructables.com and wanted to share. I think I’m going try this one out myself–it looks fun and is a great way to get jumpstarted. Click here to view.

“Creature Scarf” for a Kooky Kid in Your Life

The crazy scarf looked so fun and could be good for either girls or boys. If you’re not a super experienced sewer, it seems to me like you could use velcro instead of a button, but maybe all the crazy hairiness would get stuck on the velcro bit…I don’t know, check it out and see what you think. Cute and fun. Click here to view.

Sewing Tidbits in Your Future

When the weather gets cold, I always get in the mood to sew. And sewn items make great gifts.

If you’ve been thinking you’d like to sew up some zippered pouches for the holidays (to save money, reduce your stash and give something handmade and wonderful), I’m working on a good explanation for making them easily. There’s actually a very good explanation online that another sewer made that I want to share, but I’m trying to foolproof the technique a little bit to help everyone have maximum success. I hope to have that info up next week.

In the meantime, check out my pep talk and accompanying how-to video on threading your sewing machine.

In fact, if you love to sew, or would love to get better, consider joining the site/forum patternreview.com. I’m more of a “lurker” there rather than an active participant, but I love getting the discounts on patterns (with way more choices than the Big 3), have taken online classes with some great teachers (Shannon Gifford teaches there, and is an excellent sewing teacher–so generous with her time), and receive an email every day filled with pattern reviews from other sewers.

These reviews are a great way to learn about good/bad patterns, see how different people make the same pattern, and learn tons of nifty tips and tricks as people share great zipper insertion techniques, waistband workarounds, and more. It’s a big community of sewers ranging from raw beginners to seriously advanced experts. Check it out here:  http://patternreview.com

That’s It!

Have a great weekend and don’t forget to order up your Glitter Decoupage Ornament kits–Christmas is just around the corner!

Are you making any gifts this year? Please share in the comments–I’d love to hear!

Don’t confuse this with actually knowing about astrology–I can never remember the significance of this house or that, but I find it completely fascinating all the same, and I love getting my weekly reading from Rob Brezny’s Free Will Astrology, because it’s always right on, and his writing is so life-affirming and expansive.

I share this little personal factoid today because I’m thinking something is terribly “retrograde” in the stars this week (for just me or you too?), and it’s only Tuesday. Ugh.

For my subscribers that got that perplexing blog post this morning–sorry about that! I was creating a new PAGE for my kits, but somehow got confused and created a POST instead, which I deleted close to INSTANTLY when I realized my mistake, but somehow Google/Feedburner saved it all and then sent it out to you. Of course they/it did.

Which is ironic because when I do want them to send things at certain times. they won’t.

And then I had a painful (for me anyway) exchange in an online business forum which felt hard and awful but I eventually realized was a great opportunity to discuss the pros and perils of asking for and getting *FEEDBACK* here in the blog, since making things and getting feedback (requested or not) go hand-in-hand. I’ll share my wisdom, confusion, thoughts on that in my next post.

There’s more, but I won’t bore you with the details. Suffice it to say that I decided if the stars are gonna go all wonky on me, two could play that game. When the going gets tough, the tough go…to galleries! So I’m going to the Met this afternoon because I always feel incredibly soothed in that temple of art and I want a big hit of something that will nourish my soul.

My soul, however, isn’t just hungry for fine art and elevated ideas–it also enjoys a good belly laugh, so I re-watched a “music” video on YouTube called Craft Talk–so funny and silly, especially for those of us who like to make crafty things.

I thought you might also need a belly laugh as well, so I’m inserting it here–click here if you’re reading this in your email and want to watch the video. (Shout out to LiseDaddy, a friend and subscriber to this blog who showed me this video in the first place!)

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If you also find the video funny, leave me a comment about your favorite lines (one of mine is “work through the pain-workin’ through the pain”), I’d love to hear!
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Please watch the how-to video at the end of this blog post, because it lets you see if it’s something you’d like to try before buying. No risk!

A Perfect Holiday Project for a Creative Woman with NO TIME to Make!

If you’d really like to make a few gifts this holiday season, but are now worried you’re too crunched for time–take heart! This project is the perfect solution. Fast, fun and super easy, you can make these in an afternoon.

This is another great small gift idea like the bookmarks I wrote about the other day. They don’t take long to make, they look super pretty, and they’re something the recipient will enjoy every year when they decorate their tree.

This is actually even easier than the bookmarks idea, because the kit has everything you need to get started–no thinking or planning required!

Perfect as a special little something for co-workers, great as teacher gifts because your kids can make them with you, and so nice as  that extra surprise tied to a gift bag or bow that makes a gift so much more touching, because you made it.

I’ve taught a lot of different techniques in my day, and glitter decoupage is one of the most popular, I think because it’s easy, relaxing and meditative, and there’s really no way to screw it up. You’re pretty much guaranteed an attractive result without having to work hard for it. That’s a nice change.

This kit is also a great way to give yourself a creative treat as well, because making things feels good. When we’re pressed for time, it’s hard to give ourselves that feel-good making time without a “good reason.” Making something as a gift is that good reason.

It’s also a really nice way to have a creative experience with someone else:
invite your best friend over (who you practically never get to see) drink a glass of wine together, make ornaments and talk–all the while getting some holiday shopping making taken care of at the same time!  You can’t ask for more than that!

Great for Ornament Parties

Speaking of socializing, these kits are also great for ornament parties. If you buy three “Buddy Packs” (6 ornaments per kit), I’ll send you the fourth one FREE. That’s 24 ornaments at 4.50 an ornament. What a steal deal.

Could be a cool different thing to do with your book club, or to offer at your holiday party, or to suggest for an office party, so everyone doesn’t just sit with the same people that they work with everyday and talk shop, but instead mingle with folks from other departments as they make an ornament.

Nothing breaks the ice better than making something together.

Okay, so you can tell I’m excited, but I’ll stop now. Here’s the how-to video, I’d love it if you’d take a look. (If you’re reading this in an email, click here to get to the site.)

Click here to learn more about buying a kit.

Happy viewing and please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

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Or we try to make something we think is popular, hoping it will sell well and we can make a living being creative, but somehow, we find ourselves out of touch with what we really want to create or express.

Well, listening to NPR this weekend, I heard about a man named Pearl Fryer who made his art on his own terms and turned his South Carolina yard into a living sculpture garden, and the art world (and everyone else) came to find him.

Pearl Fryer never studied art or considered himself an artist. His initial motivation to create a garden was to defy traditional bigotry in his neighborhood and win the coveted local “Yard of the Month” prize.

He went down to his local nursery to buy a two-ball topiary to be his starting point, but instead, the nursery owner gave him a three minute how-to lesson on cutting his own, and that started him collecting discarded plants and sculpting them.

Over the next two years, he developed his style and began transforming his property into an incredible abstract living sculpture garden.

He not only won “Yard of the Month”, but his abstract topiaries are now commissioned by museums and collectors, and the beauty he’s created has drawn visitors from all over–which in turn has ended up improving the local economy. Ah! Art can change the world.

His story was so inspiring that I had to look him up on the internet and find out more.

Below, I’ve inserted a trailer for a documentary of his work and garden, as well as another short video about his connection with a local college and art students. (If you’re reading this in an email, you’ll need to visit the site to view the videos.)

No Obstacles

Pearl Fryer is a role model for being willing to experiment, to listen to the work in front of you, and simply make what you feel compelled to make. He listened to his heart and made something beautiful. He expressed himself, transformed his space and improved his community by creating on his own terms.

Unencumbered by the rules of the local tastemakers about “good gardening” he made something great instead, something they couldn’t have dared or imagined. How often is the truth of what our hearts want to make smothered by our adherence to the perceived or prevailing rules of taste or trends in our own lives?

He must have worked for a long time on those trees before they transformed into the shapes he was imagining–they must have looked strange and plain and half done for a long time before that foliage filled in. It can be hard to have your unfinished work exposed to the world and its judgment. I’m glad he didn’t care, because if he did, we wouldn’t have this incredible final product to enjoy.

What would you make if, as they say, you were sure you would not fail?

If we carry that thought an important step further, who would we be and what would we do if the possibility of either success or failure was not even a consideration in what we decided to make, but instead we simply followed our intuition, made things that we needed to make, followed our inner creative desires and whims unconcerned by how it may be received, or by ideas of “good” and “bad”?

Documentary DVD

I’d love to see his garden in person someday, but since I’m not sure when that will happen, I ordered the documentary about his life and garden from Amazon this morning. I can’t wait to watch it. If you want to check it out, just click here.

If you’re not sure if you should buy it because you don’t think you’ll watch it more than once or twice, why not buy it, watch it, and then give it to your local high school art teacher afterwards, so she can to show her students an inspiring example of  creating from the heart. I’m sure she’d be thrilled.

Share your thoughts about this video, Pearl Fryer’s work, or about following your heart in the comments section below–I’d love to hear from you.
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