Flea Market - What I Learned

Earlier this month I did my second craft show.  For me, the craft show was a terrific learning experience.  Also, by adding a little bit of pressure to my creative pursuits I was forced to stay focused and finish every piece that I started.  Currently, my desire to share my creativity with others acts as the strongest motivational force when I paint or make other pieces to sell.  But, with the time and effort that goes into a flea market/craft show event I learned that it is important to budget like a business woman.

Kelly (above), an amazing artist and friend, shared a table with me at the Philadelphia Punk Rock Flea Market.  

A quote graphic designed by me, but inspired from the book I am reading: The Four Agreements.  More to come! 

Wise Words

Handmade Thank You Cards

I know I'm not alone in wishing that handwritten letters were a little bit more common.  This year, I've decided to make my thank you cards for the holidays full of those small personal touches that cause us to love opening a note from a friend in the first place.

This years crop can kind of be looked at as a test run :)
However, I'm pretty happy with the results and I'm sure my family will be too.

Tools:

Michael's Scrap book paper

Smash it! Washi Tape

Paper Embellishments

Recollections Journal Markers 

Glue Dots

Brads 

Resolution

In 2013 I will be Perfect. 

Ha! No, in case you didn't already know, I will not be perfect in 2013, or in any other year for that matter.  But, who wants to be perfect anyway? For me, it's usually the mistakes that I make through out the day that keep me laughing.  

While out last night celebrating the New Year with a few girlfriends I began to realize just how interesting it is to talk about New Year's resolutions.  I felt like every time I listened to somebody else's goal, most of them life changing, I was reminded that we're all working towards something, we're not alone, and nobody is perfect.  

It's about enjoying the journey towards our resolutions.   

I think I would sleep much better if this was my bed.  Just saying...

So, I guess now I have to talk about my resolution.  Anybody who knows me well could tell you that I tend to be a night owl.  Certainly by no means does this mean I'm out every night, usually it's quite the contrary.  If I start painting at 6:00pm there's no way I'm putting down that brush until at least 2am (probably explaining why I have carpal tunnel).  Regardless, this vampire lifestyle needs to come to an end.  I'm not getting enough sleep, and when I do it's often because I'm oversleeping for work or for class.  It's my resolution to work on my sleep schedule.  

Sleep is so important to our bodies (duh Kate).  And when I pull those ridiculous all-nighters I can feel legitimate and scary differences in my overall abilities.  I can't concentrate, I can't eat, I can't express myself well to others, and the list goes on.  We are only given one body in this lifetime, I don't want to someday regret the way I have been treating mine.  

Beginning

Currently the cover of my notebook. 

The thought of yet another "beginning" is both daunting and exhausting.  I'm young, I know this because I feel it.  ...Most days.  

But lately, I can't help also feeling like time is speeding past quickly, like every second slips through my fingertips before I appreciate it.

Clearly, I stress a lot.  

"Each morning we are born again.  What we do today is what matters most" - Buddha.

Fortunately, I'm at a point in my life when I am able to harness this newfound awareness and regard for "peace of mind" philosophy.  I'm in my early twenties.  

There will always be free time to stress tomorrow, but there might not always be time to live today.  

"The trick is to enjoy life.  Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead."