RosesCreativity

Full Circle - Transforming Agent Orange into Abundance

2011-01-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

When I was very young, I had my tonsils removed. Perhaps ordinary in 1967, but the stay in the hospital was extraordinary for me. My roommate for 3 days was an older Vietnamese girl named Ping who was in the hospital for reconstructive surgery from the damage from Agent orange. These 3 days have haunted me and been on the "I don't know what to do with this experience" list all these years until a few weeks ago.

I confess I felt hugely awkward and guilty at the age of 5. This girl had everything taken from her -- her country, her family and her face. I had everything. My family came to visit me and brought me a huge bag of gifts, made lots of noise and left. I did not know what to make of this awkward cavern in circumstances. Oddness has surrounded that memory for the past 40-something years.

And then something shifted. At a holiday gift exchange a few weeks ago, I received this gorgeous embroidered Vietnamese image of beautiful abundance. This image (above) gives me the feeling that there is plenty for us all. Enough food. Enough beauty. Enough Love. We are all blessed.

And ... then I learned that the giver of this lovely Vietnamese art had bought it over there from a shop run by victims of Agent Orange. At that instant, I saw her face and I felt her love. We are all blessed. Now share our blessings.

There are times in all of our lives that feel odd. Perhaps something happened that was unfair or very unfortunate. We all have some of those stories. For me, it is the act of exploring my creative soul and sharing my blessings that shifts those awkward moments into a feeling of dreams come true.

May 2011 bring you all your dreams come true.

Creative Journaling

2010-11-28T20:02:00.001-08:00

Many years ago at an art class, the facilitator gave us a large blank sketch book as part of the class supplies. In an Artist Way fashion, she gave us ideas of how to use the journal and suggested we had artist's dates with ourselves in our "journals." Now many years later, I would like to share with you that this can be a POWERFULLY HEALING process. For me, this is a foundation corner stone to cultivating my creative self.

I am sharing this NOW because a week ago I met a young artist at a show and we stumbled into a conversation about this process. So I promised to blog about it. This entry is dedicated to this young mother in Denver who is a fabulous jewelry designer and a walking canvas of creativity; may it bless her creative path.

A small but potent book, "Write It Down and Make It Happen," by Henriette Anne Klauser, Ph.D., gave me the validation that what I was finding was not just a random fluke. Dr. Klauser is one of America's leading authorities on communications and writing productivity; she documents stories of folks from all walks of life who have changed their lives simply by engaging in the act of writing down what they wanted.

I have been using a creative journal with intention for many years. Carefully, positively and gratefully writing, drawing, cutting and pasting images, I am affirming my creative self. I am captivated by the power of my Creative Journal in creating my wonderful life. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. Here are some of my Creative Journaling ideas:

- I use it to capture creative ideas that excite me, but I do not yet have time to do anything about (but I now feel confident I will find the time when I capture the inspiration in my creative journal...:)).

- I use it to keep notes of my creative projects (like a recipe) as it is unfolding (eg. pictures I down load from the internet, drawings of an image I am working on to stitch into a quilt, ideas I am gleaning from a magazine article or instructional video).

- I use it to express my gratitude. Focusing on those things that are working well in my life, those people who are blessing me, and all the small everyday things that keep me nourished and smiling have been magically helpful to my creative process.

- I also use it to work through those places of resistance, moments of self reflection and opportunities for growth...

- I write down websites I plan to go back to, scribbles while talking to a dear friend on the phone, random words that grab me but have no other place to be at that time. It is a sacred vessel for all those nourishing tidbits of my life until it finds a place to bloom.

- I work out my class outlines in my journal. I keep copies of poems. I paste in images and articles from my dear friends.

- My creative journal holds the last card my grandmother "Gaga" sent me before she past away. This reminds me that Gaga was my number one fan and always encouraged my artworks. My creative journal is a safe place to hold all these tender feelings.

- Once a month I write a list of what new I would like to create in my life. AND I write it down as if it has already happened.

- My Creative Journal also holds space for me during those times when I have little to share or capture ... and it is OK with me being creatively quiet.

- I paste my coloring pages in them (yes, I still "color" at times, just because it FEELS GOOD!!).

- I draw sketches of our house remodel or other family projects in them.

- Sometimes I write stories of my day in them... not often as I am not really a "Dear Diary" type of person ... but sometimes I do...

Being an artist can, at times, be a solo journey. Sometimes we are blessed with a friend or two, or a class, that validates our creative selves. Often we are out there on a walkabout. My creative journal gives me faith about myself and my journey as an artist.

I hope these musings inspire your along your creative journey.

Gratefully Yours
Valerie

Gratitude and Abundance Day

2010-11-25T10:09:00.001-08:00

Always a believer in accentuating the positive, I am grateful for this post which came into my in box today by Aine Belton:

Gratitude & Abundance!
By Aine Belton

Certain states of consciousness hold a resonance field that accelerates
the manifestation of your desires.

Gratitude is certainly one of them!
Gratitude is a generating energy that will serve to attract more of
anything you feel grateful for into your life.

In that sense it is a powerful abundance ally!

Gratitude aligns you to, and subsequently attracts, that which is for
your highest good, and opens you to more of the love, joy, gifts and
blessings the universe wishes to bestow.

Along with appreciation, gratitude opens your heart, raises your
energy, and elevates you from even the darkest of states.

In feeling grateful for something or someone, you essentially
'receive' it, as well as give to it from your heart, which effectively
aligns your vibration to it, and directs your focus, attention and
energy towards it, attuning your heart and mind to that which is
positive.

Whatever you focus on grows, so when you appreciate someone, see their
value and beauty and feel grateful for it, those qualities will expand
and grow in your life.

When you focus on everything in your life you have to feel grateful
for, and all the wonderful things, experiences and people you
appreciate, the universe hands you more of the same!

It's a wonderful abundance expanding experience!

Gratitude is the sweet song of appreciation. It turns an experience,
person or event into a gift that is received, for when you appreciate
and feel grateful, you literally let the experience/quality in, and
you also give to it. It is a wonderful exchange of positive energies.

When you feel grateful you experience more of your love, which enhances
your state in a beautiful magical way.

You also get to experience all the beautiful qualities of that which
you feel grateful for all over again!

"Gratitude is a powerful tool. If you will allow yourself to feel
grateful, your processing and programming can work immeasurably
better... As you feel grateful for what you have, you start having
more things about which to feel that gratitude."
- Lazaris

Keep a gratitude journal and write down at the end of each day
10 things you feel grateful for over the last 24 hours to assist you in
experiencing more of this wondrous, generative, heart-opening energy.

When you do so, be sure to connect to the heart-felt feelings of
gratitude, i.e. don't just make it a mental box-ticking process - really engage your emotions.

Add to that list a few things you are grateful to YOURSELF for,
positive qualities, actions, traits and demeanours, how you've
handled your day or any situations, how you've taken care of yourself
or been kind to others, etc.

And lastly, be grateful to the FUTURE you're creating. You are a
powerful manifesting being and when you begin to feel grateful for
the dreams you are creating and person you are becoming, you begin
to attract them more powerfully into your life, for you give the
message to your subconscious mind they have already manifested.

Creative Blurrrr

2010-11-14T18:30:00.001-08:00

Since I last posted, I have been out and about all over Colorado Springs offering my creations. I've at least turned over my inventory once and have met folks from Monument to Ellicot to Manitou Springs. It has been truly amazing building a sense of creative community.

All that being said, I have not posted one blog since July and have let my etsy site dwindle to almost nothing, even though my inventory is bulging. Organizing and vending takes a lot of focus. Good news, my gems are being well received and my unique style is continuing to flourish.

Here's a peek at my current inventory: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=vrosenkrantz&target=ALBUM&id=5539502924723478769&authkey=Gv1sRgCKnA7q-Ez7zwxgE&feat=email

Gratefully wishing you all a season of thankfulness.

Stretching Beyond

2010-07-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

It's "safe" to stay within our comfort zones. But what happens when we stretch beyond our regular routines? Recently I set up my jewelry display to vend at ... an army base mini-mall. Mall and military base are not my normally hang outs. Art fair, trunk show, rock shop are more my normal display venues. I was in for a three day cultural adventure.

Getting through the front gate is no easy task. Remember to have all your ID ++ and be ready for the super search. That's right. Open all your doors and car hood and relax as they inspect for car bombs.

Once inside and setting up, it was all a very very pleasant surprise. Immediately an older gentleman came over and bought two bracelets for his wife and daughter. Then the more seasoned vendors came over to meet me and my goods.

The highlight for me, and likely for all the regulars, were the traveling vendors. Many move from base to base as they make their circuit across the country. That week a pair of young Israeli gals were selling a high tech hair straightener and curling iron. Leah and Merav became instant friends to all with their relaxed manner and affable style. This was how they were bank rolling their trip around the world -- a three month stint hawking an expensive appliance at the military bases. You might think, "who would by that thing?" I will tell you, "there were few women who turned these charming young women down."

As I sat quietly at my table hoping some one would come admire my wares, those lovely young ladies were roping them in, doing their hair and sending them off with a $100 box. To entertain myself, I would have them do my hair and offer them little gems as a tip.

After three days, I found my sense of comfort and thoroughly enjoyed conversations with many PX visitors. Several more men came to shop for their wives. Many young mothers stopped to enjoy my eclectic style. And one visiting military wife from another base spoiled me as she bought gifts for herself and a friend. I felt rich with genuine social interactions, new perspectives on business ventures (like touring the country by vending at the military bases?!!), and meeting many different types of folks who walk through the doors of the PX.

I'm soooooo glad I took the opportunity to stretch beyond my normal patterns and experience all these wonderful new folks and perspectives.

"10 Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now" by Jonathan Lockwood Huie

2010-07-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Don't wait to make a big change in the quality of your life. Eight of these
ten little ways to happiness can be done in less than five minutes.

1. Smile. Raise the corners of your mouth. Soon your smile will become genuine. The smile that begins as an effort and a pretense quickly grows to become genuine, and given time, a habit of happiness. In the words of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

2. Breathe deeply and slowly. Focus your entire attention on each in-breath
and out-breath. Imagine drawing new clean energy in through the top of your head on each in-breath, and expelling old stale energy out the soles of your
feet on each out-breath.

3. Take a quiet walk by yourself. Focus on each step and on your breathing.
As stray thoughts enter your mind, thank each one, and quickly release the thought and return to a focus on your breathing and your steps.

4. Count your blessings. Make a gratitude list. You have thousands of reasons to be thankful. Be thankful for those who serve you. Make a list of those you depend upon. Everyone has many people who help along the way. Don't forget those who grow and deliver your food, keep your electricity and telephone running, provide emergency medical care, and protect the safety of your community and your nation.

5. Forgive someone for something right now. Release the resentment and anger. This practice is for you to become happier. Telling the other person
that you forgive them is completely optional, and is merely a bonus.

6. Stretch your body. Do yoga, do qigong, or just stand and stretch. As a simple stretch, stand and hold your arms out to your sides forming a cross. Gently bend each hand back at the wrist until the fingers point straight
upward. Twist each hand and arm in a wringing motion as if you were operating
a screwdriver.

7. Turn on happy music and dance. Don't stop 'til you're tired. Dance with someone or dance all by yourself. Choose music that makes you want to
move and keep moving such as Latin Fitness Dance music.

8. Spend some time with a furry friend. If you don't have your own, borrow
a cat or dog to love today.

9. Be of service. Find someone who has worse troubles than you and do something nice for them today.

10. Have a conversation with God (or whatever you call your Higher Power). Approach the conversation with an attitude of gratitude rather than neediness.

Jonathan Lockwood Huie writes the popular Daily Inspiration - Daily Quote free email and inspiring www.DreamThisDay.com website featuring famous inspirational quotes and Jonathan's articles such as "7 Secrets of Happy Couples." He is co-author of Simply An Inspired Life: Consciously Choosing Unbounded Happiness in Good Times and Bad and the www.SimplyAnInspiredLife.com community.

** Today is your day to dance lightly with life. It really is. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie **

It's Really About The Joy ....

2010-06-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Each day I receive many emails, some of which are inspirational subscriptions. As I sift through the piles, I always look forward to reading the message from Abraham. Today's gives me reason to post:

"The standard of success in life isn't the things. It isn't the money or the stuff. It is absolutely the amount of joy that you feel." --- Abraham (Excerpted from the workshop in Lincroft, NJ on Tuesday, October 15th, 1996 #484)

This morning I awoke to the dog nudging me to let her out. 6:30 am... maybe I should get up. Sophie and I talked about walking Williams Canyon this morning early. The thought of a place I had not yet been pushed me up and out the door. This was a walk that takes you from Manitou Springs out into the wilderness in less than one mile. So early, the morning birds were symphonic and the shadows were long. Even thought I am not a "morning" person, the farther back we walked, the better I felt. Little flowers emerged and gave us the full range of purple shooting stars, pink wild roses, bring yellow orange sunflowers, white little stars.

What Joy! With my dearest people I was out connecting with the land and relishing all its sounds and images and vibrant life. So much joy!

May every day give you a lift to that place in your soul..... ahhhh :)

Ode to Creativity - excerpts and errata

2010-06-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

As I muse through my day, I often read a dozen blogs and emails that nurture my creativity and sense of well being. While daily there is a gem sprinkled my way, every week, there is a hum-dinger that causes me to jump up and down with excitement, OR even inspire me to blog!

Today Madelyn Mulvaney's "Ode to Creativity" was posted on an etsy blog (etsy is an on-line store featuring millions of artists and crafters and their creations for sale, eg. http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosescreativity). Ms. Mulvaney had all the chimes and holiday bells ringing in excitement and anticipation. Yes! yes! Yes! I agree from the bottom of my heart. Please enjoy this excerpt:

"When I am in the midst of "the making," my soul literally vibrates, time is timeless and I have not a thought nor a dream of the "sky-aiming" outcome. I am so in the moment and I am here, I am present in a way that is so beautifully alive and beguiling for, oh, all sorts of reasons. Really, even when I have the most stunning photo or lyrical piece of writing as proof of my creative outburst, it can never replace the wonder of creation. After all, my makings also compete with each other, elephants and El Greco.

Creativity for me is a foray of wandering, wondering, gathering and bringing home different things — my ways of beholding the invisible dragons or chimera around me. It is intensely spiritual, and my rooted connection to nature (where would I be without the sea?) is a vast wellspring of poetic figments and inspiration.

Make room, I am reminded, make space, gather time for yourself and your art. It is necessary."

Yes, yes, let us all make room in our lives to collect that which makes our heart sing and then create that which is uniquely for our own pleasure of discovering our true selves - our hearts at last open and free to love ourselves. Yes! Yes. Let's!

Spring Flowers

2010-06-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

As I move through the mundane, I take note of what sparks me. Lately it has been the flowers. It is spring in the Rockies and there are little dancing fairy-like flowers on those rugged trails. "Hi there!" I chirp to them as I snap their pictures. They're a metaphore to the cycles in our lives. It is spring. What is blooming in your life - purple or golden trumpets or little white daisies? Maybe that' why flower earrings have been pouring through my hands...

Reaching through the blocks for the Top

2010-06-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Today I hiked to Mt. Manitou ... up the Incline Trail! I needed to do something to break through the creative blocks. I forgot how much I LOVE a good hike and even used to relish in hill climbs. Had it really be over 12 years? It was really hard to get my breath comfortable for a good while. But once I felt my wind and was at ease, we hopped from Barr Trail onto the Incline. The Incline used to be the tram way; that closed down due to maintenance problems over 20 years ago. They've left the beams and it is now a training route for marathon runners and other fitness trainers. ... or folks like me who needed a kick start over a hurdle.

For a month now I have been working on my mission statement and working Tara Gentile's "52 Weeks to Blogging Your Passion." The first step is to write and post your mission statement during your first week. As you can see ... I've been dragging on that mission.

I have done a heap of other things, like I updated my web page. Got scheduled to exhibit my "store" at a couple of shows, met lots of folks and am scheduling classes (oh yeah, I need to update my calendar ...). But I have been stalling on posting my mission statement. Why... there is still a little fear that "you" won't accept me. Well, ya just gotta admit that not everyone is going to accept everyone, so that's a good stall tactic to just "get over!" I accept me, and that's the important matter here. So here goes:

My Mission: "Creativity is my compass. I am establishing Roses Creativity to offer classes and artworks to inspire, validate and help others experience joy and well being. The practice of the creative process can establish a wonderful sense of well being, and in sharing this practice, we can share that good feeling and explore creative "soul"-utions."

There! I did two hard things today. I just posted my mission statement and I walked up the Incline to Mt. Manitou. Whew!

Exploring Colorado

2010-05-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

Trying out new territory and establishing my "Roses Creativity" in this area. I'd met a few folks last fall and have found many friendly and receptive people since I've been here. Needless to say, it's still a bit unnerving to re-establish oneself.

I've been balancing re-working my mission statement and brochure and how I view what I'm doing with going out and meeting at least one new business a day. Persistence pays off and I am grateful for the slow, but definite, re-establishment of a community and place to express my creativity.

Sophie and Mariea in Manitou Springs are the Best! Both are hanging one of my quilts in their stores and always have an encouraging word.

And there are all the others I am just getting aquainted with, Ahriana of EcoSpirituality, Kathleen of Range Photography, Clara of Organica, Lisa of Envi and many others who have been very friendly and welcoming.

Here's a picture of Sophie hanging my quilt outside her shop. Thank you Sohpie!

Another Inspring Artist - Natalie

2010-05-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Natalie is another inspiring artist with whom I deeply resonate. Her art works evoke large Bolivian landscapes -- artistic space. It was seeing the land from above that initially made me want to quilt and when I saw Natalie's artworks, I felt that deep rumble of excitement and recognition. And Natalie's peaceful smooth vibe sparkles through. Ah Yes! Enjoy.

New Moon Beads - A feature on Cindy Hines

2010-05-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

No one has inspired me more than Ms. Cindy of New Moon Beads.

When we first met, she was operating Sun Center Bead Emporium in downtown Gainesville. She had the sweetest bead shop full of vintage items for making your own jewelry. She also made and sold original cool jewelry. Over time she taught me how to make my own jewelry, and how to find unusual jewelry supplies. Now she has supported me in becoming my own jewelry maker.

My last trunk show was with Ms. Cindy at Maudes in March. We had a lovely morning together. She was selling her vintage bead supplies. I'll keep you posted on her creative evolution. Thank you Ms Cindy!!! xoxo

Creativity as a Compass

2010-03-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

Norma, a lovely young social working, approached me one evening at Art Walk to give a presentation to a group of Foster Grandparents. “Ummm,” I mused, “what would you like me to present?” “Share with them what you do,” she replied with confidence. I believed in her believing in me and said, “Yes.”
Norma Berger, the Coordinator for the Alachua County Foster Grandparents program, works with over 100 low-income grandparents who help at-risk children at schools and day care. In exchange for a very modest stipend and lunch, these kind elders spend an average of 25 hours per week with one or more children whose problems start with loss of a parent and escalate from there. Norma wanted me to share how they could use creativity with their children.
I trusted the creative process and a delightful program unfolded. I had one-hour to work my magic. Powerpoint software allowed me to share my ideas and images in 20 minutes. Since mandalas are one of my favorite mediums to explore creativity, I created a simple compass mandala for them to color. I gave them the basic meanings of colors and had them focus on their foster grandchildren. I emphasized stretching outside the box of “normal” and to try their hand at using creativity as a form of bringing healing in the lives of their foster children.
These foster grandparents loved to color. They chirped and cooed as they passed the box of crayons back and forth along their tables. While mostly an understated group, there were lots of mmmhhmmms and unhuhs and they ALL colored a compass. Many of them colored two and many also took home a blank one to make copies and have their kids color it with them.
I set an idea in motion. When we think of a person in need and color an image with that person in our heart using colors intentionally – that is representing a healing wish – we can bring a blessing into that person’s life. And now it appears over 100 foster grandparents have colored compasses on their fridge. An idea that can only do good!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am grateful to Norma Berger for extending the invitation to me. I am grateful for the inspiration to use colors as a healing vehicle and to create a compass for these lovely elders to color. I am grateful to the 100 foster grandparents who colored along with me with love in their hearts for their foster grandchildren.
Creativity inspires. Creativity guides. Creativity heals.

Create a Dream Window class

2010-02-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Create a Dream Window class starting Sun Feb 7th. When we can transform our dreams for our lives into words and then living art, we amplify our wishes beyond our beliefs. We become a powerful magnet for our greatest good. Come for just the first class or for the whole 4-week series.

The Sunday Feb 7th class will focus on learning how to make a rainbow of colors from the primary three and cultivating a Visioning Journal to empower your journey. Each week you will acquire creativity skills that will support your class project.

If you sign up for the series at the first class, I will provide you a vintage window free to use as your canvas for your project.

COST: One class - $25. Whole series - $100.

TIME: 3:00 to 5:30pm. Suns Feb 7, 14, 21, 28

LOCATION: at SMARTs at 435 S. Main St. and SE 5th Ave (next door to CMC). To register, call 352 562 1520 or email/FB me (valerierosie@yahoo.com).

More Art Play Classes

2010-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

Roses Creativity presents Art Play - Creativity cultivates joy and well-being. Feels good.

Mandala Magic
Sunday January 24 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. – SMARTs in Gainesville (435 S Main Street, next to Civic Media Center). Making mandalas allows us to access sacred space. Using intuition, color and symbolism, making mandalas allows us to: heal, center, vision, become self-aware and feel good. We will transfer your mandala onto a t-shirt or fabric you bring. $25 ($20 class & $5 materials fee)

4-week Art Play
Sundays February 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. – SMARTs in Gainesville (435 S Main Street, next to Civic Media Center). $100 ($80 class & $20 materials fee). Introductory Art Play includes cultivating basic creativity skills through a Visioning Journal, learn to make a Color Wheel, collaging, collecting important ideas etc. Channeling those techniques into a multi-week project, you will create a mixed media Dream Window or Vision Board.

Class sizes limited. RSVP: Valerie at 352 562 1520 or valerierosie@yahoo.com. For more information see: www.rosescreativity.com

New Years Mandala Art Play Experience

2009-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

I am excited to invite those who are called to join me in a:

WHAT: New Years Mandala Art Play

WHEN: two options
- Sat. Jan 9th, 2010 3:00 to 5:30pm - SMarts, Gainesville FL
- Sun Jan 10th, 2010 3:00 to 5:30 pm - High Springs Emporium

COST: $25 ($20 class fee plus $5 materials fee), bring your own light colored clothing or fabric

RSVP: Reserve your space by calling Valerie Rosenkrantz at 352 384 9143

This is the first Art Play class for 2010. Art Play classes are designed to:

- Stimulate your creative process.
- Build your creativity skills.
- Launch you in honoring your authentic self.
- Have fun making cool things.

Making Mandalas are a fun and relaxing activity to help us connect with our inner peace and magic.

"Mandala" means "circle" in Sanskrit and conveys that any center is tied to its circumference and any circumference is always determined by its center -- together they represent wholeness.

Mandalas abound in nature. The cells in our bodies are living mandalas. So are snow crystals, flowers and the iris of our eye.

Mandalas are known to all cultures throughout history. They can be very simple or extremely complex from Navajo sand paintings to ancient Tibetan religious designs. They can be found in stained glass windows in medieval cathedrals.

This New Years Mandala Art Play is being created to invite you to vision your life in 2010 through art. Through guided reflection, movement, music, color and symbolism, you will create your own "mandala." We will share the process as a friendly group, and support each to find internal space to create an individual expression. Coloring pens, pastels, paper and sample mandalas will be provided. We will then copy your mandala onto a "transfer" so that you can iron your artwork onto an item you bring (light colored clothing or fabric) to wear out into the New Years or display in your home.

I now wear a lovely mandala created during a 2009 art play circle and I enjoy its energy every day. I invite you to create your own mandala magic.

Learn more about art play and upcoming classes at: http://www.rosescreativity.com/

Oh Mary!

2009-12-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

I first met Mary at the Farmer's Market last year. She had just come to town and was displaying her felted fruit and button earrings on the stairs behind the Sun Center. I was impressed with her from the start. Then last Saturday, we set up next to each other at the Sanctuary Yoga Holiday Trunk Show. Her genius-ly creative display and wares enthralled us all. I look forward to more from Mary and her awesome "store" Oh Mary!

Take a Chance on Love

2009-12-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

Oh Yes, I will!

Last weekend I put my intentional jewelry creations out for public sale at three shows. There was a wonderful reception for my unique, one of a kind pieces. Many wonderful items went home with new and old friends. And the whole weekend was an adventure:

(1) While Friday ArtWalk at SMarts was a slow due to wet and cold weather, it was a sweet gathering and I received lots of blessings from many directions (as well as a few sweet sales from friends);

(2) Sat at Sanctuary Yoga was super both in connections and sales (perhaps the yogini's are my true market).

(3) And Sunday Dave and I schlepped it all to St. Augustine; the weather was ... ugh ... disappointing, but I more than made the tank of gas and dinner out and we had fun being by the beach. SO... over all it was a great first weekend out.

Thank you for sharing in my joy and blessings.

There were many wonderful artists out there sharing in the shows. I made some sweet connections (see OhMary in following blog) and enjoyed the variety of creative talents.

And many folks loved my fun bracelets -- "Take a Chance on Love!" Not only did I sell out of most of my inventory, but I also received invitations to display this item for sale at a local store and the museum shop. It is worth it to take a chance to do what I love!

Blessings of Creativity to you all.

Good News - My First Post

2009-12-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

So much good news to share.

FIRST my web page is up:
http://www.rosescreativity.com/

AND my on-line store was launched yesterday at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosescreativity

It's a start. My photographic skills for on-line store are developing and I have SO MUCH to post. One friend told me to just add one or two items a day, so keep checking back. OR come to one of the up coming shows to see my inventory in person.

This weekend I will be showing my intentional jewelry at 3 places!

1) Gainesville Art Walk Holiday Festival on Friday Dec 4, 2009, 7 - 10 pm. I will be at the South Main Community Arts studio at S. Main St and SE 5th Avenue (next door to Civic Media Center). This will be my first show with my jewelry. Cool.

2) Sanctuary Yoga Trunk Show on Saturday Dec 5th, 2009 from 3 to 6 pm at 408 W. University Avenue.

3) Every Woman's Holiday Art Festival in St. Augustine, FL from 11- 5 pm.

IN ADDITION: I will be launching my ART PLAY classes in February 2010. The first class will be 4 weeks and will focus on introductory creativity skills: making colors, vision journaling, collages, and mandalas.