Wednesday, December 8, 2010

A Creative Odyssey: *Crafty Goals for 2011

Jessica over at Epheriell Designs has enlisted the help of fellow bloggers to throw a totally tubular blog hopping event entitled "A Creative Odyssey" (so fantastical, right?)... Obviously, I had to get in on that biz because I am ever yearning to develop into the creative genious that I have always dreamed of being. (Yes, that was a tad dramatic.)


I decided to jot down my goals as they came to me so will present them in the order in which they were received.






*First of all my crafting skillz checklist: As you can see, there are multiple things I want to learn this year. Above all else? I want to expand my creative toolbox. It is important to explore other ways of creating so in the very least you can appreciate others for being good at something that you may not be able to master. I want to really try to learn as much as possible to then really get a hold on what I LOVE to do more than anything else. And also? Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, am I right? So... I am going to try it!




*Encourage others to grow creatively. I have heard a couple of my friends express to me that they feel like they need a creative outlet, they see my blog or the things I make and feel like they should try to find something they love... and you know what? I am all for it. I think it's important for us crafty folk to ensure that our community grows and flourishes and this includes encouraging those closest to us. Sometimes (and I know this from experience)it's tough to be ourselves and shout from the rooftops that we are creative, hear us roar! Everyone can use encouragement at one time or another so one of my goals is to give words of encouragement freely this year, even when I am feeling like a curmudgeon.




*Be giving. Don't let anyone tell you that volunteering or doing good deeds has nothing to do with creativity. After a day of volunteering with Big Sister or with some of my other faves, I just feel like a million bucks! When I feel like a million bucks, I am motivated to do other great and awesome things which may include crafting things with my hands... Any way you slice it, giving of oneself is good for the soul... and in turn that cannot be bad for your creative soul.





* Support local and handmade artistry. After doing the blog hop with Anglea of The Artist's House (ala A Crafty Holiday), I am totally more aware of the love and creative energy that is put into every handmade item. The handmade community is HUGE and deserves to be explored! Whether from Etsy or at a local craft fair, I have made a pledge to support those who are cut from the same cloth as myself. Practice what you preach and I am preaching handmade more than ever this year.




*Stay true to myself. If I feel pressure of any sort, I might rush or force myself to cut corners where they creatively shouldn't be cut. I need to be true to myself and as chintzy as that sounds, I stand by it. I will work on my craft for as long as it takes me and always do what feels right. While constructive comments are great sometimes, I vow to go with my gut and forge ahead into the crafty beyond.


*Somehow work Celine Dion into a craft project. I love Celine Dion and somehow, I will figure this out. ;-)




Check out my partner in blogging crime today, Spokes 'N' Daggers for a different perspective on A Creative Odyssey. I can't wait to check it out! Also, be sure to swing by Anastasia Drawing and Dreaming and Jane at Life at Number 8 for their posts tomorrow! Yay!


Let the creative juices flow, people. 

15 comments:

  1. Great post! Love the part about Celine Dion :-)

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  2. there are many fine (fine - like Jess' work is fine - attributes within your creative goal post. As you apply them I am sure you will succeed in everything you reach out to.
    And your heart will be beautiful.

    Jane
    Life @ Number 8
    http://janezworld.com/blog

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  3. What a great post! I LOVE your goals, and the little pictures you drew ;) They seem very much like a mission statement or a credo. Seriously, love these!

    Thanks for the shout-out too ;) You're sweet.

    Good luck to you. I can't wait to see how your goals come along in 2012.

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  4. Oh my gosh, how have I not seen your blog before now!?! Tanks and cupcakes and martinis...what could be better. :)

    You've got some wonderful goals there, I have no doubt you'll make them all come true.

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  5. I love this! Especially the don't knock it 'til you've tried it attitude!

    Good luck with your creative goals, I believe that you will be able to achieve them!

    Here's to a fantastic 2011!

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  6. LOVE your illustrations - squee! And your dramatic introduction... ;D

    I love the point you make about giving to others, which just builds this joyous upward spiral of awesome. So glad you chose to be part of the Odyssey :) xx

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  7. I love this post. You have a great eye for design - the images are fab!

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  8. How brave are you? Admitting to loving Celine Dion in such a public forum. lol Just loved the images accompanying your post.

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  9. This is an awesome post! I think your goals are fabulous and I think that expanding and exploring the handmade community is an excellent idea!

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  10. Awwww wow thanks for all of the positive feedback you guys. This post was kind of like a stream of consciousness that spewed out of me haha.

    And, listen I can't help the Celine Dion thing. It's not even a guilty pleasure. It just is what it is ;)

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  11. "I want to expand my creative toolbox."

    What a fabulous statement! I've got a "someday I will learn different crafts" to-do list; maybe next year, I'll learn a few.

    Best of luck to you in achieving your goals!

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  12. A fun post with clear goals! You know you want to learn heaps of stuff but I warn you, knitting is addictive! Crochet equally so. Quilting is great fun and works well for those with tidy minds (I quilt and rarely succeed with a quarter inch seam as I'm metric and have NO idea what it looks like ;-)

    All of them, I warn you, will be a drain on your resources!!! Fabric, Yarn, Needles and Hooks are all must have items you cannot walk by in a store - each one more delicious and colourful han the last. you will haunt Ravelry.com for hours finding free patterns......

    GO FOR IT!!

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  13. I totally agree with you about volunteering Amanda! Giving selflessly does wonders for your own self. Helps keep you grounded, I think.
    Have fun expanding your toolbox next year!
    Cheers,
    Tasha

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  14. wow, this is awesome Amanda! love, LOVE the drawing and your goals are fantastical ;) Volunteering your time sure does spread the awesomeness around. Enjoy a new year of learning, exploring, giving and growing!

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  15. A strong artistic community is so important, and I'm thankful for artists who give so freely and generously. Thank you!!! Good luck in your upcoming year...

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