the wit and wisdom of whirleygirl

Where do you create?

I've always loved to peek in to other people homes, studios, and little spaces that they've carved out and call their own. I've always felt that when you walk into someones home, you should be able to tell who lives there. Our homes should tell the story of the person/people who live there - no matter if it is a teeny rental or a gigundous mcmansion. In my opinion , i think it is one of the hardest things to so because decorating our own home is SO personal! It is hard to be true to yourself when there are so many fabulous magazines and catalogs that show us all the newest, greatest, and oh so fantastic rooms and furnishings.... wait a sec, I think i've officially gone off on a tangent ! :)  On a smaller scale - thinking of just one special spot - where do you create?

I HEART checking out studio spaces of other artists and creators of fab things. It is fascinating to see in what environment people create in - personally, my lil' studio is what i like to call "organized chaos" - the walls (at least the parts that aren't covered up with all my crazy stuff) are school bus yellow and there are three tabletop work areas that are ALWAYS covered with projects and stuff. But you know what? - I can find every little thing i need at a moments notice . I find the piles of paint tubes inspiring and the stacks of paper that hold all my random ideas make me smile in excitement. Sure, i imagine the day that my studio is crisp, white, and natural light filled...organized shelves all around me holding all the tools that allow me to create in the most eye appealing containers with stylish labels...but for now, i look forward everyday to go into the little crazy and chaotic room that is my studio.The place where i can whole heartedly create pieces that so many enjoy. *sigh*

The magazine cloth,paper,scissors has a great special issue out now that is called Studios:A spa for the creative soul. I highly recommend! It is full of so many great studio spaces  - talk about inspiration! I'm on my second read of it now and am still finding so much in all the pictures - love it! When you have a sec, Google around on-line  and take a peek at so many wonderful artists that have shared pics of their studios on-line - trust me, you'll get a jolt of creative inspiration!

Every kid needs a place to call their own..and why not start at the door? These door signs mark the spot with flair! See the full selection at my website www.whirleygirl.com

Getting things done!

This is the week to get things done!! Yes, yes, every week is a week to get things done..BUT this week is my goal to get all those little things (and the not so little things) done that have been hanging over my head. I wouldn't say that i procrastinate as much as my ability to prioritize things day to day can be a little out of whack. When you run your own business, it is so important to stay on top of EVERYTHING...easier said than done - but that is why it is good to allow yourself a catch-up day (or week) every now and then. I found this great resource to Mind Tools - Essential Skills for an Excellent Career (via http://startupkidsline.com/  - thanks for the resource!)) and found quite a bit of helpful info! Check out their suggestion on "to-do" lists - so  basic yet so genius....

So besides the mind tools,and the adrenaline of just wanting to get things done, i've got the coffee flowing and music going. Current go get 'em soundtrack in the background - Mark Ronson's  album  Version ...so fabulous - i highly recommend if your ears are ready for some happy bouncy tunes!

Have a great happy and productive day!

oh.. and because every highly productive mind needs a little break now and then.... LOVING "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen (excited for first book club meeting!!) and when i need a little artistic inspiration... who better than the blog of the crafty chica herself! 

Two birth keepsakes that make me smile!

They make a super cute and unique gift for a new baby......To see all the styles, check out my website www.whirleygirl.com .

I think spring may actually be here...

I really hope i didn't just jinx us and the great weather we've had the last few days by typing that!! It HAS been super nice out and i don't know about you, but that type of weather makes me want to get out and do things. I love that the day stays lighter longer - i feel like i get so much more accomplished than in the dreary winter months.

It was a good weekend - hope yours was too! A friend and i had our first knitting class. It was fun but a bit overwhelming. I hate that feeling when you first learn something new and you are just filled with such a feeling of incompetence, ya know what i mean? I seemed to be the ONLY person in the class that had never knitted before - and i literally was all thumbs. I didn't dare let on that i had been a crafts major in college! :) Anyhow, with a little practice on my own (and checking out this helpful tutorial on- line) i am proud to say that i have completed a good 8 inches of what I'm sure will be a fantastic  summer scarf! I have to say, once i got the hang of it, I found knitting to be very meditative and seriously addictive. I'll post my future masterpiece once i complete it.

After the knitting drama,  my friend took me to this great restaurant in glen Ellyn, honey cafe and had the best carrot cake cupcake ever - It was a moist cake with a great cream cheese frosting that was infused with maple - delicious! Good choice, Em!

I also went see our friend, Lisa d, while she was recording her second CD at a local coffee shop. You should definitely check her out - She has a great folk sound and I'm so proud of her that she it completing her SECOND CD!! Rock on!!

Have a great week - think spring!

Poisson D'Avril!

Hope everyone had a swell April Fools Day! My sister reminded me today about Poisson d'Avril - In France, on April 1st, it's all about da fish. (You can read the history here.) Friends give each other chocolate fish and the sort and (my favorite part) they sneak around and stick paper fish on each others backs. I went to grade school at a language academy and took french. (My french name was Annette.) Anywho, we would color and cut out fish to stick on the other kid's backs - i always felt bad for the kid that had gobs o'fish on their backs and had no idea. Heck, who am i kidding -  that kid was me!!

All April Fools Days haven't been so bad... eight years ago today , my husband proposed to me! (and i REALLY thought he was joking but that is a whole other story!)

In a related bit...It is cupcake week on Martha and she had the absolute best t.v. dinner cupcakes!! I've always been obsessed with the way a t.v. dinner looks - with each item exactly in it's place...the so perfect red circle in the middle of the cheery cobbler square...sigh...so perfect. So, obviously, combining the look of a t.v. dinner with cupcakes is beyond divine!! check them out for yourself here - i know you'll agree!! ( I'm really into parentheses today..anywho, the woman who created these cupcakes is named Karen Tack and she has a must get cookbook out called "Hello, Cupcake" )

With the start of this new month, may good things come your way! My new fish frame (above) is a new design I have for animal picture frames that i am working on..he's giving you a big wet kiss........