besottment by paper relics

Truth, Love & Insight

Please take a moment to pop on over to Kaileen Elise's blog to see the fun interview she did with me for her Truth, Love & Insight series. I had so much fun answering the questions she asked.

Later this week I will be posting the before photos of souvenir travel journal for my upcoming yearly visit to Kari's - and a surprise download for you to make your own!

Strength in Grace

Love, love, love this quote from Danielle LaPorte's post the other week (click here to read). My personal motto is "strength in grace" and her words really articulate what it means to me quite well.

"when you become the conduit for graciousness you get stronger, truer, freer and more fiercely alive." - Danielle LaPorte

Things I have always loved...

I think it is interesting to look back on the things I loved 10 - 15 years ago to see that I still love some of them. Here are a two things I loved, and still love just as much now...

Laura Stoddart had done cards for Roger LaBorde back in the mid-90s and I was instantly drawn to her work. I went to London in 1997 and was so excited to be able to find the cards easier there. Then in 1999, she did a couple years as the illustrator for Kate Spade Paper, so I was thrilled (since I loved Kate Spade too). I even have the stamps she did for the Royal Mail. I have every book she ever illustrated. In the early 2000's I created this amazon list showing the books she has written and the ones she has illustrated (available in the US). Click HERE to see it.

Here work reminds me a lot of the prints I now love form the early 19th century that I collect and love. She has this old-fashioned feel to her work that just draws me in.

Another love I had back then was for Me&Ro Jewelry. Back in the nineties I lived in Connecticut so I would hop on the train and go into the city (New York) to attend Kate Spade sample sales (back then they were amazing!) and then pop over to Me&Ro's shop on Elizabeth Street. My wedding band is even from them (And I really want another 18kt band from them to wear with it) I love the way they do 18kt gold, I believe it is an old technique that is not used much now (my band is shown in the photo below). I also am always wanting a pendant (like the heart below) or bracelet in gold or silver. I love everything they make.

Their entire ideology is wonderful. On the card I got with my ring, it said the following:

Me&Ro reflects an aesthetic based on modern interpretations of traditional jewelry. Its classic and original style acknowledges the human desire to both adorn and communicate. Me&Ro is inspired by the power jewelry has to express the human values of strength , love and faith, as well as the balance of beauty and form.

Their work as well as the premise behind me has always spoken to me.

What about you? What have you always loved? This is a fun journal prompt to do if you are looking for something to jump start you. What have you loved for over 10 - 15 years? Tastes and styles change, but a few things always remain our favourites. What are yours? Try using them to create a journal spread (and if you do - leave a link to where I can check it out!) I think I may do one too!

Dream Box Workshop

It is a little late, but I wanted to share an event I went to in DC right before the wedding. Jennifer of Artizen Coaching was in town for a conference and offered a small Dream Box workshop, hosted at Kimberly Wilson's (author of Hip Tranquil Chick) apartment.

Above is a reflection shot I took while I was there.

The Dream Box Workshop description is as follows:

Are you looking for more passion and purpose in your life? Do you have a big dream but aren't sure how to move forward? Are you longing for more support and encouragement as you make your creative dreams real?

Join Jennifer for an evening of creativity and intuitive envisioning at this fun, interactive and "out-of-the-box" workshop! You'll visualize your goals, create a unique, tangible reminder of your vision and move into action.

How could I pass that up? It was wonderful - the group was filled with creative, like minded women (peek here to see who was in attendance) that helped make the night a treat.

Here is the box I made:

I have been following Jenn (below with her camera) on Twitter and her blog, so it was wonderful to meet her in person. I would love to take a full day workshop with her in the future, and would recommend them to everyone. If you cannot get to her workshops, be sure to check out her resources page for great books, websites and information for woman entrepreneurs.

My Unravelling

Unravelling...

I get a lot of emails asking for more details about the Unravelling e-course I have been taking the last month and a half that I mention in my posts. So I thought I would take some time and tell you my thoughts.

Unravelling with Susannah Conway has been the highlight of my summer. The course is comprised of both photography (the mosaic below is of some of my photographs from the exercises) and writing assignments. Everyday I jump out of bed and run to my laptop to see what she has laid out for us next. Susannah does not just lead the course, she shares her own experiences and unravels with us. Which makes the whole thing seem so much more real and attainable.

She creates a safe environment where the group can interact, explore and grow together - forming bonds and friendships that will last well after the class has ended. And as you have seen with my journal , I have been able to mix it in with my art journaling, which has helped make it fun for me.

My personal experience - I have done something so big while in the class, something I never dared to think I could do, a big step in my personal growth. I got so much encouragement and support that it opened up a space in me where I am starting see myself better - and I know that space will continue to grow, letting more of myself shine through.

It is an eye opening, rewarding, positive experience that I think anyone would benefit from, no matter where you are in life.

So, do I think you should do it?
Yes.

Do I think it is worth the cost?
Yes, absolutely.

Do I think you should sign up to be notified when registration opens for the next round?
Yes - but be quick, it sells out fast!

And those of you who have already taken it... perhaps I will get to know you in the Unravelling Further course this fall.