Ways to Stay Creative, Part 2

A few more ideas to keep creativity going:

9. Listen to new music.

10. Be open.

11. Surround yourself with creative people.

12. Get feedback.

13. Collaborate.

14. Don't give up.

15. Practice, practice, practice.

See you back tomorrow!

Ways to Stay Creative, Part 1

I was out at the shops one spring afternoon and I stumbled upon a wall decoration. It's one of those motivational posters that you'd hang in your office or studio. I found the advice rather helpful, I have to share them with you. Here goes:

 1. Make lists.

2. Carry a notebook everywhere.

3.Try free writing.

4. Get away from the computer.

5. Quit beating yourself up.

6. Take breaks.

7. Sing in the shower.

8. Drink coffee.

Easy, right? More tomorrow!

Creativity

I found this powerful quote about creativity on Pinterest :

I bet a lot of us can relate to what Mr. MacLeod is saying. I certainly can. Creativity, whether we are pursuing it or still trying to find it, usually takes a backseat as we deal with everyday life -- getting good grades, paying the bills, raising the kids. But we crave it. We need it as a means of self expression.

This week on the blog, let's explore ways on how to be more creative. After all, creativity is turning blah into TADA!

Colorful Keyrings

I hope you're having a wonderful day!

Last time, I made a key ring out of a pompom. I think it's a nice token gift for classmates or teachers. But what if we take this pompom to the next level?

Like adding more pompoms and lots of wooden beads painted in different colors:

 Even add some ribbon scraps and strands of embroidery thread:

With these blah materials on hand, we can replicate these TADA! beauties:

via tabletonic

via tabletonic

via Anthropologie

I can't help but swoon. This is a weekend project I can't wait to get my hands on!

Have a happy Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Embellished with Pompoms

I like to bring my own bags to the supermarket. They're sturdy, carry more things than a regular plastic bag, and it's a TADA! way to clean up our planet. 

I also have a similar basket like this for trips to the farmer's market {for days when I pretend to be a French girl, teehee}. It can fit a lot of produce, baked goods and even a few potted herbs. But sometimes, I feel it looks a little blah.

Then a light bulb moment happened when I came across these beach basket totes:

via JADEtribe

via JADEtribe

via JADEtribe

I can dress up my market basket with some yarn tassels and handmade pompoms, perhaps? I think that will be blah to TADA!

Puffy Wreaths

Let's say you're trying your hand at making pompoms. And you find it relaxing. And before you know it, you've got a pile of pompoms on your bedroom floor. How do you turn this from blah to TADA!? Well, these images can answer that question:

via loverly

Turn it them into a wreath -- one where stuffed animals can hang around in.

via lulu carter

Here's another version using a Styrofoam round covered in fabric, accented with multi-color pompoms.

via Pinterest

Or what about a monochromatic wreath that's soft to the touch and soothing to the eyes?

via Small for Big

There's also the option of making a chandelier.

via wander with style

And a pompom garland is simply TADA!

Wishing you all a bright and beautiful day!

A Hostess Present

When invited to someone's home for a dinner party or backyard barbecue, it's always TADA! to bring a hostess present. It's a thoughtful gesture that says, "Thanks for the invitation."

I like to give something that's unique and useful. It also helps to tailor-fit the gift to the hosts -- do their tastes lean towards modern or traditional? Do they like mellow colors or bright hues? Without asking them, you'll find your answers by observation -- how they dress, or if you've been invited to their home before, how they decorate.

I found these wooden serving spoons from my travels. They're beautifully crafted with a mother of pearl accent at the edges. They're ideal for a couple who love to cook and entertain.

Instead of wrapping them, I just used some yarn and pompoms to dress them up.

The pompoms can be purchased at a craft store or you can easily make them yourself.

Attach a handwritten note and TADA!, you've got yourself a hostess present!

More Pompoms

Hello lovelies! Just a few pretty photos today: 

An indoor trellis at Anthropologie is TADA! The flowers aren't real but I have to show you what they're made of:

They're clusters of pompoms! I like the ombre' effect of mixing reds, pinks, salmon and white to make them look lifelike.

Here's another unique window decoration:

Colorful pompoms hanging from a tree branch at Craftland. Doesn't this make you smile?

We've crafted with pompoms before but hey, I have a few more ways to transform them from blah to TADA! If you can, pop in everyday this week to see the ideas.

Cardboard Party

If you have giant cardboard boxes hiding in your home, consider bringing them out at the next kiddie party you're throwing. With some heavy duty tape and paint, you can turn these boxes from blah to TADA!:

via dwellings by devore

A tiny cottage

via Apartment Therapy

A castle for a prince or princess

via Pinterest

A fort filled with plastic balls

via lullaby lubbock

A fun ice cream truck {where you can serve real ice cream!}

via The Party Wall

Or a farm tractor -- wonderful for photos!

Aren't this awesome?

Wishing you all a colorful weekend!

Guest Books

When you're at a wedding, do you sign the guestbook? It used to be a hardbound book or journal where you'd leave a happy message for the couple.

I'm over-the-moon excited that guestbooks are no longer books. Check out these ideas that I think turn blah to TADA!:

via Style Me Pretty

Messages on the bottle - guests sign on a bottle of bubbly and the couple drink the contents on their first anniversary. They keep the bottle so the good wishes and happy memories stay with them forever.

via Once Wed

Create-a-Quilt - guests sign on pieces of colorful cloth. These are then sewn together to form a tapestry or quilt.

via Style Me Pretty

Starter Art - this piece of abstract art {made with a canvas and paint} works as a place for guests to sign. It can then be displayed in the couple's living room to remind them of their special day.

via weddingomania

Game Time - guests sign blocks from a Jenga game and are collected at the end of the party. The couple will be surrounded with loving thoughts whenever they play Jenga on game night! 

via Style Me Pretty

Beach chair - instead of a book, why not have everyone sign a piece of furniture? This one's a cool chair but a coffee table or mirror will work just as well. 

Go ahead and use these ideas for other occasions too like a big birthday, baby shower or retirement.