Providence

I promised you a few field trips this week. Today, it's off to Providence, Rhode Island.

I took a family trip there in late spring. It has always been on my list of "places to visit" and I'm happy to have finally seen it! 

It's a compact, clean and nurturing city. 

 There's a good mix of commerce...

 ...and history.

 Schools like Johnson and Wales, Brown University...

 ...and the Rhode Island School of Design

make it a university town.

How lucky was I to have stumbled upon this gem of a craft store:

It's called Craftland. 

  

It's the same place where I found those pompom window decorations I mentioned three weeks ago.

What started out as an annual holiday craft fair is now a storefront that "celebrates all kinds of sparkly handmade objects and the people who make them." Isn't that TADA!? I wish all towns had a shop just like this one.

The covet-worthy merchandise is made by local artists from Rhode Island and crafters from all over the U.S.  You'll find everything from t-shirts, to jewelry, home accessories and stationery here.

It's also a good place to get souvenirs and gifts for friends back home -- they're one of a kind and supports local and handmade! 

The shop also offers craft classes, there's an on-site art gallery and if you're a crafter, you may be able to sell your items here -- check this out for details. You can also visit their blog.

See you tomorrow!

An Afternoon in Central Park

I hope you had a gorgeous weekend, dear friends! Last week, I shared a list of ways to nurture creativity. I'm heeding my own advice, and since the weather's been so fine, let's venture out of the craft room and go on a few little excursions.

How about an afternoon in New York City's Central Park?

There are riders...

and boaters...

and Bow Bridge pilgrims.

The Boat House that's not only picturesque -- they serve 

appetizing dishes, too.

This is one of my favorite places in the park.

It's the Bethesda Fountain.

If you're lucky, you'll find musicians and entertainers here.

Today, it's a fellow I'd like to call "Bubble Man."

Effortlessly, he made magic.

He produced these enormous bubbles.

You'll hear a gasp from the crowd and immediately 

the kids chase the bubbles to try and pop them.

With simple materials like a bucket with bubble 

solution {water and detergent, perhaps?}...

...two bamboo poles and rope weaved 

into a honeycomb pattern, he turned

blah to TADA!

Without a doubt, Bubble Man was a rock star!

Ways to Stay Creative, Part 4

This is the last of the batch:

23. Read a page of the dictionary.

24. Create a framework.

25. Stop trying to be someone else's perfect.

26. Got an idea? Write it down.

27. Clean your work space.

28. Have fun.

29. Finish something.

Here's wishing that your creative rut or writer's block has changed from blah to TADA! Have an exciting weekend!

Ways to Stay Creative, Part 3

I hope you're finding the advice here helpful. 

A few more today:

16. Allow yourself to make mistakes.

17. Go somewhere new.

 18. Count your blessings.

19. Get lots of blessings.

20. Take risks.

21. Break the rules.

22. Don't force it.

Please stop by tomorrow for a new set.

See you then!

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!