Batik & Ink...

The photo included on this post is of a hand carved ink and batik stamp imported from Asia for our Global Collection. These stamps have been used for centuries to create designs on textiles. You can use ink to dye the fabric directly or melted wax for a batik resist.

I just think these are so cool as design elements for your shelf, desk or table. I could even envision these as a wall grouping in large square pattern.

The three patterns we have in stock are listed on our website - I am so excited to see how you use these! We are buying more designs too so bookmark that page!

Enjoy!

Lise

slip on heels - now glide, glide, sashay, and sit...

sa·shay (s-sh) Informal intr.v. sa·shayed, sa·shay·ing, sa·shays

1.

a. To walk or proceed, especially in an easy or casual manner.

b. To strut or flounce in a showy manner: sashaying around the dinner party in her fancy new clothes.

Trends for 2008

I have been looking at the design "trends" for 2008 while we source new products. I've tracked the "hot news" from Europe back to the states. What I find really interesting is how the new products are presented - it's a treat to take a look at what's coming next. Since I love color and furniture I do like to see what's new; but I still prefer to do my own creative thinking; so I am using the list of trends for a creative jump start instead of fully embracing and copying them. So here's a glimpse of what I have seen for design and color in 2008.

Expect more color

We're seeing products that run the color spectrum - these are more vivid colors than we've seen in 2007. In fact, 2007 was all about neutrals, so the industry has almost done a complete revamp when it comes to colors. In a trade preview, we noticed that Pottery Barn has completely dispensed with the darker neutrals and features a rainbow of bright and bold color in their 2008 product line, using white and ivory as the backdrop to let the colors pop. We've also noticed a trend to use color in combination with greys and silvers.

Benjamin Moore has a paint line that corresponds with the Pottery Barn Products. So if you're interested in doing a feature wall in a bold shade, check them out. They still have more blues and greens, than they have reds and yellows; so don't worry about going with a color that is too overwhelmingly bold for your space. The greens and blues are still relaxing colors to use. I am anxiously waiting for the Yolo Colorhouse 2008 color collection to see what they are up to.

Graphics

Ok, so if you haven't noticed in 2007 there were a lot of graphic patterns everywhere. This continues into 2008. They are lovely, but this is an area that I think has the potential to be compared with the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchen appliances from the 70's. So, because I do like the graphic patterns, I may invest. But not in a carpet - I'd go for the wall decals in a bold but removable graphic.

Eco-Friendly Design

This isn't going anywhere, at least as long as there is a threat of global warming - so I'm not sure it can be called trendy. Still I thought we should highlight this here as it is a growing segment of interior design. To highlight, we should be demanding that our products are:

1. from sustainable, reclaimed or recycled sources
2. energy efficient
3. chemical and pesticide free
4. fairly traded
5. comfortable and beautiful

Eclectic Looks

When we hear the word "eclectic" in design we may think of a collection of unmatched furniture, and personal decorative items which are brought together to create a stylish room. Though I think it also encompasses global fusion and the melding of design styles like country and urban. This is the preferred way to design in my book - turn things around and make a personal statement; so I am glad it's being highlighted in 2008.

Ok so back to my remark about the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchens. At one time or another someone decided this was trendy. hmmm. I'll just wrap by reminding you that there are no rules, do what you love!

Happy New Year!

Lise

You just have to visit...

Stop on by and see what Lisa Oglesby is up to. I absolutely love these little pincushions she has created.

Hmmm... I am wondering if she has an Etsy store....

Enjoy!

Lise

More photodoodles

Ok, so before I go off to sleep I decided to combine another photo and doodle. This one is of my son Ethan on the beach this summer.

It looks like he's found some magical water at Emerald Isle

:-)

updated photo...

So after (too) much discussion this is the photo she chose to go with, instead of the one where she's doing her favorite thing in the world - chatting on the phone...

I think she even bought into the idea of making the pillows; so this weekend we'll troll the fabric stores for some suitable fabric and start using my new sewing machine!

Yay!

Have a creative evening!

Creative Dorm Rooms

So my oldest son is off to college this year. I had forgotten how small, and shall we say, unadorned a dorm room can be.


Now of all my children Chris is the least interested in design; but even he had to admit that he wouldn't mind sprucing up his room. Ah, the last convert....




One of the biggest and least expensive changes we can make is to the walls. Since we're not allowed to paint anything in the room; the next option is to cover the walls and cabinets with removable things. Here are a few ideas:

• Big flags and multiple pennants. Ok this is a standard dorm decoration. You can find a ginormous flag or pennant sets; hang up on the wall with duct tape or velcro, and you're ready for class



• King size (light-weight) quilts and sheets offer a quick fix for drab walls. If the room has those cork hang strips you hang from there with T-pins. If not, attach the fabric with heavy duty velcro strips.





• Shower curtains - WHAT? Yes. Hang a shower curtain with a cool design from those sticky-but-removable wall hangers.





• Paper - This is a really inexpensive option but you need to think creatively. Try your hand with patterns made from post-it notes. Or forget the tedious hanging job and buy several pages (or a pack) of beautiful scrapbook paper. There is a pattern to please everyone. This option is also great for those with allergies, as fabric options may collect dust.



• Fun prints - Convert your photos to wallpaper. Print black and white photos on legal size (or larger) paper and hang with double-sided tape.




• Fabric - You can use fabric as a background or a foreground. There are plenty of discount fabric stores offering great bargains for your quick fix. I love the look of burlap - it offers a natural texture, low cost, and functional camouflage.

• Wall decals - Since we can't do traditional wallpaper; try the large removable decals. blik makes some that are really fun. Including this from the late artist Keith Haring... How's that for unique dorms?


• Plywood - painted of course. Get a big piece of wood and a can of chalkboard paint. Paint a few coats and lean the board against the wall. This is more of a hassle to move at the end of the year than the other options, but can be cool for leaving personal notes and fun drawings throughout the semester.
  
• And of course, you can always make your own art...

I love that I can put many of these elements into the first care package I send off to school. But since Chris is just over an hour away from home; I may pop in one Friday afternoon to hang some wall adornments myself :-)

Enjoy,

Lise

Creative ways to market your work

Hi everyone,

I've received quite a few emails about my last post so I wanted to provide you with a few more details :-)

I know we may have been taught that the best way to license and market your work was to build a portfolio of work with your particular "style" and then sign with an agent willing to rep your work at a licensing event or through established connections. Or the really traditional path of building a body of work to sell through galleries.

But happily for creative nonconformists like me - these are not the only paths to success.

As I've mentioned before your skills as a creative individual are in high demand by just about every business sector I can imagine. I tend to focus on home design, creativity and garden design just because it is my passion - but there are other many other markets that are knocking on our doors looking for artists and creative people like you.

What kinds of services do these companies need? Here are a few:

• writers
• spokespeople
• designers
• product reviewers
• counselors
• marketers
• bloggers
• illustrators
• product designers
• teachers/trainers

And where might your work be seen?

• TV
• Internet
• Radio
• Monthly columns
• Print magazines (worldwide)
• Blogs
• New products
• Classrooms
• Trade shows
• Office buildings
• Homes
• Gardens

The exciting part is that the sky is the limit here. We don't limit you to just providing artwork - there is a lot more to you than that! So, we are inviting you to think outside the box about how you have always marketed yourself. We want to have some fun; use materials in creative ways, brainstorm new ideas, and promote your creativity.

I will be conducting a teleconference soon - so if you're really serious about getting yourself out there in a non-traditional way please send me an email and we'll get you all signed up.

Here's to the good life!

Lise

Emotional Connections to Things

My studio is not ready for prime time. So I'd hesitate to share a wide-angle view of it on places like Studio Friday. Yet it is the place I retreat to when I am interested in making collages, or when I'm ready to scan illustrations and blog.

When I moved, I rediscovered all types of creative stuff (beads, tools, canvas, paper, craft glue, ribbons, fabric, books, portfolios, etc.). And because I claimed the living room as my designated studio space, the movers dumped every randomly-connected art supply there.

Fast forward a few months, and my art making in that room has slowed considerably, because of too much clutter!

What a fabulous conversation I had with my friend Cheryl Finley today. One of the many topics we discussed was letting go of past stuff. We discussed the emotional connection to things. After our conversation, I realized that I am emotionally connected to creativity. How in the world can I throw anything away - especially when there's nothing wrong with it!?!?? Yet, my studio today feels a little stifling and that is cutting down on the time I spend there to create.

So I'm now in search of a swap situation. I'm offering lots of creative materials, tools, products, books, etc that I've outgrown and are no longer serving me. If you're interested in the possibilities of purging things that don't serve you any longer, please send me an email or enter a comment below. If I have enough interested parties, I will set up a studio stuff swap group to trade useful studio/art/creativity supplies.

Let's put the energy back into our spaces.

Be Creative!

Lise

Call to artists, and other creative professionals

The Artistic Lifestyling company is actively looking for creative professionals for feature spots on various media owned by our company. Please read the following general criteria:

- You must be a creative professional - actively creating something. What you are creating is not as important as the positive reaction/response you receive to your work, and that you feel passionate about what you do. Of course, we'll review your work to see if it's a good fit for this project.

- Your work must have a unique creative focus/angle

- You must be willing to actively share your ideas, techniques, information through various Artistic Lifestyling media and events

- You must provide your "creation" (or a related service) for sale through our website. Exclusive products are ideal

- You must already have some sort of platform (website, blog, etsy shop, etc.)

To submit your work, please send an email to: createwithus@artisticlifestyling.com
Please include your bio and link to your online work. No attachments, no slides, no snail mail please.

We have a limited number of opportunities, and the best spots will fill quickly - so please submit once, and submit early. Submissions need to be sent to us no later than Sep 1, 2007.

Thank you!

The Kid's Sunday Project

I wanted to plant something new, the kids wanted to paint. So we teamed up and this is the end result...

Materials:

Paint and Metallic Glaze
Foam brush
Dirt
Clay Pot - 18"
Vine

Love & Creativity

I enjoyed reading a book called Living Artfully by Sarah Magsamen so much that I sent this book to my sister Toni who, with two young girls and family far away, is VERY busy.

I wanted the book to be a reminder to her that having children does not have to mean that you must abandon your own creative projects. I know your time is shared, and your kids will require so much of your attention. That is until just around their 13th birthday when you suddenly become a sheer embarrassment - but until then, just know that your creativity doesn't have to wither away only to be reignited when the kids are out of the house, or after you retire! Creativity can show up in ways you haven't really planned for; and even better, can be cultivated together - which really is a whole lot more fun.




Your creativity is always there - even if you're not actively pursuing your past painting, singing, scrap booking or candle making projects. You might not recognize (or give yourself credit for) the creative muscle you're building when you bake cupcakes for your child's classroom; or traipse through yet another aisle looking for fabric for your teenager's apparel development class; or when you're out collecting scrap wood for a tree house you've planned to build with your kids. Let's not even mention the amount of creativity you need to keep a toddler engaged on the weekends. But nevertheless, your creative skills are there and growing.

So... be open, paint rocks, plant moon gardens, and decorate cookies with the thought that you are building an interesting life and making new creative dreams as a family. And when your kids are grown, they might actually appreciate your creative approach to life. Though they may just confuse creativity with love.

Living with Creative Intention

We are all creative. Some may even claim the title of artist, but lately I’ve been thinking that it’s not the title that really matters – the important thing is the lifestyle you aspire to. Here then is my list of characteristics I’ve noted about people who live with creative intention. I’d love to know if you find yourself anywhere in the description that follows.

From what I can see…

Creative people live in spaces that help them cultivate their ideas and develop new projects. We may find inspiration in a fabric, a photo, or a childhood memory. We use these ideas as a starting point to develop our homes and workspaces to our liking. We use materials in unique and innovative ways. Our home workspaces contain lots of inspiration. We are collectors of ideas and materials. Because we are always creative, our homes serve multiple functions. Our homes are a conglomeration of ideas – a test bed of sorts.

To feed our creative efforts, we shop. We shop for things both old and new. We reuse. We search the past for familiar ideas and make them trendy and stylish again. We may haunt the aisles of large retailers, but we often have a cadre of smaller companies we frequent whenever we need specialized products or services. We love places like Etsy.com, Creativity Portal, Illustration Friday, and a myriad of fun, quirky, and captivating websites and blogs that provide suggestions on new products and services.

We are introspective. We find inspiration from details others may overlook. We play with materials, words, and ideas; we push the envelope. We find joy in creating the simple and the complex. We like to try our hand at multiple things, often with the skill and insight to combine two or three seemingly disconnected things into one cohesive design. We appreciate the imagination and the inventiveness of others. We marvel at our own vision. We are insightful. We are out-of-the-box thinkers and are often called visionaries.

We love to see the impact of our work on others; because much of what we do comes from a place deep within ourselves. We make statements. In our work we capture the beauty and tragedy in life – and all the emotions in between. Sometimes we make things to trade or give; and other times we make things to sell.


We are connected. The internet gives us a space to set up camp and declare who we are. Sometimes we are part of the support system supplying materials and resources for other creative people to use. Other times we are the front line; showing our work and sharing ideas. We join mailing lists, read blogs and create online communities. We move offline and connect in person through clubs, correspondence, conferences, classes and co-ops.

Creative people share. We provide hope, inspiration and innovative techniques. We know the importance of artful living; of passing down our creative knowledge to our children, friends, parents, siblings, partners, and visitors. We keep track of our techniques, and of our progress and setbacks.

We know how wonderful it feels to see a project from its concept stage through material selection, organization of thoughts, and completion. It is like therapy for some. For others it is our passion.

Creativity is what we live. It is our legacy.

Exhibit - Textile Monuments - behind the scenes with Valarie Jean Bailey

Last year sometime, my dear friend began talking about her next project for her upcoming exhibit at the Green Hill Center. She told me about her idea for a bottle tree. I think in pictures. So when she mentioned a bottle tree, I thought of the traditional bottle tree that people once used to scare away ghosts. Empty bottles are turned onto tree branches. Then, when the wind blows, the bottles dance and clink against each other. Magical. But not even close to what Valarie Jean had in mind apparently.

But I should remind you that Valarie Jean is an art quilter, and painter. What, I thought, does a bottle tree have to do with quilting? But instead of giving her that blank stare I sometimes get when I'm trying to explain my own art project ideas - I waited. I listened. I watched. And I anticipated.

In our conversations throughout the year, she explained her ideas for the base of the tree. I even donated a few wine bottles, not truly understanding what she was going to come up with. We talked about the best photo paper, and about gates and fences.

During one visit, I sat down with her and looked at images of women on bottles. These were women who had made a difference in the world in a variety of ways. These women were singers, artists, activists, leaders. Still I was not sure what to expect...

Then one Sunday morning I was asked to come by and and help pack bottles as the time for the exhibit grew near. I don't know how many bottles I helped to pack that day, but suffice it to say that it was probably close to 150 or so. I saw the base, and Valarie Jean showed me the quilts, some were still in progress.

This day, there was a feeling in the air. It is as if the spirits of these women had entered this home, and had supported Valarie Jean while she crafted this installation piece - these beautiful quilted pieces, images on and within bottles. All this beauty and strength. It is no understatement when I say that they "spoke" to me that day. Their combined legacy. It is an experience I have never had before. I felt this overwhelming sense of responsiblity, even to pack the bottles with such care so none would break in transit.

This is an immense project that Valarie Jean had undertaken and completed with unbelievable grace under pressure.

If you are in the Greensboro area, please plan to see the Textile Monuments exhibit. If you are not in this area, I have included a link to her interview below.

Green Hill Center: Valarie Jean Bailey

Listen (mp3)


Kudos and much love to you Valarie Jean Bailey!

Lise

Inspire me Thursday

So.. I am now using those Inspire me Thursday prompts as a creative tool for my journaldoodling. This week was good - all about secrets. I started off with another secret, and I was just about to scan and disclose... but tamer heads prevailed :-)

Just today I unpacked a new drafting desk and put it together. So anyone that has visited my studio in the last couple of hours will instantly see my love for all things family... art... color... style...paper... *sigh*...

Be well...

Lise

My 10 favorites of the day...

1. Valarie Jean Bailey's Installation at Green Hill Center



2. Whole Foods Classic Tiramisu - (here's a tarty twist on tiramisu)



3. Creativity Books



4. Spring Gardening, and scouting finds at local nurseries.
   


5. Chocolate
   


6. Gift Cards for presents
   


7. Artsy Paper Pinwheels
   


8. Collage Art
   


9. Beautiful homes for the birds
   


10. Comfortable surroundings
    

- Be sure to link your 10 favorites!

Lise

Style Points: Garden Planning

Hello!


Whew. This is the longest hiatus I've taken since starting this blog! With everything settled after my recent move I'm able to get back to my routine. So....



This week my focus is on garden design. While the weather is so variable, it's the best time for me to collect garden and seed catalogs, take stock of what worked with last year's projects, and plan the details for the next gardening season.



So my new plans are for a city garden with limited space and access. Quite different from rambling play spaces in a rural setting. I've started with the basic requirements for the outdoor space:

1. Making it connect to the indoors; the transition space being the patio and 3-season sun porch;
2. Room for entertainment;
3. Room to grow a small heirloom and children's veggie garden;
4. Xerascaping (drought tolerant plantings and low impact garden strategies)
5. Creativity/Fun for kids with a sense of surprise and adventure;
6. Oh and did I mention low maintenance with lots of perennials?

I've included a few resources for heirloom and seed exchange websites as well as children's gardening resources I am currently exploring.

Resources:


Seed Exchange


Seed Savers


Southern Exposure Seed Exchange


KinderGARDEN


Sharon Lovejoy, author - Sharon's website contains an extensive list of children's gardens - lots of inspiration. She is a wonderful author.






enjoy!

Lise

Think Creatively, Live Longer

Last night while blogging I watched a segment on TV about living longer. The researchers at Blue Zones are on a quest to find the common traits of people who live to be 100+. So far they've found these common factors:

• Family
• No Smoking
• Plant-based diet
• Constant Moderate Physical Activity
• Social Engagement
• Legumes
• Empowered Women
• Sunshine
• Gardening
  

These make sense to me. And of course, I think that creativity is a driving element to encourage a long life. For example, creative planning can bring families closer together, creative recipes and menu planning can certainly make it easier to use more legumes and other vegetables. Planning social engagements (celebrations); family gatherings; traditional Sunday family meals, and gardens all require the use of your creative energy.

So thank you to all the researchers at Blue Zones. I feel good about where we're headed!

Be well, be creative!

Lise

Painting Together - A Creativity Course for Couples

I have a quick project for couples only. It's ideal for Valentine's Day so I thought I'd share it with you in case you're feeling inspired to celebrate in a different way than you did last year. Here are the materials you will need:

• 1 Moleskine Journal


• 1 set of art markers


• or 1 set of colored pencils


• Creativity
  

The beauty of this particular project is that it can be done anywhere, and it's a cute keepsake. The object of this project is to create your love story. The particular details of your love story are totally up to you. It can begin with a simple question that you write in vivid, bold and creative lettering on one of the pages in the journal. Then, as soon as the question is written, have your partner answer by drawing in pictures and words that express ideas and feelings. As one person draws shapes, the other partner colors inside the lines (or outside the lines if you prefer). If you don't want to start with a question, begin with a statement, quote or expression. Terms of endearment work well too.

This is one of those collaborative projects. There are no other rules except to have fun. The journal can be tucked away for next Valentine's Day; or packed in a suitcase to remind your spouse of what's waiting at home at the end of a long business trip.

Have fun and be creative,

Lise

p.s. You can also do this with your kids. It's a good way to remind your children how much you love them. Even teenagers like to color!

Plan, Organize & Design your own Creative Project Files

Plan, Organize & Design your own Creative Project Files


I create a project portfolio to hold all of my thoughts, product specifications, and other details in one place. I use it for home and garden design; party planning; art projects; and workshop designs. In fact, I encourage my clients to create their own project portfolio to capture information about the projects we work on together. My early portfolios included only loose sheets of paper which easily grew disorganized. But with better planning and a few hours prep time, my project files have become much more organized. If you're interested in making your own portfolio to document your projects, these basic materials will get you started:

• Push pins
• Graph paper
• 11 x 17 paper
• index cards
• page protectors
• page tabs/dividers
• Cork design board
• Business card pockets
• Vinyl/Plastic zippered pouches
• Drawing/Illustration Pens & Markers (Prismacolor is my favorite brand )
• Two small journals - one lined, one unlined (I like to have a journal that lays flat as well, that way I can use the scanner to save designs in electronic format.)
• A zipped binder, an artist portfolio, or large binder with rings

When you shop for the contents of your project files, try to personalize them in a way that inspires you. I shop in office supply stores, scrapbooking and paper speciality stores, art & craft retailers, home & garden, hardware and housewares stores to mix things up. Of course you're free to assemble your materials in a way that works for you. But this particular selection of materials will allow you to sketch, collect, store, transport and file. I like to use a cork design board that stays on the wall to see multiple things together, like swatches, photos or other inspirational items. If I need to take them on the road, I just pop them into the zippered pouch in my binder and I'm off.

Take some time to document your next creative project. Combine your sketches with idea journaling; take digital photos; save magazine photos clippings; gather paint chips and other materials. Make models, explore and above all...

Be creative!

Lise

______________