When I am asked what I enjoy reading, my typical answer is, "Anything with pictures!"
First off, I "read" lots of magazines, home decor and craft books rarely ever taking in the text unless a pretty picture catches my fancy. Second - I like non-fiction. My bedside table usually has something like "Drive" by Daniel Pink or "The Social Animal" by David Brooks (see his entertaining TED talk on the same subject by clicking here) - or something having to do with creative entrepreneurship like "The Right-Brain Business Plan" by Jennifer Lee or "The Creative Entrepreneur" by Lisa Sonora Beam. As for fiction: it's either Shakespeare or Jane Austen ("Persuasion" is, by far, my favorite!) and I can only read those while speaking softly to myself in a British accent. :)
Well, this brings me to the book I'm presently loving - "The Zen of Social Media Marketing" by Shama Hyder Kabani. The reason I am loving this book is because Shama approaches Social Media like no other business guru I've read. I am only into the third chapter and am already feeling like I can maybe handle this social media stuff because I really don't "get" it. It's not the way I like to interact with friends and (since I'm trying to also market my artwork) potential customers. Facebook, for example, is a big mysterious mix of everything from weird everyday flotsam (aka. "I'm watching Glee right now!!" or "I just had corn flakes for breakfast" sorts of stuff) to the sharing of big ideas that might actually change the world. I find it completely perplexing and am striving to change that. I hope Shama can help me navigate the murky waters.
And, just so you know, I don't know Shama except from her website and the pages of this book. I am not being paid to give her the thumbs-up. I haven't even bought the book (although I might!) - I got this copy from the local library - but I hope you might check it out, anyway. How do you find your way through the Social Media maze? I would love to hear your thoughts - leave a comment and let me know :)
Starting anew is always a good thing! Here is Vol. 1 of "Artful Living on the Bluff" for you to enjoy. While I am not contributing new material to this blog, please feel free to look around and then visit me at the new and (hopefully) improved "Artful Living on the Bluff" blog at artfullivingonthebluff.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Excited... but tired...
Most of the afternoon and evening were spent on the red and black cuff bracelet. I had hopes of finishing it but it's getting late and I'm feeling the need to go horizontal and get some shut-eye! I'm crossing my fingers that tomorrow this baby will be finished (and some better pics taken!)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Intergalactic Travel to the Stars!
That's what I think of when I see "Cosmic Renegade"! This statement jewelry piece is a stellar combination of reclaimed fabrics, antique lace, vintage jewelry components and lots of beads, both big and small.
This necklace is lightweight and super comfortable to wear. It is beautifully backed with reclaimed suede leather and finished off with gunmetal chain and a lobster clasp so it can be ultimately adjustable - just clasp it wherever you need to for the perfect fit. It also comes with a pair of matching dangle earrings.
Read the whole story behind this piece right here on my blog at http://artfullivingonthebluff.blogspot.com/search/label/Cosmic%20Renegade
and find "Cosmic Renegade" for sale on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/listing/98306323/beaded-fiber-art-statement-necklace
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Finished? I need your help!
Well, I think "Cosmic Renegade" might be finished. I say "I think..." because my original idea was to add beaded fringe to this piece but I'm just not sure about that. What do you think??
Friday, April 20, 2012
On my work table...
... are the beginnings of a new bead embroidered cuff. A little bird told me that red and black are going to be hot this season and I hope so!!
To help things along a bit I put together a collection of some of my favorite handmade items in that color combo. As always, I would love lots of clicks and comments so visit the original treasury page on Etsy and let me know what you think! Cheers ~
Just a little bit of love for a favorite color combo :)
To help things along a bit I put together a collection of some of my favorite handmade items in that color combo. As always, I would love lots of clicks and comments so visit the original treasury page on Etsy and let me know what you think! Cheers ~
'Red and Black are back!' by CindyCaraway
Just a little bit of love for a favorite color combo :)
| Red and Black Flower, C... $17.00 | Made to Order - Red Bla... $25.00 | ON SALE Kazuri Bead Nec... $60.00 |
| Red and black plaid Nec... $48.50 | Bead embroidered Earrin... $19.00 | Red and Black Floral De... $30.00 |
| Nature on Red and Black... $3.00 | Burlesque Mini Top Hat ... $39.00 | Red and Black Stripey P... $80.00 |
| Red and Black Fleur de ... $65.00 | Everyday Shoulder Bag i... $54.00 | Arm Warmers, Fingerless... $32.00 |
| Polka Dot Wallet Handm... $30.00 | Red and Black Nagorie F... $16.95 | Original Watercolor Pai... $125.00 |
| Wing earrings painted w... $25.00 |
Treasury tool supported by threequickquestions.com
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Almost there...
"Cosmic Renegade" is nearly there! The beading is finished and she's glued down on the leather backing. Hopefully today I'll get the edging done... Cross your fingers!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
New Project, Sneak peek...
Before I set off to our super wonderful farmer's market (*please let there be kale, please let there be kale, please let there be KALE!!*), I thought I would share some shots of a new piece, or rather, an old piece that I am re-making.
A while back, I posted about wanting to re-do several beaded pieces and make them anew. One is already finished and I am deep into the redesign of another. Needing to take a break from Hemisphere for a bit while I search our more shiny orange beads, I took on this Steampunk Cowgirl monstrosity and put it to pieces.
What was I thinking?? It was big and bulky and hard to wear... but, IMO, still had some merit in the component choices and the colors. So... to pieces it went!
Now I am in the middle of the new project and pleased and surprised with how it's turning out! When I started, I still wanted it to be sort of steampunk-y and cowgirl-ish but somehow it has morphed into something more akin to "cosmic renegade". It looks more space-y and grunge-y than the picture I had in my mind. When it started going in that direction, I just went with it to see where it would take me and I'm certainly enjoying the ride. I hope you like these pics - let me know what you think! :)
A while back, I posted about wanting to re-do several beaded pieces and make them anew. One is already finished and I am deep into the redesign of another. Needing to take a break from Hemisphere for a bit while I search our more shiny orange beads, I took on this Steampunk Cowgirl monstrosity and put it to pieces.
What was I thinking?? It was big and bulky and hard to wear... but, IMO, still had some merit in the component choices and the colors. So... to pieces it went!
Now I am in the middle of the new project and pleased and surprised with how it's turning out! When I started, I still wanted it to be sort of steampunk-y and cowgirl-ish but somehow it has morphed into something more akin to "cosmic renegade". It looks more space-y and grunge-y than the picture I had in my mind. When it started going in that direction, I just went with it to see where it would take me and I'm certainly enjoying the ride. I hope you like these pics - let me know what you think! :)
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