Claim Your Space

It's time to claim your CREATIVE SPACE!

Why? Because everyone needs their own Creative Zone, no matter how small.

A place to leave your materials without the hassle of cleaning everything up and packing it all away.

A place to return to, time and time again, as you read, listen, write, draw, sew, compose, paint or do whatever it is you love to do.

• A desk by a window
• Soft cushions, a comfy chair in a corner somewhere
• The spare room
• Part of a room
• A bench in the shed - or better still, the whole shed!

Commit to an area and claim it as your own. Surround yourself with your creative tools - music, laptop, pens, paper, books, scented candles, desk lamp, camera equipment, paints, bed for the cat, bed for the dog....yes, you know they'll want to hang out with you and see what you're up to. 

If you already have a space where you create, maybe it's time for a spring clean and re-energise your personal zone.

Have fun exploring your talents and ......

Enjoy your creative journey, Jules

In The Mood!

I saw a cork board recently and I instantly thought, MOOD BOARD!

It’s true, Pinterest has given us an unlimited supply of ideas and inspirations that can be displayed digitally, but there’s something unique about creating a mood board where you physically pin a selection of cards, drawings, photos, pictures or fabrics pieces to a board.

You're instantly creating a personalised piece of art for your home.

If you’ve never created one, why not give it a go? Or perhaps you’re like me and haven’t created a mood board in ages but would like to.

Here’s what I’m planning for my Mood Board:

• Some of the Boston Terrier cards given to me by friends
• Photos from my wedding day
• Classic fashion looks I love
• Quotes I read regularly
• Photos from our recent 60’s and 70’s party

Without even realising it, I can see there’s a theme to my Mood Board – Memories.

What will yours be?

Here are some ideas: Winter, Beach Life,  Family, Holidays, Birthdays and Milestone, Dreams & Plans or Things I Find Beautiful. 

Enjoy your creative journey, Jules

Time For Tea!

I've always loved Vintage China. Imagine how excited I was to discover the stunning array of vintage tea sets, dinner ware and cutlery on, The Vintage Table.

This is what I call, Creative Business - when someone takes their passion and knowledge for something wonderful and turns it into a business they truly LOVE.

Alison from The Vintage Table has done just that. She's created a Perth based business that hires out Exquisite Vintage Tableware. Her collection is breathtaking. I love the fact that all these gorgeous items, form the 1940's, 50's and 60's, are being used and enjoyed to this day.

Whenever I drink tea from a beautiful vintage teacup, I feel

• Respect - for the craftsmanship from a bygone era
• Nostalgic - for the laughter and countless conversations each cup has been privy to over its lifetime. What secrets those cups could tell!
• Reflective - who owned these treasured items and why? Were they a gift from a friend, a sister or mother? Were they given to celebrate a birthday, a wedding or just because?
• Appreciation - for every hand that's held, washed, wrapped, stored and cared for these precious pieces from our past.

I think it's time to put the kettle on!

Enjoy your creative journey, Jules

The Vintage Table

What are you waiting for? Take The Jump

I’d been painting most of my life and had turned an old shed into my studio. A friend dropped by one day for a visit and to see what I was working on and said, “So, when are you going to have an exhibition?’ To be honest, it hadn’t crossed my mind.

She encouraged me to believe in myself and challenged me by asking, ‘What’s the worst thing that can happen? You don’t sell one painting! So what. All your buddies will come to your exhibition and we’ll have a great time.’ How could I argue with that?

Why was I painting? Because I loved it, it gave me so much pleasure to be in my own creative space, and I was learning as I painted.

So, what are you waiting for?

Is there some form of creativity you once did and would love to get back into? Have you always wanted to try photography, writing, drawing, cooking, music, dancing, acting or sewing?

Maybe it’s time to pick up that guitar, get your camera gear out, revisit the story you’re writing, unpack that sewing machine or enrol in those salsa dance lessons.

I’m encouraging you to do it!  Go on…….Take The Jump!

So, how did the exhibition go you’re wondering! Way beyond what I ever dreamed. I sold 16 of the 30 paintings on the opening night and ended up being represented by two art galleries.

And to think I nearly said no to my dear friend's encouragement and wonderful suggestion.

Enjoy your creative journey, Jules