Inspiration Archive - Number 19

‘Inspiration’ Posts

Hey Baby!

February 5th, 2012

So I’m only THREE weeks late it letting you know that I’ve had my baby BOY! He is beautiful. Needless to say my hands have been rather full, and sadly, not with craft projecst (happily, they’ve been full with baby boy though!).

His name is Lior Picard Carbis. He was 3775 grams, and 54cm long. It took 2 days and 4 hours from when my waters broke for him to be born. 10 hours 1st stage labour, 6 hours second stage. It was a bit of a marathon, but he eventually got here on the 13th January!

Hopefully in a few weeks I’ll have be back into crafting properly, in the mean time, here are some photos of the little man!

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2012: The Plan

December 28th, 2011

A lot of people talk about how much they love this week between Christmas and New Years, because it’s relaxing, and they can induldge themselves a little, and spend a bit of time doing things like they like, instead of the everyday things they have to. I’m so much this way inclined. In fact, I kinda don’t like this week much at all. One of the funny things I’ve learnt about myself this year is how much I love routine, and planned things. When I reflect, now, on past years, I can see how this is so, but usually people characterise me as more of a ‘creative’, ‘messy’, ‘unstructured’ type person, and I guess I’ve taken that to heart, not reaching deep down to see who I really am.

So this year I’m embracing the structured part of myself, while remaining as flexible as possible (I will have a new baby, and you know how unpredicatable they can be). To set me off on the right track I wrote a post over at A nd Sew We Craft about crafty new years resolutions. To be honest, they’re not really ‘resolutions’ as much as goals, and things I would like to achieve in the year. I’ve created this little infographic (above) that I can print out to remind me of the things I want to do this year.

So, now’s the perfect time to think about some crafty-related things you might like to do, start, learn about, or finish in 2012.

Apologies if you read my blog via RSS and you’ve been bombarded over the last few days with posts relating to the 12 Months of Christmas ebook. They’ve been pulled over from my old blog to consolidate it all here.

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Interview: Jess Van Den, Epheriell Designs

November 7th, 2011

Hello everyone! Over the next few weeks I’ll be posting a few interviews with some arty/crafty friends, and getting the low down on their views on all things ‘creativity’! Please welcome Jess from Epheriell Designs for our second interview!

Check out last week’s interview with Jaz here.

If you’re an artisan of some sort, or just like being creative, email me to arrange an interview! talia.carbis (@) gmail.com

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Jess Van Den

Blog – http://EpheriellDesigns.com

Zine – http://bespokezine.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/jessvanden

What was the first craft/art you remember doing?

Oh goodness – do making mud pies as a tiny little girl count? Okay, the thing that sticks the most in my mind as a child was making a little macrame owl in grade 6 art class. There was something quite soothing about the process. Of course, after primary school I promptly forgot about all artistic and creative endeavours in favour of a love of science and computers… until re-discovering my passion for making as an adult.

What’s your current craft/art of choice? How did you get involved in it?

My main craft is silversmithing. I started making beaded jewellery as a hobby back in 2008, but it wasn’t until I discovered working with metal that I found my true passion. I love the strength and malleability that metal has.

How would you define creativity?

Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. Whether it’s a thought, object, perspective… there are endless ways to express out own creativity. I also think that our creativity is one of the defining elements of humanity – I am endlessly amazed with the myriad of things we have created out of nothing but a good idea, and someone asking a question.

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What do you do when you suffer a creative block?

I try to give myself some space, and rest. This often happens to me when I’m overworked and stressed. The only cure is to relax into it, and try to revitalise myself through rest and relaxation. The most important thing is to not get worried about it – it’s a natural process that I call The Creative Cycle. Highs and lows are normal – you can’t be brilliant all the time!

How does your partner respond to your crafting/art? Are they supportive, or just tolerate it?

If I am the head in our marriage, then my husband is the heart. He is the most amazingly supportive man on the face of the planet. We are fortunate enough to be in a position where he can stay home to both help me with my business and run the household – which leaves me free to work and create! Without him, my businesses wouldn’t exist, full stop.

Tell us about a project you’re most proud of.

I think the most amazing thing I’ve been involved with so far is *bespoke* zine. It all started with a little idea – and a desire to do something different. The creative community rallied around the idea so enthusiastically! It really is an ongoing testament to the passion and creativity of the Aussie craft and creative community, and I’m proud to have stewardship over it

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Interview: Jaz Higgins from Art By Jaz

October 31st, 2011

If you’re an artisan of some sort, or just like being creative, email me to arrange an interview! talia.carbis (@) gmail.com

A Jellyfish Friend by Jaz Higgins

Jaz Higgins

Website: http://www.ArtByJaz.com

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArtByJaz 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ArtByJaz 

Blog: http://artbyjaz.blogspot.com

What was the first craft/art you remember doing?

My earliest memories are of how excited I would get when my Mum would surprise me  with a new set of felt pens or crayons and colouring books. Looking at all those new  colours lined up in a row would excite me so much (and still does!). At age 10 I did a big “long stitch” tapestry of a cat for my Grandma and I remember it took  months to finish. I was really proud when I completed it.

What’s your current craft/art of choice? How did you get involved in it?

Painting – mainly acrylics on canvas.

I’ve always loved painting, and I’ve always played around with paint, trying new techniques  and styles. After finishing a Commerce and Marketing degree, and working in retail  management for a while, I decided that what I really wanted to do is paint – all of the time!

After having my daughter in 2008, I really felt that I wanted to be home with her mostly –  and I felt that continuing to work from a home studio would be the ultimate solution. While  it’s still a daily juggle of motherhood, domestic bliss and career – I feel really lucky to be  making art every day.

Hippy Princess by Jaz Higgins

 How would you define creativity?

Creativity comes out whenever you have to start thinking outside the box. When you can look at something basic and imagine the possibilities.

What do you do when you suffer a creative block?

I start searching the net for new ideas – reading about artists that inspire me, reading  blogs, and trawling through art and craft websites. Also – reading books and magazines,  go for a walk (if I get the chance!), or journaling.

How does your partner respond to your crafting/art? Are they supportive, or just tolerate it?

My husband is fantastic. While our house often looks like crazy town – with my ever- changing studio and paint everywhere, he mostly takes it all in his stride. He’s my biggest  fan and most honest critic, which is great, I need that.

Tell us about a project you’re most proud of.

The best thing I’ve ever made is a baby, hehe, but apart from that…

I’m really proud of how far my little art business has come in just a few years. Selling my  art internationally – sending original paintings and prints to places like Paris, Hollywood  and even Afghanistan!

Oh, and gaining 570 ‘likers’ so far on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ArtByJaz  and 1,312 followers on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/ArtByJaz

Alice meets the caterpillar by Jaz Higgins
Halloween Magic by Jaz Higgins

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29 Ways To Stay Creative (VIDEO)

October 10th, 2011

I’ve stumbled across this video a few times on the interwebs, and I thought I would share it with you here.

29 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE from TO-FU on Vimeo.

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Nail Art: Creative Inspiration

September 6th, 2011

In the busyness of life I’ve found it hard to be particularly creative. We’ve been busy packing up our house to move you see, and with all my craft supplies packed in boxes, it’s quite hard to release that creativity! One thing I’ve been playing with a bit though is nail art. Both these sets of nails are made with stickers which I just bought from Big W. How cool are they?! I love the light green colour nail polish the best. The yellow has stained my nails a bit, so I’m currently giving them a break from colour.

I love that nailart lets people know, right from the get go, what type of person you are. The other day I was in the Daisy Chain (a local Scrapbooking store), and the lady who served me complemented me on my nails. It was SUCH a good feeling, and I always feel a bit special walking around with such decadent (and delicate) things on fingers!

My nails have FINALLY been at a length where painting them doesn’t just hightlight how short they are. To this I must credit Revitanail, which has made them lovely and hard (so they don’t just break off).

A few people on twitter and instagram suggested using acrylic paint to make my own designs. What do you think? It might be a bit hard? Would love to know what you think, and if you’ve done an nail art before!

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Inspiration Board: Moving House

September 1st, 2011

This weekend we’re moving house. So I’m taking the opportunity to ‘re-do’ the look a bit, and get together a bit of a theme. Here’s some inspiration for some things I might make, or try to replicate in our new place. All ‘renter’ friendly hopefully!!

I would love to see how you’ve made your house a home if you’re renting (who am I kidding, I’d love to see what you’ve done even if you’re not renting!), so feel free to share in the comments!

Source: designspongeonline.com via Talia on Pinterest	Source: blogg.aftonbladet.se via Talia on Pinterest	Source: creategirl.blogspot.com via Talia on Pinterest
Source: patchworkharmony.blogspot.com via Talia on Pinterest	Source: wendysmedley.typepad.com via Talia on Pinterest

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Handmade in Seoul

August 10th, 2011

Hear are some of the treasures I found in Korea!

Hand painted fan

In Seoul we happened upon a small handmade fair. People were selling Er handmade soaps, clothes etc. and there were a few DIY stalls. You could hand die fabric, or hand paint fans. I chose to hand paint a fan. We used beautiful big calligraphy style brushes to paint with, and watercolor paints.

I think I’ll display this at home as a souvenir, so I wrote ‘Korea 2011′ on it.

My new favourite brooch

Incheon Street in Seoul is a walking street. It’s full of really unique boutiques, selling things from jewelry, to stone ware, to papers and posters. There are a few junky stores as well, but on the hole it’s really beautiful stuff, as well as cool sweet shops, tea houses and restaurants. The handmade fair we stopped at was at the top of the street, and as we walked down I spotted New Moss Black . Wow. I have seen jewelry like this before, even in Australia, and I always love it. So funky and individual.

It’s hard to describe, so I’ll just show you the brooch I bought. It wasn’t particularly cheap, (70000 Won, which is nearly $70) but so fantastic I had to get something. I love how random it is, and I’m keen to try and make something like this when I get home.

On this piece I particularly love that there is a Korean symbol on the keyboard (to remind me where I got it), lace, and bits hanging off the dinosaur!

The maker, J S H doesn’t speak English, but I got her email anyway in case I want to contact her again. Do you like it?

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Handmade in Malaysia

August 10th, 2011

Hello from Korea lovely people! I’m still on holidays but wanted to show you a few cool crafty things I’ve found (and bought) in Kulala Lumpur and Seoul so far!

Batik fabric from Malaysia

After a big day of sight seeing, we went to a batik fabric factory. The processes for making this fabric is radially quite beautiful and unique. It’s something I would love to try. They actually had classes you could do to make your own, but it was too late in the day for me to join in.

We had a small tour of the place where the woman explained the process for hand-drawing designs onto the fabric (silk or cotton) with a wax, then using big thick paint brushes, they paint the colours on. Once it’s dried and treated (so the paint stays in) the wax leaves white lines, and you have batik fabric! Some are made with printing blocks as well, to give a repeat pattern.

I bought two of the hand drawn pieces (one for myself, and one for Nanna). I love the colours, and the flowing lines of the flowers.

More on what I found in Korea in the next post!

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Advent Calender

July 19th, 2011

I have a confession. You know yesterday’s advent calender tutorial for my ebook? You know how I blamed not doing June’s tutorial on time because of moving blogs etc? Well, it’s not entirely true. You see, when I wrote the ebook, there was a missing month. It was just a few days before the end of December (I was due to launch on the 1st of January), and I had NOTHING planned for June. I thought an advent calender would work, but lacked ideas, inspiration, and time to make up something new. If you read through the instructions for June, it’s pretty vague- ‘decorate your envelopes with christmas papers’. Yeah… inspired work there Talia!

So when June rolled around, and I had to do a video, I STILL wasn’t inspired. I thought about it for days- how can I make this more exciting, more beautiful? Until one night I literaly sat up in bed because I had an idea. I was going to cut the envelopes in half, so they were smaller (less work, more cute), and treat them like scrapbooking pages.

(Side note: I am cheap. I love scrapbooking, and I love ‘extravagent’ pages, but I NEVER do these myself because all I see is the cost of all the little bits I’m putting on the page. Lately though, I have sat down and had a realistic think about the cost. Is it a big deal to spend $2-3 worth of embelishments on a page instead of >$1 if it means that I get a much nicer page? Something I’m proud of? I decided no, it doesn’t matter, and that yes, it is worth it. I will show you some of my ‘new style’ pages soon…)

So yes, when I mean ‘treat them like scrapbooking pages’ I mean, treat them like really super nice scrapbooking pages. When I started to think that this was an advent calender I want my children to use (so it will have to be around for at least 5-8 years for them to get a decent stab at using it), so that made it even MORE worth the cost. Don’t be scared by all these talks of costs though- when you make your advent calender you can spend as much money as you like on it. And with such pretty papers around, it really wasn’t much at all.

The point of this (long winded) story, is to tell you that I have ended up being SUPER PROUD of my advent calender, and I wish I could have it hanging up all year round, cause I love to look at it. This is why I am posting this very special post with an individual picture for each day’s envelope. I hope that this inspires you to make your own advent calender, and treat it a bit special!