The Creative Spirit

Funny Face Competition....

2012-01-29T20:40:00.003Z

I never go anywhere without my camera.

With only 2 cats left in the normally full menagerie,

I've very little choice when it comes to

photographing funny faces.

First I asked Dodger....

'Show me your funniest face'.....

hmmm.....not bad.

Blue, 'Show me your funniest face'.....

Actually that looks a bit frightening to me,

can you do another one with your mouth closed perhaps?

Yeah.... that's a better one.

Now your turn Daisy,
can you show Grandma
your funniest face?

Hahahaha.... but it does make you look a bit.....errr drugged.
Have you got a funnier face inside there????

Hehehehe.....YES! Spot on.
So the winner of the funniest face competition goes to.....wait for it.....
Daisy aged 22 months! Da-Daaaaaah!

It's Wedding, Weddings, all the way.....

2012-01-29T11:53:00.002Z

It's been a busy week at the studio. Busier than I can ever remember. With 2 lots of place cards to do and a visit to the studio today to start and finish these little beauties, the week isn't over yet...

I designed and made some Valentine's Day Cards. Every year I get the occasional customer into the Gallery asking if I have any of these cards, every year I say, I haven't. I assume that people go to card shops to buy these cards... obviously they don't.

Anyway....if you want to read more and see other photos, you'll find it on my Love, Love Me Do, Valentine's Day Card Blog Post

I've also completed the Wedding Stationery, for a bride who is getting married in September. Wedding and Evening Invites, R.S.V.P Cards and little cards to ask in a polite way for money not gifts. You will find more about that along with more pictures at the

Butterfly Themed, Foiled, Wedding Stationery post.

I'm loving the way Brides are being a little bit more adventurous these day, regarding the theme of their weddings. For so long the UK has been behind in the adventure stakes and generally most brides choose to go Traditional.... something that is at last changing and makes my work all the more interesting.

You are not alone.....

2012-01-21T01:53:00.000Z

When I wrote this post at the beginning of the year,
I somehow thought I was alone in doing this and thinking this way.....
To my surprise I found this blog called One Word 365 where I see that there are (at this present time) another 364 people who have blogged about the very same thing!

You see, even when we think we have come up with something totally unique and different... by the very fact that there are millions of us on the planet, our ideas can never be totally unique.
While we are different in many ways, we are very much the same in others, we are all connected.

Celebrate your uniqueness

and your connectedness.

What is your word for 2012?

Have you seen it materialise yet?

Feeling Creative? Need Inspiration? FREE Downloads!

2012-01-17T11:25:00.005Z

Feeling Creative? Need Inspiration? FREE downloads!

I've know of and ordered from Craft Creations
for many years.
Their company has grown and grown
over the years
and offers a large range of
cards, envelopes and accessories
for the home crafter.

I was impressed when I received and email this morning
which sent me to this link of FREE Downloads.

There's some great ideas and something for everyone!

So if you are wanting to get creative and need some inspiration....
pop over to the website and let your creative juices flow.

You can also find them on Facebook
Happy creative day to you!

Wishing on a star - Hand Coloured Birthday Cards

2012-01-16T09:16:00.006Z

Only 2 days back at the studio

and I already had the Doodle Bug!

These little outline drawings,

made with a permanent, fine-liner pen

ARE SO MUCH FUN!

It was my son, Paul's 31st Birthday

on the 10th of January...

I can't believe how quickly time flies!

First I rainbow foiled the design

on the card,

then added some colour,

for extra pizazz!

Here's the completed card...

My mum's birthday quickly follows
on the 13th of January,
and I used the same design
but this time painted pink,
using water soluble brush pens and water.
(Far less messy than paint!)

Funny how the two cards can look so different!

2012-01-12T08:18:00.002Z

I'm a little bit behind on posting pictures

of my latest work on my blog,

so to avoid cross posting

and save me time....

I'll add a picture and a link here.

To see more of this Personalised Ruby Wedding Card

click on the link below

MORE PICTURES AND DESCRIPTION HERE

More links to follow, as they happen :o)

Smile For No Reason

2012-01-07T09:12:00.000Z

OK....it's still Winter, the light is returning, but not by any noticeably degree. After the fun and frivolity of the Christmas period, it's easy to feel down in the dumps as we get back to the mundane-ness of life.

It's important, if like me you suffer from S.A.D. to focus on the sunshine to come. The promise of the flowers that will soon be on their way.

A good morning, hello or smile given to a passing stranger can make all the difference to them. It costs nothing and it may be that YOU are the only person that has spoken to them all day.

Rarely is a smile not exchanged.... and so what if it isn't? It takes less muscles to smile than to frown and also releases endorphins within the body which will make you feel better and lighter.

I chose to illustrate this Power Doodle Quotation with Sunflowers. The giants of the flower world, that never cease to make me smile when I see them. That gorgeous sunshine yellow is definitely uplifting and the quote reminds me to SMILE.....even if it's for no reason :o)

Onwards and Upwards

2012-01-06T09:42:00.008Z

In the blink of an eye and flash of a star 2011 seemed to be over before it started. Where does the time go? I swear that time goes ever faster as we got older....or perhaps I'm having too much fun and want it to last forever!

Thankfully, yet another year with more great dreams than dramas!

We shared a wonderful extended holiday with family and friends and to be honest, by the end of the year we are whacked and need a break to recharge our batteries before the madness and mayhem begin again.

With Spring progressing to Summer comes Art Shows, Craft Fairs, Wedding Fairs, Camps and long walks in nature... it's certainly a busy old time and one that I wouldn't change for the world.

The year was marked with me and Steve moving in together and we settled down easily and effortlessly into our shared life. Thankfully, neither of us likes high drama and it's refreshing to at last have found someone who is not only calm and fun to be with but supportive and unfazed by most things.

The business has steadily grown and I think at last I am more focused on my goals and where I want to be, but with the artistic mind, anything could happen! .... we shall see.

Daisy is growing up fast and will be joined very shortly with a baby brother.....great news, another fun, little person to join the clan and for Gramps and Grandma to spoil rotten.

As many old time friends and followers of my blog know, I'm not one for resolutions.... to make them is heading for a fall in my opinion. So, I tend to make wish lists and come up with a word (usually given to me in meditation).

The *WISH* list this year was particularly difficult, as I believe I have everything I need, so instead I'm making a goal list....which is still in progress.

My word for this year though is

opportunity

and my affirmation will be:

I am open and available to opportunity.

Now, I'm not one to turn down opportunity, but I do have a problem with resistance to change and some of these opportunities involve change. Change makes me feel a little bit jittery and new things slightly fearful. I need to go with the flow and embrace new ideas, whilst not letting go of my gut instinct. I am with worlds greatest procrastinator, so I'll need to work against this. Above all though I am a pragmatist (I'm sure being a Virgo doesn't help much here!) but sometimes it's a strength not a weakness :o)

Above all, I want to take more time to do Art for myself. It's all very well having your own little business, but producing things with the sole intention of selling it can become like a straight jacket and stifles creativity.

I also intend to sort out my work/life balance. Spending time with Steve, my friends and family....most of all my Grandkids is important to me and those years, if lost, can never be replaced. Those early years of growing up are so important and all too soon, you turn around and they are all grown up.

I've watched over the last week, my fellow creatives, getting started on new projects. I've enjoyed my time off and appreciated the rest period.... but now I'm itching to get going, fully refreshed and rejuvenated.

As of Monday, it's all systems go and I'm looking forward to the unfolding year, with exciting new opportunities and challenges that it brings.

I hope everyone who reads my blog has a year filled with possibilities. Open yourself to new adventures and opportunities. Free of fear.

It's 2012, a new year and the chance of a slate wiped clean, all ready for you to create your new story.....what will yours be?

Many blessings for the year ahead,

Sue xxx

Happy Winter Solstice everyone!

2011-12-21T09:27:00.004Z

I have no idea where this came from as a friend passed it on to me on Facebook....so if anyone knows the originator, please let me know and I'll give it full credit plus any links to their websites etc.

Since writing the above I've done a little research and found out that the poem was written by Isha Arrow-Hawk and this link will take you to the poem. As to who she actually is.....well that still remains a mystery :o)

Sadly, I've just finished designing my cards for this year, but I must keep this in mind for next year.
-

Yuletide Cheer

The chill breath of winter touches us,
As blankets of snow cover the ground.
With the glow of moonlight upon them,...
Its like diamond sparkles all around

Inside the room is cozy and warm,
The scent of evergreen wafts from the fire.
Surrounded with love and family,
I've got all that I could desire.

Sleigh bells jingle from the front porch,
As my coveners decorate outside.
They've no need of blankets
,They have the warmth of love inside.

In my home we all gather round,
And with Pagan carols our voices ring.
Then we settle down to enjoy the tale,
Of the Oaken Lord and the Holly King.

For our holiday is quite different,
Than the covan Christmas night.
We cast our Circle, join together,
And welcome the return of Light.

Then we sit and share the feast,
As we pass bread and wine around.
As blessings from mingled voices..."
Never hunger," "Never thirst" abound.

All too soon the rite is ended,
And we greet the newborn day.
As we clasp hands together,
This wish we send your way....

It's no matter your tradition,
Be you family, friend, or guest.
We wish you joy and peace,
And may your Yule be Blessed!!

However, as a solitary, I'll omit the coven bit I think :o)

Happy Winter Solstice everyone!

Family Matters!

2011-12-19T17:29:00.003Z

Steve was right! If I had known that within 2 weeks, I was going to strip and decorate a 3 bedroomed house, complete loads of DIY jobs, carpet rooms and move a 3 bedroomed house into another one, especially at our busiest time of the year, I probably would have had an anxiety attack!

My son, daughter-in-law and 20 month old Daisy needed a bigger house in a better location before her baby brother is born in February and as luck would have it, the perfect house became available.

Sadly the house had belonged to a husband and alcoholic wife and was badly neglected and in serious need of some TLC. Apart from the superficial spruce up, there were lots of other jobs to do and it needed to be done before they moved in. My little Grand-daughter came 5 and half weeks early and I was keen for her not to worry and have that blood pressure raised.

Me and my son decorated (which I LOVE!) and Steve built fireplaces and helped where he could. He'd booked a million Craft Fairs which couldn't be cancelled, but he was a great stabiliser when things went wrong. Thankfully, he's laid back and not easily stressed.

The painting was finished in 10 days flat and the wonderful, huge garden which looks out onto fields can wait till the spring.

Last weekend we moved them in. Saturday was set aside for the boxes which we were to move with the cars and then a van and friend were to turn up on the Sunday for the bigger stuff. Unfortunately, the van didn't materialise, through no fault of the driver....so we decided, totally unfazed, to move what we could in 2 Renault Scenics. Thankfully, we had bought my brothers old Scenic as a second car to the Smart Roadster to use for Craft and Wedding Fairs. Can you believe that we moved everything.....and I mean EVERYTHING... 6' fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, cooker and even a double bed in these cars? AMAZING!

The family are happily moved in. Daisy loves her Peppa Pig Bedroom, there's a wonderful Sycamore and Silver Birch in the back garden and the birds are singing. Mo dramas, mo nervous breakdowns and a huge bucket of achievement.....all is well with the world :o)

Take Time To Create Something Every Day

2011-11-16T07:36:00.000Z

There's nothing so satisfying as creating something....

something from scratch

Whether this act involves making art, crafting, baking a cake, planting seeds, gardening, needlework.....the fact that something is born out of nothing is satisfying in itself.

And, if you are stuck for inspiration, you need look no further

this link will take you to 1001 Simple Gift Tutorials!

In the meantime, I'm batting on with my colourful doodle pieces!

Did you make some time to create something today?

Creative blessings,

Sue x

Take Time To Dream

2011-11-14T09:18:00.000Z

Take time to dream....

It's Monday again.....already. And some of us are left wondering where the weekend went. Time seems to fly past so quickly these days! Is it any wonder we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life and it's many challenges.

One of the hardest things for any creative person is finding time. Spare time. Time to just let the mind wander and dream up new ideas.

My Doodle Art pieces were started as a way of relaxing and not focusing on finished, traditional pieces of work that would amount to anything in particular....but I have to admit that they seem to have taken over!

Perhaps that's a good thing....in fact, I'll go as far as to say, it's a brilliant thing! The pressure is off, I'm having a great time and above all and quite unexpectedly they are proving to be a huge success.

Many years ago I read the book Creative Visualisation by Shakti Gawain. A book that taught me how to meditate and visualise, long before I did the Buddhist meditation courses. Creative Visualization teaches readers how to use their imaginations to manifest their deepest desires.

Taking time to dream, even if it's only 15 minutes a day, can make a huge difference in the way you see things and how they manifest in your daily life. This book was written and published long before the secret and it's my guess that 'The Secret' was born from Creative Visualisation.

I suggest this is a book no Creative Person should be without and you will find yourself coming back to it over and over again.

So, why not start now....and Take Time To Dream?

What do you DREAM about?

NEVER give up!

2011-11-10T09:16:00.003Z

NEVER give up,

never GIVE up,

Never give UP!

winston Churchill

Probably one of my most favourite quotations!

We've all been there haven't we. At times carrying on seems a struggle too far.

An idea you have been working on

seems to be going nowhere fast.

Lifes pace seems to be quickening up

rather than slowing down.

demands on us feel too heavy.

People are demanding more and more out of you

and you feel squeezed and pressured.

We have many reasons for wanting to 'Give Up'

Ironically and strange though it may seem, these are the very times when you must NOT give up. It's during these times when we learn and grow the most and where ideas and solutions come thick and fast.

When under pressure or stress it can be difficult to see clearly, often referred to as not being able to see the wood for the trees......and no wonder.....the forest in it's thickest can be a dark and threatening place.

Sometimes it helps to distance yourself from a problem. Take a walk in nature, play some music, do something different and shift your focus. It's amazing how stepping away often helps clear the mind of that cotton wool feeling. Just DO whatever it takes.....whatever works for you....
Giving up means never trying again. Admitting you are beaten! And nothing will knock your self esteem more.

Take time off.....or time out, yes.....but NEVER give up!

This may be your moment for a miracle!

ANd.....if you are STILL considering quitting....read this first:

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won if he'd stuck it out.

Don't give up, though the pace seems slow -

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than

It seems to a faint and faltering man;

Often the struggler has given up

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out -

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are -

It may be near when it seems afar;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -

It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

Author Unknown

Honest Blogger Award!

2011-11-08T14:00:00.007Z

So What is The Honest Blogger Award?

Yesterday was 'One of THOSE days!'. I woke after yet another sleepless night and one where when I did sleep I had nightmares. Such terrible nightmares (thank you menopause!). Now I've never been prone to bad dreams, so this is all new to me....and to be perfectly honest they bother me in my waking life....A LOT!

Now, whether all this was the reason, whether it is the forthcoming winter, whether the full moon, planetary fights or just plain mental torture from a past relationship (long since gone) is the reason I have no idea and for once I really can't be bothered to psychoanalyse it either. I just want the dreams to stop and my life to stay on track.

I hate change....change of any sort disturbs me. Why I have no idea. Finally being in a stable relationship with a guy who is so balanced he should be a set of scales, certainly helps and he's great for being supportive and putting things into perspective.

Now, I wasn't going to blog about this. I really prefer to keep things to myself these days. Only those closest to me would know there was anything wrong. I wear my heart on my sleeve and have never been good at hiding things. I think this comes from the good parenting taught as a child that to be honest was the most important thing.

I say I wasn't going to blog about this, especially since I am trying to write articles to boost people up...I mean, what use is a mentor that can't help herself? But, I need to come clean on this and reading a few other peoples blogs it seems that they had a bad day to! And I got to thinking if they can be honest and come right out with it....then I owe it to them to do the same.....instead of commenting in the shadows and writing all sugar coated blog posts as if life is a dream and my life is just perfect.

I had no reason to feel down. I wanted to cry, I wanted to shut up the studio and never return...I mean, who wants this stuff anyway? I create my little heart out, I'd love to take an income from, what sometimes feels like my own madness....that's all. I don't expect to make a fortune and be able to retire in 3 years time. But sometimes, just sometimes, I wonder why I bother. Why was I not born 'normal' someone who could actually earn a living from a conventional job and be satisfied with my lot?

Thoughts of

whats the use?

Why bother?

Who cares?

Why am I doing this?

One thing is for sure....when I'm 'on one' or should that be 'In one', NOTHING will drag me away from it. I just have to ride the storm and see it through. Ironically, probably going to bed would probably solve the issue.....but at the studio this is not an option.

Today I feel ok!....Yes I'd like to put it down to the weather.....but the weather is the same..... bleak, dull, wet, dreary day it was yesterday....so why the change?

Ah yes....Menopause.....often called THE CHANGE....and as I said earlier...I HATE CHANGE!

So for now, I have spilled. All illusions of me being some sort of Guru have been dispelled.....but at least I have been honest, and that's why I created The Honest Blogger Award.

NOW... I am going to offer this award to the people who made me strong enough today to speak out loud and share my dark side....after all.....we are only human! And without the down days, how would we celebrate and enjoy the good. Without the rain, would we really enjoy the sunshine?

So for Kim Tillier at Witchmountain

and Thinking Too Hard.

I should also mention the wonderful Scarlelt Blue here for her most hilarious posts I offer you and all other honest bloggers out there

The Honest Blogger Award.

Please feel free to add this emblem to your blog or pass it on, in celebration of all those non sugar coated posts, that make us humans feel more human.

REMEMBER: Nothing last forever.....and tomorrow is another day xxx

This Time Of Year

2011-11-07T20:10:00.002Z

Steve and I probably had as good a time as all the kids that came to the door at Halloween.... and he proved he's not opposed to dressing up either. Mind you, I should have known that through his rock band days...

The Witch as usual loved dressing as he alter-ego and Morag (top left) joined in the celebrations, as she does every year....in fact she's a permanent fixture in the Pixies home. And I'm sure you'll agree, Steve made a great Gandalf and didn't even need a mask...

The change comes thick and fast this time of year. I love the colours of Autumn, which make great inspiration for art. The last of the hot colours will soon fade to a murky brown and grey. Winter is definitely not my favourite season....in fact I just about manage to 'Get through it' having suffered from S.A.D. for years. At best I tolerate it and try to focus on Spring.

And then there's bonfire night. Last year Daisy was only 9 months old and a little bit oblivious to what was going on. We were wondering how she would cope. But after the initial first bang.....she loved it!

However, the attention span for watching the fireworks was short lived as she had heard the music blasting out from the live radio show. Her and her little friend Erin were then more interested in disco danging.....oh blimey....hard to believe that in only 16 or so years away, we'll be watching her like a hawk and telling her that she's not going out clubbing 'dressed like that!'. Then it will be her dads time to worry.....as I did with him :o)

The years pass so quickly!

It's THAT time of year again....where we reflect on the year past and make plans for the year ahead. All the harvest crops of seeds we sowed have been gathered and it's time to look ahead and make new plans and sow new seeds....this year will be over far too soon.

I've planted over 100 bulbs already, in anticipation of the Spring. It's important for me to get through the S.A.D. and have something to look forward to.

Just 2 weeks before Daisy's second birthday, we expect a new addition to the family.....this time a boy. A baby brother for Daisy and another Grandchild for us......well that's definitely worth looking forward to :o)

Have you made new plans for the coming year?

Go A Little WILD Sometimes!

2011-10-29T08:22:00.005Z

It doesn't matter who we are, how much money we have or where we live....there are times when life can get a little stressful and fraught and it's hard to see life in a positive way.
I'm fortunate that I belong to quite a large bunch of friends that are not afraid to 'Go A Little Wild Sometimes'. Playful antics can turn into grown up nuttiness all with very little encouragement! I call these friends my 'Child Spirits'. We have sledged down hills, made life sized potato guns, rolled down the same hills and generally connected with out child within....much to the disgust and embarrassment of our off spring!

I wonder when we decide that we are too old to 'act' like that? While children we are often told to 'Grow up' and 'Act our age'....like hell I say!

Welcome to the world of adulthood.....over my dead body!

Having Grandchildren is certainly a bonus. It gives you a chance to show them what fun life can be. I love having Daisy around and I'm sure she thinks Grandma is quite mad....but oh how she loves to do daft dancing with Grandma and I can wait to take her camping with us...into Grandma's magic tepee of course.

Just the other day I showed her how high Grandma could go on the swings and I could tell she was impressed. My younger brother has video evidence to prove this....apparently. (I thought he was taking photos!). AND I even got my sister-in-law to join in too. I can't quite remember the ground been quite that far away as a child though :o)

The other mothers watched in amazement at my athletic feat!....or was that disgust? I'm not very good at being paranoid.

Thankfully, this Pixie has no shame, no embarrassment and no boundaries when it comes to the child spirit that wants to come out to play....especially when times are rough. I'm sure it's my built in coping mechanism.

Anyway, put on that loud and funky music (Daisy recommends Lady Ga Ga), lock the doors, close the curtains and GO A LITTLE WILD SOMETIMES.....you may be very glad you did!

With love and creative blessings,

Sue xxx

PS: Can I just add, that no child were ever hurt during the hill rolling incidents (no names mentioned!).....however there was a slight mishap with a bed of nettles once....Health and Safety would be mortified! :o)

MOO Business Cards Rock! - 10% OFF link!

2011-10-27T08:23:00.003Z

They arrived....and I'm delighted with them!

Let's face it business cards can be a little bit boring,

these cards are wonderful for showing off your work.

Someone even tried to buy one off me thinking they were for sale!

The box they come in doubles as a display stand too.

So easy to transport around.

The photos I added were of a mixture of both formal calligraphy

and contemporary Lettering Art

My cards, snippets of work and concertina books.....

Little vignettes of work and full pieces....

But the backs of the cards are all the same. I added both my Inspired by Script and my North Yorkshire Weddings websites,

facebook page, my Etsy Shop, and full contact details

And some I created with pictures just for my Wedding Stationery.

Here's the full collection. Definitely an attention grabber :o)

If you would like to get cards or stickers of your own,

visit the MOO Website where you will get

many more inspirational ideas!

Can I just say here....If you are needing some business cards, don't even think of going to Vista Print, their sales pitch stinks, their card is inferior and cheap and as for the 100 card for £5....maybe so, but they whack up the postage costs! If you want cheap cards make them yourself on the PC.....they will probably look better. There are plenty of templates on Publisher and the like.

IF HOWEVER you want your cards to represent your work

and make an impression of the care,

quality and preciousness of your work....

Go to MOO! You will be pleased with the outcome :o)

Can I just say, I made these cards before I started on the Motivational Doodle phase and I can't wait to order some more with my NEW work on!

Click this personal friend link and get 10% Discount!

Shoot For The Moon

2011-10-25T20:41:00.008Z

Shoot For The Moon,

Even If You Miss,

You'll Land Among The Stars

Les Brown

I love this quote. If I've done it once I've done it a thousand times.....well, ok, so I exaggerate a little. But I have written this a LOT of times!
How often we aim low, so as to avoid disappointment, as a result of fear of failure and because we don't Believe in ourselves.

Sometimes the fears lie deep inside us and can even come from way back in our childhoods. We must look at these fears....Is it not better to take a risk and fail, than never try at all. What's the worst that can happen?

But wait one minute....what if it succeeds? There's a 50/50 chance that you will win. Surely it's worth a gamble, providing it's not life or death that is :o)

Everything we do in life involves some risk. Sometimes you will win and sometimes you will not. I hate the word FAIL, I think it should be banished from the dictionary.....FOREVER! In my book there is no such thing as FAIL....for what's a failure anyway? Something that wasn't as successful as you or maybe someone else believed it SHOULD have been...there's another word I cannot stand 'Should'....SHOULD means 'COULD!'.

Think about it.

Someone says:

You SHOULD put that over there,

You SHOULD try it this way,

you SHOULD have handled it better,

You SHOULD....Need I go on?

You Answer:

Yes I COULD have put it over there,

Yes I COULD try it that way,

Yes I COULD have handled it differently,

Yes I COULD!!!

But I chose to do it MY way!

And better I aimed at the moon,

and landed among the stars,

than never even got off the ground!

SHOULD is telling someone what to do.

COULD is suggesting a solution.

The decision is up to them/you.

So let's eradicate FAIL and SHOULD

and turn them into WIN and COULD

Care to join me?

If you find this post interesting, encouraging or think it would be of value to someone else right now, please share using the share links below.

Feel free to add your comments
or share your wisdom on this topic
by clicking the 'comment' button below,
alternatively feel free to comment on my Facebook page.

Thank you and Creative Blessings,

Sue x

Items featured on my blog can be found in my Etsy Shop

Start Small, Think Big!

2011-10-24T10:13:00.014Z

Welcome to the first in what I hope will be a long series of Motivational posts, aimed at artists and creators, makers and shakers of all kinds....but I'm sure others will get value from these posts too.

Four very powerful words,
to get you started when you feel stuck

START: It doesn't matter, how, what, why or where....the operative thing here is to start. Start right now. There are no wrong ways and You are the only barrier to starting.

SMALL: There's nothing wrong with small. Everything, even in nature starts small. From little acorns do great oak trees grow. Small keeps us grounded and less fearful of taking huge risks. It gives us the courage to at least 'have a go'.

START SMALL: There's nothing wrong with starting small. Most companies and big ideas start small. Starting big would be foolish....better by far to take baby steps and feel your way through.

THINK: Never underestimate your thinking time. Thinking encourages planning and vision. Without thinking nothing would get done. Thinking brings about your creative side. But be careful not to think too much and talk yourself out of it!

BIG: Now, here's a word. Big is your focus and vision. It's where you would like to be....sometime in the future. Where the particular road you are travelling down could end up. Stay focused on that vision.

THINK BIG: Oh yes! Definitely THINK BIG! If you think big thoughts and dream big dreams you never know where you will end up.

The art of Start Small, Think Big

Start very simply.

On a piece of paper rule 3 columns.

At the head of the columns write Short,

Medium and Long Term Goals.

SHORT TERM: The immediate problem, idea or focus. The 'Getting Started' bit.

MEDIUM TERM: Give yourself a year. Decided where you want to be after one year is up....again, commit to your sub conscious mind by writing this down.

LONG TERM: This can be any time scale. I tend to look as long term at around 3 years. By setting the long term goals and looking at the short term ones, things will become clearer as to how to get from A-C....The B section (Medium term) will give you your plan of action.

Above all never forget these 4 powerful words:

START SMALL, THINK BIG

If you find this post interesting, encouraging or think it would be of value to someone else right now, please share using the share links below.

Feel free to add your comments

or share your wisdom on this topic

by clicking the 'comment' button below,

alternatively feel free to comment on my Facebook page.

Thank you and Creative Blessings,

Sue x

If you would like this quote in print form:

click on this link to my Etsy Shop :o)

Some hand made books

2011-10-22T09:54:00.000Z

As most of you know, making books is a great passion of mine. Before I leave for the weekend I thought I would share a couple of the books I’ve made in the past….so here they are.

Above - The first page of a book before the calligraphy which will read 'Two hearts connected by one thread
The front page has a pastel heart wit little triangle windows cut out of the corners.

Page 2 of the same book has a cut out heart. Page 3 and 4 also have cut out hearts and a gold thread is sewn from page 1 to 4 making sense of the quotation.

And an Egg Box Book....Very simple and effective

A close up of the book

Squares of paper folded into 4 and then folded the opposite way to form a type of cup that are then glued back to back and concertina up when they are closed.

This post is from waaaaay back and I found it in my Drafts box when I was having a good clear out of the last 5 years of my posts.
I will, sometimes soon give full details and instructions on making thus book, Stay tuned and happy creating :o)

Journal Keeping for Calligraphers, Artists and Oth...

2011-10-20T15:04:00.000Z

While looking over old posts.....wondering what to keep and what to discard....I came across this, which I think is worth reposting. Click on the hyperlink to read the whole post and see some pictures.....
The Creative Spirit: Journal Keeping for Calligraphers, Artists and Oth...: Ideas come and go. Inspiration strikes at the most inopportune moments. Keeping a journal is a purely personal matter, but journals can take...

It's not a hot flush.....it's the sparks that are flying!

2011-10-20T09:00:00.004Z

Well, what can I say! I've been thinking a lot recently about the menopause and why is should be called 'The Change'.
there's one helluva lot of synchronicity happening around me right now and we must learn to go with the flow.
this blog is about to undergo MAJOR changes....driven on by many factors, but mainly a deep need inside to make it somewhere for people to come and

BE Inspired, BE Motivated and BE Creative!

I've been working on many projects and the universe has given me a good hard shove in a direction that I have procrastinated about for years.

It's all about working to your strengths.

Where this started and how this come about is any ones guess. I've tried to work back on a time-line to pin point the exact moment when this 'Change' happened in me....but I can't! That's another symptom of the menopause.....FORGETFULNESS!

At the moment I'm working on mini-art pieces....quite unlike the formal calligraphy I have been taught. Driven on by my dear friend Melissa Dinwiddie and her idea of creating some art EVERY DAY. Melissa herself has been though some big changes too, you can read all about her on her blog.

Reading and connecting with her has probably been the catalyst for the biggest changes in me and what I am doing at the moment.....but there are others who have been a big part of this synchronicity, energy shift, universe kicking up the arse thing that's happened to me and I'll write about then very soon.

For now, the blog needs a revamp. BIG TIME revamp and it's all in hand. Articles are being written and the old posts, no longer relevant are being removed.

I did wonder whether to start a new blog and delete this one altogether, but I have many followers both on Blogger, Email and Facebook it would be a shame to loose them.....beside which....I LOVE the name and it very fitting for my new blog.

Am I excited?

Oh YES, I most certainly AM!

I will be back very soon....in the meantime.....

BE Inspired,

BE Motivated and most of all

BE creative!

While I busy myself in the background

and make those changes....

MENOPAUSE ROCKS!

It's not a hot flush.....it's the sparks that are flying!

Did anyone else feel this way when they hit menopause?

you hear so many bad things about this stage of life....I'm interested in hearing YOUR story....either leave a comment, write on your blog and leave a link in my comments box or email me inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

I'd love to hear others exciting experiences

TRUST ME GIRLS....It's not all bad! :o)

Bright, hot blessings,

Sue x

Inspired by Script on FLICKR

2011-10-16T12:59:00.000Z

Just a quick post.....
Here's the link to my FLICKR PAGE
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30445846@N06/
Sadly, adding it to my side bar just didn't work.....
so make sure you bookmark it won't you?
Enjoy! :o)

We're off to a Wedding.....

2011-10-14T22:17:00.001Z

We're off to a Wedding..... and it's a chance to be girly! :o)
Although Ian is my late husbands cousin, he was only 6 when I got married and around 7 and 1/2 when I had my son, so he's more like a nephew than a cousin.

I've done the Invites, Table Names, Seating Plan and Place Cards as their present....and as an extra surprise I've made them a Wedding Post Box.

Their theme was Ivy....

And the colour was green....

The lettering was foiled in silver to give it some pizazz...

And here's a close up of the cut-out Ivy....

It's a great chance to meet up

with the 'other side' of the family....

some of which I haven't seen

since my own wedding 32 years ago.

Doesn't time fly?

Now.....if I can only stop fighting

with my fascinator,we'll be on our way!

UPDATE: Realised it wasn't a good idea posting this as we were about to leave the house unattended all day.....well you never know who's reading this blog. So, I'm posting it AFTER the event.....and a good time was had by all. Great to see the family, although sad that their numbers have now dwindled drastically since my own wedding 32 years ago, but wonderful to see, that although we may have matured in age....the years simply fell away as we reminisced about times gone by.

Although many are no longer with us, they were definitely alive and well today.

Proud Grandmother? You bet the hell I am :o)

2011-10-12T15:08:00.002Z

I've removed the video as it's slowing up my page so much....but here's the link if anyone is interested.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZTt1gPA9ds&feature=player_embedded

The great news is that Daisy Doodles is going to have a baby Brother....due 2 weeks before her second birthday and Grandma and Gramps are sooooo looking forward to having another little, happy soul to spoil and play with :o)

Mini-Doodles....more Doodle Fun!

2011-10-11T07:22:00.000Z

Inspired by Script: Mini-Doodles....more Doodle Fun!: After posting about these doodles I thought I would also share some mini doodles in the hope that it would spur others on to have a go. ....to see more of this post click HERE

Believe in Yourself

2011-10-07T09:59:00.002Z

And here's another little colour, affirmation doodle, to serve as a gentle reminder to:

Believe in Yourself

This is probably one of the hardest things to learn. I remember from way back, reading a book on Self Awareness, when I was told that it's far easier to remember the bad things people say about us than the good.

No wonder then, as adults the difficulty and struggle we have with this one. At times you may feel it's rather arrogant to 'Believe In Yourself'......But wait a moment....if you have no belief in yourself it's very unlikely anyone else will believe in you too.

Damaged self esteem can take years to repair. Starting is that hardest thing.....but once you do, you will find that it makes such a difference, you will never want to go back.

Start by making a list of all the things you are good at. However small you think that achievement is. Add to it daily....very soon you will build a list bigger than you ever thought possible.

Read this list on a daily basis. Repeat the list starting with the words:

I am good at.......
I am great at......
I am successful at......
I am brilliant at......

It will be hard at first....but once over the initial self doubt you will find that these daily affirmations will become more and more powerful and heal those long and deep ingrained beliefs.

REMEMBER TO: Stop judging yourself and being so harsh on your soul....treat it as a little child who lives within.
You would not speak to others the way you speak to that child within now would you? So make it your mission to STOP right now and pull yourself up when you catch yourself doing it.

You will exchange the negative destructive beliefs for positive creative beliefs and YOU WILL notice a difference.

Repeat after me (and shout this out loud)

I BELIEVE IN MYSELF!

Give this a try and let me know how you get on :o)

Follow your Heart!

2011-10-06T12:24:00.002Z

I don't mind admitting it....I've got the bug! The bug for these little doodles!
Planning a workshop is never easy. You have to think from start to finish or rather how you will get the students from learning a basic technique and then running it through to a finished item.

People have different levels of experience and learn at different rates. The advanced students have to be held back, while the beginner students seem sometimes to be fast tracked..

It was while I was preparing this lettering workshop, that I got the bug for these colourful doodles.

For the advanced students my fear is that they will find it.....shall we say 'Kitsch' while I worry that the beginners will not grasp that the playful lettering is a different thing altogether than the formal lettering they are used to. Contemporary calligraphy can only come from a solid foundation and with experience of of formal lettering....no matter how easy it looks.

After, writing and rewritings my class plan, I've decided to 'Follow My Heart' and run with this idea. It will not suit everybody and it will appeal to some more than others. However, I have decided to take my own advice for once.

By following your heart you can be sure of one thing, you are being true to yourself, and from this comes enthusiasm which hopefully you can pass on to your students

So often we hold back through fear. When the head takes over and all sense or reason flies out of the window and the seeds of doubt creep in. Don't let your head rule your decision making. Just go wit the flow and 'Follow Your Heart', your most basic core instinct!

How will you 'Follow Your Heart' today?

I'm over it....well almost!

2011-10-05T17:01:00.004Z

Well....I think I've just about recovered! I haven't been ill but I have been celebrating my big 5-HO Birthday and Steve was determined to make it one to remember. It ran over 4 full weekend.....yes you heard right 4 weekends.

The first weekend saw us swanning off to the South West and celebrating with Steves family, 2 of who also have birthdays in September (it's an expensive time for him lol).

The second weekend we celebrated with my family and we all went to Forbidden Corner, I love this place and it's suitable for both kids and adults alike.

Because the kids were there too, we decided to have parents and their kids photos.

First off my sister, with my brother-in-law and their daughter.

Then my baby brother (although not so much a baby these days), my sister-in-law and their daughter....

And then my son, daughter-in-law and my beautiful granddaughter Daisy. (Affectionately called Daisy Doodles by Grandma, because of her enthusiastic dancing and twirling).

Suddenly feeling left out, I remembered that my child was there too....and he promptly leaped on our knees for a cuddle......At 30 he's grow a little bit too much for this kind of thing and I think I should have been sitting on HIS knee!

The third weekend was spent with long standing friends in Scotland...

And had the chance to take some amazing photos....shame about the blade of grass.....

And this is only the second time I have seen these most beautiful Fly Agaric....ans there were loads!

And I also took lots of tree pictures....

And for the last weekend we went off to meet friends at a local, but private camp. We were exhausted and I was very definitely feeling my age, much to the amusement of Steve, who takes everything in his stride. So, a GREAT BIG thank you, to Steves and my family, great friends who are there when you need them and most of all my wonderful man, for making my BIG birthday so memorable and special.

For the last couple of weeks we've been catching up on unpacking his stuff, having a big clear out of long accumulated and no longer needed 'stuff'. It's hard trying to combine 2 houses into 1, especially when we had the combination of 5 bedrooms between us....but all duplicated items have been found new homes or skipped, with only a handful of boxes to go through. AND, we almost have a spare bedroom for guests....but as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day!

I've been busy preparing for a one day workshop that I'm teaching on Saturday....I forgot just how many hours prep goes into 6 hours teaching. Hopefully, they will enjoy what I have for them and at least appreciate the thought and time that has gone into it.....we will see.

I Am an Artist....

2011-09-29T14:38:00.004Z

I just LOVE this!

Available from:

http://www.hesaidteeshed.com/

Are you STUCK, before even starting?

2011-09-27T10:00:00.000Z

I love my job as a Calligrapher...but sometimes need to escape from the hum drum 'formal' lettering styles that people expect you to come out with on their commission work.

These Pen Play Doodles have been great fun and a welcome pause to the Creative Spirit.

I was chatting to a friend the other day who is finding it terribly difficult to start her own business. I'm trying to help her as best I can.....and advice is freely given if not always taken.

One of the problems is getting started.

The actual producing of any work.

It's hard when you are juggling kids, jobs, housework, partner, pets.....We've all been there, done that, worn the T-shirt.

Oddly enough, this came up with another friend as she was starting her business, so I thought I would write a blog post about it here....

OK.....so you have all the gear (and more) to start creating.....but something ALWAYS gets in the way. My main advice here is to STOP RIGHT THERE.....hold your horses and BREATHE!

OK....so if this was a conventional job, you wouldn't be able to make excuses as to why you hadn't turned up for work. So, you need to treat it just like that....like a 'PROPER' job!

When you first start out there are lots of reasons and from now on we will call them EXCUSES - (I'll come to this one later) as to why you haven't done anything.

Sometimes, the problem is that you are looking at the BIGGER picture.....looking at having a shed load of stuff to sell, make, create and because you are looking at the bigger picture it becomes overwhelming and you never get round to even starting.

SO....make some ME time....go on.....write it on your calendar right now.....even if it's only time on an evening....and while you're at it.....pen in the following 4 weeks....same time and day.

RIGHT - From now on.....at these Me times you are BUSY....got that? Hell can freeze over, but you are BUSY!

It's better and more conceivable to schedule in one hour per night than try and cram in a full day once a week.....so think carefully before you commit yourself.

Once you have.....it's immovable.

The above little picture is for you.....print it out and hang it somewhere prominent....print and give them away....but PLEASE do NOT try to sell them!

....remind yourself daily that

YOU are WORTH IT!

Believe me, the hubby will be happier, the kids will be happier, the household chores will STILL get done )and quicker if the truth be known!) and the sense of achievement will be AMAZING!

REMEMBER: Take small deliberate steps....each one leads you closer to your goal!

What advice would you give to someone who is stuck before starting?

From Pen Play to Crazy Colour

2011-09-26T13:49:00.007Z

Well, here's another Pen Play and Doodle Fun piece that I created.....first outlined in 0.5mm permanent fine line pen....

And then coloured in using a water based brush pen.....diluted with water. the trick is to go around the edges with the brush, then use the water brush to dissolve the water from the paper and push it around. The result is 'similar' to watercolour paint, but far cleaner (she says with pen all over her finger tips!) .

The above pictures are a scan of the pieces, so the colour quality is a bit yucky1 I have taken photos and I'll share the finished piece, which I am going to add to my Art Journal.

Any type of colouring medium will work with the Pen Doodles, the choice is up to you. There is a variety of water soluble crayons as well as felt pens out there. Just remember: Permanent for the outline and water based for the colouring....you don't want your outline to be cloudy by painting over with heavy acrylic, but acrylic inks work well too.

Happy creative spirit :o)

Pen Play.....Doodle Fun!

2011-09-22T14:50:00.009Z

Autumn Equinox is here....and a natural time for winding down.....why is it then that I feel so creative? Perhaps it's the thought of the nights drawing in, belly filling food, crisp mornings and warm cozy log fires that will soon be upon us. Whatever it is, it happens at the same time every year.
As I continue with my Doodle Art, I'm finding that I'm becoming More and more obsessed. It takes me back to when I was a kid and I always had time to create.....for no other reason than pure self indulgent pleasure. These Doodle Frames are just the beginning....

They are drawn with a 0.5, permanent pen and with NO pre-planning. Perhaps I enjoy this spontaneous way of working, because it becomes organic and grows from a small starting point...

Because there is no pr- planning, there is no set time to stop. The piece can just grow and grow.

These pieces may be finished or not.....we will see. After the first couple the ideas come thick and fast. Perhaps I will add colour, perhaps I will add words, but more so on my mind is to make them into a colouring journal for adults, something I have been thinking about for some time.

There was no set reason as to why I started these. No hidden agenda. No ultimate goal in mind. Just a Creative Spirit, enjoying a little 'ME' time, after the flurry of the last few months.

However they develop, I will keep posting them.

The greatest appeal for me is the lack of materials needed to create them. This means they can be done anywhere and with just a pen and paper.

Why not grab a cuppa, pick up a pen and start doodling today?

Trust me it's addictive.....so stock up on the ready meals :o)

BUT - If you really can't be bothered and fancy a bit of Art Time, I've left the pictures big, so feel free to click on the one/s you like and print them out.....you may even add to mine.....if you do PLEASE leave a comment and link back to this post....lets see if anyone wants to participate?

Blessings to your 'Creative Spirit' this equinox xxx

Doodle Time

2011-09-15T14:33:00.009Z

"CREATIVITY comes from

having an open mind to new ideas,

constantly questioning the established rules.

Though rarely does it come on those days,

when you set out to be creative".

Raymond Blanc

I've just finished a few Wedding orders and was hoping to get some time to play before anything else came in...this is what I came up with....

When I was doing calligraphy for pleasure and teaching, play time was important. From playing came new ideas and from new ideas came finished pieces of work.

When I opened my studio and gallery.....way back in 1999, playing became more and more a thing of the past. Mainly because I was suddenly thrown into the commercial viability of everything and I mean EVERYTHING I did.

I had to suddenly look at everything with fresh eyes and felt guilty at taking, what can only be described as 'Time Out' for fun and playful projects.

Often I'm asked to do commissions that are pretty formal in nature, whereas my overall style is more contemporary these days. So, the commissions very rarely reflect my art work as it is.

I started these flowers using water based felt pens and after wetting the ink with a brush and letting them dry, I rough outlined them with a permanent fine-liner. Oh what fun.

I'm not sure where these will take me and they are merely doodles at the moment. I'm not even sure I will use them at all.....but I certainly had fun playing and I'm looking forward to developing the technique more and coming up with other ideas.

Yes, playing releases the child within!

What a difference a new floor makes!

2011-09-12T11:24:00.000Z

Inspired by Script: What a difference a new floor makes!: For quite some time I've been complaining about the lighting in the Gallery at Inspired by Script. We have thought about a few ways of makin...

CREATIVITY comes from having an open mind to new ideas....

2011-09-08T15:57:00.004Z

I've been so busy lately, what with wedding Fairs, Wedding Orders and commissions, I've hardly had a day off for weeks.....but it's all gonna be worth it.

Tomorrow I'm getting new flooring in the Gallery. The blue carpet was dark, tired and worn out and it certainly doesn't do my shelves and wares justice.

I've also been listening to a lot of Talking Books this year on my way to work. The latest was a Biography of a well known Chef. Strange you may think? Well the wonderful thing is that there is an awful lot of synchronicity goes on with fellow creative, whether they create in paint, fabric, dance, music photography and yes EVEN food! The following quote I listened to over and over again and the words are still resonating inside me. I have been playing with doodles (more about this soon) and from these doodles are the stirrings of something new, something lively and fresh, totally unexpected and fabulous fun. But, that can wait until another time.

For now I share the quote:

CREATIVITY comes from having an open mind to new ideas,
constantly questioning the established rules.

Though rarely does it come on those days
when you set out to be creative.

Raymond Banc

Does this resonate with you?

When do you get your best ideas?

Does creativity always come when you want it to?

How do YOu clear the creative blocks?

Answers on a postcard please lol.

No seriously....share your answers with others by leaving a comment :o)

May your creativity run wild! xxx

Join Us On Facebook!

2011-08-18T16:42:00.003Z

WOW! I've got 154 followers on my Facebook Page already!

To keep up to date with all the news, views and happenings at the Pixies Studio...Join us on http://facebook.com/InspiredByScript

And don't forget my other 2 blogs are:

http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.com

and my Wedding Blog is at

http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com

We look forward to seeing you there :o)

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Wedding Fayre in Northallerton, North Yorkshire

2011-08-18T15:19:00.000Z

Posted to my Wedding Blog.....North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Wedding Fayre in Northallerton, North Yorkshire: we are please to announce that we will be attending (Click link above to read more)

The Grand Wedding Fayre,
t o be held on Sunday, September 4th 2011,

At th...

Lammas - It's time to reap what you sow!

2011-08-08T16:21:00.017Z

It's been 2 years.....2 very long years.....since I last went to the annual Lammas Camp at Lime Tree Farm. It was my decision to not go to any camps at all last year and also planned a relationship free year, after seeming to have a knack of picking up mentally dysfunctional suitors, who came with serious mental health issues. I needed a year out, to take stock and gather my thoughts and focus on my business a bit more. The break brought it's rewards in more ways than one.
I met my wonderful soul mate Steve at Beltane last year and wanted to spend a year with him, getting to know him and simply enjoying each others company. This time it was slow and steady away....and I will blog more about this at a later date.
It was time for the Bell Tent to come out of her hiding place, get all glammed up and Grandma's Magic Tepee (as known by Daisy my Granddaughter) was ready to rock and roll once again. It was Steve's first camp, although he had met a few of my Pagan friends over the last year.

This time, we set up the bed directly opposite the door, giving extra space at either side. I don't know why this had never occurred to me before, but the Feng Shui really worked well and the tent had a more comfortable feel....perhaps it helped that for the first time I set up camp with no head banging off the steering wheel, no angst'y shouting and absolutely no stress....what a relief that was! and a true breath of fresh air.

A single burner is never enough on camp and we made the decision to buy a wood burning stove, which also doubled as a cooker, after reading about them on a blog post by The Hermitage. The wonderful thing about these stoves is that with a fixing kit they can be used inside a bell tent. It somehow just felt more apt and natural that the tent and the stove worked hand in hand and seemed altogether more aesthetically pleasing. For this camp we opted to use it outside to see how it performed.

However.....keeping Steve away from it was a different matter! What is it with men and fire....or men and axes, or drills, power tools and chainsaws for that matter??? Must be that hunter gatherer kinda thing :o)

The stove did well.....it kept us fed and watered all weekend and was a blessing at night when we sat huddled round to keep warm, whiled away the hours chatting and laughing and watch the moonlit sky.

The stall looked good. There is nothing so powerful as 2 artistic brains together. The broomstick took up her place by the side of the door, bringing the magic right inside.

Steve the ever relaxed one, enjoyed his morning coffee and really looked at home.....

And there was plenty of space for my stock too, thanks to the wonderful innovation of some trellis work to hang things on. This made a huge difference to my stall as normally the tables are full to bursting.

The weather was perfect, the company of friends was even better and everyone at the camp this year had a wonderful time and said they have never experienced a camp like it. There have been times when the tension was felt by everyone who was capable of feeling. Even 2 of my 3 ex's turning up did nothing to dampen the spirit, well I only needed one more and a had a hat trick.....wow I even managed to be civil to them both!

And we had a little visitor to our shoppe. I love Lammas Camp as it always brings out the Crickets, that seem to serenade us all day long and we were not disappointed.....this little fellow was set free after trapping himself in the netting during the night. It was a major operation not to break his leg, but he left happily and without injury after Steve set him free.

And there was a handfasting....of 2 of the most beautiful people. They have been through a lot in the past few years and have stuck together through hell and high water. They are both very special and really hold the standard for hope and love triumphs over adversity. No not these two....that's me and Steve......

These two.....and they must hold the record for the most people attending a handfasting. It goes to show how much they are truly loved.

And of course we had Damh the Bard to play at their Wedding... only the best will do sometimes :o)

Something major happened that camp. The ritual for the handfasting was to release and let go of past hurts. I never really thought I was holding on to any...I really didn't, but something definitely shifted in me (and others) that weekend!

It really was the best camp ever.The nutters seem to have gone. The weather was good to us and the people were all happy, smiley, relaxed and calm. It was over too soon.

We returned home to see the corn was being harvested off the field. The sun has done it's job and the harvest has started to be gathered in.

What a perfect year it has been. Many seeds sown and harvested and many more to sew. It's definitely a lesson in reaping what you sew this year. I feel blessed. Blessed that the business is finally working for me, blessed that I have a beautiful and treasured Granddaughter who is growing oh so fast, blessed with friends that are still strong friends no matter how little we see each other and blessed that I have truly met my soul mate, who can receive love as well as give it. Yes, blessed I am.

Made To Order - Hot Pink and Silver Wedding Stati...

2011-07-28T21:29:00.000Z

Inspired by Script: Made To Order - Hot Pink and Silver Wedding Stati...: "I've already blogged about these gorgeous Wedding Invitations over at my Wedding Blog by I just had to share them on here.... I was asked..."To see pictures and more click on the link above

Steve Smith's Jewellery: Hand Made Dichroic Glass Bracelets,

2011-07-20T08:10:00.000Z

Steve Smith's Jewellery: Hand Made Dichroic Glass Bracelets,: "Hi to all my readers. I recently had a amazing idea of seeing my dichroic glass designs on silver bracelets. So off I went and purchased s..."

Create the perfect business name and tag line

2011-07-17T22:13:00.004Z

Some business tag lines are just pure genius :o)

Of course this post title was designed as a bit of a giggle....but if you have arrived here because of your search on Google, and need serious advice about your business name and tag line.....take a look here:

A Personalised Birthday Card Using Cut Letters and...

2011-07-11T07:03:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: A Personalised Birthday Card Using Cut Letters and...: "It's some time now since I bought my Foil Machine and Plotter and I must admit that it's taking some time to get to grips with the plotter..."SEE MORE - Click on the link above

A Personalised Framed Gift and Card to Welcome a N...

2011-07-10T13:14:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: A Personalised Framed Gift and Card to Welcome a N...: "Everyone loves to welcome new arrivals. This framed personalised poster and card were done for my Daughter-In-Laws, sister-in-law's first b..." To see more, click on the link above

Personalised New Baby Card

2011-07-09T09:30:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: Personalised New Baby Card: "It's always lovely to welcome a new baby into the family and this card was made for a close family friend... It was a chance to get the f..." CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE FOR PHOTOS AND MORE WRITE UP

Beautiful.....simply, beautiful

2011-07-06T22:56:00.004Z

This takes me back to my Buddhist training....a sense of peace, calmness and tranquillity. And yes I agree...Artists and musicians have a responsibility to uplift the people. ...Enjoy.....

Tashi Mannox - Tibetan Calligrapher from Planetary Productions on Vimeo.

Personalised Labels for Crafters - FREE P&P!

2011-07-06T17:04:00.002Z

I'm posting this here from my Inspired by Script blog as I know there are many crafters who follow this blog.
Inspired by Script: Personalised Labels for Crafters - FREE P&P!: "It always surprises me how much effort crafters put into their products, but then send them out to the purchaser without so much as an Invoi..."

Barking Mad? = Yes....but I like myself :o)

2011-07-04T12:52:00.002Z

Ok.....so before you all think I've gone barking mad I just want you to know that the 20 links as seen below at links to posts that I Blogged while I was taking my little sabbatical away from The Creative Spirit. Now, I wouldn't want you to miss anything now would I? Even worse and gawd forbid that you think I have been idle in that time.....no sir-ee! It's been all go-go-go, but I wanted to do a catch up before I continue and rather than write each one out laboriously, I found a little gadget at the bottom of the posts with the 'Blogger' symbol on.....and.....voila! Instant re-posting, albeit without pictures and most of the guff. But the choice is there if you want to read them.

I'm used to these little icons for Facebook and Twitter, but never used them for Blogger.....now all my posts on my business blogs with be added to 'The Creative Spirit' this way.....there just isn't enough time to create and cross blog all my posts.

So....enjoy the posts if you have missed them and I'll catch up with the rest very soon!
Happy Creating! Sue xxx

Cut Letters - It's all such great fun!

2011-07-04T12:50:00.003Z

Inspired by Script: Cut Letters - It's all such great fun!: "I'm fascinated with the cut letters I can produce and have been playing around with overlapping letters. This is the pre -cut card before th..."

New Gallery Sign

2011-07-04T12:50:00.002Z

Inspired by Script: New Gallery Sign: "Well, I just HAD to have a go at cutting Vinyl! Sometimes I am hard to find.... my address is 288a High Street....but I am actually on the ..."

Girls Bedroom Sign- Perfect for a Princess

2011-07-04T12:49:00.004Z

Inspired by Script: Girls Bedroom Sign- Perfect for a Princess: "Every girl is a Princess....before she grows up to be a Goddess. This was a first trial piece which will be made to order. It's painted in ..."

Ideal Baby Gift - Baby Birth Journal

2011-07-04T12:49:00.003Z

Inspired by Script: Ideal Baby Gift - Baby Birth Journal: "I loved doing this journal. I often get asked to do all sorts of unusual things and if it involves Lettering, Calligraphy and/or Bookbindin..."

Happy Hearts for positive people

2011-07-04T12:49:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: Happy Hearts for positive people: "I love hearts don't you? I decided to buy some wooden hearts to make little hangings to give away as Wedding Favours. At first I painted the..."

Promotional Postcards for small businesses

2011-07-04T12:48:00.003Z

Inspired by Script: Promotional Postcards for small businesses: "I love making promotional things for small businesses, Here;s some postcards for Steve Smith;s Jewellery . Simple and straight to the point..."

Cut Letters - Birthday Card for Pam

2011-07-04T12:48:00.002Z

Inspired by Script: Cut Letters - Birthday Card for Pam: "Just a quick post today....A handmade Birthday Card, made using the cutter. Beautiful purples and lined with lavender. I think the white c..."

Baby Girl Gift - Birth Poster

2011-07-04T12:48:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: Baby Girl Gift - Birth Poster: "Well.....I've lost count of the number of these Baby Posters I have done since I started selling them in the last 6 years or so . They are ..."

Important news!

2011-07-04T12:47:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: Important news!: "Inspired by Script are proud to announce that as of this week, I am joined at the studio and gallery by....Ta da da da da daaaaah! (Drum rol..."

Open Heart Surgery!

2011-07-04T12:47:00.000Z

Inspired by Script: Open Heart Surgery!: "I want to dispel some myths here.....I'm sure when you tell people you are an artist they conj our up images of a well organised, tidy and p..."

Cloths of Heaven - W B Yeats in Calligraphy

2011-07-04T12:46:00.001Z

Inspired by Script: Cloths of Heaven - W B Yeats in Calligraphy: "Commission - Cloths of Heaven - W B Yeats Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue a..."

Hand Made Vintage Wedding Invitations

2011-07-04T12:45:00.002Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Hand Made Vintage Wedding Invitations: "Here we go.....not my design, but one a customer commissioned me to do. Well, in no uncertain terms....this year, 2011. sees that Vintage..."

Meeting the Perfect Bride and Groom!

2011-07-04T12:45:00.001Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Meeting the Perfect Bride and Groom!: "I've finally finished the last of 120 ideal wedding favours . Brought to me by the Bride in 3 lots. The Bride will add a Kinder Egg to each ..."

Hand Made Vintage Wedding Invitations - Finished!

2011-07-04T12:44:00.002Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Hand Made Vintage Wedding Invitations - Finished!: "Well, another week almost over, and the Vintage Wedding Stationery is finished. I'm always relieved when an order is ready to go. It's that ..."

Hand Made Wedding Guest Book - Tanya and David

2011-07-04T12:44:00.001Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Hand Made Wedding Guest Book - Tanya and David: "As mentioned in my post about meeting the perfect Bride and Groom I've finished the matching Guest Book they requested along with their inv..."

Wedding Keepsake Box and Handmade Invitations

2011-07-04T12:41:00.001Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Wedding Keepsake Box and Handmade Invitations: "As well as being asked to make a Wedding Guest Book as mentioned in this post I also had the invitations and RSVP cards to do as well. I..."

Hand Made Photo Album and Hand Made Guest Book - H...

2011-07-04T12:40:00.003Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Hand Made Photo Album and Hand Made Guest Book - H...: "How strange life can be sometimes.....this is the 3rd wedding in a row where the Groom has been called David....hopefully not the same one!..."

Hand Lettered Place Cards

2011-07-04T12:40:00.002Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Hand Lettered Place Cards: "Of all the reasons Calligraphers are called on for Weddings, place card writing is probably one of the most popular. How wonderful in this ..."

Seating Plan For Weddings

2011-07-04T12:39:00.001Z

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Seating Plan For Weddings: "While looking through my stats I noticed that Seating Plans for Weddings are the most searched for words when traffic comes to my site and f..."

Wedding Seating Plan for Claire and John

2011-07-04T11:17:00.002Z

Inspired by Script: Wedding Seating Plan for Claire and John: "All my clients and customers are special, but this Bride must take the award of EXTRA special. Claire came to see me about 4 weeks ago for ..."

Well, it looks like I'm here to stay :o)

2011-06-28T14:12:00.008Z

Bl@@dy hellfire! Sometimes I feel like

I've made more comebacks than U2 and Take That!

And that includes our past, our present and our futures. How we react and deal with the individual pieces that make up the whole is what is important, not the life experiences themselves. We can grow from them or be consumed by uncomfortable memories.

I tried so very hard to leave the Creative Spirit behind....well The Creative Spirit Blog that is. My finger hovered over the 'Delete this blog' button so many times and it's not the first time I've thought about this. I started this blog way back in September 2006, and a lot has happened since then. I had to remember why I started this blog in the first place. As a child I asked and received every year a diary and would start with great enthusiasm, only to find the entries dried up and then ceased altogether around March time.

Discovering and enjoying the wonderful world of Blogs, after joining a message board, I thought that this was an ideal way of keeping track of my life and my art and something to look back on with fond memories.

I had met what I thought was a long term partner (how stupid we can be sometimes lol) and the resulting breakup was aired publicly, as had my many, prior to that, special days together. I changed tact and tried to keep it less personal....I wanted to erase that memory forever....but after all this was an account of my life, my interests, my musings and my work. I wanted to delete all the posts with reference to that particular relationship as his pictures were there as a constant reminder to how stupid I was to waste my time on him....and especially more so now I HAVE met my life partner and what I have now is far greater than anything I have had in the past....but then I reminded myself of this.....The Honest Blogger Award. Created for Honest Bloggers Everywhere.

I now realise that I have nothing to hide, I am too honest for that even, I wear my heart on my Steve (That was a typo....but I have left it in as it was so funny! Of course I meant SLEEVE!) and through 'The Creative Spirit' I have made and met many friends. Since my first blog post on September 14th 2006. I have followers by email, Twitter, facebook, Networked Blogs and Linkedin and have had over 32,000 visitors, so either this is a fluke or I must be writing something worth reading.

I tried to introduce some personality into my business blog at Inspired by Script but it didn't look and feel right so I have deleted the post.

So...I am back! This blog will be used as my running journal, for my readers, you are welcome...if you are offended or upset in any way, I am sorry for this....but this is my running journal, my thoughts, my pet peeves, my funny take on my visual impairment and living with a disability....my animals, my grand-daughter, my work, my garden, my Paganism, my camps and most of all, my love for a wonderfully creative man that entered my life and showed me what true love is all about.

If I blog on Inspired by Script or North Yorkshire Weddings I will make reference to these, but only as it saves me cross posting and Blogger has changed it's cut, copy and paste facility I no longer have the time to type everything 3 fold.

A large part of this blog will of course feature Steve as we share a great deal of our time together and he also shares the studio space I work in....Oh and did I mention, I love him very much? So if you are likely to get bored with this.....run away now, it's not too late!

So, my wonderful Bloggy Friends and Creative Spirits, I have missed you to bits and I am glad I stayed. Life is full of challenges and trials, half the fun is getting through them and leaning lessons on the way.

I promise you....what you see is what you get and I thank you for all the emails and messages of support. To know I have been missed is very moving.

With love and bright blessings,

Sue xxx AKA -Pixie Sue, The Purple Pixie and Poppie....talk about an identity crisis....any way you like, I am one and the same :o)

Giving a wave....and a reminder to live life to the full

2011-06-07T07:44:00.003Z

I've been really busy at the studio
and catching up on blog posts on my
Inspired by Script Blog
and my North yorkshire weddings Blog,
but I couldn't help but pop in and give a big smile and wave and share this quotation I found today....

I think it describes me perfectly and I'm sure it will resonate with many other of my Creative Spirit followers too.

Life is not a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely

and in a pretty and well preserved body

But rather to skid in sideways,

totally worn out and yelling joyously....

Whoooo hoooooo! What a ride!!!!!

Goodbye is the hardest thing to say.....

2011-04-24T13:18:00.004Z

Spring always gets my creative juices flowing and the ideas come think and fast. This year has been no different....but there have been many changes in my life.

Steve has moved in to both the house and the studio and being with a fellow creative has certainly spurred me on with things that have been on the back burner for quite some time. He helps drive and motivate me as I do him. Together we make a great team.

My once full of animals home is now down to just 2 cats after the sad and sudden loss of my lovely Garfield impersonating cat Simba, she was so missed by my remaining 2 that they went through depression and it's taken then some time to recover.

On a personal level, I have been devoting my time to my Wedding Website and Blog and building up portfolios containing my new designs to be installed in various shops and with Wedding Planners.....all good stuff.

I have also found a niche motivating and inspiring other creators, helping them along, giving advice and encouragement, something that I get great pleasure from and with their encouragement I have started a new blog called Makers and Shakers. (Connecting Creators together, profiling their work and offering advice, motivation and inspiration to those new on the path of selling their wares.)

The blog is at the moment still in it's infancy and I am writing a lot of articles off line ready for future publication. I've wanted to do this for quite some time and you can only hear the words 'You should write a book' so many times, before you take up the calling :o)

So....what I am saying here is that posting on this blog will be very infrequent as I build up my other blogs.....possibly I will ditch this one for good as it has served it's purpose.

You can keep up to date with my work at the studio by visiting and following Inspired by Script

and my Wedding Blog and website at North Yorkshire Weddings

You can also find me on Facebook: Inspired by Script on Facebook

I hope my followers will join me and many others on Makers and Shakers and we also have a Makers and Shakers Page on Facebook!

Oh.....and on the subject of Makers and Shakers, I know I have a large number of followers that are also Makers and Shakers.....so why not get some FREE publicity and share your knowledge and experiences with other by answering the call of Spotlight Sunday... it's painless and fun! Honest!

So for now....it's not goodbye......it's just I am otherwise engaged with pastures new. Change is good :o)

Attention all you misfits, troublemakers and free spirits

2011-03-17T08:59:00.001Z

Looking back at the end of a busy week

2011-03-13T19:59:00.003Z

Once again the week is over all to soon. I've had 2 wedding commissions to do.....Some Wedding and Evening invitations, where the bride wanted Ivy included to the basic Simply Stylish Design

Here's a close up of the design, more can be seen on my Wedding Website

And some simple RSVP cards to go with them

And I've completed another 34 personalised egg cups

Each one of these will be filled with a Kinder Surprise Egg, bringing out the child within all the wedding gusts. I think it's a great idea!

Along with these, I've had the added worry of my 5 year old cat Dodger coming down with a mystery illness. Raging temperature and no obvious signs of anything wrong, except when a normally charging around cat, suddenly stops dead in their tracks and can hardly be bothered to get up and walk, you just have to worry. So far he's had 2 different anti-biotic injections and is now on daily pain killers fluid. His temperature has come down a bit, but we want him to resume his normal interest in life, otherwise we hare going to have to go down the blood test and x-ray root. Very worrying times indeed.

The studio clean up and turf out continues and now there's actually space for Steve to move in and work. This will enable him to be more productive, having a space that doesn't need him to clear away every day. And as well as all this our websites and business plan continue to grow.

Designer Wedding Stationery and what's kept me away from the blog...

2011-03-09T21:05:00.003Z

The wedding fayre went really well and I was kept mega busy in the run up, designing and making 'Foiled' cards to add to a new portfolio. I'll profile and share the different designs on my North Yorkshire weddings Blog.

Before I stuck them into the portfolio I took a few photos, not fantastic ones admittedly, but photographing under artificial light has never really been successful I hope to take better ones soon with a lighting kit.... but you get the idea.....

Different brides have different tastes. Some like formal and others contemporary. The advantage of Calligraphers and Lettering Artists over printers and stationery manufacturers is that we can 'Tailor Make' and tweak designs as the customer wants.....making sure they get just what they want.

I've already added a couple more designs since the Wedding Fayre and have plans for many more :o)

Steve's been busy too....making Jewellery and has expanded and managed to succeed in making earrings and bracelets too. That's the think I love about him...he's never phased and will give it a go, always positive that somehow he will make it work. When he cut the minute fragments of glass to be fired, I almost died....I could hardly see them and they had to be layered up, pyramid style to be fired, not knowing what would happen and how they would react. As usual he took it all in his stride and it all worked out just fine. This is more down to his patience than anything....Me? I have NO patience and I'm getting worse as time goes on I'm sure :o)

Yes it's been a busy few weeks...and now at the moment I'm juggling 2 Wedding Orders at once... all good fun and I will admit to lack of sleep and spare time to blog.

I'm also doing and loving Grandma duties one day a week, time flies by so quickly you have to enjoy every minute and I certainly intend to play a part in this little ones life. It's hard to believe but she's almost a year old already!!!! Yes time really flies :o)

Lastly, a very belated, Happy International Women's Day to all the Goddesses out there....you are truly amazing girls and the world would be a sadder place without you.

A guy asked me...Hey how about an International Men Day...I replied telling him the other 364 days were!!! Ouch, feminist of what!

OK, peeps....just catching up on the Creative Spirit before I get my head down with my Inspired by Script Blog and my Wedding Blog.

Ta, ta, and love and brightest blessings as the Spring Equinox approaches xxx

You Are Worth the Time

2011-02-28T09:42:00.001Z

Catching up....the last 2 weeks

2011-02-21T09:25:00.005Z

Phew! What a busy couple of weeks! Time just seems to fly when you're having fun......Last weekend was over far too fast, but much was achieved....Steve managed to get more kilning done and his new range of Kiln fired, dichroic glass studs are well on the way and will be added to his wedsite soon.

Here's a close up of the gorgeous little gems which look like rainbow dewdrops. I love the colours as they catch the light....

Last week I was asked to make Thank you cards... a chance to use my foiling machine....

And some Order of Service for a funeral.

In the middle of it all, there was of course, Valentines Day.....and a chance for Calligraphers everywhere to do something a little personal for their loved ones.

These are just a couple of pictures from the book....a full rundown

can be found at my Inspired by Script Blog

HERE'S THE LINK TO THE POST

Because all things must change and my business is going in a new direction I've been clearing clutter. Clutter that has accumulated for over 20 years. I've given a lot away and my lovely son and partner did a couple of tip runs at the weekend. Slowly, everything has a place again and out with the old frees up the mind wonderfully. What I no longer have a need for I am finding new homes for, which in turn opens up their creative minds too. Holding on to thinks sometimes keeps us stuck and the studio was seriously getting on top of me. I had no room to move and this can get very depressing at times.

It's now opened up and within the next couple of weeks, I'll have a creative space that is both practical and functional.

This week though, I have to concentrate on the Wedding Fair planned for this Sunday. After going to the last one, I know what's expected of me and I can introduce my new foil cards......I'm so excited!

The most wonderful thing about being in a relationship with another Creative Spirit is the mutual support and the bouncing off each other of ideas. I'm so glad Steve came into my life. Things are going well for us both regarding the business.....it shows what the love of a good man can do.

Next week we are at a Lifestyle and Fashion Bazaar, so there will be no rest for a wee while yet :o)

I'm working on it....

2011-02-09T09:40:00.002Z

I've been hard at it.....working on my new website. Ditching what didn't work and adding what does. It's a long haul, many late nights and bags under the eyes big enough to carry shopping in.....but satisfied with the results.
Hopefully the site is now more user friendly. Still lots to do but the main part is finished and ready for my Wedding Fair later this month

As well as designing and making Wedding Stationery, I'm offering a Calligraphy service, whether the customer buy from me or not.

I'm teaching at North East Scribes on Saturday....and after that I have new Invitations to design and print, this time with my foiling machine.

The card has arrived at the studio.....and I'm all set to go......

Oh........And....I've already got my first order :o)

Yes, this is going to be a good year!

Pop to the website....constructive criticism welcome.

http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk

2011-02-04T01:05:00.005Z

I can see a rainbow, see a rainbow,

see a rainbow too.....or 3 or 4 or even more.

I love rainbows (who doesn't) and I've been playing

with this new holographic foil.

Very expensive.....but with it don;t you think

And here's a close up.....showing the excellent iridescence

of the foil........

Be foiled.....be very foiled...

2011-02-03T09:38:00.006Z

I've been having great fun with my foiling machine....

I had to make some small inserts for Steve Smith's Jewellery

I added a rich red to the outside flap

and plain black text to the inside and outer back....

you can see how cute they are in size

by the 2p coin in the photo....

I've also tried out a variety of card stock

(thanks to G F Smiths Paper Supplies)

and decided on 3 that give me the best finish

and the least hassle;

This one is done in a

gorgeous Kingfisher/Peacock Blue...

And if purple is your colour

theme for your wedding....this Violet is stunning!

As I already had the red foil on the machine
I decided to run off some
Ruby Wedding Anniversary Cards.....
which can be personalised.....

And then of course,
it's coming up to that time of year again...
Valentines day.....

I am absolutely over the moon with my new machine.
The potential is phenomenal.
I'm excited and feel refreshed regarding the business.
Definitely the best investment I've ever made.

I'll share some of the items on here as I create them,
but you so you don't miss out,
make sure you follow my other blogs.....
http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.com and http://northyorkshireweddings.blogspot.com

I'll see you there :o)

If you are interested in a personalised card of any sort, they are available at £2.95 each including P&P, just email me at inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

I can take payments by cheque or Paypal.

Moving forward.....

2011-02-02T09:48:00.005Z

I've been sooooo busy.......

lots to share and a new purchase......

and I am so excited!!!!

Cone and see what all this is about on my Inspired by Script blog

http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.com

Work Submitted For Selection at Ferens Art Gallery

2011-01-23T17:27:00.007Z

Well, I've finally done it....entered my work for selection

at the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull.

Well, they say there's a first for everything and while I have exhibited all over the country, this is the first time I have submitted work for selection and in a 'Art' Exhibition. In the past the exhibitions have been under the banner of Calligraphy or Lettering Art.

Saturday morning saw us getting up bright and early....well not so sure about the 'bright', this Pixie hates mornings :o) and heading off to Hull.
Submitting work is easy and painless, once you get over the colly wobbles of actually having your Lettering Art under the label of 'Is it art?'. The work is left for scrutinising and hopefully selection by the judges.
Only around 10% of the work is chosen and it's down to the judges and their preference on the day which pieces are chosen....so it's left there on a wing and a prayer and with a large sprinkling of Pixie dust in the hopes that either or both of mine and Steves work is selected. We've entered 2 pieces each, so, watch this space :o)

What's going on!!!!

2011-01-20T21:51:00.003Z

Well if you're wondering where I've been and what's going on....jaunt over to my Inspired by Script Blog to see for yourself....or simply click on the links above the photos.

This year has got off to a flying start and I've written 4 blog posts this evening....and I haven't even scratched the surface.

I've already done a Wedding Order....

I have a separate Wedding Website,

just for the Wedding Side of my business

http://northyorkshireweddings.co.uk

I already sold a Piece of work....

Had another one Commissioned....

Written and personalised a Baby Birth Certificate....

And made a concertina card

for a very ill lady in Sussex

We've booked 2 Wedding Fairs and Steve has got 2 shows booked for his Jewellery...Oh yes and did I mention 3 Art Shows this year too. I've also got a day teaching at North East Scribes next month....which I am so looking forward to. It's nice to get together with like minded folk and I love teaching and inspiring others. We also have plans to expand the Wedding side of the business....but more about that later. All in all we have a busy year ahead, but one that we are both looking forward to. It's nice to have the support and encouragement that we so often need when working as artists and for ourselves. Having someone to bounce ideas off is so important.

Quotations...Finding inspiration

2011-01-17T13:32:00.002Z

There's no doubt about it...I love quotations and as such I am a keen collector and have books full of the. I often get asked where do I get them from and the answer is....from many many sources. However the internet has certainly made things a lot easier.

If you are looking for a special quotation

to suit a particular event or occasion,

go to The Quote Garden. It's full of inspiration.

You can go direct to the site by CLICKING HERE

Warning!

Go and grab yourself a coffee first....

you may be there some time :o)

Old Endings - New Beginnings

2011-01-03T15:40:00.002Z

Well the decorations are down, the house has been given a good clean through and before you know it, it's back to normal. Tthere's nothing like a long holiday to get your creative juices flowing. I hope you've all had a fantastic holiday and inspiration is coming thick and fast. Time out is a great way to plan for the future and non so more than the Christmas Period.

The last 2 weeks before Christmas was harrowing to say the least. Usually my busiest time, the snow along with the worst temperatures ever seen in the UK brought with it frozen pipes at the studio and the climate was warmer outside than in. I decided to go with the flow and spend as much time as possible planning and thinking (we artists do a lot of this!) And work from home if the studio was out of the question.
Friends around me had to deal with frozen pipes, no water for days and even worst burst pipes due to frozen header tanks in their lofts.....yes the back end of 2010 was certainly as challenging as the start of it. Hopefully, this has made many people take stock and realise that keeping warm, having warm food and having good friends along side you is more important than any materialistic 'thing' you can acquire. Back to basics and using the resources that many of our elders and ancestors used. In these days of modern technology we get more and more used to flicking a switch or pressing a button and all our problems are solved for us.

Just about the only victim in the freezing cold studio seems to be my computer which I seem to rely on more and more these days and certainly will do in the coming months. However, I do use it daily and am about due for an upgrade, I think a new all singing all dancing computer is on the cards :o)

All in all, the ending of one thing means the beginning of another. Along with the old year and lessons learnt, there's a bright light on the horizon and Spring will soon be here once again. As the days get longer, the earth starts to wake from her slumber and warm up and the leaves and buds start to grow on the trees, we are reminded once again that the sun will return and with it comes optimism and, new ideas and inspiration.

Happy New Year Everyone......This year is going to be a good year!

Reflections

2010-12-31T14:06:00.006Z

As the Wheel of the Year turns slowly at this time of the year and we say once again goodbye and farewell to yet another year....It's time to reflect and look back on what has gone, what has been gained and what lies before us.

Above - Roundel of the Seasons by Sheila Waters

This year has been a busy one and two particular events have changed my life. The first was the birth of my first Grandchild, Daisy... A bringer of much joy and laughter and a real treasure. Why did no-one tell me what a wonderful feeling a Grandchild would bring? Born premature, she certainly came into the world as a big surprise and I'm so proud of my son and daughter-in-law for being such wonderful parents.

Then in May, at Beltane, a man entered my life. The Goddess sent me someone who at last I can really connect with. No ego, no bullying, no put downs, no emotional blackmail....quite different to what I had experienced before. Someone who can share my love of Art and Creativity (He's an Artist too) and someone who supports and encourages the Pixie when she needs it most. He's the kindest, most loving and generous partner that has ever entered my life and I feel blessed that he shares his life with me. He also makes a fantastic Granddad for Daisy Doodles :o)

Together we have journeyed. Glastonbury (my spiritual home) has been shared alone and with friends. Art Galleries and Exhibitions have been visited all over the country. At last I have found my soul mate.

The business has had some much needed sorting out....and there is more yet to do. But 2011 is looked forward to with much optimism and hope and many plans and changes are afoot. I am excited, and can't wait to share my year ahead.

Usually at this time of the year I do not make resolutions, I make Wish Lists.....this year I may share them or keep them to myself. Whatever happens, I raise a glass, to all my friends and followers on my blog....both this one and Inspired by Scrip.t And my wish for you is primarily health, closely followed by peace and happiness to face the joys and challenges that 2011 will bring. May the Gods and Goddesses be kind to you all.

Blessed be,

Sue x

Busy, Busy, Busy.....and Christmas fast a comein'....

2010-11-22T00:05:00.004Z

Steve and I have been busy, busy, busy. Why is it after Halloween, the days seem to fly past? My beautiful Granddaughter is growing and developing fast, the nights draw in ever faster and before you know it.....it's 'THAT' time of year again.

If you want to see what we've been up to.... pop over and see my blog at http://inspiredbyscript.blogspot.com and Steve's Blog at http://stevesmithsjewellery.blogspot.com

At the moment we are very much concentrating on the business, with lots of making and lots of planning and marketing. We have 3 Craft Fairs booked before Christmas and into the New Year there are plans afoot for BIG changes at the Studio and within the business. It's all go, go, go and we are having a ball :o)

I expect blogging here will be thin on the ground for a little while longer, so please bear with us and make sure you check out my Inspired By Script Blog and Website to keep up to date.
Obviously those of my friends who also join me on FaceBook will be more up to date than ever lol. Oh what fun we have!

Meanwhile, keep creating you lovely, wonderful people.... For Creating washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life. Blessings xxx

Happy Samhain....lHalloween or All Souls Night...

2010-10-28T22:05:00.003Z

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

And, if we only scratch a living from it, At least it's a living worth scratching,

2010-09-29T15:51:00.006Z

"If I only scrape a living at it,

at least its a living worth scraping, there's no firture in it,

but it's a life worth remembering"

Mikey Smith - Surf Photographer

To see the Video of this remarkable man

CLICK HERE

I never grew up wanting to be an artist. I was encouraged as a child to create, and creating was play, and people didn't make money from playing.... People earned money from working...hard graft, drafting your fingers to the bone, working yourself to death....all to pay the bills and put money on the table. This preconditioned belief was reinforced so much so, that a career in Art was never an option. Even at school the subconscious messages slowly drip fed into my brain. I could imagine the Careers Teacher shaking her head in dismay if I had ever answered the question: 'So Susan (that's my Sunday name.....generally reserved for when my mother was really angry) what would you like to be when you leave school?', 'Well I was thinking of being an artist'.... you see I have an issue here....you cannot BE an Artist....or become one for that matter....no you either are one or you aren't. You either feel comfortable referring to yourself as an artist or not. However I believe that EVERYONE is creative.

I have often had it said to me that people would LOVE to be Artistic.... and we all are, but to what degree is only a matter of opinion. But being Artistic is a very different title that actually labelling yourself as one. I Am.....try it....I Am An Artist.....how comfortable are you with that?

For most people, they can only say 'I Am An Artist' once they truly believe in themselves and in what the produce. It all becomes easier once you start to make Art your only source of income. Of course there are exceptions to the rule and I am generalising and my observations are directed at the majority of creative not the minority.

'I Am An Artist' I am fortunate to have taken some crazy risks in my life and ended up making my Art my full time career. I fought against it and tried, without success to be many other things before....But I am inside me a Creative Spirit, and working in any other job would drive me stir crazy. You see, I just can't help the way I am. I get great delight from making a blank piece of paper come to life. I work with words....positive thinking, motivational, inspirational, emotional words that resonate inside me and actually make me 'Feel' that emotion to my very core. My spiritual beliefs and practices give me food for my soul which in turn translates to creativity on a page. You see....we artists 'FEEL'....we have to be moved to create. Our souls need to be fed like a hungry child. Sadness, pain and trauma, somehow stifles our creative souls. We need to take time to look, to think, to meditate, to be still.....and then the magic happens.

When we follow our true calling, our life's purpose, all is well with the world. Artists who choose to make art their living are courageous, risk takers and above all warriors, who dare to go against convention. We are not afraid of feelings, emotions, risk taking....for we do that every time we put pen to paper. We have our innermost thoughts and feelings transparently superimposed on paper. We have nothing to hide. We are who we are and what you see is what you get. We are open to criticism and are ready to take the harsh blows life has to throw at us. Being an artist is not a soft option. Those who think we need to stop messing and get a real job, should change places for a few weeks.....for being an artist is both a blessing and a curse. We have a great deal of self motivation and we learn to ride out the storms. We love to share our knowledge and encourage others to create, for our creativity is part of our soul and we find it hard to distinguish where one starts and the other ends. We work long hours for little return and certainly do not do it for the money.....for if we did, most of us would be doing something else.

No, we do it for the love of it. For the sheer pleasure of sharing our passion with others. We do it to change the world, bring some light into0 the darkness and let the world for some people just stop for one brief minute. Oh and we don't retire...because we are what we are. A concert pianist doesn't stop playing music just because he has reached 65.

We are born to create and will create all our lifetime, it's not something we can switch off....no matter how hard we try. We need to be understood and ask that people go gentle on us....for at the end of the day....through art we gain inner peace and calm and only want to spread a little around.

And, if we only scratch a living from it,

At least it's a living worth scratching,

and a life lived following our bliss.

Sue Simpson

Sometimes, other things take priority....

2010-09-27T10:46:00.005Z

It would be easy to think I have done absolutely nothing for the past 5-8 weeks, but the truth is, my feet don't seem to have touched the floor.

The Wedding Fair preparations took up a huge amount of time planning wise and this had to be intermingled with a Wedding Order and other commissions....however, it went well. We had a great day and I met and networked with a lot of local businesses also involved with the Wedding Industry.

We've also had a busy Summer with Steve's exhibitions and also visiting Arty places of interest. As artists we need to charge our creative batteries now and again. Art is to Artists like food is to a chef.....we may make it ourselves but its always good and inspiring to see other peoples work too.

Along side this we have had time to plan both in our work lives and personal lives....things are definitely on the up.

Autumn Equinox has come around fast, the Summer far too short, but as the leaves start to fall and the nights draw in, it's time to take stock....to see what has worked, what needs to go and what plans need to be started for the coming year.

I had the most wonderful birthday in Glastonbury and Steve and I spent a precious week together. Lots of talking and much laughter.

There's been time to work, time to play and a little time to rest.....anyone that knows me, knows I find this one difficult ....but I am learning to slow down a little and realise that going at everything at a 100 miles an hour does not get things done any quicker....it's just taken me longer to realise that!

Oh....and did I mention having a new bathroom fitted....that took more than 2 weeks instead of the predicted 5 days??? However, it does look wonderful and I've finally cracked my shower phobia....yes that's right....no idea where in the hell that one came from....but it's been with me a long time.

We've spent time visiting family and spending time with my little Grand-daughter.....but not as much time as I would like to,

The garden is sorted at last....the house is getting there a a work in progress.

I've also bought a new camera, it takes the most fantastic pictures and hoped to show you some on here.....but Blogger is playing up and won't have any of it....so I will add them later. I just wanted to pop quickly in.....explain my absence and warn everyone I will be back very soon.

Brightest blessings

Sue xxx

Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?

2010-08-09T21:57:00.012Z

Before I blog about anything else, and just in case people think I may have died, I thought I play catch up and let everyone know where I have been and more important what I have been up to and who with.
Well after professing to never have another man ever again enter my life....one did....one so special and suited to me he was hard to refuse. Just shows you how wrong you can be sometimes....especially when you least expect it. And I am happy to say.... he feels just the same and we spend as much time together as we can.....So almost everything below has been done either with him or as a result of being with him.

Steve's also an artist, so he feeds me on an inspirational level as well as a creative level, both mentally and spiritually. Oh yes, and he's got his own blog, so go and take a look, say hi and follow him at Steve Smiths Art

Finally we got the garden finished and it more than I could have wished for. I have 3 gardens, but the back one is an awkward shape and I wanted a peace garden....so almost a year to the day after I started it....it's finally finished. Just a Japanese Acer to buy when I find the right one......

We have made a couple of trips down to the South West to see his family, for birthdays and special occasions.....

We went to a long standing friends 30th Wedding Anniversary. Good friends of mine and my late husbands, and they got a Peruvian Pan Pipe Group called Apu to play. Great fun because it's about 20 years since we last saw them play.

Then we've been to the 60's weekend in Pickering (Great fun!) And wonderfully the whole town seems to come out and support it

Ah yes, and then there have been the exhibitions. Steve enters exhibitions on a constant basis, he's much better at marketing himself than I am, and he sells more too ;o)

Then we spent a day at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.... where I had the chance to sit on the knee of the Bronze Cast naked man.....I covered his bits for dignity!

We could have spend a weekend here, we both love Henry Moore, and we both left full of inspiration and ideas. It's so lovely being able to talk shop with someone who understands.

I did however have to stop him using this one as a slide......VERY TACTILE!

And of course there have been the commissions.... A guest book....

A concertina Card......

And I've made a couple of books, codex bound. One for me with plain pages in for quotations.....

And a plain covered one for Steve, hoping he will paint the front himself. It's a mixture of plain pages for note making and watercolour pages for little paintings. Both are about 6" square

And I've been planning for my first Wedding Fair to be held locally in September.

We that just about covers it. Except I'm sure I will have forgotten something. Regular readers of My Facebook will know there has been a lot more going on and when time is so precious it's far easier to post on there than write reams and reams on my Blog.

So, thats it for the time being. We're having a lot of fun, we're both loved up and things just couldn't be better. Hopefully, those who are not on Facebook will have a brief overview of the last 6 weeks and at least you know that I'm still breathing.

Bright Lammas Blessings to my Pagan Friends. Autumn Equinox will be upon us before we know it ;o)

Oh yes..... and did I mention that my kitchen has been transformed and on Wednesday I get a new bathroom and shower......

Calling All Letter-Lovers NEW BLOG!

2010-07-07T08:36:00.003Z

Well, I've been busy, sorting out a new Blog, designed for Letter-Lovers of all kinds. It will feature Calligraphers, Lettering Artists, Sign Writers and Makers, Graphic Artists, Font Designers, Typographers, Stone Carvers, Glass Etchers.....In fact it will appeal to ALL who have a passion and love of Letters.

I will also use it as a useful resource for UK Calligraphers and Lettering Artists to promote groups and exhibitions, and hope you will link to this blog and let's get Lettering (and particularly Hand Lettering) back on the map.

Come over and have a look:

Just click on this link here

Don't forget to Follow and/or Subscribe

Spinning, Twirling and Dizzy Spells

2010-07-04T21:09:00.004Z

Well I seem to be on some sort of roundabout at the moment, spinning and twirling and making myself dizzy.....Fellow creatives will know this feeling....and when the energy is flowing madly you just have to run with it.
This dizziness doesn't happen forever, we have spells of being blocked, stuck and downright unmotivated.... perhaps its all a question of balance. The Yin Yang, Fast, slow, active, calm, hot, cold, angry, calm..... for without one we certainly can't appreciate the other. People who say they are well 'Balanced' make me cringe.... I see them as emotionally dead people, who have no feelings at all. Without hate we cannot experience love.....or if we do it's on a sliding scale of how deep.

Since Beltane (Feb 2nd) the created juices have been flowing, yes of course I've had my down days and one of these was just last week. I had some certificates to do and my eyes were particularly bad, so much so I feared the worse and thought I had had fresh bleeds... I almost gave up my business for good! But I have now decided that if work comes to me of this kind again, I will find a calligrapher to job it out to for commission or turn it down....either way, it's not worth the low self worth I felt when having to acknowledge my lack of sight.
Thankful (because I don't know where I would be without him!) the love of my life (we'll call him Pan shall we?) came to my rescue and talked some sense into me. A big hug and a swift kick up the asse always works with the Pixie.

Pan is also an artist and so fully understands the ups and downs of living a creative life. Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. What we need to do is never stop experimenting, growing and loosing sight of why we do what we do....We do it for the Love of it. It's something inside us, it's not something we can stop or ask to go away. I have created since I was a child and I believe that Creators have one thing in common, we are all child spirits.
We know and recognise our strengths and weaknesses.... and it's no big deal. At the end of the day, we feel passion, a passion that comes from deep within and one that cannot be explained or experienced by non-creators.

I do know a lot of Creatives and we all chat about the fact that there's so much creativity around at the moment. To me I believe you are either a creator or a destroyer. Asleep or awake, a giver or a taker....Giving is a creative act, taking is destructive. Peace against War. Do something for the love of it, not for the money it will bring. For if you love it, the money will follow. If you are on the wrong track, be open and awake and your path will surely be shown to you.

So, at the moment I'm twirling..... ideas are flowing.... my business is going to change pretty radically over the next few months and the fantastic thing is, I have the most wonderful man right there beside me, supporting me every step of the way. Now there's something I've never had before!

First I have to plan for a Wedding Fair to be held in September, then we are looking towards Art Shows and a Joint Exhibition. Interest has been shown in my new ideas and ventures, which I will keep under wraps for the time being. But getting out and about (at last) networking and meeting, and being among fellow artists and creatives lately has certainly being motivating.

So excuse me while my postings are a little on the irregular side... It's just I'm Spinning, Twirling and having Dizzy Spells.....With Pan .... Looks like the Pixies in lurrrrve ;o)

Magic in Glastonbury - The Dream Coat

2010-06-28T15:56:00.005Z

If Glastonbury does nothing else, it makes people smile....lots! Perhaps their ability not to take life too seriously helps. There's a more relaxed attitude to life and that probably what draws me there the most. People have time, no rushing, no deadlines, no panic.....flowing, gentle energy and lots of love and kindness going on. Regular readers of my blog will know my affinity with positive, motivational and inspirational quotations....and it's pretty much a coincidence that on our last day we met Nicola, a beautiful Pixie Spirit with her Dream Coat of many colours....well actually I never met her.....Steve picked her up first, telling me that he had met a girl in the Cafe that wanted to swap one of her dreams for his....Hmmmm....helped along by the fact that she was beautiful I expect ;o)

My first reaction was...Oh yes and what medication is she on....but then she glided out with her coat of many colours and I called her over....And no she was not on medication, nor did she want paying.....and the story of her coat brought smiles all round.

So, the idea is that each pocket holds someones dream.... And you are asked to put your dream in any pocket of your choice, but first you have to take one out......

Here's what we picked........The picture should enlarge if you click on it.....

Nicola intended to walk from Glastonbury to Pilton where the festival was being held. So if you see her on your travels, stop her and swap a Dream or Two.

Interestingly while we were chatting we found we both have a lot of similar ideas regarding the increase in Creativity that is around at the moment, we both want to teach Creativity Classes and while her idea is a Dream Coat, I want to do a similar thing with Words For Peace in the UK....An exhibition made up from donated Art, hung in a collection and exhibited in perhaps more than one venue.....At the moment, it's just an idea....gestating away and seeing how I can make my dream a reality.

What Dream would you add to the pocket???

Do you still dare to dream????

A Royal Visit

2010-06-16T23:42:00.005Z

I live pretty close to Catterick, a well known Army Base in north Yorkshire. Often I get work to do which among other things involves the inscriptions and pages in their Visitors book. This time it was for Princess Alexandra and the time before that Her Royal Highness, The Queen.

Sadly, the book has been started in and continues to be written in Gothic...not my favourite or best hand these day and definitely one that is seldom used due to it's unreadability factor.

Roll on the new book, where I will insist it is written in Italic.

In these circumstances and unfortunately, the Calligrapher or Scribe get very little or know recognition, which, looking at these letters is probably a blessing.

Hand Made Seating Plan with Calligraphy for Weddings

2010-06-16T22:38:00.008Z

Very often I get asked to do a seating plan as the grand finale to a Wedding Order. This is a last minute thing as many of the guests literally leave it till just a few days before the Wedding to confirm or cancel. It really is the last thing on the Wedding Stationery List.

This Wedding Theme was very simple and Deep Rose Red and Ivory was the only request made.

However, I felt and with consultation with the Bride that the Seating Plan would benefit from a few strategically placed Butterflies would complete the look. I left it until the arrival of the Bride before a final decision was made. The header in beautiful, matching calligraphy makes this Seating Plan ideal as a lasting reminder of a very special day.

The wings stand proud of the board itself, giving the illusion that they are taking flight. I think you'll agree that they were the finishing touches the Seating Plan needed.

You can see other seating plan ideas at my Wedding Website: North Yorkshire Weddings

or for further information or consultation Tel: 01609 776 866

Email: inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk

Personalised Baby Birth Certificates

2010-06-04T20:40:00.003Z

It's been a long time...I mean a real long time....but all I seem to have been doing for the last year is Baby Boy Certificates. Now at last a welcome relief....

a baby girl was born.......

I mean I was starting to worry that they had put something in the water round her, although even the mail order certificates were for boys too!

This one is for Alisia Marshall

Born 18th April 2010

8Lb 6 oz

These prints are personalised with the baby's name, date of birth and weight and finished with hand painted decorated squares.

Size: A3 - 29.7cm x 42cm
All available by mail order, price is £10 including P&P
and comes delivered in a board backed envelope
or £15.00 if you would like a mount adding
which makes the print fit into a standard sized, easily available frame.

I accept Paypal or Cheques
Email me at: inspiredbyscript@yahoo.co.uk
For further details

If you have a new born child to celebrate this makes a unique and personal gift.

What's Been Going On...

2010-06-01T18:17:00.002Z

Well.....lots and lots and lots and lots actually....and as most followers and readers of my blog are also friends with me on Face Book....I won't re-hash the more personal news here. However, first off, new direction and with the rethinking of my business and the need to actually not only pay my bills but also at some point in my life make a living out of it, I've started with the repainting of the Gallery...

Many paint swatches and much dilemma as well as being terrified of picking a neutral, neutral that would go with just about anything....All the shelves were painted too, so at last I feel like the whole place comes together.....much like my old place in Darlington.

The pale shelves set off the Concertina Books wonderfully.
And are just as suited to the Paler pieces of work....

As they are to the brighter pieces.....

All in all, I'm happy with the result. I have taken down old, worn out and jaded pieces of my work that no longer reflect my work now and the services available. Now, in between working I need to rehash the store room, which was originally a store room come office. I feel creatively stifled sometimes and I need to reopen my space. A good weekend and a skip seems like a good idea lol. More blogging and more photos will follow, until then, keep your Creative Spirits flowing,

Meanwhile if you want to follow me on FaceBook CLICK HERE

Brightest Blessings,

Sue xxx

Life.... and how to live it!

2010-03-29T10:24:00.000Z

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave

with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive

and well-preserved body,

but rather to skid in sideways -

Chardonnay in one hand -

chocolate in the other -

body thoroughly used up,

totally worn out and screaming

"WOO-HOO, what a ride!!"

The Creative Spirit

Funny Face Competition....

It's Wedding, Weddings, all the way.....

You are not alone.....

Feeling Creative? Need Inspiration? FREE Downloads!

Wishing on a star - Hand Coloured Birthday Cards

Smile For No Reason

Onwards and Upwards

Happy Winter Solstice everyone!

Family Matters!

Take Time To Create Something Every Day

Take Time To Dream

NEVER give up!

Honest Blogger Award!

This Time Of Year

Go A Little *WILD* Sometimes!

MOO Business Cards Rock! - 10% OFF link!

Shoot For The Moon

Start Small, Think Big!

Some hand made books

Journal Keeping for Calligraphers, Artists and Oth...

It's not a hot flush.....it's the sparks that are flying!

Inspired by Script on FLICKR

We're off to a Wedding.....

Proud Grandmother? You bet the hell I am :o)

Mini-Doodles....more Doodle Fun!

Believe in Yourself

Follow your Heart!

I'm over it....well almost!

I Am an Artist....

Are you STUCK, before even starting?

From Pen Play to Crazy Colour

Pen Play.....Doodle Fun!

Doodle Time

What a difference a new floor makes!

CREATIVITY comes from having an open mind to new ideas....

Join Us On Facebook!

North Yorkshire Weddings - Blog: Wedding Fayre in Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Lammas - It's time to reap what you sow!

Made To Order - Hot Pink and Silver Wedding Stati...

Steve Smith's Jewellery: Hand Made Dichroic Glass Bracelets,

Create the perfect business name and tag line

A Personalised Birthday Card Using Cut Letters and...

A Personalised Framed Gift and Card to Welcome a N...

Personalised New Baby Card

Beautiful.....simply, beautiful

Personalised Labels for Crafters - FREE P&P!

Barking Mad? = Yes....but I like myself :o)

Cut Letters - It's all such great fun!

New Gallery Sign

Girls Bedroom Sign- Perfect for a Princess

Ideal Baby Gift - Baby Birth Journal

Happy Hearts for positive people

Promotional Postcards for small businesses

Cut Letters - Birthday Card for Pam

Baby Girl Gift - Birth Poster

Important news!

Open Heart Surgery!

Cloths of Heaven - W B Yeats in Calligraphy

Hand Made Vintage Wedding Invitations

Meeting the Perfect Bride and Groom!

Hand Made Vintage Wedding Invitations - Finished!

Hand Made Wedding Guest Book - Tanya and David

Wedding Keepsake Box and Handmade Invitations

Hand Made Photo Album and Hand Made Guest Book - H...

Hand Lettered Place Cards

Seating Plan For Weddings

Wedding Seating Plan for Claire and John

Well, it looks like I'm here to stay :o)

Giving a wave....and a reminder to live life to the full

Goodbye is the hardest thing to say.....

Attention all you misfits, troublemakers and free spirits

Looking back at the end of a busy week

Designer Wedding Stationery and what's kept me away from the blog...

You Are Worth the Time

Catching up....the last 2 weeks

I'm working on it....

Be foiled.....be very foiled...

Moving forward.....

Work Submitted For Selection at Ferens Art Gallery

Go A Little WILD Sometimes!