Attention all you misfits, troublemakers and free spirits

Looking back at the end of a busy week

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...

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

Catching up....the last 2 weeks

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....

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

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...

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.....

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

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!!!!

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

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

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

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'....

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...

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,

"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....

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?

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!

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