2014 Goals & One Little Word

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Happy 2014! I've been reflecting on 2013 and thinking of my goals and intentions for this new year.  I've been using Jessica Swift's Goal + Intention kit, and I am also thinking of getting Leonie Dawson's workbook too. I need all the help I can get. ;)

This year for my word of the year, I picked FOCUS. I have a tendency to be all over the place, start things but never finish them, and try and do too many things at once.  This year I want to focus on what's important, and finish what I start.

2014 Goals:

1. Read at least 1 book a month. I will be posting what book I intend to read on here, and you can read along if you like, like a mini book club. 

2. Take more ME time, which includes exercising, eating better, and pampering myself more. I bought 2 vegan cookbooks, Bake & Destroy and The Happy Herbivore: Light & Lean, to help me make healthy yummy meals for me and my family. I'm working on my fitness calendar this weekend, and plan to start Monday. 

3. Print more pictures. I had a dream my laptop got stolen and I was super sad about the loss of all my pictures of Amelia. That is probably a sign I need to back my pictures up somewhere else, but I would like to print and display more in our home. I would also like to scrapbook more. I have tons of supplies, I just need to print some pictures and take the time. I actually have a fun tutorial coming up on the blog, so stay tuned for that.

4. Decorate our home. We've lived her for at least 5 years and I've hardly decorated. My main issue is indecision. With the help of Pinterest I've narrowed down some colors and other fun things I would like to try this year. I'll try and remember to take pictures to post my progress on here. 

5. Build my brand. This past year my blog, art, and biz has come so far and so has the evolution of my Scrawny Girl brand. I can't wait to see where it will lead this year. 

Do you make resolutions or goals? What is your big one for the year?

The Unicorns Made Me Do It

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I'm working on some rad new changes to the blog for 2014. You can already see some change with my blog layout and logo. I really wanted my little space here to be more of a reflection of me and the growth I've made as an artist. I'm also going to have lots of new arty things to look forward to in the new year! 

I appreciate every single person who takes the time to read my blog, leave a comment, and chat with me on Twitter! Interacting and making new friends makes having a blog even more fun! I made a short blog reader survey to get some feedback from all you lovelies. It's not long and you can click here to fill it out. 

Thanks again, and Happy Holidays! xo

Scrawny Girl Shop Update: Chibi Dolls

I just listed 4 of my Chibi Dolls for sale in my Etsy store. I am working on a few more that I hope to list this weekend, so stay tuned for an update. :)

My Chibi Dolls were inspired by my original Scrawny Girl dolls, The Powerpuff Girls, and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who inspired the BIG bows! If you don't know who Kyary is, check out this fun video:



I am currently working on lots of fun patterns and thinking up Christmas goodies! In the works is a boy doll and a mermaid.

Are there any dolls you would like to see made? I'm hoping to make some time to work on my Power Ranger pattern. :)

****SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE**** As thanks for taking the time to read my blog, I am giving my readers a special discount code through MONDAY August 5, 2013. This code is good for 30% off a Chibi Doll! Please use code: BLOGLOVE01

Thanks again for all your support! :)

Find Your Voice: Week 3

It took me a while to finish this weeks worksheet and project, but I finally found some time to focus and think about it.

1. What stories do you want to tell? Your stories? Stories about others? The BIG stories? or the everyday life detail stories?

I want to tell the everyday stories of me, my friends, and family. I want to make sure I don't forget the little things. Things that bring simply joy to our everyday lives.

2. What do you want from your creative life? Escape? Recognition? Relaxing? Memory keeping? Tradition?

Creative life: purpose, expression, fulfillment, happiness and a chance to share that happiness. Eventually I would like to make my creative life into a career to help support my family.

3. How do your storytelling and creativity goals fit into the rest of your life goals? Do you need to make room for new priorities in order to meet your storytelling and creative goals or are you comfortable with where you are right now?

I definitely need to make more time for these goals and myself. As a new mom this change has been really hard for me, but hopefully by organizing my time better I can make my goals happen. Right now I am able to stay home to take care of my daughter, which also gives me the opportunity to work towards my goals in a way I've never been able to before.

The creative prompt I chose was to create a project that makes you happy and come up with 5 reasons why it makes you happy. And how do the reasons compare with your creative goals?

I chose a painting I have been working on. I won't call it finished yet, but I think it's getting closer. Here it is at a stopping point:

And here it is, where I've stopped for tonight:

This is completely out of my comfort zone and I was trying some new techniques. I almost went in the direction I usually go by adding a cute face on there, but painted over it. I wanted a more abstract feel, which I've never tried before. I was inspired by Paramore's song "Still Into You".

5 Reasons This Painting Made Me Happy

1. Listening to music and painting helps me to relax. I can just be messy, play and bop my head to the beat.

2. I suck at expressing my emotions. Painting helps with that, even if no one ever sees it.

3. Teaching myself new things makes me feel happy and accomplished.

4. Having paint on my hands shows that I've been working on something joyful.

5. This painting makes me think of the love I have for my husband, even if it's corny. But we are corny. And if I want to get all deep and arty about it, I could compare our love to blossoming flowers growing into something beautiful. How we began and the journey to where we are today. LOL But that makes me feel all awkward even typing it, so lets stick with we are corny.

Here's the music video (just for fun)!


If you would like to participate in the Find Your Voice workshop (IT’S FREE!!), check out the links below:

Click Here to learn more about Find Your Voice

Download lesson one here

Join the facebook group

Sign up for lessons delivered straight to your email

Find Your Voice: Week 1

I am really enjoying this project. I took me a while to get started, but it all started falling into place late last night. :)

Here is the cover of my SmashBook that I am using. There is a nifty pocket in the back to put my worksheets.

 

Here are a few fun supplies I picked up at Target this morning that I can't wait to use!

It took me a while to fill out the worksheets, and for a few minutes I felt kinda stressed, but I went and watched some My Little Pony and got some perspective. I'm not deep or philosophical. I'm pretty laid back and I like cute things. So my worksheet is a true reflection of me (also with the lack of sentences, just words and phrases, that's how I think). I also had to start with the last question and work my way to the first...

Lesson One: Intro
What is storytelling to you? What stories do you want to tell?
Story telling is about the journey (good and bad), the little things, and the memories. I want to tell all the things I never want to forget. My treasures, memories, and love!

Who are you?
quirky, phase-y, colorful, kawaii, adventurous, aware, indecisive, learning focus, growing, brave

What are your storytelling goals? How do they fit in with the rest of your creative and life goals?
goals: be expressive, find myself in this new stage of life, try something new
fits in: be creative always (in everything), find happiness in the everyday, discover the spirituality within myself, be a positive role model for my daughter

What are your favorite stories? What do they have in common?
Fav stories: Sailor Moon, Harry Potter, Edie, Legally Blonde, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Enchanted, Beauty and the Beast
Common: magic, humor, romance, tragedy, LIFE!, action, spontaneity

What styles do you find aesthetically pleasing? What are you drawn to visually?
faces, eyes, color, simple, cute, black and white with pops of color, vintage, kitschy, minimalist flare

Which storytellers do you admire?
Josh Ritter, Lisa Loeb, Jewel, Jenny Lewis, Ayn Rand

What is your ideal story? What are you looking to get out of the FYV workshop?
Ideal story: real, raw, magical, journey, spiritual, awakening

I know my answers may not make much sense to you, but that's ok.

If you would like to participate in the Find Your Voice workshop (IT'S FREE!!), check out the links below:

Click Here to learn more about Find Your Voice

Download lesson one here

Join the facebook group

Sign up for lessons delivered straight to your email

30 Before 31

I'm always making goals and long lists, but I have a hard time sticking to any of it. But I do enjoy making the list and trying. Here are my 30 Before 31 goals (yes I'm 30 OMG!):

1. Make a cheesecake from scratch.
2. Take a sewing class
3. Go to a yoga class. (I tried Zumba last year)
4. Finish knitting the baby blanket I started.
5. Visit Marfa or Santa Fe (or both!)
6. Go watch a movie at the Drive In
7. Plant flowers and keep them alive. (Doing pretty good so far!)
8. Make an exercise journal and find a routine that works for me. (Bye bye baby weight!)
9. Get a treadmill and run a mile a day. (It's too hot to run outside right now)
10. Clean out closet
11. Finish writing and illustrating my children's book.
12. Get screen printed items up in my etsy.
13. Finish making artwork for Amelia's room.
14. Do or sign up for a local craft fair.
15. Read 25 books. (Should manga count?!)
16. Finish my embroidery projects (tea towel and tote bag)
17. Learn to crochet a granny square
18. Sponsor on 3 different blogs to promote my blog and etsy.
19. Have a garage sale
20. Frame/display pictures
21. Finish Amelia's baby book.
22. Finish wedding scrapbook (3 years later).
23. Decorate our bedroom.
24. Go on a picnic.
25. Learn how to manually use my camera.
26. Finish painting the interior of the house.
27. Upgrade my blog and get a redesign.
28. 7 paintings
29. Make a functional and inspiring creative space.
30. Recover our old recliner.

What are your goals? I'm starting today, so you can too!

Scrawny Girl Etsy Shop Open

I tried a few different selling platforms and decided to stick with Etsy. I felt like this was the best decision for my business for now. I have 7 handmade dolls up for sale, with 3 of them on sale. The sale dolls are patterns I designed, but didn't love. I'm super excited to have found a focus, and I have really enjoyed designing and sewing these dolls. I can only foresee lots of fun experimenting with my designs, and improving my sewing skills.

Please check out my shop and let me know what you think or if there is something you'd like to see! Thanks!

That's What She Said Sunday

 

I usually wing it, but I am working on that planning thing.

Happy Sunday

Goals/Resolutions for 2013

[caption id="attachment_131" align="aligncenter" width="584"] by Kelly Rae Roberts[/caption]

When thinking of my goals/resolutions for the New Year, I remembered this post and print by Kelly Rae Roberts. It has inspired me to get this year started on the right foot, to focus on the positive, and not to forget to just live in the moment.

2013 Goals/Resolutions:

1. Be Brave: This year is all about taking chances, and doing all those things I only dream about. Being brave is also about letting go. I plan to ask myself, "is this holding me back, or moving me forward?" This covers a broad range of topics, from my art to my home.

2. Embrace Change: There have already been so many changes in my life and the year has barely started. Having a baby has changed my life completely, and the transition to motherhood has been a bit rocky, but I think I am starting to get the hang of it. We have lots of big decisions to make, and I have no idea where they will take us. What I do know, is that embracing the changes and keeping a positive attitude will keep me happier than worrying and fretting.

3. Stay True: I feel as though I am at a turning point in my life where I am changing and growing as a person. I want to embrace this change, but stay true to myself. It's crazy how much my tastes, style, and thoughts are evolving. I'm not sure if this change has to do with turning 30 or becoming a mother (perhaps both), but I'm definitely growing up and it's kinda weird.

4. Celebrate Everything: This year I want to celebrate and document everything. I think this year will be exciting as I see it through the eyes of my daughter. Watching her grow everyday has been cause to celebrate, and I can't stop taking pictures of her and kissing her cute face. Everything seems new and exciting as we just live each day as a new family. I am working on doing a 365 photography project, and it only seemed natural that Amelia is my muse. :)

What are your goals/resolutions for 2013? Leave a comment, I'd love to know what is going on with you for 2013!

Happy 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's!

I turned 30 on New Year's Eve, and my wonderful husband took me to the closest book store for a latte and a browse through the crafty books and manga. I'm an easy girl to please.

It was our first outing with Amelia (and using the stroller), which was an overall success. Being a new parent is definitely a learning experience and a daily challenge. :)

Right now I am working on my goals for the new year, and thinking on some major life decisions in between feedings and trying to catch some sleep.

So, here's to a new year of awesomeness and adventure!

Happy 2013!