Don’t Just Pin – Do

Ok, I’ll admit it, I love me some Pinterest, BUT I see so many great ideas that I am constantly just pinning and have yet to get around to actually DOING most of the things I have tagged that I love. So what about actually doing? Have we gotten so wrapped up in our electronic lives that we all of our time searching for the perfect craft.. the perfect decor item… the perfect organization idea, but less time actually DOING? I hope not… I just created this to remind me. 🙂 I am all for inspiration and I think Pinterest is great, but let’s not forget to DO!

Happy Crafting!

No Excuses

Little Apple Bay, Tortola, BVI

The sky was filled with millions of sparkling flecks lit up by a full moon that blanketed a shimmering glow of light over Cane Garden Bay. The moored boats, scattered across the bay, gently shifted from side to side. It was midnight on the small island of Tortola. The warm Caribbean tide gently lapped onto the shore while reggae beats billowed out of Quito’s bar and I danced at the water’s edge. I was in heaven. I had never felt so free–so beautiful–so calm in my own skin. I felt every grain of wet sand tickle between my toes–the warmth of the water and the warm breeze in my hair as I danced to the rhythm of the island beats. It was then that Jose (nicknamed the crazy Puerto Rican) walked up to my husband and I and struck up a conversation about the magical island.

We quickly learned that Jose grew up in poverty in Puerto Rico, but at a young age was able to start his own video rental store. He made it his life’s goal to one day retire and sail around the world. He was currently living out that dream. The island of Tortola being his favorite destination awarded him a wealth of friends that we too would soon meet.

I didn’t know it then, but our conversation with Jose would stick to my brain like glue, guiding me as a life lesson never to be forgotten. Jose made it clear to us that no matter what our dreams or ultimate goal was in life, we could never give up and never make excuses for how we lived or the choices we made. If we wanted something to be, it would be as long as we lived by these two simple words –“No Excuses”. It was those words that ring true in my head today. When I am feeling the weight of anxiety pressing at my chest I go back to that night and to that moment and I feel calm. I know that I am the champion of my success and as long as I don’t live a life built on excuses I will make my dreams come true.

Inspiration

Where does inspiration come from? Currently I am feeling unmotivated, sleepy, and lack luster. I get down on myself for it, but then realize “what a minute– it has been tough year”! There are several obvious reasons for feeling exhausted and unmotivated at times, but how do I get out of it and find my inspiration to create again? Well first, I had to make a conscious decision to take a break, take a nap, read a book, listen to my body, and live in the moment. Simply put, take care of myself first.

A friend of mine told me that most of us either live in the past, which can cause feelings of disappointment or regret, whereas some of us live in the future, which can cause anxiety or nervousness about the unexpected. Very few of us actually “live in the moment”. She mentioned that when you travel you live in the moment the most. I have to agree. When I am traveling, I feel like a new person. I have a new identity. I am up for exploring new places, talking to people that I don’t know, trying new foods, RELAXing, reading an entire book. I am definitely not concerned about what I “should” be doing, haven’t done, or what I need to do next. It is the best feeling to live in the moment. To feel the sand under your toes, not just walk over it. To taste every sip of that vanilla bean coffee, not just chug it while your applying your makeup in the morning. To dance to reggae beats at the edge of the ocean under the moon light without worrying about getting your pants wet. (Wow, just thinking about that moment I had in the BVIs made me feel better).

It’s all of those things. I want to live in the moment more—–live like I am traveling everyday. I live in Los Angeles and haven’t taken advantage of all the amazing museums and culture that surrounds me (well not like I used to). Somewhere along the line I got “too busy”. Somewhere along the line the priority to make more money to pay for expensive things and fill my schedule until I collapsed became more important. Somewhere in there I lost myself–my artistic, creative, funny, relaxed, dance in the ocean with my clothes on, freer self.

Well it’s time to get back to that. To be inspired again. But first, I must take care of myself. Let the self demands go for now and relax. Live in the moment. That is my inspiration. Enjoy today.

enjoy the moment

DABBLE Crafting Party

Dabble Scrapbook Frames

In lieu of posting a project this week, I thought I would take a minute to talk about my trip to AZ and the DABBLE craft party.

I had such a great time  in Arizona. Not only did I get a chance to catch up with family and friends, but I also got to teach a DABBLE party “She’s Crafty” at Britta’s house.  The idea behind my DABBLE crafting parties is simple, you gather your friends and I arrive with all the craft supplies to teach everyone how to make a unique craft. The parties are a fun way to spend a Saturday or Sunday morning doing something creative while socializing with your friends. For Britta’s DABBLE party, we decided to do the “scrapbook inspired frames”.  

I was excited to teach a new technique on how to make scrapbook inspired frames. In my first attempt at making the frames, I used the decoupaging  like the one I posted here under “scrapbook inspired frame”, but I figured this technique would be to involved to teach for a 2hour class. I eventually figured out a different way to create these fabulous frames and I think they came out better than I had even expected! By simply gluing paper onto the frame and sanding it off, each dabbler made a unique frame that reflected their own personal style and showcased their creativity. I was thrilled to see that everyone was having a great time and was really enjoying making their frames. It reminded me of why I created DABBLE Arts & Crafts, to inspire creativity by providing fun & easy craft projects that anyone can do. The best part of the party was that everyone seemed truly happy with what they created and inspired to do more!

Britta and Amy's Frames