Creative Resolutions Giveaway
Comments on this post are now closed. A list of the ten winners will be posted on the blog on January 1st.
Every December for as long as I can remember, I’ve asked people what their creative resolutions or goals will be in the coming year. While the rest of the world sets goals for weight loss, getting in shape, and ending bad habits, many artists take this time to make resolutions about their creative lives. Some vow to conquer a technique or medium that has given them trouble in the past. Some decide to learn a new skill that they’ve been itching to try. Some (like me) resolve to set aside more time for personal artwork.
You should make some creative resolutions for 2011—and I’m willing to bribe you to do it. Here’s the deal:
Leave a comment on this post, telling me what your creative resolutions for 2011 will be. One comment per person, please.
On January 1st, I’ll close the comments on this post, and draw names from the list of people who have posted resolutions. Each name I draw will win a free six month subscription to The Monthly Muse (or six month renewal if you’re already a subscriber).
If 10 people leave comments, I’ll draw one name. 20 comments, two names. For every ten comments, I’ll draw another name, so spread the word, because the more people who make resolutions, the more subscriptions I’ll give away. Post a link to this post on your blog, or email it to your favorite online art groups.
UPDATE 12/31 10PM: 108 comments = 10 names in the drawing.
UPDATE 12/30 4PM: 91 comments = 9 names in the drawing so far.
UPDATE 12/29 4PM: 80 comments = 8 names in the drawing so far.
UPDATE 12/28 8AM: 70 comments = 7 names in the drawing so far.
UPDATE 12/27 12PM: 50 comments = 5 names in the drawing so far.
(And for those of you who played last year, here’s your moment of truth: this is last year’s post, where 75 of you left creative resolutions. Go see how you did.)
May – You Used What?
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April – So Eggciting
Little Spring Altars
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And I’ll start, with the same creative resolution I make every year: to make more time for personal artwork in 2011, because all work and no play makes Lisa a very dull girl, indeed.
I resolve to try to think of myself as an artist.
I just love this idea, an art themed resolution. It’s easy as pie for me – make more time for my artwork!!!
I vow, I swear I do, to use my stash. If I do not get my creative juice flowing(however small) daily I will not buy stuff. Just typing this is getting me thinking…
I resolve to organize my “stuff” so that when I want to create I can create with ease and fun rather than frustration. I also resolve to set aside more time for Bento Box lunches – it’s fun to be creative with my food, too
I also resolve to take more pictures of my art!
I want to carve out time at least once per week to devote to my creativity – each week – I want to try something I have not tried before – even if a failure – I want to make sure I at least give it a shot.
I would really like to learn some additional book binding techniques and time and money have been the barrier. This coming 2011, I am going to make that a priority instead! And of course, tidy up the studio stuff so that it takes up less space!
I want to learn to be creative in shorter time periods. I waste much time because I wait for the days when I don’t have to go out of the house at all or have nothing planned to do. My DH has been retired a year now and I am not waiting for his schedule any more. If I am being artistic-he can wait or go out by himself.
This year, my creative resolution is to allow myself to be called an Artist and to share the things that I a make with people. I am a closet artist, I actually dont usually consider myself as an “artist” I cant draw or paint, but I love to make things. Besides my husband, I only have one other friend that I ever show what I make too and she always loves whatever I make. I do like to display some of my stuff in my house, but sadly I have delegated it to the downstairs “powder room” where I am basically the only one who sees my stuff.
So I vow to show off what I make, I vow to make pieces that I can put in the main rooms of my house where others can see it and I vow to consider myself as an artist and not just a chick with a craft room.
My New Years Decision, not Resolution is to update my blog once a week with my artwork. I hope to try at least one new technique a month.
I am going to get my craft items organized and make one ATC or greeting card at least once a week. I haven’t done a thing in a while because of wasting energy worrying that I am not talented enough. I plan to use up everything I have before buying anything else that hits my fancy. I have stamps I have never used and they are at least 2 years old.
I have been trying to journal for years but I find writing about myself boring. Just recently one of my groups started an altered journal so I will make an effort to update it and make art in it weekly.
My New Year’s Intention for 2011: To put my creative self forward in order to create an additional income stream that feeds my retirement nest egg.
I am going to except the fact that I am a terrible procrastinator and really try hard to do just one tiny creative thing a day and make it a habit!
I need to make better use of my time so I’m not always playing catch-up. I have a long list of things I want to try for the first time. I’m going to make an effort to try something new each month or at least make something “just because I feel like it” at least once a month.
In 2011, I am going to work in my art journal more! I’m going to fill up the journal that I started this year.
Last year’s resolve: make, write something personal, and send a handmade art – card, book, or fiber art – to one of the fabulous women woven into the tapestry I call my life. I resolve to send two each week in 2011.
2nd resolve: take better notes of my creative endeavors, and give myself a “book of notes” for Christmas in 2011. My inspiration? the Monthly Muse!
I think it is a wonderful idea to share creative resolve, regardless of whether or not I win a drawing. Thanks so much for your inspiration!
Keep going with the Fearless Painting.
Hi there, After an illness I would like to begin to get back into some creative work,I think to begin with I could join a swap to get me started along the way…….hugz J
I resolve to let myself play with anything in my stash, to stop saving stuff for someday. Someday has arrived. I will give it a try and if it doesn’t work, at least I will have learned something.
I resolve to clean up my workroom so I can find art materials when I want to use them. i have no idea
what container holds certain items. Organize and label is my primary goal. Then, make time to
actually do art and not just buy more supplies and more inspiring magazines. Also, do more artistic
scrapbooking.
I am going to ruthlessly purge my stash of the stuff that really isn’t my “thing” anymore. It’s getting given to the church thrift shop, sent/given out as RAKs, whatever I have to do to get it out of the house. Right along with that I am going to re-connect with local artists now that I know of a local shop that has crafty gatherings. And last of all, I am going to learn to use the amazing sewing machine that was donated to me.
I’m going to clean out the Craft Vortex and get more cards made in 2011.
I’d like to organize my stuff better (always a battle for me), crochet an afghan, use up or get rid of the copious amount of supplies I somehow acquired and learn to knit socks. Lets see how this year goes…
I forgot about doing this last year, so I am pleasantly surprised at how well I managed to do.
My resolutions for last year were:
Learn to crochet. – did
Make time for artistic play at least once a week. – did not
Stop buying more supplies until I have used the ones I already have (I may or may not have already broken this one) – did mostly
Organize my supplies (so I can buy more…) – well, it was a nice thought
And thank you again Lisa for everything you do – it is very much appreciated. You rock!
I resolve to dedicate time to creating things that are important and interesting to ME, without regard to final product or marketability. First on the list is finishing that altered recipe book/box I started in early December this year!
My resolution is to just ‘DO IT”! My work space is a mess, my stuff is all over the place and everytime I look at it, I feel overwhelmed. So I’ll stop thinking so much about stuff and just do it. Clean it, organize it, make it, design it, paint it, whatever it. Just DO IT!
I will finish my altered art journal. I will not harshly judge my art, I will let it live.
I am going to work hard in 2011 to not keep comparing myself to others and coming out on the losing side in my artwork. I am not confident in my artwork and therefore don’t share. I never feel “good enough”. I am going to try to teach myself that my work is about me and me only. It is an expression of one’s self. I’ve got to learn that my work does not have to fit into any mold, it is just my expression of a though, feeling or subject. It is going to be hard to teach this old 64 year old self this lesson, but I’m going to try!!
Gayle Taylor
Abilene, TX
Lisa, your giveaways are just incredible and I luv the new Valentine sheets. All those venti faces remind me that I plan to start out the year working with family photos. I want to get them either scrapbooked or made into art for the summer family reunion. I love your idea of making them into sweet valentine projects..on my list now. I will be cleaning my spaces to get started, as I’m down to about 6 inches, so starting January with that chore. I have learned to watercolor this year, so I plan to practice and expand those possibilities for art. Thanks for provoking the discussion! I smile a little brighter on the days your newletter arrives in my e-mail ;=} Happy New Year..you are a terrific inspiration!
To start a blog and make entries at least once a month.
I’m going to promise myself more time to finish those projects I’ve started that mean so much to me, and to organize my art and work space.
I’m resolved to finish one old half-done project every week, and reward myself by starting a new one.
I plan on keeping a brief art journal, writing just a bit about my daily doings in the small spaces provided in my oh-so-inspiring planner, which conveniently starts on December 27. I mean to pitchfork out the art room and get it organized so I can actually make good use of it. (It looks like a studio around the edges — time to tackle that formless mound in the middle.) I want to learn and use many new skills. Most of all, I’m resolved to express myself creatively to the best of my ability, regardless of what anyone may think — and then run something up the old Etsy flagpole and see if anyone salutes!
I should go and do a lot more walking along the beach or in the woods. I get so inpired by nature.
I’m going to clean my craft room and try to keep it orderly. lol
After reading these great resolutions, I’m going to steal some. Use my stash and Make more time for art. Then I’m going to add, submitting one piece per month for publication.
I am a collector. A collecter of magazines, of techniques, of glorious bits of everything. My stash has grown from living in an underbed storage bin to needing it’s own upstairs room. I am a planner. I plan to make something similiar to what inspired me in the magazines, to try the new techniques, to use something….anything in my stash. I never do. This year I will be a doer. I challenge myself to complete one idea a month – a reasonable goal for me to begin with.
I will play in Photoshop as I’m not good at it and want to be able to create some really fun digital art pieces – in fact, I’ve also been wanting to do an art journal, so I will resolve to make one digital art page per month starting in January for my journal and also fill it with other pages of painting, stamping, etc., etc.
I spend hours hoping from site to site and blog to blog and checking out other folks art and techniques, so I’m resolving to spend less time on the computer “looking” and more time in my studio “creating”.
I’m resolving to do art EVERY DAY not just on the weekends.
I resolve to update my blog at least once a month, so as to avoid lovingly snarky comments from my tech savvy son who checks it periodically… once a week is too often, but once a year (which is about what I do now) is NOT often enough!
I ALSO resolve to make fresh samples (of cut/shaped books, book safes, book purses, and book furniture) and get photos taken for the altered books presentations I will be making this year…. and the first one scheduled is in April!!!
My creative resolution for 2011 is to organize my art room so I can easily start and finish my art projects.
This year I want to stop being so critical of my own art. Let freedom ring and have fun while painting!!
I love this idea! I must have missed it last year. Oh well. I intend to create with abandon. I need to create for myself and not be concerned what others think of it. I will keep art journal for myself alone. I have no intention to show it to anyone.
Thanks
Anglea
I resolve to become more organized as I seem not to accomplish anything creative by spending time searching for something I know I already have!
I resolve to organize my studio, use what I own, get rid of what I don’t (I’m actually starting that!) and make more time for art…giving myself permission to just play…no matter the outcome.
I vow to keep Christmas in my heart every day of the Year!
With a full-time business, a toddler and a new baby due any day, it can be hard to envision finding any time for myself and my creative life. No excuses! Where there is a will, there is a way. I WILL make art! I will submit my art to at least two magazines/challenges this year (beginning today). I will carve out some art/creative time every two weeks, minimum. I will post some new art on my blog at least once a month. I will be more organized and efficient in my business so that my creative goals are achievable time-wise. And I will be present in the moment – enjoying my art, enjoying my children and my family, enjoying my life – not just worrying about the next thing on my to-do list.
Time, action, and next direction: I made a goals journal last year – this year I will USE it. Once a month (be specific – the first Sunday of each month) I will review past goals and write down new ones so that I can keep my goals in focus. My husband and I will do this together so we can keep each other honest, accountable and motivated (it helps to have a partner!) I will set some short-term goals that I can achieve each month and some long-term, big-dream goals which I will then break down into practical steps and actually tackle. This will help me convert my dreams into realities.
I will DO. I will ACT. I will CREATE.
My resolution will be to start a glue book. I have collected items for an entire year … and they sit waiting for attention. This year I will make it happen!! I will, I will … I will.
PARTICIPATE!!! I belong to a few groups of wonderfully talented women and I spend all my time lurking and gathering wonderful inspiration, but I get insecure when it comes time to post any of my work. Of course there is also the clean out, organize, and utilize this mountain of “stuff” .. make more time .. and so many more things that I need to do .. but I’m paring it down to one thing for this year .. PARTICIPATE!!!
I know it’s been said before, but Lisa .. you rock! I love your attitude most of all.
This year I resolve to stop feeling that the time I spend crafting or creating is wasted because I am doing something for myself instead of someone else!
I’m going to conquer hand-spinning this year. I first tried it over a year ago, and, well, Life got its big butt in the way and hand-spinning got put aside. I found my spindle and some fleece a couple days ago and by this time next year, I hope to be able to produce a yarn that can actually be used for knitting …. and enough yarn to make a full-size pair of socks.
I took a few minutes in this abnormally hectic week to think about my goals for next year, and how funny that MOST of them had to do with being more creative in different areas of my life. (working on keeping my weight off was the only different one, but I’ll learn to be creative with food too!)
My most important creative goal will be about the 3 craftgroups I am in ,as that’s where my soul really needs to be fed. The first is a very large online-yahoo group, and even though money is my main hardship in keeping up with them, the love and support and friendship I’ve found over the past 5+ years decidedly must outweigh my bank account! The 2nd is a new group I found just this year and even though it’s the newest of the three, the girls scrapbook like there’s no manana (lol to them), and that is one of my first loves. The last group is my most special I think, as these women live in my neighborhood and if not for them I wouldn’t have found the other two groups!
The last one is starting to dwindle as many do, but I adore these girls as they are also some of my closest friends and we just HAVE to keep our creative juices flowing for our own good! These are all the best goals to carry on, as my main objective is keeping the friendships with these talented women.
Good Luck to Everyone for 2011, and Keep That Creative Spirit Alive!
I want to finally use up my “stash” of craft items–paper, ribbons, yarn, fabric. I have boxes and boxes. And I need to find a way to use the cards I have made. I have made over a hundred cards and have no one to send them to, I even organized them according to style or subject–3D, TBF< IF, embroidery, stamped, then by christmas, birthday, easter, halloween, thanksgiving, etc. I want to use all the pressed flowers I have saved from my garden. I want to remember where I put things—I pressed nearly 100 queen anne's lace flowers to have a project for the kindergarteners, and now I can't remember where I put them when I was organizing!!
1. Write first draft of novel that has been swimming around in my head for five years
2. Try to art journal every day
3. Try to do artist “morning pages” every day
4. Begin an exercise routine
I’m getting so excited for the new year! 2010 was basically pretty bad and I’m ready to move on out of it! I plan to renew my Yoga practice, re-engineer my website and make selling my jewelry a high priority. I’ve vowed to explore alternate means of selling, perhaps commissioning some pieces. Marketing…..argh. But it must be done : ( Living a more creative life all around! Every day creativity for me!
Thank you for this wonderful site that always stimulates my creativity!!
Oh dear this is going to be very, maybe even too revealing. What I very badly need to do is tidy my craft/work room. I was in the middle of doing this when we got a 7.1 earthquake in September and now it is just chaos in there. I now have a week off work so that is my project for the week. I think I need a month but a week is all I have so I just need to get my head down and do it. Gather up books, stand up bookcases and then sort the books and all the other stuff. Wish me luck; I may get in there and never to be seen again!
One of my goals is to be more consistent. I begin a new project with the intention of adding it to my product line; I complete one or two, then jump to something else. I also need to get back to drawing. I’ve been working on drawing faces, but can’t seem to translate what I envision in my head to paper, so in frustration I set the drawing aside. For Christmas I received a “girly” soldering iron set. I learned to solder years ago when I worked in the electronics industry, so I’m very excited to try soldering creatively by making some jewelry. My most important goal is to use my time more effectively. Since I have so many different projects I’d like to work on and complete, I really need to make a schedule and stick to it so I can accomplish everything I would like to do.
My creative resolution is to allow myself more time for creative and fun artwork and less time for business artwork. I must remind myself that the reason I do artwork is because I have something to say or express. It is okay to create things to sell, but I must not allow it to become such a task that I no longer express myself.
I’m moving into the longtime family home, so resolution #1 is to set up and organize my new creative space well. Part of this means refamiliarizing myself w/ stash and reducing excess, and finding appropriate storage for what I’m interested in doing now (more multimedia collage and jewelry, more sewing and painting, less rubber stamping). I hope to tap into the spirit of my ancestors–specifically, mother, grandmother, aunts, great aunts–who used to do their crafting in my new space and my inherited tools, who made many useful and decorative things that already live in the house, and who passed to me not only skills but also the passion for living in the midst of ongoing creative activity.
Projects for 2011:
Art journal #1
Full-size quilt #1
A medium-lg sized acrylic painting/ mixed media piece
At least 12 ATCs with new techniques
One “significant” decorative and/or useful object for the home
Jewelry: go-withs for at least three outfits (stash use)
No new UFOs
I will make a promise to myself to call myself an artist and not a crafter and not allow others to downplay my art. I also promise to conquer a project with fabric. It might be a quilted wall hanging, a tote bag, an apron……………….whatever it turns out to be, I promise to complete a fabric project!!!!!!!!!!!! This may be my first and last completed fabric project but, who knows, I may have discovered another art form that I truly love.
I am resolving to be less critical of my artwork. I want to focus on the process because, for me, that’s where the joy is. I want to remember that everything, no matter how far it is from the ideas in my head, teaches me something important. To this end, I am creating a huge banner for the window over my art table this week that says “Just Create”.
By the end of January I will have a small room that I will be able to use just for crafts, sewing, scrapping and genealogy. I have done very little as far as anything really creative in years and really need that outlet. I am going to try some new things I have never done, like make a quilt (to hang on the wall). I have lots of craft books and patterns, so want to get the room organized so I can finally get back to doing those things I have had to put off for years. I only have one son left at home now, and he will be going into a room I just finished fixing up for him and I will get his old room to fix up just for myself. I won’t have an excuse not to do some crafts etc. So my resolution is to do crafting, this is my main resolution for the year.
Hi Lisa… well funny you would ask about this…as my hubby is asking as well as the bills roll in for my crafty lil purchases the last month lol… I really have committed to him, myself and God…not to buy one more thing until I put a dent in my stash. I see an idea I love then buy the stuff, then get distracted with umm LIFE! so…not gonna do that in 2011! NOPE!
I WILL complete 2 presentation boards for my 2 kids who will both graduate from colleges this year in May.
I WILL finish my Christmas cards by JUNE.
! WIll complete every kit I have purchased by AUG.
I WILL complete a crazy quilt I have started by DEC.
I WILL spend way less time on this computer so I can do ALL THE ABOVE!
I WILL make pretty things if it kills me!
Good Luck ALL! I so want to win, but …I see you will have many entries here.
xo cher
I only have one ‘creative resolution’ … to use what I already have in stock! I love paper and I buy it if it is different and appeals to me … regardless of whether or not I have a place to safely store it. In addition to paper I love collecting found objects … and I’m running out of room to save it all! Therefore, I do resolve to use what I already have in stock … and to try to not buy/find too much more!
My creative resolution for 2011 is is to start an art journal and to complete an art page at least once a week….I’d like to everyday but want to make it pleasurable and not set myself up to fail. So it I set for once a week, but do more that is great! If I can only manage 1 page a week then I am still accomplishing my goal so it’s all good
Shari “Rtist”
My creative resolutions for 2011 are :
to organize my craft room and make it a much more inviting space for my creative muse to come out and play.
to make some creative time for “me” projects and not just club projects, exchanges, etc.
to show how truly grateful I am for all the supplies I have by USING them and not holding on to them for that one special project (which never seems to show up!)
to browse through my library of art and craft books and try some of the wonderful projects I find in the pages. (Back to not just collecting, but using!)
Thanks, Lisa for your inspiration throughout the year. Hope you find the time to make your resolutions come true!
I will try new techniques, using supplies that I already have. I will pare down my supplies to the ones that I really use and donate the simpler ones to a local retarded citizens group for their art therapy classes. In the new year, I will develop two totally new techniques that I have never seen anyone else do. I will swap for supplies rather than buying at the local craft store. Obviously, money is an issue, but these things will also foster creativity. Finally, I will do more fabric and fiber crafts than I have done in the past few years. My mantra for 2011? U P C Y C L E ! !
I’m in for this one! I want to learn to spin this year…maybe try a drop spindle. I want to be able to spin my own yarn once in a while.
Hmmm.
1.Get organized, I thought I was, but I still cant find what is needed in a timely manner, and that takes
the spontaneity out.
2.Practice, play, with new art techniques, do this enough to find my own artistic voice.
3.Make Valentines cards this year
4.Enjoy all the altered art kits I inherited from my sister.
5. encourage others to be creative.
I’m going to do (at least) 2 new art experiences per month with my 13 month old daughter. I bought “First Art” by Marianne Kohl and love her ideas for accessible art experiences for toddlers. I’m only committing to 2 new experiences/month so that I leave room for lots of repetition of her favorites or variations on themes. Thanks for the inspiration to put creative resolutions on the table for 2011, Lisa!
I generally don’t do “resolutions” because only a very small percentage of people (myself included) ever stick to them. However, I do tend to think about what I want to do differently in the upcoming year, so I hope that counts.
I saw an interview with Patty Smith the other day and she said something I found thought provoking. She said that she forces herself to do SOMETHING creative every day, to stave off depression and lethargy. Thinking about it, this makes a lot of sense to me. When I MAKE something (even if it is not something really original) I feel better. So that is goal #1.
Goal #2 is to enable the DD in her learning quest. Recently identified as ADD (she is also gifted so the school system balked at the double label) we are now homeschooling her. So that is a big one.
Goal #3 is eating smarter (gluten-free, now) – perhaps more creatively. I am so bored of rice! LOL
Goal #4 is to find more ways to integrate the various creative hobbies I like (scrapping, minis, and mixed media) into a more cohesive creative outlet. In order to do that, I think that I will need to reshuffle my crafting space considerably. I have “reorganized” before but it never seems to :stick: so I am going with reshuffle this time! Hopefully, we will be building a new house soon, so that will give me an opp to design the room from the ground up (or below ground, as I intend on putting the craft room in the basement if the land allows for one).
Of course, there is work stuff, too, but I don’t think the MNC I work for would appreciate me posting those goals here.
I’d love nothing more than to :
1) lose a bit of weight, so I can be more energized, & that means eating healthier
2) really organize my craft stuff- there is so much of it – so that I can create with it
3) finish the quilts I inherited so that I can start one of my own
4) make a strong effort to have creative time scheduled into my week on one specific day
5) pass on a positive outlook to people I meet
6) work on my H4 idea….Helping Hands Healing Hearts
I will work on larger pieces this year….and I will explore mixed media dimensional art!.
My goals include working with beeswax in my art (I just made my first set of ATCs with this technique–very addicting!), creating my own background papers for collage by altering my existing stash of decorative papers with other mediums/techniques, and attempting some larger pieces of art to hang on the bare walls in my bedroom.
#1 To get more accomplished in a day.
#2 To post more cards on my blog.
#3 To attempt more types of creative techniques.
#4 To get that artwork I have framed and hung up.
I will – tidy up my craft room and organise my hoards of bits and pieces so I can find them when I want them. Having the supplies on-hand and knowing where I’ve put them seems to be a common thread between us crafty people!
I will – complete all my UFO’s (unfinished objects) from years past (including well intended Christmas gifts that weren’t finished in time this year).
I will – use up all my papers, stamps, beads, fabrics, wool, punches, cottons etc that I have on hand before spending my hard earned dollars on more supplies.
I will – Have fun & play & be creative everyday in some way.
I will – start my Christmas gift & card projects in July so I finish them in time.
I will – try out interesting & different types of craft with my aged care residents where I work for their recreational therapy and also mine.
I will – complete & pass Cert. IV in Leisure & Recreation for my Aged Care work.
Lastly – I will print this out so I can remember what I have committed to for 2011
I have vowed to myself to teach myself watercolors before the year is up, through using Youtube and any tutorials I can find online! This is NOT an easy task, lol! I also am starting a two new altered books, and still working on some of the ones I have started already. I am also going to try to organize my collage images and go through this stack of images….yea right….
I am going to put all of my small WIP’s in gallon ziplocks with the pattern and yarn, and put into a pop-up container. Before I start a new project I will complete one of my old ones.
My creative goal for 2011 is to try to have a less rigid design sense. I am one of those really concrete, sequential, logical types, and it’s really hard for me to design anything that isn’t exactly precise, perfectly straight, equally balanced . . . you get the picture! Anyway, I want to loosen up a little, be a little more free, and take more chances with my art. Wish me luck, ’cause it’s gonna be like pulling teeth for me for a while!
The thing that drives me the craziest is that I have to have everything perfect. I see these talented artists do collages with a bunch of unrelated stuff put together and it makes sense but when I try to do that it doesn’t make sense to me at all. So having said that my creative resolution for this year is to try and make what i would call an organized mess of collaged projects and also include more rubberstamping. This is going to be really difficult for me so wish me good luck.
I found you tonight from another site and I’m so glad I did, but my resolution for 2011 is to cut down on the blog-hopping and time-wasting playing online games and get back to crafting in the evenings. I have a huge stamp collection that is sitting gathering dust and I miss getting my ATC swaps in the post.
My resolution for 2011 is to start art school finally after 20 years of regretting not going.
my creative resolution…….to see myself as an ARTIST, not a “cut and paste crafter”. I will have more faith in my ability!!
This year will be my first year as a retired person! While I miss my job as an elementary school secretary, I can no longer use it as an excuse as to why I haven’t had time to be creative. I have hung a calendar in my craft area and each day I am going to spend time painting, drawing, writing, or creating! I have also started a card ministry in my church and I am hereby telling the world that I am going to send at least 1 of my (huge stash of) handmade cards a day to encourage someone else! I am certainly blessed and hope that I can bless others with this new “chapter” in my life!
This year my goal is to start a daily art journal. I’ve been saying for years that I’m going to do one, but now 2011 is the year to make it happen!
Hmmm… Well, here goes:
1. USE WHAT I HAVE before spending any more money on craft supplies. I have a ton of supplies I’ve purchased but then never used. So I guess to go along with that, 2. ORGANIZE what I have, so I can find the dang bails/glue/head pins when I need them, so as to avoid having to go out and buy more supplies that I know I already own, somewhere around here… And 3. I will try to re-boot my etsy shop, to hopefully support my crafting habit.
my goals this year are 1.to create more consistently all year for my sales in the fall so that I still have time for paper and playing .2. To paint my way out of my stash without buying more. 3. to promote my art more online etc to be able to sell all year.
I already have a sweet sub to the Monthly Muse, but am going to share, anyway . . .
I AM going to at least work on some something art EVERYDAY. As in, with my hands.
Not just read about it, or think about it–both of those are great, but I’m going to get
my hands in it every day. EVERY day. Everyday. Even if it’s just a few minutes, even
if it’s just a little sketching.
Gonna do it.
For serious.
The last three years have been the pits, due to death, lawyers, estranged family members, lack of finances, infighting, etc.
2010 seemed the worst.
2011 is going to be different. Do more artsy stuff and I don’t care what anyone says about it.
Read more books.
Take my camera out and take more pictures.
Take some classes.
Finish writing the great Canadian novel (heh, just had to say that) and start on the next one.
Most of all, be good to myself, to heck with the anger slapping my way. Tough.
I have four main goals for the coming year:
1) To get my creativity coaching and workshop business up, running and successful
2) To continue experimenting with new techniques, especially those related to mixed media and altered art
3) To make personal creativity a daily practice with daily journaling as the foundation
4) To find, develop and nurture connections and relationships with other creative people, both online and off
Well, like a few others have already said… I want to USE what I have (I have some incredible things in my stash!) and sell off (through etsy) what I won’t use (which means using tough love and NOT continuing to save things for SOMEDAY) AND I seriously want to fill more pages in my art journal!
I also NEED to clean and organize my studio and stash annex (many hidy holes all over the house!)
Happy New Year to you Lisa!
I have several goals this New Year:
1. I am going to organize my craft area, particularly my rubberstamps, so I can spend more time creating and less time ‘searching’ ,
2. I am going to make it a priority to finish the altered book I started 2 years (or was it 3?) years ago.
3. Start an Art Journal.
4. Learn more about my camera and do more with some of the wonderful photographs I have taken!
5. Finish projects instead of ‘setting them aside for later’.
5. Look back a year from now and feel very proud of everything I have accomplished!
My creative goals for 2011:
I will manage my time more efficiently so I have the time and energy to create.
I will complete the organization of my very small studio space to accommodate my photography, paper art, book art and mixed media passion.
I will finish clearing out the last of my quilt making supplies, fabrics and books to sell on EBay.
I will teach myself the art of calligraphy.
I have joined an online group (Project52) committed to producing creative work at least once a week.
I will complete the projects that I start.
I will write all my ideas and inspirations in my art journal instead of on small pieces of paper.
I will continue to make ATCs using new techniques.
I will finish the scarf I have been knitting for the last 4 months.
I will make note cards for sale using my photography and mixed media.
I will use the art supplies I have purchased in the last few months.
I will actually refer to the books in my reference library.
I will review on a monthly basis, my progress on these goals.
I will make 2011 the most productive art year ever! Celebrate your muse.
Well, I have quite the stash of products and ideas of how to use some of the bonanza I’ve got. My resoution is to worker harder so that my studio is in shape. Right now it shares a bedroom with the dog’s daybed and this computer. The other two walls are PERFECT to set up those long tables like displays are often seen. I could then organize the heck out of all the stuff ~ from the brass charm, “A” to the great ton quilting fabrics I’ve acquired ~ both with crazy quilt activity upon them to a stamped set of nursery rhymes — just like my gramma made for me abou t51 years ago!
I gotta get rolling on all this for sure!
Happy New Year’s Blessings,
Stephanie
My main goal for 2011 is to get all my art supplies organized.
I am fairly productive(in 3 ATC groups all with additional group projects) but I waste so much time looking for supplies that I have but can’t find.
I need to consolidate everything into 1 general area instead of dining room, kitchen and basement. Always have so many projects I want to do but must get things better organized.
My other goal is to use what I have instead of buying more!
I resolve not only to make more time for art every day – even if it is a short time period – I resolve to share art with more people in my life. Whether we talk about art, visit galleries, shop for supplies or create together I will involve those around me more.
Lisa –
You are one of my inspirations, and your store is my favorite online store – my creative resolution for 2011 is commited – I am commited to using up my resources, going green and using found items, and making a major lifestyle change.
Have a happy 2011!
Huggies,
Missy
Thank you for this opportunity to put in writing what I want to accomplish for 2011. I resolve to learn how to scan and send pictures on my computer. Also I paint in oil and acrylic but just can’t seem to master watercolor so I will try to find a class to give me some of the basics. I love this site and appreciate how well you have put it together. Happy New Year.
Thank you for having such a wonderful site. My 2011 resolutions are that I will learn how to scan and send pictures on my computer. I will also like to learn how “digital” works. As an artist I would like to master watercolor painting. Have a wonderful and Happy New year.
My goals for 2011 are to use up a lot of my fabric stash, get a better understanding of
Photoshop, and to make and send cards frequently to family and friends throughout the
year and not just for special occaisions. Then there is the 4′X5′ collage I have been meaning
to create for my den.
I just love your groups and your continued generousity. Have a Happy New Year.
I am new to the art scene so I have plans of learning many new things.
One of the things that I’m most looking forward to is starting an Art Journal. I am very grateful to those in the past year have pointed out to me that I have potential to be an Artist. So Thank you for the encouragement 
I really love your website Lisa, I find much inspiration here. Happy New Year!
to use all the FIMO I have collected before its all rock hard
to use all the soap/lip balm/bath balm supplies up
to use all my acrylic paints in stenciling projects before they dry up
to not buy any more paper, inks or rubber stamps
and if I do buy something new, to inventory it right away
not to buy something because everyone else is
to simply my life by being better organized with my craft supplies and therefore waste less time looking for stuff
to learn how to use my digital camera better, upload photos etc
and not to commit to big projects
After many a-failings , this year I’ve started already on my artsy resolutions.
1. donate to a worthy cause my surplus or unwanteds, which I gave to a local group
2. Work on ideas for outdoor art
3. Scouting resale venues
In the New Year 2011 I hope to finally put my supplies into the many
storage items that I have collected throughout the year at various sales
so that I can actually spend my time creating instead of searching for
each item I want to use. Also want to create in my Art Journal, something
which I have neglected this year, start making more cards instead of
resorting to sneaking off to the store to purchase them because I
can’t find my “stuff.” My husband and sons would actually like to
be able to see each other across the table (a pile o’ craft items)
more often too, and oh yes….how about finding a new home for
that stack of craft/art magazines standing alongside the craft room
door, and and and……….
Happy New Year 2011 to all of you.
This year I finally have my own space again to create. I am reveling in it, and plan on getting into better habits for creating in 2011.
My biggest goal is to have more confidence in my projects and not to hide my art away. I have no problem sharing some things but anything that’s all mine I don’t let anyone see. Part of that for me is going to be trying to sell some of my OAK stuff.
I am viewing 2011 as my year, and am really hoping to show my girls that no matter what you can follow your dreams.
I want to be more accountable to ME. Set realistic goals and count more on actual schedules and lists.
Here I come 2011!
My goal this year is to spend more me time creating art that I can gift to friends that love and support me but for whom I have not trusted to enjoy my creations.
Despite having a huge volume of ephemera, embellishments and collage sheets, I really haven’t done much art-ing for a couple of years. In order to change that I have set several goals:
- I have signed up for some Art Journal workshops starting January 1, which will give me a project to work towards.
- I will clean off the table in my room so there is space to work.
- I will box up things I’m not likely to use and donate them to a community arts program.
- I will cut back on my list of “projects I will do someday”, and will offer items to my art supply swap group.
- I will get all my papers into storage bins and shelves rather than piles on the floor.
And I think that will do for January goals.
Happy New Year everyone, and may 2011 be safe, healthy and creatively productive.