iPhones, eReaders & the Future of the Written Word

Hand-Stitched POP UP iPhone leather sleeve (Dark brown embossed-croco) $49 USD by zenokleather.etsy.com

I love technology, I really do. I think I'm part artist and part aspiring computer nerd. Just recently I upgraded my already outdated flip phone for an iPhone4. I was instantly hooked! I'm also new to blogging. With my laptop at the ready, my fingers fly across the keyboard with more ease and efficiency than I could ever achieve by hand.  My husband loves his new eReader which already contains a gazillion books! With so many resources at our fingertips, what's not to love?

Although I love technology, I also love the feel of a real, physical book in my hands. I like the feel of the paper as I turn the pages. I've also noticed that my handwriting has become pitiful over the years and is now barely legible. My fine motor skills for handwriting has diminished considerably because I don't do it much anymore.  This affects my ability to sketch too as I don't partake nearly as often as I'd like.

"Are we fated to lose the skill of beautiful handwriting that our forefathers achieved in exchange for text messages and emails?"

So what's the future of the written word? Are we fated to lose the skill of beautiful handwriting that our forefathers achieved in exchange for text messages and emails? And what about our books? What will happen to all those shelves of treasured tomes? Will they simply be discarded for one slender eReader? r u catching my drift? LOL



Fine Art Abstract Books Painting 24 x 36 x 1.5 Custom Spicy Large Wall Art  $325 USD by ContemporaryEarthArt.etsy.com


Personally, I'm not really all that worried about the future. I believe our most treasured books will remain and our harlequin romances will be on the e-reader. I'll text message "r u coming home 4 dinner?" and I'll handwrite a special "Thank You" card. There's nothing wrong with saving a little space and trees for that matter. As the old saying goes, "there's a time and place for everything".

"I'm not really all that worried about the future."

As for handwriting, there are more amazing handmade pens and journals available than ever before for those of us who still love to handwrite.

For my part, I intend to continue researching and learning ancient bookbinding techniques to preserve and share. I've decided to learn some calligraphy too to enhance the beauty of my handwriting and refine my motor skills. I intend to keep handwritten journals too.

The future is what we make of it and I expect we'll strike a beautiful balance in the long run.

On my quest to find the perfect handmade pen, I found many on Etsy and couldn't resist! I bought several and am joyfully anticipating what they will be like to write with when they arrive!  For example, I'd never seen a glass dip pen before and already I'm a collector! Just look a my new pen collection!




Purchased from jnagadhana.etsy.com




Purchased from jnagadhana.etsy.com

 ....plus I bought this chance vintage find...



Vintage Handmade Glass Pen from VintageNecessities.etsy.com


Aren't these handmade glass dip pens amazing? Click here to see how they work! And last but not least, I purchased a beginner's calligraphy book, some ink and this handmade treasure...



Twig dip pen set, Hobbit pen. Gift box set  by alternativeartsupply.etsy.com



What are you doing to balance technology with tradition in your life?  What do you think our future holds for the written word? Leave us your comments!

Creatively yours,
Christine


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5 Ways To Add Creativity to Everyday Living

Creativity is our birthright! It’s part of everything we do and whether we realize it or not, we create our own reality everyday. Artistically speaking though, there are times when we may need a little inspiration to help us reach our goals.  For me, the key is to do at least one thing everyday to satisfy my creative needs.

But with busy lives, families and multiple commitments how do we find the time? The answer is to carve just a few minutes out of each day for our inner child to play. Expressing our creativity breaks up the mundane aspects of life and can even add a little magic when you need it most!

"Creativity is our birthright!"

Here are 5 tips that don’t cost money and only takes a few minutes. Pick one and get started!

  

1.  Pick some fresh flowers from your garden or go for a little hike and collect pinecones, twigs, fallen leaves etc. Arrange them yourself in a new creative way.  Play with color combinations, texture and size.  Add unusual embellishments or ephemera from around the house. If this sounds too complicated, try going very stark and simplified i.e. a single flower in a vase partially filled with stones and water.

Wooden Striped Circle-Shaped Flower Vase $15  by JillianJonesEnt.etsy.com

 2. Take a small sketchbook to work everyday.

Sketch for 10 minutes at some point during lunch or break time. If you can’t think of something to sketch, choose simple images or photographs and paste them on the opposite side of the page.  Over time, your observational skills will improve along with your results. Most importantly, keep it simple, use any ordinary pencil and stop after 10-15 minutes. Don’t worry about the quality of the sketch; simply try to enjoy the act of creativity and the rejuvenation it can offer you. When I used to work in a stressful corporate job, this activity totally switched up my energy and mood. It changed my day!



Mini Rustic Suede Sketchbook $20 by christinemarieford.etsy.com



Pencil King $30 by katsiki.etsy.com

3. When you make a meal, use your creativity to make the presentation interesting. Adding a garnish like parsley or arranging foods on the plate in a pleasing way can make an otherwise ordinary meal into something exciting.

Ceramic Tapas Plate Set $36 by artsielady.etsy.com

4. Take some time to enjoy your favorite craft. If you don’t have one yet, start by reading. There are many craft blogs and books available. By browsing through, you may just find something new and exciting to try.  Reading fiction can also stimulate your imagination rather than simply watching a movie. Try using the search word "Tutorial" on Etsy and just see what comes up! Here's a couple that look great to try.

NEW Tutorial 8 How To Create Perfectly Textured Multi-Dimensional Focal Beads $15 available at SCDiva.etsy.com

Clutch Tutorials & 6 patterns (10 inch, (2) 8 inch, 6 inch, 4.5 inch, 3 inch) - $8 by whilebabynaps.etsy.com

 5. Get outside! Take a little time each day to be outside. Breathe in the fresh air and really take in your surroundings. Listen to the sounds. Look closely at what’s around you. You might even see or hear something that inspires your next art or craft project!

A Place to Be - 8x8 Art Print - A soothing blue ocean view on a sandy calm beach. $30 by donnageissler.etsy.com

Here’s a bonus tip you might like to try too!

6. Start a journal. Spend a few minutes each day to record your thoughts. If you don’t know what to write just keep going and you may find that in fact you do have something to say.  The very act of writing is intrinsically creative and you may be surprised at what’s inside just waiting to come out.

30% OFF Steampunk Handmade Journal and Free Bookmark - Ready to Ship $30 by keilantra.etsy.com

These are just a handful of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.  The most important advice I can give to anyone looking to become more creative is to do your best not to judge yourself during the process. Persevere and be persistent. Rewards will come to you, though not always as you might expect. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are AOK. In fact, they can lead you to your most brilliant ideas. Focus on the process, not the result.

"Mistakes are AOK. They can lead to your most brilliant ideas."

How do you stay creative? Share your tips here by leaving us a comment! 

Creatively yours,

Christine

© 2011 Christine Marie Ford

The text of this article is the property of Christine Marie Ford and may only be reproduced only with expressed written permission.

Ask The Experts! Call for Participants



Photo courtesy of John A. Ford


One of the advantages to having a new blog is that I have the time, opportunity and energy to connect with my readers personally. I'd like to know more about you and how I can assist with your creative pursuits. It is my hope to build my blog into a creative haven and source of inspiration for artists and crafters alike.

Are you experiencing any creative struggles right now? Is there a creative block, unfinished project, time constraints or something else holding you back from reaching your goals? If so, email me at cwelshford[at!]yahoo.ca and you may be chosen for some free one on one help from me with your story and work published on my blog!

"I'd like to know more about you and how I can assist with your creative pursuits."

My expertise is fairly diverse ranging from performing arts and music to visual arts, especially fine art fiber wallhangings, quilting, beaded jewelry and stitched bookbinding. I also have a lot of experience selling my work online at christinemarieford.etsy.com

If I don't have the answers, I'm fortunate enough to be surrounded by a rich community of experts in the arts who love to solve creative puzzles. I hope to continue this as an ongoing series with guest experts from time to time.

Contact me and tell me a bit about yourself along with a detailed description of the creative challenge you're facing right now. If chosen, we'll do our best to solve your dilemma and feature your story and work on this blog.

What creative challenges do you face? How do you over come them? Leave us your comments!

Creatively yours,
Christine