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 Just recently I upgraded my already outdated flip phone for an iPhone4.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


Visit me online!
Website: http://www.christinemarieford.com/
Shops: christinemarieford.etsy.com
            www.100milefinds.com/christinemarieford
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Introducing TAFA!

For all you textile and fiber art lovers, I'm pleased to introduce you to...

The Textile and Fiber Art List

I'm proud to be a new member of this incredibly talented and vibrant community of artists who use fabric and fiber as their medium of choice. Rachel Biel the creator and organizer of this group works tirelessly to bring textile and fiber artists to the forefront.  With over 300 members and growing, TAFA is proving itself to be a force to contend with.  Here's just a small sampling of the incredible talent within its membership.


"Henry The Octopus" $1500 bbusbyarts.etsy.com




Crochet Daisy Brooch Blue Green Teal in Fine Thread $20 by Nothingbutstring.etsy.com

Handbag OOAK Freeform Crochet - Guru - Deep Water $250 by rensfibreart.etsy.com



Tree of Life Quilt - Custom Designed $200 by OhMadeThreads.etsy.com





Burlap Journal: Repurposed Rice Bag Burlap Chalkboard Eco Friendly $16.15 DharmaKarmaArts.etsy.com





Forest Collection Quilt Art Handmade Wall Hanging $225 cimdyrquilts.etsy.com




FEATHER LYRICS -Peacock tail- reclaimed fiber earrings $15 Hagarae.etsy.com



Black, White and Red Petunia Style Sweater Coat, Size Medium (10-14) $350 Brendaabdullah.etsy.com

Felt Wall Hanging / Bright Eyes $350 CloverleafFibreArt.etsy.com



Handmade Fiber Art Bracelet Beach Glass $55 pdlugos.etsy.com



Sunflower Garden silk art quilt, original art $225 by AsianArtAndQuilts.etsy.com

I'm so inspired! If you'd like to know more about TAFA or to join, here's a few links you may be interested in.

TAFA's Website: http://www.tafalist.com/

TAFA's Member Blog: http://tafateam.blogspot.com/

TAFA'S Etsy Team

Check out my new TAFA profile!
http://www.tafalist.com/2011/08/christine-marie-ford.html

Go to TAFA's Website for a complete list of links.

Creatively yours,
Christine

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

Taking a Break From My Break

Since my last post "Breaking" News, there's been little change in my recovery. Feeling cooped up and isolated for more than a month is beginning to take its toll and I need a change of scenery. Fortunately my parents have a fantastic cottage in Gloucester Pool near Orillia Ontario. In a few hours I plan to be on the road to a northern getaway for a couple of weeks before officially starting physio on my newly reconstructed shoulder.

Photo by John A. Ford copyright 2010

Normally when I plan a cottage trip the car is packed to the brim with art and craft supplies and a modest bag of clothes and toiletries. This year will be different. After all what can I do when I can barely do anything? At least that was my brief thought in a moment of despair at the long road of recovery ahead of me. Once I began to think, I came up with a list of activities to get creative even when I can't yet create any of the artwork or crafts that I so enjoy. Don't worry, I still plan to spend lots of time smelling the roses, taking in the fresh air and hopefully swimming in the lake. These activity ideas are to help deal with my restless side and constant craving for the creative. Plus I feel more empowered knowing that there are lots of things I can do if I feel like it.

Blog
The cottage may be up North but by golly we've got wireless. My laptop will be handy whenever I need to stay connected.

Take Photos
It might be awkward since the button is on the right and my right hand as of yet doesn't get much higher than my waist but it's a little point and shoot device. I'm sure I can click using my left hand instead. Hopefully I can get some great shots to inspire future art projects.

Sketch
I just recently purchased new sketching pencils which are all sharpened and ready to go. Luckily I'm left handed and my injury shouldn't interfere with my sketching abilities.

Journal
This is a good time to take up some journalling. I can write about my journey. I could also keep track of ideas and inspiration as it comes for future projects.

Organize
Lots of great opportunities are coming up for me in the fall. I hope to take a few minutes from my R&R to add some important dates and events to my calendar. Oftentimes I feel overwhelmed by the task of running my studio full time and steering my career towards greater success. Sometimes it's good to have time to just research, organize and prioritize my tasks for when I'm back in full swing.

Read
I plan to read murder mystery novels just for pure entertainment. When I feel the need to learn something new, I've got a couple of brand new books on blogging, one of which is "Blogging For Dummies". I can read to my heart's content without any pain. I follow lots of blogs as well and hope to catch up on them.

Well, I think this is plenty of possibilities to keep me busy during my vacation. Maybe I'll be blogging away out on the deck or maybe...I'll do nothing at all but laze by the lake...

"Breaking" News

Wow it's been a while since my last post. I've got oodles of articles and ideas just waiting to come out but a recent set back has me in creative limbo among other things.

In May, I decided to put my commitment to living healthier to the test by getting rid of my car and walking to my studio. It’s about 3km each way and things were going well. I decided to take things up a notch and got my bike all tuned up. Unfortunately on June 10th, the second day of biking to the studio, I had a bad accident and shattered my right shoulder among other injuries. It was a tricky steep hill and in retrospect, quite out of my league.

I waited in agony for 2 weeks before having reconstructive surgery and am now in recovery. The 2 week wait and my attempt to get help at 3 different hospitals piqued the interest of many local newspapers including the Toronto Star. (Worst photo of me EVER!)

I have been told to expect things to go slow and bumpy and so far it’s true. Each day I have small triumphs showing signs that recovery is happening. For example, I can finally type with both hands! It's painful and tricky but I can do it! If nothing else, I can now stay in touch and blog to my hearts content. My surgeon tells me not to expect things to be the way they were before but I intend to be an A+ student in physio and only time will tell. I'm left handed and it's my right shoulder that was shattered so that's one more thing to be grateful for.

I am deeply grateful for all the help and support I’ve received from my family, friends and Williams Mill. I hope to return to the Mill in a couple weeks. Although I’m not expecting to resume my usual duties till sometime in the fall, I hope to be present nonetheless doing what I can. In the meantime artists Sandra Krosse and Susan Wakefield have volunteered to open my studio to the public on Fridays and Saturdays whenever possible. If you live in the area feel free to pop by and say hello to these amazing ladies. For the time being, my Etsy shop is closed but I hope to reopen in a couple weeks.

More than ever I feel the need to be creative. Not just for my livelihood, but to stave off boredom and worry. It's been a painful journey but the love and support I've received has been overwhelming. Perhaps one day I can express my experience through my work.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Until next time, happy creating.
Christine