Surrealism in Photography

1. I love these images that use surrealism in photography by Kyle Thompson. He defined his style as surreal conceptual photography; the creation of a surreal world in order to depict concepts. Surrealism releases the creative potential of the unconscious mind such as by the irrational juxtaposition of images. Kyle likes to use props, smoke and lighting effects to add a surreal feeling to photos.

   
   

   

   
   

   You can see more of his photography here.

How to Become a Freelance Writer

Do you want to become a freelance writer? These are some tips I have to earn money from your writing.

Perfecting Your Skill

uDemy: uDemy has over 40,000 classes and courses. You can find many on freelancing and writing.

ed2go: This site offers classes on a variety of topics that can help you learn nonfiction, creative writing and other skills that can help you in the workplace. I am currently taking a class on becoming a magazine writer.

FreelanceWriting: This site has some good resources on freelance writing.

The Write Life: This site has good tips on freelancing, marketing and more. It also has a job board.

Make a Living Writing -This site has eBooks, courses and some free resources on being a freelance writer.

ProBlogger -  If you want to  make money blogging, ProBlogger has a job board of blogging jobs. It also has tips on blogging.

Creating a Portfolio

Clippings.me - This website allows journalists, bloggers and writers to create online portfolios. The premium version allows you to add unlimited clippings without clippings.me branding.

Pressfolios - This site allows you to add up to 12 stories for free or pay for a plan that can give you 250 or unlimited stories.

Google Drive - Google Drive is a good free option for writing or backing up your writing pieces. It is good to send to people if you just have a sample to send out.

WordPress - Use a hosting platform, such as WordPress, to create your own website or blog. They also have many themes available that could be used to create a portfolio.

Finding Writing Jobs

Ready to get started working? These are some websites to check out.

Content Writers - This site is free to sign up and allows you to write articles for businesses. Writers are paid within 14 days of content acceptance via PayPal.

Online Writing Jobs - You can be a SEO content writer, copywriter, blogger or subject matter expert. You can get paid up to $50 per article.

UVOCORP - UVOCORP is a freelance academic writing agency. You can write essays, reports, literature reviews and speeches. Writers are paid twice monthly.

TextBroker - Textbroker is an article and content writing service.

Upwork - Upwork is a platform for freelancers. You can create a profile and look for writing jobs, such as blogging or writing eBooks, to make money.
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Have you ever tried freelance writing? What ways do you like to make money?

Art Journaling: Creating Abstract Images

Have you ever wanted to create abstract, fantasy or surreal images in your artwork? Here are some tips for unleashing your unconscious mind and creating creative works of art. 

Supplies:

• Art Journal: You can use an art journal or sketch paper. 
• Pencil or Marker: You can use professional art marker or just sharpies.
• Other Art Materials: You can use whatever medium you like to create abstract images. My art journal entries are mostly sketches, but you can add color such as with colored pencils or watercolor paint.

Techniques:


1. Abstract images can be fantasy like or as if they were from a dreaming. Try closing your eyes or meditating and visualize images. When you open your eyes, draw images you saw. You can also try keeping your art journal by your bed and drawing images from your dreams. 

 

 2. Take a physical object or image and draw half of it on one side of an art journal page. You can also draw the whole image and then erase, rip out or cover up the other half. On the other half, draw a fantasy image or half of another object to create a fantasy image. In my picture, I drew an image of a flower on the right side and added an image of fire on the left page.




 3.  A similar idea you can try is taking physical object or image and adding a fantasy image to it. Look to see how real life images can be turned fantasy like by replacing one part of the image with a different image. In my top journal entry, I made the body of the butterflies in to keys. I also added a keyhole to the tree. In my second image, I turned birds in to scissors. 
 

 4. Try writing a line of text and drawing the phrase you wrote. In this image, I wrote the line “harvesting the heart” and added hearts to a bowl. 

Do you like to create abstract or fantasy images? 

Floral Prints in Fashion

Spring is the perfect time to wear floral prints in fashion. Here is some floral inspiration I love.

Floral print dresses, like this green and white floral dress, are great for spring. 

These four looks are perfect for spring. The second look is from Delightfully Tacky. 

Try adding a a fun floral skirt to your outfit.

Here are some more spring floral dresses.

How do you like to wear floral print? 

Interview: Dreamcatchers from Tiaralianna

Tiaralianna makes dreamcatchers and string art made of vintage finds and handmade pieces. Legend says that bad dreams get caught in the web of a dreamcatcher, while good dreams pass through to ensure good dreams while you sleep. Dreamcatchers can be used as car accessories, worn as jewelry or can be used as decor.

Why did you decide to sell dreamcatchers in your shop? 

I created my first dream catcher in 2013 as a project but had no intention of selling. Mid 2015 I started creating more dream catchers as a hobby, again I didn't intend on selling any. My boyfriend of 5 years was the one who first saw my potential and decided to create my shop name and Instagram account Late 2015. He even sold a bunch of my first dreamcatchers. From there I got inspired to make it a small business and took over the shop myself. 

How would you describe your style?

I've come to realize I don't really have a set style. Rather, my dreamcatcher style varies from whatever inspires! A lot of my style comes from bohemian, hippie, and cottage chic looks. I love creating both traditional and non traditional styles with each dreamcatcher being unique.

What is your creative process like?
Creating dreamcatchers is very therapeutic for me. Often when I start creating dreamcatchers I envision the end result and run with it. However, sometimes that's not always the case. Times when I feel uninspired I like to hit up a bunch of craft and/or thrift stores and pick up some beautiful pieces such as doilies, yarn, etc. I often get inspired this way.



Describe your studio space. Where do you work?
Everything I do regarding my shop is from my home in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Most of the time I find my self working in my home studio or on my balcony ledge where I get a gorgeous view of nature.

What is your favorite feature on Etsy?

My favorite feature on Etsy is the review tool. I love hearing customer feedback. I have yet to receive a negative review, but I'm sure if it's constructive feedback I wouldn't mind either way. Being that my studio space is filled with dreamcatchers, it's hard to let a lot of them go. The review feature allows me to hear from their new owner, it makes my day!

Do you use any other websites?

Instagram and Facebook is my main social media platforms. I sell my dreamcatchers online on Etsy along with in person sales. My hopes are to create a website for my shop separate from Etsy.

Where do you get inspiration?

Working with art has always been a creative outlet for me. I believe that God gives everyone a gift, intended to glorify Him. My gift, however small, is a gift of creativity none the less. What good is a gift if it isn't shared? Knowing that my creative ability was intended for his purpose inspires me to keep creating art. 

What is your favorite way to promote your shop?

Social media has always been my favorite way in promoting what I do. Instagram and Facebook in particular are sites I enjoying using. These sites allows me to interact with users in a way that's more personal along with showing others an inside look of what I do. Through social media I like to post pictures about shop updates along with my creative process.

Do you sell wholesale or consignment?

I do not sell wholesale or consignment at the moment. I'm open to the idea but for now I'm selling direct.

Do you ever do craft shows?

I have yet to do a craft show but I aspire to be a part of one in the future! 



Do you make other types of art? 

Yes! On my Etsy shop I list string art. My first dreamcatcher was a combination of both string art and dreamcatcher. The materials I used for the base were a wooden board, nails, and string. I created this piece by hammering the nails in a circle and weaved the pattern with string. I plan to recreate more of these in the near future. Since it's a stable wall-hanging, I use mine for hanging earrings and necklaces.

What do you hope for the future with your shop? 

In the future I hope to create my own website where I can list my dream catchers along with pictures and videos of my creative process.

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Thank you so much for taking interest in my shop! If you like what I do, check out my mother on Instagram: @ieggmedia. She is an artist that works with chalk, paint, and digital mediums. She's one of my biggest role models and encourages me to follow my creative passion.

Free Printable: Etsy Shop Critique

Do you want to critique your own or someone else's Etsy shop? You can click the button below to download my free critique worksheet that will help you review your Etsy shop. The free printable has questions about branding, the name of the shop, products, pricing and more. The questions will give you a brief overview of how the Etsy shop is doing.





You can also see my listing on Etsy for a full critique or see my Hire Me page for more info on my services.

Do you ever critique your shop?

Scrapbooking Inspiration from A Beautiful Mess

These are a couple scrapbooking photos that inspire me from the blog, A Beautiful Mess.



They also  have some tips with scrapbook ideas on their blog and a shop with scrapbook supplies.

How do you like to scrapboook?

How to Cook with Edible Flowers

Did you know you can consume some flowers? Edible flowers are flowers that can be used in baking or cooking. For example, they can be added to salad or to decorate a wedding cake.

Here are some tips for cooking with edible flowers:

• You can buy edible flowers fresh or crystalized. Make sure the flowers do not have pesticides.
• If you buy flowers fresh, store them in a glass of water in the refrigerator before using them.
• When cooking with edible flowers, keep the rest of the dish simple. Edible flowers often have unique flavors.
• Do not overdo it when adding edible flowers. You want to use them sparingly, such as to garnish a dish.

These are some flowers that are edible:

• Lavender
• Mint blossoms
• Rosemary
• Calendula
• Violets
• Pansies

These are some ideas for cooking with them:

• Use edible flowers to make tea or wine.
• Use in flavored oils or marinades.
• Make spring flowered lollipops.
• Add flowers to ice cubes to add to beverages.
• Make rosewater with edible rose petals and distilled water.
• Add to soup as a garnish.
• Use crystalized flowers to decorate cakes.

Have you ever cooked with edible flowers?

Iridescent Collection Lookbook

Check out the new iridescent collection in my shop on Etsy, Move the Needle. You can check out the lookbook for this collection below:

You have a choice between 8 beautiful iridescent colors. Iridescent paper displays reflective, rainbow colors that change when seen from different angles. The paper is made in Taiwan. It has a glossy finish, with a vinyl like feel texture. 

 

All items are custom and made to order. You can get a Custom Iridescent Wavy Greeting Card or Custom Iridescent Rounded Greeting Card. If you prefer a collage look, the rounded card is available for collage. 

You can also get custom volant moleskine journals. If there is another style of Moleskine journal you want, I can take other custom orders.

The items are also available in gift sets. The Iridescent Greeting Card Gift Set comes in a set of 8 wavy or rounded greeting cards. You can also get a set of 8 of the Custom Altered Iridescent Soft Cover Volant Moleskine Journal

Use the coupon code IRIDESCENTSALE to get 10% off any order using iridescent decorative paper. 

Bullet Journal Inspiration

Have you heard of the bullet journal method? The bullet journal is an "analog system for the digital age" that uses rapid logging. It is a coded system you keep in a journal. It works like a planner to help you track the past, organize the present and plan for the future. You can read more about how to use this system here.

I haven't tried out the system myself yet, but I think it is an interesting idea since I sell handmade journals in my shop. Here is some bullet journal inspiration I found:

This image is from bulletjournaljoy.

These journal entries come from Kara Benz.

These entries are from the blog Hello Deborah.

Have you ever tried the bullet journal system?

Macaron Inspiration

A macaron is a French sweet meringue-based confection. I love all the colors and designs of macarons. Here are some creative macarons:

Learn how to make your own macarons here. 

The macarons on the left use a fun teddy bear design. The macarons on the right use Hello Kitty designs.

All these macarons use chocolate. Try chocolate macarons or ones filled with chocolate.

These fun macarons use characters from Sesame Street.

Here are some creative ways to display macaron in macaron cake towers. These are great for weddings.

These macarons use black and red colors.

Do you like macarons?

Places to Submit Etsy Items To On Tumblr

Plants Are Friends Tumblr Shirt by JollyPearShop ($13)

Tumblr is a social media site. Besides creating a blog, it is a good site to promote your items on Etsy through other Tumblr blogs. There are many craft and Etsy related blogs out there. If you are looking for some sites to submit your Etsy items to, try some of these sites below. You can submit to all of them, a couple of them or do one at a time. I like to pick a couple blogs and focus on submitting and promoting one item at a time.

Here are a couple Tumblr blogs that allow submissions:

awesomeetsy
etsyfavorites
etsyiscool
etsypromoter
iadoreetsy

lovelyetsy
fuckyeahcraft
theetsyblog
etsyfindoftheday

Do you use Tumblr to promote your Etsy shop?

What is Art Journaling?

Art journaling is a method of journaling using a combination of art and text. Through art journaling, you can record memories, find inspiration and look back on how you have changed throughout the years.

When you art journal, you are not trying to create a perfect picture. Art journaling is all about experimenting and the process of creating. Whether you paint, draw, stamp or sketch, there are many different ways you can journal. 

Art journaling is all about layering and using mixed media materials. For example, you might start with a layer of gesso and then adding paint over it in the second layer. For a third layer, you might add additional materials such as cut outs from a magazine or glitter. The good thing about layering is you can always cover up something you don't like it. Just keep experimenting with materials and layering until you get what you want. 

You can art journal every day or just when you feel inspired. I like to journal every day when keeping an art journal. You could start on a page, but maybe finish it another day.

An art journal can have a theme or it can just be random. An example of a theme is a travel journal ot a dream journal. You can even find premise journals that help you art journal. 

Art journaling has many positive benefits. Art journaling helps you think creatively and can help relieve stress. I like that art journaling helps me reflect on life and work through problems when I write about stuff. I also like that it lets me record my inspiration and create art. Sometimes, art journal entries have turned in to larger art pieces. 

To get started art journaling, you should get some art journaling supplies. You just need a journal, some basic art supplies and a sense of experimentation to get started. I will do a longer post with art journaling supplies in a future entry.

Do you keep an art journal? 

Garbanzo Bean Recipes

I did a post on how to cook dried beans, These are some of my favorite garbanzo bean recipes. 

Try making a Chickpea of the Sea Sandwich, based off a traditional tuna sandwich. The recipe uses mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise, celery and scallions. 

Try making homemade falafels with chickpeas. Pictured on the right is a Tofu Chickpea Stir-Fry with Tahini Sauce.

Try adding chickpeas to pita pockets. Roasted chickpeas make a great healthy snack. 

What are your favorite chickpea recipes to make?