It's been rather quiet on here lately - I've not forgotten about this blog, rather I've not had a great deal of time for personal creative projects. Everything I've been doing has been business related. I've got 6 new products in the pipeline, I'm trying to re-do my website myself to enable it for e-commerce, and also set up on a new selling site, not to mention maintain the existing outlets. There's also been a sudden flurry of orders to fulfil. And because I rather let things slide in the house (too busy doing artwork) over the winter, and we want to get it back on the market soon, there's a lot of spring cleaning to do. The knitting is progressing (slowly) and I'm enjoying that - I always found knitting relaxing - and I've also discovered a new addiction -
Pinterest.
It's strange, when it comes to social networking, I find that I love blogging, but have no real interest in Facebook and Twitter - my presence on them both is largely for business reasons. I wish I could get into them a bit more, but they don't really interest me. But Pinterest is an entirely different story. I found it when I was deliberately searching for a virtual pinboard facility which I thought would be useful to save images I came across and wanted to use as reference material etc. I found Pinterest mentioned on someone's blog, and requested an invitation, since it's still in Beta. I'm so glad I did, because although still a little flaky at times (I don't think they're quite able to cope with the demand yet) I love it. The site is a very creative one. I love the fact that it's not all about shopping and fashion (there is some of that on there, but not too much) there are lots of creative people pinning fantastic projects, artwork, quirky items, sayings, views, ideas... the list goes on. I suppose it appeals to me because I'm largely visually orientated, but you can click through to the source of the image and I've discovered some fantastic inspirational sites that way. If you're not already on there take a look.
As part of getting the house ready for viewings, and spring cleaning, I've also been trying to improve our storage - a trip to Ikea was in order, and I came back with lots of underbed storage, shelves, etc. which I've had to put together myself (sigh). But while there I also invested in a small A2 size plan chest (with any luck if these sell well for Ikea they'll introduce a larger version - plan chests are so expensive, yet essential in any art studio - my portfolios are bulging, and everything gets creased and dog eared.) And a small desk for just £10 to use in the kitchen so that I can do some art projects in there - I have found that taking 20 or 30 minutes while I'm in the kitchen cooking or whatever, means that I can actually make some progress, and life is a little less frustrating, than always waiting for a couple of free hours which never seem to arrive. It also means that I don't have to clutter up kitchen work surfaces all the time. Who knows I might even share it with the kids! The picture below shows the new set up including a new art storage system, also from Ikea - the lower drawers have the kids art materials in there, the top ones my own - just a few from my collection that I'm using on current projects. I'm very pleased with it all so far. I'm tempted to add an inspirational notice-board above the desk, but that might be taking over the kitchen too much!
My next project is to tackle the studio/office/gym. My husband is keen to have a rowing machine, but what with my printer and all the office furniture and the existing cross-trainer I can't see how it would work. Another trip to Ikea and a major make-over is needed, but is probably not worth it if we hope to sell.
