theblueroom news.

I'll skip the expected phrase about how long it's been and how crazy life is, and get right to it…

I'm really excited about spending much more time connecting with other artists, creating new pieces, and learning how to grow in the things I love to do. Honestly, it's a little scary, but really fun, too!
This is what I want to do, and I'm realizing that it will take time.

I hope to update this site with images of more recent work, and hopefully soon get some pieces up on etsy and/or society 6. I'm finding that a huge part of the growth is learning how to go about doing things like making quality prints, and knowing what steps to take in which order so as to do things right… it's a bit overwhelming at times and seems like it shouldn't be a big deal. Maybe it's just me.

On to more interesting things…
Recently, I finished a job making a set of jewelry for the wedding party of a good friend of mine. So much fun!
The studio is somewhat clean and functional, which makes me happy and anxious to start lots of work. I love being up there for hours and hours when I'm working on something I really love. Inspiration is key here. It's really amazing how differently I look at things, when I'm in different moods. Scary, actually.
I ordered business cards! They aren't too exciting, but they're simple and cute. Good enough for now, right?
It's little things like this that my to-do list is full of… lots of little things, turn into big things. Oh, life.

That's a little update of some of my creative ventures recently.
What have you been creating lately?

Blessings,

-J

So, it's been months since I have posted on here, but I plan to be much more active and present starting now! I'm really hoping this semester won't be as crazy as the fall, though I sort of doubt it…. I think it will just be a different crazy. Either way, I'm hoping to make posting on both theblueroom and my personal blog a regular happening, so check in often, follow, or subscribe by e-mail if you care at all about my endeavors. ha! 

Now, before I get all sentimental about inspiration and such, I'd like to direct your attention to the pages to the right. I've recently added lots of new images to the three sets on flickr. Check them out and let me know what you think. 

What inspires you to create, to live fully, and to try new things?

Really great music inspires me. Right now, Josh Garrels. 

Unique, creative art inspires me (duh.) Starbucks on 135th and Blackbob has some great stuff up right now. 

Words and concepts inspire me. Getting them from head to canvas is often a challenge, though. 

Nature inspires me. No matter how well done, nothing beats the real thing. 

People inspire me. No person alike, all with a unique story. Incredible.

All of these inspirations fall under the umbrella of the ultimate creator and his handiwork. 

We have the ability to create, because by the ultimate artist, we were created. 

And because of that, the possibilities are endless…

-j

p.s. Really though, what inspires you? Do tell...

I put up a couple of hand bands in the etsy shop a while back. 

My dear friend Rachael modeled them for me :)

Isn't she adorable? 

Oh, and how do you feel about the headbands? :)

-j

p.s. this is a perfect, rainy saturday. 

adventure take two.

Inspired by the gorgeous work at http://www.design-seeds.com/, I have added a color palette to a favorite of mine. I like the earthy browns and neutrals.
What do you think?

And why do blog post inspirations come at such sporadic times?!
I'm in Chicago right now. I should be sleeping so I will be full of energy for adventure tomorrow.
Hoping for lots of photo ops then!

-j

Creativity- it's embedded in the worst of us.

You know those people that say, "Oh, I can't draw." Or, "I'm not an artist." Or, "I'm SO not creative." Or, "Yeah, I don't have good ideas."… Lies. I know I preach it a lot, but I'm going to claim it again. I truly believe that every person has some form of creative ability. Perhaps the idea of what "art" is, is just too narrow. I hate that people think art or creativity is limited to canvases and pottery wheels and such. I look around and see brilliant works of art in the shape of a cup or the detail in a piece of clothing or the arrangement of bushes or the placement of food on a plate. Creativity is all around us and in everyday things and we fail to recognize it and appreciate it. We were created in the image of our creator, therefore we are creative.

Now, you may wonder why I allude to this idea so often. Why do I feel the need to remind my readers (ha) that we are all created in the image of the creator God? Well, I think it may be that I, myself need to be reminded of it. I question my creative ability and skill every day. I doubt my own ideas, fear my lack of original inspiration, and get discouraged when I try something and fail. 

So, here I am, reminding us all, once again that we as humans, created by the same God that made this incredible Earth we live on were made to make. Don't doubt your God given creativity and don't settle for less than what you were made to be. 

Create, Love, and Live life fully, by the grace and power of Christ Jesus.

This is my desire.

-jami

Here's some stationary I made a few days ago for one of my 'Creative in 2011' gifts :)

Sunday Suite

Just some fun editing I did today. 

Hope you like it.

I'm a fan of gates, doors, windows…

any kind of an entering to something new. 

Possibility. 

Adventure. 

Mystery. 

Williamsburg, VA. 

Gone Living.

Oh, hello there. Just wanted to post a quick note letting you know that theblueroom's etsy shop is now open. Two whole items for sale! :) It's slow, but it's a start! Check it out under 'Explore' or on the widget down on the right. Hopefully I will get some more stuff up soon, but life just keeps me going in different directions. I'm pretty excited about how things are looking in the real blue room, too. :)

Here are some photos of what I worked on last week. My job allows me to multi-task, so I took the opportunity to work on these headbands, while I was "working."
Planning on getting them up in the shop soon, once I get some decent shots of them.

What have you been creating lately?

-j