Fueling Creativity

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A few months ago I discovered Behance --a website/company devoted to enhancing the world of creative peeps--and now get regular email updates. I first fell in love with the Action Books, perfect for my way of tracking notes in a meeting. Today I took the time to check out the latest news, which led me to The 99%.com. I've already watched the 19 min. special on designer Michael Bierut: 5 Secrets from 86 Notebooks, and there are more on my list.

Today's article is Don't Be Afraid of the S-Word and it was a sharp little nugget about sales and self-promotion. Perfect for us entrepreneurs. Then I discovered this one, RSS Creativity: Routines, Systems, Spontaneity, by Mark McGuinness.

Covering the elements of the creative process, McGuinness breaks it down into the three categories shown here: Routines, Systems, Spontaneity. The author offers us "takeaways" for each category, beginning with

ROUTINES. Starting with the idea that "routine is a key that unlocks creativity," he suggests you  "Notice what time(s) of day you are most alert and creative. Dedicate that time to focused creative work. Use the same tools, in the same surroundings, even the same background music, so that they become triggers for your 'creative zone'."

For SYSTEMS, he writes, "A rock-solid productivity system performs a dual function for your creativity:

(1) It ensures that all ideas and action steps are captured, so that nothing slips through the cracks, in your own work and within your team, and

(2) When you are confident that everything important has been captured, you are free to focus fully on the task in hand."

For SPONTANEITY we begin to understand that our really, hard, nose-to-the-grindstone work should be rewarded with breaks from said routines and  hard work--as it is often during these breaks that we are  free to experience and generate the much desired "a-ha" moment.

How do you stay organized and motivated?

Art Kit by Truly Fine Design

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I think some of the best gifts for kids include art supplies and books. The boys were recently invited to a birthday party for which I created an Art Kit as the bday prize. Kids have the most fun and allow their imaginations to wander when they are given access to random materials. So I included the following items:

  • Glue
  • Crayons
  • Construction Paper
  • White Paper
  • Blank Cards & Envelopes
  • Rainbow Selection of Pom Poms
  • Googly Eyes
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Neon Office Labels
  • Foam Sheets in 5 Colors

Interested? E-mail me. The combinations and price points are infinite!

Office Supply Stationery



I've mentioned before how much I love office supplies. The projects outlined in a Martha Stewart craft section also remind me of some found object/repurposed stationery by Stephanie from Phantom Limb and also ReduxPaper on Etsy. These are great projects for kids and are fun to personalize with souvenirs from trips (maps, menus, etc.). I'm also especially fond of this Measuring Tape Tape from the Museum of Useful Things. So fun on packages, lunch bags, notecards, book marks. I cut a strip for my work surface so that I can measure things in an instant. Finally, manila packaging tags are infinitely useful. Stock up at ULINE.

ReForm School

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In my quest for a red Keep Calm and Carry On original screen print I found the most excellent website, ReForm School. I heart their aesthetic and found these very original cards made by Polite Cards with Bob and Roberta Smith. ReForm School has the most fabulous "categories" such as Home Ec, Child Development, Locker Room, and my favorite-- Student of the Month which features an artist. LOVE the opportunities here for original, affordable art. Quirky, fresh, and lovely. Very Wes Anderson. They have a brick and mortar shop in LA, and I'll be sure to visit the next time I head north.

She's Crafty

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I just returned from snow town--Minneapolis--where I spent a glorious 2.5 days in the company of friends, family, art and good food. I had the distinct pleasure of showing my Truly Fine wares at The Gale Mansion with other artists whose work I've grown up admiring. I also spent some quality BFF time shopping at Patina and Paper Source, and dining at Lucia's. The surprise hit of my weekend followed the Gale show, at the VFW in Uptown. "The Handmaiden's Present: Craftsmas" featured rockin' indie crafters with quirky humor and perky presentations. I'm so thrilled to have met Detroit's Queen Craftin' Bee, Stephanie of Phantom Limb and the Handmade Detroit collective. She introduced me to another cool chick, Angela, a co-founder of I Like You, a Minneapolis brick & morter featuring local artists. Our weekend culminated with great conversation and burgers at Bryant Lake Bowl, an MSP institution.

My Favorite Things: In the Office

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I've decided it would be fun to write about some of my favorite things--the themes i can cover are endless, and maybe it will help me keep on blog task! So to begin...I'm admittedly TYPE A when i comes to my supplies at work (home & museum). I might even compare myself to Milton and his red stapler in cult classic Office Space. {Note to all: PLEASE see this film. I guarantee, you are not sporting enough flair.} I've gone so far as to label my No. 8 Orange Fiskars, as well as my stapler and my wooden 18" ruler. The Fiskars must not be replaced by a cheap imitation. It simply won't do. I've added to my home office the Fiskars Titanium Nitride 9.5 In. Shop Shears which hang gleefully on my pegboard next to double-sided Scotch tape (i heart 3M) and an ancient pair of pinking shears. Speaking of labeling. My office would not be complete without the Brother P-touch 1750. I believe the latest version of this model is 1950. When a labeler is not necessary, Mr. Sharpie comes to the rescue. I'm especially fond of the retractable fine points for general usage, and the extra fine points for writing notes. Sharpie ALSO now offers highlighters (amazing) and you can personalize your pens with name, monogram, message or pirate clip art. Ahoy matey!

Office Envy


I have to jot off a quick note because I feel I've been remiss in not sharing yet two of my favorite websites. First, let me confess my true passion for office supplies. Some of my finest childhood memories include going to the local office supply shop with my dad. I believe it was called "Nelson's". I sampled every pen and pencil, ogled the Crane's stationery, and created countless reasons for why I simply must have the "Thank You Very Much" order pad for my weekend restaurant. I was eight. Clearly, there are others like me.

Not only do I love Office PDX, I actually wish I had been so cool as to come up with the concept A retail store, event space and gallery--all in a 1950's office environment. Love their design, love the stationery and supplies they carry, and love that they are a gallery (online too). Bonus: You can buy original art from them. One of my other fave office sites is Russell+Hazel. They have lovely paper products and accessories. I lucked out and got the new Audrey Expanding Five-file Tote for Christmas. Patent Black. So chic...Later Alligator-S