How do we make a difference?

The above photo is entitled Assume Nothing. This and many more spectacular photos on notsogoodphotography-'s Flickr photostream. The economy is bad and people are losing jobs and..... Yes, it is real. And now it is the holidays. What do we do? Here are some of my thoughts on the topic. And in case anyone is thinking, "I can't afford to do that." Think again. My own income is very, very limited. Yet, I feel I am able to make a difference in peoples lives in my own unique way. That is the thing. It is all about placing value on our own personal expression, and using that as a gateway for creating and giving. Give yourself permission to make things without judging yourself. Realize that just making a gesture of kindness, or encouraging words to others, whether we see a need or not, really does make a difference. Giving someone something that you took the time to make, no matter how it turns out, is worth far more than going to a department store and spending a bunch of money on something the person probably doesn't need anyway. If you are planning to give gifts this Christmas, consider making them this year. With so many craft and DIY websites and blogs out there these days, it is easy now to find cool projects that anyone can successfully do. If you just don't think you can, then consider regifting brand new items that were never used. Add a few other things to give it a personal touch. Like that cute coffee mug with the snowman you got last year- get some gourmet coffee and a few truffles and put in a decorative basket for a new gift to give a different friend. If you just simply don't have time to fuss with all of this, then PLEASE consider buying handmade items directly from artists and crafters. Know for a fact where your money is going. Know that artists really need your support right now (as do galleries). You are really making a difference by supporting the person who put their time and love into creating their art or craft, and the person who receives the gift will appreciate that you thought enough of them to buy a one of a kind gift for them. Above all remember to GIVE YOUR TIME. Your time is the most precious gift you can give. It is important to carve out time, even when it seems impossible, to spend with the people you care about. When you are out and about, y0u can make a real difference by just being helpful. People are so stressed out right now. Just a smile, or helping someone get something off the top shelf at the grocery store, or letting an elderly person go in front of you in line can really turn things around. It can also inspire those who saw your random act of kindness to do the same. Remember, it's NOT all about the money. It's all about being creative. Finding creative solutions to the lack of money and resources can often produce things of unimaginable beauty. Look inside yourself for your own creative gifts to give. Then watch and listen wherever you go. People need the smiles and kind gestures we can all give. Our own lives become richer when we are able to give, no matter what we are giving or to whom we give it. Here are some websites that can help you on your crafty holiday adventures. Craftzine Blog Crafty-Moms Country Living Crafts DIY Network Christmas How To Videos West Coast Crafty ecobites The Elfster This is only a starter list. There are thousands of sites out there. Just do a Google search for what you want to do or buy. With the exception of Craftzine and DIY, the others on the list I just happened upon with one Google search. Have fun everybody, and be sure and share what you are making!

At the Library on Sunday Dec.7

The Elarius Duo

Music for a Sunday Afternoon: Elaris Duo Sunday, December 7, 1:00–2:00 PM Marvin Auditorium 101BC at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Larisa and Steven Elisha internationally acclaimed violin and cello artists will perform special pieces from their newest recording, Duo Virtuoso.

Larisa and Steven Elisha have distinguished themselves around the world as soloists, chamber musicians and teachers. Together they are the incomparable Elaris Duo whose electrifying performances and consummate artistry have delighted audiences from the moment their association began.

Recipients of the prestigious 2008 Governor s Arts Award in the category of Artist, the Elaris Duo have been awarded a Chamber Music America Residency Grant for 2005-2006, Musicians of the Year 2003 by the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs and selected for the Kansas Artists on Tour Program roster. In March, 2008, the duo appeared as featured soloists with the Taiwan National Arts Orchestra in the famed National Hall and in January, 2007 presented a performance at the Hawaii International Conference for Arts and Humanities.

Steven can also be credited with saving me from a lifetime of neck and back pain. He teaches a more ergonomic way of playing, that has helped me immensely. Please come out for the performance. They are outstanding.

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended BizBaz and supported the art and craft community. We are all struggling to keep ourselves afloat. So, isn't it nice to know exactly where your money is going this holiday season. Please tell your friends and family to support handmade this season.

I have a major cold due to night after night of working late to make enough jewelry for all my fall shows. BizBaz was my last show of the season, so now I can rest and take care of myself. I will be taking a week off from designing, and may not post to the blog again until later in the week. It was really great meeting you all at the show. Stay warm!

BIZARRE BAZAAR 2008 Tomorrow!

Well it's that time again. The best show of the year- BizBaz, in Lawrence. I set up tonight and the show is tomorrow from 9am to 5pm. DON'T MISS IT! This is the place to do all of your Christmas shopping. The variety, uniqueness, and quality of the items being sold is outstanding. Here's a link to the BizBaz website. And, here are the details. Hope to see you there! Bizarre Bazaar 2008 Saturday, November 29th 9am to 5pm Lawrence Art Center 940 New Hampshire Street Lawrence, KS

New Work

Sorry folks, I am keeping this one for myself! These delicate copper leaves were made by basket artist Teresa Johnston. She very generously came out to the studio and showed me how to make these leaves, and also flame patina them with a small torch. Very exciting! I made this in the wee hours of the morning. Two other designers and I stayed up all night on a Saturday night and just laughed and had a great time making pieces in a "no pressure zone", just for our own pleasure. I used to be a floral designer, and I think some of that came out in the piece. Fall is my favorite time of year. This piece encompasses so much pleasure and joy, I just can't bear to part with it...at least yet anyway.

Sweet Dreams Beads

Now these are some sweet designs to dream about, that's for sure. Lisa DeCanio began beading in 2003. From her very first necklace, she knew this would fast become her passion and obsession. She lies to create pieces that are big and bold, and make a statement. The inspiration for her color palette and choice of materials is based in the idea of an old treasure chest full of glorious color, richness and discovery. I found these lovely designs on her Etsy store, Sweet Dreams Beads.

Artists/Crafters! Your thoughts about color....

I am putting out a call for your thoughts about color, and an image of your work to share with my readers. I am on a personal quest to find out what inspires and influences to colors we use in our creations. Some questions to consider"

• Do you believe the region of the country you live in, or city vs. country, influences your chosen color palette?
• Does your color palette change because off current color in fashion or media?
• Are you challenged to find a color palette that defines you as an artist?
• Are you challenged to constantly redefine your work with color?
• Are the colors you chose to work with influenced by the type of media you work in?
• How do you choose the colors you work with?
• Is your color palette chosen based on personal taste, or your perception of your own self?
• Do outside forces like music, politics, seasons, job environment, friendships etc. influence your color choices?
• Is your choice of color completely random? A matter of whatever is available to work with at the time a project is begun?
• Are your color choices formulaic, or based on spiritual meaning of color?

I want to know everything. Choose as many or as few of these aspects to talk about. There is no limit on length or brevity of your post. Please include an image of your work, and any links you would like to include. Your name will go into a drawing for a $75.00 custom piece of art jewelry made by me, just for you. The drawing will be February 1st, 2009. This date marks the one year anniversary of making my love and passion for making art jewelry a business. The aim here is to inspire each other, while looking inside ourselves to understand better why we make the choices we make in our art, and seeing more clearly what our own artistic voice is. If we know where we are coming from, we will know where we want to go. Please send your email to cellocarrots@gmail.com To see images of my work on the web, go to http://www.dawnblairjewelry.com/