Take a class and hang out with other quilters: Part 3 of 5 Series. Keep it Creative.

Michelle working on color, value and placement in Octagon Shimmer class.

In the past two posts, I reminded you of the following: 
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1. You were born creative
2. Explore nature
3. Make style files
4. Be a sponge

Did you forget these? It's ok! We all need simple reminders :) 
The above lists a few ways to keep your creative MOJO going and flowing. I do follow these. I also remind myself all the time. It's like taking a long, deep breath. Stop now and breath. Even though we breath unconsciously and automatically, It's the being conscious part that makes the difference...same thing with your creativity. You need to be awake and aware. 

Add to list today: 
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5. Take a Class
6. Hang out with other creatives/makers/quilters

We all know there are plenty of classes you can take online with Creative Bug, YouTube, Quilt University, etc. and they offer convenient learning; often technique-based. If you live in the middle of nowhere or have difficulty fitting in-person classes into your life online classes offer a connection to the quilt world. If you live near a quilt shop, a sewing center, part of a quilting bee or are willing to travel to a retreat or special workshop, I encourage you to pack up and leave the house. Nothing beats the real thing, NOTHING. Especially if it's something you value, have planned for, or want to treat yourself. Sparking new ideas by venturing out, seeing, touching and sharing with other like-minded makers is so satisfying. It definitely fuels your MOJO when you HANG OUT WITH OTHER QUILTERS as you always learn something new. You all must be kind, supportive and shine together. You must give and take. You must bring your best self to the party. That's how these things work. Leave the therapy session for a few close friends. And if there is a toxic dose of backstabbing or cattiness, RUN! Find a new group that you deserve and deserves you. Seriously!!

Busy Makers at Alden Lane Workshop .

I take classes too. Always have, always will. Sometimes I go solo, with a friend, or with my mom and sister who live on the East Coast! Yes it involves planes, trains and automobiles, but I plan for it! It's not only wonderful for CREATIVE MOJO, improvement of skills and techniques, but it makes the most special memories, never to be forgotten, worth the money and time. Life is what we make it. We need to do special things for ourselves to stay happy, healthy and growing. 

Love Fest Break! Take a minute to stretch, share some laughs and then get back to sewing!

In the spirit of all this learning and filling up our creative tanks, I decided to host my very own workshop here in sunny California next spring, March 24-26, 2017. It's a first for me! I'm going the extra mile (read about it here) as I enjoy teaching and living in the San Francisco Bay Area. My focus is about creating a rich and fertile work space where you can stretch boundaries, learn more about color, value and composition and be supported in the best of ways. To have fun, laugh and feel awesome. I am about meeting you where you are, celebrating what you do know and helping you to shine even brighter. ​

We all hit the wall, lack ideas and stare at our piles of fabric without a clue of what to do with them! It's normal. Knowing that helps take the sting away from feeling uninspired. But do something about it. Take that class you've been thinking about. You'll be happy you did.  If you can swing a trip to the East Bay of San Francisco, take my Octagon Shimmer retreat, I would love to have you. I promise, we will have a ball. 

As always, 
xo