5 Things I Want To Create in 2015 Monday, February 9, 2015
If I were to be completely honest, I’d have to admit that there are so many things I’d like to accomplish for 2015 that it could fill a book! I’ve recently started using OneNote and I love it! I can add to my list of ideas and goals wherever I am and that list continues to grow and grow. With so many ideas, goals and dreams to fulfill though, I sometimes get overwhelmed and my overall productivity drops dramatically. So with this in mind, here are my top 5 things to create this year.
1. I Want to Create my Goals for 2015
OK, so it’s already the middle of February, but it’s never too late to formulate goals and plans for the future right? While goal setting is a no brainer for some people, I have trouble deciding what it is I really want for both my professional and personal life. As a result, I’ve been living in a sort of limbo since moving my studio into my home. In the past 5 years my life has gone from being rigidly structured with almost no free time to nearly the polar opposite with a free form schedule with ultimate flexibility. Now is the perfect time to reassess where I’m at, what I really want and finally, how to get there. Wish me luck!
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2. I Want to Create Something New!
One of the challenges of running a successful Etsy shop is that there is less time to experiment with new designs, products and artwork. I think it’s really important to keep my shop fresh. It takes a lot of hard work to get an online shop going and I don’t want to bore my audience or myself! My list of ideas is ever expanding and I’m just itching to play. One of my goals from #1 will be to schedule to time to play in the studio and hopefully invent some new products for my shops. I have ideas for fiber art and metal bracelet cuffs, fiber art handbags, fiber art journals, jewelry designs and so much more.
3. I Want to Keep Current with my Websites and Social Media
I’ll be the first to admit that if I go to a website and see that it hasn’t been updated recently, I move on and assume that no one is home. I shudder to think that I haven’t updated my blog here since last Spring! Trying to keep up my Websites, On-line shops, Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc can be overwhelming. This year I’m planning on doing what successful bloggers do and work out a schedule to manage all of these important duties. One of the most popular bloggers I know, Lil Miss Kate, started with spending only 5 minutes each day for Facebook, 5 minutes for Twitter and schedules her posts to happen automatically at pre-determined times. From what I’ve learned, no matter how frequently you decide to post your information, it’s consistency that’s key. I have a friend who posts on Flickr once every Saturday like clockwork and has been doing this for about 2 years. She has just reached over 8 million views!!! Wow!
4. I Want to Gather Inspiration through Travel and Living Life
Inspiration is all around us. As an artist I know this, but how often do I actually, take a photo, write in a journal, sketch in my sketchbook, or record something to capture the moments of inspirations as they float by? I think my OneNote list will grow exponentially just by recording moments of inspiration as it’s happening and before it is all but forgotten. I've just recently returned from Puerto Vallarta Mexico and will be travelling to England and Scotland this April. I’ll keep you posted!
5. I Want More Time to do Absolutely Nothing!
Does this one sound strange? I used to fill up every minute of my day, often working late into the wee hours of the night. However, I find that I’m often more productive when I have some downtime when absolutely nothing is expected of me. I hate the feeling of always being rushed off my feet while still missing deadlines. Hopefully by setting more realistic goals and scheduling my time better, I’ll be able to enjoy more productivity while still having time to stop and smell the roses and recharge my creative fire.
Well that’s my top 5 list, out in the open, where everyone can see and where I know must be accountable. What sort of goals have you set for yourself this year? I welcome your comments and feedback.
Creatively yours,
Christine
Spring Brings Big Changes at Williams Mill Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Over the past 10 years as a resident artist at Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre, I’ve noticed a peculiar trend. For some reason, every spring several artists would move around, move in or move out of their studios to prepare for the year ahead. I called it “musical studios”, and I could never guess who would be the next artist to change spaces, join or rejoin our group, or decide to move on.
This spring at Williams Mill will live up to past trends, and in fact, the changes will be nothing short of huge. It appears that there will be big changes coming to the lower level of the yellow building, prompting artists to move into other studio spaces within the venue. While I’m not at liberty to say what all the changes will be at this point, one thing is for certain, there will be big changes coming for me.
Over the past few years, my online business has continued to grow. In fact, over the past two years, it has become my primary source of income. With this in mind, along with other changes occurring in the Stone Building, I’ve made the very difficult decision to move out of Williams Mill into a private studio so I can focus on production and growing and improving my online presence.
For the past 10 years, Williams Mill has been my “happy place” where I grew creatively into the artist I am today. The camaraderie of the artist community has enabled me to blossom and flourish both artistically and as a businessperson. I will always cherish my time at Williams Mill and the many artists and visitors I’ve met will forever be in my heart. I’ve had the nicest group of clients I could ever hope for and am so grateful for their support as well. Even so, I hear the whispering in the spring winds telling me that it’s time to move on to grow my business and to make way for other artists to spread their wings in the studio space I occupied for so long.
Although I will be in the process of moving my studio out of the stone building at the Mill over the month of April, my fiber art, jewellery and bookbinding will still be available in the gallery. I intend to maintain a strong bond with the Mill. I will be available to clients by appointment in my new home studio, and of course, I will be expanding my online selection of work in a big way.
If you should visit the Mill within the next couple of months, do be patient during these growing pains. There will likely be some inconveniences for a time, but once this year’s game of “musical studios” is done, the experience of visiting Williams Mill will no doubt be better than ever.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale is back! Thursday, November 28, 2013
It's that time of year again! My annual Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale is back. It officially starts at 11pm EST standard time today (November 28th) and ends at midnight on December 3rd.
Everything online at www.christinemarieford.etsy.com will be marked down 10%. Returning customers may use their secret coupon code for an additional 15% off!!!
In-studio visitors at Williams Mill will also receive 10% off everything from Friday to Sunday 12pm-5pm.
Thank you for supporting handmade and Happy Thanksgiving to my many friends across the border.
Vote for Your Favorite Design! Friday, March 22, 2013
Introducing Mejuri's Enchanted Emerald Jewelry Design Challenge!
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Awhile back, I was approached by a new company called Mejuri to submit some designs for them. From time to time Mejuri offers a design challenge. Designers from all over the globe submit their designs hoping to get lots of votes and positive comments from people like you! You get to vote on the designs and winning pieces will be created and available for purchase! Designers receive royalties on all of their winning designs.
Shown above is my submission. I don't have fancy design software but I hope you like it. The competition is stiff and there are many incredible pieces to vote on. Voting ends on April 3rd! Enjoy!
New This Week! Sunday, February 10, 2013
Greetings!
If you've read my blog post last week, then you already know that I've been addicted to making semi-precious stone pendants lately! Here's a sneak peek of a few more brand new pieces...
This is an unusual Dendrite Jasper stone. It's unbelievably smooth to the touch.
I tend to hoard stones and gems like a secret stash of treasure. I've been hiding away this Lapis stone for some time. What a beauty! Real Lapis is getting harder and harder to come by!
This Sunset Jasper stone warms my heart.
This Snakeskin Jasper stone has a beautiful earthy green coloring and remarkable texture.
And lastly, here's a sneak peek at a bracelet I just finished in gorgeous Labradorite and Swarovski crystal.
I wish my photos could do these pieces justice. If you live nearby my studio in Georgetown Ontario, you may just want to stop in and see them for yourself. Each piece was created with genuine .925 sterling silver and Swarovski crystal. I love playing with pendants because you can just slide them onto any silver chain for a whole new look.
There's so many things I want to create! I'm currently planning my next fine art series in fabric, more upcycled shoes, a new line of books and so much more. I hope you'll stop by again soon to see what's next!
Creatively yours,
Christine
What's New for February Monday, February 4, 2013
Studio life in February is quiet. Visitors are few and far between and it seems as if folks are hybernating to stay out of the cold. But while my would-be guests are staying warm at home, it's "go time" for me in the studio!
The quiet winter months at the Mill provides the perfect time for creativity to flourish. This is the time of year when I create my newest designs in jewelry and bookingbinding. It's also a time to focus on fine art projects that can't get done during the summer and fall months.
This week I've been exploring new designs in jewelry. I'm starting a new series of romantic Swarovski crystal necklace sets like this...
I'm already planning ahead for spring formals, weddings and proms and of course, Valentine's Day.
Although I do love sparkly crystal, I'm also really interested in natural and semi-precious stones. In the past few days, I've been totally addicted to making pendants, pendants and more pendants, like this gorgeous pink texture agate.
...and this agate with bronze bail...
....check out this unusual granite stone...
....I love this moss opal agate....
....and finally, a trio of black onyx, filled with Swarovski crystal....
I hope you've enjoyed this sneek peek into my studio. It's time for me to get back to work so I'll have more to share with you soon!
Creatively yours,
Christine
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale! Thursday, November 22, 2012
Hi folks! I just want to let you in on a well kept secret, I'm having a big online sale! 20% off everything in my Etsy shop on Black Friday (November 23rd) and Cyber Monday (November 26th) only. Everything will be automatically marked down.
If you wish to visit my studio in person, just mention this blog post to get the same discount!
Happy Holiday shopping. :)
Guess What I'm Making? Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Update! Guess, what? They're finished!!!!
After soooo much more work, these shoes are finished and good to go. I completed the artwork, applied it to the shoes, added finishing elements inside and outside of the shoes, treated everything with stain/UV protection and applied more than 200 Swarovski crystals. Then I bought a gorgeous box which I lined with dark rust velvet and included 2 organza bags to hold each shoe. Here's some photos of the finished shoes. They're currently featured at the "Design on Main Street" art to wear show at Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre. I'll be adding them to my Etsy shop too! I decided to name them "Art Diva".
Here's some photos of the finished shoes. Enjoy!
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I'm gearing up for the next show in the Williams Mill Gallery called "Design on Main Street" happening November 7th-18th. This art exhibit and sale is all about wearable art! It's going to feature some fabulous artists. So here I'm thinking "What can I do with my skills to create something new and exciting?" Well, I'll tell ya! I picked out some size 9 sale bin platform stilletos and I'm planning to make them sensational!
Here's a couple of "before" shots.
So the heels started out basic black. Now, I remember those days when I had to wear heels a lot for special events and decided to make a few upgrades. First, I ripped out the insoles which were poor in the first place with lumps and bumps. No wonder our feet hurt! Then I installed some comfort insoles and stitched up an artsy insole to go on top.
Then I sanded all the rough edges on the platforms and bottom soles. Have you ever snagged your tights with your heels and made a hole? I thought it prudent to smooth everything out. I also sanded off the old finish on the platforms and heels.
What to do with the tip of the shoe? Any paint or fabric would scratch and wear off on the first try, so I decided to cut out and inlay some copper sheet metal into the platform toe. After that I painted the platforms and heels, added more detail on the inside of the shoe and then stretched some fine woven steel chainmaille over the platform and heel.
Now for the tricky part, I want to create my signature style of fabric collage with free motion stitching to the main part of the shoe. That's what I'm working on now. Here's what I've got so far...
...and here's what my studio work station looks like....
I'll keep you posted on how it's going but if you want to try them on....you'll just have to pop by the Mill! :)
Christine
Awesome Shops To Find Great Gifts Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Like many people, I'm always on the look-out for a great shop when I'm looking for the perfect gift. I do like to shop online, but I also like to support local shops first if I can. I've been working hard to create some amazing gifts and artwork for the holidays and am pleased to announce that my work can now be found among these fabulous shops!
I've heard nothing but great things from people who've visited this gallery. They have a lovely boutique with unique handmade items. If you live in the Sudbury area, or just passing through, this one is a must-see.
The Gallery Shop is currently featuring many of my most popular journal designs. Located at 251 rue John Street, Sudbury, Ontario
You can also find them on Facebook.
In the heart of the quaint village of St. Jacob's you'll find The Silo Weavers. A vastly popular tourist destination, the village is a place to capture your heart. This area is pretty much the quilt capital of Ontario with many hand quilted treasures nearby. It's the perfect place to see fiber art! Back in 2006 I was honored to be a guest artist of the Silo for a week during their annual quilt festival. It was an amazing experience that I'll never forget. Since then, I continue to bring many of my fiber wallhangings, vases and jewellery which are featured in their lovely shop.
I'm also pleased to announce the newest shop to carry my work:
The In-Spirit Centre specializes in providing spiritual gifts and services. It's a beautiful facility located in downtown Georgetown, Ontario. The shop is warm and friendly and the upstairs rooms are inspiring to say the least, with space for classes, readings and holistic therapies, special events and more. They celebrated their grand opening just last week and I was thrilled to see how well received the opening was. Owned and operated by Barbara and Mark Pimento (aka my sister and brother in law).
For this shop, I'm able to feature additional aspects of my work not seen anywhere else.
For example, here's one of my Ohm inspired mini masterpieces. Every work of art is one of a kind. There are currently several Ohm pieces here along with my new series on animal totems, pendulum jewelry and more.
In-Spirit is located at 61 Main Street South, Georgetown, Ontario. You can also find them on Facebook.
So, here's a few shops worth checking out this fall. Of course, you can also visit me on weekends at Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre and on Facebook too.
Cheers!
Big Fabric & Craft Supply Giveaway This Weekend! Friday, September 28, 2012
Stop by my studio on Saturday September 29th and Sunday September 30th from 12pm-5pm and choose from a big selection of FREE fabric, craft supplies, books and more!
I've decided to clear space in my studio and have selected lots of high quality supplies that I no longer need. It's a real treasure trove of goodies and it's all free! Bring your own bag to carry items home.
I'll be accepting donations with 60% of the proceeds going to the Upper Credit Humane Society which badly needs our support. The remaining 40% will go to lighting repairs and upgrades in the fiber art studio of Williams MIll.
My studio is located in the Stone Building of Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre, Glen Williams, ON Click here for directions.
Best wishes, and I hope to see you there!
Christine Ford
