14
Apr, 12

{studio sunday} with Charlie at Polka Dots Are Love

Meet Charlie at Polka Dots Are Love!  She’s a wife, crafter and vintage lover who has an amazingly beautiful studio space to share with us on this fine Sunday.  I really enjoyed peeking into her studio because its green and big!  She has so much space to create… see for yourself!

1. Who are you and what do you do?
Hi! My name is Charlie and I am the girl behind Polka Dots are Love.  I spend my days creating fun and colorful things for the shop and my nights adventuring through thrift stores in search of awesome finds (or just reading a book). I share these adventures and a little more on my blog!

2. Where is your studio located?
My studio is an extra bedroom in my home.

3. How long have you had your current studio space?
I have had this space for about 2 years. I have really grown into it and made it something I love.

4. What is your favorite part of your studio?
My favorite part would have to be the kitchen table I use as my work table.  It was my grandmother’s and I love having a piece of her in my space.

5. Approximately how many hours per day do you spend in your studio?
It all depends on what I have going on that day, but I do know that more often than not I spend an entire day in there without even realizing it.

6. Do you have any future plans for your studio space?
My studio space is always changing. I would like to maybe paint it, but I can never decide on a color… so green it stays!

7. Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Thank you for taking the time to check out my studio, and thank you RobbieLee for having me!

••••••••••••

You are very welcome, Charlie!  Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful and inspiring studio.  I love how much open space you have and the green walls are the perfect color, in my opinion!  I also really love how you used the door-hanging shoe rack to store all of your little supplies – clever.  Keep creating your lovely items and thank you again.
Be sure to visit Charlie’s shop + blog for some great gifts, projects and daily updates! ♥RobbieLee

04
Apr, 12

My Creative Process

Today I thought it would be fun to share my creative process with you.  Who knows, it just might inspire you!  Over the years, parts of my creative process have changed slightly, and rightfully so.  As I grow and evolve, so does everything around me.  For the most part, though, the major things have stayed the same.  These key elements are what make up my creative process and keep me moving forward.

 Sketchbook + Idea Book

My sketchbook + idea book are the most important parts of my overall creative process.  Why you ask?  Well, because that’s where all of my ideas, blog posts, thoughts, sketches, projects, dreams and goals live.  Without a place to store all of this info, I would probably go crazy.  Could you imagine, it’s like having a million and three to-do lists mixed with ideas and projects all stored in your head!!!  I don’t like the feeling of having to remember all sorts of important things, it stresses me.  So these allow me to get everything out of my head for the time being, so I can continue working on my current project.  Then, when I’m ready, I simply flip through them and start the next project.

Each of these books serve a very similar purpose, they just live in different places.  My sketchbook stays at home (or sometimes travels on long trips) and allows me to really go into depth on an idea or project.  It’s larger and easier to layout all of my thoughts.  Whereas, my idea book goes everywhere with me!  It’s a mini Moleskine journal that fits snugly in my bag and is readily available when I’m out and about and an idea pops into my head.  If I don’t write it down right away, I can lose that idea for good.  It’s happened before and I’ve kicked myself for not taking the time to jot it down.  By having my idea book along with my sketchbook, it has really helped me maintain my creative process.  It keeps me focused, inspired and motivated to keep doing what I love.

So, these two books are usually the first step in anything that I do creatively… other than thinking it up, I suppose!  ha!

 Being A Perfectionist

I am indeed a perfectionist in everything that I do.  That probably explains why it takes me a bit longer to execute ideas.  In school (especially in college) I would actually scrap an ENTIRE project if it didn’t feel right!!!  Crazy, I know.  In fact, that wasn’t normally like me.  I’m the type of person who will save everything, just in case.  So why did I scrap it all in a few instances?  Your guess is as good as mine.  I truly believe it was because I felt even more pressure than ever to be perfect.  I no longer do this (thank goodness!), but I still struggle with the idea of creating the “perfect” this or that.  I’m trying to learn when to just let it be and call it done.  Being a perfectionist can really hinder a creative person, because it holds you back from what your natural talents are.  They clash!  Sometimes I feel like my best work comes out when I don’t over think it.  Why can’t it always be this way?

I’ve come to realize that being a perfectionist is a part of me.  It has it’s fair share of good, too, because I feel like I’m constantly pushing myself to learn new things or to try new things (and perfect them to the best of my ability).  So, overall, yes, it can hold me back… if I let it, but if I keep tight reins on it, things will continue to move forward.

Staying Motivated + Inspired

Staying inspired is very easy for me because almost everything can inspire me in one way or another.  I’m inspired by other creatives, bloggers, family, color, art, design, typography, food, nature, etc.  Really, the list goes on.  I can read blogs and browse Pinterest all day long and leave feeling very creative.  The weather also plays into this.  If it’s gloomy and rainy outside, all I want to do is sit inside and craft!  It’s my absolute favorite.

Staying motivated is a bit more of a challenge at times.  I can gather all sorts of inspiration, but then when it comes to sitting down and actually doing whatever it is that I want to do… I can go off and play with the dogs or cat or whatever.  I feel motivated when it’s not forced.  If I’m sitting down at the computer and have to write a post, nothing will get done.  Or if I am inspired to create, but don’t have a plan, then it won’t get done.  I have to have the exact details worked out before I start.  Once I do, it’s motivation city!

Since motivation comes in waves, I have to make sure that I stay on track when it’s low.  To do this, I brainstorm and plan, but not in a forced way.  I usually go off and read an inspiring story, let it soak in and then I can regain that feeling of being motivated.  I can’t just sit down and “get to work,” if you will.

Creating!

Creating itself, is naturally part of my creative process… heeheehee.  When I get to this point, after all of the inspiration, sketching, and motivation to do it, it’s on!  I get so into it and I can’t stop until I’m done.  A huge mess usually follows this step, but it’s worth it.  With that said, I’m a clean freak in certain areas of my life.  So, I don’t mean a mess, as in paint spattered on my clothes or fabric on the floor (heavens no!).  I mean when I pull things out to “create,” I pull out everything that might be needed!  …and it usually stays out until I’m forced to put it back away.  I like to keep it out until the project’s finished. 

Whether it’s sewing or painting or designing, I fully submerge myself into it and make it happen.  This of course is the best part of my creative process, because I get to see the final product.  It’s a beautiful thing to see an idea on paper grow into something real.  Just wonderful.

How about you?!  What’s your creative process?  What keeps you inspired and motivated to keep moving forward?  Do share!  I hope you had fun reading, ♥RobbieLee

03
Apr, 12

my inspiration boards…

Since today is a gloomy and snowy day here in Central Colorado, I’ve been feeling very creative and easily inspired by many things around me.  One of them being my inspiration boards that hang in my studio.  I recently updated them and can’t stop glancing over.  I love having these boards to pin things like cute outfits, things I want to do, goals, memories, inspiring stories and little gifts from those I love.  It’s important that I surround myself with these lovely things to keep me feeling motivated.  I constantly want to move forward, but not before enjoying the moment.  These boards help me do that.  I’m constantly adding things here and there, too! 

How about you? Do you have an inspiration board (besides Pinterest… ha)!?

Thanks for stopping by! ♥RobbieLee

p.s. the lovely arrows are from Hello Vanny!

27
Mar, 12

{a list of…} my current daily reads

Hey friends!  It’s time for me to share another list with you!  I really think you’ll enjoy today’s list because it is full of some lovely blogs.  Don’t believe me?  See for yourself!

These are just a few of my current daily reads (in no particular order), so grab a cup of tea, coffee, lemon water, or whatever floats your boat and stay awhile…

→ {A Beautiful Mess} I’m sure most of you are very familiar with this blog, but let me tell you why it has made this list.  I really enjoy the variety that Elsie and Emma offer.  They have everything from crafts to recipes and so much more.  This is one of my favorite blogs to read while I eats me some breakfast.  It’s a great place to find inspiration.

→ {Little Chief Honeybee} I like to stop by to see what Kaelah is up to.  She’s keeping super busy these days with work, moving into a new home and welcoming a sweet little kiddo into her life.  Never a dull moment.  I also love to see what crazy shoes she’ll wear next!

 → {Sincerley, Kinsey} This is one of my recent finds and I really enjoy Kinsey’s natural and earth-inspired style.  She always finds cute ways to pair different pieces together and her photos are just lovely!

 → {Oh So Lovely Vintage} Since I’m a vintage lover, I naturally enjoy stopping in to see what Erin + Stefanie are up to.  They keep busy with their new shop and their 1956 trailer, Olive!  It’s exciting to see where these ladies are headed.

 → {♥elycia} I enjoy Elycia’s blog because she’s so colorful and playful!  It doesn’t hurt that she loves vintage and kitty cats, too!

→ {Skunkboy Creatures} Katie makes some super sweet little plush animals that are great for all ages.  I like to stop by and see what she’s been making!

 → {Lost Artisan} This is Katie Kukuluka’s new blog.  She shares lost arts and antiques… how exciting is that?!

 → {Kyla Roma} It’s fun to stop by and see what Kyla is up to.  She lives a very busy creative life (like most of us), and she like to share!

 → {Promise Tangeman} Promise’s blog is fun to read because she shares a bit of her daily life, projects, and advice.  She is very sweet and you can feel the warmth through her writing.

 → {100 Layer Cake} I know I’m already married, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t still love to look at pretty wedding imagery.

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I do!  Have a great day! ♥RobbieLee

 

01
Dec, 11

{creative process} with Laura

I’m always curious about other people’s {creative processes} so I decided to start asking.  I was thrilled to pieces when my friend Laura, from Blue Eyed Night Owl, agreed to share hers!  The goal behind this series is to dig deep into our creative process (in this case, Laura’s) and see what inspires us to create and how we stay motivated.  We are unique and one-of-a-kind and we don’t think like anyone else.  We know what we want and we have a particular way of getting there.

 In turn, I hope this will inspire and motivate other creatives to think about their processes.  I love how we are all uniquely creative and it’s deeper than what we actually make.  A lot goes into the process, from thinking up the idea to actually executing it.  Ready.Set.Go.

Getting to know Laura:

· Tell me about yourself.  Who are you?

Hi! I’m Laura, 20 years old and I currently still live with my mom and my cat Misty in Amsterdam. My health doesn’t allow me to work or study but I’m trying to make the most out of my little energy by creating things that make me happy from inside my home.

· What do you create?  How long have you been creating?  Where do you create?

Currently I mostly sew for the shop, take pictures and do blogposts, but I always seem to have some sort of side-project going on too, like knitting/crocheting or painting.  Crafting has been my absolute favorite thing to do for as long as I can remember. I first got introduced to felt when I was 6 or 7 I think and I’ve been hooked every since.  I make everything at home. Though I do tend to switch up the places I sit in and sew. Also, I love going outside with my camera, but other than that, everything is done from either my own, or the living room.

 · Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Perhaps that I’m generally very excited about pretty much anything. There are so many hobbies I’d like to take up, so many things I’d like to learn or do or see or read. Or collect haha, I have a very full house because of all my supplies, entertainment and collections. There’s definitely a list of things I’d like to start doing once I have more room.

 

Your {creative Process}:

Inspiration –

· What inspires you to create?

I suppose it’s more of a need within. Creating things is something I do daily, if I can, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Whenever I see any material I just get this itch to start making things, so I suppose that is where it often begins.

Also creating takes you to such a different place, I don’t have that with anything else. Especially when you’re not feeling well and can’t do much it’s great to find something that not only takes your mind of things but also leaves you with something tangible. When you have a lot of couch-time it’s nice to be able to look at your project and think “yeah, I made that today!”

· Do you have a muse?

Not so specific I think, but I do get inspiration from certain people or places sometimes. For instance Frida Kahlo, whenever I see her I instantly feel motivated and inspired, not only because of her stunning art but also because she’s had to overcome a lot of physical things too.

Apart from that I have a love for Japan and most things Japanese. All the art and patterns and even colors are so inspiring.

And owls of course;)

· Do you flip through magazines or browse the Internet?

Definitely! Those are both great ways to get inspired! Even if the things you see or read are something completely different from what you do yourself.

· Do you attend Art Walks?

No, to be honest, I hadn’t really heard of it before. Though I do love to visit galleries or museums. Especially the little Low Brow galleries we have in Amsterdam, they are always hidden gems full of amazing art work and run by very passionate and friendly people.

· Does the weather inspire you to create?

Different weather conditions inspire different things. When it’s dark and rainy I love to knit, when it’s dry and sunny I’d rather go out with a camera. Sewing is something I always do though, rain or shine.

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How do  you capture that inspiration?

· Do you sketch or write in a sketchbook?

I have a little sketchbook with ideas, always carry around these tiny note cards, but usually I grab a bare sheet of A4 paper and start doodling with a black marker.

· Do you photograph it?

Sometimes. If I’m out and I see something inspiring I will definitely take a picture to keep for later or try to catch this certain vibe.

· Do you Blog about it?

My blog started out as something to share all my favorite things and inspirations on. I don’t think there is always a super clear link visible between what you see there and what I make, but I’m sure I wouldn’t create as much if I didn’t blog. Basically it helps keep everything flowing and moving.

· Do you keep an inspiration board?

Every now and then I love to make a collage. But a little while back I decided I wanted something bigger, easier and more permanent, so I decided to hang the entire wall above my desk with postcards, art, one collage I did a while back and just all sorts of findings that seem to fit. I really enjoy seeing it every day!

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Process

· What does your work space look like?

Well, my house is chaos but I have all my crafting stuff nicely organized. And since I mostly make small things I often move it around the house to work in different spots. Sometimes I sew at the table, sometimes on the couch, but often at my desk too.

· When you are creating, do you buckle down and get it done in a set amount of time, or do you carry it out over a certain period?

When I start I usually get so sucked in I don’t do anything else until it’s done. Sometimes I don’t manage to finish something that same day, but if I don’t I do make sure I stop at a point that makes sense. Say I’m working on a new design. I might have been drawing for a while, found what I was looking for, finish the neat version of it and then leave the rest for the next day. But I do prefer to have things finished up because it’s so easy to get distracted again by a new idea.

· What are your favorite mediums to work with?

For sewing, felt is my absolute favorite. It has everything I want, it’s flexible yet sturdy, comes in all colors you could imagine and you can cut it without having to make any seams or anything.

Other than that I love oil paint, brown and black markers, yarn and I love drawing with charcoal.

· Is there a certain time of day that you prefer to create?

I like to finish up orders in the morning or the early afternoon. But to really sit down and think of something new or start a bigger project, I usually wait until later in the afternoon. Though sometimes I’m busy at completely different times.

· Are you particular?  Do you have to have music playing while creating? Do you have to have tea on hand or another favorite drink?  Etc.

I pretty much always have a thermos and a cup of tea at hand. And the same goes for Cd’s. I like working with either very calm and magical music or something that is a bit more happy singer/songwriter. And when I’ve found my perfect CD for that moment I often have it on repeat. It’s not unusual for me to play a Matt Bauer CD four times in a row.

· Do you work on one project at a time, or several?

When I get into designing new things I tend to make a lot in a row. Sometimes lots of things that aren’t connected by any theme and sometimes it is a cohesive line. I do tend to focus on one thing though, and while I may be knitting a hat while I’m also busy with a new collection, I don’t really do more than one big project at a time.

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Motivation

· What motivates you between projects?

Oh, there are always so many projects floating around in my head, just knowing I can start something new again is usually enough motivation.

· How do you stay motivated even on those ‘I want to do nothing’ days?  Or do you allow yourself those days off?  What do you do when you are feeling unmotivated?

I do allow myself those days off, except when I have orders. And usually I get excited when I’m working even if I was dreading it a bit up front. Sometimes I really don’t feel like sewing but I know I need to make something and send it out, so I start and all of a sudden get inspired and continue to design and create for the rest of the day.

· Do you reward yourself after each project?

Not always, because I often feel rewarded enough when I see it all finished. But sometimes, yeah, for instance when I sold my first clickable collar I decided to spend that money on something cute from Etsy as a reward.

· Does profit motivate you?

Yes and no. I get really excited when I sell something and I do love it when I get something in my PayPal. But to be honest I haven’t even made back my investment. So profit is nice, but I’m mostly doing it because I love it.

· Does a person, place or thing motivate you?

Initially no, I’m pretty much in my own little bubble when it comes to all the things I make and think of, but as time went on I started to get a lot of motivation from the great people in the blogosphere. Of course to blog, but also to create items as it’s always great to be able to show something new and hear feedback and reactions.

· Is it just the love of it that motivates you or is it that combined with something else?

It’s both the love of creating as well as just having something to do and building some sort of “enterprise”. Before I always enjoyed just making things, but to now have collections and lines is really great.

· Is it easy for you to stay motivated, or is it difficult?

Well I can be very tough on myself and am definitely a perfectionist, so I always have plans and goals I want to achieve. Usually I have the motivation to do things, but not always the energy, so when I do feel like I can do something that day I tend to be very motivated as well. Besides creating is just so much fun and it never gets old.

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Laura, thank you so much for sharing your {creative process} with us.  It was a pleasure getting to know how you make things happen and what keeps you moving forward. 

If you want to share your {creative process}, send me an email at robbielee at chickiedee dot com. ♥ RobbieLee

16
Sep, 11

{color crave} red berries


These beautiful berries are from our garden.  Obviously reds and greens compliment each other well, and that’s why I love this photo so much!  Sometimes the simplest things really are the most beautiful.  I think these colors could look great in a country-style kitchen.  What do you think?

26
Jul, 11

Why I love Pinterest

When I first heard of this site called Pinterest a few months ago, I was like, “Oh, I have to sign up to be apart of it… hummm… I’m not so sure.”  But then I found myself coming back to it occasionally to browse the preview page and noticed that people where “Pinning” and “Re-Pinning” things from my site.  I then finally signed up to see what all of the hype was about and instantly fell in love with it as a whole!

There are so many inspirational sites out there that open you up to so many new and creative things, but none of them allows you to keep log of all of your favorites like Pinterest does.  I really love the idea of having a digital “cork board” if you will, where you keep all of your inspirations, recipes, tutorials and things that you love.  I have two large cork boards in my studio, and that is where I generally pin things that I find in magazines or that I personally take photos of to stay inspired.  The downfall to this is that, if I don’t print out what I find online, then I can’t pin it on my board.  Pinterest solved this problem for me.  I can still have my tangible cork board on my wall (because I love handling the items on it), and I can also have my digital “cork board” on my home computer, iPhone, iPod, etc. on Pinterest.  It is where ever I am and that’s okay with me.

It’s great too, because if I want to go to the store and grab ingredients for one of my favorite recipes, I can just pull it up and get what I need.  I don’t have to remember which website it was on, because Pinterest does that for me.

Tell me what you think of Pinterest and be sure to check out my boards too!

05
Jun, 11

to live a creative life…

Isn’t this so true?!  I find myself struggling with this sometimes, because I want things to be as close to perfect as possible.  But, sometimes great thinks come from imperfection.  I totally need a print of this to hang it in my creative space.  It will help keep me on track.  Here are a few other inspiring quotes from Joseph C. Pearce.  What a creative mind he has.  I also have to give mad props to the graphic designer, Amanda Cherie for her design, too!

26
May, 11

{inspiration} vol.5

Here are a few inspirational things that came across this week and I just had to share them!  Enjoy…


Hitchcock-inspired embroidery found on What, No Mints?


Reupholstered couch that’s kid and pet friendly?!  Yes ma’am!  From A Bit of Sunshine.


What’s better than adorable photos of sweet lil animals?! NOTHING!  Absolutely nothing!  I found a write up on Sharon Montrose on Shrimp Salad Circus and instanly fell in love with Sharon’s work.  She truely is a talented woman.  Vist both Sharon’s site and Shrimp Salad Circus for some more insite.


Hand-stitched Place cards – Christina Williams shows you that they are easier to make than you might think…

21
Apr, 11

{inspiration} vol.4

Happy Thursday all!  Here are some lovely and very inspiring images and crafts to carry you through the rest of the day.  Enjoy!


Learn how to make these Crepe Paper Flowers over at How About Orange!

Learn how to make these Tiny Polaroid Magnets over at Ambrosia Girl!

Learn how to make this fancy (and easy) signage over at Family Chic!

See other ways that Doilies can be used over at Grace and Ivy!

Bacon Toffee… ‘nough said.  Find the recipe over at Cherry Tea Cakes!