June 2005 Newsletter #2

"Being in the creative zone is a place of no time, of having a single focus, of transforming ideas into matter." — Cynthia Morris, Shifting Gears: Transitions for Writers or Artists

In This Issue

• June 2005 Journal
• What's New @ the CP
• Q & A: Help Along The Way

June 2005 Journal

by Chris Dunmire

Creative Twists on Artistic Expression
In the last newsletter I shared a creativity tip that evolved out of my own experimentation with collage art that resulted in the Collage Cubies project.

Creativity Tip #1 was:

—> Do something radically different with your favorite form of art.

I invited readers to share their experiences with me about this tip, whether they've applied the concept in the past; or if they found some unexpected, serendipitous results from applying it to their present projects.

I'm happy to report that four of our readers responded back and were generous in allowing me to share their inspiring experiences with everyone.

So if you're interested in learning about the creative things other people are doing with garage sale paintings, wooden canes, and polymer clay, skip on over to the follow-up article.

Chris Dunmire
Publisher, Creativity Portal

What's New @ the CP

Let Silly in! Creatively Fun Folk Art Projects
By Violette
Release the creative spirit within while 'letting silly in!' Colorful, whimsical, creative projects you'll love by vivacious folk artist Violette.

Violette's whimsical magic cottage and gaily festooned Glittergirl van have captured the attention of several T.V. shows including Discovery Channel's "Weird Homes" and HGTV's "Sue Warden's Creative Décor" as well as W's "Head over Wheels".

• Glittery Globe Project
• Namaste Sign Project

Zany Ideas that Increase Writing Productivity and Quality
By Catherine Franz
The environment affects how and what we write. Taking time to work with its energy is guaranteed to fuel the muse. Writing coach, Catherine Franz, shares some zany methods on how you can increase your writing productivity and quality.

Shifting Gears: Transitions for Writers or Artists
By Cynthia Morris
Making the transition from life to creating requires a conscious effort. We may experience 'transition shock' as we go from art to parenting or work.

The Pendulum Swings Right
By Marianne St. Clair
A major shift is happening inside our brains. The world is now changing again, it appears. The logical and analytical skills that continue to form the basis of Western economies is slowly shifting, according to the savvy American business observer Daniel Pink in Wired (February 2005).

Creativity Coaching Articles
By Barbara Bowen
Insightful, inspiring articles by Creativity Consultant Barbara Bowen addressing various aspects of creativity including: discipline, inner critics, spirituality, and Carl Jung.

Q & A: Help Along The Way

Where Can I Find Free Party Invitations?
Q: I want to throw a party soon and am looking for ways to cut my costs. Are there places online where I can design and download party invitations for free?

A: June is that time of the year when everyone seems to be having parties. Here's four ways you can save time and money on your party invitations while having loads of fun spreading the word about your upcoming shindig.

Help with a Quilting and Beading Project
Q: I am a year eleven student at a High School and am in the process of making a quilt for my GCSE project in textiles. The quilt is for a child and I am going to include beading on the quilt. Please would it be possible for you to send me any information on beading to help me with my research?

Answer...