KAY ELLEN | DESIGN: April 2012

My Mom brought over a very old scrapbook the other day...weathered and worn, and to my surprise it belonged to her Mom and Dad!

Special pages filled with hopes and dreams for an engaged couple in 1935...my Grandparents, Ruth and Dean.

All the bridesmaids added special notes and magazine cuttings throughout the journal. My understanding is my Grandma recieved this scrapbook as a gift at her bridal shower.

I feel like I just stepped back in time, so precious.

I love these old graphics and the happy couple washing dishes together...and the husband is in the apron?!

What a sentimental memory for my family to have from my grandparents. I wish I could talk to my Grandma and ask her more details about these special pages, quotes and writings.

We miss them both and will treasure this family heirloom from their yesteryears.

I also love knowing that artful clippings and scrapbooks were being created back in 1935.

Amazing memories in these pages from long ago...

Have a blessed weekend and thank you for stopping by,

:Kay Ellen

Joining in Pink Saturday HERE

What a special day at Launch Your Creativity.

Myself and the other guest speakers had such valuable information to share with the attendees of this event... encouraging women in business.

Stop by and say hello to these dynamic women; Jane Button, Jickie Torres, Karen Valentine, and Tara Wilson.

My part of speaking for this event was to encourge each women to find their own artful and personal inspiration.

I gave each guest a visual inspiring booklet that they could take home and really think about their own personal story, also inspirational ideas and thoughts in launching their business.

Here is a summary of the words and photos I shared at Launch Your Creativity...

What Inspires You?

I decided to share with you all today props/elements that express who I am and also expand upon creative ideas for business. It is important to make a statement, set yourself apart in an artful way. Their are endless creative possiblities.

Individuality

The seashell represent individuality in both business and your personal life, you are one of a kind.

Time Well Spent

Make a daily choice to set aside time for your business affairs, networking with those who promote your business and excite you about your passions.

New Beginnings

In the same way that a mother bird first builds a nest and then keeps it tidy and efficient, you should be going out into the world looking to discover new perfect twigs.

Open Doors

Vitually knock on every door you can for your business, internet marketing, community meetings, take a class, and look for artful events you can attend that will inspire you!

Proctection

The umbrella is very practical; it keeps you dry and shades you from the sun. It also reminds us to be equipped, ready for the storms that may come in each of our lives.

Attitude

Make sure to find joy in your business, no matter what is happening day to day. If you like what you are doing, you will always be successful.

Flexibility

The tape represents both our ability to stay the course and also our flexability. Can we stick to our business plan and also remain pliable, ready to adjust changes?

Wrapping

The wrapping or packaging of a product should capture the essence of your company. If you are shipping product make sure that there is something special in each package for your customer/client.

Serving

Plate

How full is your plate of responsiblities? You should be able to both evenly distrubute both your life and work, be sure your schedule is not over flowing.

Fork

Guard yourself from the prolonged negativity of others and ally yourself with friends and family who shall continue to support you as your business grows and blossoms.

Aha Moments

Problem solving on the spot. These are the moments when you yell "Bingo" Everything clicks. Your thoughts, actions and discussion save the day!

Photography

Camera

My first photos published in a magazine was taken with a Canon Sure-Shot-outside, in sheltered light, with the flash turned off. When you are first learning aspects of taking photos, this is a good way to go. As your techniques and abilities grow buy a camera with more options. Take your camera with you where ever you go. Nowadays even your iPhone is a great source of photographic learning. Practice makes perfect. Try different ideas in shooting. Landscape, close ups. product shots and vignettes. Shelter natural light works the best with the flash turned off. I said this point twice so you know it must be important! :) If you have a high end camera with settings and multiple lens you will have many more options for shooting inside and outside...but if you just beginning I would avoid taking photos inside; they tend to have a dull look, or washed out unless you have profession lights or amazing natural lighting in the space.

Join a club, or on-line group like Flickr or Instagram to discover the possibilities of capturing special shots of your product in the just the right light. Look at magazine layouts and of course Pinterest for ideas in styling your merchandise.

I have a section on my pinterest board dedicated to photography tips. I love it and refer to it often. Do not be afraid to start small and learn as you go.

Admit One

Ticket

The Admit One tickets represent the elements needed for creating an artful statement about your business. We are in charge of the success and continual growth toward our goals.

The challenge today is for each of you to create your own inspiration table, gathering elements that represent you and your business. Leave your project out on display where you can see it often.

This same concept can also be done on a bullentin board with inspiring photos.

You should refer to the elements often for inspiration and creative meanings that our important to your business goals.

My hope is this artful concept encourages each and every person in business in a creative way.

A special thank you to Sharon the founder of Launch Your Creativity! It was my extreme pleasure to speak, share and encourage women in business... a very special day for all of us.

:Kay Ellen

Joining in White Wednesday