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For The Shy Boys…

Saturday, February 7th, 2009 by Alyice

Today I started thinking about all the shy people in the world—the ones who have so much love to give and often allow their shyness to stop them from “popping the question”. To help them out, I created two sets of “love” mugs out one design.

The first “love” mug reads…
“I’ve fallen so in love you with you…Will you marry me?”

It’s followed up with web copy that reads…”Are you finding it difficult to live without your true love? Do you long for the courage to ask her permission in marriage? This coffee mug can help! Fill this mug with beautiful, scented tissue paper. In the center of the paper, place your engagement ring. Present the mug in a nicely wrapped box. Explain that there’s something very special wrapped within the tissue paper and wait…just wait for her to read the mug, then unwrap the ring. Gently take the ring from her hand, then get down on one knee, gently reach for her left hand, and ask, ‘Is it a yes?’”

The second “love” mug reads reads…
“I’ve Fallen…In Love With You!”

It’s followed up with web copy that reads…”Did you find your true love and haven’t expressed your feelings yet? This Valentine’s Day say it with a coffee mug! Fill this mug with sweet chocolates. Then take your date to a nice, quiet restaurant. After dinner, and right before dessert, hand her your gift. And let the mug do the speaking for you!

Keep Creating

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Thank You For The Inspiration

Thursday, February 5th, 2009 by Alyice

Have you ever run across a website or a blog or an article or even an ad and felt inspired by the work of the artist? Have you ever thought about leaving the artist a note, and then decided against it? I’d like to encourage you to offer up a little praise or note of gratitude if you come across something that inspires you—that makes you pause for just a moment and think, “That’s neat”. Your small gesture will not go unrewarded. In fact, it will spur more creativity and new creations—it will build self-confidence.

As you may have read on my blog, I’ve been creating works of art on and off for years, but other than a few trinkets here and there, I couldn’t get myself to continue down the creative path because:

Where would I put everything I made? There are only so many friends and family members I can pawn them off to.
I didn’t want to waste valuable resources.
I could always use the money I put into arts and crafts for “other things”.

Then one day I got Bell’s Palsy and was told that I needed to start doing something just for me—something that made me forget about my cares and worries, something that allowed me to escape into my own dream world; if only for a little bit. And I remembered my art and how it made my heart soar and so I began creating art again.

But with each stroke of the brush, with each smudge of a napkin, with each sketch of pencil, I found myself second-guessing and doubting everything I attempted to paint and create. I felt like a failure as a creative person—and especially as an artist and so I’d chuck each creation in the trash.

In my mind, I’d see things one way, but my hands often made them another. It was quite frustrating. I knew that with practice, I would improve but all I could think was, “No amount of practice is going to get me to create like so and so.”

Then a dear artist I met online last year insisted that I take what I am pleased with, at the moment that I am pleased with it, and put it on my blog. She told me not to second guess whether or not someone else would like it. If I finished a piece and I thought, “Wow, I did that?” then it needed to go on my website. She insisted that posting of the artwork would release me. She insisted that it would free my mind’s need to be “perfect” and “accepted”. She insisted that it would get my creative muse back on track and creating for the sake of creating and not for the sake of approval.

And she was right. I was terrified at first. But now, I’m glad I did.

With each new piece I post, I find my insecurities lessen. With each new post, I find my talent improving—even if only by a smidge. And with each new post I grow more confident and bold in my attempts to try new things. But more importantly, with each new post that receives a positive comment by email or via the blog, I am reminded of the power of positive reinforcement—and do my best to pay it forward.

Until next time,

Posted in Artist's Life | 2 Comments »

One Heart, One Love

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 by Alyice

I’ve been married to my husband for so long that I don’t even remember what it was like to be single. We’ve been through a lot—my husband and I. Lots of ups and downs, ins and outs, twists and turns, set-backs and successes, and even during our roughest moments, I cannot imagine my heart belonging to anyone but him.

I love the way his hands caress my back, the way he calls me “babe”—with just a hint of tenderness, the way he’s willing to give up “guy’s night out” just because I need a little tender loving care, and the fact that he still asks me to shower with him.

One heart, one love symbolizes the union between a man and woman—two hearts beating as one.

May this greeting card remind you to pause long enough to see the person you once gave your heart to and to remember the early years with fond affection. And may it give you the strength you need to rekindle the romance.

Keep Creating.

Posted in The Cards | 1 Comment »

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AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

Copyrights

All material on this blog belongs to Alyice Edrich, unless otherwise noted. No project, artwork, or text may be reproduced or displayed elsewhere without the consent of the creator. That includes making derivative works for resale. Please use project tutorials for personal use and/or gifts only.