Taking the e-Course, Flying Lessons, and how I met Kelly Rae Roberts !!

Flying Lessons online e-Course

We can all use a tune-up once in a while, and some good girlfriend advice – and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m taking Kelly Rae Robert’s e-Course, Flying Lessons. It’s a 5-week online course that provides tips, solid advice, and inspiration about growing your creative business. It’s day 5 and my head is spinning - - in a good way.

Kelly encourages you to listen to the whispers in your head, the voices that inspire you to be creative. I have been listening to my whispers to live a creative life for some time – as long as I can remember really. In fact, I’m not quite sure if there has ever been a time that I didn’t listen… but there were many times I tried to shush them, stop dreaming, and follow what other people said you were suppose to do - get a responsible J–O–B.

Meeting Kelly Rae Roberts

It seems it was fate that invited me in… keeping me energized and inspired... to push me past the hurdles. This is what led me to learn more about Kelly Rae, her positive outlook, and how she encourages others to accomplish their dreams and to be who they are supposed to be. Or maybe it wasn’t ‘fate’. Maybe it was my mother's quiet presence reassuring me to move forward. She was always my biggest cheerleader. I still feel like she’s a strong force in my creative destiny for sure.


I have been reading creative blogs for a long time and I’m not sure how I didn’t discover Kelly Rae and fall into her allure a while ago. It has only been in the past year. Weird, right? Timing really IS everything. So here’s the low-down on how we met. ;-)


I was working at an art gallery last summer. The whispers in my head to get back to my creative life were getting incredibly loud – suffocating really. I stepped out during my break to pick up chocolate bars for our afternoon snacking. (The girls at the gallery and I loved to indulge in really good chocolate). A new display of greeting cards was set out near the register. While I waited to pay for my items a card jumped out at me... I mean, it asked me to take it home. So I bought it. I had no idea who the artist was... nor did I really care. But I did appreciate the simple, thoughtful, folk-like simplicity of the image of three girls on the front flap.

This is a copy of Kelly Rae's card that I purchased

I’m not a shopper. I don’t own a lot of shoes. I don’t collect things. But, I do treasure images - - of all kinds. I love to be inspired and I have accumulated a ton of artists postcards, fabric and tile samples, photos of who knows what, business cards that are thoughtfully designed, magazine pages w/ classic photos of the life of Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn, beehive hairdos, children of the sixties and VW’s. I just love them all. And so it was... I added this charming card to my collection.

Did I mention while working at the gallery my whispers were YELLING at me. It’s time to move on! Take the risk! Do what you love! Make time for your creative dreams!  I loved working at the gallery... but I couldn’t think straight with all this hollering and pressure. I realized I needed to give notice at the gallery and I needed to figure out my game plan for reenergizing my business again. After knee surgery it had literally been put on hold (couldn’t manage the stairs = my studio was collecting dust). I began looking for creative business books on amazon – something to inspire me and put all the yelling in my head into action. A couple books caught my eye, one of which was Kelly Rae’s book, Taking Flight. I bought it and then totally forgot about it.

I am a super happy person… like all the time. On my dad’s side I have a large Italian family, everyone is happy, loves food, they tell great stories, and they laugh a lot so I guess I was just born that way – happy. One of my days off from the gallery I wasn’t feeling happy… just feeling down, overwhelmed, and anxious about rebuilding my creative life. I walked my dog Jetson and then poked my head in the mailbox. Oooo... a package! Still feeling out of sorts and really kind of sad... I made some tea, crawled back into bed an opened my box. OMG... it was THAT book that I ordered! It was the perfect, inspirational gift to receive on such a melancholy day. I opened the first page, read it, got sucked into Kelly Rae’s charming words and devoured the entire book that afternoon. It wasn’t until I finished did I put two and two together… she is the artist that painted that card I bought! Was it a crazy coincidence, a fluke – or was it something MORE?! I believe it was destiny – the stars were aligning because the voices in my head, and in my heart, were too loud to shush. I am happiest when I am in control of my own destiny and dreams; happiest when I put paint to the canvas and when I create my 'small works of art' – my jewelry, Carlentini Jewelry. This is where I am meant to be.

So this is how we met – Kelly Rae and me. And after reading and consuming all of her blog posts late at night we have now become friends. Thank you Kelly Rae – for helping me to have the courage to push past the uncertainty, to stay inspired and excited about what the future holds, and for introducing me to your e-Course, Flying Lessons. I’m thrilled to be a part of a creative community who is pushing past their fears to live a creative life, openly sharing ideas and opinions to find balance in their lives, to create art and to follow their dreams, while inspiring their children, family and friends.

'Pour your heart and all your energy into selling your art

one small step, and one goal at a time.'

AMEN sister! 
(Thanks Kelly Rae)

Flora Bowley, 'Bloom True' Painting at The Makerie Retreat

Pinch me.. pinch me… I’m painting with Flora !!

'There are no mistakes'

'Trust your painting - you're already an artist'

'Paint with wild abandoment'

Following a few morning yoga poses in the sun, under the majestic views of the Flatirons, Flora Bowley began our painting workshop at The Makerie, encouraging us to have an open heart to the experience and to boldly paint with wild abandonment. There are no mistakes.

Flora's painting during the beginning of the day

We dripped, dashed, dotted, layered and washed bold colors of paint on the canvas, intuitively taking each painting through the process and allowing the composition to unfold naturally.

Flora adds more color and layers to her painting

Flora’s workshop was exhilarating and by far one of my most memorable experiences. Her supportive teaching style is both personable and brazen, pushing each of us to courageously paint without fear. We felt free!

My 'Bloom True' painting

Yes, I’d have to say I’m smitten too. Thanks Flora for a terrific afternoon and for reconnecting me to my BFF, Inspiration. As I've mentioned before, she is an awesome force.

Check out Flora's website for more information

and her upcoming teaching schedule !

The Makerie: A creative retreat

Remember the days when you were young and life was all about paint, glitter, glue, s’mores and hanging with your best girlfriends?  Ali Dejohn of Boulder has resurrected those magical, creative moments in The Makerie, a creative weekend retreat hosted in beautiful Chautauqua / Boulder, Colorado.

The view of the FlatIrons from Chautauqua Park, where the event was held

I had the pleasure of volunteering for this fabulous event, which was held in April.  Can I tell you..?!!  I had champagne bubbles inside and couldn’t sleep I was so excited! 

When I found out about The Makerie I contacted Ali and mentioned to her that I would love to get involved – in any way. I was thrilled when she invited me to help out. What a great group of women and what a blast we all had!  This was the first time I met Ali, who is a total doll. As it turns out, she and I know similar circles of amazing women from the area, which just added to the great connection.

Don't you love this pic of Ali?!



: :  Tell me about all the fun!  : :

(photo by Linda Winski)

 

‘The Makerie is a creative retreat weekend in Boulder, CO, designed to lovingly nurture the creative spirit in all of us. It is full of amazing creative/crafting workshops (i.e. knitting, painting, block printing, pattern making, photography etc...) and is for anyone who wants to be creative or try something totally new in a supportive and loving environment. In addition to the classes, we offer wake-up yoga &/or hiking, as well as healthy, organic & local (where possible) yummy foods as part of the weekend so everyone feels cared for all around. Think of it like summer camp for adults (but in April!) & a weekend with no cooking or cleaning or errands, just creating & playing! People have the chance to stay in cozy cottages, eat communal meals together & simply be part of a fun, creative community for a few days.’ (this was taken from an interview with Ali; paper anniversary)

Here a few memories from the weekend festivities!

Pick a pinecone !!

Sweet messages are on the back of these nature souvenirs - an inspirational mantra for your wkend. (ie, get artsy, have an open heart, feel inspired)

Lunch just rolled in!
Literally.. on four wheels - it's our fav, The Comida Truck

It's about making new friends and grabbing some yummy lunch from the Comida truck! Women participated from all over the country, to include Canada! So much fun!!

Can you see me?  It's Amy Krouse Rosenthal..

‘Find the crevasses in your busy life, fill them with what inspires you’
‘Make the most of your time here’

Wow! Amy Krouse Rosenthal kicks off the Opening Ceremony via Skype. We were all SO inspired and touched by her presentation, along with the kind words from Ali, and the instructors who have arrived from all over the country to share their artsy wisdom.

Can you feel the creative enegy?!

Exciting things are happening in Flora Bowley’s ‘Bloom True’ class, as the women paint with ‘wild abandonment’. 

Creative colors bask in the sun

I happened to pass by these fabulous paintings drying.  They’re not finished yet.. This is just the first layer of paint. Love it!

Beep..Beeeep!!

The Cozy Bean greets us first thing Sunday morning for a welcome cup of java before shopping at The Makerie Market, hosted by Firefly Handmade.

Did you miss The Makerie this year?

Don’t miss it next year! Grab your girlfriends and come join the fun!

The Makerie, April 19 - 22, 2012



New Computer, New Blog, New Life

It's May and I'm finally checking in to my blog. What is that all about? It has been on my radar since January...

Where the heck have I been?
Last year Coop and I realized there was no way we could be summer-festivarians. I had knee surgery and the recovery was coming along great, (no more running allowed) but I was still in no shape to coordinate set-up, tear-down, or stand for long lengths of time. Art shows were out!

I accepted a part-time position at a gallery on Pearl St, in Boulder. SOOOO excited! It is my fav gallery here, Art + Soul Gallery.


Art + Soul Gallery

I died and had gone to heaven. I was so thrilled I immediately started painting! Seriously.. it was this crazy/awesome energy - and something I had put off for way too long. I always said... 'After the next art show', I'll start a new illustration or painting, 'After the next boutique order', blah-blah-blah... It's just terrible how life moves past you and you continue to put your passions on the back burner.

Meet Winston!
Our customer service specialist and front door greater!

Anyway, loved the gallery, LOVED the women I worked with.. man, they are awesome ladies for sure, LOVED Winston (and miss him), loved the art and the artists, and all the great experiences.. but my business suffered, and I missed my creative life.

I had been in touch with a friend, and artist, Monica Soeldner.

I love this photo of her

I mentioned to her my creative frustration and that I was literally going to burst if I didn't get back to my creative roots. She said it all and it was perfect - 'One thing I have learned this past year is that it's so huge to build a creative community - - find your tribe of supportive, creative, like-minded people, and get involved'. Funny how we know these things, but actually hearing it, and hearing it at that exact, wonderful moment when you really need to listen is SO huge. That was IT - there was no stopping me.

This was January and things were going to change. I sadly (and gladly) gave notice at the gallery. I got reconnected to the boutiques I had built relationships with (they have been so kind and patient) and I hit the studio hard. I got online and started planning out my summer season of art shows, applied and was thrilled to be juried in. Yay! My creative destiny was already starting to take shape for 2011. I also made a commitment to myself to stay more connected to the online artist community that I love, to blog more (here I AM!), to volunteer in the art community, to 'find my tribe' and to live a creative life.

As Amy Krouse Rosenthal so beautifully reminds us..

'make the most of your time here'

It's time to paint and fire up the torch!

Don't you love the energy that the new year brings.
Just the best.

What change have you committed to?

2009 Photo Review

FFFeeeuuu...
Thank heavens for 2010! It seems I'm terribly behind with everything. Not to worry, I tell myself.. knee surgery is behind me.. I can get up/down the stairs.. and I'm back in the studio.

No time to update the blog just yet..

Here is a 2009 photo review

In memory of our good friend Jeff

LOVE these girls! (Chris & Kristen)

In memory of my sweet Italian Aunt (dad and Aunt Sarah)
Don'tcha just love this pic - they are cracking up!!

Good times for Mel's Birthday! (me, Mel & Jen)
A murder mystery/ghost tour through Boulder
on a crazy hippy bus (w/ just a little sangria..)
Banjo Billy's Bus Tour
http://www.banjobilly.com/

My cousin's Colleen & Steve come to CO for a visit

Dinner party at my place (Marleen, Sandy, Kristen)
Hhhmm.. what gorgeous jewelry they're wearing

Hiking with my boys (Coop & Jetson)

Bob and Mary get MARRIED !!

Sandy (and Flower) on the Arkansas River in Salida, CO

Last art show of the summer season!
Monica and I had booths next to ea other and had such a fun wkend!
She's a mixed media artist from Denver.
(Coop surprised me with her sweet painting)


The silly boy !!

What a way to end the year.
Marleen, Sandy and I celebrate Sandy's birthday at Shoshoni Yoga Retreat in Rollinsville, CO
http://www.shoshoni.org

Here's to having fun in 2010
Happy New Year !!

Vail Art Show, June 2009

Thank you everyone who supported me at The Vail Art Show . It was great meeting you and having the chance to visit. Making those connections is what really makes the art show scene fun.

Vail was the fist show of the season and it was a great success. What a beautiful setting and terrific event. Laurie and her team from Eagle Valley Events were all very friendly and helpful, and the event was well organized. I look forward to participating again in the future.

In an effort to meet new people at each show, keep in touch with new clients, and say thank you for your support, I hold a drawing at the end of the show for a FREE necklace! Come'on.. WHO doesn't love free jewelry?!! :)

The winner of the free jewels at this season's Vail Art Show was Mindy McNitt, from Vail, CO!! Congratulations Mindy!!

A BIG thanks to everyone who participated in the drawing! It was great visiting with you, learning about your hometowns, and hearing about the fun mountain activities you, your family and friends, had planned during your stay in Vail.

Here a few other photos I have to share from the event...

The infamous Mona Lisa stopped by my booth!
Of course because she loves jewelry!! And she also wanted to have her photo taken at my Italian-style jewelry boutique.
(This street performer was absolutely a riot, never missed a beat on the Italian accent and kept us all entertained)

Meet Giesla Hoelscher of Ink Blot Art!

She and I originally met at an artist workshop in May that was hosted by Alyson Stanfield of artbizcoach.com. She drove in from Saint Paul, MN. It was so great to see her and to reconnect. Her art is as fun and as artistic as she is-check it out!

I have to say.. I felt very lucky this trip...the weekend wasn’t all about work. Coop and I had the opportunity to have dinner with some terrific friends who live in the area, Liz/Phil Patterson and their awesome kiddo, lil Miss Delaney. We don’t get to see them near enough and it was such a treat to spend time with them. We decided to meet on the patio of 'Bart & Yeti's', in Lionshead Village. It was the perfect place to relax after a busy day, catch up, and enjoy the summer evening together. It was definitely the major highlight of our trip!

Another high point from the Vail wkend was seeing another good friend, John Nieland/aka 'Curl', from Denver. He plays in The John McKay Band and they had a gig in the nearby town of Eagle at The Dusty Boot Saloon. OMG..We loved this place - and the band! If you’re in the area you really need to stop by – the views from the patio are to die for gorgeous, the food was delicious and the service was great too. We loved the warm, neighborhood feeling of the restaurant and it was obviously a popular hang-out for the locals. Of course the best part of the evening for us was having the chance to visit with Curl, relax with an icy-cold one, and listen to tunes.

Since Vail I have amped up my time in the studio and finished a few new designs, as Evergreen Summerfest is right around the corner. (July 18 & 19th) It’s just a short drive from Boulder/Denver. Take the opportunity to get out of town and enjoy the sweet mountain air. I hope to see you there!

*Just had to share: As I'm typing this, my windows are open and the pink glow of the sun is setting over the mountains - I can hear a group of coyote pups yipping and barking up a storm - a very cool way to end the day.

April, 2009

Spring is here !

Spring has arrived in the Rockies! The snow-capped mountains are beautiful and there's a sense of enthusiasm. Artists everywhere are busy in their studios creating new works of art for the summer season of Art Shows. I am one of those artists! I have been very busy adding to my inventory of designs. Check out my ‘small works of art’, and the upcoming summer event schedule – come celebrate the season! http://www.carlentinijewelry.com

There's Something About the Recession...

I recognize that there are a lot of families in need right now, but I have to say.. There's something about the recession and the effect it is having on us - in a positive way. It seems it has forced everyone to slow down, take notice about what's really important, and spend quality time with friends and family. While we're all pinching pennies we are also taking time to connect in ways we were too busy to in the past; enjoying meals and family-time together at the dinner table, growing veggies with the neighbors, coffee visits on the weekends, and reconnecting with the 'ol crowd on Facebook and Twitter. We're really reaching out and quietly offering strength to the amazing people around us.

In the jewelry world is seems these small intimate connections are influencing our styles and trends. More and more designers are relating to their clients by incorporating a personal sentiment to their work. You see designs that integrate birthstones, baby names, initials, poetry and inspirational words. I have to say.. I love all of it! It just feels good and you innately want to share these expressions with others. Can I tell you? I know I have a business to run, but consistently I'm so inspired by my girlfriends that I frequently feel I could just make inspirational jewelry for them all day. It's a way of letting them know how terrific they are, and how I admire what they do, by designing intimate pieces combining colors, words, and talismans. It's a way of supporting those we love and also saying 'thank you'.

I'll admit - I couldn't hold back any longer! There's something special about creating and giving a piece that is thoughtfully made out of love. Based on the incredible women in my life I have started 3 new lines of charm necklaces. There's something so petite and happy about them. I love making them and I love giving them; and I think you will too. Check the website for the new designs; Cable Coin Necklaces, Charm Necklaces, and Cable Lariats. They're at such a great price point they make perfect gifts - and more importantly each one is lovingly handcrafted.

Speaking of amazing women.. Don't forget to celebrate all the incredible mother's that change the world on a daily basis. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10th. Take a moment to peruse through my online inventory and select a piece that will let her know how important she is; whether she's YOUR mother, your wife, or your amazing BFF.

It is these small intimate connections that are inspirational and empowering. And in times like these, it is the significant things we’ll hold on to.

Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful women in my life!
http://www.carlentinijewelry.com

Each Mother's Day gift will include a special poem when gift-wrapped.

** Don't be bashful - Contact me if you need something a little different to make that connection.