What Inspires You Wednesday

Supporting Each Other, Literally & Figuratively

Literally................

Living just an hour out of Boston, the coverage of this marathon, as in year's past has been extensive. Given the tragic events of last year's  marathon, they've been even more intense. I've already talked a lot about how the survivors of last year's bombings inspire me, but what also inspires me are the story that come out of the marathon every year. Stories of people raising money for worth causes;  the huge volunteer force it takes to put on an event of this magnitude; the stories of the dedication it takes to train for such an event, and also of the camaraderie and support between runners.

I don't know if anybody else caught this story, but close to the finish line just past The Forum Restaurant where one of the bombs exploded last year, a runner was about to collapse.  One of the runners behind him noticed this and didn't think twice about his 'race time'. Instead he took action while he thought about what finishing meant to him, and knowing it surely meant as much to his fellow runner. He hooked the fading runner's arms around his neck and tried to help him walk, but the man was near collapse at this point. As runners continued to stream towards the finish line, another stopped to help the first man aid their fellow runner seeing that the first man couldn't hold him up any longer as he himself was exhausted. Then, another runner. And one more at which time they began to carry the ailing runner towards the finish line. Eventually, the man convinced them to put him down so he could at least walk across the line, and this they did.... together.  View the story here and the video here.

It makes me teary eyed, knowing that there are still people who put others before themselves and will help the guy next to them, simply because he needs it.  Just awesome.


Figuratively..............

I received an email the other day from a fellow etsy shop owner, Meredith Jordan of Wild Woman Beads. It made my day.

"Pam,  I was moving in January, and my life has been spinning ever since, so some things got wait listed until I could get to them. One of those things was your new magazine. It's FABULOUS! All your talents come together in this publication. I loved it.  I'm very excited for you. This is brilliant."

Thanks Meredith! You rock for taking the time to send me an email. It really meant a lot especially as I've been formulating ideas for the next issue. It came at the perfect time.

So, with Meredith's words came the thought that perhaps there are some of you who may be able to help me make the Summer Edition of the muse even better than the first, because that is my mission.  I want the next issue of the muse to continue to explore creative living while improving the design, including more content  (that is local, national, and international), and of course reach a wider and bigger readership.

All that considered, I'm asking for your help and announcing a Call For Contributors!

If you think you have an idea for article/feature that would be a good fit for the muse, I'd love to hear it.  As outlined above, I will consider all ideas, however not all will be the right fit for the muse.  Keep a few things in mind when submitting ideas: the focus of the muse is exploring creative living and living the good life; the look is clean, modern, simple, with a slant toward creatives and higher end markets; excellent photography and writing is a must.  

I already have story possibilities lined up that include features on a wine consultancy in Los Angeles,  a building reclaimer and furniture maker in Raleigh, and a jewelry maker in Boston.

I'm excited to start picking away at it and welcome the opportunity to not only receive support from my fellow creatives, but also offer support and exposure to them.

I'd love to hear what you think about the whole idea of the muse including contributors as well as the topics outlined. If you have any ideas for other muse-worthy topics, do tell. 

By the way.............what's inspiring you today?

Despite the rain here, it's a damn fine day to have. So make it great, ok?

Ciao for now,

 

 

Around The World: Let Me Introduce You......

....To Some Lovely People

Here's something you may or many not know about etsy. It is not only A #1 when it comes to handmade goods, but it is also a great place to connect with people from all over the world. Some are clients and customers, and some are other shop owners.

When I was in the midst of planning the first issue of the muse online magazine, I put out a call for sponsors and was so happy to have a great response from many talented people and businesses.  Let me introduce you to a few.

First, Sarah from Upscale Downhome who lives in Wisconsin.

Sarah is all about home decor that is classic with a modern twist. All about re-purposing vintage items to add an eclectic one of a kind charm to your home.  She hand-makes her line of unique curtain tiebacks as well as the antler plaques she sells in her shop.

Damn if I don't love this stuff.  Classic, yet someone hip and quirky.

 

 

Check out more of Sarah's style and home in this  'get the look feature' on etsy's blog.


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Olya from oBo Creations is across the pond as we say, and a little bit further in Switzerland.  She hand-makes Swiss Art Jewelry and created a unique method for making her one of a kind pieces. 

 

Her jewelry is colorful, modern, and vibrant. 

 

 

 

 

Olya is a self taught artist who gathers her inspiration from the city of Geneva where she resides and the surrounding Swiss countryside.

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Utary is the seamstress extraordinaire behind Oyeta, and lives on the other side of the world in Indonesia. She makes the most beautiful clutches and bags, perfect for bridesmaid gifts or even a special gift for yourself.

 

 

 

 

Utary and I discovered we have something in common besides our love for beautiful fabrics: ice cream!
 

 

You won't be disappointed when you visit the wonderful shops of my sponsors. Their stuff is handmade with love and gorgeous.

 

Thanks to these ladies and all of the sponsors of the muse. You rock!
 

 

Freeform Friday

 

Ah, the Friday feeling. It may be snowing right now, and this song may be about the rain, but it just exudes that happiness that sneaks in when Friday arrives.  It's all yours Mr. Kelly. Click here if you're reading via email.

 

 

 

Didn't expect the snow we're getting, but I'll take it. It's supposed to rain tomorrow and most of the weekend, and I guess I'll just have to take a cue from Gene.  No plans for the weekend, other than working at my desk on branding design for clients and undecorating. I have to get the tree down. Yes, my tree is still up! I always leave it up to Little Christmas/The Epiphany which was Monday and I haven't had a chance to take it down yet. Always kind of sad to say goodbye to the holidays for another year. 

 

Have you got bigger plans than me?

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

LAUNCH DAY! Introducing: the muse, online magazine volume 1

Take A Look

It's been a labor of love and now it's a dream come true.

I hope you all enjoy the first issue of the muse.

It wouldn't have been possible without my sponsors.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Can you do one little favor for me? If you like it, would you be so kind as to share it? Share it with your family and friends. Share it via your social media. Share it however you can. I'd be ever so grateful.

And now, without further ado................

I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out, being the first issue and all. Of course, there are always things you'd change and there are probably a typo or two, but for the most part I felt good when I finally hit the publish button. Plans are already in the works for the muse/volume two, so if you'd like to hop on board as a sponsor or feel you might have something to contribute, drop me a line at pbates (at) speakeasyinfo (dot) net.

And as I said, this wouldn't have been possible without my sponsors. Their support means so much to me.

Upscale Downhome

oBo Creations

Oyeta

Lee's Whimsy

Long Eared Designs

Moonlight In Paris

3 Pearls

Milo & Molly

Ahkriti

Jewelry By Debra

Blue Moon Evolution

lia artisan concrete designs

Take a moment if you can, and visit their sites (just click on their ads in the magazine and you'll be directed to their sites) and say, "hi, the muse sent me".

I'd be so glad and thankful if you did.

Happy Reading,

What Inspires You Wednesday: Graphic Design

Layout

As I work on putting together the first issue of the muse, I'm gathering inspiration from any source I can including my stack of old magazines I can't seem to throw away. Among them are: Domino, Fresh Home, (both pictured below), Bon Appetit, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple. The list goes on.  And on.

 
There is something to love about the design and layout in each and every one. The use of color or lack thereof, the font choices, the way the design speaks to what the publication is about. So much goes into good design. I'm eating it all up because I want the muse to look beautiful and to have a timeless quality so it can evolve and grow.

Of course, the muse isn't the only design project I'm working on right now. I'm juggling logo projects, direct email campaigns and advertising design for clients.

I'm so happy to say that I love my work and that it inspires me most every day.  Even when I escape from my desk, no matter where I am, I'm always gathering inspiration for design.  I love that about what I do.

As far as the muse goes, it's coming along very nicely and great sponsors have hopped on board already.  The support I've received thus far has been incredible and makes me wonder, what took me so long?  If you want to join this group of talented people and advertise in the first edition of the muse, there is still space and time left.  Placement deadline is Friday at noon and ad deadline is Sunday at noon. There is more information here in yesterday's post.


So tell me, what is inspiring you today? And on the magazine front, what publications really speak to you and why- is it the subject, the design, the articles?

I hope you have a fantastic day.

Ciao for now,

the muse magazine: Sneak Peak

Just A Glimpse

Hi gang. I am happy to report that the response to my announcement yesterday about the muse online magazine has been really positive.  I've received so many nice comments already and the muse doesn't even launch until next week!  It makes me even more excited if that is at all possible.

I thought I'd give you a teeny, tiny peek. I don't want to spoil the surprise after all.

Interest piqued?

Well, I know this much to be true.........sponsors are interested and lining up left and right already. I sincerely appreciate the support from all of you lovely, talented people. 

I've had a few people ask me about larger ad sizes, so I put together another rate sheet for those above the size of the very affordable marketplace ads I told you about yesterday.  However, I think the marketplace ad info and stats all bear repeating, so here's all of it.

 
Remember, the muse will launch next week so ad deadlines are already fast approaching.  Act quick to secure your spot in the inaugural edition and email me if you're interested- pbates (at) speakeasyinfo (dot) net. I know think you'll be quite happy to a sponsor and supporter of the first edition of the muse.

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask.

In the meantime......the fog is lifting (literally), the sun is actually shining after a good few days of the gray and uglies, and the temperature isn't too bad.  I've got a ton of work on my plate today including a direct email design and logo design and a gazillion other things.

What's happening in your corner of the world?

Ciao for now,

Exciting News: Realizing A Dream

A Long Time Coming

If I think really hard, and way back........I've wanted to publish a magazine for a very long time.  Eons in fact. Which equates to nearly a lifetime.

I'm so happy to announce that it is finally happening. I am making my own dream come true. In addition to graphic designer, marketing consultant, writer, blogger, cook, photographer........you can now add online magazine publisher to my list of titles.  I am working on the Issuu platform which allows you to design the most wonderful publication on your end, upload it and have it transformed into online magazine format.  If you've never heard of it, you should have a look around.

The Muse will focus on inspired and creative living, just like this blog does.

I've been pulling ideas and pieces of the magazine together and worked on it a good part of the weekend. Forget the rest of my list. I was so excited about what I was doing, that I was in that zone. You know the one when you put your head down to do something, and when you look up again, the day is done.  I am quite happy with the way it is progressing and I think you are going to love the final product. It is looking gorgeous if I do say so myself.

If you are a small business owner/artist/maker and want to reach new people there are advertising opportunities available. The Muse will be distributed via this blog as well as all of my social media outlet.  Add to that Issuu targeted distribution and The Muse has the potential to reach millions of avid online magazine readers with like-minded interests all over this world. Talk about exciting. I can barely contain myself. I'd love to show you a taste of the magazine, but I think it's better left for the launch.  There is a little peak into the table of contents page below as it currently stands, but that's it. Trust me though, it's going to be beautiful and chock full of interesting things from interviews and recipes, to DIYs and inspiration.  You do not want to miss your chance to be part of it, but you have to act quick because this is all happening now! Ad booking deadline is this Friday, December 6th at noon e.s.t.  Ad files must be received by Sunday, December 8th at noon e.s.t. (preferably in jpeg or png format).

I'll need your support in this endeavor. I'm hoping that you'll like The Muse so much that you'll share it with your friends and family.  My mission is to make it a well-received success, so I can started on the second one right away.

I know I can count on you to help me get this off the ground in tremendous fashion, because you guys are the best.

Ciao for now,