Gypsy chic issue 15 editor lorraine stylianou

the magazine dedicated to greeting card publishing and entrepreneurship

Gypsy Chic

magazine Issue 15 - 2017

What value are you adding in your business?

Part 2

Envelope Art ne Whyman a J h it w s w ie v r INSIDE!!! Inte e of Ruby li s e L y e ll e h S , s d of Image Plus Car Sebastian en Doodle and Laur

THE 100 DAY PROJECT

BOOK NOOK

CONTENTS 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

4

INTERVIEW WITH... JANE WHYMAN

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THE 100 DAY PROJECT

8

ENVELOPE ART

P.4

P.10

10 INTERVIEW WITH... SHELLEY LESLIE

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13 BOOK NOOK 14 WHAT VALUE ARE YOU ADDING IN YOUR BUSINESS PART 2 16 THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE 17 FINELINERS REVIEW 18 INTERVIEW WITH... LAUREN SEBASTIAN 22 BOHEMIAN BIRDS 23 GYPSY CHIC QUOTES

P.6 P.22

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LETTER

from the Editor

S

o May is here….and with it (we hope) the chance to catch some early summer sunshine, admire gorgeous gardens, and hear beautiful birdsong.

In the trade fair world we have Pulse (14-16th May) in London; a show full of inspiration and innovation, showcasing new gifts, stationery brands, modern living and fashion products.

Pulse is a superb platform for independent publishers to show their wider product offering rather than just stationery.

It’s the time of year the grafters, who’ve worked so hard over the dark winter months, get their moment to shine at venues like these.

Whilst I’m not attending any trade fairs this year I’ve still been beavering away on an architectural range based around London, the South East and East Anglia. My aim is to keep things local, focussing on the great buildings that we walk past every day and take for granted. Absence has made me fall in love with Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk in a way I never thought was possible, and from afar, I’ve been networking with creatives, and businesses in these areas on Instagram, my platform of choice. It’s a weird thing – self imposed exile. But new things are on the horizon (more on that later).

So let me introduce you to Issue 15’s multitalented contributors – Three creatives in the art and greeting card space. We have Jane Whyman of Image Plus Cards (East Sussex), Shelley Leslie of Ruby Doodle (Donegal, Ireland), and Lauren Sebastian (St Ives, Cornwall). Together we are the voice of the UK & Ireland’s art world. We are all striving to build our business, serve others, and grow our reputation as well as building a community we are proud of. So as always, grab a drink and enjoy the read. I hope you find it of value.

Lorraine www.lorrainestylianou.com

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Interview with .....

Jane Whyman

of Image Plus Cards

1. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A CARD PUBLISHER SINCE 2012, HOW YOU GROW YOUR STOCKISTS, AND A TYPICAL WEEK IN YOUR STUDIO. ALSO SHARE THE STORY BEHIND YOUR COMPANY NAME. lll Because my background was exhibition design, I plunged in feet first and launched our new card company at the Spring Fair 2012. Definitely not the most profitable way to start a business, but a great way to meet people within the industry. I think we are lucky that this industry is so friendly, and I met many good friends that have helped and inspired me along the way.

We always exhibit at the Spring Fair as it a good way of meeting new customers as well as existing. We have been lucky to meet some great agents at this venue which helps generate orders through the rest of the year.

As a mother of three, a typical week involves a balancing /juggling act between school runs and designing with a bit of emails/paperwork thrown in for good measure.

but all other ranges are given to friends and family on a weekly basis.

4. I’M IN LOVE WITH YOUR SHINY FOILED WORLD RANGE – SUCH A CLEVER USE OF “WORLD” THEMED IDIOMS AND IMAGERY. IT IS HEARTFELT AND LUXURIOUS. HOW WAS IT RECEIVED AT SPRING FAIR? l l l Our new “On Top of the World” range was very well received at the Spring Fair.

We hope to bring out more titles in the future, especially more open titles that send a positive message, and can be used for many different occasions. We always use FSC credited board and a printer that is very local to where we are based, but I would also like to source biodegradable cellos and vegetable dyes to try to make this range even more environmentally friendly.

2. FOR YOUR “SPEND A PENNY” RANGE HOW DO YOU ACQUIRE SO MANY PENNIES? DO YOUR LOCAL BANK CLERKS KNOW YOU WELL? lll “Spend a Penny” involves lots and lots of coins, and I am very lucky that we have a very kind local post office lady who contacts me when she gets a delivery of new shiny pennies perfect for our cards.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR BIG DREAMS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS DECADE? l l l My biggest dream would be to get my designs on other products. I would love to go shopping and see my designs in leading High Street stores. (Although right now-I would just love to go shopping!….)

3. DO YOU APPLY ALL THE HAND FINISHED ELEMENTS YOURSELF OR DO YOU HAVE A TEAM OF OUTWORKERS? IF YOU HIRE STAFF TELL US HOW YOU GO ABOUT BUILDING AND MANAGING YOUR TEAM? lll We have a fairy range called “Do you believe in Fairies” which I produce myself,

JANE WHYMAN Tel: 01424 893345 Website: www.imagepluscards.co.uk Email: sales@imagepluscards.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImagePlusCards

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#THE 100DAY

PROJECT

ARE YOU IN? WHAT IS IT?

It is a FREE global art competition that anyone can participate in.

WHY JOIN?

It is a great way of building community AND growing your Instagram followers.

What’s not to like?

WHO CREATED IT?

Elle Luna and Lindsay Jean Thomson are the two creatives/community builders behind this year’s project.

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HOW DO YOU JOIN?

Even if you have missed the start of it (4 April 2017) you can still join by doing a few things: 1. Sign up for their newsletter here: http://the100dayproject.us15.list-manage.com/ subscribe?u=451503ae9e962553862c61156&id=e87075ea2d By joining the mailing list you will get weekly prompts 2. Follow them on Instagram @elleluna https://www.instagram.com/elleluna/ @lindsayjeanthomson https://www.instagram.com/lindsayjeanthomson/ 3. Decide on your original theme or ACTION – it can be anything: yoga, animal painting, writing poetry Mine is sketching British leaves.

4. Then create your own hashtag following this format: #100daysof______________ (put your chosen theme here) 5. Post an image of your work EVERY DAY. Don’t forget to use the hashtags: #The100dayproject #100dayproject #100daysof––––––––––––

WHEN DOES IT FINISH? 12 July 2017

https://the100dayproject.org/what-is-the100dayproject-fbb4d1754a90

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ENVELOPE

ART

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INSTAGRAM HASHTAGS

#mailart #snailmailing #stationeryaddict #penpals #snailmail #snailmailrevolution #correspondence #stampcollection #brownpaperpackages #snailmaillove #write_on #snailmailrevival #outgoingmail #sendmoremail #showandmail #papercraft #philately #artjournal #happymail #calligraphy

A

ren’t you fascinated by the beautiful envelope art and decorative journals that appear in Instagram’s feed each day. Creatives (journal addicts, calligraphers, and decorative artists) who are passionate about gorgeous packaging, washi tape, stamps and the art of joy.

If you fancy lusting over some hard core envelope porn whilst growing your Instagram following check out these hashtags 

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Interview with .....

Shelley Leslie

of Ruby Doodle

orders across a wide range of Retail outlets including, gift and craft shops, lifestyle stores, pharmacies, online vendors and Garden Centres.

Introducing Ruby Doodle by Shelley Leslie…..

1. I MET DESIGNER SHELLEY LESLIE IN THE CARD SECTION OF SHOWCASE IRELAND AND LOVED HER HAND DRAWN DOODLES, AND PERSONALISED, BILINGUAL CARDS. lll Showcase 2017 was a success for me I was able to secure new accounts and had plenty of orders from existing customers.

As it was my first time exhibiting at showcase and knowing how hard it can be at a trade fair, I was delighted with how Ruby Doodle got on. A lot of Buyers were drawn in by the bright colours I use and the happy aspect of Ruby Doodle’s style. There was interest and

2. TELL US HOW THE SHOW WENT FOR YOU AT SHOWCASE IRELAND – WAS IT YOUR FIRST APPEARANCE, AND DID IT LIVE UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN TERMS OF INTEREST AND ORDERS? l l l There was a one day briefing session organised for all exhibitors in the Enterprise zone, this briefing gave us a fairly detailed outline of what was expected from us and what the Buyer expected. We covered everything from stand set up, ordering formats and

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dealing with customers from overseas.

My stand took about 20hrs to organise pre show. Showcase opened on the Sunday, exhibitors could go in on the Friday if they wanted to paint their stand and finish it off on the Saturday .

3. WHAT WAS THE SET UP LIKE PRIOR TO SHOW OPENING – DID YOU HAVE HELP AND GUIDANCE FROM THE SHOW ORGANISERS AND HOW MANY HOURS DID YOU TAKE TO GET YOUR STAND READY? lll Showcase starts on Sunday and goes on till 4p.m. the following Wednesday, 4 days in total. I stayed nearby in the Clayton Hotel, which has special rates for Exhibitors and Buyers. Other nearby Hotels include the Herbert Park, and The Ballsbridge Hotel.

4. YOUR STYLE REMINDS ME OF ONE OTHER UK DESIGNER IN TERMS OF HAND EMBELLISHED COMPONENTS, RIBBONS AND GLITTER. I PARTICULARLY LIKED THE LITTLE STREAKS OF SILVERY WHITE GLITTER ON YOUR SAMPLE GET WELL CARD. TELL US WHICH RANGE OR CARD DESIGN PROVED MOST POPULAR AT THE SHOW? lll Ruby Doodle’s Irish language range went really well for the show as well as special occasion cards such as Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, Communion and Confirmation.

5. WAS THERE MUCH INTEREST IN BUYERS FROM THE NORTH OR DO YOU THINK DEALING IN A DIFFERENT CURRENCY MAY DISSUADE BUYERS FROM THE NORTH? lll I had some orders from England and Northern Ireland. I don’t think the currency issue is a problem as the buyer has a good idea of the rates and mark ups themselves. I got a feeling

though that there was not a lot of English buyers, maybe because Top Drawer was just over and Showcase slightly overlapped with The Scottish trade fair. I can’t say for sure as this was my first time.

6. YOU’VE ALREADY INTRODUCED PRINTS (EITHER FRAMED OR UNFRAMED). ARE THERE OTHER PRODUCT LINES IN THE PIPELINE? GIVE US A GENERAL IDEA OF WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO SEE RUBY DOODLE BY 2020? l l l Ruby Doodle in 2020 will have expanded to not only offer cards but have a suite of stationary products as Ruby just loves all things Stationary as well as doodling!!

There was interest in my illustrations being used in a children’s book so that would definitely be something I would love to have ticked off on my bucket List.

The future for Ruby Doodle is definitely in Paper, Print, Pen and lots of colour.

SHELLEY LESLIE

Web: www.rubydoodlecards.com (wholesale password available) Facebook: @rubydoodlecards Email: info@rubydoodlecards.com

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WHAT’S ON YOUR STOP DOING LIST? l You know – those things (and people)

that waste your time and thwart your business progress. Since we are one quarter of the way through 2017 already, let’s re-evaluate our progress and cut out, eliminate, ban anything that is a hindrance to our success.

Here’s a few of mine: 1. Stop answering calls from friends who will chat all evening (about themselves) without first checking if it is convenient for me to talk.

2. Stop agreeing to meet for lunch with associates with whom I’ve little in common business wise – it’s a total waste of time.

3. Stop watching the news on my laptop: Don’t open the URL’s for The Mirror, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Guardian at all during the day. [Maybe a sneak peak before bedtime.]

4. Stop doing what’s comfortable – In my case, it is designing all day, posting to Instagram, but doing little sales prospecting, or strategic networking.

5. Stop making calls on my mobile during the day when I could use my landline instead – why pay peak rates for something an email can do for free.

6. Stop looking at the piles of unsorted cardstock in crates all around the house and get them categorised by range and code.

7. Stop eating sugar – it slows down my productivity 8. Stop sitting for long periods at my computer and take regular breaks (every 45mins) 9. Stop procrastinating about my next catalogue and just get it designed.

10. Stop putting everyone else’s needs first and set aside some ME time to recharge, and think creatively.

THE BOOK NOOK THE STOP DOING LIST: HOW TO CREATE MORE TIME

BY MATT MALOUF l This new, hot off the press book (published April 2017) is a great read for those of us who feel we are stagnating, generating no profit and losing the will to live.

If that sounds like you, then this may be a title worth purchasing (not cheap, yet!) but will come down in price in a few weeks. Matt Malouf encourages us to let go of the things that are holding us back and to stop doing those things in our business that restricts our business growth in any shape or form.

He calls this Zombie Slaying – so just like I’ve made a stop doing list, why not start killing off a few of your own dead horses, and create a re-energized business you are proud of.

For a step by step guide visit www.stopdoing.com.au Paperback retails at £15.95

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WHAT VALUE ARE YOU ADDING Part II IN YOUR BUSINESS? I n Issue 14, I talked about the importance of content marketing in any business and the need to have a strategy for getting your message out. In this issue, it is worth considering the content we are putting out, and how it is an art in itself. To make it meaningful, relevant, and likely to be shared by our readers, or our viewers on Facebook or Instagram we have to know who our core audience is.

We can learn a lot about who our ideal audience is by who likes our posts, who shares our content, and who engages with us consistently. We need to drill down further into our audiences’ demographics, occupation, education, income and where they live to name a few factors. Knowing a lot about their lifestyle gives us lots of material to work on and incorporate into our card designs.

We know the British are generally known as dog lovers, others are passionate about fine wines, or gardening. Designing a top selling range of bird cards will appeal to the ornithologists out there.

But we need to go further. We need to establish

is there are problems these specific groups face – what irks them, what they are looking for, and to tap into their specific needs. Just as Instagram and Facebook throw up sponsored adds in our feed for products and services they reckon we need, card publishers must also target their audience with potentially appealing card lines. We will probably be unable, however, to afford the customer experience optimization software big companies use to track what our customer searches for. We must therefore ask them directly.

Post two different designs, and ask your audience which they prefer and why? Then test the times your posts gain their highest levels of engagement. I have discovered that 9.30pm and 11.00pm are good for me as I get most likes on certain visuals at that time. It’s the time America is winding down a bit after their working day. There are measuring tools out there to assist with all of this – some companies allowing a free trial. If I type the words “Greeting Cards” into Buzzsumo I get a fantastic list of topics and statistics to show which, and on what platform, had the most engagement e.g articles on offensive greeting cards, or cute handmade greeting cards made from matchboxes had the most engagement.

Optimizely is another platform doing the same.

Without the luxury of subscriptions with these companies, or the availability of data determining our customer’s decisions, or specially designed apps, the small card publisher has to seek feedback directly through surveys, and/or watch for lifestyle clues. Continually look for the things that nark your customer continually, or what makes them laugh.

Keep an eye on what hashtags your customer also uses when posting to social media. Once you have

a better idea of your customer you can align your content better to their persona.

AND NOW FOR STORIES! Having a regular blog is a brilliant way to gain engaged fans who may become paying customers.

Learning the art of storytelling is a skill we should all acquire. When we sat on our parents lap as children and the book opened with “Once Upon a Time…….” we sat enthralled as the story was read to us and we embarked on the literary journey in front of us. The structure of childrens stories is one we should follow in our blog posts too 1. Setting the scene 2. Having a big problem to solve 3. How it was remedied.

So next time we start a new range, or face the challenges of exporting goods, we should apply that structure as we blog about it. If you tell your story honestly people will resonate with that – we like to see the human side to people and share their vulnerabilities. It is how we build trust and a voice.

Don’t forget No. 4 however – the importance of a “Call to Action” – how your product serves to solve other’s problems. Show how in your work as a designer and illustrator how you are doing your best work, offering great customer service, beating the competition with uniquely original designs and soothing souls through your joyously uplifting visuals, your side splitting humour, and jaw dropping expletives that everyone uses but no-one is brave enough to admit to. It will all reinforce the customers belief in you and your product offering.

Another way of connecting with your customer is to link things in the media – current affairs, and hot topics to your designs and see which work best in your business.

The moral of the story must be the importance of keeping your content 1) consistent 2) current 3) relevant 4) shocking 5) believable 6) original 7) authentic (but not necessarily in that order). Keep an ear to the ground, keep researching, remain flexible and adaptable. Above all, keeping sharing your happy, and keep showing up.

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THE ELEMENT OF

A

Surprise

hough not technically an artograph, a quick

I sent off my silly sketch and was

artist’s sketch on a postcard amounts to a

pleasantly surprised to receive

pictorial autograph – and I received my first

an envelope of chocolate Easter

request for one this week. Because I’m an

eggs the recipient sent me

ABNA member, I was listed some time back in the

as a thank you. It got me

36th edition of “Who’s Who in Art”. I’ve no idea

thinking how important

if this publication has any kudos at all, but it didn’t

an unexpected item

cost me anything to be listed.

arriving by post really is.

On the back of this, I got a letter request this

An envelope, a stamp,

week requesting my “artograph” from someone

and a postbox is all it

who collects artists’ postcards. Since a stamped

takes for the art of surprise.

Who can you surprise today?

addressed postcard was included, I thought “what have I got to lose?”

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s r e n i l e n Fi PRODUCT REVIEW

l

In this issue, I purchased two types of black fineliners – perfect for architectural drawings.

Having used a fine Sharpie pen for all my earlier work, I wanted to compare cheaper varieties. Nibb, a brand stocked in BM Bargains are fabulously cheap and cheerful at only £1.99 for 8 (less than 25p each). The other pack was purchased in Tiger Stores at £2.00 for 4 (50p each) Both are manufactured in China with 0.4mm thickness. In terms of appearance, they differ slightly in length and lid size.

Both write exactly the same but the Nibb brand wins on price.

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Interview with .....

Lauren Sebastian of The Art of Lauren

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we become more aligned with our hearts’ desires and authenticity then magic happens. The opportunity to have my own art studio in the heart of St Ives, Cornwall (an artistic hub of a town) was a dream come true for me. It has not been a complicated endeavour and, by honouring my artistic practice in this way, I feel the quality of my work has come on leaps and bounds. This isn’t because I am particularly special, I just think that when we devote ourselves wholeheartedly to something that brings us joy in the process and work at it every day, it is almost inevitable our skills and abilities will improve exponentially. This is why I always encourage people to follow the bliss whispers of their hearts. We need that kind of shining, soulful energy in the world; everyone deserves to express their authentic self.

My plans for 2017 include expanding the Promise of Non-ordinary Beings (a collection of magical characters from non-ordinary reality), which I aim to turn into a deck of oracle cards for art therapy and divination at some point in the not-too-distant future. My partner and I recently had some exciting news that we are expecting our very own extraordinary being this summer. Now, a little baby is part of our 2017 plans; the universe never ceases to surprise!

1. WHEN I SAW YOUR ART I JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. IT ENCAPSULATED SO MANY POSITIVE ELEMENTS FOR ME – ANIMALS, SOULFULNESS, AND A POSITIVE SPIRIT. TELL US HOW YOU STARTED YOUR ART JOURNEY? lll As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be an artist. Thankfully, that calling never left me and I went on to study a Fine Art degree. However, after graduating, it became clear I had also managed to gain some unwanted ‘programming’, leaving me with a lot of fear around how I could sustain myself full-time just making art. The stereotype of the poverty-stricken artist is a powerful and insidious one; it took a few years, but I made it my mission to transform my thinking and follow my bliss. It is amazing how the cogs of the universe begin turning to support you in realising your hopes and dreams, when you start to believe in your vision and the realm of possibility!

It is my understanding that we all each have that ‘thing’ (or several things) we love to do or be. That thing that lights up the soul. For me it happens to be painting and illustration. I realised, if I wanted to be truly happy and fulfilled, my life had to include the expression of innate creativity. Therefore, you could say my art journey really began at the same time as my healing journey (about six years ago); and, thus, the content and inspiration for my art is deeply informed by the whispers of my soul.

3. YOUR ART IS CONTEMPORARY AND PERFECT FOR BOOK ILLUSTRATION ME THINKS. HAVE YOU ILLUSTRATED ANY CHILDREN’S BOOKS YET, AND HOW DO YOU PROMOTE AND MARKET YOUR ART? l l l I have indeed illustrated a lovely, little children’s book for British author Keidi Keating called “Lori and the Love Tree”, which is in the process of being published in America, as we speak. I’ve also illustrated a couple of spirituallythemed poetry books lately (with some F

2. YOU’VE NOW OPENED YOUR OWN STUDIO/SHOP (WHOOPEE!) TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE AND YOUR PLANS IN 2017. lll Opening my own art studio last year was a huge step in the journey of saying goodbye to the poverty-stricken artist perception and welcoming in the thriving artist paradigm! I believe when

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more to do, in the pipeline). One of these has already been published by Tarcher/ Penguin (an imprint of Penguin Random House, New York), a beautiful book called “Miraculous Silence” by Sufi Master Mitra Rahbar. The thing that amazes me is, when I follow my bliss, connections come about effortlessly and not always as a result of marketing my art. If I do promote myself it is usually via social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and, in truth, I only share something when I feel an excited pull to post.

Marketing myself must never be a chore because if it is done under duress, then the missives have heavy energy stuck to them somehow. In my experience, the most successful marketing involves those communications fuelled by joy, enthusiasm and authenticity.

I am quite particular about the illustration commissions I take on these days. I go within and ask my heart whether it feels light or heavy at the

prospect of the collaboration on offer.

Now, I only agree to work on the projects that make me feel light-hearted. This is a very simple way for me to know when a commission is in alignment with my heart and soul. If I feel heavy, then I take it as a sign that I am not the best person for the job. It probably sounds a bit bonkers and woowoo, but it works for me very practically, and also means I keep room to realise the ideas up my sleeve for my own children’s stories. I don’t want to clog up my time on projects that don’t inspire me, life’s too short for that.

4. GIVEN THAT YOUR PARTNER IS A MAESTRO WITH GUITAR, HAVE YOU CREATED ANY GUITAR PAINTINGS THAT WOULD COMPLEMENT HIS WORK. l l l Funny you should ask that because, not so long ago, Graham was commissioned to build a guitar for a musician friend of ours. The client had also requested that I decorate the

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guitar top with a custom design. It was such a lovely project and a real bonus to collaborate with the man I love!

Graham constructs the most stunning, bespoke, handmade classical and flamenco guitars. They are beautiful instruments in their own right and take about 150 hours to build. They don’t require any embellishment in truth, but it was pretty special (and a little terrifying at first) to be allowed to enhance that particular guitar with my art. I’d most definitely be up for doing it again.

5. YOU INDICATE A LOT OF VERY AMBITIOUS PLANS IN THE COMING MONTHS FOR YOUR DOODLING, AND YOUR TRADEMARKED CONCEPT OF BLISS WHISPERERS, AND A BLISS FEST. TELL US WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO KEEP MOTIVATED, AND HOW YOU JUGGLE EVERYTHING? lll Honestly, I believe when we are able to open up to the magic and mystery of life unfolding through each of us - listening to the bliss whispers of our hearts and being true to ourselves with regard to what really makes us happy and inspires us to creatively express ourselves - then inspiration isn’t a problem. The potential difficulty becomes about whether there will be enough time in this one lifetime to do it all! Having said that, even when I am doing what I love to do, there is always a risk of burn out. It has become very important to listen to my body and to make sure to get rest and chill out time, too. That’s the beauty of the creative process, it requires rest, nourishment and incubation, as well as output and sharing.

So, my advice to one and all would be: listen to your heart, listen to your body. Is it time to recharge those batteries?

The times when I struggle with inspiration are invariably when I am trying to force myself to do something

that my gut knows is not in alignment with my greater good or wellbeing. Those are the times I have to ask myself, “Am I in alignment? What’s niggling? What has gone out of balance?” This is an ongoing dialogue when we swim in the ocean of possibility. There is no right or wrong, just a deeply personal rhythm for each of us.

It was my explorations into the notion of ‘following bliss’ and what it really means in day-to-day life that led to the foundation of Bliss Whisperers™ (a community in development that is designed to support people in the process of expressing innate creativity and finding their authentic voices, with kindness at its heart).

6. I GET TO ST IVES OCCASIONALLY – I’M A MEMBER OF ABNA (ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH NAÏVE ARTISTS) AND WE HAVE AN ANNUAL EXHIBITION THERE. WHAT MAKES THIS PART OF THE UK SO SPECIAL FOR YOU? l l l I adore South West Cornwall and, in particular, the artistic community of St Ives. My love affair with this part of the world started in childhood, when we sometimes took family holidays in ‘Kernow’. There is something about the wild Atlantic Ocean, the rugged unkempt headlands and Jurassic coastlines, bathed in the most exceptional light that will forever stir my soul. I am inspired by the magic and mystery of this place: the leylines, the ‘piskies’, the mermaids and the elemental devas. They have all inspired my art work lately and, no doubt, will continue to do so. Cornwall has surely captured my heart and I feel incredibly grateful to spend my days here.

LAUREN SEBASTIAN Tel: 07874 003089 Website: www.laurensebastian.com Email: theartoflauren@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheArtOfLauren Twitter: @laurensebastian

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Bohemian Birds

M

ay was my Mother’s favourite month of the year.

BB1 BB2

It was her birth month, and her garden was always

perfectly kept. Her rockery garden, Hydrangea and Buddleja were a joy to behold.

So in memory of her, I’m publishing this ezine on her birthday with a design from my Bohemian Bird range for the front cover. It is the range I think she would like most out of

BB3 BB4

my designs – Kitsch, sentimental and nostalgic in its appeal.

Sized 150mm x 150mm each card is printed on quality 360gsm and comes with a crisp white envelope and cello bag. Retail and wholesale orders welcome.

ORDER FORM BOHEMIAN BIRD CARD RANGE £1 PER CARD CODE

AMOUNT

BB5 BB6

TOTAL

BB1 Blue Jay BB2 Blue bird in roses BB7

BB3 Best wishes

BB8

BB4 Golden Oriole BB5 Sweet love BB6 Two hearts

BB9 BB10

BB7 On your anniversary BB8 Pink bird in white roses BB9 Bird pair BB11

BB10 Blue Easter rose

BB12

BB11 White rose BB12 Blue tit in roses

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With entrepreneurship at the heart of what we do as designers, the quotes I’ve chosen for this month’s edition resonate with me.

1. Adding value in your business sets you above the competition and keeps you firmly in your customer’s mind.

2. To get on in business, and get what you want, you have to ask for it. Don’t be afraid to shout if you need help.

3. Take some risks - and believe in the possibility of things.

“Strive not to be a success but rather to be of value” Albert Einstein

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease”

“Others see things and say, ‘Why?’ while entrepreneurs dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’”

George Bernard Shaw 23

A window on the world of a greeting card publisher

Gypsy Chic magazine