Today it is such an honor and privilege to feature Liz Tamanaha, the fabulously talented designer behind the digital scrapbook design label, Paislee Press.  I found Liz through searching for new, fun digital scrapbook products at OScraps over a year or so ago.  Liz’s style completely took my breath away.  I had felt so often that my digi scrapbook art was too simple and that I needed to learn how to embellish better.  Liz sees the world a little differently though.  Her motto is “embrace your inner minimalist.” Ever since seeing Liz’s work and “embracing” her motto, I’ve been so much happier in my artistic creations.  Simple can be absolutely stunning and completely breathtaking.

Now you get to find inspiration from Liz, who – by the way – is one of the most genuinely kind women I’ve ever had the opportunity to interview.  Check out Liz and get inspired today (I’ve put some of her lovely layouts throughout the post so you can see her gorgeous creative work – click on them to see them larger):

A little about Liz:
I currently reside in Los Angeles with my husband Eric and daughters, Audrey and Madeline. Things that make me happy: freshly laundered sheets. jack johnson songs. dymo labelers. handwritten notes. road trips. the smell of freshly ground coffee. jeans + flip flops. maui. red velvet cupcakes. jazz. my daughters’ laughter. organizational gadgets. the thin pancakes from pie ‘n burger. all things anthropologie.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

When I am creating, I am in own little world – I feel purposeful, I feel safe. It’s about the only time I consistently feel comfortable in my own skin. For me, creativity is also a frame of mind – it helps me find joy in everyday tasks that I don’t necessarily look forward to – like cooking (and yes, even laundry).

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I get the most joy from documenting the everyday, ordinary moments – via scrapbook layouts, photographs, and maintaining my online journal (a log of everyday conversations and things that my daughters say and do).

3. Do you have any fears when creating? Are you friends and family supportive of the things you create?

During the creative process, I don’t think about it. The fear and apprehension usually comes later, when I think about how people will respond to it. Creating is a soul-baring process, so it’s to hard not feel vulnerable when you reveal your work to others.

My family and friends are definitely supportive – they are my biggest fans and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them!

4. How do you find time to create?

I schedule it into my day like I do any other task (doctor’s appointments, etc.).

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Trust your creative instincts and embrace + nurture what it is that makes you unique.

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As I was typing out Liz’s interview, I noticed how Liz’s answers were short and to the point – just as one would expect a “minimalist” to be.  Her sweet, succinct answers are definitely packed with power!  I loved her advice to creative chicks to “trust your creative instincts and embrace + nurture what it is that makes you unique.”  As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I am guilty of killing my creativity by comparing my creative work to others’.  Today, after being inspired by Liz, I’m resolving to do better at ‘”trusting my creative instincts” and “embracing what makes me unique.”  Thank you so much for inspiring us today, Liz!

In honor of Liz’s feature, I put together an entire digital scrapbook page using Liz’s Paislee Press products.  It was such a good creative activity for me and I was tempted to make many more pages using her designs that day (I always LOVE scrapping with her designs!!), but was unable to, due to time constraints.  This made me realize that I haven’t been allowing myself enough time to scrapbook.  It’s something I absolutely love to do and it always helps me celebrate the little beautiful moments and people in my life.  Credits: “Park Avenue” by Paislee Press (paper, stamp frame), “PressPlate No. 13″ by Paislee Press (template); Font: dearJoe four and Typenoksidi

Find daily inspiration on Liz’s blog: PaisleePress.blogspot.com

Follow Liz on Twitter: @liztamanaha

And friend her on Facebook: facebook.com/liz.tamanaha

Also, if you remember the “develop on Fridays” photography class Jefra is teaching, the whole project started on Liz’s blog – it’s Jefra and Liz’s project (and it’s FABULOUS!).  So much fun for creative chicks!!!  Be sure to check it out!

What’s inspiring your creativity right now? Do you “embrace your inner minimalist?” What are you going to resolve to do better this week to allow your creativity to shine?

{Before reading this post, click HERE to open up Mindy’s website in a new window so you can listen to her fabulous tunes while reading all about her}

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but this week I am extremely honored to feature the fabulous, Mindy Gledhill.  Mindy is a singer/songwriter based near my hometown of Salt Lake City.  I am a HUGE, adoring fan who has been touched and blessed by Mindy’s music.  I thought this description was perfect of her unique sound: “Music that recalls the sweetness of Ingrid Michaelson and the quirk of Regina Spektor, Mindy Gledhill will leave you floating like a scoop of vanilla cream in a strawberry soda.” Today you get to be completely inspired by Mindy!  Check her out:

A little about Mindy:
Mindy Gledhill spent most of her youth in Northern California where she was shaped by a wide range of music. At the age of 13, her family moved to Spain where she discovered that music is as much about passion as it is about style. At 16, her family once again migrated, this time to Utah. There she endured the awkwardness of high school, wrote her first songs and was snubbed by the high school chamber choir and school musicals. Determined to make something of herself in music, she continued to audition for a variety of things in her early college years. Most attempts proved unsuccessful until she was finally discovered at a songwriting workshop by Jeff Simpson, CEO of Excel Entertainment, who later signed her to Lumen Records. After a successful run as an award winning artist in the faith based market, Mindy declared independence from her label and released her first mainstream album, “Feather in the Wind.” Mindy is now collaborating with several acclaimed producers in L.A. and Nashville to release her second independent album releasing in 2010.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

As a mother, I live in a world where I must put others first a lot of the time. While there is something inherently wonderful about that, creativity is the means by which I find my way back to myself when I get lost in a sea of others’ needs.

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

I love the process of writing a song, but I’m absolutely smitten with the art of recording music. Everything in the studio from tracking vocals and instruments to editing and mixing them fascinates me.

3. Do you have any fears when creating?

Who doesn’t have fears about creating? Creating is a most intimate offering of self-expression, often put on display for people to take or leave. Not all will take our offering and this is something perfectly normal, but somehow the notion can make us insecure. The famous dancer, Agnes De Mille said, “Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how . . . The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.”

I used to care about what my family and friends thought of my music and I suppose to a certain extent I still do. However, I no longer feel the need to obtain their validation regarding the music I create. I write songs for me, send them out to the universe when they’re finished and hope they land in the laps of those who need them.

4. How do you find time to create?

I use to just wait for creative time to appear, but have learned to schedule in creative time during the week. I don’t expect that it will always be productive, but it exercises my brain and stimulates my subconscious to go to work on things that later surface when I’m least expecting it.

5. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Each of us has gifts to share with the world and each of us is a creator in our own rite. Throw your insecurities to the wind. Put the kibosh on second-guessing. Trust yourself and take that leap into the dark. “Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live.” -Goethe

(Mindy’s favorite books on creativity: “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, “Simple Abundance” by Sarah Ban Breathnach, and “Walking on Water,” by Madeleine L’Engle.)

Mindy’s music came to me at a difficult time in my life and has stayed with me as I’ve walked through more trials and hard times.  My favorite song of Mindy’s is “Feather in the Wind” because it verbalizes exactly how I’ve felt many times in my life (& I love the sound of it!).  I’ve included the music video in this posts so you can check it out.  I met Mindy at the Startup Princess Image & Media Academy Retreat last fall (seriously, guys.. GO to the Startup Princess events & meet amazing people like Mindy).  I’ve chatted with her here and there since then and I can honestly say that this music diva is just as sweet as she sounds (if not sweeter).  Thank you for inspiring us with your creativity today and always, Mindy (& Simple Abundance is one of my all-time favorite books, too)!

Check out Mindy’s BLOG (woot!!! so excited she has one!):

And her website here: MindyGledhill.com

 And the GREATEST NEWS OF ALL is that Mindy is doing an exclusive concert for the Casual Blogger Conference on Friday night, May 28th.  Have you got your tickets for CBC ’10 yet?  If not, this is reason enough to go (besides the fact that the whole dang conference looks freaking AWESOME).

Recently, my amazing friend, Emily, brought me a “get-well-soon” package of fun gifts…. sooooo incredibly nice of her.  It included a sugar-free Starbucks steamed milk (yummy!!!), two super-cute shirts that I can wear now and my preggo belly can comfortably grow into and the most FABULOUS bookmark from artist, Kelly Rae Roberts.  I know, who is seriously lucky enough to have a friend that wonderful?  I ask myself that everyday and am definitely sure I’m not a deserving recipient.

Now, I am a HUGE Kelly Rae Roberts fan.  And let me show you why (as usual, click on the pics to be redirected to the original site)…

Fly Necklace – $17.00

Versatile Art Plaques – $16.00 (don’t you just love the set of 3 in the frame like that?!)

Unleash Your Joy Magnetic Bookmark – $4.00

Believe in Possibility Magnet – $4.00

I love her fun, eclectic style.  I think I love everything she makes.  I love her use of color and combining different art mediums, like paint, pen sketch and print.  Thank you for introducing me to Kelly Rae Roberts, Em!  I’ll forever be grateful (and forever pining for her art).  Isn’t she FABULOUS?!!

Today I’m featuring the creative work of Mermaid Charms.  This is a perfect example of how leaving comments on my posts, telling me how much you love my blog on Twitter and having a fabulous product can get you featured here.  I really love to pull creative chick features from our readership.  I met this darling creative chick via Twitter (@mermaidcharms) – she was saying something totally sweet about loving CreatedByChicks.com.  She also left a comment cheerleading something I featured.  I decided to check out her site and WOW!  I just LOVED everything I saw.  I knew I’d have to share her sea glass handmade jewelry creations with the creative little world who follows this blog.

Here’s some of my very favorite designs (click on the pic to be redirected to her store):

Bubbles Under the Sea Earrings – $36.00

The Weston Sea Glass Necklace – $79.00

Winter Wonderland Dangle Earrings – $49.00

The Aqua Lariat – $124.00

Joy Love and Happiness PMC (precious metal clay) Bracelet – $79.00

I’ve never really attached myself to the sea before.  I’ve lived most of my life very far inland and have only visited the ocean on a few rare occasions.  However, I’m falling in love with the simple sweetness these sea-inspired handmade jewelry designs have.  My good friend, Vanessa, loves the ocean and it really fits her.  I bet she’d love these designs.  My other sweet friend, Emily, is from California and I bet she’d love these, too.  Honestly, maybe what I’m falling in love with is how these oceanic pieces remind me of things I love about these two friends.  Also, my family is still under major financial turmoil (DH is still on the job hunt) so maybe I’m craving the peaceful serenity of warm beaches with the sounds of the waves and birds in the background.

Whatever the reason, I love these designs!  Isn’t the Aqua Lariat Necklace sooooo gorgeous worn with that blue tank underneath?!  Ooh, la, la.  I love it.  I dig that look; it’s simple, classy and sweet.  Thanks, Mermaid Charms!!!

And speaking of seeking peaceful serenity, I’m certain we’re all praying for the people of Haiti right now.  If there’s anything they could use, it’s that.  Some good posts that outline ways to help: You Too Can Support the Relief Efforts in Haiti, Haiti Earthquake and Got Donations? Here’s how to help Haiti.  We can all take a moment today to thank God for the abundance in our lives and to pray for all those in Haiti who are in need – hearts strung together in love and unity.

Today’s featured creative chick is a female artist who’s designs I’ve loved for a long, long time.  I {heart} Rhonna.  Not only are her artistic creations fabulous, she’s also a completely lovely person.  About four years ago I learned how to digital scrapbook using Photoshop.  In my online search for fun digital products to use in my scrapbooking, I found Rhonna Farrer’s designs and fell in love with her swirly, sassy, artistic style and have been using her designs ever since.

Last summer I planned (with the help of my fab bff, Emily) a really fun conference for creative moms and/or mompreneurs called “Moms Who Make It.” We threw several before-parties to build up hype for the conference.  I was going around introducing myself to all the party attendees when I met Rhonna.  I died.  Here was a creative chick I’ve admired for a long time, attending something I threw together!  Immediately I asked her to come and participate in “Moms Who Make It” as a speaker, to which she and her incredible, creative, photographer friend, Jefra, (whom I also now completely adore) agreed.  They were FANTASTIC; talk about creative inspiration!

Now, I’ll let you get to know Rhonna a bit better.

Currently Rhonna:
I am 1/3 of House of 3, my business with Heidi Swapp & Janet Hopkins.
**As part of House of 3: I am owner, designer, creator & product developer! We all 3 work together great as a team & we’ll be sure to have some of our products at Spark!
I work with Wacom as a Penscrapper.
I work with Shutterfly on their Creative Board Advisors.
I work with Scrapblog & sell Rhonna DESIGNS & House of 3 elements there.
I work with Silhouette & sell my designs in their store!
I work with several companies designing greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags & tags!

Previously Rhonna:
2004-2008 I worked with Two Peas in a Bucket as a Garden Girl & Digital Designer Team Director.
2007: I was on Better Homes & Gardens’ Scrapbooks, Etc. Magazine team.
2004-2008: Worked with Autumn Leaves where I had my own product line & was involved in several of the Designing With…books/projects.
2004: Won Creating Keepsakes’ Hall of Fame & worked with them for a year.
1997-present: Designs for greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags & other paper products.

1. Why is creativity important to you?

It is my way of enjoying life. Whether it’s creating a meal for my family, or decorating my home or taking photos. Daily doses of Creativity are essential for my well-being! *wink*

2. What do you enjoy creating the most?

It totally depends on the day: some days I’m in the mood to create & design for my company: House of 3. Or some days I’m ready to try a new recipe & create a yummy meal for my family.
Other days I just want to create by blogging or taking a photo~

3. Do you have any fears when creating?

Of course I do. But, I have to force myself to get over the fear. The best way I’ve found is to do my creativity exercises everyday!

4. Are your family & friends supportive of the things you create?

Yes, 100% They are my #1 fans!

5. How do you find time to create?

I make time. I am sure to do at least 1 min. of some sort of creativity exercise everyday. It helps me with my deadlines, overcoming any ruts & always kicks my creativity up a notch!

6. Words of inspiration to creative chicks:

Play. Every day. Creative play is one of the most therapeutical things you can do!

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I’ve really been looking forward to featuring Rhonna.  Isn’t she fabulous?!  Doesn’t she make you want to go get your creative juices flowing?!  I’m a faithful reader of Rhonna’s blog.  It’s often exactly the creative inspiration I need to see to spark my fire for the day.  Here’s some of my favorite recent projects she’s blogged about doing (click on the pics to be redirected to Rhonna’s blog post about that project):

And these are just a few of her holiday creations -I had SUCH a hard time just picking three.  There are MANY more fun projects over on Rhonna’s blog for all year round!

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Be sure to subscribe to Rhonna’s blog and check out all her designs at House of 3. And, DON’T miss Rhonna’s next Spark! Event for 2010.  It’s sure to be amazing, as all things that Rhonna does are.

We’re excited to announce that I can adapt and install any of the House of 3 Blog Couture for WordPress blogs for only $25!  Email me – quinn {at} createdbychicks {dot} com – if you’re interested!  xoxo

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces from an artist I recently discovered on Etsy: COPPERINC.  Check out these fabulous works of art; I’m loving this female artist’s unique style!

A Thin Coating of Ice – Print – $15.00

The Peacocks – Print – $10.00

A Pile of Letters – Print – $15.00

What a unique style this female artist has, huh?!  I love it!  Leaves me totally inspired to play with different art mediums.  Love your paintings, COPPERINC!  Thanks for the artistic inspiration!  You certainly are a CREATIVE CHICK!