Cheers!
Happy New Years Friends!!!!
Dont you just love the feeling of a New Year?
It's amazing how the first day into a new calander year feels incredibly different mentally.
As much as I love the holidays, I look forward to life getting back to some level of normalcy again.
I think that's the time we tend to re-evaluate what our personal goals might be and what we strive to accomplish in the New Year.
Hmmm....what do I want to accomplish this year???
Well for one thing I am excited to focus on creating again.
It feels like ages since I've made time to sit down and create new pieces of work.
My creative soul misses it terribly!
With my new studio almost 80% unpacked and organized Im ready to dive in and start creating again.
(sneak peeks next week! Pinky Swear Promise!)
Studio home sweet home.
More fabulous goodness is lined up this year....
Im thrilled for the opportunity to be teaching at Karen Hillman Blue In Blue event end of March.
It will be a cozy intimate group of creative gals in the heart of Texas!
Karen has a weekend full of lovely things in store for us.
The projects being #1!
Superb!
I know there are a few slots still available so PLEASE join us!
Psst! We have two shopping days planned for the Canton flea market!!!
Yipee!!
Click here for more information.
Shortly after Texas Im headed to sunny CA to attend my fourth Kim Caldwell
Artistic Affaire event.
Im in LOVE with the theme!!
Kim's event's always blow me away. Every detail is exquisite and her guest are pampered and spoiled like crazzy!
I always have a blast seeing my creative peeps and enjoying a little bit of the CA scene.
The biggest thing Im most anxious and looking forward to is FINALLY working on a project that has been brewing for the past three years now.
I've put if off long enough and finally Im going make the time to work on self-publishing my first children's book.
It's one of my dreams to use my artwork mixed with photography (no illustrations) to create a beautiful and whimsical picture storybook.
My story will be based on this pretty Kitty Kat named Duchess.
You will learn more about Duchess in the next few weeks.
She wishes for a GRAND INTRODUCTION blog post.
When it comes to publishing a book fear has held me back.
Everytime I sit down to work on it I get overwhelmed. Plus, my mind races with the fears of "what if's".
Even tho' I've done alot of research I still feel like I know very little about the publishing world. The GOOD news to all of this is the self-publishing world has exploded and more and more writers are now turning to self-publishing.
There are so many reputable companies to choose from now.
(If you, or anyone you know has experience with self-publishing a book and want to share your input,tips, or advice please email me. I would love to hear from you!)
Im SUPER excited and ready to work on my book. I told myself I must commit to this project that I've been dreaming about for so long.
The reward of being able to open my own storybook and read to my children is the dream of all dreams!
With that being said this is my motto for 2012.
Fabulous motto for ALL of us...wouldn't you agree?
I hope you too have a passion for something so big. Let's support each other in our endeavours and help make your dreams into a glorious reality.
Cheers to making our dreams come true in 2012!!!
XOXO,
**photo credits**
1st image tumbler
Disney quote pinterest
The Happiest of Years to you as well, Jenn!!! I just know you will succeed in launching your first children's book and I can't wait to see it. I have so many dreams that I have been letting fear squash and I'm hoping that this year is MY year. Can't wait to see the sneak peeks...I may have to just drop by, :))!
love,
angela
Posted by: angela | January 04, 2012 at 02:43 PM
2012 is going to be a GREAT year!! Push aside those fears and GO FOR IT!! Just the sneak peek at darling Duchess the Kitty Kat is as magical as the many things you have done in the past. Blessings to you and all that the New Year holds! xxoo Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Meyer | January 04, 2012 at 02:57 PM
The very best to you on your endeavor of creating a children's book - i'm sure it is going to be just lovely (like all your creations!). I look forward to meeting you at Kim's event in May!
Cheers and Happy New Year!
Rochelle
Posted by: Rochelle | January 04, 2012 at 04:36 PM
Hi Sweetie!
I'm already IN LOVE with Duchess! I am so excited for you and can't wait to find out more. Also very happy that we'll be sharing a table at Tiffany's (my little request to Kim)! Can't wait to see you and get caught up. Happy New Year my friend. It looks like everything is wonderful in your part of the world.
Lot's of love,
Holly
Posted by: holly | January 04, 2012 at 06:51 PM
I wuv widdle Duchess... she is so cute.. Have a sweet spot for kittens... I know your book will be beautiful! I have faith in you girl! Happy New Year!! Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Grenko | January 04, 2012 at 08:32 PM
I think it is fantastic that you are going to really get down to business and write your book! Ok this time when you are in LA for Kim's Event
we have to meet.... I would love it. Looks like you have a very busy 2012 ahead of you. Wish you the very Best! Hugs from Diane
Posted by: Diane | January 04, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Oh Jenn, i KNOW your book will be a HUGE success, you are TOO talented and have so many people that just adore your work!! i can't wait to hear more about Dutchess and..... see those studio peeks!!! Eeeek, i've been waiting forever :)
xoxo
Posted by: chinamommy | January 06, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Hi, Jenn! The one photo you shared of Duchess is stunning! Since you created that one, then I have every confidence that more gorgeousness will follow. I'm also really looking forward to seeing your studio reveal! Total pink lemonade goodness 'twill be, I'm sure! Happy New Year to a lovely lady.
Posted by: Linda Diane | January 06, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Way to go Jenn! Dutchess sounds like a wonderful book! I love buying children's books! I like taking books to showers and parties because most children have way to many clothes and you can never have to many books! Congrats to you pretty girl! xoxo-cindy
Posted by: cindy craine | January 06, 2012 at 03:21 PM
Jennifer, I am so happy and excited for you to hear that you are going to be publishing a children's book! This is a big proclamation but, I mean it from the bottom of my heart...I see such big things ahead for you! You have such a unique and special creative vision that I just know that there is a tremendous audience out there who would be smitten with your "brand." Your art really lends itself to being a "brand!" Your book could be such a great launching pad for this. Have you thought of licensing? Your artwork could be amazing imagery for paper goods; stationary, diaries, party supplies, etc etc! Imagine party hats with images of your artwork on them? And, baby layettes like onesies and blankets. I remember a long time ago reading on Mary Engelbreit's blog about licensing, she had a wonderfully informative post which I bet you could hunt down if you happen to be interested in going that route. I am a big fan of you and your work! It is exciting to see your creativity unfold and blossom!
Best wishes from California!
PS I dream of being a illustrator and doing a line of cards but until I find the courage and time to do it, I fancy myself a doodler. :)
Posted by: Christina Vandoren | January 11, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Christina again,
I read a article by Susan Branch where she expressed the trepidation she felt when writing her first book. She actually abandoned the idea for awhile and later resumed when she recouped some courage. And look at her now! You can do it! It is going to be fabulous and bring much joy to so many ladies and their little ones. :)
Posted by: Christina Vandoren | January 11, 2012 at 11:31 PM