Ruby Lane's Creative Hands Newsletter for April 2008

In This Issue

• NOTES FROM THE LANE
  
• SHOP SPOTLIGHT: Out of my Mind ~ Mosaics & Jewelry
  
• Enjoy the Ruby Lane 'NOTES FROM THE LANE' Experience
  
• Share Creative Hands With A Friend
  

NOTES FROM THE LANE

Notes from the Lane is designed to complement the Ruby Lane site, offering articles on topics relating to antiques & art, collectibles, jewelry and everything vintage, as well as loads of tips on how to succeed as a seller in the online marketplace. It is designed to increase traffic and awareness of Ruby Lane and its shops and their items, and to serve as a participatory venue for all visitors, both Ruby Lane sellers and shoppers. Register on the blog and you can join in and comment on articles and add your own opinions and insights. We hope you'll stop by: http://blog.rubylane.com

Marta Weaver Jewelry Where you will discover a treasure of unique handcrafted jewelry, by artisan Marta Weaver

SHOP SPOTLIGHT: OUT OF MY MIND ~ MOSAICS & JEWELRY

As I approach my fifth anniversary on Ruby Lane, I've taken a few moments to reflect on what continues to be an incredible journey.

I vividly recall that at the end of year two, I considered closing my shop. Creativity was at my core, but this experience was less than satisfying. I was chasing the market, trying to offer my customers the current styles and fashions rather than creating what I could see in my mind's eye. Michael suggested that I spend one month indulging my creativity before saying goodbye to the Artisan world....yet another reason I am filled with gratitude that God brought the two of us together.....and gave me someone to `torture' with my craziness until `death us do part'!....but that's another story!

During that month, I no longer looked to current fashion for inspiration and guidance. I paid no attention to what was selling in the current market. I truly began to follow my bliss and that opened a floodgate of creativity that molds my work to this day. I believe it was the real birth of `Out of My Mind!'

What I once perceived to be Adult ADD, I have since come to realize is a direct response to my daily affirmations for divine creativity. It's a lesson in "Be careful what you wish for"!

I've already taken so many different paths on this artistic journey...and yet, while I am teaching myself to solder, my mind has gone off on it's own to find the next medium for my work! This is a never-ending process with me...always reaching...trying to keep up with my insatiable desire to create what is unique and unexpected...to create what will bring joy, comfort, or laughter to the owners of my work!

The end result of this `divine disorganization' are the wonderfully eclectic pieces that I am proud to call my art!

Terry O'H of Out of My Mind ~Mosaics Jewelry

ENJOY THE RUBY LANE 'NOTES FROM THE LANE' EXPERIENCE

If you haven't checked out the new Ruby Lane blog: Notes from the Lane, you should, the blog has something for everyone.

`Notes from the Lane' features regular monthly columns – some humorous, some informative, many written by Ruby Lane staff and Shop Owners such as:

The `Astro Packrats' by Ruby Lane shop owner Jeanne Adwani of `InToWit Design' – visit the zany side of the zodiac and find out just what the stars have in store for you each month.

`The Jewelry Diva' by Ruby Lane shop owner Cindy Amirkhan of `A Twinkle in Time' – for those devoted to vintage and antique jewelry. Not exactly sure, what a `climber' earring is, or when a particular style was in vogue, read `The Jewelry Diva' and find out.

Are you a `Vintage Fashionista'? Read the short article, "How do you wear your jeans and t-shirt?" and take a look at the photo collage showing the Notes from the Lane editor's picks for coordinated vintage fashion accessories all found in the shops on Ruby Lane. Tell us what you think is `hot' and `what is not' in the article comments section.

Want to know what shows and events are coming up; view the Notes from the Lane `Calendar'. The Calendar is where individuals can list a show or special event and anyone can submit a listing, not just Ruby Lane shop owners. Do you know of a special event you just have to attend every year or are you a jewelry artisan or dealer attending a show as a vendor, share the information with the Ruby Lane blog readers and invite them to stop by your booth at the show! List your event today!

Want to share your views or comments on a Notes from the Lane article, well you can! Just register (it is a few simple steps), check your email box for your password and then sign-in, and post your comment. The editors and writers are interested to hear your thoughts, constructive comments and answer any questions you might have.

`The Library' on Notes from the Lane is a quiet place where you can explore the stacks and find great book titles on collecting, art, price guides, e-commerce, jewelry and more, all recommended by the Ruby Lane staff, blog readers and Notes from the Lane Librarian, Marianna Schweitzer of `Sweetie's Memorable Gemz'.

Advertise! Do you offer a special service related to the topics on Notes from the Lane? We have a place for you – list your service information in the Industry Services section of the blog or place a banner ad listing. Want to add a link to your site to the blog or partner with the Notes from the Lane on advertising – then read how to do it on the blog. Links to specific program information are located on the left hand tool bar of the blog, and right now advertising is free! You can't beat the price!

`Notes from the Lane' is an exciting part of the Ruby Lane experience and we invite everyone to read, comment and contribute to the blog. Have an idea for a regular column, want to write an article, or become a Librarian? Let us know – we encourage everyone to participate in the Ruby Lane Blog experience. Do you want to receive the latest news from `Notes from the Lane'? Make it simple, sign up for an RSS feed to come right to your email box with a daily digest of new articles, and stay informed.

SHARE CREATIVE HANDS WITH A FRIEND

Did you enjoy this issue of Creative Hands? Do you know others who would enjoy receiving it? We invite you to forward this issue to those you know who also appreciate and enjoy arts & crafts.