Make your own Value Cards

 

Value cards made by Louise

How can we live our life authentically if we don't understand what our values are? Today we are going to spend some time, identifying and re-connecting with our values, creating some artwork around them so we can keep them close by to remind us.

When you are aligned with your values and live your life with those in mind, you will feel fulfilled and energized. If values are not reflected in your work or daily life, if you are compromising your values, then you may feel resentful, frustrated and burned out.

Identifying values from anger

Think about the kind of things that have made you angry. What was happening? What is it about these situations that upset you the most? Write down your descriptions and flip them around - these can help you identify what you value. Anger can indicate a trampled value. When you are feeling unsatisfied and angry about something, chances are your values are not being honored.

Who do you Admire & Why?

Looking at people you admire - whether they are friends or people in the public eye can help you identify what your own core values are. It helps to think about what you admire in these people to help you unearth what means the most to you.

Deck of Value Cards

Creating a deck of Value cards (like the ones in the picture above) will help you consciously focus on one value at a time. You can simply use index cards, pictures and letters/words from magazines and bind them together using a binder ring or tie with a ribbon. Similar to when the newnew blog covered making a vision board, you can create mini cards to hang around your studio or bedroom.

• Create a list of your values
• Download the Values document to get you started.
• You can use the exercises above related to anger and looking at what you admire in other people to create your list of your own values.
• Choose 3-5 to create a card deck of your values. Feel free to create more if you wish. You will need:
  
  • Index cards/cardboard either 4x6 or 5x7 (pick a size that feels comfortable to you)
  • Magazines
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Hole punch (optional)
  • A binding ring or some ribbon

ENJOY!

Louise Gale - Your Creative Career Consultant for The New New Blog

Creating at Lion Brand Yarn Studio - A Cavalcade Sponsor

We are proud to present our sponsor, the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, which incidentally is only a few blocks away from Slate the site of this year's Spring Handmade Cavalcade. With right, the Studio is proud of the strong educational component of its offerings. Recently they shared with us just a few of their many classes available.

 

Are you a beginner who has been yearning to learn to knit or crochet or pick it up again after years away? Located at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio classrooms at 34 West 15th Street in Manhattan, our Beginning Knitting and Beginning Crochet courses help you to build a reliable foundation of skills. We know how daunting a project can seem when you’re looping your first slipknot onto a hook or needle, so we make sure you get personalized attention by limiting these classes to 8 people. In fact, in Beginning Knitting: The Complete Course, your skill level can go from absolute beginner to confident knitter in only 6 weeks!

If you’ve got the basics down but want to go beyond the scarf, we have several options. Make an adorable, flattering summer cover-up in My First Cardigan. Master the elusive turned heel in one of our three different sock classes—for knit and crochet. Drop into Patty’s Sweater School for Knitters whenever you need the help; she can even teach you how to design your own sweater! We also offer classes in yarn working skills such as dyeing and loom weaving. We’re there for you as you grow your skills, taking you step-by-step from the basics to advanced techniques. Often, our students surprise themselves at just how quickly they learn.

In our Master Classes, you will be up close and personal with knit and crochet celebrity designers. Each Master Class is taught by a top innovator working in yarncrafting today. Often, designers and fiber artists will speak about their work at our RSVP-only events, only to teach a class a few days later.

Master Class with Adrienne Sloane: Knitting with Wire

For more personalized, one-on-one attention, we also offer private lessons for $40 per hour, and duet lessons, perfect for a parent and child or for two friends, for only $60 an hour.

Best yet, enrollment in a class gets you 10% off our already famously affordable selection of yarn. And as our graduation gift to you, you get an additional 10% off when you complete the class—so you can keep on stitching!

Go ahead and browse the extensive selection in our May class schedule—you’re sure to find the perfect fit. A new class schedule is posted on the 1st of every month, so be sure to check back for updates!

Lion Brand Yarn Studio
34 West 15th Street
New York, NY 10011
(212) 243-9070
www.lionbrandyarnstudio.com
Open Monday - Wednesday 11:30am-7pm, Thursday 11:30am-8pm, Friday 11:30am-5pm, and Sunday 11:30 am-5pm. Closed Saturdays.

And now a word from our sponsor

Well, you may have heard...

The NewNew Etsy Team's Spring Handmade Cavalcade is coming!!!!

On Saturday, May 7th they will invade the Slate space at 54 West 21st Street in Manhattan and there will be lots of goodies on sale.  The Spring Handmade Cavalcade has been named one of the best shopping experiences in New York City so you don't want to miss it.

Now, none of this would be possible without the generosity of some big time companies who love and support handmade art and craft.  And we thank them from the bottom of our crafty little hearts.

Let's start with the big guns.  Etsy!  The NewNew team wouldn't even exist without Etsy because every person on the team has an Etsy shop, they are the reason we exist.  Thank you Etsy-- the best online place to buy handmade art and craft.  Anything your heart desires can be found handmade by a hard working crafter, just click this link here.

Another fabulous sponsor is one very close to my heart, well, neighborhood.  In the heart of the West Village lies one of New York City's best kept secrets...

The Ink Pad is a gorgeous little shop featuring everything you need for scrapbooking, paper crafts and has countless rubber stamps.  And they have classes... CRAFT TIME!!!  Come on down to 37 Seventh Avenue @13th St, there are so many fun things waiting for you there.  Thanks to The Ink Pad!


Our next sponsor has a really cool studio here in NewYork City, where they have lots of classes and events.  All having to do with knitting and crocheting and any other yarn project.  COOL!! 

Many thanks to Lion Brand Yarns, located at 34 West 15th Street.  And they are open every day but Saturday!  Check 'em out, they are an amazing resource and you will swoon over all the yarns to play with there.

Next up...  Ever have those days when you crave something sweet then something salty.  Then something sweet again.  And then something salty?  We've got something for ME, uh, I mean YOU!!!

Mmmmm hmmmmm.  SWINDLE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES AND MCCLURE'S PICKLES!!!  I just drooled on the keyboard.  Check them out and soothe the endless sweet-n-salt cycle with some handmade deliciousness.  Thank you for sponsoring the NewNew Spring Handmade Cavalcade!!!


Our next sponsor will get you in touch with your inner zen knitter.  They are located in Soho at 459 Broome Street. 

It's a tiny nook of a store but it's chock full of luxurious threads, yarns, papers, notions... I could go on and on.  Trust me, Purl Soho is not to be missed!


Stay tuned for more from our sponsors next week.  We've got some amazing people in our corner and we are eternally grateful for all of them.

Thanks for reading!

-Stephanie
Metalicious

Keeping Up with the Cavalcade

The Handmade Cavalcade is getting closer and the excitement is building every day.  For all the latest news follow us on Twitter.  

Beaders Paradise found in Tucson

Today's guest post comes from {NewNew} designer Saskia of SdV Designs.  ed.

Planning a trip to the Tucson Bead show

If you are in the jewelry making business I know you have heard it before: the annual Tucson Gem Show is THE place for great deals and incredible variety. This last February I made my second trip out West and I can say without a doubt that all you’ve heard is true.
What makes this event so unique are the vendors. Not only do they come from all around the country, but from around the world and sell everything from gemstones to findings, finished jewelry to display items and everything in between. And because the vendors ship things from so far away, they are willing to give great deals so they don’t have to take their product back home. It is an amazing opportunity to meet vendors who carry a product you just can’t get back home. The best part is, once you have found your vendor in Tucson you can order online from them in the future.

Like most gem shows, there are wholesale-only sections which allow for more discounts and often a higher quality product. The only requirement for entry is a tax id number – a free document in NY that takes a few weeks to process. But what separates the Tucson “Gem Jam” (as my Tucsonan friend likes to call it) from the rest is the sheer volume of the event. It is more like 20 gem shows in one occurring all over the city for a period of 2-3 weeks. Huge villages of white domes and tents pop up all over the city along the high ways and in parking lots. It seems like everyone comes out to see what is for sale.

Places like the Holidome and the Gem Mall are some of the larger gem markets within the huge show and offer literally thousands of vendors with more stones than you have ever seen in one place.  I usually spend 5 days in the city and end up seeing maybe 1/3 of all what’s available. This event can be done using the shuttles provided, but having a car makes it much easier to travel from show to show as they are scattered all over Tucson.

My absolute favorite part of the Gem show is the African Village, which is comprised of over 50 vendors selling wares from all over Africa. This section literally feels like another continent: it smells and sounds like Africa with vendors playing drums and eating traditional foods. I have not only found amazing beads that I have never seem anywhere else in America but have also made some great friendships. One vendor texts me from Ghana to see how I am!

If you are planning a trip to Tucson plan ahead. Hotels book up quickly and the earlier you do it the better deal you can get. This is a great event to go to with a friend who can help share hotel and car costs. My best piece of advice is to go to Tucson with a budget…and then know you’re going to go over! Once you get past the shock of its size and start to look at the vendors one at a time, you will realize that this is one of the best deals anywhere. Enjoy!

 

Saskia de Vries
sdvdesigns.etsy.com

Getting Ready for the Spring Handmade Cavalcade...

The Spring Handmade Cavalcade is coming up in less than 2 weeks and the team is working on final preparations... Shoppers who have come to the previous Handmade Cavalcades know that one of the perks for early shoppers, in addition to getting the be the first to see new work from local NY artsits is getting your hands on one of the Team's famous goody bags. This Cavalcade will be no exception - we will have a brand new design of {NewNew} tote bags.

Three members of the team recently had a screen printing session to get ready for the big event. Check out the photos from our crafting session:

Stacks of cotton tote bags in vibrant Spring colors - waiting to be screen printed...

A rack full of freshly printed tote bags drying after the first layer of the printing process...

Courtney of Webbed Ware and Martin of Adornments NYC mixing the screen printing inks...

Laura of Fisk and Fern adding the second layer of color to the tote bags...

The second layer of the screen printing process is complete...

Racks and racks full of tote bags drying and waiting to be filled with loot...

What will go inside? Stay tuned... we'll have more details about what will be inside both the goody bags and the raffle prizes soon...

Did I say raffle? yup. Don't miss out.

What? The {NewNew} presents the Spring Handmade Cavalcade - featuring over 40 local artisans, designers and crafters...

Where? Slate 54 West 21st Street (between 5th and 6th Aves), New York, NY 10010

When? Saturday May 7th, 2011 from 10am to 5pm

Martin

Adornments NYC

What does Earth Day mean to you?

...It comes only once a year, is celebrated by millions of people around the globe and creates environmental awareness.

You guessed it - today is Earth Day! ...and what makes this year even more special? - it's Earth Day's 40th anniversary!!

I think of Earth Day as a time to celebrate, a time to reflect and a time to take action - to be a part of the solution.

What does Earth Day mean to you? Does it strike a chord with your inner do-good self? Maybe you already know the ropes and are a whiz at recycling...or maybe you are a casual recycler and want to get more involved? Small acts of change add up...everyone can do something to help!!

{NewNew} member Groundsel uses up-cycled suits

to make her gorgeous earth-friendly bag

New York City and the 5 boroughs are home to hundreds of events, workshops and fairs for Earth Day fun.

Want to get involved? One of the best places to start is the official Earth Day website where you can find all sorts of fun things to do, from parties in Times Square to street festivals at Grand Central Station. Brooklyn is even throwing a few block parties and events at the local farmers markets.

{NewNew} member RueRenee up-cycled a flower calendar

to make her beautiful earth-friendly note cards

So then why not make it a whole week of celebrations? On Saturday April 30th, McCarren Park in Brooklyn is hosting the Go Green! Greenpoint Earth Day festival and market...featuring many talented members of The {NewNew}! (...go ahead, click on the link to find out more!)

So whether you will be out in the crowd celebrating in style, even if you're not one to march with the masses in Times Square...do a little good today, show your Earth Day spirit....

...make today count, make a pledge to do one more new thing this year and do the right thing for our environment...you know you want to let your inner do-good shine :)

make the earth happy today, and every day....

...because we all {heart} New York :)

by {NewNew} member virginiakraljevic

Thanks!!

Spring Handmade Cavalcade Sponsor: The Ink Pad

The Ink Pad is one of the coolest crafty stores in New York City. Located at 37 Seventh Avenue at 13th Street in Manhattan, you can find stamps of every size with any image or saying, stamp pads of any color, or paper of every thickness or shade. When you visit, be sure to leave a substantial amount of time to browse the shelves of stamps that cover every inch of the wall!

Whether you are a craft enthusiast or just showing a preliminary interest in making your own cards, The Ink Pad has everything you need. To get that extra bit of inspiration, take one of their many classes. From seasonal card making to advanced paper techniques, you'll be sure to find the right fit for your mood and skill level.

 Sample from the "Hello Luscious!" card making class utilizing florals. Wednesday, April 27, 7:15pm - 9:30pm. 

Sample from the Star Photo Album class.

The Ink Pad also makes custom stamps and has an arsenal of designs and ink colors for you to choose from. Treat yourself to an address stamp, or a stamp for your business. Buy a custom name stamp for your new niece or nephew. Make a stamp out of a sketch that you're particularly proud of! 

Not only does this little store have amazing products, but the staff couldn't be friendlier. I recently went there with my two daughters, ages 1 and 3, and they were busy picking up stamps, glue, and paper and bringing them to Barbara, the store manager, so she could "ring them up". 

The {NewNew} is so pleased that The Ink Pad is an overall sponsor at our upcoming event, the Spring Handmade Cavalcade. They will be contributing items to the swag bags (given to the first 100 people at the show) and will also be distributing literature and class schedules at the event itself. Be sure to stop by the Cavalcade and say hello to them, and definitely swing by their beautiful store. 

The Ink Pad

37 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10011

212.463.9876

theinkpadnyc.com

Open Monday - Saturday, 11am - 7pm and Sunday, 12pm - 6pm

Karina

Windows of Agate

Spring at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

I'm pretty sure that Spring is my favorite time of the year. It's not only because my birthday falls in
this season (May 5th if you want to know), but because it is the best time to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden located in Brooklyn, NY.

It's a great place to see nature in its purest form without leaving the city. Now through May 2nd, you can experience the Cherry Blossom season, or Hanami. Every year thousands of New Yorkers come to Brooklyn to see the Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom and you can too!

You can also see the other plants in bloom on your visit, including Birds of Paradise (pictured above) as well as many flowering trees. Being a warm weather kind of lady, my favorite things to see are located in the Tropical Pavillion. There Banana Trees stretched out to touch the glass at the top of the building that holds it.

When you walk around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you feel as if you are in another place, miles away from New York City. This has to be one of my favorite places in all five boroughs for that reason. You can pay a small fee and get more than what your public park has to offer - quiet, manicured lawns to laze upon and beautiful, wonderful trees and plants to gaze upon.

Alicia

Lingua Nigra

What to Do with Scraps of Felt, Part IV: Make Finger Puppets!

Here's a quick and easy project using scraps of felt that you can do just about anywhere. I started the one I'm about to document while selling my wares at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market this past weekend, for instance.

Now, before I start I just want to say that there are some really nicely-made finger puppets out there (check out this post by NewNew blogger, Karina, for a great tutorial), and these ones I made aren't them. No. Mine are, shall we say, a bit rough around the edges? But they're fun and easy and that's at least half the point.

Materials

All you need is felt pieces long and wide enough to cover your (or someone else's, say, a child's) finger, plus some smaller bits for details; embroidery floss or thread; a needle or two large enough to accommodate said embroidery floss or thread; pins to hold things together while you sew, and perhaps a bit of fabric glue and fabric paint if you don't want to sew every little detail.

The piece of felt I started with.

Steps

First, Find yourself a piece of felt as described above and wrap it around your finger. Pin the ends together where they overlap, making a tube.

Next, sew up the open side and top of your tube.

Snip off the pointy edges if you like, and begin adding details. I started with a pair of eyes and a pair of pants. I sewed the pants to the bottom of the tube and let the legs extend beyond it. For fun I used a contrasting color of embroidery floss and continued stitching beyond the point where they attached to the felt.

First details: Eyes and pants.

Back at home from the market, I added a hat. I did the same as with the pants and stitched all the way around the perimeter of the hat with a contrasting color of embroidery floss.

Then I stitched my little hat-and-pants-wearing guy a mouth and glued him on a nose.

I finished with a couple of dabs of fabric paint for eyeballs. And my first-ever, rough but cute in an ugly sort of way finger puppet was complete!

But, all the while I was making my first-ever finger puppet I was wondering if I was doing it the best way, starting with an already sewn-up tube instead of a flat piece of felt. So, being constitutionally unable to leave well-enough a lone, I made a second-ever finger puppet in this alternative way. Feeling less restricted in terms of sewing on the details, I got a bit ambitious and gave this second finger puppet arms.

Second puppet, different method, different details.

Although the sewing-on of details was certainly easier, it was harder to tell where to put them. I used the eyes to as a point of reference, remembering that the area I had to work with was small. Even so, the arms ended up way on the sides of the tube, pretty much out of view.

Where'd the arms go?

It was easy enough to reposition them, but only by so much. And I got the right arm wrong again.

Better, but still not quite right.

So even though it was easier to sew on the details using the second method, I'd go with the first method and close the open side and top of the felt first. It's easy enough to hide the ends of your thread/embroidery floss in-between where you sew the sides of the felt together.

Hiding a knot in-between the sewn-together sides of the felt tube.

In short, keep it simple and have fun!

Until next time --

Linda

PurtyBird