The "Queen of Crafts" CAROL DUVALL talks with Girlfriendology!

From paper to polymer, knitting to knotting, dolls to decoupage ... we've all learned so much from the 'queen of crafts' herself, CAROL DUVALL. Remember the sock monkey? Laughing with Carol and her guests? Learning amazing techniques for polymer clay, paper crafting, painting and more?!

Listen in to our new podcast with Carol as she talks about her 57 (!) years on television, her creative girlfriends, her new book "Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall" and more! Thanks Carol - for the interview and for the years of creative inspiration you've shared with all of us!

p.s. And thanks to Mari and Rebecca for their call-in questions!

Help your Girlfriend reach her Dream (and Wishes!)

Recently I interviewed New York Times #1 best-selling author DEBBIE MACOMBER for an upcoming Girlfriendology podcast. She's written countless books and actually has over 100 million books in print! (really!) She was great in our interview as we discussed her new book, Twenty Wishes. Twenty Wishes is about just that - a group of women (widows, in this case) who decide to make a list of wishes and see what happens. And, things do happen!

I asked her where the idea of Twenty Wishes came from and she was delighted! She shared about one of her fans kept a list of wishes and shared them with Debbie on one of her book tours. From there, Debbie creatively crafted a book of women and the journey of their lives as they set those wishes free! (Debbie also has a fabulous contest for setting YOUR wishes free. Visit SetYourWishesFree to learn how to win $10,000 toward your dream.)

Talking with Debbie reminded me of my girlfriend Carol Abbott. A few years ago, Carol and I were in an entrepreneurial group. I was working with a coach (the wonderful Jane Pollack) who had presented a question to me, so I shared it with the group: "What would you do if money was no object?" Carol immediately, without a second of hesitation said, "I'd paint." A successful technical writer/project manager, I don't believe Carol was painting very much at the time - maybe casually taking a class from time to time - but obviously she had a passion for it so she courageously shared with us.

Fast forward to today, Carol has a wonderful business of painting primarily home portraits. Her colorful, 'happy' paintings convey the joy of the home and give it personality all it's own. She also does other subjects (boats, historic monuments, neighborhood gathering places, etc.) - all with her creative and colorful style. Check out Cincinnati Home Portrait for her awesome artwork. (And she does do other locations, paintings from photos, products with your home/painting on them, etc.)

Carol inspires me. She is living her dream and has put the time and effort into it to become successful. She is in art shows, the Pendleton Art Center, Newport on the Levy - lots of local locations. She had a wish and she went for it!

Do you have dreams? Wishes like the women in Debbie Macomber's new book Twenty Wishes? And, do your girlfriends? Share them with each other. Help each other reach for them and celebrate successes along the way. That's what girlfriends do!

p.s. You can win a copy of Debbie Macomber's new book Twenty Wishes on Girlfriendology.com (or one of the various other books we have in our monthly contest!). Just send us a girlfriend story. You can be the inspiration that helps your girlfriend reach for her dreams and set free her wishes! Go for it girlfriends!

Creative Girlfriends - Have a question for the 'queen of crafts' CAROL DUVALL?

In 2000/2001, I heard women on my favorite craft show (CAROL DUVALL, HGTV) talk about being craft designers. Being creative and loving crafts, and knowing that I didn't want another corporate job, I decided to join them - even without really knowing what that was! So, I joined an organization and packed up to go to my first craft/hobby industry trade show.

I wandered the aisles and aisles of craft manufacturers shy about presenting the little booklet I had of craft projects I'd made - my 'portfolio.' About an hour into the show, I noticed a little swarm of people nearby. In the center of them was the fabulous Carol Duvall! I was star-struck and tried not to stare. I discretely watched for a little bit then eventually moved on. I wandered a couple aisles and ran into the entourage again. More observing my creative idol (Hey! That should have been a show!) and I continued on my way.

I remember the exact location (the Fiskars booth) where later that morning I again encountered the Carol Duvall entourage. Still being shy, I remembered the fable about God sending along a tree limb, helicopter and boat to save a drowning man. (Who died and asked God in Heaven why He didn't save him. And God answered, "Who do you think sent you the limb, helicopter and boat?!") After three brief encounters, I mustered up the courage to approach one of Carol's producers.

By making myself attend a tradeshow alone and then taking initiative to talk with Carol's team, I changed the course of my career. I later appeared on Carol's show on HGTV and DIY a dozen times and later taped with Carol on the "Shop At Home" network.

Having the experience of taping with Carol lead to over 250 on-camera demonstrations and sales (including QVC and A.C. Moore videos) and to giving me credibility in the craft/hobby industry. Plus, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with a professional, charming, sincerely nice and fun woman. I admire her for her creativity and her contribution to the craft/hobby industry by inspiring so many of us and teaching us new skills, etc.

Girlfriendology is definitely about inspiring each other and Carol has been a creative girlfriend to us all! So, next week I am going to tape a podcast interview with Carol and hear from her how she was able to achieve so much and the wonderful women who helped her do it all! (And, to these women - Cherryl, Kelly, Allison, Donna, Karen, Linda - and so many more - I know she worked with the best!)

Here's where YOU come in! Would you like to leave a question for Carol? Call 206-202-9005 and tape a question for Carol and we'll have her answer them on the podcast next week. Leave a message like, "This is (name) from (city) and I wanted to ask Carol ... (question)" then at the end of the call, make sure and leave me your email address (and please spell it out slowly!) so I can enter you in the drawing below.

Carol generously shared with Girlfriendology three copies of her book "Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall" to give away to creative girlfriends out there. Leave a comment on this blog with your email address or leave your email address on your phone message for Carol to be in the drawing.

Lesson: You have what it takes inside, you just have to step out of your comfort zone and go for your dreams. Go for it Creative Girlfriends!

p.s. Sign up now for Girlfriendology podcasts to hear Carol and other inspiring women! And don't forget to call 206-202-9005. Thanks!

Proud of my creative girlfriend - VICKI SCHREINER

Several years ago, at a craft and hobby industry tradeshow, I met VICKI SCHREINER. She was sweet, southern (we often call each other Miss Vicki and Miss Debba!), kind, creative and very welcoming. Over a couple more tradeshows and a several creative girlfriends we had in common, we became roommates at these events and loved getting together and catching up on our lives and businesses in the craft industry.

I knew Vicki was a very talented artist - she had lots of books and craft designs in her portfolio. She successfully taught herself to go from drawing by hand to creating digital images - and through doing it maintained her signature style that "expresses the sunny side of life."

Vicki's dream was to see her drawings come to life on products and to be able to contribute to the family income by doing what she loves. I'm so proud to say that she's accomplished these goals with fervor! Her artwork is now on all kinds of products like printed materials, baby bedding, fabric, etc. Her products will be in Cracker Barrel this summer. (She's already in numerous baby, fabric and department stores!) Check out her website for her BaZooples line and her upcoming WhistleStop Station line.

Do you have girlfriends who have passion and talent? Cheer them on and celebrate when they achieve their goals. Do you have dreams? Ask your girlfriends to support you through their ideas, assistance and hugs. With girlfriends, you can be yourself and dream your dreams - and who you can be there for them and their dreams as well. Congratulations Vicki! I'm so happy your dreams are coming true and can't wait to hear what wonderful things are yet to come! Go for your dreams girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #20 - How can we girlfriends dress 'green'?

Have you changed over wardrobes yet? Packed up the sweaters and brought out the shorts? I just did and it was a reminder of all the clothes, shoes and 'stuff I have that I don't use or wear on a regular basis. Do I really need all this? Do I really need more stuff??

So, taking inspiration from our recent podcast guest and the crafty DEBRA QUARTERMAIN (see article below), we too can reclaim our lives by simplifying things. So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

How do you reclaim, repurpose or revive clothes - creatively?!

I'm looking for your comments selfishly because I have a couple items (cheapo jackets, etc.) that I bought to personalize and need some inspriation! Please share creative girlfriends!

Going green with a girlfriend - and in style!

I promised myself. Now that I'm quitting the job (yeah!), I'm not going clothes shopping (boo!). Thing is, if I want to be brutally honest with myself, I don't need new clothes when my primary wardrobe will be sweats or shorts and sports bra and t-shirt. (I just have to remind myself before I hit the cheap stores here in Cincinnati!)

My creative girlfriend DEBRA QUARTERMAIN has taken a vow of sans shopping for the year (aside from essentials like food and cleaning supplies). She has the advantage that she's a self-professed 'stitch chick' and can whip up a new outfit faster than I can try on cheap shoes and run to the check out.

For example (and inspiration), Debra took a broomstick handle skirt (that felt a little too snug) and disasembled it. She then created a jacket with the skirt fabric as well as a sweatshirt for the base of it. As you can see in this photo, she looks fabulous and all it took was a little creativity, a sweatshirt and a sewing machine.

Not all of us are quite so handy with the old needle and thread, but that doesn't mean we can't find ways of repurposing clothing and/or decorating it. Try something new - with something old. Or, grab a girlfriend and trade your 'gently used' clothing. Create a new wardrobe or just make a nice girlfriend gift. Create. Give. Have a blast!

Creative Contest for Creative Girlfriend Robin

Robin Beam is a wonderful papercrafter, inker, beader, stamper, proud crafter and idea maker. Her blog features lots of creative techniques using Ranger Industries products (like Tim Holtz products, Adirondack Ink, etc.). Robin is the Director of Education for Ranger Industries and a creative 'shero' for taking her talent, passion and turning them into a fabulous career.

She's having surgery and decided to throw a contest to 'entertain' her through her recovery time. So, if you're up for the challenge to create some 'bandana art' check out her Contest! And help this creative girlfriend recover with some beautiful, fun bandana cards! (And check out her blog - great ideas from stamping to painting to needle felting - such a cute kitty!)

Creative girlfriend gift lessons - from you girlfriends! (and new contest prizes!)

Carole loves to make napkin rings from rope and wine corks. (And she'll show us how in a future blog.) Jane loves the afghan her friend crocheted for her. Dana loves to knit scarfs and other wonderful accessories for her girlfriends. (And I know, because I've been the lucky recipient!) And last month's grand prize winner was Veronica who told us about her girlfriend Gloria and the creative way that she helped her friend through tough times.

For the March Girlfriendology Contest we asked YOU for YOUR favorite creative, even 'crafty,' girlfriend gifts to give or receive. You shared some wonderful stories which we featured in our new podcast. Listen in for girlfriend inspiration!

One talented designer wrote in to tell us about how her girlfriends have inspired her to create jewelry. Personalities, favorite colors, personal style - Kristy Lee uses all these and her own creativity to come up with necklaces like the one you see here. Check out her web site to see her Girlfriend necklaces. And, thanks Kristy Lee for sharing!

The April Girlfriendology contest 'goes green.' Earth Day is coming up and we're asking you to do a little 'recycling!' This month's contest asks YOU for YOUR stories of girlfriends who have made an impact on you in the past - perhaps school friends or girls you knew growing up, maybe it is women you've worked with or neighbors you've known for a long time. Just share your story and you could win a prize.
Actually, you have a very good chance of winning a prize! Not only will we give out the five Starbucks gift cards and the Girlfriendology Journal, but we'll also give away five NEW books from a future podcast guest. Send in your contest entry and be in the drawing for NOVEL DESTINATIONS: Literary Landmarks From Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West by Shannon Mckenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon. Who we'll talk to on an upcoming podcast! So send in your 'recycled' girlfriend stories TODAY!

Glitter Girlfriend, THE CRAFTY CHICA, rallys at ELLEN show on Tuesday!

Girlfriendology's crafty girlfriend, KATHY CANO-MURILLO (aka: the Crafty Chica) is rallying FOR glitter tomorrow (Tuesday, April 8th) at the ELLEN DeGENERES Show! If you're in California and love glitter, join her!

Kathy is a fabulous artist, designer, author and celebrity glitter gal! She did a fabulous and inspiring interview with Girlfriendology on our podcast back in the fall. Listen in! Ellen wants to ban glitter and Kathy and her crafty constituents are going to take a stand FOR glitter. Sure to be a fun day for Kathy and Ellen. Check it out!

TIP TUESDAY #19 - Recycling for your Girlfriend Gift Crafting

Living green isn't just a trend, it is a reminder that we need to follow this lifestyle to be responsible for future generations. How can creative, crafty women go green?

Well, lots of cool things have been made from recycled materials. Remember when we were kids and the piggy banks we made out of detergent plastic containers? The paper towel rolls that became our kaleidoscopes?!

So, recycle some of those memories and answer today's TIP TUESDAY question:

What recyclables do you use in your crafting? What cool things have you seen made with recycled materials?

Okay, I generally have to start first and, I admit, this is a toughie. I do love metals cut from color tin containers (like funky or foreign soda cans). I've made elements from those info jewelry and garden decor. (Just be careful of the sharp edges!) I've salvaged hardware supplies (bolts, washers, etc.) that were spares and included them in art collages.

You're creative - what recycled items have you used or are you planning to include in your crafting projects? What's your favorite recycled materials with which to work? Share! Inspire! Create!

Meet Stella - who helps girlfriends turn creativity into an entrepreneurial business!

Creative, smart, passionate women ALWAYS inspire me. You fantastic females with passion for your art, your creative ideas, your families (and, of course, your girlfriends!) all challenge other women to reach for their dreams and do what they love - and I love that!

Being creative and with a passion for an entrepreneurial lifestyle/business, I especially love and believe in the synergy that comes from combining creativity and being an entrepreneur. So, I was immediately impressed with an organization that I found that also recognized the energy and strength of commingling creativity and entrepreneurism. Meet Ladies Who Launch whose tagline is "entrepreneurship and creativity as a lifestyle." It is the source for entrepreneurial-minded women who want to live their dreams and love their lives. Ladies Who Launch is the first company to define entrepreneurship as a lifestyle choice and connect women online and in person to foster creativity, community and support.

Ladies Who Launch offers great resources for female entrepreneurs like events and entrepreneurial incubators - plus they have a book for anyone who wants to venture into their own venture.

I interviewed STELLA GRIZONT, Director of Strategic Development for Ladies Who Launch on this week's podcast. (She's inspiring and impressive! See my "Lessons from a Girlfriend" post on the Girlfriendology blog.) Listen in for inspiration on turning your creative dreams into an entrepreneurial reality!

Listen in to Stella on the newest Girlfriendology Podcast. Entrepreneurial dreams or not, you'll be inspired - maybe to start your own business or just to start a new creative project. Or maybe you'll just be more equipped to inspire another girlfriend who may have dreams of being an entrepreneur. Inspire each other. That's what girlfriends do! Thanks Stella! You definitely inspire me and many other women. Thanks Ladies Who Launch!

Shrinky Dinks and Girlfriends! (and BlogHer, with smart women!)

In my creative past (in the craft and hobby industry), I attended several tradeshows for businesses in the creative industry. Often I shared a room with Lisa, Vicki, Phyllis - sometimes Jill, Marie and others. Never was there a trip where craft materials and tools weren't part of the suitcase contents!

Since I was attending BlogHer (an event with smart, savvy women - see the Girlfriendology blog for more updates) this week and I want every woman to know about Girlfriendology, I made the above pendant to wear. And, like at the craft tradeshows (and usually accompanied by my creative roomies), I made it in the hotel room - the night before the event. Actually, this project took a little prep - I had to print off the words (Girlfriendology logo, Podcasts, Contests, etc.) on Shrinky Dink (white) and heat/shrink them before I left for the trip. Then I packed a clasp, yarn, beads and wire in my suitcase and off to NYC I went! In the hotel room, I put it all together for this pendant.

I think it created some buzz for Girlfriendology. I know it generated some conversations and the opportunity to spread the word about what Girlfriendology is and what I am doing to building a global girlfriend revolution! (Watch out world!)

In addition to Girlfriendology clothing and carrying my Girlfriendology "Stand by your man, but sit by your girlfriends" bag, I need to make some more creative jewelry to start the conversation with women on why they need to appreciate and celebrate their female friendships. You're creative - any ideas?! Thanks Girlfriends!

p.s. I just wish some of my creative girlfriends had been there with me! (Even if you snore - Vicki and Jill!)

New Podcast with LISA SHEPARD STEWART (or 'quilting together a career')

LISA SHEPARD STEWART is a graduate of the NYC Fashion Institute of Technology. She's an award-winning author, designer and entrepreneur specializing in the use of African fabrics and world crafting techniques for decorating, sewing, crafts and quilting. Her how-to books, African Accents, Global Expressions and On the Go! encourage us to express creativity through culturally relevant techniques and materials.

Lisa spoke with Girlfriendology on our recent podcast. She shared information on all the exciting things going on in her life/career - like her 6th Quilter's Retreat in Jamaica and her 'home/lifestyle expert' TV spokesperson and upcoming events, etc.

Since GirlfriendologyToo is for creative girlfriends, we thought you'd be especially interested in learning about Lisa and Cultured Expressions. Check these out:

* Lisa's TV segment on creating a girlfriend's spa evening
* Free projects with cultural flair like an African Batik Mat Frame, Adjustable Adinkra Choker Necklace and Mudcloth Footrest, as featured on HGTV’s “Our Place”
* And more events!

So, what does this have to do with 'quilting together a career?' In addition to the creative inspiration Lisa provides through her events, books, projects and website, she also is an amazing example of a creative, successful entrepreneur. She followed her passion (love of culturally relevant techniques and materials) and made a living by finding various 'pieces' that she then wove (or quilt) together for a beautiful career. That inspires me. Listen in to the podcast with Lisa - and you'll be inspired too!

p.s. And visit our Girlfriendology blog for "Lessons from a Girlfriends" - wonderful things learned through talking with Lisa and enjoying her creative career.

TIP TUESDAY #18 - Girlfriend Advice

What are your dreams? What would be your perfect job, hobby, travel destination, adventure? What's your plan for achieving, visiting, DOING something to get you closer to your dreams?

I'm a big "accept things or do something about them" kind of girl. I don't know where it came from, but I'm not one for accepting excuses of myself or others. If you're really passionate about it, GO FOR IT! I do understand, all too well, that there are situations beyond our grasp that limit us somehow. Income, insurance, insecurity ... bunches of things impact our path towards our passions.

Regardless of reality, I feel it part of our 'jobs' as girlfriends to encourage our friends to reach their dreams. Actually friendship is a powerful thing. We're in the role of influencing another person and in assisting them in becoming their true self and reaching the little and big dreams that make us/them happy, proud, fulfilled.

The podcast with CAPITOLA GIRL, Susan, took on the subject of following your bliss. Susan is reaching for her dreams and not letting anything stop her. She recognizes that living this creative, inspiring, supportive life is her journey to becoming the truest version of herself.

Now, for TIP TUESDAY, it is YOUR turn. This week's TIP TUESDAY question:

What are your dreams? What would it mean for you to 'follow your bliss'?

My bliss, as you've probably gathered from Girlfriendology, is inspiring women to foster female friendship. I believe it is a worthy goal to build community among women and celebrate girlfriendship. I believe it will make a difference in our health, happiness, lifespan and make us better mothers, sisters, employees/bosses, friends, wives, partners, volunteers, etc. Lofty goal? Maybe too big? Perhaps. But I believe there is a real power among women that we build through community with each other and I'm put here to help make it happen - in whatever little or big way I can.

So, I spilled my guts (-; share YOUR dreams! What would it mean for YOU to follow your bliss? Share and inspire others!

p.s. And do listen into CAPITOLA GIRL's podcast interview! She'll inspire you. And you never know where that inspiration will lead!

Must be the season for Girlfriend Contests!

My girlfriend JILL MACKAY is dang creative, prolific designer. I've bragged on her before. (Bragging on Jill is easy - she's so amazingly talented!) Her site/blog has a new contest lasting through the end of March. Rules go something like this ... Leave a comment on her site and subscribe to her blog and you will be automatically entered. THAT'S IT! That's all you have to do. One lucky winner will be drawn at random to win a pair of earrings made by Jill with her sterling findings. (Shown in photo.)

And, don't forget the Girlfriendology March Contest which asks for your creative girlfriend story - like a crafty gift you've given or received, a creative event together, etc. You can win Starbucks giftcards and a Girlfriendology Journal.

Both end at midnight EST on March 31. Join in the fun Girlfriends!

Meet a creative girlfriend sure to inspire! The CAPITOLA GIRL

I met Susan through the Girlfriendology Monthly Contest a few months ago. Her submission was so creative and fun, that she was easily one of the top entries that month. In doing a little research on her and communicating with her, I discovered that she is a prolific jewelry designer. She calls herself CAPITOLA GIRL - a persona she defines as traditionally feminine, upbeat, confident, and dynamic. A Capitola Girl is someone who can live in harmony with herself and others. She uses her strength wisely, and always makes choices that are true to her heart. And, above all, she embraces the power of all things girly.

Susan, AKA: Capitola Girl, has a store on Etsy and an inspiring web site and blog. Through every site and message, she promotes creative inspiration and a power to follow her bliss.

This is why she was a perfect guest for this week's Girlfriendology Podcast! Listen in as she challenges all of us to live the life we dream and to follow our bliss.

Thanks CAPITOLA GIRL! Your message of creativity and bliss is inspiring!

MIA - Sorry Girlfriends!

My goal for GirlfriendologyToo - since this blog is about inspiring and celebrating creative girlfriends - was to celebrate National Craft Month with daily blogging. All went well until the middle of the month when I was hit with a difficult situation that, to be honest, floored me for a little while. As much as my girlfriends were there to lean on and send good vibes my way, my energy was zapped by the stress and pain of an unfortunate situation. (I wrote it about it on Girlfriendology.)

I retreated to other tasks at hand and neglected this blog for a week. I feel bad but I also know that I needed some time off to take care of me. Girlfriends should be able to do that, right?! I also didn't feel that it was right to pretend everything was peachy and I was living a vibrant, happy, creative life. Blogs get personal. I just wasn't at a place to share it, nor did I want to change my tag line from "inspiration, appreciation and celebration" to "desperation, frustration and aggravation"! This is meant as a positive place for women to rekindle their soul and rejuvenate their friendships. Thanks to you, I believe that is happening and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

So, I apologize for the MIA status and ask for your input on inspiring creative women. I'm thrilled to have lots of creative girlfriends but I want to find out about others - women who are reaching their potential, striving for their dreams, *following their bliss. Share your girlfriends and inspiration. We can all use it.

And to my kind, considerate, loving friends - thanks for being there girlfriends! You're my rock. (And you rock!)

* See the next post I'm going to do about someone who is really following their bliss!

Women helping Women - in New Media

In it's simplest form, all it takes is a girlfriend who introduces you to someone/thing you want/need to know. From there, historic, amazing things can happen ... like growing your business, finding a babysitter or cleaning person, to sharing a great memory together or forming a forever friendship.

And, for creative women, this simple networking can mean a new mentor to help you learn knitting or how to market your business. Connections can be made that are the foundation for partnerships in business and creative ventures. Or, it could even mean that you have another person in your support team with whom you can share your creative ideas and they build on these to form a wonderful solution, business or creative venture.

I attended a New Media group today and met some creative, resourceful and helpful people. Each that I spoke with had an openness to find out more about Girlfriendology and many offered ideas and support. One woman I spoke with, Krista, openly shared ideas with me for Girlfriendology and related to the wild, and often stressful, times of a creative woman trying to do too much. Just in talking with her, I was relieved to find other women in New Media (blogging, podcasting, etc.) who understand my life. Sometimes that is all it takes is a girlfriend to share and relate. Sometimes, it's just that simple.

You know things/people I don't. You have a background that differs from mine and gives you a different perspective. I have an equally different base of knowledge. So together, we are twice as smart, strong and, as girlfriends do, have more fun. This week your challenge is to simply be a girlfriend and help other women out. Or, allow other women to share ideas and support with you. I know you'll be inspired, relieved, comforted, stronger and, in doing so, happier. Be a girlfriend. It's that simple.

P.S. And, if you happen to live in the Mid-West and are in (or want to be) New Media, attend the upcoming PODCAMP OHIO. It's June 28th in Columbus OH and is a free 'unConference' on new media. In addition to learning tons all in one day, I would bet you'll also meet women (and men) who will have a positive impact on your creative future! Check it out!!

My Knitting, Beading, Crafting Girlfriends

We're off to meet Dana and Bear (aka: Barry) for dinner. Dana was introduced to knitting a few years ago when I was part of "Purple Tree" - a home party biz that offered all kinds of creative kits. I'm sure out of some obligation to me to purchase something, brought home a knitting kit. Well, the rest is history. She now is a knitting goddess. And, as a knitting goddess would do, Dana emailed confirmation of our dinner plans along with a warning that she'll probably knit at the restaurant while we have a glass of wine. No worries. Creative girlfriends are allowed - to be creative!

That event also reminded me of a very fun evening with my girlfriend (who is a beader, designer, author, blogger) Katie Hacker when we went to a local casino on a bus trip her father organized. I don't gamble and I don't recall Katie being at all interested in it either, so I had brought some beads and supplies along and Katie and I happily beaded in the casino bar. I believe we made a gift for the female bartender!

Do you have girlfriends who encourage and inspire your creativity? Isn't life much better with them around?! Call up a girlfriend. Ask what she's knitting (or beading, painting, sewing, etc.) and let her bring it along on your next adventure. Do the same, so she gets to see your latest expression of your creativity. That's how we learn. That's how we inspire each other. That's why we're such good friends!

Another creative girlfriend Shero - Julie McGuffee

My creative girlfriend JULIE MCGUFFEE is yet another shero! She has a long history of crafts and inspiring others to be creative, she's been host of Making Memories TV show and Scrapbook Memories as well as appeared on Shop at Home network, A.C. Moore Videos, etc. She's written craft books and created products, etc. She's talented and creative.

What really makes her a shero is that she is also a cancer survivor and uses her experience to educate others. Read her blog for a touching story on her cancer and that which took a young man she knew. If you're like me, reading this makes all the trivial stuff just disappear and brings a new focus on the important things - like appreciating every day, time with friends, being creative, etc.

Thanks Julie for sharing your story in your blog and for sharing your creative inspiration with the world. I'm glad you're my creative girlfriend!