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!

TIP TUESDAY #14 - Creative Girlfriend Podcast Advice?

My creative buddies just returned from CHA - the Craft and Hobby Association tradeshow. Welcome home Jill, Katie, Linda, Lisa, Margot, Tammy, etc.! (Please share the newest, latest, greatest craft trends and products!)

While they were in Anaheim, I was in Nashville where I attended a PodCamp (a seminar for Podcasters and people in "new media" - podcasting, blogs and audiocasting)). There weren't near as many fun, creative women as I've always loved seeing at CHA, but it was a good crowd with more women than I've seen in my previous (short lived!) technology career. Also what is great about this new world of new media, there are so many more great ways to communicate with others which is an exciting time to be Girlfriendology and building community with women all over the world promoting female friendship!

There are a lot of creative podcasts out there. My girlfriend Dana listens to knitting podcasts from U.S. 'knitting celebrities' to a woman in Wales who talks about the yarn she gets over there, etc. So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question:

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, how often? Why? Which ones? What podcasts would you recommend for your girlfriends? Are there some best for your creative girlfriends?

Part of our goal at Girlfriendology is to, like a helpful girlfriend, share information with each other that makes our life better. Listen in to our podcast with KATHY CANO MURILLO on creative girlfriend groups. Beading designer, author, guru KATIE HACKER did a podcast with us on beading and creative women. And "the impatient beader" herself, MARGOT POTTER is about to do a podcast with us on her creative life and girlfriends. All these are based on being a good girlfriend to you.

Let us know of any "girlfriend authors or experts" we should interview on our Girlfriendology Podcasts - email ideas@girlfriendology.com. And listen in to a few podcasts and let us know what you think. We're here for our girlfriends and we'd love to hear from you!

TIP TUESDAY #12 - Crafting Trend Ideas?

This week is the BIG Craft and Hobby (CHA) Tradeshow in Anaheim, CA. Unfortunately, after years of attending I won't be there any my creative girlfriends will - dang it! However, I wish them all a great week where they make new contacts, get some business, learn about new products and techniques, get inspired and hopefully catch me up on everything when they get home! (Jill, Katie, Lisa, Linda, Tammy, Vicki, Julie - I wish I was there with you!)

So, in keeping with that event, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What do YOU think are the new craft trends for 2008? What materials, techniques, colors, etc. will influence the products and projects that inspire us?

Just returning from Paperworld in Germany (a HUGE tradeshow for the paper/office/craft world), I did see a few new trends. Shattered glass (like safety glass from car windows) is big in mosaic - no more cut glass. Paper mache was in the craft magazines and projects on display. So, what do YOU think will be BIG in 2008? More Knitting? Crochet? Mosaic? A different style of Beading/Jewelry? Share your creative ideas with your girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #10 - Girlfriend Glitterizing Tip?

Glitter, glitter everywhere! I had the opportunity to go to the Atlanta Gift Mart the past two days. As we walked the aisles looking at what is and what will be in stores in the coming year, we noticed a definite trend for holiday decor in 2008 - glitter! Sparkly elves, glistening reindeer, sequined Santa - there was a definitely glow and glisten to the holiday home decor items available to gift stores to purchase to then sell to us.

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

Do you like the glitter trend and, if so, how will you incorporate it to your home and holiday decor in the coming year?

For me, I was fortunate to have some DecoArt Glitter paint (Craft Twinkles Writers) this year when I wanted to touch up a wooden word (Joy) that my sister gave me. I spray painted the red wood with white (to better match my holiday decorations) then painted it with several coats of this glitter paint. It sparkled wonderfully and made me happy!

Are you a glitter girl? Do you limit it to holiday decor or use it throughout the year? If so, speak up! (If not, let's hear from you too.) Let us know ways you embellish items to sparkle like your great personality! (-;

P.S. Someone who must have glitter on her somewhere at all times is my girlfriend Kathy Cano Murillo - "the Crafty Chica." She has great books and spoke with Girlfriendology on our second podcast about girlfriends, groups and glitter. Check it out!

Help a Girlfriend in Bed-rest with your Creative Advice

I need some girlfriend advice. Actually, I need some creative girlfriend advice. And, specifically, I need some creative girlfriend advice on knitting!

My girlfriend Angie is in bed for the next two to three months awaiting her first baby. (Madelyn, who will only be dressed in pink!) Angie is a former knitter newbie and wants to get back into it, and obviously has time right now to get started. I'm a knitting amateur. I can cast-on knit (or pearl, I have no idea) but lack knowledge of how to do anything except a scarf.

What knitting books and materials should I get for Angie? What advice do you have for her and her knitting education? (Angie - I know you're reading so hopefully you'll get some good info!)

Thanks creative girlfriends!

p.s. Angie's situation is tough but she realizes how blessed she is that the baby is okay. If you're dealing with girlfriends in tough situations (like losing a job or friend, divorce, etc.), listen in to the most recent Girlfriendology Podcast. Caroline Cheshire of HealingBaskets.com (and her beautiful British accent!) talked with me about how to care for friends dealing with life. Her passion for helping people support their friends and family is beautiful and inspiring!

TIP TUESDAY #9 - Creative Girlfriend Tips

Don't you love the New Year? Such a great time for starting over, making new goals and resolutions and for trying new things.

2008 awaits and you get to choose how to spend your time and what creative adventures you'll go on. So, this week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

What new fun crafts or creative things do you want to do in 2008?

For me, I'm tempted to try some new crafts - felting, book-making, more metal/wire work. Recently two amazing girlfriends and creative gurus/authors Marie Browningand Katie Hackersent me books for the Girlfriendology "Great Girlfriend Gift Giveaway." Of course I had to look through the books before sending to participants in the December Girlfriendology Contest so now I'm inspired do do more beading, paper crafting and metal work.

What creative adventures are you planning for 2008? Share and inspire others!

TIP TUESDAY #8 - 2008 Creative Girlfriend "Goals"

Happy 2008, Creative Girlfriends! I hope the holidays were happy and that you enjoyed amazing times with your family and friends. The festivities and social plans may be over - so hopefully there is time for us all to look ahead to a great '08.

From being an entrepreneur for several years, I recognize the benefits, and need the structure, from goal setting. It helps me focus on the important 'stuff and make sure I commit my time and efforts to what I really want to happen. I think this is good even when it comes to friendship. Not that it is a structured program with a forced deadline, but more of a personal goal - like exercising or eating better. And, to be honest, it is more fun that the treadmill every morning and counting calories!

So, this week's TIP TUESDAY questions are:

What are your girlfriend goals for 2008? Do you want to start a girlfriend group or have a regular get-together with a few friends? Is there a particular girlfriend you need to focus on to help her or be more of a friend? Do you need to make time for your girlfriends or to meet new friends?

In addition to setting goals as a good way of making changes in our lives, I know that it makes me more accountable if I share them with someone. (That's why I have a couple girlfriend mastermind groups who challenge and encourage each other to reach our goals.) Having a packed schedule and limited income, I know a realistic goal for me has to be simple, yet heartfelt. I commit to sending Thank You notes to my girlfriends in 2008. (You being creative may have one to MAKE cards for your girlfriends but I'm starting small with something I can hopefully stick with!) I want to be a better friend by acknowledging how much my girlfriends contribute to my life and make sure that I tell them how special they are to me.

What are your goals? Please share and check back in with updates. Girlfriendology is about inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends. Consider goals of inspiring others, showing your appreciation or going out of your way to celebrate your friendships. 2008 will be great - with your girlfriends by your side!

New Girlfriendology Podcast - you or a girlfriend needs to hear this!

There isn't a 'creative girlfriend' angle but there is a very strong girlfriend lesson and, since it impacts all of us, I wanted you to know about it.

Our new podcast features ELLEN SHUMAN an emotional eating coach who has been Oprah, featured in O Magazine, etc. Her web site is www.aweighout.com and she offers a free teleconference seminar on emotional eating. Not sure what "emotional eating" is and why it is so important? Check out our podcast or our other Girlfriendology blog. Thanks girlfriends - for being supportive, caring, loving people!

TIP TUESDAY #3 - Creative Girlfriends get ready for the Holidays!

Wow - two days until Thanksgiving! Last chance creative women, to help each other through the sometimes stressful, always hectic holidays. So ...

You (like me!) make cards and gifts for girlfriends. You decorate the house (and come up with some really cool ideas/decorations!) You do it all. But how do you survive when the creative pressure is pressure cooker hot?! This week's TIP TUESDAY question is:

"What is your secret for sanity during the holidays? What do you recommend for taking care of you when you have way too much on your 'to do' list?!"

What is MY tradition for getting through the holidays? Well, the annual card mailing ritual is pretty wild - expectations are high and hectic. This year (just a warning to you on the holiday card list), the goal is to simplify and to think about the important things - like just recognizing and appreciating my friends, and taking care of our planet and each other. Keeping in that line, the important things in the holidays are seeing friends and making them feel special, loved and, basically, well ... happy! (As in "Happy Holidays!")

What does that mean for a creative woman who is committed to her girlfriends? Some gifts won't be handmade this year - but I do love to embellish things, so I think that counts! Cards may not be as labor-intensive but they are just as deeply felt and expressed. And, I'm getting away from giving 'stuff' to giving things we can do together. I'm thinking of beading materials for a girlfriend with a coupon to spend the night together making jewelry. (And I'll check out my friend Katie Hacker's site for cool ideas and my girlfriend Jill MacKay's site for wonderful beading products!)

Remember, one of the great benefits of girlfriends (personal friends or those found through Girlfriendology) are the lessons we learn from each other. Share your ideas in our comments. Or, ask a question. Be thankful for your female friends. Show your gratitude for girlfriends. Share your creative ideas with other creative women or ask them what they'd recommend. We're here for each other. Be a girlfriend. Have a girlfriend. Be thankful for your girlfriends. (And girlfriends - HAPPY THANKSGIVING early!)

Talking Crafting, Creative Women and Marie Osmond - with JULIE STEPHANI

Creative girlfriends - this podcast is for you! You know how your creative female friends 'get you?' They understand why you take time to craft and the amazing satisfaction in working on and completing a creative project. Well, JULIE STEPHANI gets us!

Sure, JULIE STEPHANI is editor of Home Arts magazine and The Creative Arts Club (with over 340,000 members!). She's written craft books, hosted her own Scrapbook TV shows (and guest hosts on "Scrapbook Memories"), has been in the craft/hobby industry for over 20 years. You might wonder if this woman even has time to craft, much less talk with Girlfriendology. Thankfully for us, she does and she did! Check out our latest podcast as Julie inspires us to get together with our female friends (creative or who think they're not creative!) And, hear her insight into crafting given to her by Marie Osmond!

Thanks Julie for inspiring us to enjoy, appreciate and create with our girlfriends!

TIP TUESDAY #1 - Share ideas with girlfriends all over the world!

Hang out with a group of female friends and you're likely to get some advice. It is just what we do - share information among our friends to help each other solve problems or have a better life. That is one of the greatest benefit of having girlfriends!

I've heard/shared information with my female friends on new restaurants, make-up tips, recipes (generally those my husband has tried!), crafting techniques, good books, sales and specials, etc. Just thought quick phone conversations, my girlfriends have helped me improve my life by offering web sites that might interest/educate me, magazines and TV shows I should check out and what stores have great paper craft supplies, and much, much more.

So, in an effort to solicit ideas from you and to see what all we can share together, I've created TIP TUESDAY. Each week I'll post a topic and question. I welcome (beg?!) you to participate and give your feedback so we can all learn from each other's experiences. So, here goes your creative girlfriend challenge ...

This GirlfriendologyToo TIP TUESDAY question: What magazines do you recommend for the latest crafting techniques and projects? What publication would you HAVE to have with you on a deserted island?!

Share a TIP! Leave a comment. Give some girlfriend advice! Or just send on to a girlfriend you know who has an opinion they might like to share. And come back next Tuesday for more!

And ...
* Not to sway your votes on this, but JULIE STEPHANI of Today's Creative Home Arts Club (and editor of their magazine) will be our next podcast interview! Send us any questions you have for her and check out the other podcasts!

* The other Girlfriendology Blog also has a TIP TUESDAY. Check it out for less crafty questions and tips! And please share your comments so we can all learn from each other!