Submissions Open for Fall Issue!

Looking for extra exposure for your handmade talent? I am currently looking for creative individuals to be featured in the fall issue of Touched Creatively. All you have to do is submit a link to your online shop with a brief meaning behind your creations. Some individuals will be given the opportunity to be included in the magazine. Everyone who submits will gain exposure from being featured on Touched Creatively's blog. After you submit I will contact you with more information.

Don't forget the first nature ispired issue is now available for purchase. Go to http://www.touchedcreatively.com/ to get a printed issue or a download version. Enjoy!

Touched Creatively's First Issue Coming On...

FRIDAY!!!! You are finally able to order your printed magazine copy this Friday, May 29th on Touched Creatively's main website! The online version will be ready to go at the same time. Can't wait for all of you to see it. I hope you like it and get some great ideas! The featured artists in this nature inspired issue are Behnaz Ahmadian, Scott Boris, Lotta Helleberg, Carolyn Moran, Michelle DeFillipo Stewart, Maryanne Taylor, Christine Tenenholtz, Karen Thurman, and Melissa Widmer.

Introducing Jodi Spilde {sewing}

Being diagnosed with fibromyalgia had to have been difficult for artist Jodi Spilde but the positive that came from it is that she is able to focus on creating. She shows talent in so many areas. Like most of us artists, her mind never stops racing with ideas for the next creation. Not only does she sew, but she also makes jewelry and paints with watercolor! Check out her site to see more of her creations. Most of her items are for sale on her blog. Just email her and she would be glad to help you out with the details. Her work is very affordable and she is very easy to work with! I think Jodi should get her work on etsy! What do you think?

Introducing Melissa Widmer {needle felting}

I would like to introduce you to our first artist on the blog, Melissa Widmer. I absolutely love the whimsical feeling and the happy mood brought on by Melissa's creations. Above is Pippin, one of her all time favorites. He is a needle felted mouse in smoke gray and white wool with angora fiber over a wire armature. His tail and paws are a flexible polymer clay. His Oreo cookie is an exact replica of the real thing. Melissa made a mold from an actual Oreo and then made it from polymer clay and air dry clay. What an amazing talent! Sadly, Pippin already has a home, but the good news is there are more whimsical critters in Melissa's on-line shop! If you are in need of a smile or a good laugh be sure to check her shop out!

More about Melissa: she resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Although she enjoys visiting Ellendale, ND where her husband was raised and his mother still lives, Melissa is a true blue southerner. She is also featured in Touched Creatively's first magazine issue that will be coming soon! In the issue she shares how her needle felting began as well as some of her creative process details. You will be able to see more of her work along with a couple amazing critters that have already found permanent homes. Stay posted for an exact issue releasing date!

Purpose of Touched Creatively

I am so excited to share Touched Creatively with you! Through my self published magazine, website and blog I want to introduce you to several artists who have amazing handmade talents. I hope you will be inspired by their creative journeys and processes. All artists have on-line shops so what better of a place to look for gifts!!! Handmade creations are one of a kind and their individual quality makes them so much better than cheap store bought items.

If you are an artist yourself please submit your work to me and I will be glad to feature you on my blog and possibly in my magazine! All you need is great pictures of your work and a meaning about the item or process that can inspire others. Check out Touched Creatively's website for more information and submission details.

If you wonder why I'm starting Touched Creatively, here's some info. I am an artist, graphic designer, and full time mother. I know how hard an artist has to work to make a living from following their creative dreams. I can say from experience that working a 9 to 5 job is a much easier way to make a living but not nearly as rewarding. I like to stretch my inner potential and I hope to add support and encouragement to other artists following their dreams. Exposure is a key ingredient to making a living through art so that is a big reason why I came up with Touched Creatively. I want viewers to connect with the meanings behind several forms of art, fall in love with these creations, and help support the handmade community.