Nature's Icy Inspirations -- Morning Inspirations

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.  - Albert Einstein

Be Happiness Itself - Find Balance Sterling Charm Necklace

What are we looking for in our lives?
For me there are a few constants...peace in my heart and balance.

Buddha is known for quoting,  "Be happiness itself" which reminds me that happiness is as close as the reflection in my mirror.

How easy it is to turn and look away, point the finger at him/her, that experience and decide not to own our experiences and the choices we are making.
It's a hard concept to swallow, the idea that we "can" be happy...that peace does exist..perhaps not out there but within each of us...

This sterling charm necklace reminds me of the gift of choice  each of us has, the gift to consciously take ownership of our happiness and create the balance we need in our lives.
We have the choice to:

give a smile
breathe deeply in moments of frustration
work toward finding a job we actually enjoy
have patience with our children
let that person merge into traffic
exercise and eat right
call a friend
make arrangements to go on 'that' date with your spouse
walk in nature to nurture our soul
say 'no' or change our minds on a commitment because we are too over loaded...........

and NOT blame life for the choices we can control which lead to our state of happiness and balance.....

If this necklace is perfect for you or someone you know, you can own it by going to my Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/listing/88102124/be-happiness-itself-find-balance

Live in joy - Lisa

Thank you for your service and love...

I am taking a moment today to be AWARE how blessed I am to have the freedom to create art and have the life I do in this country...
We do not need to support our governments choices but we should support our Soldiers, Veterans and their families who ensure our freedoms! 
The enormity of laying one's life on the line for people you don't even know, to fight a war you may not understand or support but you signed up and you have to serve or be punished in some way..be dishonored if you don't do as you promised...To feel lonely, scared, anxious...to witness sadness, death, poverty unlike anything we have seen..humanity at it's worst...to stare at someone who hates or fears you because of the land you live on or due to your faith...To return home and hold all this in your soul so other's do not have to witness it or remember it... Well...I say a big THANK YOU...THANK YOU also for keeping my husband and those I love and do not know safe and returning him and them home to us...With gratitude I honor today!


"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy


"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." -Cynthia Ozick


Live in Joy and Gratitude - Lisa

Nature's Gifts - Helping You Find Self!

Being in nature is one way I nurture my soul. In nature I am present (in the moment), THOSE thoughts seem to slow down with my breath and a calmness emerges. The silence of an early morning walk does wonders for my soul, it helps clear my mind, reconnects me to MY truth and helps me find my sense of self again!
                                     I am able to hear MY Voice.

Finding time to nurture YOU is the single most important gift we can give to ourselves..!
Our busy schedules and the many roles played during the day seem to toss us about like a wind storm..
We lose our power, our emotions are a jumbled mess, and we are lost.

"Many women today feel a sadness we cannot name.  Though we accomplish much of what we set out to do we sense that something is missing in our lives and - fruitlessly - search "out there" for the answers.  What's often wrong is that we are disconnected from an authentic sense of self."
     -Emily Hancock

Will you take time to cherish yourself this day, week or month?  Will you do what's needed to nurture your being and balance your soul?  If so...it would be great to hear what you do to Nurture and LOVE YOU..:)

Live in joy- Lisa

"ARTFUL" - DREAM - CREATE Mixed Media Sterling Pewter Necklace

This summer I was blessed to stumble upon and participate in "Flying Lessons - Tips + Tricks To Help Your Creative Business Soar"  created by the gifted Kelly Rae Roberts!

Kelly openly shared her successes, struggles, tips and tricks with the 300 + online participants. Taking this course helped me to believe that my creative aspirations are possible!  This class is a MUST for anyone who needs some direction and inspiration to make their dream come true!

Today I am fortunate to be a part of an amazing group of artists (those who participated in the 2011 Flying Lessons), we encourage and inspire one another, we share our successes, fears, and tips and tricks..:) 

The above necklace is inspired from my "Flying Lessons" experience!

Nurture your creative and artful soul....Dream it - CREATE IT - Fly !!! :) 

I wish you success in fulfilling your dreams...  


Please take time to check out some of the amazing work of the artists who participated in Kelly's Rae's Flying Lessons course with me..
The below is a list of these artists who are blog hopping with me!

Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/

Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com

Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/

Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/

Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/

Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com

Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/

Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org

Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/

Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com

Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com

Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com

Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com

Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/

Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com

Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/

Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/

Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/

Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com

Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/

Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com

Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/

Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html

Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org

Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/

Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/

Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/

Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/

Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/

Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Michele Products:
http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/

Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/

Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com

Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com

Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com

Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/

Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com

Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/

Melanie Douthit: http://www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com/

Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/

Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/

Rachél Payne (Rae): http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/

Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/

Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com

Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com

Sherry Richert Belul:
http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup

Shirley Ann: http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/

Stacey Chadwick
Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/

Susan M. Walls-Beverly:
http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com

Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/

Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/

Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/

Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog

Zulma Cadena: http://edustory.wordpress.com/

Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com

Lisa

Celebrate YOU!

Insist on yourself.  Never imitate! - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Are these not the coolest boots EVER!  My good friend wears them so well, she has fantastic style and celebrates being herself with confidence.

Today celebrate YOU!  Be confident and own your self-worth!

Live in Joy - Lisa

Polymer Clay Owl and Halloween Crow on Pumpkin

This polymer clay project was so much fun!  I got IMMEDIATE gratification ...loved it!
This project took about 3 hours from drawing my design ideas, molding, baking and finally painting the clay..!

These past few weeks I have had owl envy...as I have seen some wonderful owls in several mediums so I decided to create my own owl.
My inspiration for the crow sitting on top of the pumpkin came from an article in Stampington Summerset Holidays and Celebrations 2010 Issue and my love for crows (very intelligent and family oriented)!

I may have found a new passion...

If you are interested in dappling with polymer clay, click here for Polymer Clay Basics by Sharilyn Miller posted on Stampington and Company's Web site..:) 

Enjoy - Lisa

Claim your prize..:)

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who participated in this giveaway!

The Winner is:  VINTAGE SILVER RINGS!  
Please contact me via email:  lisa@lisamicheleproducts.com to claim your $25 jewelry credit to my Etsy shop!

Happy Friday!

How TO - From Applesauce Jar to Frankenstein Character

I was inspired to design this fun puppet looking Frankenstein for my son, one he won't be afraid of and want to put in the closest FOREVER.  A few years back my husband purchased a "FUN" toy witch for Halloween.  This witch however wiggled and laughed any time someone (our sweet child) moved past it with flashing red beady eyes......need I say more..:(

Tools and Supplies:


Apple Sauce Jar
Mod  Podge
Handmade Paper
Tissue Paper
2 Bolts
Cardboard
Box Knife
Acrylic Paint
Oil Pastels
Eyes
Feather Boa
Paint Pen
E-6000 Glue
Sponge Brush
Glitter
Ribbon

How To:

Start with a clean apple sauce jar and apply Mod Podge to entire jar.  Once Mod Podge has been applied cover jar with homemade paper and allow paper to completely dry.

On a piece of cardboard draw a nose, cut it out and then glue to jar.

Mix tissue paper into Mod Podge this will be used to form your nose and mouth.  Apply tissue paper to cardboard nose and directly to jar to create mouth (allow tissue paper to completely dry).

Puncture sides of jar so you can insert the bolts (be sure to do this on a non-slip surface when cutting).

Paint entire jar green allowing jar to completely dry (you can use a hair dryer to speed up the process).

Use oil pastels to apply face shadows and colors.

Use a paint pen to draw in stitches.

Apply eyes, hair and ribbon using E-6000 glue.

You are finished!

Love to see what you are creating, you can upload your photos to the Let's get Crafty Flickr group!

Next week will also be a Halloween inspired creation!

Happy Creating... Lisa

Natures Inspiration

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.  
-Unknown

This weekend my family and I headed to the mountains to witness the beauty and brilliant colors of the changing leaves!
We walked around for hours, breathing in the cool mountain air, watching the brown squirrels nibble away on fir cones, and listening to the wind speaking to the leaves..:)

Inspiration surrounds each of us, we just forget to slow down to witness it.

What inspires you and moves your soul?

Be sure to take time today to be inspired!  Live in Joy - Lisa

Giveaway $25 Jewelry Credit - Lisa Michele Products

Your chance to win a $25 credit toward any jewelry item in my Etsy shop!

How to enter and rules for giveaway:

• Like my Lisa Michele Facebook Page and leave a comment regarding this giveaway  (if you are already a Fan.....Thank YOU and you can just leave a comment)                             
• Post a comment on my blog regarding giveaway

• Mention this contest with a link either on your blog, Facebook or Twitter and let me know you did so

You may enter multiple times to increase your chances of winning.
There needs to be a minimum of five contestants entered in this contest!
1 Winner will be randomly selected.

Contest runs until October 13 and  I will announce the winner by 6 PM PST on October 14 on my Facebook page and on  this blog post!
Sorry, at this time contestants need to be within U.S. or Canada.....
Please note the Harmony Bowl is not a part of this contest.

Good luck!  - Lisa

Persistence and the Accomplishment of Dreams!

I am feeling tired today...yet thinking it's through persistence that our goals and dreams come into fruition.

"Let go of the past and go for the future...live the life you imagined."
- Henry David Thoreau

Thinking about what truly gives you joy is the first step to discovering your gifts.
Sharing your gifts with others often takes courage.
Honor yourself and believe!  Your gifts have been given to you for a purpose!

Believe Sterling Necklace

Carrie Underwood is an example of someone who was persistent and never gave up on her dreams and what an amazing gift she now shares with us....!
The below video is of Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill at "Girls Night Out" singing "How Great Thou Art" and her gift moves my soul and bring tears to my eye...
Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill Song - click here :)

I hope you enjoy Carrie and Gill's gifts and remember how great you are - you are special, unique and we are waiting for YOU to share your gifts!

Live in Joy - Lisa

Stamp Carving - How to Design YOUR Own Stamp - Mr. Sharky :)

Designing your own stamp is so much fun and rewarding!
My son just had a Fish themed birthday party so I got inspired to design Mr. Sharky for his Thank You cards!:)
Alright, so Let's Get Crafty - it's your turn to be inspired and design your own stamp!


Tools & Supplies:
SpeedBall Linoleum Cutter
Speedy-Carve Block
Brayer
Ink Pad
Pencil

You can buy these items at your local craft store or one of my favorite places on-line is Stampington & Company

I am feeling inspired by Halloween!!
Next Tuesday I will be creating a Frankenstein from an apple sauce container.
I hope you join me Tuesday Oct. 11 and share your Halloween character creation via the Let's Get Crafty Flickr group!!

Happy Crafting - Lisa

Change is the Journey

Nothing ever is, but all things are becoming....
All things are the offspring of flux and motion.
     - Socrates

Change is a part of our lives, it takes acceptance and courage to often make it through..:) Each of these experiences or changes helps us to become a better and more aware person..although I must admit..I was not thinking about how this would make me a better person when I was deep within the moment of change......

Here are a few of my changes which have required acceptance and courage in my life:

• Moving from England at a young age and leaving my family, friends and all that I knew
• Leaving a 10 year relationship so I could be true to me and honor my spirit
• Being laid off from a job and starting my own business
• Having faith and trust that my husband would return safely from war
• Becoming a mother and allowing my child to leap and grow ..discovering his own journey

Sharing allows others to know they are not alone...what are some of your changes taking place in your life?