a new year for big dreams...

hi everyone, i'm back!

i hope your holidays and new year celebrations brought you every bit of joy!

my family and i had an amazing week together in the mountains, i feel rested and quite frankly 7 days without art supplies i am itching with ideas and motivation to create!

i have always loved the symbolic notion of a new year being a fresh clean slate...an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and failures of the past year and the excitement of setting new goals and aspirations for the new one.

as many of you know, especially if you have ever taken one of my inspired event weekends at the studio, i carry a moleskine journal with my ideas, dreams, lists, etc on my person at all times. in this journal i compile and collect my "truth" or what i like to call the "what i'd like to be when i grow up ideas." i have been using these journals for the past 7 years and have a collection of these beautiful dogeared journals that are truly the story of my journey in an intimate creative way.

sometimes you need to listen to that inner voice (especially when it is screaming at you, lol)

so today i am going to assemble my visual goals/aspirations board for 2013 on the cabinet door above my computer...taking the leap and work towards some of these "moleskine" dreams.

the BIG one first...

• "the next step"
  

for the past 2 years the idea of a doing this really cool, craft show concept has plagued my thoughts, but its a scary idea so i have been back burnering the idea as a pipe dream. this year i think is the year i am going to persue this idea and with the help of some professional videographer friends i am going to attemp to record a pilot. who knows may just end up being really good blog fodder or the next big thing! i wont know if i dont try...SO MANY DETAILS to plan and figure out but at some point i may need to reach out to my blog readers for potential guests.

{via pinterest}

• "do what you love"

i love to create and share what i learn. i am product motivated and the thrill of figuring out a new technique or implementation of a product is just short of orgasmic to me.  but coupled with that is the joy of sharing that knowledge, call it the teacher in me or the fact that i am an only child and didnt get to share as much as a child, but quite frankly it multiplies the joy of creating when i can share it with others. so this year i am going to put more effort into creating more product and technique driven online workshops. by far the most rewarding workshop i do thus far is the "Canvas Create" series. the feedback and the stories of empowerment and families sharing in the creative times together have been not only inspiring to me, but life altering. this is what i love!

• "build my fan base"

last year i was able to double my fan base on facebook, so this year i am thinking go big or go home right? i would like to see if i could double it again! crazy right! why not...so this year i would like to reach 50,000 fans. feel free (please, please) to tell all your friends i think i am really going to to need all the support i can get on this one. for every 10,000 reached (30,000, 40,000 & 50,000) i am going to do a free workshop on my blog for everyone!

 

• "achieve"

my word for 2013 is achieve. i plan on working that word into a new series of art this year. motivation and encouragement for all to reach for their dreams!

• "continue"

i plan on continuing inspiration wednesday and collage mondays throughout 2013 because they have been the catalyst to most all of these dreams, but more importantly it has been the support of my blog readers and fans that have given me the confidence and the courage to take creative risks. i cant thank you enough for your continued support and i look forward to a year of sharing this continuing journey with you.

talk to me today!

comment and share what your dreams are...say them out loud and make them real!

 

 

Comments

[Kelly Luna]

You are such an inspiration, Donna. I will be cheering you on all year and can't wait to create along with you!

[Dahlia]

"Liked" you on FB too!!

Love your blog!! Have an amazing 2013!!

[Helen Lindfield]

Good luck with your dreams! I look forward to your inspiration Wednesdays so much, so I am glad you intend to continue them.

[Jessica Hess]

Go Donna Go! If you can ever give advice to small time bloggers I would love some. I also love to teach and share. :-)

[Sherri Caramico]

Way to go Donna! I believe in "DREAM BIG" too! ( like the paint brush I sent to your studio says!) My problem is acting upon those dreams. I've had a dream to have a craft show one day as well! - It all started with a video that I made for Cheerios about Scrapbooking (yes, I said Cheerios and Scrapbooking!) back in 2010 - I really loved being on camera and sharing my story, and I love teaching and inspiring others too! Here is the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqYcCSs8XpM ~ My son is a mass comm graduate (media production) and I'd love to collaborate with him, but don't know where to start. I am so looking forward to your 2013 Canvas Create Classes - I can't wait! Wishing you and your family ALL THE BEST 2013 has to offer! Let me know if you need a Jersey Girl for a guest spot on your show - I'd be happy to join you!! Can't wait to see what you bring to 2013!! ((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

[Melanie K]

I want to teach workshops ... share the joy that is getting messy with paint, paper and STUFF. I don't know why I don't just try ... except I feel that with no art degree and the only way I have learned is mainly through online classes, that I am not 'qualified'. I just can't believe there are people out there who don't do journaling ... or even KNOW about it. Boogles my mind!
My word for the year is "Satisfied" by the way.

[Dawn Jones]

Thank you for sharing your dreams and goals...mine are pretty simple for 2013. Learn as much as I can, create more, let go of my fear and ignore my inner critic. I know that critic will never be silent but if I can just make him "white noise" more of the time I'll be happy. I'm so glad to hear you will be continuing Inspiration Wednesday, it's always on my Wednesday "to do" list!

[leslie weaver]

Great goals! Thanks for sharing them:)

[debbie McIntyre]

This is why I love you. You are motivated and keep things fresh and it pushes me to continue with my forward motion. Baby steps in comparison, but that's fine with me. I WILL sell my art online this year, and I WILL have a blog. I WILL keep trying to understand Photoshop, even though it continues to give me a huge headache. Thanks once again for the motivation, for the nudge to keep going...you are a treasured friend. xo

[Sarah Spindell]

Hi Donna! I just want to tell you that you are the one who got me into Art Journaling. I found your books at a garage one day (like seriously...WHY would someone sell them?!) and I fell in love with the creativity. I've been an artist my entire life. But after I read your books and realized that there were people out there like me using different materials, I went home and YouTube and Google'd your website. It pulled me out of my depression when there was no light in my life after 4 deaths at the beginning of 2009. It's now 2013 and I have found my place in the art world. My goal for this year is to finish an 11X14 art journal (HUGEEEEE pages if you're doing a spread!) But anyway, I'm done being all mushy and gushy. Lol. Thank you Donna and I can't wait to create with you this year. :)

[Tammy Whitley]

Donna
To follow your dreams is something most people talk about but never do, hell, most people don't even know what their dreams or aspirations are. I think its wonderful that you have your dreams and you are working toward making them a reality. I have been following you for a long time. I personally think you are an amazing person. All the things that you do in one day wears me out just reading about them. You are so talented and so many people want to "be you", but they can't. They can follow, copy, or even imulate you, but they can't "be you". Only you, can be you and it appears that 2013 is going to be the year that you, Donna Downy are going be the best you've ever been. Do I want to be you, "No", but if you don't mind, I might just put my own dream out there to be as determined as you!!! Heres to a wonderful dream! I'll be watching, as always.

[Annie Couture]

First of all I must tell you how much I love Collage Mondays and Inspiration Wednesdays. This two things really make my week and inspire me to keep going creatively. My word for this year is FEARLESS. This year I will blog more, I will create more, and work hard on creating what it is that I want to create. Finally, THANK YOU so much for doing what you do and inspiring me!

[Linda Barutha]

Hi Donna! Great, big, lofty goals this year. I LOVE IT! Me too! Opened my mixed media shop 2 months ago, so my word this year is FOCUS. It will take a lot of FOCUS for me to be disciplined to be successful. So far, my workshops have been the most rewarding. I also have some big creative retreats planned this year, so I'm going to need to FOCUS on all of the marketing that needs to happen. I hope to see you at CHA in a week:)

[Pam]

love you Donna! you are so inspiring and so real. Your idea of a craft show is so fantastic, I wish you all the best with this endeavor. I can see you on the Create channel, HGTV, PPS, my god, it would be awesome. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with all the art info out there, I find it hard to focus on one thing, one technique, one idea to do. You are my go-to person, the one that stands out above the rest and I thank you for that. I never fail to get inspiration from your blog or videos. And thats what it all about- inspiration. Looking forward to a new year of arting with you. And BTW, great article in CPS!

[Patti]

Keep doing what you are doing. I love reading your blog and watching your videos. I am inspired by your creativity and willing to use traditional and nontraditional items in your pieces.

[Jenn H]

I too picked "achieve" for my word this year. There is so much that I want for 2013 that is was perfect word for me. I am so glad that you are continuing Canvas Create, Inspiration Wednesday, and Collage Mondays, I learn so much from watching you that I have done more with my art than ever before. Bring on 2013 it's going to be a great year!!

[Meda]

With a new baby on the way I have only one dream/plan: to keep my creative business going and raising my 2 children at the same time.

[Amanda Izzi]

Happy New Year!!! I had gotten myself in a slump creatively & since I discovered Inspiration Wednesdays, I have never had so much fun artistically in my life!! Now even my 7 year old LOVES watching & she now has an art journal!!! You are truly an inspiration & I am very glad you're gonna keep it up!! I wish you all the good luck in the world & think a craft show would be GREAT!!! You're talent & personality alone will make it a huge success!! Thank you for teaching me that dreams can come true!!!

[Jenny nielson]

You inspire me everyday thank you for that! My word this year is True! I will be true to my heart ! I am going to do things that my heart wants and that makes my heart happy. I am not going to worry about what anyone thinks or the fear i have! I really want to find my own style of painting and get it out there!

[joanne3107]

have a good year too!!
my dream is to create more often ,and maybe like you...to push myself by doing one project a week (like motivation monday or inspiration wednesday!! )

Always nice to follow you here and on facebook!!! You're such an inspiration! Thanks!

[Heather Runion]

I love your "go big or go home theme" for 2013! I feel, for lack of a more descriptive word, inspired to set some big goals for myself this year. Thanks, as always, for sharing your talents and your vision. You have taken my creative self to lands previously unknown. Can't wait to "get my Creative on" with you this year!

[[email protected]]

I am in awe of your dreams.. I want to take several steps towards my dreams this year!! and I love the saying about forward motion.. you are truly an inspiration to me!!

[Cari Kerstiens]

Mine is to own my own scrapbook store. It is closer to a reality now as ever!

[Kathryn Harpold]

Thank you, Donna, once again you have inspired me; I have been struggling with my "word" for this year and you just gave it to me!
I retired from the fire service after 25 years last March and since then I have been struggling with just piddling around. I have not actually been "just piddling" though. Both of my daughters have really needed me as they have navigated life changing moments. Oddly enough, just when they have needed me most, I have actually finally been able to be a stay at home mom.
So I guess my word for the year is "Encourage."

[Ruth C]

Fabulous Donna! Can't wait until you come back to Oklahoma in March! I haven't gotten all my goals set yet but I think my word for the year will be "Blessings" it covers giving and receiving equally well. A quick card to brighten up someone's day, enjoying the beauty of nature, playing with new color ideas, doing something really special for someone experiencing life's hardships, the list can go on and on. Thanks for sharing your inspiration and knowledge with us!

[s mellows]

first think about it, then talk about it, then do it! I'm sure you will accomplish your goals. I have already referred your web site to other artists. I am looking forward to your future projects! Happy New Year to you and yours!

[Chris Dark]

I can't say it any better than many already have but you are a true inspiration, I watch your inspiration Wednesday and I immediately want to go and make something too. In the words of Curtis Mayfield................Move on up! xx

[Philippa]

Happy New Year Donna honey, and oh what a lovely post! I love the sound of the craft show and I would definitely love to be in the audience if I can do it from afar (NZ)!!

My dream is for my soul to dance creatively so my word for this year is ''dance'' not just literally but deep down in my soul in whatever I do whether it be gardening, propagating plants or my beloved art dabbling!!!

Big smiles and a hug just for being the amazing inspirational woman that you are!!! xx

[Beth H]

My goal for this year is to FINISH the projects and workshops I have begun! I get so geeked out about trying new things and then moving on to the next thing that I end up biting off more than I can chew! My word for this year is "savor." I want to slow down and enjoy the process of creating!

[Angie]

Reading your goals for 2013 makes me so happy :) I can't wait to see what you come up with next!!! You are truly my inspiration and the reason I have become so passionate about ART! My 2013 word is "productive"....like others have said above, my goal is to FINISH all the projects and workshops I have begun!!! Thanks for shining your light Donna...you ROCK!!

[Beulah Bee]

You have inspired me and I have made many journal pages because of you and I have had a lot of fun. Actually, I make a lot of stuff that no one ever sees. I enjoy the process, I have no aspirations to sell it or become famous but I've never shared it. I wonder how having an audience might change what I make and how I work? So, my "big dream" this year is to have the guts to put myself out there, publish my work on the net, stick with it and see what happens. There, I've said it, so now it must be.

[Amanda Izzi]

PS~~~Please come to Tennessee!!!! Or .....close??

[Melita]

Can't wait to see what the year brings for you Donna! My OLW this year is Rise - rise above the crap, take my skill set to a new level, aim for bigger and better in everything I do. I've also set myself a goal to sell a piece of my art this year. Terrified of putting myself out there, but giving it a go anyway!

[sandeeNC]

I LOVE your idea of a craft show, how awesome is that. Now if you chose me for a guest, it would even be more awesome, lol I hope you achieve all your goals but even if you don't it's better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all...I think somebody famous said that, >grin> Happy New Year, Let's go big or go home! waving at 'cha from the hills of North Carolina :)

[Vanessa Johanning]

Hi Donna! I really think you should have a craft NETWORK!!! Think big!! xxoo I read an older journal today and I saw in it that I had written one my goals was to get myself to CHA!!! well this is the Year!! I am so so so excited to see you there!! Look for me with suzi Blu and we will be ready for the circus!

Love and Blessings

Vanessa! RhinestoneContessa!!

[Laurie Hunt]

I believe that you will do it! You have succeeded in so many different ways and have such a loyal following. I wish you much success in all ways and hope that the pilot idea comes to fruition and is successful. We clearly do not have enough crafting, mixed media stuff on TV. It has not been since the days of Carol Duvall that there has been a successful show at least in our area. I know there are shows out there, but unfortunately none are picked up here in the Detroit area. Good Luck Donna. My goals are centered around staying healthy so that I can become more regular in my creating. Kind of lame compared to yours, but in many respects much more difficult as most of the time it is out of my control -- darn jet stream!

[Mary Werner]

Go for it - I know lots of people will be thrilled with a show! So glad you are keeping Inspiration Wednesday as that would leave a hole in my morning routine if you didn't. Your class at She Scrapbooks several years ago is what started my continual love for scrapbooking so having more classes available is wonderful. Thanks for your inspiration!

[Antje]

I am really looking forward to following you also in 2013!

[Lynn Y.]

You go girl! You are a great inspiration and it takes a lot to share so openly as you do - I love it! I am a big fan and hope to see you at CHA. So when a stranger runs up and hugs you, you have a clue as to who she is, LOL!!

[Jessica Sporn]

I love your ideas and would be completely supportive!! It was so wonderful to meet you in NJ and look forward to crossing paths soon!

[Laura E.]

Hey there Donna! Happy New Year! Yes your Inspired events are amazing! I fear i could not do all i wanted to try this year but my word this year is Finish...finish what i started finish what i set as a goal and finish so that i can start again! I will be here cheering you on, you truly do inspire me! Hey and don't forget to do a little SHE ART now and then!...I know Bill will thank me! ; ) Love you girl!

[kat]

What are my Dreams and Goals for 2013.... See the blank - I don't seem to have any... After 20 years of being career driven and spending more hours than I care to admit working towards my career goals and achieving them - I now find myself in transition - I've retired early and just plan on spreading my wings and enjoying. I should have dreams and goals but I think I will play, laugh, create and enjoy. So my word for 2013 is JOY....

Can't wait to see what your new online classes will be - I am sure they will be fabulous and inspiring - Keep being you!

[Nicole]

Donna, U da bomb baby!

[Marjolaine Walker]

My dream is to teach mixed media art internationally...there, I said it out loud! See you soon at cha!

[Christie R.]

I'm so happy to learn that you're continuing Collage Monday and Inspiration Wednesday. I guess I hadn't thought much about what I would do without them until you brought it up. I look so forward to both every week, and can't thank you enough for taking time to put them out for us to see and enjoy. I just love them!!

[Renee Fletcher]

Donna, thanks for being such an incredible inspiration to me. I never thought I would have the courage to paint a canvas - much less a 20x24 canvas for my mother - and, it was even something I was proud to give her! My word for 2013 is CREATE. I want to create every Canvas Create each month, as well as FINISH all the projects I currently have partly done! I have sold a couple of pieces of my work to friends - I want to have the COURAGE to put myself out there and possibly have a show toward the end of the year. This is the first time I've put my creative goals out there - thanks for giving me the forum to do this.