September 2011

September 30, 2011 Dear Friends, "Praise the bridge that carried you over." {George Colman} It's interesting. When we don't know how to do something, we lean on those who do know. And once we learn, we don't necessarily remember that we leaned on anyone. (continued below)

Creative Pilgrimage :: NOW available for pre-order :: Come along with Alisa Burke, Sarah Ahearn Bellemare, Flora Bowley, Maya Donenfeld, Mary Beth Shaw, Lisa kaus, Mati Rose McDonough, Julie Haymaker Thompson, Tracie Lyn Huskamp, Alma Stoller, Roxanne Padgett, Heather Smith Jones, and Stephanie Jones Rubiano as they teach innovative techniques in this exciting new book. Also, take a behind-the-scenes look into some of the most celebrated art gatherings across the nation including Squam Art Workshops, The Makerie, Artfest, An Artful Journey, Artistic Bliss, Valley Ridge Art Studio, Art & Soul, and Silver Bella. Available now for pre-order. Learn more here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partner Spotlight : : Seek Your Course : : Seek Your Course is a database and online hub for connecting people with creative learning opportunities online and around the world. Click here to learn more.

(continued from above) One of my biggest accomplishments as of late is that I've learned how to use Quickbooks. This new skill set has allowed me to bring all of my bookkeeping and accounting up to date, which I'm very proud of. It had been a huge monkey on my back because I had truly dreaded the idea of having to learn a software program to account for all the numbers in and all the numbers out ... certainly not as fun as rolling around the studio with paints, papers, and markers, right? How did I learn it? Through the training I received from Tracy, a local Quickbooks expert and accountant. She has been the most knowledgeable and patient teacher, allowing me to lean on her as she supported my baby steps that eventually became a thrilling stride in getting all of my accounting into tip top shape. To build a business, to pursue one's dream, there are many teachers along the way who help us build it. Through these teachers, we learn how to master challenges like learning Quickbooks, editing videos, casting off stitches, color-correcting photos, and finding the best sources for papers, paints, and yarns. When we succeed, of course it's because of our hard work and talent. But more likely than not, it's also because bridges of support are erected by teachers like Tracy who help carry us over. Let us give thanks to all who allow us to lean on them, learn from them, and who also at times lift and carry us over through the most challenging spots. Gratefully, Jenny Doh, MSW That's Totally hOT! Bow & Button necklace.   That's Totally hOT! Join Jenny at The Makerie in April 2012 for her very first class: crochetologie.

Submissions CRESCENDOh Clear Stamps We welcome the opportunity to feature and link to your favorite blog post, video, Etsy, and more. Learn more here. Discover our beautiful clear stamps. Minimal, elegant, timeless. Learn more here.

August 2011

August 31, 2011 Dear Friends, "Freedom means choosing your burden." {Hephzibah Menuhin} When the work gets tough, there are folks who want to get free from it. Actually, what they really want is to quit. But that's not freedom. (continued below)

Crrafting My Best Life Class of 2011 :: With Jenny Doh, MSW :: Come along with Jenny Doh, MSW, as we explore who we are, what we value, and what our mission is through thought-provoking journal prompts and a variety of creative exercises that will help us map out strategies for future success in the 2011 session of this popular online workshop. Enrollment is NOW open. Learn more here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partner Spotlight Alpha Stamps Alpha Stamps offers a one-of-a-kind collection of original art stamps, collage sheets, kits, and other must-have art-making supplies. Click here to learn more.

(continued from above) As we all fantasize about having the freedom to do what we really want to do, it's easy to forget that even when you do get the freedom to pursue your heart's desire, the road will be filled with hard work. So hard at times that it will not feel like freedom. It will feel like a burden. There are countless people I meet who all want to get on the fast track to creative success. They dream of the high life ... where they make art, sell it for lots of money, write best-selling books, and run blogs that everyone clamors to read. Oh yeah, they do all of this while prancing in a wild meadow with flowers in their hair ... barefoot ... and a white sundress—the perfect attire to enjoy the lovely picnic of homemade bread, Manchego cheese, grapes, and perfectly chilled mineral water. And of course there are the BFFs also in their white dresses giggling, prancing, and either smelling flowers or looking into the sun. Let's get real. It's more like scarfing down a sandwich over the sink, making a tutorial in a messy studio while still in the same shirt you've worn for three days straight, praying that someone will buy something from your etsy shop that might bring in a whopping seven bucks, and wondering what the heck you're gonna cook for dinner. At the end of the day, it's not about finding freedom from burdens, but making sure that the burdens you have are the burdens you choose. Gratefully, Jenny Doh, MSW That's Totally hOT! Introducing a NEW free motion stitched and altered Art Saves apron!   That's Totally hOT! Introducing a NEW crocheted mug rug kit + video!

Tell Us Your Story Wholesale Program CRESCENDOh Creative Lab is now more than 2,000 members strong. The place for online learning. Learn more here. Do you run a shop and have interest in stocking fresh and exciting clear stamps at wholesale? Learn more here. (Artwork by Becky Shander.)

July 2011

July 29, 2011 Dear Friends, "Stop counting crayons, just draw pictures." {Mark Scharenbroich} When my kids were little, I found myself repeatedly teaching them to be grateful for what they had, rather than griping about what they didn't have. (continued below)

NEW Online Workshop! Create Health :: With Dr. Shamanie Haneca :: For less than the amount of money that you would spend at your doctor's office, you will have access to the most current information that has the potential to Create Health in your life including menu plans, exercise and stress reduction tips, and strategies on how to optimize health. Enrollment is NOW open. Learn more here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     You 2 Can Create Creative inspiration, community, and shop.   Urban Barn Monthly Street Fairs, Artist Workshops, and year-round shopping.   Artist Success :: SEEK Got questions about your art career? We've got the answers you SEEK.

(continued from above) If you're a mom, I'm sure you probably have been in the same boat. But you know what? It's something that we adults struggle with as well, right? In this creative world that we live in, it's tempting to think focus on what we don't have rather than using our time to just do the best with what we do have. Boy, what I wouldn't give to have my own letterpress, or brand new lens for my camera, or a long arm quilting machine. Boy oh boy, then I could make snazzy cards, take awesome pictures, and take my quilting to a new level. But you know what? Even without all those things, I already have so much. And if I focus on what I do have, including my imagination, I know that I can create some amazing things. All I have to do is to remember what Mark Scharenbroich advises, which is to stop counting crayons so that I can dive in and just draw pictures.   Gratefully, Jenny Doh, MSW That's Totally hOT! NEW! The popular and oh-so-feminine ruffle apron by Jeanne Oliver Designs.   That's Totally hOT! Crafting Fitness To-Go! DVD set that includes the complete quality content from the online class. Perfect gift for that person who has made the decision to embrace fit.

Tell Us Your Story Summer Advertising Special Do you have a story to tell about the positive effect that art has had in your life? You are invited to share with our community here. For the months of July and August, buy one week, and we'll add on a second week for FREE. You can get started today. It's self-serve and easy peasy. :) Learn more here.

June 2011

June 30, 2011 Dear Friends, "Never ruin an apology with an excuse." {Kimberly Johnson} Could this really mean that occasionally, we need to admit wrong and ask for forgiveness? Could it mean that we at times are doers of wrong? (continued below)

ART of the paintbOX All-Day Workshop :: With Connie Govea Stuart :: Join multi-media artist and instructor Connie Govea Stuart at the home studio of Jenny Doh on Saturday, September 10th, for a very special all-day workshop. Connie will teach you her special techniques to create her signature altered paintbox project. Enrollment is NOW open. Learn more here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     A place for you to discover how to turn your dreams of starting a business into a reality.   Unearth the creative and courageous motivation and focus needed to map out your best life.   A one-of-a-kind online fabric store for quilters, crafters and fabric artists.

(continued from above) It's easy to join the buzz about "them." How "they" did "us" wrong. It's so easy that everyone seems to be joining this buzz. It's on blogs. It's on Facebook. It's on Twitter. It's at gatherings. It's at worship services and prayer groups. Constant complaints about "them" and an eery abdication of responsibility for our own propensity to behave poorly at times, as "we" the continue to feed the buzz about "them." Let's get real. There is no "them" and "us" when it comes to occasionally making mistakes and behaving badly. No matter how much we "dream big" or "choose happiness" or "follow bliss," we are all human, imperfect, and occasionally (inadvertently or not) cause hurt. In other words, everybody is somebody's "them." So I vote that rather than joining the buzz, we take responsibility for our actions. Admit wrong when we have wronged. Repair hurts when we can. Apologize when appropriate, without ruining it with an excuse. And when we don't get an apology that we think we deserve? Get over it. Get real. And move ... Onward, Jenny Doh, MSW That's Totally hOT! NEW! Romantic Botanicals clear stamps by Rachel Emilie Jackson.   That's Totally hOT! NEW! Petals and Script clear stamps by Rachel Emilie Jackson.

Art Saves Summer Advertising Special Discover the incredible stories about the power that art has played in 20 exciting multi-media artists. Learn more here. For the months of July and August, buy one week, and we'll add on a second week for FREE. You can get started today. It's self-serve and easy peasy. :) Learn more here.

May 2011

May 30, 2011 Dear Friends, "Video killed the radio star." {The Buggles} Actually, I disagree with that. I think video actually enhanced the radio star. (continued below)

Rejuvenated Jewels All-Day Workshop :: With Amy Hanna:: Join artist, author, and instructor Amy Hanna at the home studio of Jenny Doh on Saturday, August 20th, for a very special all-day workshop. Amy will teach you how to wire wrap, how to oxidize chain, and how to use unexpected items to create beautiful jewelry. Enrollment is NOW open. Learn more here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     Expand your comfort zone, nurture your playful spirit and feed your creative soul.   Unearth the creative and courageous motivation and focus needed to map out your best life.   A one-of-a-kind online fabric store for quilters, crafters and fabric artists.

(continued from above) Do you remember when MTV was the hottest new thing? I remember. It seemed as if a whole new world opened up for we consumers of music as our favorite tunes could be enjoyed not only through auditory but also visual senses. The Buggles' song, Video Killed the Radio Star, became famous with its catchy melody as its lyrics forecast tough times for musicians who were being replaced by video and other forms of technology. But you know what? I think The Buggles had it all wrong ... because when I'm in my car, Video Killed the Radio Star still occasionally plays on my radio, and it's even on one of my favorite playlists, made available through iTunes. Though the delivery of content may evolve, our desire for compelling content will never die. A good song is a good song, whether we listen to it on an iPod or at a live concert. A good book is a good book, whether we read it in hardcover edition or on an iPad. Advances in technology are inevitable. And with each advance, our desire for increased elegance and efficiency in the way content is organized and delivered will grow. Content will remain evergreen. So why not embrace all the different ways in which our content can reach an audience ... from live performances and workshops to virtual ones. All of the above, Jenny Doh, MSW Editor-in-Chief That's Totally hOT! Classes have started but latecomers are always welcome to catch up at their own pace.   That's Totally hOT! Get em while they're hot. Portrait Sketch Stamps by Pam Carriker.

Signature Styles Your Story Matters Discover the signature styles of 20 amazing contributors through exclusive tours, interviews, and projects! Learn more here. Tell us your story. Learn more here.

April 2011

April 30, 2011 Dear Friends, "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." {Winnie the Pooh} Boy oh boy. Sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from the least expected sources ... like a chubby, honey-loving bear. (continued below)

Introducing Brand New 3-Week Online Class :: Knit Crochet Love:: This is a unique class that teaches you how to knit a house, how to crochet embellishments, and how to free motion stitch a background quilt for the house. You'll use what you learn from the house project in the second super cute knitted banner project. If you've ever wanted to learn to knit, crochet, free motion quilt, this is the class for you. Learn more here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     A one-of-a-kind online fabric store for quilters, crafters and fabric artists.   Unearth the creative and courageous motivation and focus needed to map out your best life.   Connecting women around the world through unique online classes.

(continued from above) It seems that with all of our technological advances, we can stay in touch with people from all over the world, all at the same time, right? Through Facebook, we can update our every move as people we know well (along with people we hardly know) have the opportunity to chime in and comment on where we eat, what we eat, and who we eat with. Through Twitter, we can even schedule our updates well before they happen through convenient features like HootSuite. Oh the irony. If we're not careful, we can construct lives where we live in the corner of a Forest where all we do is update our Facebook status, schedule our Twitter and blog posts, and if we have some time left, send an old-fashioned e-mail or two. But even a simple bear knows that that's an incomplete way to be. To really live, we need to at times step outside of our corner to visit with old friends in person, and per chance develop new ones. And if we are lucky, to enjoy a pot of honey in the process as we discover the wonders of a Forest larger than our corner ... wonders that don't require virtual chimers-in to validate the specialness of our existence. With good intent, Jenny Doh, MSW Editor-in-Chief That's Totally hOT! Introducing our brand new Portrait Sketch Stamps (Small) by Pam Carriker.   That's Totally hOT! Introducing our brand new Portrait Sketch Stamps (Large) by Pam Carriker.

Stash Happy Patchwork FREE GIFT: Mini Patchwork Quilt Get an exclusive sneak peek of Cynthia Shaffer's new book, Stash Happy Patchwork. An exciting book that offers 25 fun projects for the fabric lover! Learn more here. Don't miss your chance to get a FREE Mini Patchwork Quilt created by Cynthia Shaffer just for you, when you order your copy of Stash Happy Patchwork. Learn more here.

March 2011

March 30, 2011 Dear Friends, "You've got to jump off cliffs ... and build your wings on the way down." {Ray Bradbury} Easier said than done, right? (continued below)

Introducing Brand New Clear Stamps by Danita! :: Woodland Friends:: This clear stamp sheet measures 5 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches and features 14 original and super adorable, woodland-themed images by Danita. Perfect for card-making, scrapbooking, art journaling, altered arts, and paper arts. Pick up a set today for yourself ... and an extra set for your BWF (best woodland friend). Learn more about Woodland Friends stamps here.

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     Connecting women around the world through unique online classes.   Unearth the creative and courageous motivation and focus needed to map out your best life.   Leave your mark with thermofax screen printing!

(continued from above) When I was a social worker for my county government, I worked for an amazing supervisor named Mary. There were many special projects that we worked on together and I remember how difficult it was to make ideas become real, as the work culture was one where programs were endlessly talked about and planned, but rarely ever launched. I remember during one planning meeting with a committee that had been talking about implementing a program for months and months. During that meeting, Mary declared that we would be launching the program the following week. To that, there were lots of grumblings in the room ... with statements like "we're not ready" and "we need more time." To which Mary simply said "we will never be ready. We will launch the program and make improvements upon it as we go." And we did. Just like that. Was the program perfect? No. But the thing is, it became real. Just like that. And week after week, month after month, our committee came up with ideas to strengthen it. Or as Bradbury might describe, our wings developed once we took the leap. Just like that, Jenny Doh, MSW Editor-in-Chief That's Totally hOT! Join us in April for a reverse auction for Japan, featuring original work by your favorite artists. All proceeds will be donated to The American Red Cross.   That's Totally hOT! SAVE THE DATE! Due to popular demand after the first SOLD-OUT workshop, we have scheduled a second all-day workshop with Lisa Engelbrecht on September 10, 2011. Sign ups coming soon!

Signature Styles FREE GIFT: Stitched Flower Belt Kit Get an exclusive sneak peek of Jenny's new book, Signature Styles, before it hits newsstands on May 3rd! Learn more here. Don't miss your chance to get a FREE Stitched Flower Belt Kit and PDF Download when you order your copy of Signature Styles. Learn more here.

January 2011

January 31, 2011 Dear Friends, "The road to success is always under construction." {Lily Tomlin} This morning, I turn 44. How in the world did I get here? (continued below)

Introducing a Brand New Online Class by Cynthia Shaffer & Jenny Doh :: Free Motion Revolution:: Yes, the time has come to let down our hair, lower our feed dogs, and experience the thrill of free motion stitching. Come along with Cynthia and Jenny as they teach 12 amazing projects with valuable art quilting tips and tricks. This 5-week class includes weekly videos within the Creative Lab community where you can interact and learn in the comfort of your own home. Upon enrollment, participants receive a FREE class kit. See you at The Lab!

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     Discover your true passion, and find a way to make it a greater part of your everyday life.   A weekend to play, a place to find quiet, a setting to be inspired, a place to just be.   Leave your mark with thermofax screen printing!

(continued from above) January 31, 1967: I was born in Seoul, Korea August, 1974: I moved to America June 1986: I graduated from West High School in Bakersfield, California June 1991: I graduated from UC Irvine June 1992: I married my beloved June 1995: I graduated from UCLA August 1995: My daughter was born January 1998: My son was born March 2010: CRESCENDOh was launched If ever anyone would have predicted in 1967 that that little girl from Korea would grow up to be speaking to a global community of artists and crafters by way of the powerful thing called the Internet, no one would have believed that person. What I know, based on my life so far is that indeed, life is unpredictable and always under construction. So along with the planning and training, we'd better keep our hard hats on stand-by as we learn to improvise, adapt, and and think on our feet. To life, Jenny Doh, MSW Editor-in-Chief That's Totally hOT! All proceeds from these stamps by Rebecca Sower will benefit www.water.org. Get your set today!   That's Totally hOT! Shimmer & Sparkle An all-day workshop with Lisa Engelbrecht on March 5, 2011. Sign up today!

You Say You Want a Revolution Message from Jenny & Cynthia Check out this totally rockin' video that shows you how much fun we will be having in Free Motion Revolution! Learn more here. And here's a video where Cynthia and Jenny provide greater detail and sneak peeks of what will come in Free Motion Revolution. Learn more here.

December 2010

December 30, 2010 Dear Friends, "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing." {Abraham Lincoln} In other words, when things get hard, it's important to stay focused, determined, and get to the work of working hard. (continued below)

Introducing a Brand New Online Class by Rachel Emilie Jackson :: Romancing the Paper :: Come along with Rachel Emilie Jackson as she teaches us how to incorporate dried and treated flowers with rubber stamping and painting to create exquisite and romantic works of art. This 5-week class includes weekly videos within the Creative Lab community where you can interact and learn in the comfort of your own home. Upon enrollment, participants receive a FREE class kit. See you at The Lab!

CRESCENDOh's Creative Partners     ilovetocreate.com is giving something away for free every day...all you have to do is enter!   eQuilter has the largest online selection with over 22,000 fabrics in stock!   Leave your mark with thermofax screen printing!

(continued from above) This time of year, as we approach what seems to be a thing that is completely untarnished and brand spanking new, we build dreams, make promises and craft resolutions. Perhaps as we look back on all the bumpy times that we had in the past year, we think to ourselves that this year, it'll be different. This year, since it hasn't yet started, is white as snow, with the potential of being perfect. Guess What? This time next year, as we say goodbye to 2011 and start thinking of 2012, we will look back on the bumpy parts that we had. Yes, we will all have bumpy roads in 2011. Because unless we live in plastic bubbles, there is no such thing as perfection. I think that our resolution to succeed is one that needs to be accompanied by an awareness that at times, the year ahead of us will be tough. It's easy to succeed when it's easy. Succeeding when it's hard takes extra effort. It takes relentless determination and oh yes, resolute resolution. Happy New Year, Jenny Doh, MSW Editor-in-Chief That's Totally hOT! Receive 10% off of our new Best Life Alphabet Clear Stamps. Coupon Code: ALPHA12 Expires 1/15/11.   That's Totally hOT! Receive 10% off of our new extra metal sheet & ephemera kit Coupon Code: BEGIN12 Expires 1/15/11.

From Rachel Emilie Jackson From Jenny Doh Rachel's Romancing the Paper online class begins January 10th. Latecomers are welcome to join in any time and catch up at their own pace. Learn more here. Jenny's Crafting Fitness online class begins January 3rd. Latecomers are welcome to join in any time and catch up at their own pace. Learn more here.

November 2010

November 30, 2010 Dear Friends, "Sometimes you have to play a long time, to be able to play like yourself." - Miles Davis When I became a mom, I was awestruck to see firsthand that my children learned things by mimicking my behavior. (continued below)

Introducing a Brand New Online Class by Jenny Doh :: Crafting Fitness Only if you're ready, and only if you've decided, and only if you know it will be very hard, then join Jenny Doh as we craft strategies for long-term fitness success. This is a 5-week class that will include weekly videos within the Creative Lab community where you can interact with the online community and learn in the comfort of your own home. Upon enrollment, participants receive a FREE class kit. See you at The Lab!

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(continued from above) This is when I realized that I had better behave well and model good behaviors so that they could mimic the best of me. I knew that if I wanted them to read, I needed to read in front of them. If I wanted them to eat vegetables, I needed to eat vegetables in front of them. Now that they are teens, I see less mimicking and much more of an independent development of their unique styles and preferences. I see this in the way they dress, the way they create, and most importantly, the way they think. Incredibly, it almost feels as though the way they behave influences me and my husband as they challenge us with new concepts and new ways of considering current events. If when they were just babies or toddlers I demanded that they distinguish their styles rather than allowing them to play my style and the style of others, it would have been in vain. But in helping them play and mimic, I pulled the best out of myself in hopes to inspire them. I choose to believe that that is how they are finding a way to secure their own independent, beautiful voices, which I find myself mimicking and trying on in this season of life. And so it goes. Playfully, Jenny Doh Editor-in-Chief That's Totally hOT! Receive 10% off of our brand new Button Love Kit: BUTTON11 Expires 12/15/10. Perfect gift for the button lover.   That's Totally hOT Receive 10% off of our brand new Knit Crochet Love Kit: LOVE11 Expires 12/15/10. Makes the perfect gift.

CRESCENDOhCREATES: Tip #10 Pay it Forward: Tip #8 Click here to view a very special art tip from artist and author, Cynthia Shaffer. Visit www.cynthiashaffer.typepad.com. Click here to to view a very special Pay it Forward tip from artist, writer, and blogger, Melody M. Nuñez. Visit www.melodynunez.com.