The Charmed Studio: For Creative Artists & Writers

Are you an artist or creative entrepreneur? Wondering how to make your dreams a reality, but the thought of creating an outline or a spreadsheet makes you want to clean out the garage, or pull your hair out and run for the hills?

 

Me too!

Recently Beech Designs had a chance to meet up with The Charmed Studio. An online sanctuary where artists & writers can find encouragement, inspiration & rejuvenation. Created by journalist, artist, and writing coach Thea Fiore Bloom, PhD.

 

So delighted and relieved to find The Charmed Studio …so much so I had to make a post about it. Truly a haven for artists and writers.

(Note: Reasons prompting this post. In short- First, the algorithm rates the human being lower and lower on the almighty AI totem poll. It's more important now than ever, we as artists need to support each other where we can.

Second, because we as human beings came here to live from the heart, and love is being creative. 

From my experience and insight it is a limited academic experience called art. So many artists/inventors have chosen to never create or invent again because of their experiences from an academic art setting. 

After recovery may the love of art, and the will to create awaken within you again.

What do you need a degree for? Are you an artist or not?

For those that seek answers, have gone through the gauntlet, and survived, here's some insight. 

Charmed Studio offers sound advice of the afterlife 😆

Honor your abilities.  Do the thing! And your chances are far better than what the tiny fractional slice of opportunity the institutionalized educational system offers. So without further delay, let's dive in!)

You’re Not Alone

As heart centered artists, I think it's important to honor creativity while nourishing and being true to our soul. If we’re not good at making money within the profession, shift perspective. Our skill set is art making.

Supporting ourselves physically can help creativity thrive—sometimes I’ll sip a soothing cup of Golden Milk or take a few Clean Chlorella Tablets to stay energized and clear while creating.

In the art-world & academia, we’re not taught the business aspects, to make sure our art thrive.  This type of education/training is not provided.

 

When creating art is priority, and not marketing, how do we produce results without becoming robots?

I think, no matter where you're at, as an artist, it can be overwhelming to know how to navigate, build & be successful.

And coming from industry/ of institutional settings the general business/marketing model leaves so many of us creatives let down, uninspired, and drained.

This method isn’t for everyone, it has its place/its purpose. But our creative spheres wont fit into those square boxes.

When I start to feel boxed in, I’ll take a short walk, diffuse with a few drops of Organic Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil, or listen to a calming playlist — little rituals that bring me back to flow.

When that valuable time & energy is used to do what we love, Creating art! Offering our unique contributions for the world to experience & enjoy while making a successful living at it.

We want to make sure our businesses can thrive. And build things that are profitable, successful, sustainable, and authentic. So that we can live lifestyles we want to live.

If you’re building your own creative biz, I’ve found keeping a simple artist planner or goal journal nearby helps turn dreamy ideas into doable steps.
 
But stepping out on one's own, outside of the sanctioned system, the supportive navigational substance has been like an unsolved mystery. 

 

 

A Creative Nook In The Universe

I found the Charmed Studio to be a beacon for artists. There you'll discover a spectrum of resourceful coverage while offering insights and inspiration.

 

Thea says, "I noticed making a full-time career out of writing and art made me, and many professional creatives I’ve interviewed, feel like chicken cutlets; with the purpose pounded right out of us. Meanwhile, my artist and writer friends with day jobs beat themselves up, mistakenly feeling like their weekend art-making wasn’t legit.

 I figure artists of every level need a restorative place within to honor, nature, & house the sacred creativity that originally got us up to join the dance of art. I referred to that inner place as The Charmed Studio."

                    

Are you a creative interested in writing and art?

If you are looking to

Write better,

Feel better,

Or
Looking for help with
Meaningful marketing.
But, only if you get to be yourself.

Then take a tour of The Charmed Studio and experience the refreshing & compassionate vibe Thea brings with layered intuitive, creative, and professional experiences that holds and reinforces that space for heart-centered artists and writers.

(I love reading her posts with a mug of organic herbal tea — it’s like learning and self-care in one moment.)

Explore an empowering Charmed Studio journey. With blog topics like, 'The 9 Mistakes Children’s Book Authors Make and How To Avoid Them,' for writers.

Check out 

Tips from Famous Artists 

Inspirational artists like 'Why Is Frida Kahlo So Famous? What You Never Get to Hear About Her and How She Can Make Your Art Life Bloom.'

Or refreshing Business approaches, like 'Bye-Bye Facebook: How To Thrive as a Creative Without Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter'.

She provides audio format for her blog posts, so you can enjoy while walking or driving. (..Oh yeah!)

 

Trail blazer Thea Fiore Bloom, has been Awarded in the top 10% of 'Best Visual Arts Podcast' by Listennotes. 

 

Additionally, Thea offers individual sessions, helping realign and strength one's creative center vision & mission, unique to each creative entrepreneur.

(If you like complementing your creative coaching with natural focus support, lion’s mane or maca root blends can gently boost clarity while brainstorming.)

Are you interested in becoming a successful artist and/or writer without selling your soul and becoming a robot?

Check out the The Charmed Studio.🎙️

For more ideas and informative ways to succeed as a creative check out

DIY Business Tags & Cards, Part 1

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through my blog, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I share things that inspire creativity, add a little magic to everyday life, and are worth discovering. Thanks for being here! 💛

 

 

 

Origami Jewelry & The Art of Folding Paper

Origami 

Origami is a method of folding paper into intricate designs and shapes.

An ancient art representing transformation and awareness.

Each fold is a reminder, of beauty in simplicity and the inner strength to triumph over challenges/ setbacks.

The crane is a symbol, known to represent peace, love, healing & good fortune.

Origami lovers may now enjoy the beloved animal totem as jewelry at Beech Designs.

Here's a further look into the art of folding paper!

 

Origami Origins 

Origami, is a Japanese word, meaning to "fold" (ori) "paper" (gami or kami). This art form, originally used for decorative and ceremonial purposes, today is enjoyed around the world.

Turns out, the act of folding Paper into works of art has been in practice for so long, much of the history of this art is a bit hazy whether it began in Japan or China.

It wasn't until the year 610 paper making made its was to Japan. 

Research shows, in Japan, the art of origami had been in practice well before paper was invented in China, the year 105 A.D.

Both cloth and leather were other highly probable materials used in the process of this art method.

The origins of origami carry symbolic messages and reflect elements of the natural world. Such as plants and animals.

The Crane's existence; ie appearance, behavior, and the myths surrounding it, all contribute to its symbolism. This heavenly creature's image represents hope, peace, good luck, longevity, fidelity, happiness, strength/resilience, to the promise of successful accomplishments.

The  Material

The paper both fragile and strong, is traditionally honored, with each fold, transforming the material into art. Where once a flat 2d piece of paper changes into a 3D sculptural form. 

The form-manifest, is imbued with an energy focus of the now, honoring its symbolic qualities.     

Into Jewelry

Creating these mini paper art sculptures, as jewelry adornments, was of interest for Beech Designs. 

Truly wearable art.... That's light as a feather 🤭 🪶 

The origami crane continues to inspire and influence handmade creations with Beech Designs.

And new variations are always on the horizon 😉

Discover online and in select local areas.

Read on --> Origami Crane Earrings: Grace Through Posture

DIY BUSINESS TAGS AND CARDS - Part I

 

Cost: ~0- $10

Materials:
– paper towel rolls

– watercolor &/or acrylic paint(s)

– mod-podge, matte or glossy
– rub on stencil stickers or stamps
– any additional metallic/colors- optional

– labels- optional

 

Tools:
– paint brushes
– printer - optional
– ruler
– scissors
– cutting mat

 

~Free Within Abundance~

 

In today’s post we focus on creating your very own handmade business tags and cards!

 

DIY projects are a great way to add a unique aspect or style to your business brand’s presentation. Especially if your products are handmade goods.

 

Reasons why to create your own business tags & cards:

 

-You're just starting out

-Sticking to a budget is of importance at this time.

-You make handmade goods and would like to carry that theme throughout your brand’s display.

-Would simply like to add a distinct artistic element

-Or maybe incorporating materials that are up-cycled or repurposed are of interest for your brand’s message.

 

 

  

Note:

Be open to the flow and improvising. Variations/options are available. Feel free to run with your creative vision.

Supplies:

Most supplies are already around in your home or office/studio or found at your local dollar store. Play around and have fun.

Printing options:

If using textured materials, like paper towel rolls, do not use your home printer. Unless you know you have a printer that can handle textured material. From your home computer you can create labels.

 

Printing Alternatives:

-A self inking stamp on blank labels is an option or using a stencil method.

 

Prep...

Paper Sheets

Re-purposing ...

Smooth paper towel rolls work best, as glued ones don't absorb water (some paper towel have a remaining glue on the roll), mod-podge, or paint as well.

To begin, cut your paper towel roll down the center, flatten between some books-this may take up to a week. Once you flatten your paper towel roll it becomes a sheet.

  

 

First Application...

Once flattened, start with a quarter size of white acrylic paint, teaspoon of mod-podge, with three tablespoons of water.

This is what I have found to start with, from there variate. You may want to play with your  own recipe for your consistency.

 

The water will absorb into the sheet bringing along with it the mod-podge medium and some of the white paint. Paint both front and back. Dry thoroughly.

 

This process can be repeated 1-4+ times depending on the look you are going for. As the applications will start to strengthen the texture.

Depending on your desired color density, add more color to your mixture. 

Below, are examples of less white acrylic paint used in the foundational application. Allowing the sheet's original natural material color to come through. The color paint application mixtures keep this thematic look going.

 

 

(In this batch an emphasis was put on having the sheet's natural material color comes through the paint applications.)

 

 

Adding Color...

Emphasizing your card or tag's background with color. In the display cards, below, more paint is added to the mixture. Giving more color and texture density.

  

 

 

What kinds of paint?

For this project we suggest using acrylic or watercolor paints. Feel free to mix the two as well. Mod-podge is crucial for using either watercolor or acrylics. 

Mod-podge is a medium used between and for others materials. A carrier of paint color, transparency, and layering as well as a sealant or glue. (It's a multitasker!). 

When painting with color, it is recommended to add 1-4 applications. Even if the color is made to be translucent (more water than color). Be sure to dry between each application. And note, the mod-podge in the mixture is key to help strengthen and texturize the body to your new tags or cards. 

 

Measure & Cut...

 

Your colored sheets are now ready to be measured & cut. Decide on what measurements suite your display needs. Use a ruler and/or cutting mat to mark you measurements. Then cut. 

 

 

 

Place your labels on the now cut tags or cards. You might like to use a stamp, press on/ stencils, stickers or metallic/colors to add a bit of contrast, that is your call. Additionally, you may need to trim. 

 

 

 

Check out using some wavy craft scissors for you tags, as shown, as
an option.

 

 

 

Creating tags, place a hole using a hole punch or sharp instrument,1/4" from the edge is recommended for strength. In the image, cotton and twine are used.  Again it's your call.

Sweet!

You are now ready to tag your products while up-cycling & re-purposing!

 

In this foundational tutorial, your job is to expand, play, and create.

 

Have fun! 

 

Head over to Part II here!

Bringing Creative Experiences to Families & Children

 

 

       Creative Endeavors

You may be familiar with Beech Designs jewelry, but there is art too.

Curated selected works are now featured at the Boston Children's Hospital's new Hale Family Building. 

It's exciting to be part of this comprehensive art program, that brings an immersive creative experience of more than 700 individual pieces of art. 

This collection, on view, presents different life themes. With each floor displaying a separate theme- Garden, Underwater, Harbor, City, Forest, Lake, Mountain, Space & Treetop.

 

Word & Image

It is an honor to be selected to take part in this visionary/project for the whole family to enjoy. Where creative imagination and good vibes take place. 

Several mixed media 2D art, of fish/nautical inspired works, were selected. These pieces were created using watercolor and ink work. 

The pieces, combine the elegant art with short poems in the display plaques. Bringing visual illustrations and the creative word together. Like Goldie the Fish.

 

Goldie by Beech Designs

 

Goldie

Made of gold and silver,
She passes through time and space.

Alert in fluid tranquility,
She brings clarity with ease and grace.

Call upon her in your dreams,
And with the waving of her fins,
Flecked with light beams,
A path of protection she brings.

 

 

These 2D works will become available on Beech Designs' website. So stay tuned for more to come. This collaboration has inspired future works and will be shared here with updates.

✨ Creative energy starts from within. Before painting or writing, I love a warm cup of my favorite natural blend of maca for sustained, natural focus and calm energy — it’s a gentle boost that supports clarity, both in art and in life.

🌍 When inspiration calls, nothing refreshes the creative spirit quite like discovering new places and perspectives.

Through Beech Designs Experiences, I’ve curated creative journeys and cultural adventures that spark fresh ideas, add color to your days, and leave you inspired long after the trip ends.


Nourish your inner and outer world — with grounding rituals, mindful movement, and creative escapes that keep your imagination alive wherever life takes you.

 

Here's to another great year! Full of abundance, prosperity & creativity.

Cheers! 

G

💫 If you enjoy meaningful, handcrafted designs — explore more in A Bit About The Bead.