{spring cleaning}
it is time to clean house and my head and get ready for spring.…each year i really take to the notion of hibernation and just like a sleepy ole bear, one day my switch is flipped to ‘on’ and all of the literal and figurative cobwebs need to be swept away, light needs to pour in from every available source and i am feverish to sort, clean and create.
you see i am a collector, not of things per se, but all the sights, sounds, conversations and experiences…everything stays in my head, i retain everything…too much really, and i need to take the time to be quiet, meditate, reflect on what those experiences mean ~ what i should learn from them and then clear out what’s left.…today is one such day.
as a creative, my observational skills serve me well, but when there is an overflow of stimulus and information i grind to a halt and just float in this middle ground that i am not fond of…each year i think i have it beat and i won’t slow down, won’t pause or get blocked, i will soldier on and beat this malaise of in between…and each year hubris greets me with a wide and wicked smile and a shaking head.…i cannot out run my hard wiring, so i must learn to accept and embrace it.
so to give a little more room for my daydreams, hopes and wishes i am giving myself permission to wake from my hibernation slowly and thoroughly and keep only the most important things stored in my creative toolbox of a brain and i will be gentle to the vessel that holds all of my possibility in tact.…because the sun is shining and today is beautiful and brand new
xo
dani
so excited to be mentioned on this blog today and in such good company:
Valentine’s Day Countdown : Heart of Gold
1. Earrings by Purple Pelcan Designs, 2. Ring by Tree Swing Studio, 3. Ring by Cinnamon Sticks, 4. Earrings by Hollywear Jewelry, 5. Ring by Love Struck Soul, 6. Enamel Hearts by Dani Keith, 7. Ring by WWC Silver Jewelry
new year, new look!
i love my site, but like all good visual mediums it needs a facelift from time to time and i am VERY excited to launch the new and improved {dani keith designs}.…and if that wasn’t enough to be excited about i am SUPER psyched to share the launch of my very first workshop…FUSE 2013!
i cannot express how happy and over the moon i am to work with Sehlah to produce this 2 day fuse-a-palooza in AMAZEBALLS las vegas.
when i picked my word for 2013 {adventure} i don’t think i could have imagined how quickly it would manifest…so, thank you as always for sharing the journey, stay tuned for updates and get ready to spark your creativity!
xo
dani
adventure to come.…
each year i really love to take this time to think about my great lesson learned, best dream come true or hope to be had and wax poetic…it is a ritual and i love it, but this year went by so very fast i am afraid that i missed the nuance…the sweetness of tiny kind acts and the triumph over obstacles has eluded me…i have been all work, work, work and no reflection…NOW this year, this amazing 2012 has been filled with major milestones, nationally curated shows, semi finalist in major competitions, lots of new clients, lots of new work and a very prosperous business year for a budding one girl jewelry show, all great and wonderful and valuable and necessary.…BUT usually i have these moments of really feeling how great an opportunity is and this year there was so much to get done to get through the opportunities that a little of the magic was lost…and in that realization the real lesson is learned
my big goal for 2013 is to find adventure.…in the day to day and in the world at large…i want to grow bigger than my own bench and spread these well earned wings i have been growing for the past couple of years and really seek out…some very good friends and family have and are on some amazing journeys this year from base camp at Everest to the gorgeous lands of New Zealand, to the cosmopolitan ruggedness of Anchorage and every small town in between…i love to hear of their time there and the reflection that comes with a sojourn…i need that, i crave it and i think it is time to quiet my gypsy soul with some well planned adventure.…and it is in that adventure that nuance and daily magic will find me again.
so to all of you who follow this little blog ~ find your adventure it is calling
{home for the holidays}
this year the LEDE studio & gallery ‘Lavaliere’ show is in december.….this group of amazing neck adornment has quickly become a fan favorite and this year with the added bonus of holiday magic, i think it will be the best yet.…so it got me thinking, what ever shall i create? {besides the GIANT lavaliere} yup that honor has been given to me and it will be very dani! but as to the other necklaces that will be donned on the wall, what can i do this year that will speak to my LOVE of all things winter and holiday???
and then i reflected on my new favorite method, torch fired enamel and voila! home for the holidays was born…come out and see my crazy, even who’vian version of cozy holiday home pendants…rich with color and full of funky shape and whimsical details
what flying lessons and taking flight means to this {dk}
in 2010 i was on the verge of ‘something’ i was becoming…becoming an artist, an entrepreneur, a jeweler ~ a WHOLE new me! i took a chance and started a class {flying lessons} taught by the amazing and generous kelly rae roberts. it quickly became the solder to my new life plan (for non metal heads — solder is the joining agent for your metal).…and what was borne from this class was even more incredible that the content and connection with krr {if you can believe it} what grew was a community, a tribe of creatives that have, for 2 years, stuck with one another…with encouragement, support, guidance and love.
when i started to yearn for collaboration, for a show that would speak to my journey i kept coming back to my mixed media piece that i updated during this class…i had come such a long way from the dining room table and the nervous anticipation of ‘will anyone like (nevermind buy) my stuff’ i had in fact taken flight and grew my wings on the way down…except i didn’t fall, i have been soaring.…and then it clicked that piece and this tribe would be the cornerstone of a great collection.
and so it grew, from possibility to reality and tonight the whole wide world (or at least in the vicinity of the gallery) will see that i and these brilliant, talented women are
~artists
~a best kept secret
~possibility and bottled sunshine
‘taking flight’ is seriously almost here!!!
well a few months ago i posted how i was so transformed by a workshop that i thought i would curate an art show…seemed like a perfectly reasonable thing to do, right?! fast forward to now {several major shows, lots of commissions and a semi finalist in a national competition later} and the BIG day is almost here…there were times of doubt, i have asked for the trust of these incredible women to show and present their work in a way that honors our journey together and their individual talents…it is not an easy undertaking, but the WORK…the beautiful creations well they do all the work themselves and now it is just the last stages… on friday night, november 9, 2012 i and 7 other courageous flyers will have put our flying lessons to the test and we are ready to ‘take flight’ on this friday i will stand in LEDE studio & gallery not only as a fabricator of art, but also as the curator of a show!i can’t think of a better way to grow my wings, i think it is the ONLY way i know, after the leap and on my way down
xo
dani
limited editions…{dk} style
each of us has a path…the journey we take is so vital to creative and personal growth…and that is why as a maker, sometimes when you are asked to ‘re-do’ something that you have done {and i mean waaaaay back to the beginning of your story done} it is a hard thing to do.…creatively you have made leaps and bounds and while you know it will make people happy, it won’t necessarily make you the artist happy…so what to do? there needs to be a reconciliation, a truce that you can come to that can accomplish one of two outcomes…either you can say no {politely, of course} or you can reintroduce your babysteps item in a very current you way
par example: i started my jewelry design work with a simple wrapped stone pendant…this design spoke to my sense of color and love for simplicity…to this day people still ask, “do you have any of those wrapped stone pieces?” my answer to date has been, no I am sorry they were a previous line, but let me show you…
but, BUT, the question still keeps coming, so i can no longer ignore it and it took the wise words of my sweet David to help me get to my internal truce…he said that design wise you still think it is beautiful why not offer a limited edition in the year’s pantone color and number them.…SERIOUSLY i thought i had the marketing smarts in the fam.…i can handle a limited number for a limited period and i can satisfy my amazing clients all without compromising my artistic self or uttering the word no.
and so it begins, the birth of my limited edition…an annual release of 15 wrapped semi precious stone pendants, numbered and available for the holiday season.…when their gone, their gone {first opportunity to purchase will be 10/27/12}
rights and rituals
i have come to understand that each year i take a break…i don’t mean to nor do i schedule, i just seem to shut down creatively…each year i try to see where it stems from and in truth i have never come to a complete answer.….as a usually happy and productive creative i am in perpetual motion, thinking, doing, creating — moving…what i believe i have learned this time around is this is my time of much needed still.…in the stillness we can recharge, reflect and regroup. it is an important ritual.
what also comes with this, usually are tears…sometimes i am not sure from where they flow, but i always feel cleansed after they are done…so much of a day is consumed with obligation and appearance, what we lack are expressing our rights, like the right to cry…not as a sign of weakness or brokeness, but when we need to cleanse the inner cob webs that can jam up the creative machine…today is one such day of right & ritual and i have uncorked the dam and embrace the still that will follow.
and then there was {me}
At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
Collaboration…I have reached a certain rhythm in my production and I have achieved my expansion goals, what I need to do now is curate and collaborate with my fellow creatives. I believe that when you can bring talent and vision together it fuels your personal creativity. There is a power and energy that is created when people collaborate and the network and benefits of that effect are felt long after the event itself.
{meet paula joerling}
Name of Business: Paula Joerling Studio
Blog: www.paulajoerling.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paula-Joerling-Studio/218183375864
Etsy Hand Made: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaulaJoerlingStudio
Etsy Vintage: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaulaJoerlingVintage
Years in Business: I have been a freelance artist in one form or another for 30 years. I have been a freelance illustrator for about 8 years.
A little info: I am a freelance illustrator living in Atlanta Georgia. My designs are primarily used for the gift and tabletop industry. Typically, I work in watercolor and collage and enjoy incorporating fabric, stitched paper and found objects in my art.
At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
I have decided to offer my own line of cards and paper goods and, hopefully show at the 2013 Stationery Show. So I need to shift productivity into high gear.
Current Projects: Currently I am working on a series of collage pieces that will make their way to my etsy handmade shop.
{meet phyllis dobbs}
Phyllis Dobbs
Blog — http://www.phyllisdobbs.info/
Website — http://www.phyllisdobbs.com/
Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phyllis-Dobbs-Art-Design/171513056197540
Zazzle — http://www.zazzle.com/phyllisdobbs?rt=238522936928369533
Zazzle for Businesses — http://www.zazzle.com/businesswithflair?rt=238522936928369533
Business Name — Phyllis Dobbs Art & Design
Started business as — Lucky Duck Designs
Years in business — I started my business 28 years ago.
Brief Bio -
As an artist, I create art for licensing on products in the textile, gift and home goods industry. In textiles, I have designed fabric collections for 7 years. I also focus on designing quilt and sewing patterns and have written a new built book “Asymmetrical Quilts”.
At this moment what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
I would like to incorporate more teaching of classes as well as developing classes.
{meet robin norgren} THE AMAZING!
Robin Norgren
Name of business: Robin Norgren Studios
Social media links:
Website: http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/robinlnorgren
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wellofcreations.myetsyshop
Years in business: 4 years
Brief Bio:
I strive to live life to the fullest. No matter what. I have grown into myself through my love for Jesus and HIS LOVE FOR ME. Art, motherhood, business, creativity and yoga are the cherished vehicles for this deepening. Life can be FULL, JUICY, MEANINGFUL, PURPOSE FILLED, LOVELY. I want to help you come to your fullest life. I create workbooks, ecourses and workshops that chronicle my change and growth and offer you ways to find out what YOUR FULLEST life will be.
At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
The first thought that popped into my head is a quote by Nelson Mandela:
“Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone.”
I admit it: I play small. I am unsure of what I am doing at times because there is no established road on how I will add value to the world. And I live in a circle where fear runs rampant in otherwise incredibly intelligent and talented people. So when I strike out on a new idea, I am met with mostly silence which you would think would be easy to push past but in fact is actually more taxing on the psyche. Silence offers nothing: approval or disapproval. Unless of course you KNOW that silence from certain people means DISAPPROVAL.
This is the year that I will build a tribe of like minded people in close proximity who can witness me and cheer me on. I don’t need many; just 2 or 3. In that environment where my tribe is also struggling to push past fear and move into the harder things — the more value filled and world impacting things — there will be a safety to hear the NO when it needs to be said. At the same time the cheers will be heartfelt and genuine as each one watches the other change, grow, fail, redirect and ultimately succeed in ways that go far beyond running a successful business: a fulfilled and valuable part of society.
Robin Norgren is currently completing her life coaching certification and would LOVE to offer you a FREE 15 minute mini session – sign up for her mailing list here: http://www.robinnorgrenstudios.blogspot.com/p/life-coaching.html
for more Robin and the other lovely ladies click here!
{meet shari sherman}
Shari Sherman
Name of Business: Hula Dog Designs by Shari Sherman
Social Media Links:
Blog: http://dashboardhula.blogspot.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/HulaDogDesigns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/HulaDogDesigns
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sharisherman/
ETSY: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HulaDogDesigns
Years in Business: Hula Dog Designs by Shari Sherman, was started in 2010. Prior to that, I created art as Island Girl Studio, LLC since 2004.
Brief Bio:
I make Happy Art for Happy People! I love that thrill of getting an idea and making it come to life. I love bright colors (especially turquoise!), strong simple lines, and adding words of inspiration to my art. I like mixed-media because it is limitless, but painting will always be my first love. My subject matter frequently includes dogs, books, and anything related to the ocean/beach, because that is what I LOVE. People often smile when they see my art, and I feel like I am doing my part in making the world a happier place!
At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
Right NOW, the one idea that I need to start implementing is the idea that I CAN embrace and master the art of TIME MANAGEMENT. For the longest time, this has been a sticking point for me. So much so that it really had become incorporated into my STORY. I can’t tell you how many times I would be up late the night before a show, printing, packing, making tags, and doing whatever other little jobs that could have been done earlier. Or how many projects I missed out on because I let the deadline loom nearer and nearer…all the while telling myself I work much better under pressure. Ha!
I am ready to turn the page and write a new chapter about planning ahead and keeping track of what I really want to be INVOLVED in (not just skimming by). It really is about making the commitment to AWARENESS about my business. (Tip: I have a little timer set RIGHT NOW, to help me stay on track while writing this…I really, really DO!)
For more information on what projects Shari is working on, like Hula Dog Designs on Facebook or check out her blog, Dashboard Hula.
and for more lovely ladies in this project just click here!
{meet stephanie guimond}
Name of business: Stephanie Guimond — Artist, visionary, avid left-brainer
Social media links:
blog: http://www.creativelivingexperiment.com/
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/strawbalestudio
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieGuimond.Artist.Visionary.LeftBrainer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/s_guimond
Artist profile: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTUIcky8uOU
Years in business: less than 1
Bio:
I’m Stephanie Guimond, artist, visionary and avid left-brainer. I paint, I dream big and I love spreadsheets.
In 2008 I picked up a paint brush for the first time since kindergarten and haven’t put it down since. My art, like myself, varies in style and personality from the vintage girly to the unexplainable abstract. The most common theme is visibly the feminine, but I’m always exploring…
Working with materials like acrylics, paper, pastels and ink, I’m drawn to an intuitive and fluid approach to painting where images appear organically before being polished into a finished product. Because of this intuitive nature, pieces are heavily influenced by what I’m living the week, the day or the moment they are created. They reflect a personal story that in an odd way infuses them with a universal quality.
I share my home with hubby and Cassie, our Golden Retriever. I left my 9–5 job last fall to try something different, and spend most of my days working in my guest bedroom turned office/studio creating art and other paid work that supports the life I want to create overall.
I am grateful for the opportunity.
current projects: a new Website, growing my business with a new left-brain offering called Get Clear, Get Moving (coming soon!), learning to balance it all in my own way
At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
I am going to cheat and mention two ideas, but they’re very closely related, I promise!
IDEA #1
I’ve already started executing this idea, it’s a matter of moving it forward. I’ve recently worked with (very brave!) beta clients offering Get Clear, Get Moving planning & goal setting consultation packages. There are several formats available to me in sharing this content and these offerings, each one with its relative pricing and potential income. A key next step in my business is to figure out which format to launch first and do it.
IDEA #2
I want to publish a foundational information product that would become an entry way into my brand and business (consultation services in this case, not art). The intention of this product is to offer a solution to a problem while “teaching” potential clients about my core philosophy and what they need to know before going further with me. I gleaned the concept from Tara Gentile. Her foundational product is The Art of Earning which deals with her money philosophy (that making money should be beautiful) and helps new readers work through money issues before working further with her, therefore attracting people into more advanced programs who are already aligned with her views.
for more info on stephanie and the other fab ladies just click here!

{meet laura otero}
Laura is a marketing professional, graphic designer, writer and lover of all things creative living her best life in Charleston, SC. On most days, you will find Laura sharing her artful adventures at LauraCatherine.co, as well as helpful online tutorials, app reviews and design bits of goodness on her MarketingWithLaura.com blog. Blogging about online marketing has provided Laura an outlet to share much of what she has learned through her years in the online tourism and television markets. Her online marketing journey began in 2005, when she was internet marketing director for her local tourism bureau — when social media was emerging. She also worked in internet sales/marketing for a top NBC station in South Carolina, whose website drew more than 500,000 visitors a month.
In 2010, Laura signed up for Kelly Rae Roberts “Flying Lessons” e-course. She immersed herself into artistic pursuits away from the computer and shares her progress with her readers at LauraCatherine.co.
Laura enjoys art journaling, painting, tweeting, making jewelry, traveling and (of course) blogging. She has been known to hold a craft tweet-up and loves handmade items.
At this moment, what one idea do you need to start executing for your business?
So difficult to choose just one idea! It’s a tie between my need to start charging what I’m worth and my desire to create more personal/artful time for myself to recharge. Making time for artful adventures every day is something I’ve started the summer out with more intentionally…whether that means taking a walk through the garden, snapping instagram photos for inspiration, playing in my art journal, or putting a brush to canvas.
I had dreams of an art studio space and they recently came to life, so I have more room to spread out my supplies and have fun. I’ve been painting on bigger canvases with new techniques. Time over at Kelly’s studio playing in paint and mixed media have also been a part of my summer so far. Kelly and I met through Flying Lessons, and having an artsy friend in the area has been such a blessing.
Charging what I’m worth can be a tough one, but being more selective about the projects I take on and quoting a more realistic number in terms of time investment has helped me to make great progress in this area as well. When I feel tempted to undercharge, I think about my family and the fact that I am shortchanging all of us, not just myself.
Funny thing is, the more time I take for myself in terms of art and journaling; the more confident I am in business. Knowing one’s worth is always the first step!
for more info on laura and the other fab ladies and their answer click on over here!
the bova effect: taking flight
recently i had the good fortune to attend a workshop with ken bova, an incredible artist and professor..while there were MANY takeaways, two in particular took hold of me in an unshakable have to act on right now kind of way…the first was the importance of cultivating community and the second was action, more specifically work produces work so get going…for me these two items dovetailed in a way that became crystal clear i needed to curate a national art show {nothing like jumping into the deep end, right?!} so as the notion marinated i reached out to my favorite group of creative dreamers and schemers, my flying lessons classmates, and posed the question…um whose in? and with a resounding YES a show is born:
taking flight: a curated collection of amazing creatives
so now the work of producing work begins and the tiny seed of thought is blooming brightly…so keep your eyes peeled and get ready for a show that will knock your socks off…a beautiful narrative of community, creativity and love with the common theme of growing our wings mid flight and soaring high!
spring cleaning {just a bit late}
whether it’s the great weather, the kickoff to show season, or the creative kick in the tush i got from an amazing workshop this weekend; i am cleaning up my site, updating content and cannot wait to participate in the 10 10 10 project & blog hop coming very soon! so if you have a chance poke around check out the changes and let me know what you think…xo dani




















