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Unleashing the Power of Creativity: The Importance of Being Creative

In a world that thrives on innovation and constant change, creativity has become a vital skill that sets individuals apart. It is the driving force behind groundbreaking inventions, artistic masterpieces, and revolutionary ideas. Being creative is not limited to the realm of artists and designers; it extends to all facets of life, shaping how we approach problems, express ourselves, and find new solutions. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of cultivating and nurturing creativity in our personal and professional lives.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills:

Creativity is the cornerstone of problem-solving. It enables us to think beyond the obvious, explore unconventional approaches, and find unique solutions. By encouraging creativity, we develop the ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, envision multiple perspectives, and generate innovative ideas. This flexibility and adaptability allow us to tackle challenges with a fresh mindset, leading to more effective and efficient problem-solving.

Fostering Personal Growth:

Engaging in creative activities, whether it's painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument, nurtures personal growth. Creativity is an outlet for self-expression, allowing us to explore our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a profound way. It encourages introspection, self-discovery, and helps build self-confidence. Through creativity, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, enhance our emotional well-being, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

Spurring Innovation and Progress:

Creativity is the driving force behind innovation and progress. It fuels the development of new ideas, products, and services that shape industries and transform societies. By embracing creativity, we challenge the status quo, push boundaries, and unlock new possibilities. Creative thinkers envision a world that is not bound by limitations, and they inspire others to think boldly and explore uncharted territories. It is through the power of creativity that we can drive social, technological, and cultural advancements.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration:

Creativity enhances communication and collaboration by promoting open-mindedness and fostering empathy. When we think creatively, we are better able to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. It encourages active listening, effective expression, and the ability to articulate complex ideas in a compelling manner. In team settings, creativity encourages collaboration and the integration of different viewpoints, leading to more innovative and successful outcomes.

Cultivating Adaptability and Resilience:

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability and resilience are crucial skills. Creativity fosters these qualities by encouraging us to embrace uncertainty, adapt to new situations, and find solutions in unconventional ways. When faced with challenges, creative individuals are more likely to find alternative paths, adapt to new circumstances, and bounce back from setbacks. Creativity empowers us to see opportunities where others see obstacles, helping us navigate through change with agility and optimism.

In a world that demands constant innovation, being creative is more important than ever. It enhances problem-solving skills, fosters personal growth, spurs innovation and progress, enhances communication and collaboration, and cultivates adaptability and resilience. By valuing and nurturing creativity in our lives, we tap into our full potential and make meaningful contributions to the world around us. So, let us embrace our creative instincts, challenge conventional thinking, and unleash the power of creativity to shape a brighter future.

#Art Studio Littleton MA #Studio Art Class #Artist Studio Harvard MA #art studio #art studio in Harvard MA #Art Studio #harvard ma art studio #Harvard MA Art Studio #Littleton MA Art Studio #Glimmerbug #glimmerbug handmade art #Jill Adamy

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Heading Out to Sea Watercolor Study

With Summer approaching and warmer weather headed our way (hopefully soon!), we were inspired to paint seaside themed watercolors featuring the water, sand, grasses, boats and sky using a variety of techniques.

Aren’t they stunning? I LOVE LOVE LOVE them all, especially the one in the bottom right. That sky!!!

We used several different techniques, like wax resist, masking, splattering, dry brush and more as we painted in class. And adding in those little sail boats with white gouache and the teeny tiny seagulls floating over head almost makes me be able to feel the ocean breeze as I’m sitting on my beach chair with a good book and a sun hat!

Melissa is part of our Creative Art Village and is always so excited and enthusiastic when creating. She really has such a love for painting and her imagination is just spectacular. Things that she draws or includes in subtle ways are just visual parties for the viewer and I’m always so blown away by her artwork!

#beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #Watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #adult art class #art community #Art projects #art studio harvard ma #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #art studio littleton ma #Littleton MA art studio #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #glimmerbughandmadeart

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Such Color! Such Beauty! Watercolor Party for Our Eyes!

When we have our weekly Whimsical Watercolor Class, I’m always blown away by the color, texture and excitement that are produced and captured. We are always treated to such glorious color and fanciful doodles that I am constantly energized and inspired!

We are finishing up our final class next week where we will focus on two projects that I am excited to share.

If you’re part of the Creative Art Village, we’ll also be doing these projects in a future lesson so get ready for that! Loads of color and plenty of whimsy to come!

#beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #Watercolors #adult art class #art community #Art projects #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #glimmerbughandmadeart #art studio littleton ma #Littleton MA art studio #art studio harvard ma #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio

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Great Watercolor Videos on YouTube

I thought I’d put together a quick list of interesting watercolor videos on YouTube that you might be interested in checking out. These artists have wonderful and easy style to follow and provide excellent tutorials. Watching other artists work is a great way to help build your skill. You’ll be able to not only follow along with the video, but you can also pick up some great tips and tricks about paints, brushes, paper, technique and more! I’ve even put a few of mine in there for you to enjoy!

#Ellen Crimi-Trent #Alison Dawrent #Emma Lefebvre #Creative Cove #Nianiani #beginner watercolor classes #online watercolor classes #watercolor classes #watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #suggested watercolor videos #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio

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Welcome!

Welcome to my Exclusive Art Community!

Join me in an exclusive peek into my artistic life: The books I'm reading, the shows I'm binge-watching, the supplies I'm using and the art I'm creating. Read exclusive blog posts and be the first to know about newly created art projects, handmade items and more before the rest of the world!

Exclusive blog posts

Behind-the-scenes content

#Creative Art Village #Art Membership #Art Community #Art Studio #Glimmerbug

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Just Listed! New Putz House Wreath!

#Putz House #Christmas #Holiday #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #glimmerbughandmadeart #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #Littleton MA art studio

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Beginner Watercolor Class! Registration is Open!

#watercolor classes #watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #Littleton MA art studio #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #Jill Adamy

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Creating My Own Advent Calendar

I’ve been on the hunt for quite some time for a project to create my own advent calendar and I finally, finally, finally came across one on Etsy! My mother-in-law always sends such thoughtful and fun little treats for the kids, so I got it into my head that I wanted to create an advent calendar for her with some cute little bits and bobs that she can be surprised with daily. A few years back, I made her a surprise ball for her birthday with a mermaid theme and she adored having to open it layer by layer, so an advent calendar would probably be another happy little thing to open too!

For about a year now, I’ve enjoyed purchasing projects from MyPorchPrints. A lovely little shop featuring digital downloads that you can print from home and then construct to make stunning projects. I’ve made quite a few of the projects and journals using their downloads, so when I decided to do a little search for an advent calendar, guess what came up!!

Soooo exciting!

And it was super easy to do. While the cutting took a little bit of time (but with Netflix on, who cares!) it was pretty easy to construct and then embellish with a few little spots of glitter. Then came the super fun part of filling up the tiny boxes with treats and goodies.

From miniature candies to miniature ornaments, these little boxes each have something to bring a smile to Grammy’s face when she opens up each day.

Now to get it ready to send off to her… time to start packaging it up and getting it ready for December 1st!

#Advent Calendar #My Porch Prints #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #Harvard MA art studio #Littleton MA art studio

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New Video! Whimsical Watercolor Doodles

#watercolors #whimsical watercolors class #watercolor classes #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #glimmerbugartstudio #glimmerbughandmadeart

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First LiveStream EVER!

Being a part of a community is important and it is beneficial on so many levels. After living through the last few years of the Covid Pandemic, it’s gotten me to realize just how important being a part of a community is. We as humans need each other: For comfort, support, pep-talks, encouragement, laughter, strength and growth. Being on a “team” can make someone feel like they have a network of people that are there just for them, especially if they are alone or secluded from others.

Being a part of a community:

Gives us a sense of belonging.

Gives us meaning to our lives.

Enables us to share personal feelings and support perpetual growth of each other, ourselves and our environment.

Releases neuro-peptides, oxytocin and endorphins that help support the immune system.

Helps us realize that we’re not alone.

Shows us that we are valued.

I’m over here switching gears like crazy! Getting into the colder months and trying to prepare for a more “online presence,” my sweet hubby has helped me set up a LiveStream (YouTube and Twitch.tv) situation in my art studio. It now consists of two cameras and a microphone, which is a little intimidating, but I’m getting used to it! It’s kinda weird, I gotta admit, talking to a camera with not a whole lot of people watching (yet!). But it will happen in time.

This first YouTube stream that I did this morning was more work on my accordion folding watercolor village. It’s a double sided “card” that I painted on my LiveStream last night and then worked more on today.

If you’d like to check them out, click on the buttons below. I’m still playing around with how often and how long to schedule these streams, but for now, I’ve got them planned for Monday mornings (9AM), Wednesdays (7:30PM) and Thursdays (2PM) on Twitch. I haven’t quite figured out when I’ll be doing the YouTube Lives yet, but probably simultaneously with the Twitch channel.

I hope you’ll take a look over at these LiveStreams because I’ve got some fun and creative ideas to share in these communities. I think it’s important that we have places that we can go to chat, create and meet others that will build us up and encourage us. I’m not a big “go out” kind of person, and now that the winter months are nearly upon us, classes in my studio tend to slow down. Yet I still want a way that I can get together with others and have a nice time being creative and positive.

I’m hoping that this is a way we can connect, create and relax together! And I’m so looking forward to learning more about how this whole LiveStreams thing works and if it indeed catches on. Fingers crossed!!

#watercolors #streams #YouTubeStreams #YouTubeLive #Twitch.tv #Art projects #Glimmerbug #glimmerbughandmadeart #glimmerbugartstudio

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Charcuterie Board for Field Hockey

Last week, my oldest kiddo was headed over to her field hockey teammates house for a pasta party. The first time she’s ever been to one and was super excited about it. She tells me at the last minute that she signed up to bring a charcuterie board.

“What?,” I say.

She’s 15 and she wants a charcuterie board? I wouldn’t touch a charcuterie board with a yardstick at that age… and at this age am likely to not be interested in much on the board still. So I got to work, putting together a little list of what is usually included in a board like this and how to build one. The suggested items were often pretty interesting, and I’m not entirely sure a typical kid would be interested in, like proscuitto and mortadella.

Steering clear of that sort of ingredient, I decided to focus more on cheese, breads, crackers, dips and grapes.

I even needed to purchase an actual board, since we don’t have any here at home and figured that it would be a good investment to have in case we host an event in the future. Once the middle kid got home from school, we got started building the board. Middle kid is my chef, and loves doing projects like this, so I figured she would be a good candidate to help me get this project underway.

I think it turned out great! I love all the different shapes and colors and little nuts and things that kept it eye-catching. And I think it turned out great because my field hockey player was thrilled with the final product and was proud to bring it with her to the pasta party. And from what it looked like when we picked her up, I’d say the rest of the group enjoyed it too!

#charcuterie board #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #Littleton MA art studio #glimmerbug #Jill Adamy

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The Importance of a Warm Head

Over the last couple of days, I’ve taken a break from creating art and switched gears to crocheting and looming a few hats. And I love how they all turned out!

My dearly departed mother left behind not only my family 4 years ago, but also her best friends going back to grade school. I keep in touch with them regularly and enjoy sending them photos, cards, baked goods and treats. They’re fabulous ladies and I’m so glad to have them still in my life. I love listening to their stories and hearing their updates through email and snail mail. It’s a way to keep in touch with my mother as well.

Within the last few months, one of these lovlies was diagnosed with cancer and as I was talking to her on the phone, she was telling me how her hair falling out from the treatments was a bummer. So it got me thinking… we can’t have a cold head! So I drove over to Michaels and grabbed some fun-colored yarns, broke out the hat loom that I used to use for when I’d make the kid’s hats. And then I got started.

Each night, after finishing up the day with kids school, sports, dogs, dinner and all the rest, I’d take out my little loom at work up a hat for Lolie. As I went through each hat, I decided to try and figure out how to create little crocheted flowers to jazz them up. And I think they turned out pretty cute! Sure, there are mistakes all over the place, but I’m sure she doesn’t care. I just wanted to make sure her head stays warm as we head into the colder months.

Just a few minutes ago I got off the phone with Lolie who received the package with hats and she seemed pretty happy with them! I’m so glad that she will have a warm head now, even if it’s just for around the house. These should keep her warm and comfy!

#crochet #crochet hats #handmade in Harvard #Harvard MA art studio #Littleton MA art studio #glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #Jill Adamy

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Autumnal Watercolors in Bloom

Our Friday watercolor class is one of my weekly highlights. Not only do we work on fabulous and fun whimsical watercolors, but we laugh and tell stories, chat about books and enjoy each other’s company!

This past week, we started working on a Autumn inspired landscape. For some reason, the leaves around here aren’t changing very quickly and the colors are no where near as vibrant as they normally are at this time of year. Sort of frustrating! So we thought we’d create our own leaf peeping landscapes!

Then I got to thinking about how beautiful all those colors are and how Fall is definitely my favorite time of year because of the beauty that nature shows us before winter begins. So I asked my AI for a little help in crafting a lovely little Autumn poem that fits this painting.

Autumn's Symphony In New England's embrace, a canvas unfolds, Where nature's brush strokes, a tale to be told. As the summer's warmth fades, a new chapter begins, With colors ablaze, a symphony sings. A cascade of amber, like sunsets at eve, Leaves of gold and copper, a sight to believe. Maples dress in rubies, a fiery delight, Their crimson hues dance, in soft golden light. Birch trees adorn garments, of ivory grace, A delicate beauty, in this vibrant place. Their silver bark gleams, 'neath a sapphire sky, As if guarding secrets, whispered by time. The oaks sway majestically, in coats of bronze, Leaves rustling gently, like whispers of songs. Chestnuts burst open, revealing their treasure, Like mahogany jewels, a moment to treasure. As the landscape turns, a tapestry so grand, Autumn's festive colors, hand in hand. Pumpkins in hues of tangerine delight, A joyful contrast in this enchanting sight. Apple orchards flourish, in shades of tart green, Dotting the land like emerald queens. Droplets of dew glisten on ripe apples red, Nature's perfection, by orchards widespread. And as the daylight dims, the magic spreading wide, The colors deepen, like a secret they hide. Crimson turns to garnet, amber to sienna, Nature's kaleidoscope, a gift for Helena. So, if you seek autumn's embrace, New England is the place, Where trees ablaze in technicolor grace. To witness nature's masterpiece, oh, so grand, The colors of autumn, painted by nature's own hand.

#watercolors #autumn watercolor landscape #whimsical watercolors class #Littleton MA art studio #Harvard MA art studio #handmade in Harvard #glimmerbug #adult art class #watercolor classes

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Snowman Mixed Media Project

Last Thursday we stepped into a winter wonderland of creativity with our recent mixed media snowman on canvas class. This enchanting workshop allowed budding artists to channel their inner winter spirit and bring to life a whimsical snowman using a combination of various artistic techniques.

Participants were introduced to the mesmerizing world of mixed media art. With a myriad of materials at their disposal, including paints, paper, fabric, and more, each artist unleashed their imagination to craft a striking snowman masterpiece on a canvas. Throughout the class, participants discovered the joy of blending colors, textures, and materials to create depth and dimension in their snowy creations. From the glistening snowflakes in the background to the charming details of the snowman's accessories, each participant's canvas became a unique reflection of their artistic flair.

We worked on techniques such as layering, collage, and adding texture. These techniques empowered the artists to push the boundaries of traditional art and embrace the expressive nature of mixed media.

As the snowmen came to life on canvas, so did the creative energy in the room. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as participants explored and shared their artistic journey, sparking inspiration and connection between fellow art enthusiasts.

Walking away from the class, each participant left with not only a gorgeous mixed media snowman masterpiece but also newfound confidence in their creative abilities. This extraordinary art experience reminded everyone that art is a powerful form of self-expression, capable of capturing the joy and wonder of the winter season.

If you're looking to embrace the magic of winter and express your creativity through mixed media, be sure to join us for our next mixed media on class, either in studio or online. Let your imagination soar and create a one-of-a-kind artwork that will warm your heart every time you look at it!

#mixed media #mixed media art class #in studio art class #Harvard MA art studio #Littleton MA art studio #mixed media snowman #adult art class #holiday art class #glimmerbug

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Available This Weekend at Bolton Harvard Open Studios!

If you’re looking for a super cute way to jazz up your planner or journal, have I got a treat for you!

My newest creation, Journal Clips + Bookmarks are adorable and unique altered paper clips that will hold your place and pages in the sweetest way!

These will be available this weekend at the Bolton Harvard Open Studios, happening here in my studio on Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12-4. You’ll be the first to see these creations in person and they’re only $5.00 each!

After the event this weekend, the remainder will be listed online in my shop.

I’ve got so many adorable ones to choose from! Halloween, Christmas and every day. All as cute as can be and ready to perk up your pages!

#Bookmarks #Journal Clips #Art Journals #Ephemera #Glimmerbug #Glimmerbug Handmade Art #Bolton Harvard Open Studios #BHOS

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Watercolor Mandala

#youtube #watercolor #watercolormandala #mandala #artvideo #watercolorartclass #harvard #harvardma #artclassesinharvard #artclasslittleton #adultartclasses #artjournals #glimmerbug #glimmerbughandmadeart #jilladamy