Tara Reed Designs Blog » Tara Reed Designs http://tarareeddesignsblog.com Fun and Sassy Art! Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Play in the Sand Fabric from Tara Reed Designs in stores now! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/09/play-in-the-sand-fabric-from-tara-reed-designs-in-stores-now/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/09/play-in-the-sand-fabric-from-tara-reed-designs-in-stores-now/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:20 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=659 Rumor has it, it is summer… You wouldn’t know it if you lived in the Northwest lately.  I think we’ve had one sunny day in June and lots of low 60’s and very wet weather.  But I’m not complaining – I have been very busy in my studio following up on new leads and requests [...]]]> Rumor has it, it is summer… You wouldn’t know it if you lived in the Northwest lately.  I think we’ve had one sunny day in June and lots of low 60’s and very wet weather.  But I’m not complaining – I have been very busy in my studio following up on new leads and requests after coming home from my annual trade show in New York.

I’m so excited to tell you that my latest fabric collection from South Sea Imports should be available at your local quilting store  – ask for it by name!

I’m sure the sun will come out in the Northwest and I will find some time to play with this fun, summer fabric.  If you make something with it, send me a photo, I’d love to see and share!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/09/play-in-the-sand-fabric-from-tara-reed-designs-in-stores-now/feed/ 0 Easter is coming! Why not scatter free eCards like eggs to your friends and family? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/31/easter-is-coming-why-not-scatter-free-ecards-like-eggs-to-your-friends-and-family/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/31/easter-is-coming-why-not-scatter-free-ecards-like-eggs-to-your-friends-and-family/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:00:25 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=613 With Easter coming up this weekend, my thoughts turn to chocolate… and finding the will power not to over indulge.  So instead of obsessing about candy eggs and other delicious treats, I’ll go send some eCards to friends and family to wish them a Hoppy Easter.  You can too!

Here are two Easter designs available for [...]]]> With Easter coming up this weekend, my thoughts turn to chocolate… and finding the will power not to over indulge.  So instead of obsessing about candy eggs and other delicious treats, I’ll go send some eCards to friends and family to wish them a Hoppy Easter.  You can too!

Here are two Easter designs available for free at www.TaraReedOnline.com/sendcard/

Who will you send them to?

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/31/easter-is-coming-why-not-scatter-free-ecards-like-eggs-to-your-friends-and-family/feed/ 0 Hop on Over to Lowe’s for Easter & Patriotic Garden Flags by Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:37:52 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=589 I’m getting quite a collection of cute garden flags for my backyard!  Here are the latest – now available in Lowe’s stores… Hoppy Easter is available in the small size shown and the Patriotic Poultry is available in both small and large formats.

Can you believe I’ll be working on designs today that will hopefully be [...]]]> I’m getting quite a collection of cute garden flags for my backyard!  Here are the latest – now available in Lowe’s stores… Hoppy Easter is available in the small size shown and the Patriotic Poultry is available in both small and large formats.

Can you believe I’ll be working on designs today that will hopefully be in stores this time next year?  Such is the life of the licensed artist – usually working 12-18 months ahead.

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/feed/ 0 Looking for feedback… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:54:43 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=583 In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. [...]]]> In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. It was  a relief to hear him say that he has built his brand through trial and error and didn’t have it all figured out right out of the gate.  His tips and insights were very interesting and inspirational and his homework? A little daunting truth be told!  But I am so sure it will be worth it that I’m getting started right away.

This is where I hope you will help me… Paul pointed out that what we see as our brand might not be what others perceive it to be.  He told us to get feedback from others.  I’ve been getting some from Twitter but thought I’d bring it to the blog as well.

What I need from you:  can you give me words that describe my art or my brand in your mind?

Please put them in the comments so I can continue on with my assignments.  Here is a sampling of designs to give you the feel if you aren’t super familiar with what I do.  I really appreciate your help and feedback – it means a lot!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/feed/ 6 42 Things I've Learned in my 42 Years… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/31/42-things-ive-learned-in-my-42-years/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/31/42-things-ive-learned-in-my-42-years/#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:00:05 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=532 Jinkies, how did I get to be 42? I still, quite vividly, remember planning surprise parties for friends when we were all turning 13. Or making construction paper cars to put on a locker to make sure everyone knew a friend was turning 16… (and to make her embarrassed… wonder if Sue will read [...]]]> Jinkies, how did I get to be 42? I still, quite vividly, remember planning surprise parties for friends when we were all turning 13. Or making construction paper cars to put on a locker to make sure everyone knew a friend was turning 16… (and to make her embarrassed… wonder if Sue will read this post?) Let’s not forget turning 21… and the headache the day after.

Well now it seems I have somehow reached 42! Last year it was my son turning 16 not my friend. (I got 16 cars from the Dollar Tree and hung them over the table instead of the construction paper stand-by.)

Anyway, I fine with my age and thought it would be fun to sit down and write the 42 things that came to mind that I have learned in my 42 years. Some are silly and others just might make you go hmmm… (remember that song? The video is at the end of my list)

So here goes… 42 things I’ve learned in my 42 years

  1. I love my 40s! (and I knew I would!)
  2. Your mom isn’t always right… (unless your name is Kyle and I’m your mom.)
  3. Things you hear as a child STICK in a person’s head for years so be careful what you say to children!
  4. Big Boobs doesn’t necessarily = Sexy. There’s more to it.
  5. Being yourself is always the best way to go in the long run!
  6. Your education doesn’t have to determine the rest of your life.
  7. Risks are rewarded – sometimes with wealth and other times with lessons to be learned.
  8. There is always a silver lining if you are willing to look for it.
  9. Swollen feet on airplanes is not fun.
  10. I love to Twitter!
  11. Highlights aren’t for me – I have dark hair and I love it! (Gray isn’t for me either so I’ll dye the heck out of any that try and invade my head.)
  12. Being a parent is hard work – but worth it. You get out what you put in.
  13. Everyone doesn’t always choose the best partner. Pick again. (But not the same person with a different name – lots of people seem to do that too!)
  14. The internet isn’t a fad. Thank goodness! How did we survive without it?
  15. Live with no regrets, it makes for a happier life than second guessing yourself.
  16. I’d be really wealthy if all the “Lotto” winnings I got in my inbox were real!
  17. Shoe size has nothing to do with anything except how big your feet are.
  18. Finding someone who gets you is something to be cherished!
  19. Laughter is an awesome way to spend time.
  20. Travel to foreign countries expands your perspective.
  21. Trust your intuition, even if it goes against everyone else’s advice. You usually know what’s best for you.
  22. I can’t sing or dance… and I haven’t quite come to terms with that!
  23. My mom was right: “If you don’t ask, the chances of getting a “yes” are slim to none.”
  24. She was also right when she said, “The worst that can happen is they say no.” (I’ve discovered you can always survive that.)
  25. My dad was mistaken when he said, “They wouldn’t call it work if it was fun.” (Sorry dad) I have found a way to make work = fun. Yippee!
  26. If you do things right, you really do get wiser when you get older, so listen to those that are even older than you and see what you can learn.
  27. I actually do have a sense of humor. (phew!)
  28. Sometimes it really is ok to sit and do nothing… for hours.
  29. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Other times you get more or less… be careful how you spend your money.
  30. I don’t enjoy cooking.
  31. Not everyone is meant to stay in our lives forever but everyone that comes into your life serves a purpose or provides a lesson you need to learn.
  32. Doing the best you can with what you know at the time is all anyone can ask for.
  33. It’s ok to admit that you were wrong.
  34. Our beliefs don’t always make sense – even to ourselves! Keep the ones that work for you and try to change the ones that hold you back.
  35. Knowing yourself and being honest with yourself is the key to all things.
  36. Success is more than the size of your bank account.
  37. Time really does seem to pass more quickly the older you get! (I remember my mom telling me that when I was about 8 and thinking she was nuts!)
  38. I like to know how everything works. Which can cause me to do more than I should by myself.
  39. I’m “micro-social” – I would choose to be with small groups of people over large gatherings.
  40. I’m glad I was able to stay home with my son for 10 years but I’m really thriving building my business and being his mom at the same time!
  41. There is no “right answer” that will work for everyone. (No matter what the question is.)
  42. I’m excited to see what this next year brings…

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

No matter how many candles you have on your birthday cake this year I hope you are growing wiser and laughing more with each passing year! Now where’s my cake?

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/31/42-things-ive-learned-in-my-42-years/feed/ 2 Happy Verby New Year! Wishing you much happiness and prosperity in 2010 http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/31/happy-verby-new-year-wishing-you-much-happiness-and-prosperity-in-2010/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/31/happy-verby-new-year-wishing-you-much-happiness-and-prosperity-in-2010/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:20:26 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=512 Happy New Year! If you read both my Art Licensing Info blog and this, my personal art business blog, you may recognize this post.  But I want everyone to consider the concept of picking a verb to describe the coming year.  Wishing you much happiness and prosperity in 2010.

VERBS have been coming at me from [...]]]> Happy New Year! If you read both my Art Licensing Info blog and this, my personal art business blog, you may recognize this post.  But I want everyone to consider the concept of picking a verb to describe the coming year.  Wishing you much happiness and prosperity in 2010.

VERBS have been coming at me from several directions lately and have caused me to stop and ponder…

My teacher, Alex Mandossian, asks his students to “proclaim their verb!” I ________, therefore I am! Some verbs from that class include teach, inspire, blog, nurture… mine is create.

Then local artist and entrepreneur coach Rebecca Shapiro suggested choosing a verb to define 2010 instead of making resolutions that would more than likely be forgotten or defeated by the end of January. I love this idea! SO watch this short video and pick a verb… feel free to leave your choice in the comments to inspire others.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to a creative and verby 2010!

– Tara

P.S. If you need help getting organized and focused, don’t forget about The Goal Wheel for Artists™ eBook…

P.P.S. Need clarification on what verbs are or just want to go back in time and enjoy a great School House Rock song? Here it is – VERB!

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

YQ4TZUY5TPEH

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/31/happy-verby-new-year-wishing-you-much-happiness-and-prosperity-in-2010/feed/ 6 Happy Holidays! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/22/happy-holidays/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/22/happy-holidays/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:00:09 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=508

Just a quick note wishing you a happy holiday season!  May you find parking spaces at the mall, laughter in your home and joy in your heart!

– Tara

P.S. Don’t forget – you can send this or a variety of other free eCards with my designs by clicking here

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Just a quick note wishing you a happy holiday season!  May you find parking spaces at the mall, laughter in your home and joy in your heart!

– Tara

P.S. Don’t forget – you can send this or a variety of other free eCards with my designs by clicking here

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/22/happy-holidays/feed/ 0 Looking back at my first licensed product… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/09/looking-back-at-my-first-licensed-product/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/09/looking-back-at-my-first-licensed-product/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:26:40 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=496 Every Christmas, as I pull out all of the holiday decorations, I am reminded of the first deal I got when I decided to branch out of scrapbooking and into the wider world of art licensing.

My first deal was with Boston Warehouse for these “Jingle Java” plates, mugs and coffee cup spreaders.  They were a [...]]]> Every Christmas, as I pull out all of the holiday decorations, I am reminded of the first deal I got when I decided to branch out of scrapbooking and into the wider world of art licensing.

My first deal was with Boston Warehouse for these “Jingle Java” plates, mugs and coffee cup spreaders.  They were a “private label” deal, meaning they were for one specific client (Marshall’s & TJ Maxx stores) and not for their regular line of offerings.

JingleJavaDishes-TaraReedDesigns

It was SO EXCITING! I remember being at the Licensing International Expo, where I was exhibiting for the first time, and checking my email.  I had to blink a few times and made sure I saw it right – they wanted my art???  WOO-HOO! That was in June 2004 and the products were in stores in the fall of 2005 – quite quickly when it comes to deal-to-delivery time frames.

While these are no longer available in stores, I just wanted to share my “first deal experience” with you.  I am still excited with each new opportunity and hope that never changes – it’s half the fun of the business!

May you have many wonderful surprises in your life as well!

– Tara

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/09/looking-back-at-my-first-licensed-product/feed/ 9 More digital scrapbooking kits for Memory Maker Software http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/29/more-digital-scrapbooking-kits-for-memory-maker-software/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/29/more-digital-scrapbooking-kits-for-memory-maker-software/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:51:35 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=484 Two weeks ago I spent a few days with Lane & Justin Hill at the Quilt, Sew and Craft Show in Washington.  I’ve been designing scrapbooking kits for their software, Memory Mixer, and have played with it a little.  More time has been spent putting the art together than digging in and really working with [...]]]> MemoryMixer-MeAndLaneTwo weeks ago I spent a few days with Lane & Justin Hill at the Quilt, Sew and Craft Show in Washington.  I’ve been designing scrapbooking kits for their software, Memory Mixer, and have played with it a little.  More time has been spent putting the art together than digging in and really working with the software.

Well I was AMAZED at all the things it could do and how quickly and easily people picked it up. I watched as they showed people who were savvy with the computer and those who weren’t all exclaim, “Wow!  That’s not so bad!”

My first “art job” was designing scrapbooking papers with EK Success back in 2001.  Scrapbooking was my creative outlet for years and I have bookcases of albums to prove it!  But as my life evolved and I began working more-than-full-time building my business, the art of scrapbooking has fallen by the wayside.

I never would have imagined I’D say this but… there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.  My creative outlet shifted to art for licensing and away from scrapbooking.

Well now I’ve come full-circle and am designing for scrapbooking again – but this time for the digital realm.  And I was so excited to see just how quick and easy it could be!  Even I will find the time to do this! They aren’t lying when they say you can create an album in as little as  2 minutes with a “Quick Mix”.  (Their term for a pre-organized album.)  Pick your Quick Mix, choose your photos and let the software do the rest.

I’m very excited to be working with this great company and product so you will be hearing more about it. For now, here are two new Christmas collections featuring my art that you can find online.

MM-SunnySnowmenMM-JoyfulNoise

CLICK HERE to see all of my designs that are currently available online.

CLICK HERE to take a look at some of the videos and examples showing just how easy this software is.

“There’s not enough time” is no longer a valid excuse… off to give this a try!

– Tara

disclosure: Although I never recommend anything I don’t like, for the purposes of full transparency, I receive no compensation from your purchase of the software but do earn a royalty on purchases of kits featuring my art.

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/29/more-digital-scrapbooking-kits-for-memory-maker-software/feed/ 0 Taking time to be grateful… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/26/taking-time-to-be-grateful/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/26/taking-time-to-be-grateful/#comments Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:00:39 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=458 At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. – Albert Schweitzer

What better day than today, Thanksgiving in the United States, to reflect on this quote and think of all that [...]]]> At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
– Albert Schweitzer

What better day than today, Thanksgiving in the United States, to reflect on this quote and think of all that we have to be grateful for?

It is easy to let the speed bumps get us upset and out-of-wack, for the little disruptions to consume way more energy than they deserve.  At times like that, as well as days like this, I like to sit down with a pen and paper and write (or in this case type and blog) about all the wonderful things I have in my life to be grateful for.

Here is a list of things that come to mind – in no particular order and in no way all-inclusive – but simply what is flowing to the typewriter as I think, reflect and focus on all the good things in my life.

  • my son & my significant other, Craig (These two men do so much to keep the joy and meaning in my life, without them things would be very different so I am thankful every day for their love, humor and support.)
  • my family & friends (supportive, fun and tolerant of my sometimes ‘quirky artistic temperament’)
  • my health, creativity and thirst for knowledge (without these things my life would be much more boring!  Maybe less busy and hectic some days… but I wouldn’t trade it for lack of inspiration!)
  • my business – the art and the teaching/sharing sides (being able to license my art and all that that entails, as well as having an outlet to share what I know and what I am learning, feeds my soul.)
  • my clients – the manufacturers I work with to create products featuring my art that are for sale in stores and online, all around the world.  I am lucky to have professional, fun and creative people to work with.  Thank you!
  • the people who read this blog, connect, and share on so many levels (without you, I’d be writing into the void – it is so good to know that I’m not!)
  • the people who buy products with my art in stores.  Without you, I’d be out of business and who knows what I’d be doing and thankful for today!
  • my home and life in Portland, Oregon.  (I am here by choice and love all that the Northwest has to offer!)
  • the internet!  10 years ago all that we are doing and the ways that we are connecting didn’t exist.  Even a year and a half ago I couldn’t see how all these pieces would fit into my life.  But today I am thankful for Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs, email and more!

I hope you take the time to focus on what is really important to you and all the things you have to be grateful for as well.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara

P.S. Yes… if you read my other blogs, this will look familiar but I wanted to ‘put it out there’ in all 3 locations.

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