The Design Genie©

Forgiveness & the Freedom of Letting Go...

2011-01-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

Alas a new year....

In with the new...and out with the old....a skin is shed....But the only way it can be shed is to truly let go...& move forward...and the only way you can move forward is to forgive...

As I watched this inspring video sent to me by my dear friend Rak (founder of the Humanity Healing Network); Entitled Forgiveness & the Freedom of Letting Go, I felt compelled to write this blog post...

I've learned that forgiveness takes strength, & to forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love....it brings with it a great peace, happiness & contentment...

May you go forth in the new year & know that you too can begin again & again... Happy Auspicious New Year everyone....may your year be filled with love & wonder!

<3,

The Design Genie

100+ Marketing Ideas

2010-11-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for new, cool, ways to promote myself. I found this article from the U.S. Small Business Administration to be very helpful! They published an article with 100+ Marketing Ideas to promote your business...

Here are a few below:

Never let a day pass without engaging in at least one marketing activity.

Determine a percentage of gross income to spend annually on marketing.

Set specific marketing goals every year; review and adjust quarterly.

Maintain a tickler file of ideas for later use.

Carry business cards with you (all day, every day).

Create a personal nametag or pin with your company name and logo on it and wear it at high visibility meetings.

Stay alert to trends that might impact your target market, product, or promotion strategy.

Read market research studies about your profession, industry, product, target market groups, etc.

Collect competitors' ads and literature; study them for information about strategy, product features, benefits, etc.

Ask clients why they hired you and solicit suggestions for improvement.

Ask former clients why they left you.

Identify a new market.

Join a list-serve (e-mail list) related to your profession.

Subscribe to an Internet usenet newsgroup or a list-serve that serves your target market

To read the complete list click here!

Love & Light,

The Design Genie© "making all of your design wishes come true"

Artistic boats inspired by nature

2010-08-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hey there! I haven't posted in a while & decided I'd like to post something nature inspired in light of the beautiful summer breeze this evening...

Upon reading one of my favorite clothing company's (Free People) blogs, I discovered some nature inspired art that I thought was pretty inventive & wanted to share...

The project is called 'Little Drifters' and was organized by a company called booooooom & the Vancouver Sun. Participants were asked to gather pieces of driftwood, twigs, leaves, berries, dandelions, pine cones, feathers - pretty much anything that can be considered 'natural' - and build a little boat using only these materials! They were than asked to take their boat to a body of water & take a picture of it. I find them wonderfully creative & fun to view - each one has its own individual personality. I love the idea!

I actually already grab little pieces of nature here and there that inspire me. Whether it be seashells from the ocean to turn into jewelry that I wear, driftwood from the sand to use in decorative arrangements, or flowers from my garden to wear in my hair, nature has and always will play a strong presence in my inspiration for art. It is my root, my essence, & I study it not only to draw inspiration to create, but to draw answers for life.

Enjoy some of the photos below: (P.S. Here's a link to Summer Breeze if you'd like to listen while browsing.)

Aloha Baby!

2010-04-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hello All!,

I guess I've been in a Hawaiian mood lately... :) I was inspired by a friend to create a painting which I gave away as a gift & wanted to share with you!....

The painting includes stylized plumeria and my signature swirls...

Mahalo for looking! & Aloha!

Much Love,

The Design Genie©

Gina's Tiger Lily

2010-04-15T02:20:00.001-07:00

Hello All!

It's been a while since I've posted last and I just wanted to share some current artwork with you! :)

As you know I'm working on a massive frame for my sister...The frame will include beautiful & poetic symbolism and imagery that means something to her & I....

When I asked my sister about her favorite flower she told me it was a tiger lily....it only made sense to me that would be her answer....they are beautiful, fiery, & wild....like the personality of my Leo sister :)....

I believe I'd like to add some text to the photo....such as 'her beauty was wild and vivacious....like that of the tiger lily....'

I welcome your love, thoughts, comments & suggestions...

I love you tiger lily! :)

New Painting Inspired by the Sea

2010-03-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovelies,

I wanted to share with you one of the newest paintings I've created inspired by my love for the sea, seaweed, the ocean, love, and seashells. I went down to the ocean last weekend and drew this whimsical image...I than colorized it in the computer and added texture with special paper. Once finished, it reminded me of a quote I had always known & loved; "May your joys be as deep as the ocean, your sorrows as light as its foam". To the right of it are pictures I took of the sea and my environment that day....you could look at them as inspiration...The is one of many paintings I am creating for a larger frame I am giving to my sister to remind her of home while she is in Germany...I will be sharing the rest of them with you in additional blog posts...

A print of the painting (on recycled paper) is available for only $10 on my website.

Love & light and thank you for reading!

The Design Genie©

'Storms Make Trees Take Deeper Roots'

2010-01-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

It has been a while since I posted last...over the next couple of days I will be posting on my blog some of the arts & crafts I've been up to over the past couple of months. This painting, which consisted of ink & watercolor on paper was created for my sister....one of the strongest women I know. Strength & perseverance must run in the family, for when I created this gift for my sister, I knew I wanted to show her that although it felt like the storm would never end....that her roots are only growing deeper as she becomes more grounded...until the storm passes....

Light is shining down onto the tree....and underneath the ground you can see the roots are much larger than the actual tree itself....Inside the roots of the tree are a sun symbol, to represent warmth, a flower to represent happiness, a peace sign to represent a peace of mind, & five peas in a pod to represent our family.

Signed prints are available of this piece for only $15! Please visit my website for more information.

Love & Light,

The Design Genie©

P.S. The quote; "Storms make trees take deeper roots" is an original quote by Dolly Parton.

Lady Autumn.....A time to give thanks

2009-10-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

October.......the fall...............is a time of vast reflection for me.....

This year has come and gone by soo fast & I've truly grown spiritually, mentally, & creatively more so than any year I can remember before this...

It has taken me many years to look back and reflect, access things....change my views on them...so I am able to see the picture more clearly to allow myself to move forward & expand.....to allow myself to think in holographic thought....at a higher octave.....When you can think holographically....'constriction is only an illusion'.....as a wise and spiritual woman (Chris Griscom) once wrote....

As things fade and drift this season,....& trees that once danced a passionate fire collapse into a cold gray earth...I think about my life....and I am thankful....Thankful for all of the experiences that have enhanced my life....made it more fruitful.....so that my leaves can become those blazing colors of the season....bright & vivid with life and spirit....I think if there's anything this season teaches me more so than any other season it is to give thanks....for what is......And that is what has taken me soo long to figure out.....& now that I'm finally here....I'm at peace....

I wanted to leave you all with a beautiful poem of the season called 'Lady Autumn' by Deirdre Akins....Hope you enjoy....& if there's one thing you can do today in your life....even if it seems simple & minuscule....is to just give thanks....be happy that the sun is shining...beating down on your face...bringing you warmth.....and filling you with life energy! :)

Love & Light,

The Design Genie©

"Lady Autumn, Queen of the Harvest,
I have seen You in the setting Sun
with Your long auburn tresses
blowing in the cool air that surrounds You.
Your crown of golden leaves is jeweled
with amber, amethyst, and rubies.
Your long, flowing purple robe stretches across the horizon.
In Your hands You hold the ripened fruits.
At Your feet the squirrels gather acorns.
Black crows perch on Your outstretched arms.
All around You the leaves are falling.
You sit upon Your throne and watch
the dying fires of the setting Sun
shine forth its final colors in the sky.
The purple and orange lingers
and glows like burning embers.
Then all colors fade into the twilight.
Lady Autumn, You are here at last.
We thank You for Your rewards.
We have worked hard for these gifts.
Lady Autumn, now grant us peace and rest."
- Deirdre Akins

Human Canvas: Body Painting Meets Fine Art

2009-09-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Emma Hack has made a name for herself as one of the most creative and visionary Australian artists to come along in years. But she doesn’t work on canvas or clay; her medium is the beautiful form of the human body.

Hack began her career as a makeup artist, hairdresser and children’s face painter. But her talents have continued to grow and evolve over the last two decades into the mature and fascinating form she works in today. Her paintings are applied directly to models’ bodies and match up perfectly with their background, acting as a kind of camouflage. But the bodies are not entirely hidden in the patterns; rather, they become part of the pattern and allow the background to flow even more beautifully.

The wallpapers featured are by the legendary designer Florence Broadhurst, licensed specifically for Hack’s use. The intricate designs can sometimes take up to 19 hours to apply. When finished, the model’s body is at once a continuation of the design and a completely unique work of art on its own. The designs accentuate, rather than hide, the fluid beauty and grace of the human form.

The wallpaper paintings began with Emma doing the painting herself and a photographer making the images. However, as she has continued to grow as an artist, Emma has taken over the photography as well. She has experimented with adding creatures and other types of designs in to her paintings, adding a new element to the concept of her amazing body art.

Although most of her subjects have been female, Emma has also experimented with painting the male form. The wallpaper designs she uses with the male models are necessarily different; they highlight the strength of the male form and the very different curvatures of the male body. She calls all of her models her “muses,” and her affection for the art and for the human form is apparent in every painting. She manages to make the bodies of her muses look infinitely inviting, fragile and soft without once over-sexualizing them.

Emma’s work has been shown and celebrated all around the world, winning her several awards and establishing a firm following for the budding artist. She has done many series other than the Wallpapers, including “Cowscape” which features stunning paintings on cows. Her inspiration, she says, comes from nature and all of the diverse cultures of the world.

Surfer dies at Moonlight Beach, Encinitas

2009-09-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

So, I just found out from a neighbor of mine that is a lifeguard at Moonlight Beach, that the man I watched them helicopter off the beach yesterday, died...

It was around four pm in the afternoon...the day was gloomy & gray but that didn't stop me from walking down to the beach to read my book. I was actually over by Stone Steps off of Neptune avenue & could see a lifeguard truck with flashing lights about a half mile down...I didn't think anything off it...Than I noticed a helicopter hovering the area & go in for a land....

As I was watching the whole spectacle, a man that was running along side the beach noticed my curious expression & told me that a surfer had broken his neck...I noticed the intensity of the waves, & chilliness in the air...it was almost as if I sensed that he had lost his life....there was hardly anyone in the water....& a gloomy ambiance that fell upon the sky when I found out the reasoning behind all the commotion...

When I found out the news today I was like 'wow'....almost in shock...but I don't really understand why as now that I look back on the event I sensed it...It really makes you appreciate life & your surroundings & be thankful for everything you have....

Sending love & light to his family for their loss...just know that he is in a better place now...

love,

The Design Genie©

Lovin' the October Issue of Martha Stewart Living

2009-09-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm absolutely in love with the cover of the October issue of Martha Stewart Living! I have never seen this done with pumpkins before & love the little toadstool/moss themed scene. I think it would make a perfect table scape for holiday entertaining as well.

Here's a peak at some more highlights from the issue of Living - starting with some crafty face masks:

Pressed-paper boxes dressed up like owls and jack-o-lantern faced acorns…

A few images from A Wicked Good Time: macabre banquet table (featuring Slithered Scream Beans, Cauldron Curry, and Squeamish Squash with Rice), Snake Cake with Venom Glaze, Poison Apples (LOVE the presentation on these!), and “Eyes of Newt” DIY party favors.

Last but not least, a festive party favor embellishment made from the orange, balloon-shaped calyxes of Chinese lantern plants (very clever!):

Gorgeous Zen Aquaria

2009-09-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Dylan just introduced me to the work of Japanese photographer and aquarist Takashi Amano. From his Wikipedia entry:

Takashi Amano is one of the most influential people in the freshwater aquascaping community. He can largely be credited with introducing Japanese gardening concepts such as Wabi-sabi and Zen rock arrangement to the aquascaping hobby. His tank compositions involve intricate, and typically asymmetrical (though balanced) arrangements of aquatic plants often augmented by river rocks and driftwood. His aquascapes are notable in that they often mimic nature in their appearance, and can be regarded as a form of art.

Besides his personal site, linked above, Mr. Amano also runs Aqua Design Amano, which specializes in high-end aquascaping equipment and supplies.

Glowing Summer Centerpieces

2009-09-10T01:10:00.000-07:00

I love the idea of using old photos printed on vellum as a glowing summer centerpiece (as seen via MarthaStewart.com)! These beautiful, classy, and luminescent frames are bound together by bookbinding tape and are filled with black and white photos that have been printed on vellum paper. Unique and beautiful, the possibilities of what images to fill these with could be endless! I can't wait to make some of these of my sisters and I for my mother. Let me know what you think of this idea...

love & light,

The Design Genie©

Lovin' the new LUXE line from Wildly Delicious

2009-09-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

While I've always loved Wildly Delicious, their fabulous & rare gourmet products with beautiful packaging - I've just discovered their new line of LUXE products & think the packaging/branding is fabulous! 'A line of sensual delights for the sweet tooth' this decadent line features French Vanilla with Crème Brûlée Butter Cream Frosting mixes to Luxurious Raspberry Creme with Champagne enrobing sauces. Sinfully sweet, fabulous graphics, it doesn't get much better than this!

What do you guys think of their new line?? Do you ever buy products just for the packaging? I'd love to know your thoughts on this.

-The Design Genie©

Lovin' these new Oliver Appetizer Plates

2009-09-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hey guys...check out these new mixed media Oliver Appetizer plates available from C2. They have hand sketches of little 'doodle dudes' mixed with pictures of assorted appetizers. I love them; they're so unique & sure to be a conversation starter & your next get together...& for just under $3 a plate, they won't break the bank! LOVE IT!,

-T.D.G.

Pete Yorn Footage

2009-09-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!! I've got a crazy adrenaline rush going right now! I just got back from seeing Pete Yorn at the Del Mar fairgrounds. He is an amazing musician & really blew me away! He's a very passionate individual. Sorry the footage is kinda crappy & doesn't really do him justice, but I just had to share this with you guys! It was also a really beautiful night with the full moon in the background which you will see in part of the footage! Please enjoy & let me know what you think!

love & light,

T.D.G

Iron Mountain Trail

2009-08-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Dolls,

As you know i hiked Iron Mountain today! It's a mountain just east of Poway at a 2000 ft. elevation. The mountain had these enormous boulders all over it and was like nothing I've ever seen! Spectacular views of lake poway, the ocean, & surrounding mountains, the views came at a cost however....the trail was about an hour straight up hill! But once we got to the top it was all worth it! :) There was a wonderful breeze...& we even found a spot with a ladder to climb on top of the largest boulder on the mountain ...& we discovered a couch up there!! :)...There are pictures of lizards, eagles flying by, sage growing in the wild....& dessert flowers. Check out the photos I posted through my flikr slideshow....let me know what you guys think! :)

love & light,

T.D.G.

Where I live...Beautiful Encinitas

2009-08-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

I thought I'd share some pics with you of the gorgeous little coastal town of Encinitas, that not too many people know about...Check out the slideshow & let me know what you think of it....

Tucked away on the gorgeous shoreline of the North County coast, is a small, quaint, & eclectic beach town filled with an array of eccentric people from artists to hippies. On any given day you will see surfers and locals flocking to the beach on old fashioned cruisers or dining outside alongside the historic coast highway in any of the numerous outdoor cafes or eateries that line the 101. Encinitas is also home of Swamis Self Realization Center - a non denominational meditation oasis filled with lush gardens of exotic plants from all over the world. The gardens are also lined with water falls filled with the largest and healthiest koi fish I've ever seen. Nature and beauty seem to thrive in these tropical gardens and the world curve can be seen across the horizon a top the golden lotus staircase. Unlike most unfriendly corporate restaurants, the bars and eateries are more like 'hole in the wall' places where everyone knows your name, greets you with a smile, & already knows and customizes your order to your likeness, as you're walking through the door. If you're looking for a unique and funky town with a fun and young vibe, peaceful & safe atmosphere, & beautiful scenery, Encinitas is the place to be.

I am with you always...Inspirational Poem

2009-08-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

I am with you

Believe and know that I Am here not only for you but AS you.

If you embrace that I Am here for you, it is an understanding that should
you need my help and reach out to me, I will reach back.

However, this reaching back and forth can create a lag between your
need and my response. It is not, therefore, an appropriate metaphor for
our relationship.

Rather, understand that I Am not here for you but I Am here AS you.
I cannot be separate from you.

There is no lag between your request and my response. It may take a
while to align things in perfect ways so that the outcome serves all my
children, but the response is instantaneous.

This day, affirm that we are one.

Know that the desires of your soul are not merely on my "to do list"

-- they are already done and moving toward you even now.

Love,
I AM

Great Recipe!!

2009-08-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I just recently tried this awesome recipe and wanted to share it with you'll :)! It's a spring chicken roll-up with lemon dijon pan sauce. The sauce is super flavorful with the lemon zest, parsley, & drippings from the chicken. I give this recipe a 9.5 outta 10.

Click Here to Check out Recipe!

This is why....

2009-07-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with the sky.... :)

(Sharing some things I take inspiration from with you... :)

New Ad for Deco Glow Candle Company!

2009-07-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Deco Glow, a local candle manufacturer and national distributor has launched their new 2009 line of candles. I had the pleasure of being able to design an ad for their scrumptious looking cupcake candles! These candles look good enough to eat and are available in flavors ranging from Blueberry, to Black Forest Cherry! They make great gifts for just about any occasion!

In Honor of 4th of July...

2009-07-03T01:43:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you a delicious and festive summer treat that I usually like to make on this holiday...An almond crusted Brunch Berry Pie! It's topped with blueberries, raspberries, & blackberries (so it's loaded with antioxidants), set above fruit preserves and a cream cheese icing layer. The crust also has real almond slivers baked right into it!! :) it's delicious! Click here if you'd like to try out the recipe. :) And Happy Birthday America!!!

Wildflowers in Bloom!!!

2009-07-03T01:36:00.001-07:00

I enjoy living in beautiful Southern California very much!....This is a picture I took over by Beacon's Beach ( a local surf spot), that shows the beautiful wild flowers in bloom! I love going down to the beach for creative inspiration. It fuels my artistic instincts and inspires me to create wonderful things!The Design Genie ©, The Design Genie©, Jul 2009

Short Story...'We looked at the Moon that Night...'

2009-07-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All...

here's a excerpt of a short story I am writing I thought I'd share with ya'll :) Enjoy!:

we looked at the moon that night...

it was bright, glowing, luminescent & filled your entire body with a deep and peaceful energy...

A breath, warmth, a smile, a gaze....the aura in the sky seemed more blue that night, but glowed with intense brightness....the stars lit up the sky

moments between us seemed slow...like honey, and it was as if everything else in the world had stopped....and it was only us in that moment in time...exchanging divine energy...that flowed from soul to soul with such ease..it was as if these souls had interacted before in such an embrace...there was a great deep love between the two...a spark of infinite light that neither of them could deny....

New Sketch!

2009-06-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Over the past weekend I was inspired to create....my whirlwind of emotions of uncertainty inspired me to create this whimsical tree that is wrapping it's branches around the moon...The title of the artwork will be called "For Love of the Moon"....I am going to be scanning it in and colorizing it in the computer....I will also than make a mirror image of the tree....and do the same thing...but with the sun.....

I love being inspired by nature and my emotions... :)

love & light,

T.D.G.

New Website!

2009-06-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hello All!,

I'm excited to announce I finally have my website up and running!!! Please go to www.thedesigngenie.net to view samples of my work, download my resume, & contact me directly!

Thank you!,

Love & light,

T.D.G

Up & Running!

2009-03-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

So excited to say this is the very first blog! yay!...So anyways, people, I am going to be posting everything from projects I am working on, artwork, pieces of my portfolio, to poems to pics, so please keep checking back, adding your support & love, :), lord know I'll need it!

Love & Light,

T.D.G.