Amy Tangerine's Blog

Hello friend! I am excited to be a part of the Altenew blog hop in celebration of the new November release. Scroll on down to the bottom for the giveaway details. I’ve been on a creative journaling kick for some years now. Here are the first few pages that were so fun to put together.

There’s also a YouTube video hop happening and more chances to win prizes, so be sure to check that out!

The watercolors have been a staple item in my collection for years and continues to inspire all kinds of creativity. Let me know in the comments what your favorite creative projects are at the moment!

Giveaway info: 

$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $100 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner and a $50 gift certificate to 4 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by October 13th for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 5 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on October 15th, 2024.

The winner of the $100 gift certificate will be chosen from comments left on the Altenew blog. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down for an inspiring and heartwarming conversation with the incredible Kelly Wynne. During this interview, I opened up about my personal journey and the challenges I faced in finding my true path as a creative entrepreneur. From my unexpected pregnancy to my struggles with miscarriages. I share my experiences of surrender and how I discovered that allowing myself to "just be" led to a healthier and more authentic way of living. I hope my wisdom gained through unlearning old ways of being serves as an inspiration to you all.

Finding the Path to Creative Entrepreneurship

My journey into the world of creative entrepreneurship is a story of evolution and transformation. Like many of us, I initially explored my creative passions through different avenues. I began my career in fashion styling, designing hand-embroidered t-shirts that found their way into boutiques around the world. This was in the days before online shopping dominated, and I cherished the unique shopping experience offered by boutiques.

But life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths. I eventually transitioned into scrapbooking after visiting a local scrapbooking store and falling in love with the creative process and the wonderful community she discovered there. This marked the beginning of my journey into the world of crafting and creative expression.

Embracing Change and Evolving as an Artist

As artists and creatives, our journeys are rarely linear. My story is a beautiful example of this. I described how my creative journey evolved over time, taking me through various phases, from fashion styling to hand-embroidery to scrapbooking. It's a reminder that our creative paths are not set in stone; they can flow and change as we grow and discover new passions.

The Power of Surrender and Resilience

One of the most poignant moments in our conversation was when I shared my journey of motherhood, which was marked by both joy and heartache. After experiencing four miscarriages, I finally reached a point of surrender and acceptance. I learned that sometimes, no matter how hard you work or how much you want something, there are aspects of life that are beyond your control.

I hope my story serves as a reminder that, in both life and business, surrendering to what is and trusting the process can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes. It's a lesson in resilience and the importance of taking care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally.

The Balance Between Business and Personal Life

Running a creative business can be demanding, and I candidly discussed my journey of finding balance and harmony between my work and personal life. I shared how I had to confront my tendencies to overfunction and workaholism. Recognizing the need for rest and self-care was a crucial turning point for me.

I emphasized that it's not about achieving a perfect balance but finding harmony in life's ebb and flow. This resonated deeply with me, as I believe that acknowledging our limits and honoring our need for rest is essential to our overall well-being and creativity.

Embracing the Journey of Transition and Growth

Our conversation was a beautiful reminder of the parallel journeys we undertake as women, mothers, and creative entrepreneurs. Whether we're navigating the challenges of motherhood or the complexities of running a business, it's crucial to embrace the transitions and let go of old habits that no longer serve us.

My journey is a testament to the idea that we all have the power to craft lives we love, no matter our circumstances or where we find ourselves. It's about staying true to our authentic selves and finding the freedom to create and live on our own terms.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kelly Wynne for allowing me to share my incredible journey with her. Her wisdom, vulnerability, and authenticity are truly inspiring.

Thank you for joining us on this creative journey, and remember, you are made remarkable.

Stay creative, stay inspired, and keep crafting a life you love.

You can listen to the full episode here: https://www.maderemarkable.com/blog/9...

Warmest wishes

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down for an inspiring and heartwarming conversation with the incredible Kelly Wynne. During this interview, I opened up about my personal journey and the challenges I faced in finding my true path as a creative entrepreneur. From my unexpected pregnancy to my struggles with miscarriages. I share my experiences of surrender and how I discovered that allowing myself to "just be" led to a healthier and more authentic way of living. I hope my wisdom gained through unlearning old ways of being serves as an inspiration to you all.

Finding the Path to Creative Entrepreneurship

My journey into the world of creative entrepreneurship is a story of evolution and transformation. Like many of us, I initially explored my creative passions through different avenues. I began my career in fashion styling, designing hand-embroidered t-shirts that found their way into boutiques around the world. This was in the days before online shopping dominated, and I cherished the unique shopping experience offered by boutiques.

But life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths. I eventually transitioned into scrapbooking after visiting a local scrapbooking store and falling in love with the creative process and the wonderful community she discovered there. This marked the beginning of my journey into the world of crafting and creative expression.

Embracing Change and Evolving as an Artist

As artists and creatives, our journeys are rarely linear. My story is a beautiful example of this. I described how my creative journey evolved over time, taking me through various phases, from fashion styling to hand-embroidery to scrapbooking. It's a reminder that our creative paths are not set in stone; they can flow and change as we grow and discover new passions.

The Power of Surrender and Resilience

One of the most poignant moments in our conversation was when I shared my journey of motherhood, which was marked by both joy and heartache. After experiencing four miscarriages, I finally reached a point of surrender and acceptance. I learned that sometimes, no matter how hard you work or how much you want something, there are aspects of life that are beyond your control.

I hope my story serves as a reminder that, in both life and business, surrendering to what is and trusting the process can lead to unexpected and beautiful outcomes. It's a lesson in resilience and the importance of taking care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally.

The Balance Between Business and Personal Life

Running a creative business can be demanding, and I candidly discussed my journey of finding balance and harmony between my work and personal life. I shared how I had to confront my tendencies to overfunction and workaholism. Recognizing the need for rest and self-care was a crucial turning point for me.

I emphasized that it's not about achieving a perfect balance but finding harmony in life's ebb and flow. This resonated deeply with me, as I believe that acknowledging our limits and honoring our need for rest is essential to our overall well-being and creativity.

Embracing the Journey of Transition and Growth

Our conversation was a beautiful reminder of the parallel journeys we undertake as women, mothers, and creative entrepreneurs. Whether we're navigating the challenges of motherhood or the complexities of running a business, it's crucial to embrace the transitions and let go of old habits that no longer serve us.

My journey is a testament to the idea that we all have the power to craft lives we love, no matter our circumstances or where we find ourselves. It's about staying true to our authentic selves and finding the freedom to create and live on our own terms.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kelly Wynne for allowing me to share my incredible journey with her. Her wisdom, vulnerability, and authenticity are truly inspiring.

Thank you for joining us on this creative journey, and remember, you are made remarkable.

Stay creative, stay inspired, and keep crafting a life you love.

You can listen to the full episode here: https://www.maderemarkable.com/blog/9...

Warmest wishes

Even though reflecting on my life is something that I value, right before my birthday every year, I get a little frantic about it. How is it possible to have time pass so quickly? Have I done enough this past year? Have I accomplished enough? Is this what midlife is all about? Am I going through a midlife crisis in my own way? Am I any wiser? Instead of ruminating and spiraling, I decided my energies would be better spent drafting a list of lessons I have learned (and continue to be reminded of) that may offer insight and wisdom to others. 

This exercise is not just about personal growth, but about sharing the collective wisdom that comes with the passage of time. So, as I embrace another year, I offer these 45 reflections as a gift to anyone seeking a little extra clarity and perspective in their own life.  

Lead with kindness.

Life is full of contrast, learn to embrace it.

Don’t block your blessings.

Play needs to be an essential part of our everyday lives.

Making time for yourself matters.

Making time for your loved ones matters.

Everybody needs a creative outlet and a way to express themselves.

Follow the fun.

Find what nourishes you.

Be open. Be mindful. Be intentional.

Action brings clarity.

Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks. They just have to be willing to learn.

People can actually change if they really want to. (People are a lot like dogs.)

Healing and recovery is a process.

Learning is a lifelong process and can be so fulfilling if you lean into things you love.

There are just people out there who feel more comfortable being miserable. You don’t need to spend your time convincing them otherwise. Let them be and you can still be your happy self!

Create space, pause, and breathe to be present in your life.

Seeing the world through young bright eyes (my kids, as an example) never gets old.

Protect your energy.

Rest is productive.

I need to work on my “rest ethic”. (I just learned what that was last year!)

Health, wealth, and happiness might look different as you grow and evolve.

In order to see more clearly, sometimes you just have to stumble your way through the darkness.

Prioritizing your peace fosters well being.

Your inner critic often sucks.

Everyone’s life has its highlights and heartaches. 

Mundane, routine, and ordinary moments are worth appreciating.

New paths are made by walking, not waiting.

Stay focused but flexible. 

Suffering is released through surrender. 

Stay curious, allow yourself to expand in ways you never thought possible.

Consistency creates momentum.

“No thanks” doesn’t need to be followed by anything else.

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts and contributions a person can make to loved ones is prioritizing their own healing.

You can do hard things with ease.

The less I complain, the less I’m given to complain about.

Just because something used to work a certain way, doesn’t mean you need to continue doing it.

Be relentless in pursuing what lights you up.

Cultivating calm is a practice worth pursuing. It leads to greater inner peace and resilience.

Compassion is a gift. 

Feeling at peace is better than feeling the need to control.

Wander towards wonderful

Always find the glimmers, and be grateful for all that you have and all that you don’t.

Give yourself grace.

Keep having fun.

Would love to know which of these resonates with you or if you have others you would like to share! Thanks so much for being here - whether you’re new or have been reading this blog for years. I appreciate you so much! Hoping to find out why the backlinks/photos aren’t working to the older posts around birthdays, but I thought what you could see of this post from 9 years ago was quite the gem.

Disclaimer: While the accommodations for this post were gifted, all opinions shared here are solely my own. I believe in providing genuine feedback to my readers and maintaining authenticity in my content. Your trust is important to me.

As the end of summer break approached, our family of four embarked on an adventure that seamlessly blended relaxation and activity. Our destination? The enchanting Alisal Ranch – a place where nature's beauty and cherished togetherness become one. Let's relive the treasured moments of the only road trip we took this summer and bask in the magic we found there. Amidst breathtaking landscapes, we discovered the magic of quality time with loved ones. From tie-dye fun with the kids to unforgettable evenings with cherished friends, every moment was a masterpiece. This is the story of the incredible memories we crafted during our retreat at Alisal Ranch.

The drive up from Los Angeles took us just over 2.5 hours and through Los Padres National Forest. Once we got to Alisal Ranch, it felt like a breath of fresh air as we were greeted by a backdrop of rolling hills, serene meadows, and adorable animals. 

Our Superior Cottage was spacious with a sofa bed (queen-size) and Murphy bunk beds in the living room. We loved that the kids had their own separate bathroom. The master bedroom had a very comfortable king-size bed and a generous bathroom with a luxurious bathtub that included all the accessories one could want for a relaxing bath, including a candle and the best smelling salts.

On our first evening, we were treated to a delightful Lake BBQ. Excitedly, we climbed onto a haywagon that took us for a 10-15 minute ride through a gorgeous and tranquil backdrop to Alisal Lake. It was so tranquil that Juniper fell asleep on me. The picnic tables were set up with chips, salsa, guacamole and ice waters. With her asleep in my arms, I was able to nibble on the snacks while JC and Jack went to get food. JC made my plate and I might have had him get me a second helping of the delicious crab cakes. Jack especially loved the shrimp and corn, and when Juniper finally woke up she kept asking for more rice, fish, fries and dessert. We took some photos as the sun set over the calm lake, making the evening truly magical.

The next morning started off with a magical sunrise horseback ride. Though I was the only one in shorts, our guide Claire, and my horse, Thor, made me feel at complete ease. It was only the second time I had ever been on a horse, the first being when I was just 7 years old. The scenery was stunning and I felt so relaxed the entire beautiful trek to the historic Adobe Camp for breakfast. JC and the kids joined via haywagon and we enjoyed a delightful breakfast where Jack couldn’t believe they flipped the pancakes up in the air to land perfectly onto our plates.

When I got back, I found the rest of the family at the Kids Club. They were playing with Play Doh and had already done another craft. Among the highlights of our day was doing tie-dye. We brought our own tees, though they have a variety of sizes available. They really are experts when it comes to the activities and I appreciated the guidance while having a fun hands-on experience for the whole family. There was another kid about Jack’s age who happily helped us through the process as well. The vibrant shirts are symbolic of how we all make each other's lives more colorful and connected.

A magical evening with best friends who drove up from Ventura turned into a dinner and dance party. Laughter, stories, and starlit dancing reminded us that happiness is found in the presence of cherished friends.

On our last morning, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. Then Jack and I decided to take the shuttle to the lake to try fishing once again. They made it so easy for us beginners, from attaching the bait, to unhooking and throwing the fish back in after we caught them. Alisal Ranch has curated activities for every family member, ensuring everyone feels engaged and valued. From golf (which JC would definitely do next time) to boating to horseback riding to arts and crafts, each moment was a shared delight.

Our Alisal Ranch getaway wasn't just a trip; it was a tradition in the making. It taught us to appreciate nature's beauty and the presence of loved ones, leaving lasting imprints on our hearts. If you’re into watching videos, here’s what I captured from our trip, edited down to just over a minute.

On our drive home, we reminisced and held onto the precious memories we'd created. This trip underscored the beauty of simplicity, togetherness, and the bonds we strengthen when we escape into nature with the people we hold dear. With tie-dye shirts as our tangible keepsakes, we carry the spirit of Alisal Ranch's magic and our shared love. We are already looking forward to our next visit and will definitely be bringing more friends along for the experience.

I’ve got 2 free printables to share with you inspired by this YouTube video.

Feel free to print out the one that’s already filled in for you or the one where you write your own in the colored bubbles. If you care to share on social media, please tag me so I can get more ideas!

DOWNLOAD THE PRE-FILLED ONE

DOWNLOAD THE BLANK ONE

Well hello there - it has been a while since I’ve blogged. I kept thinking I would come back to it. And then I didn’t. And now I think the time has come!

What are the creative activities you enjoy most right now? Have they brought you a sense of flow and lightness for a while? Or is it a new hobby you've recently picked up? Lately all I want to do in the studio is paint and PLAY. Do any of the quotes on this journal spread resonate with you?

Instead of fighting this feeling of desiring to play all day, I shifted my perspective recently and decided it was ok to operate in playful flow for the rest of the year. Of course I will still do work and the typical obligations of life. But I am prioritizing PLAY and PEACE.

I have given myself the permission to let the creative juices flow in whatever way feels best and I hope you can do the same for yourself. It's truly such a gift. Whether you love cardmaking, embroidery, baking, or mixed media journaling, making space to do the things you love is essential to well-being and happiness. 

As many of you know, one of the things that gives my heart a lot of joy is my DreamBox from Create Room. If you made it to the Creator Club event, then you heard about the Black Friday sale (starts tomorrow) and gift I want to give you if you order a DreamBox using my code, AMYTANGERINEBF. You'll get a custom piece of digital art that's personalized and made just for you to print and hang in your craft room or put into your DreamBox! Simply send a snapshot of the receipt to this email along with what colors you love and what you want the art to say. It will be a custom collaboration of sorts! Looks like the first 375 orders will get another something special too.

Have you ever purchased something and wondered how you ever lived without it? That’s exactly how I feel about my craft organization and storage unit - the DreamBox from Create Room!

The DreamBox gets my creative juices flowing in so many ways:

Having my tools and supplies out of my way and organized in designated shelves gives me a fresh slate to start working on new projects.

My DreamBox is organized in rainbow order. Just looking at all those pretty colors fills me with so much happiness and inspiration! 

Having my supplies displayed in the DreamBox (instead of hidden away or piled up) motivates me to actually use them to create. 

The DreamBox is like a craft room/office in a box! It’s great for when you don’t have an extra room in your home to spare. 

Check out my video tour of my DreamBox and my studio here!

Right now, you can get your very own DreamBox too during Create Room’s 4th of July Sale! This is the biggest discount they have on the DreamBox at the LOWEST PRICE EVER!

Use code AMYTANGERINESTARS to get 15% off the DreamBox. Plus save even more during this sale - 

Get 20% off Accessories (my favorite is the Paper Organizer), the DreamCart, & the Sew Station with code AMYTANGERINEFOURTH

15% off the new cubby with code AMYTANGERINECELEBRATE

Canadian friends get 15% off EVERYTHING with code AMYTANGERINECANADA 

You’re getting early access to Create Room’s biggest sale TODAY, June 25th @ 11 am MT (10 am Pacific) through July 6th @ 11:59 pm MT (10:59 pm Pacific). 

Got a question about the DreamBox or about craft organization? Let me know in the comments!

This post is sponsored by Rodan + Fields. All opinions are my own. My creative partners and I really appreciate your continued support.

Big change (even amazing joyful change) means it’s time to up the self-care. With two incredible children and one small business to take care of, it’s easy to let things fall by the wayside. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is to make time for those few moments alone, whether it’s a 5-minute meditation, quick stop to get a manicure or going for a short run. Even small moments of self-care can make all the difference in my ability to enjoy family time or challenging creative projects.

With so much emphasis on getting “back to normal” as quarantine gradually lifts, I want to make sure I bring my healthy habits with me. One of those habits is a simple skincare regimen to keep me glowing on and off camera. I love having one or two products (instead of something super complicated) so that if I want to shoot a quick video or go live on Instagram, I can do it with or without makeup. 

I’ve always had combination skin; it’s oily in my t-zone and dry everywhere else, so finding products that feel just right can be challenging. Dryness can cause wrinkles and fine lines and oiliness can lead to breakouts. If I’m busy or stressed, breakouts and wrinkles seem to magically appear. Luckily, I have two hero serums from Rodan + Fields that make all the difference in my routine:  REDEFINE Intensive Renewing Serum and  Active Hydration Serum. Both products are packed full of important ingredients to visibly improve firmness and elasticity. They make it easy to glow. 

Los Angeles is right in the middle of a dry, warm climate. The museums, palm trees and beaches more than make up for it but as summer approaches, the temperature is high and there’s little to no moisture in the air. Dryness can cause dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles – no thank you! While I do my best to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, my skin still needs that extra boost and that’s where the Active Hydration Serum comes into play. It boosts skin hydration levels by 200% using an awesome combination of Glycerin and cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid and even locks in that moisture so it can last all day long.

I love applying it just after cleansing and toning my face in the morning. It’s an excellent way to guard against the dry air as I go about my day. The serum is light-weight and absorbs right into my skin. It doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. Good skincare is all about consistency, so I make sure this small but vital step happens everyday. I can already see a major difference, especially in the places my skin needs it most. On especially hot or dry days, I’ll add it to my evening routine, as well. Of course, I always follow up with a good sunscreen to protect against UV rays. 

Ending the day on a good note is one of my favorite things. So before the bedtime stories and cuddle sessions, I dip into my favorite way to renew my skin. Once I cleanse and tone my skin, I add in the Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Intensive Renewing Serum. It is probably the most futuristic (and eco-friendly) part of my skincare routine. Each dose of the serum comes in its own little biodegradable capsule. It’s Goldilocks sized (not too big or too little) and once I twist off the little end and gently massage it into my face and neck, I can feel the Vitamin-A goodness sinking right in. Not only is it the perfect portion, the serum comes in capsules to make sure all 60 doses stay preserved so that it can do what it’s supposed to – keep my skin looking young and wrinkle-free. I love how self-contained this step in my routine is and my skin drinks it right up. 

If you caught yourself frowning over headlines in the past year, you were not alone. Trust me, there was plenty for all of us to think about. Thankfully, those worry lines are not permanent and neither is the constant stress and busyness that causes them. There are plenty of tools in my stash I keep around to help chip away at tension when it comes up and starts to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, mother of two, or happily employed at a traditional 9-5, remember to prioritize your self-care.

What products do you use to keep your skin happy? Have you tried Rodan + Fields ? 

This post is sponsored by Office Depot , all opinions are my own. Thanks for your continued support.

When I was looking for ways to organize my workflow for my small business, I knew I had to go back to the days where I did most of the planning on paper. For the multiple projects I have going on, it’s important for me to find creative solutions to help me stay organized and make the best use of my time. When putting together content for workshops (which happen to all be online right now), I use binders and file folders. When I was little, I used to play “office” and shuffle papers around. Lucky for me as a creative entrepreneur, I now get to spend time making stuff and sharing the joy of papercrafting! Since there are a lot of items that I create by hand, this is the best way I have found to keep everything in their designated places. 

Office Depot helps me stay organized with amazing products and services that can even be customized for my business. I use a checklist for workflow items, so instead of having to write the same list over and over, I was able to use Office Depot’s print services to create a self-inking stamp using my handwriting. I simply uploaded the design online and placed the order. The turnaround was quick and the in-store pick up seamless and straightforward. 

I love the idea of sharing systems that work for me and hope you enjoy the 3 L’s I recommend for approaching projects.

I always like to make a list when starting a big project. I don’t necessarily worry about the order of things at first. It’s more important to draft out the items and create a starting point. Although this can be done online, I prefer to do it on paper. 

It’s important to have things labeled so they have a designated spot to store. While having things scattered around my desk is sometimes necessary when creating, I find that it’s always helpful to create categories and labels for things. Having labels on file folders and binders is incredibly helpful and visually pleasing. The Avery dividers are great and not only color coded, but have a space to fill in the titles of each section.

This is when it’s really helpful to have simple items like paperclips. I can move clippings from magazines or sketches I have done around. It’s nice to be able to layer the ideas and concepts into each of the file folders as well, before it goes into the binder. When creating paper crafting projects, layering is also one of my favorite things to do. You can layer your ideas onto one another to create the best results for your project.

And if there was a 4th L, it would be Launch. Launch your ideas into the world - you never know who or what you’ll inspire.

Check out Office Depot for products and services to help keep you organized.