The Internet - your new best friend!

So we all spend time on the net - after all, it is the new time sucker of our generation! Back in the day we would spend time going to the library and pouring through art/craft magazines, or books to find a project to get started on. Now we are more than likely to search for the information online. However, the results are often better than any book or magazine. You can find videos, podcasts, blogs, websites, groups and forums full of information that provide ideas/help - all in the comfort of your fave PJ's and sipping your fave brew(or vino).

With time at a premium, your next project or idea is only a few clicks away. Schedule some Internet time for yourself to look for inspiration. A simple Google search can uncover the secrets to felting, a recipe to make your own Organic Orange loaf, the technique of wire wrapping, how to make a bag out of gaffa tape or even a step-by-step guide on making your own pair of shoes! A huge and varied amount of information.....

The secret to using the Internet for ideas is to be organized. Schedule a set period of time per day/week and make sure you stick to it. No point in using your spare 2 hours every week solely for Internet use. Trust me, it gets you nowhere.

So to help you out, here are some websites that have been helpful to both of us as we develop our skills and acquire new ones.....


** Good websites with step-by-step instructions on lots of projects/art techniques **

http://www.youtube.com
http://www.marthatstewart.com
http://www.instructables.com/


** Good websites to get inspired by other artists **

http://www.juxtapoz.com/
http://www.flickr.com/
http://www.lostateminor.com/
http://www.watim.com/

** Good websites to see how other artists are making money off their respective arts/crafts (if this is the direction you want to go with yours) **

http://www.etsy.com/
http://www.ebay.com/
http://www.madeit.com.au/
http://www.redbubble.com/

These are just a few. Please feel free to share others with us that you find along your travels......

Have a great weekend all!

claudes