In celebration of getting a new machine and the ability to work on my photography again, I figured I'd better feature some Etsy photographers. I've been lucky enough to stumble upon some really amazing artists and share them with you. Enjoy!

Click on the images to go to their individual listings on Etsy.

Polaroid
Pocket Memories is a collaborative project by Coeurenbois (Marta Vallejos) and Buhoazul (Eduardo Martinez) focusing on "vintage and alternative photography."  They offer originals and prints of their Polaroids ranging from $15-$300.  With these two very unique, but cohesive eyes, you're bound to find something just right for you.

Pledge to this week's featured Kick Starter and help an artist keep a long term promise to his mother.

How can you resist this one?  Rick Pierce made a promise to his mom when he was 16 that he would take care of her 1972 Super Beetle as he grew up.  So far, he's managed to do so.  However, as you can imagine, over the years it's gone from old to older to just not workin' anymore.

I'm sure you've guessed by now what this Kick Starter is asking for, but I'll tell you anyway.  Rick wants to get the ol' clunker back up and running again and that takes a good chunk change. 

$2,000 is the goal and (as with every Kick Starter) you get a little something depending on how much you pledge.  You can get a couple fun little things for $10 and under, but the real prizes (besides knowing you helped out of course) start at $50+. 

Pierce is a graphic designer and he will design an advertisement for you at $50, design a logo for $100, album cover or letterhead package for $250 or an entire site for $500 (limited to 10 people).  So basically, you're not just helping a guy's dreams come true, you're getting an insane deal on some professional graphic design for your brand/site. 

Dude.

FYI, before you wonder if he's planning to sell the car or anything like that, check out the Kick Starter page for some FAQ. The short of it, he's gonna keep it for his family and pass it on to the next generation.

Follow Up on past featured Kick Starters:

• Shaker Love still needs your help. 41% funded - 22 days to go
• My Best Khaki Pants - Success!
• Bit Parts Photographs - Success!
• Noon Design Studio - Success!
• Sound Through Sight - Success!
• Artist - Pandhandler Partnership Success!
  

After what felt like years, but was actually just a few months, I have a new computer!  And by the most amazing stroke of luck, it was gifted to me. What does this mean? Well first that I am suddenly the luckiest gal in NYC, but more importantly I can finally get back to work on my photography.

Honestly, there is nothing like being able to concentrate on your art stress free.  This never really occurred to me until these last few months when processing a simple photoshop action took 20 minutes...or crashed the program.  When uploading became an hour long process.  Hell, even blogging was becoming a serious hassle (typing with a lag = tearing out hair).

It's like I was trying to paint with a paintbrush that had no bristles. It can be done, but I'd rather poke my eyes out.

Of course now I have a shitload of catching up to do so here's a few quickies I played with today when I finally got everything up and running. (see a few more over on my Flickr page).

Anything like this ever happened to you?  Is there something you simply can't live without (as I clearly discovered is the case with me)?  Ever have to paint without bristles?

Print out these super cool Bookplates from Deisgn Sponge. All you need is a printer, paper, scissors and some glue. Oh, and of course a book or two...



Who needs boring bookmarks when you can make these cuties from Light Studio.  Paper clips, ribbon, scraps, buttons, other embellishments and some glue is all you need to get this project done!



Got some old tile laying around? Turn it into handy countertop message boards with Courage to Create.  Add some little felt or cork feet and grab your dry erase markers...tada!



Just a little chalkboard paint and chalkboard and you've got these easy to label canning jars by Flighty Girl.  Just think of all the things you could label...muuhahahaha!

I find myself so overwhelmed with the day to day sometimes that when I actually sit down to create (when I make the time...which I must make more of as well), I'm totally blocked.  Or even worse, totally indecisive.

Thankfully the web has become an incredible source for inspiration.  A couple of clicks and I have a new idea or two.  (The key is not to get too distracted of course.)

There are probably thousands of resources on the web about how to battle a creative block so I'm gonna go ahead an make a little list for you. Now you can skip the Googling and get to the creating. 

You're welcome. 

• Overcoming Creative Block by ISO50: A really incredible article ISO50 asks 25 different artists how they combat creative block. This is a must read.
• The Creative Drive by Design Informer: A great post for designers (and other artists alike) on how to stay inventive and deal with creative "burn out". 
  
• Six Ideas for Breaking a Creative Block by Jennifer Farley: Six very simple ideas to get your creative blood flowing and some great ideas in the comments as well.
  
• 10 Tips to Avoid a Creative Block by Inspired Magazine: 10 great tips from Jacques van Heerden's (freelance digital artist) point of view on how to avoid a dreaded block.
• Beat the Creative Block by NetMag: A long but well thought out article on what creative block is and how to combat it. Well worth the read. 
• 10 Ways to Beat the Hell Out of Creative Block by Outlaw Design Blog: Danny Outlaw lays it out plain and simple with these easy ways to beat a block.
  
• How Do you Beat Creative Block on Fuel Your Creativity: This site brings up the question and you'll find some great answers in the comments.  Check it out and add your own.