Welcome to giveaway number two leading up to the September 1 launch of my new book, Move Slow & Make Things.  For this giveaway, I’ve partnered with Luxury Brands of America, a US distributor for fountain pens, inks, notebooks, and other fine writing supplies.  They carry some of my favorite fountain pen brands, such as Platinum, Waldmann, and Benu. One of the themes I write about in Move Slow and Make Things is buying and using tools and materials that honor your creativity.  This doesn’t mean you have to buy everything top-of-the-line, but it means you buy and use things that make your heart sing.  You not only buy those things, but you actually use them.  I know it sounds idealistic and romantic, but I will own that when it comes to creative supplies. I will admit that even just a few years ago, I didn’t understand the appeal of

Welcome to the first of several Move Slow & Make Things giveaways!  To celebrate the book and introduce the themes explored in these pages, we’re going to give away products and gift cards that highlight small creative businesses and showcase analog tools and materials that perfectly complement living a delightfully fulfilling creative life.  We’re talking fountain pens, inks, journals, heirloom gardening tools, antique-inspired small-quantity clothing, handmade pottery, and more.  I’m excited to partner with some of my favorite makers to offer up some beautiful products while also championing people who live out moving slow and making things. If you’ve missed it, you can read about the book and preorder it HERE.  You can also sign up to receive preorder bonuses, like a podcast-style series on creativity, a fine art print download, and a few other goodies. For this giveaway, I’m highlighting the maker Susan Dunn of Dunn by Designs.  Susan

I am so excited to finally reveal the title and cover for my new book – Move Slow & Make Things: Pursuing the Delightfully Fulfilling Creative Life. This book was born out of hundreds of conversations I’ve had with people over the years, in person, in small groups, and online, about creativity and what it means to be an artist.  Sometimes, the conversation starts with a question from someone seeking to make more room for creativity in their own life: How did you start painting?  How do you grow as an artist?  When did you consider yourself a writer or an artist?  How do I make time in my life for creative endeavors? Sometimes, the conversation starts with a remark that often stems from the assumption that certain artistic abilities are an elusive gift bestowed on only a few: I wish I could paint.  I’ve always wanted to do fill-in-the-blank.