http://www.artellawordsandart.com
So named for being a fusion of ‘art’ and ‘telling’, this website began
life as a magazine, featuring the collaborative works of artists and
writers, but has quickly grown into a support network and community for
creative people. Whether you are an experienced artist, a home
schooling parent or enjoy creativity merely as a hobby, there really is
something for everyone here.Visually the site is a stunning
collection of digital images that invite you to dive in and explore the
links. A good starting point is to check out the full colour bi-monthly
magazine, with its unique mix of thought-provoking prose and mixed
media art. I haven’t seen anything quite like this publication before
and as it is loaded with art workshop kits and a CD-ROM, it makes for a
truly interactive experience. You can buy either a sample copy of the
magazine or take up a regular subscription and if this gets your
creative juices flowing, try submitting a piece of work to the magazine
via e-mail; as contributions are always welcome. As an alternative,
subscribe to an electronic version of the magazine that has a slightly
different format, but is no less enjoyable.If you’re stuck for
gift ideas, take a look at the online market place. Each artist has
their own homepage that allows visitors to make a personal connection
with the maker. Ordering is both easy and secure, and you can have
hand-made items such as note cards, jewellery, ceramics and paintings
delivered to your door. Some artists also sell an interesting range of
e-products including cards, puppet kits and books that you can download
for a small payment. I like the way these particular makers are using
the technology in a creative way and I think it can help give you
ideas, too. As an example, I recently designed a selection of my own
e-cards inspired by work I had seen on the site. Should you prefer to
get more ‘hands-on’ and create your own art, go to the general store
and browse the inspiring collection of themed card and collage kits
that can be ordered there on-line.
For a regular burst of
inspiration, you can subscribe to a free newsletter that is sent
directly to your inbox. The tone of the newsletter is always upbeat
with lots of tips for writers and artists, details of competitions,
interesting links and other events in the virtual world of the arts. I
always look forward to receiving my newsletter and several projects
have evolved from ideas and tips given in the contents. If you can’t
wait for the twice-monthly newsletter, click on the news blog instead
for hot-off-the press news, sales and freebies several times a week.The
community sections are worth exploring, as well. Joining an e-mail
discussion group is a great way to interact with like-minded people,
learn about new creative processes and at the same time, share your own
project tips with others. Finally, why not immerse yourself completely
and become a Member. For a very small monthly membership fee, you will
receive daily e-mails to help get your day off to a creative start,
discounts on lots of products including e-courses to stretch your
skills even further and the opportunity to take part in virtual
Members’ parties; a truly fun way of technology bringing people from
all over the world closer together.This site receives several
thousand visitors per month and is peppered with glowing personal
testimonies. They make for great reading and you can see how becoming
part of this creative circle can change your life. I know it changed
mine – what better testimony can you give than that. So if you fell the
need for more creativity in your life, type in that URL and you won’t
look back!