❁ Create & Express ❁

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in] _________________________________ i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) — e.e. cummings

Create & Express 111 Eucalyptus Drive El Segundo, CA

Aaron Siskind

Artisan Q+A: Julissa of Lit Spirit Jewels For Julissa, a lifelong creative spark finds an outlet in her latest project, Lit Spirit Jewels. Wire-wrapping crystals into vibrant, energetic jewelry brings her into an inspired, meditative flow; it allows her to share beauty and uplifting vibrations with others. Read about our newest artisan's artistic evolution, sources of inspiration, and see the designs in-person at our unique boutique!            What do you create?   I create crystal and stone wire wrapped jewelry. At the moment I mainly create simple wire-wrapped jewelry such as pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Occasionally sketches and paintings as well so stay tuned.    Have you always been creative?    I’d say yes! When I was a child I loved playing outside. Sometimes I would wander around my yard collecting as many different colored plants as I could, to use them as my art medium on paper. It was one of my favorite things to do for a while. I also loved using poetry as a form of expression in elementary school. Mostly the extremely rhyming type. My elementary school vice principle really encouraged this in me, and got one of my short poems published into this book.     I do believe my high school art class and teacher was what really made me realize how much I loved the arts! Though it was a mandatory class in my school, I really loved expanding my skills with every new challenging assignment. I was close to choosing art - whether fine arts or photography - as my major after that class. Especially after getting accepted into the CalArts summer program the following summer, with the option of either a photography or fine arts focus! I ended up deciding on another major however, with art as a possible minor / hobby.     What people, places, idea, or things do you draw inspiration from?    I find myself drawing inspiration from deep emotions, the unspoken, unheard, or unexplored.      What is your favorite piece or style that you’ve created so far?      My favorite piece has to be the first couple of stones I ever wrapped when a friend taught me on a lovely retreat up in the Appalachian Mountains one Spring. It consists of a small white agate above a green calcite. I find this piece to be forever uplifting whenever I wear it. It never really lets me down.     How has your craft evolved?      It’s evolved in the sense that I like to make my pieces a lot neater, since they are now usually inquired upon. Basically, because now everything I create is usually for someone other than myself it’s got to be as precise and neat as it can be if it’s going out with my name on it. Besides that, all my crafts still include the same amount of thought and love they did from the very beginning! It’s got to be exactly what someone was looking for and nothing less.        What do you do if you feel like you’re in a creative slump or block? Retreating into nature always helps relax me and release any stress keeping me from creating what I desire. It can be a hike in the mountains, or a nice afternoon at the beach. Meditation is also another great way for me. I sit with myself and let whatever is causing those possible blockages arise from my subconscious. Then assess whatever thought as best I can to break through. How do you get into the creative zone?       Creativity and inspiration usually strike me like lightning! From that point on it is usually up to me to take advantage then and there, run with it, or “save it for later.” It has always really been that way for me. I can be doing anything, then get this creative urge where I drop everything and just go for it. It may not always result in the best creations, but is always a step forward, and very relaxing.       Favorite color?       I like yellow and purple!         Favorite music or song to listen to while creating?      Always something different.        Favorite place?          New places are my favorite.         What advice or encouragement can you give to someone just discovering their creative talents?         Believe in what you are driven to - with all of your might. Odds are, whatever you have to offer, no one else can! We are all unique and so are our creations! Do you have any goals you’re working towards with your craft?       Only to improve and expand!        What are 5 things you’ve been interested in lately?      Matcha Green Tea, Europe, Essential Oils, Music, Coffee        Share This Article On      Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest      Lit Spirit Jewels are available now at       Create & Express     111 Eucalyptus Drive     El Segundo, CA    310 . 955 . 7355      createandexpress.com

Moving into the new year, we definitely have some big plans and goals! We're keeping our abundance and manifestation stones close. If you're doing a new year meditation, crystal grid, or event, you may want to include these! Check out our blog to read more about these and four other stones for prosperity and good luck: bit.ly/1S2FUPX  MALACHITE // A stone of good fortune, abundance, and prosperity. Transforms the mental state and gives confidence. Brings productive and lucrative work into play. It instills confidence, responsibility, and willpower. An adventurous stone of transformation, it encourages smart risk-taking and change. AMAZONITE // Attracts focus and good luck. Often known as the "lucky hope stone," because it is said to align with your hopes and dreams, and empowers you to manifest them. As a magnifier of intentions, holding it while affirming your wishes aloud can powerfully enhance your ability to bring them to fruition. This specimen also has smoky quartz inclusions, known to keep negativity at bay. CITRINE // A stone of abundance, citrine teaches us how to manifest and attract wealth, prosperity, and success. This dynamic stone improves motivation, activates creativity, and encourages self-expression. Carrying the power of the sun, it is warming, energizing, and highly creative. Create & Express • 111 Eucalyptus Drive • El Segundo, CA

Carrie Fisher

What creative imaginings are you bringing forth today?

Colson Whitehead