love.

valentine’s day is just next month! the past 2 weeks I have been consumed with creating a collage paper pack that can be used to create cards or do some art journaling with! I think I stumbled upon it!=) check out the listing to the right ----> or here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/120911866/valentine-collage-paper-pack
my husband & I played with the collage packs at different times & came up with these stellar valentine’s cards!
 

grungey, rawker card…

   


the important stuff…


the special delivery. =)

back view


the middle schooler…



the middle schooler, back…

the possiblilities are endless! pick up a collage paper pack today & PLAY!=)

giving.

I am a giver. if I see something for someone that I know they’ll love, it’s hard for me not to get it for them! I don’t believe in giving gifts simply for birthdays & at christmas time… everyday of a person should be celebrated!
during the month of november, my family & I have decided to bless someone weekly… I love the smiles & happiness it evokes when we show up & say “just because...”
there was such a huge response to last week’s art piece “my cup overflows” that I picked a “winner” to receive a custom 8X10 original! I really hope when she opens her package she has a huge smile on her face!=)



my cup is still overflowing with blessings! [& a studio full of paper & paint!]
now, off to create another piece! <3

overflowing.

hello! so glad you could drop by…
for the last month or so, I have been in a dry place. feeling as if I forgot how to create…
my aunt recently died of cancer… the day after my mom had surgery for breast cancer. when emotions are thick, I usually process with some art. melanie testa of http://melanietesta.com/ had put out the word about a project called “breast pockets” bringing awareness to breast cancer & “flatties” [women who chose not to have reconstructive surgery]. this was just what I needed to get creating. I made 2 pockets, one in memory of my aunt [tia josie] & one for my mom, who is being so brave through her whole ordeal with cancer.

[the red one is my aunt’s & the pink one is my mom’s].


[my mom, a week after her surgery].

we’re coming up on thanksgiving & my heart has been full. I just feel so blessed… that my mom made it through surgery; that the doctors are optimistic about her recovery; that I have an awesome husband; healthy, happy, little girls; a baby growing inside; an amazing, supportive, family; & a place to spread out & create!
yesterday, I cranked out this piece that summed up my feelings:



indeed it does…
have a lovely week! =)

productive.

the day started a lovely shade of gray. the sun hidden behind the hazy clouds…perfect for a walk with a friend. so off we went with a baby & dog in tow. it was nice time.
zona [my dog] has been tuckered out since the walk...


I felt a little lost today… wondering what to do with the rest of my day. the studio is tore up [again] as we are getting shelves hung…

it’s been hard to find supplies & climb over things. I needed some gratitude & contentment, so I started snapping picts of some of my favorite things that make me smile.
glitter in tiny bottles with corks…

bright ribbons…

favorite pencil containers…

patterned papers…

& the reminder that creativity is for daily use!=)

also, I ran into these words “being happy is productive.” =)
so, I have had a productive day indeed…
have an amazing day!

crayons.

I’m back & healed up…
one of my favorite smells is crayons! it has to be crayolas, no other brand will do! I also love how rich the color is & the smooth lay down. I was [ & still am] excited when I break into a brand new box of crayons! it takes me back to my childhood of crayons & paper & coloring books!
today’s art video is some crayon, wax art! enjoy & have a most excellent week! <3

patience.

i know i have not been around much lately... i have been struggling with some health issues. just this past tuesday i had my tonsils removed. i haven't been doing much past sleeping. my hubs has been holding this place & the little girls together. 
i'm very frustrated. i want to play with art supplies, but i am barely muddling through this post without my eyes rolling back into my head! there is so much life zooming by or so it seems! so right in this moment, in this day, i am being reminded to have patience with myself & those around me. so, i call upon your patience as well... to wait for the next blog post with pictures included!
before i sign off & head back to bed, i want to tell you about "art abandonment." it is this group of artists on facebook [& all over the world] who make art just to abandon it! we leave little or big bits of artsy goodness wherever we want! i am so excited to be part of this movement! i designed & printed my cards yesterday & can't wait to start abandoning pieces. 

have an excellent weekend.

relax.

american culture is so consumed with a fast-paced life. go-go-go until you can’t go anymore. we place unreal expectations on ourselves & those around us to be up to par, but where does this get us? it gets us full of anxiety & worry.
it is okay to relax. take a walk. draw. paint. watch a movie. lay in the hammock. read a book. journal. take a run. play guitar. chat with some friends on the porch. take pictures. journal. get a massage. give a massage. sit in the garden. stare at the stars. cry. laugh. love. enjoy each moment…


two, little artists at work!


the wee one drawing.


my hubs fueling the inspiration with some guitar. <3


my feet & art!

*** a big shout out to vanessa [my massage therapist] for aiding in my relaxation today! =) follow her on pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/vjmoyers/ ***
well, I’m off to shovel cow poo! the things that make me giddy! haha. have a most excellent week, friends.

home.

it’s monday & that means we are all at home. our favorite place to relax & just be.

the little girls have a playhouse where they make delicious mud concoctions…

this is where they spend 90% of their time. [what do you think of the paint job?!? =)]

while they were making pies & I was making this birch wood hanging…

brian was serenading us on his guitar.

living creatively is how we roll!=)

saltwater.

I absolutely LOVE this piece of art/quote & wanted to share it with you! it is by mae chevrette…

you can purchase this print at http://www.etsy.com/listing/76774565/holiday-sale-the-cure-for-anything-is?ref=pr_shop

be sure to check her other pieces out as well!!! ♥