Beautiful Things

I have not been able to articulate my thoughts and feelings into words lately so instead of putting that kind of pressure on myself I have decided to share some beautiful and inspiring things with you today.

I found out about these rugs by Amy Butler over at poppytalk and imagine filling my new home with them. Check out more rugs by Amy at amybutlerdesign.com/chandra

Love the constant flow of beautiful clothing from jcrew. Usually I don't buy clothes from here because the prices are a little high, but this season they have quite a few items that are splurge worthy and affordable.

I discovered an amazing photographer on Stephanie Levy's Artists Who Blog site called Bueller. Her photography is dreamy, ethereal, and simply stunning.

I think it is amazing how so much talent can be exposed and shared in this online world. I am inspired and lifted up daily by bloggers and artists who are able to showcase the talents of themselves and others. I hope you have a great Wednesday!

-me

House Hunting

Now that I know we will be moving I have been on a search for the perfect house to dwell in. Of course my taste is greatly different from my husband's. He would prefer something new, with little or no work that needs to be put into it, that feels clean and never lived in. I on the other hand wish I could live in a house like this....

Something with a little more character and spirit. A house that has a history and charm, even if it was built in the early 1900's. Oh and I definitely need a front porch. After living with one I will never go back. Why is it that some people (like my husband) don't understand that love for old historical homes. It's not that he doesn't appreciate older structures, its just that he doesn't want to live in one. His fear of drafty windows, rotting walls, and possibly ghosts may be the part of the reason why. At least we agree on one thing, we would both rather live out in the country rather than in a subdivision. This gives me an inch up on him because it is more likely that homes built out in the boonies will be old and historical. Just what I like ;)

Changes

I have been quiet this past week with lots of thoughts brewing in my mind. My husband and I received news that we will be moving to North Carolina for his job. At first I was reluctant and stressed. Moving from this house will be hard for me. It is our first home together. I have painted each wall a color I love. I have nurtured each corner and created a cozy space to live and create in. I need to view this move as an adventure, a fresh start, a new beginning rather than a bad thing. I trust that this is in the plan and I can actually feel that twinge of excitement brewing in my stomach.

Other than news of a move, I have been making an effort to truly enjoy the summer by grilling chicken and ribs, going on bike rides, hanging out with my husband, and trying to figure out everything from the move to my artwork. This weekend my husband and I are going to work on some house projects so that we can get our home ready for picture-taking. We have so much to do in such a short amount of time.

I have posted some new artwork in my shop and updated my shop banner. I really like the feel of my shop now as it feels more "me" and I hope to post more items throughout the weekend and into next week.

Hope you enjoy your weekend and soak in that summer heat!

Things to come

Hello friends. I would like to tell you that I am doing a revamp of my etsy shop. Over the past year I have allowed myself to try different things in the aspect of my art-making. I have experimented with different kinds of artwork from illustrations, whimsical prints, floral designs, large works on canvas, and of course my birds. This past month I started to realize that some of the things in my etsy shop didn't feel right to my current style, I have evolved and I always want my artwork to always be a reflection of me. I want the artwork in my shop to be things that come from my heart and to be things I love. Overall I would just like a more cohesive and clean looking shop.

As far as the new things you will be seeing in my shop expect splashes of color, organic shapes, old objects, and a little nonsense. I won't be getting rid of everything in my shop. It will just feel more like me! My shop is in vacation mode right now so I will let you know as soon as it is re-opened.

Here are a few pics of some new smaller works. I hope you have a great weekend and I will be back next week ;)

Me

Peeling back

I feel like I am on the cusp of something very new. Behind the scenes in my work space I have been creating some very abstract little pieces of artwork that is much different than the stuff that is currently in my shop. I know that over time an artist's work evolves and changes so I am not that surprised. This new way of making is very uninhibited. I do not think so much about what I am doing. I just do. It all started as a way to warm up before diving into something bigger I was working on. I will soon share some of this work with you ;)

Today is supposed to be a hot one. My sunflowers just started to open yesterday. Little by little the green folds give away to the yellow petals that are trying to make their debut. It's funny how we are not so different from these flowers. Sometimes a seed is planted in our brains and behind the scenes we slowly manifest what it is that is about to be created in our lives. Slowly we peel back the layers so we can show to the world what it is that god/universe wants for us to share. Not sharing will limit us. If you don't show the world your gifts you cannot inspire others to live authentically and fully. So if you love to write, share your writing with someone. If you love to paint, make a painting for someone. If you love to cook, fill someone's belly!

That's all I have to say about that for today :)

Peace out

jumping on the bandwagon

Mr. Jones ~ now in the shop

I have resisted the twitter craze for quite a long time. My sister called me the other day and said "Why are you not on twitter yet! It would be great for your business!" I had to agree. Networking and making connections is how people thrive in the online world. Not only that, but from what I've heard a lot of people have ditched facebook and other online social networking services for Twitter because it is more fast and easy. So come along and follow me. I will follow you. We will go from there because I have no idea what happens after that!

Today is Monday. I know not everyone is excited about that but I am hopeful on this monday!

1. Today I hope to be productive in my artroom. I have another bird painting to finish and then I would like to work on getting some prints made to list in my shop.

2. Today I hope the rain goes away for a while so I can finish mowing the back yard.

3. Today I hope to take a bikeride on the amish country road.

4. Today I hope for a surprise.

5. Today I hope my house magically gets clean. Ok that's pushing it. I know.

bonus room

Here is my completed bonus room. The walls were white to begin with and there were no other accessories except for the rug. I went to TJ Max yesterday and found two pretty silver lamps marked down to $30.00 each and I also purchased the four pillows which were 20 dollars a set. It is amazing how a little color can transform an otherwise dull space. I already had the vase and the cherry blossom branches from Pier One, but they used to be sitting in a closet collecting dust. The painting is one I purchased a few years ago and had not found a good spot for it until now. I am very happy with how it turned out. The other side of the room has a weight bench and an office desk. It is kind of a multi-functional room. I would show you the other side but it is still a mess! Oh and the color is by Behr paint and is called Studio Taupe.