September 1st seems like a good place to start.

Start nurturing some creative ideas.....
Start playing with my photography......
Start (restart) healthier habits.....

My plan is to do that by.....

Start incorporating photography and painting together. Feeling so inspired by an amazing artist I have seen on Etsy and on Pinterest: Mae Chevrette

I've picked up a serious Pinterest addiction over the summer....lol, anyone else?

Playing with my camera some trying to learn to shoot in manual. Here's a first share of a full manual shot I got of Em yesterday. I had to lighten it a little and played with it a bit in PS but I'm pretty pleased.

Feels good to be here with you today. I've missed my creativity and sharing with you all. :)

Hello, again....

I thought it would be nice to drop by keep my blog up a bit. I'm completely tapped out creatively and not attempting anything at the moment. But it actually feels ok right now and I know that it will be back. Cleaning mode has set in, so that's a good sign....lol.

Some cute pics of Emma and one of her friends from a couple of weeks ago. Editing these pics was the most creative thing I had to share. The actions are by Paint the Moon. Summer is here so we have lots going on....I'll be back. :)

Thanks for stopping by! It's nice to be here today. :)

just an encouraging word

Sometimes you read an encouraging word that reminds you of what you are doing it all for. I really needed this one today from the Brave Girls daily emails. Hugs my friends.

Dear Irreplaceable Girl,


It might feel like the progress has stopped, like things have been stuck for a long time, or like they might not ever go past where they are now. But, beautiful girl, if you are working towards the life you yearn for, or even just focusing your attention on what it will take to get there....things are happening to get you there that you don't even see.



Don't lose hope now...you have come so far, done so much, and created such beautiful pictures of it all in your head. If there are roadblocks along the way, just go around them, move them or find another way.


If your heart is telling you the way to go...GO! Even if it seems impossible, or terribly difficult, or futile. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy...and the way something hard-earned feels and tastes has no comparison...it is worth it!

 You can do this...keep up the great work and remember that tomorrow is a brand new day to wake up with a new attitude and a new commitment to do whatever it takes!



You are so loved!


xoxo

a little serious

Sometimes you don't need a smile, a serious look will tell the whole story for you. This look reminds me of so many things......

she's growing so fast
understands too much at times
is so lovely it hurts my heart
not a baby anymore
her emotions are so deep for an almost 6 year old
I would do anything for her

The colors were inspired by The Color Room 1 Year Anniversary!!! Thanks for inviting me back to celebrate with you this week, ladies!! :)

Amazing how color can set the theme, isn't it? When I first saw this palette for The Color Room 52th Palette, my heart sank......pastels are so not me. But, I thought, I'm going to go with the shabbiness and dusty feel and just embrace it. A little editing made the photo work perfectly with the colors and then it all flowed together.

I drybrushed some Antique White DecoArt Americana Acrylic on the edges to soften and give a more vintage feel to the paper. I added the beads to the center of the flowers by blobbing some glue in the center and then pouring on the beads.....I let a few scatter that had fallen in the glue.

Here's the inspiration and palette, hope you can play along! I linked the photo to get you started.

It's looking like a gorgeous weekend ahead. Spring break is almost over, it's been nice but I think we are all ready to get back on schedule, at least I am. ;)

More Hambly

Here it is almost the end of the month.....so I thought I would share my last Hambly projects as their March Guest Designer. Thank you again, Hambly and Allison!

Lots of bits and pieces in this one and I added in some stickers from Sassafras.

These cameos brought to mind a vintage feel. The rose is an antique from my garden and the chipboard butterfly by Imaginarium Designs.

Love the gorgeous intense colors that Leeann dyes her crochet pieces from the Chip Chop Shop!

It seems I haven't made my way here as often this month. So what have I been doing?

mental adjusting

laying in the sun

laughing with my daughter

playing with puppies

being inspired on pinterest

realising that I don't have to fill every moment with busy-ness

thinking about my personal identity

you see, for a long time in my mind I have been

the fat girl in the room

tried to be the popular scrapbooker

the perfect mother

and now I want to be

the healthy girl inside me

an artist that shares from her heart

the most loving mother I can be

I'm making good progress.

 

It's been a bit of a crazy week.....finishing up some projects and thought I would share a peek from the studio, since I can't reveal anything yet. ;)

Many, many layers of fabric, paint, stitching, beads.....love the textures.

It's amazing what a little paint can do......just dry brushed to distress and add a vintage feel. And more beads...something I'm liking right now.

We've got spring break next week and we're heading to the river for a few days. I'm looking forward to enjoying some family time. Thought I would just pop in for a minute to wish you all a wonderful weekend! :)

Upcoming Class with Bethany Kartchner

I just have to share an incredible project and class with you all today! My very dear friend, Bethany Kartchner will be teaching this class next month........for only $5......yes, that's right......$5!!!!!

An unbelievable value for the content and her amazing talent that she shares......here's a peek:



If you aren't familiar with her work....I can't say enough about how I love her and her whimsical style. She has graced 2 recent covers of Somerset publications and is a frequent contributor. Beth is an amazing woman that I truly admire, both artistically and personally. She has taught me a lot about balancing personal and artistic goals.

See you in class!!