Step by Step Canvas :)

Happy Friday everyone!! Today I'm sharing some shots of the process used to create my newest canvas! I had so much fun getting my hands dirty today...it's so hard to find time to sit down and create but when I do...I LOVE IT. Enjoy :)

Blank Canvas

Added a sewing pattern down and dotted some brown paint.

Used the end of a paint tube to smear the brown paint around on the raised surface of the sewing pattern.  Then did the same process with another shade of brown.

Smeared some yellow and then stamped some white!

I then used red ink to drip lines in the shape of a cross and then cut a heart out of burlap.

Next came stenciling the letters on! "It is finished."

After, I spayed some dye, added some white paint here and there, and then traced over the letters and lines with a black pen.

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Last but not least, I signed and dated the bottom!

And wa la!! My finished piece!! :)

Guess Who's Finally Back? :)

It's me again!! After waaaay too long I'm finally writing on here again...can you believe it?! What I originally guessed would only be a break for a couple of weeks turned into much much longer...and the longer I stayed away from my art the harder it was to get going again. Weird how that happens huh?

So today I'm officially starting to get back to business!! A LOT has changed since I last wrote on here...here's a quick summary of what I'm currently up to. I have a catering job about once a week and have been babysitting more frequently.  Due to a lot of transition at Discovery, I'm hoping to start stepping up more and become more involved in Remedy (youth and college ministry).  I applied to a local Bible College and was accepted! This was my first week of classes and even though it's going to be a lot of hard work, I'm super excited! 

All this to say, my schedule is no longer as open and free as it used to be and I'm definitely having to re adjust my art schedule and expectations. Even though I will no longer be able to do 15 hours of art each week...the art must go on!!! My new weekly goals are these: Blog once a week, and create for at least 5 hours a week. I'm ready to get going!

Today I made a mailbox via request from my mom.  She's buying it from me as a birthday gift for one of her friends. It was the perfect project to get me back into the swing of things!  All I know is that I've missed getting paint on my hands and glue all over me...and it feels so great to be creating again!! Here are the pictures from the mailbox I created today...hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

Have an absolutely beautiful rest of your evening!! Make every moment count. See you next week! :)

Check In!!

Happy day!!! I've been having a wonderfully, busy, yet beautiful last few days!! Was able to have a date with my mom, had some lovely ladies over to prepare some crafts for a friend's wedding, and was able to go down to Orange County and see so many people I LOVE!! It was truly perfect :)

Today I'm just doing a little check in...to say "Hello! I'm alive and doing beyond well!" Days continue to move past quicker than expected but I've been trying to enjoy every moment and truly loving each one!

Andrew's family gets back...TODAY!!!!!! They'll arrive in Arkansas around 4 something and we are beyond ecstatic that their two long looooong years are finally over and a new chapter is beginning!! Andrew and I leave on the 10th to go see them and we are so excited beyond words! Brian, Angela, Emily, Morgan, and JoJo....I love you all so much and cannot wait to see each and every one of you :)

As for the art...tomorrow is my planned big 'art day'! I've got two projects planned to do tomorrow and am extremely determined to get them both done! Hopefully some pics will be up when I do my last post for the month on Friday...I'm just ready all that's coming you guys. I'm so so excited and ready! Bring. It. On. 

July Goals and Updates!!

Congratulations! You've made it through another whole week!! And the weekend is officially here :) I'm starting off today by sharing a new frame that I made last week...it's super cute, super poka doty (yes I know that poka doty isn't actually a word), and super awesome for anyone wanting to add a little artful twist to any room! This lovely frame is available for purchase in my Etsy shop, located here.

It amazes me all that has been happening this summer and all that is still to come...SO. MUCH. GOODNESS!!! Andrew's family is coming back to America on Wednesday after two long years in Uganda, I've been doing the internship at my church and helping out with United One Summer Nights for Jr. High every Wednesday night, me and one of my best friends started going to the gym three times a week together, just said goodbye to one of my other best friends who is leaving tonight for a six week mission trip to the Philippines (still don't know what I'm going to do without her!!!), visiting Orange County so see my Dad and friends down there, spending time with my family in Simi, I'm going to be a leader with the ever so amazing Gina Valenti for Summer Camp in a week, the day after camp Andrew and I fly to Arkansas to visit his family, and then two days after we arrive back I'm in one of my beautiful friend's weddings! PHEW!! You're probably like, "Whoa." Oh trust me, I know...because I'm like, "Whoa" too ;)

All that to say...I'm very busy, rarely home, eating way too much fast food, probably going to bed way too late, and having the most amazing summer ever! I am truly truly blessed.

And amongst all of that (along with some babysitting and a new part time catering job on some weekends occasionally) I've been trying to still do my art.  Notice the word 'trying'.  Since my weeks have had things added into them since last months' 'goals' post, I realized that for this month I definitely need to be wise in what I plan since I struggled reaching some of those goals from June. Here's how I did...

I was able to add new types of art to my Etsy shop and was able to start on a new wooden canvas but haven't finished it quite yet (soooo close though!).  I was able to sell two pieces of artwork but definitely epically failed in the whole 'passing out business cards' area...oops. I was able to blog twice a week except for last week and was able to work 15 hours on my art for the two weeks of the month that I didn't have babysitting and catering added in...and last but not least, I was able to research places that I can try to sell my art in the next few months and am excited to share more details about all of that with you SOON.

Not exactly perfect, but out of those places of total and complete failure of goals comes motivation to continue trying harder next time.  So for this month I wanted to make some goals that would still push me yet not set me up to fail. Here's what I've got planned...

Goals for the month of July:
1. Finish the three pieces I've got planned/started on.
2. Blog two times this coming week.
3. Have the most amazing time at Summer Camp!
4. Have the most amazing time in Arkansas!
5. Enjoy every. single. moment.

That's me being honest with myself friends...honest with my limits and honest with where I want most of my energy spent this month. But don't you worry! I will definitely be jumping back in once August comes...

That's it for today lovelies! Talk to you next week...enjoy every moment of your weekend. Every single moment. 

June Photos :)

Hello everyone!! It's Wednesday and it feels so strange that it's been a whole week since I last posted! Crazy how busy summer weeks can get...crazy but GOOD!!

Today I'm sharing some highlights from June! June was an absolutely incredible month and I'm so thankful for every single blessing that came my way...I am continually in awe of God's blessings in my life! Here are some pictures to recap some of my favorite moments...some you've seen already, some you haven't! Either way, hope you enjoy this glimpse into my world :)

My 20th Birthday

Celebrating Hannah's 20th birthday!!!

Me and Hannah's combined Alice in Wonderland Themed Tea Party :)

Celebrating my birthday with my Dad in Catalina!

Celebrating our four year anniversary at the Great Gatsby Gala!

Father's Day!

Double date all day long with our amazing friends :)

Our four year anniversary <3

Simon and I during our first day at the gym together!

We found super heroes at church

Beach day with some of my favorite people! Photo credit: Gina Valenti Photography

Hang out at our house!!

All ready for the first Jr. High United 1 Summer Night! Go Red Team!!

Celebrating Melissa's birthday!

That's all today lovely friends!! I'll share in the next few days about some new artsy stuff coming and my goals for this amazing month of July...talk to you then :)

Simplicity

Good afternoon everyone! How did Wednesday creep up so quickly?? I guess being busy must have something to do with the missing time ;) The last few days I've been struggling with spending enough time on art stuff...I don't know why it's so hard for me to say 'NO' to spending time on other things sometimes...but luckily today I've been working away! I've got a few different projects I'm in the middle of and have some ideas for future ones too...I love love LOVE my job :) Below are some sneak peeks at the stuff I'm working on...

For some reason managing my time continues to be a big struggle for me...and I'm sure I'm not the only one out there feeling like there just aren't enough hours in each day.  There are far too many things I could be doing, people I could be seeing, places I could be going...far too many excuses I could use to tell myself, "I'll just do art tomorrow." Besides missing time with my creative business stuff there are also other areas of my life that feel like they're lacking...it's a balancing act that I just can't quite seem to figure out.  Luckily, I know I'm not meant to do it on my own...

The other day I went to a friend's garage sale and a book I had never heard of caught my attention...the title read, "Becoming a Woman of Simplicity." Those words spoke so loud and so clear and I immediately knew that I needed to buy it! What does it look like to be a woman of simplicity?  I started wondering. Someone who doesn't wake up tired in the mornings or run from place to place to place...someone who walks in quietness and confidence all throughout the day...someone who's face shines joy and peace rather than stress...someone who is fully living and enjoying each and every moment of each and every day. Because friends, sometimes I feel like I'm all doing the opposite of all those things...and I really don't want that to be ME.

I've only just started reading the book and already feel inspired.  It's actually a devotional with different verses and things to think about, and I love being able to look through it in the morning and remember that He has a plan for my day that is far better than mine...and that plan doesn't involve running myself dry.

So I'm excited and ready to see how God uses this newly found treasure in my quiet time with Him. I already recommend it to anyone else out there who might need a little extra daily reminder to slow down...breathe deep...and rest in His peace.

Have a wonderful super amazing next few days...and go enjoy the beautiful sun! :)

Three more SALE custom order spots!!!

Hello everyone! I realized that I hadn't posted another blog post for last week so...here it is! :) Today I'm sharing a piece that I just made for one of my friends. She was the first one to have a custom piece made for my 25% off discount AND then she ordered a second custom order too!! I'm incredibly grateful for her and hope that she loves what I've created...Thank you Simon for all of your continual support :)

I love love LOVE making custom orders! Since Simon has already taken two of the five spots for the 25% off custom orders, there are only THREE SPOTS LEFT!!! (I'm real good at math). Don't be afraid to ask me for what you'd like, the sale won't last forever...and I'd love to make you something super special! Monday is almost an hour away and with it comes a brand new week...It's going to be a good one guys, I can tell...it's going to be good :)

NEW Desk Mailbox!!!

Hello everyone!! I wanted to start by sharing that it's my FOUR year anniversary with my sweet Andrew today! Where has the time gone?! The Great Gatsby Gala we went to on Friday night was SO much fun and now we're both really wanting to learn more swing.  This morning we went out to breakfast to celebrate and even though he's at work for a while today, we'll be celebrating again tonight over dessert.  I'm so excited and so so thankful to have him in my life. I love you Andrew!!

Here's a picture of us before leaving for the Great Gatsby Gala :)

Today I'm also sharing a brand NEW item that I just added to my shop...a little desk mailbox!! I don't know about you, but for some reason I've always thought that mini mailboxes were super cute (I know I'm weird)...and I finally decided that since I like them so much, I should start making my own! It was honestly so much fun to make and wasn't that hard to do. Here are the pictures of my NEW Beauty Surrounds- Desk Mailbox available for purchase in my Etsy shop, here.

I'm very happy with how it turned out and looking forward to making more! I've really been loving being able to make new things and experiment with new ideas...makes it much more exciting that way when I never know what I'm going to find or do!

Still offering 25% off the next FIVE custom orders! So far I've only had one person come to me...come on guys, don't be shy!!! Dream big and lemme know your ideas!!

Last but not least for today, I wanted to share a quote that might sound silly to some but really, reeeally speaks to me.  Not sure who it's by but I saw it on a bookmark that my sweet friend then bought for me.  I think she saw my entire face light up when I read it...  It reads, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." That's exactly what I've been praying for.  That God would help me continue confidently down this road I've started down and that, through Him, these passions of mine would turn into something I could do and prosper from for the rest of my life.  I've got so much I'm imagining and dreaming...and I love knowing that He sees all of it.

He sees your heart's desires too.  Confidently walk towards them friends...you'll be surprised where He'll take you.

Get 25% off ANY custom order!!!!

Friday has arrived!!! Quickly too I might add.  Tonight Andrew and I are going to celebrate our FOUR year anniversary (which is really on June 18!!) and are going to a Great Gatsby Gala Event!! Dinner, swing dancing, and live music...and of course we're dressing up 1920's...I can't wait, I absolutely can not wait!! :)

I also finished the two journals I've been working on via my friend's order! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who are continually encouraging and supporting what I love to do...it's truly one of the best feelings in the world.  Here are some pictures of the custom journals...see what you think!

Journal 1 Front

Journal 1 Back

Journal 2 Front

Journal 2 Back

I really enjoy doing custom orders for people...in fact, I love it. SO because of my love for creating custom orders, I'm offering 25% off the next 5 custom orders placed!!! And it can be ANY custom order! Been needing to get a gift for a friend or family member? Want it to be personal and one of a kind?? Or, have you been eying some of my work secretly wanting something just for you?! Here's your chance! Journals, mini journals, tags, canvases, letters/numbers, or even something else...you tell me what you'd like! (Other ideas include but aren't limited to: frames, bulletin boards, chalk boards, wooden cutouts e.g. birds, bird houses, desk mailboxes, wooden jewelry boxes etc). 

Have any questions about a super awesome amazing idea you have?? Please feel free to ask me and I will try my very best to make your dream come alive!!

Please contact me either in person, by phone (for those who have my number), here on my blog, or by Facebook! I can't wait to create something just for YOU :)  Have a beautiful weekend friends.

Birthday Goodness!!

Me again!! :) Like promised in my last post...I'm sharing pictures today! This weekend marked the end of all my birthday celebrations.  Lemme just say, I have NEVER had so many different celebrations for one single birthday...and it was So. Much. Fun!  After all the absolutely insane amount of birthday goodness, I decided to share a few pics to share my 20th birthday with all of you!! Thank you so much to every single person who made my birthday so so special...

Me and Hannah's surprise Birthday Party!! Our boyfriends are so so sweet!

My actually Birthday! Yummy breakfast, Malibu Creek, and Cho Cho San's for dinner!

Me and Hannah's Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!!

Birthday celebrations with my Dad in Catalina!!

All of this plus a day walking around Downtown Santa Monica with my mom AND a night out doing fun things with friends marks all of our birthday amazingness! I was completely blessed...no, beyond blessed by everything.  I know that I will never ever forget these last two weeks and all the time, effort, and love that friends and family poured into making it to special. 

Thank you so much Lord for surrounding me with such love...I am overwhelmed.

Besides finishing birthday stuff, I've been working on some special art journals that one of my really good friends asked me to make for her!! (You know who you are!) I've been feeling so much support from her and others around me and it's so crazy to see my stuff starting to sell.  Ahh!!! I can't wait to see what God does...it's going to be good friends, it's going to be good :)