time standing still

Back in early March we came to terms really quick with the fact that this year would look very different. As a family we decided together that we would adjust our expectations, make changes, we would cancel plans and change our lives to stay at home.

On the business front I’ve pivoted more than I thought was possible. And when it comes to parenting, we’ve had to practice lots of grace. We decided that doing our our best (even if it’s messy) was enough. And even more important, we chose to focus on making memories. Those memories haven’t looked like things we do every year or the things we planned for 2020, they are aren’t fancy or spectacular but they are sweet and simple.

This holiday season we will continue to stay home, we will continue to pivot and do our best but I am going to do everything possible to create magic and memories for my kiddo. And when I’m very old, I hope to remember this time not only for the sadness or disappointment or the challenges that were overcome but as a gift and a moment where time stood still.

a peek inside my process: watercolor bouquet

happy weekend!

 

a peek inside my art journal

 

free notecard download for you

For those of you that woke up this morning prepared to keep fighting for the things you believe in, you are not alone. With the news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing, it is even more important to keep speaking out for civil rights, racial justice, women's equality, human rights and the soul of our nation.

This weekend I will be writing to my (and your) representatives. I made myself a couple of notecard designs that I wanted to also make available to you. I am putting them in envelopes but they can also be printed and used as 4X6 postcards.

Feel free to grab the download below and print your own!

DOWNLOAD HERE

a peek inside my process

new class! beautiful bugs

My summer lineup of online classes is in full swing and this week Beautiful Bugs launches! This is a fun little class exploring bugs through sketching and watercolor.

Note: During this challenging time in our country I know that so many people are on a budget so I am keeping many of my new classed marked down. Below are all the details:

BEAUTIFUL BUGS
NOW $10 (Regular Price $15)

Over time, I have discovered how beautiful, interesting and
inspiring the insect world is! They are beautiful, magical and are the perfect subject matter for drawing and painting. This little class is dedicated to exploring a variety of techniques to create bugs. We will be using watercolor painting and drawing to create a variety of beautiful and creative bugs.

All of my online classes have unlimited access which means that you can join in at any time, come and go as you please and create at your own pace! All ages and levels welcome! Visit my shop for more information or to register.

scrap paper collage

Looking for more collage inspiration? Check out my latest online class Creative Collage

a peek inside my art journal

beautiful details

a peek inside my process- watercolor bouquet

stencil and stamp with ferns

I have a soft spot in my heart for the wild ferns in Oregon. Did you know that The Pacific Northwest is home to about 40 different species of ferns and it seems everywhere you turn you are able to find these gorgeous green beauties. Every spring and summer our yard pops with ferns and I can't resist using them in my creative projects. Today I thought it would be fun to show you how I stencil and stamp with ferns in a variety of different ways. Swipe left to see a bunch of examples!

I have to first say that creating with nature is about discovery and engaging with your materials! Forget about perfection and things looking refined- instead challenge yourself to let go expectations and HAVE FUN!

I love to stamp with ferns. I will load them up with paint just like you would with a stamp. Then I press it onto my surface to get an imprint. I like to layer these imprints all over my surface to create a messy and organic surface design.

I also love to use ferns as a stencil. I use Dylusions Ink Spray or Marabu Acrylic Spray for projects like this but I don't always have spray on hand so I like to fill a mister with very saturated watercolor water or even ink. Pretty much any kind of fluid paint can be used to fill a mister.

There is not right or wrong way for this process! I like to arrange my ferns all over the surface and I enjoy getting creative with where I place everything and then I spray lightly over the top.

Using ferns as stamps and stencils on paper and canvas are one of my favorite ways to create colorful backgrounds.





I also like to use the same concept on fabric and I will use fabric paint and dye (I love Jacquard dyes) with the same stencil and stamping process on fabric.

This is a fun way to create one of kind fabric or scraps of fabric for sewing projects. For me, I enjoy using expressive free motion stitching to create patchwork art quilts or placemats.