There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort...with a new mug!

After a sun-filled weekend, we're back indoors on this blustery, last day of March. But I just got a new gardening catalog in the mail today and I picked of this gorgeous green ceramic glazed mug for just $4 yesterday at Walmart (I know!). If I must be inside, I can't think of a better way to spend my last day off this week than with a hot cup of chai as I dream up ideas for this year's outdoor palette. After all, sometimes 'there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort'. (Jane Austen)

Sneak Peak...NEW Flower Art Coming Soon!!

It's been a while (read: several years) since I've sat down with pencil and paper and actually created something brand new...to say that life got in the way is a major understatement. But now that I'm getting back in the swing of things I've decided I want to take my shop in a 'new' direction. Get back to my 'roots', so to speak, and do more of what I've always loved about art (like drawing!) and less of what I didn't love so much (like doing the same thing over and over and over again). The nice thing about starting over is that I no longer feel constrained by the need for a steady income. I don't have to keep doing something I don't enjoy just because it sells well. Of course, I want my shop to make money. But this time I won't let that stop me from doing what makes me happy.
. . .
So anyway...this is a drawing I am working on that I hope will turn into a line of new hand-drawn prints, featuring beautiful & whimsical artwork mixed with inspiring quotations. This one will read, "Bloom Where You're Planted", which has become the mantra of my life.

Blue Bottle Garden Sculpture

What a creative way to re-use old bottles...make your own garden sculptures! I love the way this glass and metal piece looks like a larger-than-life flower. It would be the perfect way to dress up an otherwise 'bare' spot in the garden.

Rings for Spring!! Fun and Whimsical Vintage Button and Bead Jewelry

For the past 2 weeks, I've been focusing my creativity on making fun & whimsical rings from vintage buttons I've collected and from my ever-growing collection of beads. Of course, I couldn't help, but set aside of few of my favorites to keep for myself, but I finally got the rest of them photographed, edited, and listed in my Etsy shop. Please take a look and let me know what you think!

Creativity is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent caffeination

After a week without coffee (substituting water and green tea instead, while I battled a sinus infection), I'm ready to get back ON the wagon!! A natural-born night owl, I always seem to do my best work in the wee hours of the morning (also the only time when my house is still and quiet). You can't create if you're not awake! :) I love this quote from The Design Blog.

Vintage Upcycled Red Chandelier Planter for the Garden

This chandelier may be the coolest garden idea I've stumbled across yet...I only wish I'd thought of it first (I've passed right by dozens of 'junk' chandeliers at flea markets). Wouldn't it look lovely, hanging from a tree, over a patio set? You could even put candles in the planters to add a touch of romance to an evening spent outdoors. Now I really can't wait for summer! Be sure to check out all the other amazing garden decor by Twisted Metals as well.

Elegant, White, Framed Chalkboard Art

I love this chalkboard for so many reasons...it's the perfect blend of casual/elegant, it's black and white, and it's just plain beautiful! And since I like to draw, I also think it would be fun to change up the artwork from month to month (maybe it's just me, but I've always had a thing for those artistic chalkboard signs in grocery stores and coffee shops). This one's going on my wish list!

Rustic, Flattened, Silver Spoon Herb Markers for the Garden

Something about the rustic, beaten-up nature of these Flattened, Silver Spoon Herb Markers calls to me...like they've been through some things and marked the spots for many prior successful growing seasons. It's a nice thought anyway, especially when you love to garden, but your 'green thumb' tends to come and go (like mine!).

It's a Good Day to Have a Good Day!

No better way to start the week than with the right attitude. This print would be a great addition to my office, where I need the most motivation to get things done. Be sure to check out wickedpaper's other awesome prints as well!

A True Love Story Never Ends

I couldn't stop thinking about this quote I found on Pinterest today, so I had to share. To me it means that 'love' requires action and that your 'love story' will last as long as you are willing to work on it. What does it mean to you?

Casual Country Flower Arrangement Using Grouped Glass Bottles Tied with Twine

I wish I would have seen this idea before I set out garage sale-ing this past weekend (as these etched-glass bottles are so pretty and something you don't see every day), but what a lovely, effortless flower arrangement! Just tie several glass bottles together with some twine. I can't wait to try it out the next time I have company.

Let the Treasure Hunt Begin!

It's that time of year again...never mind what the weather forecast says. Chances are there's at least an indoor sale happening near you - here's a great place to start looking, http://fleaportal.com/
This weekend, I'll be heading to Princeton, IL (approx. 1 hr outside the Quad Cities) for their annual Winter Garage Sale.

Flea Market Style Relaxing Front Porch

I prefer outdoor spaces that don't try to hard to be 'living rooms' which is why this one seems so perfect to me. I can just imagine returning here after a long walk or time spent in the garden, propping up my bare feet on the table and relaxing with a glass of lemonade while the warm summer breeze ruffles my hair...soon.

http://www.thecottagemarket.com/2013/03/porch-decor-30-perfect-porches.html

It Always Seems Impossible Until It's Done

Do you feel like you have to face the impossible this week? Just remember the last time you felt the same way...you can do this!

from DesignedByWilma on Etsy
https://www.etsy.com/listing/109213942/quote-artwork-print-it-always-seems