create a life of beauty & joy

Earlier this year, I had this realization that I was neglecting the thing I love the most: Art. It was such a huge part of my life when I was doing art shows. Art was my life. Then I started working on my master's degree, and it completely got pushed down on my priority list. There are few things in this world that make me more happy than creating something new. This past year, paint and paper have been replaced by pixels. Although I'm taking some great classes as I work on my degree in web development, computer-based design just doesn't replace the part of me that loves getting out my supplies and browsing through my paper stash and making big art messes.

Over the past month, I've started focusing on on small projects. At this point in my life, I can't manage 4 hours of my Sunday spent making things but do have are small pockets of time. This past month, I started writing in my journal again, and I've dusted off my camera. I'm traveling to Seattle in April to take part in a weekend art retreat. This is something I've always wanted to do, so to say I'm excited is a huge understatement!

I'm so glad to be welcoming art back into my life.

wine + design

Just recently, a small group of women and I started gathering for a monthly art night. We've held art night just a few times, experimenting with a different medium every month. This month, we worked with stencils- painting t-shirts, baby onesies, tote bags, fabric swatches, and even a pair of blue jeans!

We usually create while partaking in snacks, listening to inspiring music, and sharing a bottle of wine. We're all busy with school, work, and keeping up with life in general, but have discussed how absolutely refreshing it is to get together for art night.

"Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Continue to learn.
Appreciate your friends.
Do what you love.
Love as if this is all there is.”
– Mary Anne Radmacher

today's finds

I found this milk crate from Fulton Milk Company while shopping at a newly-discovered antique mall today. I've wanted one of these for a while now and was lucky to stumble upon this beauty. I'm thinking of using it as a wine rack if I can find a good spot in our tiny kitchen.

I love collecting old glass jars and tea cups and saucers, so the photo below are some of the most recent additions to my collection, found at the Salvation Army. My total for all six pieces was $3.18.