Craft Show Adventures: A Photo Story

Saturday’s craft show was in a funky old building that doubles as a music venue and cafe. It’s got a great atmosphere.

Sales weren’t amazing, but people really seemed to enjoy looking through our artwork and often commented about the bright, happy colors and uplifting words.

The truth is we both love making art so much that it really isn’t about the sales for us. We’d make paintings, even if we never did another craft show. ;) When it’s in your heart to create, you just can’t stop yourself, I guess.

It’s my prayer that the people who looked at and/or took home our artwork were blessed or inspired or encouraged in some small way.

Thanks for putting up with such a photo-heavy post. Just couldn’t narrow it down! ;)

Hope your weekend was lovely!

{k}

Vintage Lettering Love

Lately, I can’t get enough of vintage lettering — especially chalk lettering. I’ve been collecting inspiration on Pinterest and can’t wait to get a copy of the book Scripts: Elegant Lettering From Design’s Golden Age.

I’ve got some plans to use vintage-inspired typography in some upcoming art and blog projects, and I look forward to sharing those here! :)

Aren’t these images inspiring? They make me want to grab my sketchbook and start playing with letterforms.

{ Drew Melton of yourjustlucky.com }

{ Molly Jacques of mollyjacquesillustration.blogspot.com }

{ Dana Tanamachi }

For more inspiration, check out this great article in the Wall Street Journal about chalk-lettering artist Dana Tanamachi. Her video interview below also is super inspiring!

Happy weekend!

And the story is happening.

(from my new Sabrina Ward Harrison art journal)

This afternoon, I’ve been turning those words over and over in my heart.

And here’s the thing, it really is.

Right now, your story is happening.

My story is happening.

And here’s my question to you: Are you REALLY living it? I mean REALLY living your story — with arms wide open.

Are you embracing, loving, giving thanks for the story God’s writing for you, right now, today?

Sometimes, I know I’m guilty of just getting through the days.

One foot in front of the other, go to work, come home, etc. etc. etc.

But when I think about the fact that my story is unique to me, full of intricate details orchestrated by the One who loves me more than I can fathom, I feel a tugging in my heart to pay attention more, to love the moments more fully and completely. To trust more. Surrender more. Risk more.

I’m in an interesting season of possibilities and transitions. And some days, it feels like I’m walking a fine line, teetering along the edge of who I am now and who I am becoming.

I don’t want to forget these in-between days.

Because right now, in this moment, I’m learning, becoming, being shaped…

…and the story is happening.

January Loves*

A little look at what’s been inspiring me this month:

An Orla Kiely teal coffee cup dress? Pretty sure this was MADE for me. ;)

(seen via givemebows.blogspot.com)

This Diana+ photo lens from Photojojo (seen via A Beautiful Mess) and the super dreamy photos it creates (images also from A Beautiful Mess)

The gorgeous photos with swoon-worthy hand lettering in one of Modcloth‘s recent style books.

This beautiful paper cut artwork from Stealing Hearts

(I’ve added this to my One Little Word inspiration board at Pinterest.)

What’s been inspiring you this month?

* * *

The sun is shining this morning, and I’m looking forward to coffee + community at my church, worship, and preparing my heart for the week ahead.

{k}

Life Lately: In Photos

Lately, life looks like this: icy weather; keeping cozy; brunch dates; art journaling; cocoa + creativity; writing and brainstorming; dreaming of spring; and lots of creative inspiration + refreshment at a local arts gala event.

I’m thankful for these moments.

What have you been up to?

{k}

Keeping Cozy (Bringing Back the Order of Toastiness)

{print from The Tiny Hobo Etsy Shop}

I love anything you can describe as cozy (and if you’re a regular reader of this blog, that statement certainly comes as no surprise!).

I’m already celebrating all things cozy this winter. On Monday, I spent a gray winter morning enjoying warm cinnamon rolls and mugs of pumpkin spice coffee with a friend. It was such a blessing.

A few winters ago, I posted about the Order of Toastiness, and I think this winter, I shall bring it back.

 This Winter’s Order of Toastiness List:

*The glittery light from my small white Christmas tree
*Mugs of any of the following: hot cocoa piled with marshmallows, coffee, lattes, apple cider, tea
*The Civil Wars station on Pandora
*Lots of blankets
*Scarves

What are you loving as the weather gets colder?

P.S. I said goodbye to my blonde hair, and hello to auburn for the winter months. Change is good. ;)

Shelter from the Storm

Hello, and Happy Monday!

I’m back from a little weekend getaway with family, feeling refreshed and inspired, after enjoying bright autumn scenery and sunshine, good food, and laughter. While I was away, I had the chance to visit a variety of quaint small-town artsy shops and boutiques. There were so many beautiful works of art to appreciate, but there was one piece of art in particular that caught my eye and stuck with me, even after I returned home. The name of the piece was “Shelter from the Storm,” and it was created by the artist Jan Heath. Her painting was a beautiful landscape of vivid blues and greens. The painting featured two bright green trees that stood swaying gently in the rain, with the larger tree bent protectively over the smaller tree. There was just something about this piece that really spoke to my heart. It made me think of the way God is always with us, always caring for us—in every season, in times of sunshine and times of rain. That truth is something that’s comforted me in all seasons of my life, because whether I find myself discouraged, questioning, wondering, hoping, or celebrating, I know my story is being shaped by the One who created me and loves me more than I can ever imagine.

Seeing and appreciating that beautiful piece of artwork was such a great reminder to me of why I create. When I’m writing or painting, I’m hoping that the finished piece does something in someone else’s heart like the tree painting did in me. I’m hoping that it speaks in some way to who that person is and where they are in their own life, that it would encourage and inspire them in some small way.

* * *

I’m off work today, catching up on laundry, grocery shopping, and all those things that are always left waiting for us while we’re away.

I’ll be back soon to share more photos from my trip, as well as this week’s scripture selection.

xo,

{ k }

A Good Reminder

{ From Work is not a Job }

“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.” 

~May Sarton

{k}

Crafty Q&A: Jaclyn Rae of Polka Dot Teapot

It’s been a while since I posted a Crafty Q&A, and I’m really excited to share this next one with you all. I fell in love with Jaclyn Rae’s blog the moment I saw it. It’s an uplifting, beautifully inspiring place. I can always count on her to lift my spirits, inspire me, and encourage me in my faith.  Enjoy! :)

Tell us a little bit about your blog, Polka Dot Teapot, and how you got started blogging.

The blog is named after my grandma, who loved teapots, because she inspires me to be a better woman. My grandma was the most enchanting person I’ve ever met. She loved everyone and always gave without asking for anything in return. She truly radiated God’s love, and I think the world needs more people like that.  

 I started blogging because it’s cathartic. It allows me to rewrite pain as something poetic and beautiful, and I find that very healing. I continue to write because I want to connect with others and celebrate our hope in Christ.

If you had to describe your blog in three words, what three words would you choose?

Hopeful. Cheerful. Encouraging.  (That’s what I strive for, at least!)

 

What do you love most about blogging?


I love the blogging community! I never imagined that I could feel so connected and supported by a group of people I’ve never met. I feel blessed to have gained friendships with both like-minded bloggers and bloggers who challenge my ideas. You all bring inspiration and sunshine to my life on a daily basis, and I’m so thankful.  

Your faith really shines through each post you write. Has God taught you anything through your blogging experience?

I’ve learned that God responds when I’m intentional about spending time with Him and regularly taking an inventory of my heart. He has also taught me that it’s okay to admit that I struggle and make mistakes… And it’s okay to be vulnerable with people. Sometimes the greatest testimony is the person with enough courage to say, “I’ve made lots of mistakes and I can’t change yesterday… But, God, I worship you now.”

Any advice for others who would like to start sharing about their lives and faith on a blog?

I think we’re all artists of some form. If writing or story-telling or ministering to others is your passion, I encourage you to pursue it. God uses willing hearts as instruments of love, so don’t be afraid to boldly share your faith with others.

Start today… right now! :)

 What inspires you?

People who love life. 

People who are passionately engaged in the things going on around them.

People who face every day with as much courage and love as they possibly can.  

What’s on your reading list/playlist right now?

Playlist: JJ Heller, Joss Stone, Mozella, Brooke Fraser, Ben Rector, Gungor, Mumford and Sons, Sugarland

Reading: Shauna Niequist, Khaled Hosseini, Beth Moore, C.S. Lewis, Marianne Willamson

I share your desire to pay attention and give thanks for all the beautiful blessings in my life.  What little blessings are you loving lately?

The little blessings I love right now:

– Being able to wake up with sun and go for a run.
- Working less than full-time for the past year, which gave me time to volunteer at 3 of my favorite places.
- Conversations with strangers that make it feel like we’re old friends.
- My sweet 70 year-old church friend knitting me cute hand towels.
- My youngest brother (13) still hugging me in public.
- Opportunities to start over.

What’s next for you and your blog? Any creative dreams on your heart?

Restoring beauty… My latest hobby is thrifting furniture and painting/staining/restoring it. God seems to meet me when I’m painting and it makes me wonder if He wants to restore the beauty in all of us. I’m excited to explore this more.

 ”So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

Share three random facts about yourself. :)


1. I keep bubbles in the glove box of my car so I can blow them if I get stuck in traffic.

2. I brush my teeth at least 5 times everyday.

3. I can get ready for a cocktail party in under 7 minutes.

Stay in touch with Jaclyn Rae via her blog and twitter. 

Thanks so much for participating in this Q&A, Jaclyn Rae! :) You’re an inspiration, and I’m so thankful to have met you through blogging.

You can read past Q&As, here. Also, if you have a request for a Crafty Q&A, or are interested in being featured yourself, please contact me at letterbirdart [at] gmail [dot] com.

Hope you all have a beautiful start to your week!

{k}

HeARTed: Ceramic Poetry by Kylie Johnson

Today, I discovered Kylie Johnson’s work over at Decor8. With her ceramic poetry, it was love at first site, and I’ve spent the evening exploring her blog. Kylie’s work inspires the poet, storyteller, and dreamer in me. It makes me want to pull out my journal or sketchbook and capture the lyrical strands of words and phrases that play in my mind. It makes me want to cover a canvas in paint and paper, building a story with each color and layer.

Kylie has two books of published poetry, as well, and they look unbelievably lovely. I guess Anthropologie used to sell her books, but sadly, I was unable to find them on the website. (They are, however, selling some of her beautiful ceramic poetry creations.) If you discover any U.S. shops selling her books, please do let me know. :-) I’d love to purchase one of them. They look like they would be the perfect Saturday-morning companion—in addition to a caramel latte, of course. ;-)

I’ve included images of some of her gorgeous work and photography below. I hope you, too, are inspired by her words and artwork.

{all photography from Kylie’s blog, Instinct and Grace}

Hope your evening is lovely,

{K}