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}

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}

Beginnings

Lately, as the temperature drops, I’ve been enjoying my big, comfy robe, tea and cocoa, reading old journals, and creating new pages in my art journal.

My word for 2012 is forward, but there’s a bittersweet balance between remembering and looking forward.

When I first set up this blog, I wrote a little welcome post and said I wanted it to be a place where I could share the simple bits of life that inspire me on a daily basis, a place where I could share a little bit about what I experience as a 20-something writer, trying to find her place in the world. I said it was my hope that A Place to Dwell would be full of inspiration and possibility.

I’ve come a long way in the (almost) four years since I sat down and wrote that very first post. Setting up this blog was a new beginning for me during a season that was full of learning important lessons and growing in so many hard, but also beautiful, ways.

Life is full of little and big beginnings, and it’s meaningful to look back at where old beginnings brought us, in addition to looking forward with hope for the new beginnings that are yet to come.

xo,

{k}

Weekending: Art Journals & Other Crafty Things

Last night, I signed up for Elsie & Rachel’s Art Journal All Year E-Course. I bought a new art journal a few months ago, and as I wrote in my 28 Things list, I’m looking forward to art journaling on a more regular basis.

I love keeping a daily handwritten journal, but I love visual journaling, as well. It creates such a beautiful record of my life at different stages and seasons and helps me to see who I’ve been, who I am, and who I’m becoming, as different experiences shape me and my life. I’m also excited about having this art journal as a place to focus on My One Little Word.

I also started a new collage painting last night, inspired by this lovely painting I saw on Pinterest. I’m going to hang it in my hallway, as a daily gentle reminder to be still and know.

How are things with all of you? Are you pursuing any exciting dreams or projects this year?

{k}

P.S. I think Kate Nash might be my new favorite art making soundtrack. Definitely check out her station on Pandora when you have a chance! ;-)

November Inspirations

This sweet fall wreath from Smile & Wave

Cute tights like these from Katie’s Pencil Box

Vintage-inspired coats like these two from Anthropologie

This Let Your Heart Be Light glitter banner tutorial from Katie’s Pencil Box

(I wrote about it here, too.)

* * *

A few of my favorite November moments:

Creating new pieces of artwork; participating in my company’s holiday art sale; Thanksgiving with my family; and putting up my little Christmas tree.

I’ll be back soon with my Hello, December post.

{k}

*Lately…

*Prepping for a holiday art sale.

*Keeping cozy.

*Getting in the holiday spirit (picked up this little gem—can’t wait to listen).

And you? ;-)

 

Weekending: Apple Cider & Black-and-white Memories

How did the first weekend in October treat you?

My weekend was low-key and cozy, so I can’t complain. :)

I spent some time dreaming up new ideas for artwork. I worked in my idea journal, sorted through black-and-white photos to see what stories they’d inspire, and enjoyed mugs of hot apple cider, (of course!).

I also already checked something off of my 28 Things list:

10. Make a new pumpkin dish (perhaps a pumpkin lasagna or stuffed shells). I made Pumpkin-Ricotta Stuffed Shells (from a recipe in my newest Country Living magazine).

So, all in all, it was a good fall weekend.

I’ll be back soon to share a scripture selection for the week.

Stay cozy,

{k}

My 28 Things List

It’s time to share my 28 Things list. So, without further ado, here are 28 things I’d love to do in the next year. :)

1. Start a new art journal.

2. Memorize more scripture.

3. Invest in a new camera and additional photo software.

4. Continue to pray boldly.

5. Try my hand at songwriting.

6. Wear cat-eye glasses.

7. Make a larger-scale collage.

8. Host a dinner party.

9. Attempt to make my own homemade pasta.

10. Make a new pumpkin dish (perhaps a pumpkin lasagna or stuffed shells).

11. Actively pursue a few of the big creative dreams on my heart. Explore the possibilities. Take risks.

12. Find a favorite local coffee shop (besides Starbucks).

13. Find a Godly mentor.

14. Continue to learn and do all I can to prepare myself to be the kind of Godly wife a Godly man deserves.

15. Live with an open heart and open hands to receive all God has to give.

16. Fall in love with a new-to-me band.

17. Visit a local pumpkin farm. Carve/paint/decorate purchased pumpkins.

18. Find ways to encourage others to use the creative gifts they’ve been blessed with.

19. Tackle a few organizing projects I’ve been putting off.

20. Make it a daily practice to quiet my heart and mind, so I can actively listen to God.

21. Revamp my blog design.

22. Go to an art museum.

23. Take an art or writing class (or both!)

24. Start an actual weekly workout routine.

25. Go to more craft fairs.

26. Go to the beach!

27. Start a new tradition each season.

28. Begin every day by asking myself, What can I do today that brings more beauty, more energy, more hope? (Inspired by Shauna Niequist)

I’m excited to see all God has planned for the next season of my life. Life with Him is always an adventure. :)

What are some of your current goals/dreams?

{ k }

Make Room for Creative Adventures

Another great inspirational image from workisnotajob.

What makes you feel alive? What inspires you? Are you making time for creative adventures in your life?

I haven’t done any painting, collaging, or creative writing in a while. I just might need to dig out the paints, collage goodies, and my brainstorming journal this weekend for a little creative adventure of my own.

Hope you’re having a lovely week!

{k}

A Colorful Life

Creativity takes courage. Henri Matisse

Painting is silent poetry. Plutarch, Moralia: How to Study Poetry