Weekending: Crafty Mart’s Mom & Pop Shoppe

Despite the unpredictable (and mostly windy/overcast weather), I spent my Saturday surrounded by color and inspiration — eating good food, drinking hot coffee, and wandering around Crafty Mart’s Spring Mom & Pop Shoppe.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I love the Crafty Mart events, because they bring together a unique group of local artists right in the heart of Akron. It’s such a joy to celebrate talent and creativity and support people’s passions.

This is Ashley, the owner and creator of Truckshop. I fell in love with her creatively curated mobile fashion boutique (check out all of the bright color, sparkle, and polka dots!!). She was so much fun to meet and talk with, too. I loved hearing her business story, and talking with her further confirmed my dream to work with creators, makers, and dreamers to help them live and tell their inspired stories.

So sad she didn’t have the polka-dotted number in my size. I was smitten!

I did snag these sparkly earrings and fun black-and-white chevron scarf, though.

Also, did I mention there were mini donuts?!

I’m still regretting the fact that I passed up sampling some of these sweet treats from DonutLab. They smelled incredible! (And what’s a better pairing than coffee and donuts, I ask you!) ;)

I also came home with this darling piece of art by Ivy Axe. It’s the perfect addition to my little gallery wall of art. Filling my home and life with beautiful art makes my heart very, very happy.

It was a great day, and I think it was just what I needed. I feel refreshed and ready to tackle some new creative projects of my own!

A Very Crafty Afternoon

Last Saturday, I headed down to Akron with my mom to enjoy an afternoon of browsing at the 5th annual Crafty Mart.

We lunched at Urban Eats Cafe, which is attached to the Crafty Mart venue at Musica. (I ate probably the best sandwich of my life: a pumpkin waffle panini! It was topped with thin apple slices, honey, fresh sage, bacon, and spinach leaves. Oh.My.Goodness. Seriously, SO GOOD!

Don’t you just love all the festive twinkly lights in this cafe? I could have stayed in this cozy space for hours with my journal, a few good books, and a very  large cup of coffee! ;)

I came home with a blue spruce candle from Burning River Candle company and spent quite a bit of time swooning over the beautiful twig earrings made by Liza Michelle Jewelry. On my wish list for sure! My candle came in an upcycled glass bottle, too. How fun is that?!

I love supporting local artists and events like this. No matter where you live, there’s bound to be a few local gems to frequent. So, plan a Saturday date to explore! I fall in love with my city and the surrounding areas a little more after each adventure.

And speaking of adventures, I need to head out for a little coffee shop adventuring this afternoon. I’ve got a freelance project to begin and a whole stack of Lara Casey PowerSheets that are calling my name.

Happy Saturday and Happy Adventuring, friends! :)

Inspired by Color

{ photo on left by Seed Factory ; color palette and typography on right by me }

Here’s another moodboard I made for eBook/blog color palette purposes. I fell in love with this photo from Seed Factory and the little quote at the bottom of her photo that says: “I just need some time in a beautiful place to clear my head.” I think weekends are perfect for doing just that. I like to make sure to carve out a little bit of time each weekend to surround myself with what inspires me, appreciate the beauty of the moment, and take some time to clear my head from the clutter that may have ended up there after a hectic week.

Making moodboards is proving helpful for me when it comes to discovering and defining my design style. I’m seeing consistencies develop when it comes to certain type treatments and colors.

I also love having the chance to share inspiring images and artwork I’ve found and promote other artists on my blog. There are so many talented people out there, and it makes me happy to be able to showcase some of that talent.

I hope your weekend has been beautiful + inspiring so far.

Have a blessed Sunday! :)

{k}

Hearts for Worship ~ Kickstarter Campaign

Some amazingly talented musician friends of mine are currently pursuing a big dream of theirs — recording a worship album! They’ve got an exciting Kickstarter campaign going to raise the funds to complete the project, and they only have a few days left to raise the remaining funds.

Check out their video for more information about their project and how you can help. I have such a heart for supporting other artists, and Kickstarter is such an awesome way to do that.

You’re sure to be inspired! :)

Happy Friday!

{k}

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. ;)