new earrings coming soon!

 I have wanted to make canvas painted earrings ever since I read Alisa Burke's book Canvas Remix earlier this year.  On my birthday I started an abstract painting for fun with the intention of cutting it up.  I painted over it 3 times since then! For me, just trying to let go, and paint without an object to focus on has been harder then I anticipated.  Anyway, I cut up on corner this morning and started thinking of fun earring shapes, the result is totally 80's inspired! What do you think? I am wondering if they need a little more punch of bright color.

happy, happy oh my friend

Today is my 32nd birthday and I am full of love, food and happiness.  My dear husband cooked us up a "world famous" french toast breakfast.  My kiddos created this potato posse to celebrate. After a Beiber dance party at Hudson's request, we got ourselves dressed and met Nannie & Tom for lunch at Wildflower Bread Company.  The boys were exceptionally behaved at lunch, which translates as minimal climbing under the table, somewhat quiet chatter and only one straw eye poking incident.  Then we took a lovely stroll around the Scottsdale Museum of Modern Art, which had a some great exhibits we all enjoyed.  After a trip to Dairy Queen and some shopping time at Target all by myself I topped the day off with some playful painting. 

I received wonderful gifts and lots of birthday love from my family and friends which has me bubbling over with gratitude . I'd say it was one kick ass day. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone and a special shout out to my phenomenal husband and children for making today truly special! I love you.

tresaure hunt: moon valley

Moon Valley Treasury on Etsy

The East Valley Artisans is hosting a treasury challenge. I encourage everyone to get in on it! You don't have to be an EVA member, but you do have to create an Etsy account if you don't have one. Once you have an account, click on this link. Then click the blue "Create a List" button on the right. You can enter as many times as you wish! To see challenge details and prizes click here.

treasure hunt: just beachy

Just Beachy in the East Treasury on Etsy

The East Valley Artisans is hosting a treasury challenge. I encourage everyone to get in on it! You don't have to be an EVA member, but you do have to create an Etsy account if you don't have one. Once you have an account, click on this link. Then click the blue "Create a List" button on the right. You can enter as many times as you wish! To see challenge details and prizes click here.

scooby painting

Above is the completed painting and my work in progress pictures.  The canvas is all wrapped up and ready to be shipped to New York today.  Safe travels Scooby!

a little zen

I love Sherri Kruger.  She writes for the blogs Serene Journey and Zen Family Habits.  After my "allow myself to breathe" post yesterday I headed over to her blogs to do a little reading and just as I suspected she had a fantastic post that was written just for me!  Well, not exactly just for me but, it sure felt that way.  Whenever I am feeling off center I usually can find a post by Sherri that speaks directly to me.  She is just awesome like that.  This time it was Give Yourself a Break.  It is just what I needed.  Thanks Sherri.

treasure hunt: delightful pearl artisans

Delightful Pearl Artisans Treasury on Etsy

The East Valley Artisans is hosting a treasury challenge. I encourage everyone to get in on it! You don't have to be an EVA member, but you do have to create an Etsy account if you don't have one. Once you have an account, click on this link. Then click the blue "Create a List" button on the right. You can enter as many times as you wish! To see challenge details and prizes click here.

allow myself to breathe

I have been struggling a bit with "life" for a lack of a better term, lately. I don't write about my feelings and struggles on this blog often.  I think I have a hard time putting that part of me "out there".   I try to keep a positive outlook and have a hard time admitting out loud that I'm not always positive.

I have had feelings of fear and anxiety coupled with constant movement lately.  I wonder sometimes do I move about from one thing to the next simply because I yearn to explore and learn or is it something else?  Do I move because I am running from something or running towards something?  Am I fearful of being still with my thoughts or that I will lose my "creative momentum" when I stop?  I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best I can be in all areas of my life but, sometimes I wonder what all this business of being busy is for?

My house isn't organized as I would like.  My children and husband aren't getting as much time with me as I would like.  My family doesn't live as close as I would like. My personal goals for this year are not as complete as I would like. My artwork isn't as creative as I would like.  My portfolio isn't showcasing my art and design work as I would like. And the list goes on ...

This loop of consciousness has been occurring more and more lately.  And with it comes a lack of focus, a lack of care, a lack of motivation, a lack of love for myself and my life.  What is my life about?  I used to be so confident in myself, my goals, my life, my direction but right now it is all hazy.

I need to step back, find focus and allow myself to breathe.

logo design

Hi! I'm guest blogging on Soft Flex Company's blog today. Today's post is about logo design. Logo design is one of the most difficult aspects of graphic design for any designer. However; I know most entrepreneurs are on a tight budget, so they usually make their own logos so I outline a few basics to remember. Click to see today's post.

avocado and bean burrito

This Meatless Monday post comes from a book I just finished reading, Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss by Mark Hyman. I have tried a bunch of recipes from this book and wanted to share the ones I liked best. I substituted some things because it was what I had on hand and the recipe still turned out great. 

Avocado and Bean Burrito

2 cups shredded lettuce
2 Tbsp yellow onions, chopped
1/2 avocado, peeled pitted and chopped
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro (I substituted parsley & mint since that is what I have in my garden)
4 Tbsp chunky salsa (I substituted tomatoes, chopped)
1/2 cup re-fried beans
2 sprouted corn tortillas (I substituted whole wheat tortillas)

Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl except for the beans & tortillas. Smear 1/2 the beans on each tortilla, fill with vegetable mixture and wrap burrito style.  Enjoy!

Learn about the Meatless Mondays Campaign