I Love the Smell of Crayons!

I wanted to share some creative ways that some people have used crayons to create art.

Artist Jessica Kerbawy uses crayons in a less traditional fashion to create art. She glues crayons to foam core and then uses a heat gun to melt the crayons into the running pattern. It is definitely one way to color outside the lines.


Peter Goldlust intricately carves crayons into works of art.

101 Free Printables

 Everything Etsy blog has done a great job collecting 101 free printables. They range from invitations, to vintage images, games, inspirational prints and the list goes on. 

 

Artist: Frank Gonzales

I have mentioned that I love painting and drawing birds, but I also love other artists who do the same. Through my internet surfing, I came across Frank Gonzales. I love his attention to detail, as well as how his paintings are not traditional with the use of splashes and squares of color surrounding the birds. This gives it a more design aspect to the image. You can find more of his work at his website frankgonzales.net.

Free Botanical Prints

I found over at Honey & Fritz a great post sharing a new resource on how to get free botanical prints form Botanicus.org which is a web-based encyclopedia. The article has instructions on how to use the site to print as well as real life examples used throughout the home. I think they would compliment any kitchen or bathroom as well.

Interior Rearrange

It all started with trying to clean the house and turned into flipping all the furniture around.

I bought a rocking chair from Pier One awhile back, but it never worked in any of the places I had envisioned for it. Also, it real didn't rock very well on carpet. (sigh)

So, in the midst of rearranging I found the perfect place for it. I moved the dining room furniture into the living room and created a nook for my plants (The succulents that I had to transplant due to inappropriate potting and to much Vegas sun.) and the rocking chair. The little table I got at a consignment store for $23.00! I enjoy rocking and looking out the windows, watching the birds, and just relaxing. The area is perfect for my knitting or a great book nook.

I love the cup o' baby toes!

Watch for more progress shots!

Sunset

I love sunsets and sunrises. The colors of the sky is awe inspiring, but also how the rest of the world around you is lit. I love the soft pink light rather than the harsh glare. I seem to see things clearer during these times of day. They are tranquil and quiet.

taken with instagram (by constantly constance)

Bathroom # 2

This shower curtain from Target  has become the inspiration for my second bathroom.  I love how it has so many colors in it. This is great for versatility when you want to change the accents in the room. 

Home Striped

I have collected some accent pieces for the room in orange and granny smith apple green. I enjoy my  Yankee Candles of Orchard, which regretfully is a discontinued scent, that I got on sale at Marshalls. I also fixed up an old rack I found by spray painting it Leaf Green by Krylon. I plan on painting the largest wall in the room in a blue that matches the stripe in the shower curtain. The cabinetry is a honey color and I need to figure out what kind of tile I'd like to have installed. If you have any ideas let me know!

I'll keep you posted on the progress as I figure out what to do with this room. It is one of those sitting on the back burner while I slowly piece together an idea of what I want.

Been Awhile

Sorry it has been awhile since I posted anything. I have been immersed in reading a book series and haven't really come up for air. I am finishing the last book of the series today and getting back into the ceramic studio. Very excited to see what the results of the wood soda kiln firing will be. I'll keep you posted on the results. PS. I love summer vacation!

I have also been working very hard at losing the 20 pounds I acquired over the last year. I have lost 5 so far and am feeling so much better physically as well as confidence wise. I hope to keep the momentum going!

Nature Walks for Inspiration

sketch while on nature walk

Back in the Studio

(greenware by Constantly Constance)

This is my first week back in the ceramic studio since last summer. It has been a crazy year for me! I am thoroughly loving being back in my happy place. I love throwing pots, it is so meditative and peaceful. I've missed being around kindred creative people, with whom great conversations and inspiration abound.

I am working on an idea to incorporate my figure drawing into my ceramics. I love the technique that I found at Stepanka ceramics where she draws on the clay with highlights of color using different glazes. I am chomping at the bit to be able to experiment with this idea.

Free Printables: Cars & Campers

Keeping with the running theme of summer traveling and vintage style, I found these stylish prints over at The Handmade Home. I love the colors and think they would make great bbq invitations or fun refrigerator  decor.

Enjoy!

Click on camper 1-3 or car 1-3 for these prints on the freebies page.

Muppet Inspired Art

I thought it would be a great idea to start the week out with a happy thought. I was raised on Muppets and Sesame Street as a child. To this day images of these shows still put a smile on my face. I love the innocence and wholesomeness of the entertainment. I seem to be coming across a lot of Muppet inspired art and thought I would share my happy thoughts with you.

Drew Struzan

Rahzzah

Dave Perillo

Vintage Campers

Serro Scotty Sportsman restoration by Mark Denlinger
(via National Serro Scotty Organization)

While I was back east I had the opportunity to help my Pappy in putting up a camper all the while listening to stories and love of their old Scotty. I love the idea of small and compact as well as the idea of the get up and go. And yes, this only helped to fuel my growing love for these vintage icons of days gone by. Through my researching them since I've been home I found some really interesting restoration projects and photos to drool over.

Album Raiding

When I was back east I asked to look through my grandmother's photo albums and found a ton of incredible photos. I took pictures of them to be able to have for myself as a record of my family's history. In doing so I found this one of my mom. I think it captures the fun and spontaneity that has always made my mom so incredible. Growing up she always encouraged us to pursue our dreams and adventurous nature in exploring the world. Researching my family's history and roots I learned a lot, but I wouldn't be the person I am today without the love and support of my mom. She is simply amazing and I will treasure this as one of my favorite photos of her.

My trip to Pennsylvania for Fourth of July

I just got back from visiting my grandparents in Pennsylvania. Although I had been back for 2 other visits since my childhood, neither trip had left indelible memories. Trying to piece together the fragments and childhood experiences and translating those to my current state was very interesting. I have never lived near my extended family, nor been able to build strong bonds with any of them. While there, I had the best time being re-introduced to my Aunts and Uncles and building new relationships that I hope will continue to grow. I learned a lot about my family's history and as well as the area my mom grew up in. (There is no doubt in my mind where I get my sarcasm and humor from.)

Living in the desert I am surrounded by stucco and beige blah! I missed the brick and green from back east and spent a great deal of time looking up through sun dappled leaves. So many of the pictures I took were of vegetation or various brick buildings. At the first sight of lightning bugs caused me to catch my breath as their glowing bodies seemed like magic dust floating up escaping the grassy fields. My family laughed at all the common place things and events that I was in awe of while I was there, which is to be expected.

Overall, I had a wonderful time and I can't wait to go back!