Dream Big - Build Your Castles in the Air

I love this quote from Walden. I have always heard that to reach a goal you had to have a clear vision of the outcome, and I know that's true. 

You will surely get lost on a path without a destination.

Don't be afraid to dream big! Build your castle in the sky and then come back and build the foundation and the beautiful staircase up to it. It's a lot easier to hit the target if you know where to aim. 

✧✧✧

What does your castle look like?

Monday Musings :: Look on the Sunny Side of Everything

"Promise yourself to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true." 

(excerpt from "Promises to Yourself", also known as The Optimist's Creed by Christian D. Larson).

Monday Musings: Be True to the Best that is in You...

"Promise yourself to live in the faith that the whole world is on your side as long as you are true to the best that is in you." 

(excerpt from "Promises to Yourself", also known as The Optimist's Creed by Christian D. Larson).

New Year's "Resolutions" ~ More...Happy!

I just happen to be of the mindset that typical New Year's resolutions suck. I mean, why would we want to start out the year by making a list of all the stuff we love but are going to make ourselves not have or do anymore? Or all of the things that we hate do do but decide we need to do those more often... On what planet does that make for a HAPPIER life? Not my planet.

Here's how we do it at my house. Make a list of all the stuff we LOVE but don't get to enjoy enough of, and resolve to enjoy MORE of those things. 

Here is my list for 2013... {I made it into a print & a pillow at Society6!} It's going to be a great year :)

"More...Happy" throw pillow at Society6

Monday Musings: No Pressure, No Diamonds

"No pressure, no diamonds."

I love this quote by Thomas Carlyle, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite people to turn to for inspirational nuggets and tidbits of wisdom. He was a Scottish satirical writer and historian during the Victorian Era, whose social commentary was considered quite controversial.

This particular statement caused me to reflect upon my own habits and productivity, and if I'm honest, I do some of my best work as an artist under pressure. Restrictions force me into creative problem-solving mode - an area in which I can truly shine. And if it weren't for (self-imposed) deadlines, I would probably never get anything done!

How do you work under pressure?

Original photo by Paul Hocksenar via Flickr.com (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), adapted by Jessica Barst

Delight in the Little Things:: Monday Musings

I took a little walk the other day. I was in a contemplative mood and the weather was glorious, and I found myself downtown with a little bit of time on my hands so I took a stroll. As I was walking I realized that the littlest things can bring me such great joy - something as simple as these beautiful little leaves on a rusty grate could bring a sense of happiness to my heart and a smile to my lips. I had to capture that moment, put a frame around that feeling to keep and remember forever. 

These simple yellow leaves so sweetly arranged as if posing for a painter and resting while he mixes his colors - French grey, vermilion, violet, and ochre - are now frozen in time as a reminder to keep my eyes and heart always open to make sure I don't ever miss another perfect moment just like this one. 

"Delight in the little things." ~Rudyard Kipling

Strawberries are Beautiful, and I Don't Want to Paint the Bathroom, So I Learned to Animate with Photoshop

Yesterday I had the wildest random urge to photograph some strawberries. Except, I didn't have any strawberries, so I went to the store to get some so I could fulfill this strange need...even though I was in the middle of painting the bathroom. Of course, I like to eat strawberries too, but it wasn't the taste I was craving; I just had to see that color! It was almost as if my day wouldn't quite be complete if I didn't behold that beautiful juicy glossy red hue...

I know, what a weirdo!! But hey, I'm an artist. (That's what I say any time looks at me like I'm the nuttiest person in the world. I am sensing that you are sort of looking at me like that right now).

Anyway, I configured my fancy lighting set up with natural light from the window and a reflector of tin foil and proceeded to snap away. The photos looked so amazing in the camera, but I was sorely disappointed upon uploading them and seeing them on screen.

Maybe I just didn't have enough contrast or something, and my exposure was off, but they didn't really pop the way I wanted them to. So I did a little playing around in photoshop to bring out the glorious berries I was craving. I ended up with a pretty 'watercolor' painting (above).

Then I thought, wouldn't it be cool if I could figure out how to show the progression in an animation, starting with my crappy photo and turning in to a luscious bowl of beauteous berries? So, since I was already procrastinating on my bathroom painting by photographing fruit on a whim, I thought I'd better go all out and learn how to do it. So I did. And here it is!

And below, you can see the before and after photos:

I think I'll print it and frame it and hang it in the bathroom when it's finished...whenever that might be (?)

Fresh Summery Color Palette, Mint and White

I am feeling inspired by these fresh summer colors! I love the mint and white together, and especially in conjuction with the chevron pattern.

Mint blue and white chevron / zigzag toddler blazer by Cirque du Bebe

Mint and White Tea Dress by SABO
 SKIRT

Mint Aqua Blue and White Upcycled Jersey Knit Fabric Woven Bracelet by Jezebellamina on Etsy

Mint and White cool nail art manicure from PSHIIT.com

Mint and White Shoreline Knit Collection Sweater by Nasty Gal

Mint and White glittered clothespins by PinAndTack on Etsy

Mint Chevron iPhone Case Case-mate Iphone 4 Case 
by jenniferstuartdesign on zazzle


Here's what I did with this minty fresh inspiration:

Click to see my DIY Chevron Manicure Nail Art Tutorial!

Monday Musings: To Forget the Mistakes of the Past...

"Promise Yourself to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future." (excerpt from "Promises to Yourself", also known as The Optimist's Creed by Christian D. Larson).

As obvious as it seems, sometimes it is hard to let go of past mistakes, whether they're our own shortcomings or someone else's. We tend to dwell on the negative things and get caught up in hypotheticals; 'what if's and 'if only's and spend so much energy assigning blame and picking things apart that we waste valuable time that should be used to build a better future with the newfound knowledge we have gained from the experience.

What's done is done; focusing on the negative doesn't change that fact. Forgive whoever needs forgiving, and remember that person may very well be you. Let it go and focus your efforts on the road ahead, with the positive idea that you are a better, wiser person with more life experience under your belt and a greater formula for success!

10 Fabulous Fun Fourth of July Craft Ideas!

I can't believe that July is just around the corner! To be honest though, it wouldn't really bother me if the summer flies by... after all my life in Texas, it still surprises me how hot it gets and somehow I'm never ready for the heat. I swear each year it's hotter than the last, and I know that the existence of global warming is a highly debated issue, but when you're already over 100º, trust me when I say that every half a degree increase counts. 

Anyway, enough blabbing about the weather; if I choose to live in Texas I probably shouldn't complain about the heat, right?

With Independence Day only a week away, I thought I'd do a nifty little 4th of July Craft Roundup for you to get your creative fireworks a-poppin'!  Here are 10 fun Red, White, and Blue craft tutorials for you to explore. Click on any photo or caption to be taken to the site where you'll find all the step-by-step instructions for each project. Enjoy!

Patriotic Paper Crafted Fireworks by landeeseelandeedo.blogspot.com

 Distressed Red Star 4th of July Striped sign by CraftaholicsAnonymous.net

 Craft stick American Flag Banner by Gingersnapcrafts.com

Festive Fourth of July paper lanterns by thecraftingchicks.com

Fun Red, White, and Blue wooden star door hanger by unslumpingyourself.blogspot.com

 Fourth of July Confetti Paper Rockets by alphamom.com

 Red, White, and Blue American Flag Ruffle Wreath by beingbrook.com

 Star fruit printed bunting flags by alphamom.com

American flag tin can windsock by the-wilson-world.blogspot.com

4th of July tin can luminaries by www.crafts-for-all-seasons.com 

Happy Fourth of July, Everyone!

Feeling inspired by Independence Day? Try my fun DIY Stars & Stripes Patriotic Manicure!

I linked up at:

Backyard Flower Mystery Solved: Glorious Orange Daylilies!

Though we've lived in this house for nearly 3 years, I have never before seen these lovelies bloom.

Imagine my happiness to arrive home from vacation and see them in full flower for the first time! They were so breathtaking and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect flower to surprise me; I'm so in love with orange it hurts!

I have always wondered what they were. Seeing them with several buds last summer and watching them wither from the heat and die before blooming (despite my feeble sporadic attempts at watering them) was such a disappointment. Not knowing what they were meant not being sure how to take care of them, and it is such a thrill for me to finally see a burst of life in the otherwise sad and neglected 'garden'. Now I know they loved all the rain we got in May and June, and though I don't expect we'll be so lucky next year, I will be prepared to quench their thirst a little bit more with the hose.

I believe they are orange daylilies, but please correct me if I'm wrong; I am by no means a horticultural expert, and I am basing this assertion solely from comparing this photo to others on google. So, just throwing that out there...

Orange flowers are said to evoke enthusiasm and energy and convey confidence,  and these glorious Daylilies are no exception. A symbol of motherly love, the Daylily adds a beautifully vibrant shade and radiates warmth throughout the garden. 

Just looking at this picture I feel happiness and energy, warmth and vitality. I think it's fair to say that's how the color orange makes me feel in general, and I thought I'd share in the hopes that it might make  you feel that way too!

(Note To Self)

Monday Musings: Peace of Mind

"Promise Yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind."

This line is an excerpt from a poem called "Promises to Yourself" (also known as The Optimist's Creed) by Christian D. Larson.

This week, I am focusing on this mantra. I know it is easy to let outside factors and things outside of our control worry us and cause negative thinking, but ultimately we are the masters of our own minds and should practice a positive outlook even at the worst of times. While we cannot control the things that may happen around us, we can control the way we react to them and how we let them shape our lives.

Things never go exactly as planned, but with presence of mind and clear focus, we can adjust our sails accordingly to stay on course when the winds change directions. And as captains of our own ships, it is our duty to weather these storms with strength and determination, and no matter how rough the seas, keep steering toward the destination we seek.

Crushing on Orange Part 2: Tangerine and Gold Styleboard (inspired by Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year)

Here's another styleboard I made to fuel my obsession with Tangerine.  I'm just crazy about orange and am having so much fun adding items to my shop which go along with this gorgeously juicy hue that Pantone named Color of the Year for 2012!

While I do have a few fabulous pieces of orange jewelry that are right on trend for Spring/Summer 2012, I also know that it's nice to spend your fashion budget on accessories that will transcend both seasonal and color trends that we all know can be out just as quickly as they became in. I'm obviously much more willing to spend a little bit more money on the things that I know I'll get a lot of wear out of!

In fact, I know my customers must feel the same way, because these types of everyday fashion basics are my bestsellers! I've incorporated my Signature Large Gold Wire Hoop Earrings and my Gold Wire Stack Bangles into the trendboard below.

Sorry, images on the photo aren't clickable, but there is a list of links to each item after this styleboard. Enjoy!

TANGERINE AND GOLD! Gold is a fabulous accessory to the bright tangerine orange that is sweeping the trends right now

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The Basics:

H&M soft jersey drape-neck top in orange (£7.99, hm.com)
Current/Elliot faded distressed skinny jeans ($208, farfetch.com)

Accessorize!

1. Prism New York matte metal sunglasses in rose gold ($380, openingceremony.us)
2. Small Gold Heart Pendant Necklace ($38, bespangledjewelry.etsy.com)
3. Xena Belt, brown leather ($24.99, modcloth.com)
4. Creative Nail Design lacquer in Electric Orange (Amazon.com)
5. Guerlain L'Or Radiance Concentrate with Pure gold Make-Up Base (Amazon.com)
6. Jimmy Choo Cayla Glitter Fabric Clutch ($1,150, mytheresa.com)
7. Two Lips Helen Bootie in Orange ($69.95, DSW.com)
8. Benefit Cosmetics 24K Sexy Gold lip gloss (sephora.com) 
9. Gold Wire Bangles, set of 3 ($54, bespangledjewelry.etsy.com)
10. Signature Large Gold Wire Hoops, 14k gold fill ($38, bespangledjewelry.etsy.com)

Take a look at Crushing on Orange Part 1 to see 8 fabulous ways to accessorize an everyday outfit with Tangerine!