Claire Bear is turning 1!

Hi my lovely readers! Hope your week is going well so far. Today, I come to you with some shots of Claire that I took a couple of days ago. I can’t believe that on the 19th she will be one years old! It seems like she just arrived!

I loved using this vintage yo-yo quilt as my backdrop! It’s like a field of multi-colored flowers. :)

I shot these upstairs in the hallway where we have a skylight directly overhead. It gave me great even, natural light.

 

She is actually wearing her sisters tank top…so she is swimming in it but I love the lace edges and it happened to be within reach so I figured, what the heck?

This one is a bit blurry so forgive me but I had to include it because…well…that grin is just too cute!

I will be sure to capture more photos at her birthday party!

Much love to you all!

xo,

Ivy

Still life: Color Study

Hello. How has your week been so far? I’m not sure if it’s the shifting of seasons or just all the changes happening right now but I’m feeling a bit out of alignment, emotionally that is. Restless, impatient, moody, unsure…ugh I’m a bit of a mess. I’m trying to find resolve in some self-reflection but as many of you know – finding quiet time when you are at home with kids is rather scarce. However, with Chris traveling this week, I hope to spend some evenings painting. That usually does the trick and calms my spirit. We’ll see…

Anyway, wanted to share a still life/color study project I shot a little while ago. I find that most of my photo shoots just happen. One minute I’m cleaning my studio and the next, I’m arranging objects and snapping pictures. It always surprises me but the happenstance nature of it kinda works for me. This tiny rose was the catalyst.

Seeing color connections makes me happy and this vintage tin set the pretty palette.

Try doing this with pretty items around your home. It’s a great way to practice your photo and styling skills plus if your eye loves color like mine does, you will find this simple exercise very rewarding.

Flowers always seem to inspire me. Thank you little rose!

Hope you all are having a lovely week.

xo,

Ivy

P.S. To further facilitate my self-reflection I’m considering getting “The Desire Map” by Danielle LaPorte. Anyone checked this out yet? Looks seriously good. (I’m not the best with maps but one navigated by desire sounds right up my alley.)

8 Blogs to adore & explore

Hi there! This week was a bit of a doozy. It started off okay, but by Tuesday I had a fever and was in bed with a bad cold. Ick. However, due to much positive thinking, excessive amounts of Vitamin C, Chinese herbs (recommended by my acupuncturist) and lots of rest…I managed to rally and was back on my feet yesterday. I was still under the weather, but managing to take care of Claire and get some housework done. Today, I’m much better, thankfully, because the hubby and I are heading out tomorrow for a weekend in Oregon wine country – sans kids! So excited!

Anyways…on to today’s post (which is also some homework for my Decor 8 Blog Boss e-course). I wanted to share with you 8 beautiful blogs to adore and explore! All eight blogs are well organized, easy to read and of course, provide plenty of eye candy, original and authentic content and creative ideas!

Odessa May Society

Authored by Jennifer Prince, this elegant blog is so lovely. Jennie has a beautiful sense of style and is a very talented photographer – capturing sweet, simple moments of her life with her precious daughter. Her curated products, images and diy guides are always a treat!

all images via Odessy May Society

Lobster & Swan

A stunning and inspiring blog from the UK. Authored by Jeska, this gorgeous blog goes from fashion to interiors to crafting with all sorts of creative imagery, personal Instagram shots and diy ideas. This is one of my favorites and is sure to brighten your day. Don’t miss this one.

all images via Lobster & Swan

Inspired by Annetta

Annetta is one of my fellow students in the Blog Boss e-course and I just discovered her stunning blog! Her photography is drop dead gorgeous and although this a new blog to me, I can tell it is going to be one I visit regularly. Her creativity and inspirational work is contagious and as a new photographer myself, I can only aspire to create such beauty. Go explore her images and get ready to ooooh and ahhh! ;)

 

all images via Inspired by Annetta

pia jane bijkerk

This blog has been a long time favorite. Pia is a mother, photographer, stylist and author and has lived and traveled around the world collecting inspiration and capturing beauty everywhere she goes. Her authentic style is seen in all that she touches and her books are treasures on my shelf. While she is taking a short break from the blog presently, there is still plenty to explore from her extensive history of past posts. Her books are a must for those who adore handmade, travel and beautiful things.

 

all images via Pia Jane Bijkerk

She Make a Home

This blog covers the gamut – from yummy recipes to diy projects to uplifting messages. Ashley Pahl is the creator of this creative lifestyle blog and her talent, drive and dedication are felt authentically throughout her posts. Another fellow student from Blog Boss, Ashley is living the dream as mother, blogger and owner of a beautiful handmade stationery store. Find all sorts of artistic inspiration and practical advice on her truly wonderful blog.

all images via She Makes a Home

This is La La Land

Everyone needs a go to blog when you feel like a good laugh. Look no further – check out this one to get an inside peek into Lauren’s life as she tries to make it as an actress in L.A. Lauren is a dear friend, although I am not being biased when I say she is insanely talented. Not only can this girl write, act, model, paint, draw and play music she is straight up FUNNY! Her encounters, adventures and antidotes on life are authentic, in your face and will make you giggle out loud. She writes from the heart so don’t be surprised if you laugh and cry while reading her posts. Her artistic and quirky snapshots illustrate her stories perfectly.

 

all images via This is La La Land

a creative mint

This blog has also be a long-standing go to for inspiration and eye candy overload. I adore the style of creator, Leslie, and she has been a past co-teacher with Holly on Blogging Your Way. Her sense of color and creative explorations are always enchanting and her photography is simply divine. Go take a look if you haven’t already, Leslie’s blog is a gem and so is she.

all images via a creative mint

Jeanne Oliver

I have to give a shout out to the amazing Jeanne Oliver and her beautiful blog. Jeanne has been a past teacher of mine, guiding me to create art again with the Creatively Made e-course and helping me to improve my  business with the Building a Creatively Made Business e-course. Her blog is a fantastic place to see behind the scenes of her creations and products, read about her life and personal challenges and just get inspired! Her photography, artwork and writing are authentic and heartwarming plus her vintage, French style is so up my alley!

{p.s. I’m excited to be taking her brand new art course – check it out here.}

all images via Jeanne Oliver

Okay, so I know that was a meaty post but I hope it gives you plenty to peruse over the weekend! Let me know which blogs spoke to you – enjoy!

Have an inspired weekend!

xo,

Ivy

Etsy Love: Pastels

Hello lovelies! Hope your week is going well so far. I gathered up some pretty Etsy treats to get your excited for the approach of Spring. I adore Spring and pastel hues always remind me of all the beautiful flowers about to bloom and the soft sunlight peeking through the gray…

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6| 7 | 8 | 9

Go make a cup of tea and enjoy browsing these lovely shops.

xo,

Collage Cards

Hi friends,

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. I know Valentine’s is over but I wanted to share the collage card project Grace and I did for her classroom. I think this simple method of creating cards is really fun and can be done for any occasion.

Grace and I have done many collages but I have discovered that the best success is found when I curate the materials. Usually sticking with a theme or color palette allows your kiddo to make choices and express themselves without being overwhelmed. There have been plenty of times when I threw down a mass amount of stickers and papers only to find the Grace got overwhelmed and upset when her finished artwork looked “messy”.  She simply had too many choices in front of her. Providing just a little framework meant that she got to be creative and enjoy her results too. Nothing  is worse than an afternoon spent crafting only to end up with a grumpy kid, a paper strewn floor and glue everywhere. A creative buzz kill.

Before Grace got home from school I had cut out and organized the elements that would be used for the Valentine cards. This made it easy for Grace to make her selections and understand the color palette.

Scrapbook paper and vintage music sheets were punched into hearts using this handy dandy punch. Scrap booking die cuts and sticky jewels make easy embellishments – we had to make 25 of these cards after all! A little glitter was used at the end for a special touch of sparkle and buttons were a fun 3D addition. K & Company has some of the prettiest supplies and are my go to for scrapbooking goodies!

We had so much fun making these! I would have pics of all of them but it was dark by the time we were finished!

Think about making some collage cards with your kids for Easter!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

xo,

My Society6 Shop is now Open!

Hello friends,

How have your Fall been so far? Portland has been delivering absolutely gorgeous, sun filled, Autumn days – but I know the rain is coming soon. We have been trying to make the most of this lovely weather by taking long walks, visiting with neighbors and of course, I’ve been sneaking in a few photo shoots. Fall has brought forth a surge of creativity in me and I finally decided to open up a Society6 shop, where I can sell my digital art and photography. Here are a few of my latest pieces…

Guess I have been inspired by roses lately!

I invite you to come visit the shop and hope you enjoy my work. Thank you for all your love, support and encouragement. You all inspire me to keep creating!

xo,