Etsy Love : love and peas creations

Hello there! How’s your week going so far? Hope all the Mamas out there had a beautiful Mother’s Day! My dear hubby sent me up to Skamania Lodge for some alone time to recharge. So sweet! I came home on Sunday to warm hugs, handmade cards (by Grace), a bouquet of peonies (my fav) and veggie lasagna for dinner. Needless to say, I felt completely spoiled. I even got to complete a small mixed media painting – which I will share with you soon!

Today, I wanted to share with you a sweet little Etsy shop – loveandpeascreations – owned by artist, Jenny Blair. I just adore her stunning work! She combines mixed media illustrations with wonderful hand sewn elements. (Oh, how I wish I could sew!) The blend of paint, pencil, fabric and thread creates gorgeous texture and color. Have a look for yourself…

I’m in love with this bear. Go here to see the process of this piece on her blog.

I discovered her work through the latest Artful Blogging! What a delightful find! Go here to explore her website and view her full portfolio.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo,

Ivy

Grin & Bear it.

Hi there! How is your week going so far? We are getting so much sun here in Portland that I’m a bit giddy! It’s a little bizarre but I’ll take it!

Maybe it’s the extra Vitamin D but even my dreams have been stranger than usual. You see, I have recurring dreams with a bear in it. Yup. A big ole’ grizzly bear that I always see on the outskirts of a forest. He is always tromping through the trees on two feet appearing rather ferocious. He never actually gets me or even gets very close but the dream is alarming and always stays with me all day. This last time, I woke up from the dream and this thought entered my mind – “The bear represents change.”  It hit me like a bolt and thinking back I realized that I have my “bear dream” when lots of change is entering my life. All of a sudden both the changes and the bear seemed less frightening.  I decided to look up what a bear stands for in dreams and found that actually the bear can symbolize being brave, facing the world alone and encourages independence and strength in motherhood. Be the Mama Bear. Okay. I can do that.

To remind me of this, I just bought this print from Corella Designs on Etsy. The wonderful artist is Donna McKenizie. I love this big bear and I love that what at first seemed scary is now making me stronger.

Here are some more of her gorgeous illustrations.

Do you connect with a special animal or see one in your dreams? Maybe it’s trying to tell you something…

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

xo,

Ivy

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

Favorite Things: Sheer Addiction Jewelry

Hi there. Look, I know I’m not supposed to be window shopping online…there is laundry to be done, the kitchen is a disaster… but how can a girl help it when this lands in my inbox…

Gorgeous! Tamara Schafhauser is the brilliant designer behind Sheer Addiction Jewelry. An amazing line using vintage and antique pieces from around the world to build exquisite compositions of metal, jewel and found objects. Religious medals, old coins, vintage crystals and other unique baubles add such depth and story to her creations. I want!

Layers of history, charm and luxury. What a fabulous blend!

This little guy is a favorite of mine.

Her beautiful trio necklaces can be worn together or separate for some lovely versatility…here are two stunning examples!

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Go check out the wonderful shop for yourself, Tamara’s blog is enchanting too! So much inspiration!

Have fun perusing all the treasures to be found…

xo,

All images via Sheer Addiction Jewelry.

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,

Some exciting news…

Hello there. How was your weekend? Ours had everything typical of a weekend including, pizza, thai take-out, a kids birthday party, sleeping in (not) and pancakes. Not exactly exciting, but fun anyway.

I have some exciting news to share with you today. On March 1st, Somerset Apprentice will hit store shelves and little ole’ me will be featured within its inspiring, art filled pages! I feel so lucky and humbled to be included among such wonderful artists!

One of the projects I did for Jeanne Oliver‘s class – Creatively Made – will be outlined in detail with a helpful DIY guide that will walk you thru the steps to create a vintage journal. I can’t take credit for the idea, since Jeanne masterfully taught the lesson within her e-course but I was very pleased with the process and the outcome. It was a joy to build this romantic book. You can check out the full post here.

So, I hope you will check out the latest Somerset Apprentice. If you have never read the magazine, it is bursting with creative ideas and projects – many by very successful and well known artists – all laid out with guides to their processes! Brilliant! It’s a must read if you need to fire up your artistic side!

Thank you again, dear readers, for all the support and encouragement you have given me. I will always be grateful.

xo,