Do MORE Art in 2014

Hello everyone! How are you all? I hope you have been enjoying the Holiday season with family and friends. So…are you ready for 2014?

I think I am. I’m excited about the new possibilities and adventures ahead!

Of course, it’s always good to look back over the year and appreciate all the beautiful experiences we’ve had. To ponder all that we have learned and how we have grown. The mistakes, the regrets…it’s all part of our path so don’t focus on those too much. ;) The choices we make now are what truly matters. What will you do with your New Year? What changes will you make? How will you choose to spend your time? These are all things that are on my mind today.

One of my “resolutions” is to DO MORE ART! I am now referring to my office as my studio and I re-organized the entire thing to display all my paints, brushes and artsy stuff. Easily accessible and ready for me. I signed up for an art retreat. I hung up images that inspire me. It felt SO good to set this intention! Now, I just have to do the work (not that art ever feels like work to me). Come to think of it…doing the art isn’t the hard part. It’s moving past the fear, the doubt and the all too familiar and un-nerving sensation that once I begin it could end in a complete ugly disaster.

I adore this quote by Elizabeth Gilbert. She totally nails it.

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So here’s to a fabulous 2014 full of love, joy and creativity! Sending you all big hugs and best wishes! Thank you for all your wonderful comments and amazing encouragement!

xo,

Ivy

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Inspired: Studio Visit with Amy Olson

Hello there! How are you all? Hope you enjoyed the weekend. Portland is rocking some serious sunshine and I’m soaking it up. Me and my cankles…yes, third trimester swelling has begun. Oh joy! Only five more weeks to go – so excited to meet my little girl!

Anyway, today I wanted to share with you a little behind the scenes peek into the studio of Amy Olson Jewelry. I don’t know about you but I love seeing where people create. There is an intimacy and beauty to witness where creativity, inspiration and vision come together for an artist. To see their dreams become reality…

Lucky for me, Amy is a dear friend so getting backstage access to her jewel filled studio was no problem.

Filled with natural light, the white washed walls play backdrop to an eclectic treasure trove of jewels, bits of gold and silver, vintage artifacts and of course all of Amy’s tools.

I must admit…it was hard to keep my paws off all these dazzling bits of loveliness. Like a little kid, I was tempted to play with all the beads, chains and gemstones. Who could blame me?

Amy’s beautiful apartment relates to her jewelry and her favorite hues and textures can be seen through out her sweet home.

So gorgeous right? Feminine, delicate, nostalgic and refined…these are the words that come to mind when I think about Amy and her precious creations.  She truly designs unique and authentic jewelry that reflect her aesthetics. Each piece is hand crafted with such care and detail! Be sure to check out her Etsy store here.

Thanks Amy for letting me into your studio! Keep creating girl!

Hope you enjoyed that little tour…do you have a place in your home where you create?

xo,