The Shack

I read this book yesterday (yes in 1 day, because I couldn't put it down) called "The Shack," by William Paul Young. I know it's a very popular book and it's been out for a couple of years, but I just learned of it recently. It was given to me by my Grandmother, who was sure that I had already read it. She told me that it was fiction, and I hesitated on taking it, because I haven't been reading any fiction books lately. Well, after reading "The Science of Getting Rich," by Wallace Wattles, "No Matter What" by Lisa Nichols, "The Passion Test" by Janet and Chris Attwood and "Happy For No Reason" by Marci Shimoff, I yearned for a break from non-fiction (although all those books were terrific). So anyway, I decided to read "The Shack" as my fiction book.

You probably know the plot already.. a man loses his daughter.. she was kidnapped and murdered in this cabin out in the middle of no where. Four years later he gets a letter in the mail inviting him back to that cabin, from God. I don't want to give too much away, if you haven't read it. I just wanted to say that it's an absolute must read book!! If you're a believer, you'll just love it, and if you're not I think it will change your life.

I'm so grateful to my Grandma for giving me this book. It's one that I will treasure, and read again and again. I can say that my life with God is forever changed thanks to this book. It's that good! :)

Update

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted! Oops! :) I've been on break from school, and I had every intention of spending as much time in the studio as possible when I was on break, but that just hasn't happened. I went to Michigan for a week to visit family and since I returned I haven't been able to get my head out of a book! I've been a reading fool. :) I do have some ideas for some more cigar boxes (possibly with inspiring quotes as well as little paintings), and some new watercolor paintings as well.

I spent a couple days up in Mackinac, Michigan on my vacation and took a ton of pictures! (literally over a 1000 pictures), and so I have some great inspiration for some new paintings. I just need to get them printed out. :)

I'm going to be making a special post about a book that really touched my heart. If you're interested, the book is called, "The Shack" by, William Paul Young.

Sale!

Today is my 1 year anniversary with Etsy! To celebrate I'm having a sale for the next week. Everything is half off! I'm not going to adjust all the prices, so if you'd like something please let me know so I can change the price for you! Happy shopping!

Love of Nature

I just wanted to share a sweet story with you... I was driving home today from running errands and when I got downtown, I noticed that everyone was stopped at the railroad tracks but there wasn't a train coming. As I got closer I saw a duck and 4 baby ducklings (tight to their momma's side) crossing the road, on the railroad tracks. I almost couldn't believe my eyes, it was so sweet. I watched them safely make it to the other side of the road and I realized I had tears in my eyes. First, it was really nice to see people stop, because I know not everyone would have (I don't even want to think about that). Secondly, it was just a reminder of how precious nature is. I have a very soft spot in my heart for animals, but this just really touched me today. I encourage you to just sit and be present for a moment with nature today - admire it's incredible beauty.

Lilacs and Butterflies

This is a painting that I completed yesterday and I really like it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a very good scan of it. For some reason the scanner just wasn't capturing the correct colors. However, it's just bright and refreshing in person. I love lilacs and butterflies too, so naturally I adore this painting. I like it so much that I think it's going to turn into a series! I even completed a drawing for another painting. I think I will take that with me to the studio tomorrow to work on. I hope everyone has a great week!

Recent Doodles

Hi everyone! I know it's been a long time. My wireless router is no longer working and it hasn't been easy for me to use the computer. However, I've got some time today, so I thought I would show you some of my latest paintings. They started out more like experiments, but I like them.

I joined a local art studio, The Dragonfly Spirit Studio in Hudson, WI, and these are some paintings I was working on there. I still haven't quite developed my style of painting, I'm trying out a bunch of different things and eventually I'll find a place where I'm comfortable. For now, I'm just enjoying trying out different techniques and styles.

I recently planted some roses and a hibiscus plant (which I decided to put in my studio) and all these paintings were inspired by those flowers. :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Dragonfly Spirit Studio

I recently became a member of the Dragonfly Spirit Studio in Hudson, Wi. and I'm so thrilled about it! The other artists that belong to the studio are all so wonderful. Everyone has their own unique style and they're all so friendly. I don't think I've ever met a more lovely group of people! They're all so supportive of one another and you can't help but feel right at home. The above painting is one that I just finished - my first since joining the studio. The website is: http://www.dragonflyspiritstudio.com/ if anyone is interested in checking it out. Have a great week everyone!

Abstract Watercolor Cards

I just love sending cards; often for no reason. I painted these small (4x6) abstract watercolor paintings and thought they would make great greeting cards. I've put together two sets so far, and have others in the works. They're in sets of 6 with matching envelopes. If you know anyone that is always sending cards (or if it's you) you have to check these out. :) They are listed on my Etsy page (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/). Have a great week everyone!

Black and White Photography

There is something about black and white photos that I just love. They're just so classy and sophisticated. That and they go with any decor! :) I added some black and white photography prints to my Etsy page today (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/). My favorite is the Lonely Train Bridge. I loved being there one evening last summer. Such a beautiful place.

Butterfly Gardens

This is a painting that I'm working on. I'm not sure if it's done yet or not. I'm going to let it dry and have another look at it tomorrow. I went to the Minnesota Zoo last year, and took a ton of pictures at "Butterfly Gardens." I loved it there! It was so heavenly being surrounded by flowers and butterflies flying around everywhere. I could have stayed there all day long. I was looking back to those pictures and feeling so inspired. So, that's what let to this painting. I think a series may arise! :)

Cute, Fun Little Prints

These two little 4 by 6 prints are from original watercolor paintings of mine. One is called "Spring in the Park," and the other is "Balloon That Got Away." I painted these back in the Fall of last year. I had a lot of fun with these and I plan to do more. The originals were drawn with ink on 7 by 10 watercolor paper. I wanted to keep the originals but I'm willing to part with them if someone is interested. They are listed on my Etsy page, http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/. Have a lovely weekend!!

Got a Thing for Roses?

I happen to love roses - the smell, the way they look, and I love painting them. I've just posted 12 new cigar boxes to my Etsy page. These four are all different colored roses. Purple, blue, red and yellow. These boxes are so adorable. The boxes themselves are very sturdy and high quality. I also listed some boxes with daisies, other roses, metallic blossoms, bees and ladybugs. You can see these at: http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/. Have a great week!

A lot of work to do!

I recently purchased all these cigar boxes!! It's so much easier to buy a lot of them then to purchase just a few here and there. It's also so difficult to find good quality cigar boxes. I was so lucky to find these! There are 30 total and I think it's safe to say I have my work cut out for me!! But I have many ideas and can't wait to get started. These boxes are relatively small, but sturdy and are going to be great. I have so many unique ideas for the black boxes! I painted a black one with white blossoms and embellished it with a little glitter (it was a gift for my Grandma). She loved it! I have to admit it did look very sharp.

Anyway, I will get started painting these boxes right away, so keep a look out for them! Hope you have a nice weekend!

Metallic Dragonflies

I love dragonflies! (I actually have a tattoo of one). These wooden boxes are painted with black and gold metallic paint. The dragonflies are a combination of pink, blue and gold metallic paint. The smaller box has four different dragonflies, and the longer box has two dragonflies. These boxes are cute and make a very nice pair. These are for sale on my Etsy page (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/).

Glitz and Glam

This lovely box is embellished with flowers and glitter. I think this box would make a great storage place for wedding cards, anniversary cards, or some other sentimental items. Please look at my listing on Etsy for more pictures (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/).

I stumbled across this picture today... This is an oil pastel painting that I did back in 2001. I was still in High School at the time and spent months on it. This was the piece of art that I was most proud of. I'm missing it because it no longer exists (long, sad story). I really treasured that piece and a few others that are also gone (let's just say they were "lost to a fire"). I'm just glad that I took a picture of it, and that I will always at least have that. After that painting was destroyed it was literally years before I got up the courage to work on more paintings. It was as if my spirit and confidence had also been taken from me. I was so proud of that painting. Anyway, I just think artwork is priceless and wonderful and I'm glad I'm back into it! :)

New Photo Boxes

I was up early this morning creating, and this is what I came up with! The box with my "Hot Air Affair" print was an idea I had a while ago. That little print is just so cute. I'm thinking about doing more paintings with hot air balloons - a series perhaps.

The button box is just adorable! I suddenly have this thing for buttons and I have no idea why :) I think the colors of everything on this box are just perfect. Very girly and sweet.

These boxes are listed on my Etsy page : http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/

My Sweetie

I just thought I'd share this picture with you. I've already made a post about my puppies, but I just couldn't resist putting up this picture! My baby, Bentley is such a sweetie. He keeps to himself most of the time - sitting in the window, soaking up the warmth of the sun. He also likes to play a lot (usually at the wrong time, like bed time) :). I think having pets is very therapeutic, they're just so loving and joyful :)

More Photo-boxes!

I woke up early this morning and put together a few more photo-boxes. One is regular size and the other one is much larger. I'm very happy with the way they turned out and I think they would make very special boxes for special treasures! I may even have to do one for myself :). These boxes are for sale from $20 - $25 on my Etsy page (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/).

Cute New Photo Boxes

I've just listed two new embellished photo boxes on my Etsy page. I think they turned out very cute! I was trying something different from the cigar boxes (although more cigar boxes will be posted soon) :) For details on these boxes please visit my Etsy page http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/.