Taking a Break

I've decided to give myself some permission to take a break from my art. I have been feeling quite overwhelmed lately by everything I've got going on and having a difficult time making time for my painting. I'm taking a full class load and this quarter is easily one of the busiest I've had in my 4 years in college. I'm also getting married in 4 weeks so I'm feeling some stress from that. Actually this school quarter ends the day before my wedding. I'm even thinking about beginning my yoga teacher training soon. So you can see why I'm feeling overwhelmed. It takes a great deal for me to get stressed and my yoga practice has helped me manage it, but it's still a lot.

My art is unfortunately my last priority right now and after the wedding and after this quarter is over I plan on jumping right back into it. And I may do some painting over the next few weeks but only if I have the time and I want to.

Have a great day!

New Hand Painted Items

I just wanted to share some of my latest hand painted items. After high school I took a break from art and when I got back into it I started doing decorative painting. I just loved it. I have continued to paint in that way on my cigar boxes but I recently decided to paint on some other items that I had.

This cute painted plate and stand are listed on Etsy for $15.
This plate and stand are also listed on Etsy for $15.

I love this candle holder/jar but I had trouble getting a good picture of it. I painted it with these sweet soft purple metallic dragonflies. It's listed on Etsy for $12.

It's not exactly fine art, but I really enjoy it and others seem to as well.

I hope you have a great evening!

Cigar Box Sale

I'm having a cigar box sale on Etsy! Purchase any regular or reduced price cigar box and receive any reduced price box for free. The price of the free box will be refunded via Paypal. I have over 30 boxes to choose from, and most of them are already reduced in price.

If you follow my blog you probably know that some of these hand painted cigar boxes were purchased last year by Columbia pictures to use on the set of The Smurfs movie coming out this August. I'm looking to clean out some of the boxes I have now to make room for some new ones. These boxes make great gifts and everyone loves them! :)

Have a great day!

Birthday Sale On Etsy

My twin sister and I are celebrating our birthday today! I've decided to have a little birthday sale on Etsy this weekend. Free shipping on every purchase! Simply enter coupon code "freeshipping" at checkout! Offer good until tomorrow night at midnight. To visit my Etsy shop, click here.

The above photo was taken on Mackinac Island a couple summers ago. One of my favorite places! It was wonderful to be able to go and spend the day with my sister and my brothers too. I'll tell you, being able to share a birthday with your best friend is great! Makes the day even more special!

Happy Birthday Christina!!

Multicolor Rose

"Multicolor Rose" 5 by 7, Watercolor Painting

I thought I would try something a little different today. I've never painted a flower like this, without some kind of background. I have to say I really like it. The simple white background adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the painting. And the flower just jumps out. I had a lot of fun mixing colors too.

This little watercolor will join a few others (Twin Roses and Cosmos) at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery. I've got about 4 new paintings to take and get hung there. Nothing like bright florals for Spring. :)

I hope you have a great day!