Many of you know how much I love Jeanne's courses and what an inspiration she has been to my creative life. Her spirit is so sweet and kind. She is celebrating 6000 members on her creative site. To celebrate she has an awesome giveaway and amazing sale on her courses. The courses are $18.00. I assure you this will be the best $18.00 you spend. Your life will be enriched and you will learn some amazing techniques and ideas. Your soul will be filled. You can learn all the details here:
http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2013/07/15/i-want-to-celebrate-with-you-huge-giveaways-and-sale/
Treat yourself and sign up! Hurry, it only lasts for 48 hours.
I can't wait to see what you create!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
The song of the birds
This morning I decided to have my breakfast and tea on the deck. It was overcast and cool, so it seemed perfect. I am blessed to have a canopy of trees in my backyard. The perfect haven for my feathered friends. My friends were very active this morning and singing away. They were chasing each other from tree to tree and then taking turns at the bird feeder. I felt as though they were singing to me. The chorus was made up of the cardinal along with the titmouse, and the little wren's. The mighty hawk flew over and they all got very quite. He soared with his majestic wings, so quiet and stately.
They seemed so happy and content just to be alive and have food and water this morning. It was just what I needed.
Next time, I will take my journal and my camera so that I can capture my emotions and the beauty as a reminder for days when I can't hear the singing.
All of a sudden, I got a bit startled. I thought it was a wasp or bee but there was a beautiful hummingbird. He was right in front of me, pausing to tell me good morning. He then flew over to drink the nectar from the Zinnia's that have brought me so much joy this summer. He brought such a smile to my face. It's as though they were all little messengers from God, singing His praises and reminding me to do the same. The garden has brought me so many blessings this year. Every day that I go out in it, there is something that brings a smile to my face and puts me in a place of peace. God's creations are amazing. He gives us such precious gifts everyday if we just Be Still and Know.
Why isn't this enough for most of us? We constantly seem to want more, search for more, or want exciting lives. I hope this week you will take the time to pause in nature and feel the peace and joy it can bring.
They seemed so happy and content just to be alive and have food and water this morning. It was just what I needed.
Next time, I will take my journal and my camera so that I can capture my emotions and the beauty as a reminder for days when I can't hear the singing.
All of a sudden, I got a bit startled. I thought it was a wasp or bee but there was a beautiful hummingbird. He was right in front of me, pausing to tell me good morning. He then flew over to drink the nectar from the Zinnia's that have brought me so much joy this summer. He brought such a smile to my face. It's as though they were all little messengers from God, singing His praises and reminding me to do the same. The garden has brought me so many blessings this year. Every day that I go out in it, there is something that brings a smile to my face and puts me in a place of peace. God's creations are amazing. He gives us such precious gifts everyday if we just Be Still and Know.
Why isn't this enough for most of us? We constantly seem to want more, search for more, or want exciting lives. I hope this week you will take the time to pause in nature and feel the peace and joy it can bring.
Monday, June 17, 2013
10 Photo's a Day
I love really good photographs. I love to capture the moments in photo's. Unfortunately, I am usually unsuccessful at both! I am always so excited to look at the pictures I have taken and then usually disappointed they didn't turn out. I admire the beautiful blogs and websites of those talented people who can accomplish this. I have considered purchasing a cool DSLR camera but fear of failure would have the expensive piece of equipment displayed beautifully in a stylish camera bag! To be honest, most of my snapshots are taken with my iPhone. It's easy and it's always with me.
I am taking a course from Jeanne Oliver's summer series called the Art of Seeing. As you know from my previous posts, Jeanne's classes are always amazing. This one just started today and I've only watched a few of the video's. One of the projects is to take 10 photo's a day for a week and share them. One of the reasons that I took this class is to improve my photo taking for the pictures I use here on this blog and on Pinterest. Hopefully, you'll see my pictures improve!
Day One - June 17, 2013
Since most of today was gone by the time I watched the video, I captured some photo's of our wild garden, the fresh tomatoes I picked this evening, the veggies for our juice, and the juice itself. I didn't get 10 today but tomorrow's another day. Enjoy a glimpse into my world for day one.
Life happens and I missed a couple days with this lesson. Oh, but, the sweet reprieve of the weekend is here! I still didn't capture 10 today but I did capture a few that describe my day.
The view of the front porch. I see this everyday. Today, this view seemed to be one that needed to be captured. The way the wind was blowing and the trees were swaying...it just felt peaceful and welcoming. Maybe after a long week, my spirit felt drawn to the comforts of entering our home and leaving the world behind for a couple days. Once again this project reminds me of all the comforts, charm and beauty that is around me...if I just slow down and look.
I took some time to do some art today as I just started Wildflowers, a great new summer art class with the precious Junelle Jacobsen. You should check it out. I have an "art table" in our office. It is right in front of two windows so the light in the morning is amazing. Many times I catch myself sitting there just watching the birds or the squirrels play in the pond or empty the bird feeder, which they did. They dumped all of the seed out of the feeder that they already broke. But even without the seed, the view is still great.
I am taking a course from Jeanne Oliver's summer series called the Art of Seeing. As you know from my previous posts, Jeanne's classes are always amazing. This one just started today and I've only watched a few of the video's. One of the projects is to take 10 photo's a day for a week and share them. One of the reasons that I took this class is to improve my photo taking for the pictures I use here on this blog and on Pinterest. Hopefully, you'll see my pictures improve!
Day One - June 17, 2013
Since most of today was gone by the time I watched the video, I captured some photo's of our wild garden, the fresh tomatoes I picked this evening, the veggies for our juice, and the juice itself. I didn't get 10 today but tomorrow's another day. Enjoy a glimpse into my world for day one.
Day Two - June 18, 2013
This project is really fun. It makes one take a look around at the things we pass by or take for granted everyday. We never really think about them because they are all just part of our lives. When they are captured in a photo, it makes you take a look at your own world through a different "lens."
Today I captured a morning cup of tea and a wall in my office at work. I picked jasmine flowers and placed them with a garden sign and a tree stump that is naturally in a heart shape. I wish you all could smell their beautiful fragrance! I love the way the sun was captured shinning through in the picture of the Welcome sign on the arbor in the garden. I captured a funny picture of our dog who desperately wanted the treat I was bribing him with to perk his ears. The final picture is a picture of the clouds on this beautiful evening. It looks as though there is a dog sleeping in the upper right. My life is surrounded by so much beauty. This project is reminding me of that.
Day Three, - June 19, 2013
Here are a few photo's from today capturing nature's gifts of summer.
Summertime brings such beautiful fruits and vegetables. I cut up a cantaloupe and a fresh pineapple tonight for a refreshing snack.
I also clipped some fresh mint from the garden. I love, love, love mint. It is yummy in lemon water, ice tea, green tea, or just about anything. Mint definitely reminds me of summer.
I have these tiny vases that are perfect for sprigs of mint or a single flower. I like to keep this on my counter to add to whatever needs a little pick me up. Here it is on my vintage scale. I found this at a charming shop on Etsy and I just love it. I actually use it to weigh items for various food recipes as well as soap and skin care recipes. If it's in our kitchen, it gets used.
The evening brought in some rain chances. The skies turned gray and the wind picked up. The temperatures dropped and it felt amazing outside. Since I captured the white fluffy clouds yesterday, I thought it fitting to capture the stormy clouds too. I thought the rain missed us but after dark, a nice, steady rain came. Cool temperatures and cool rain on a mid-June night is unusual for us. Have you ever danced in the rain? Something about this rain just made me want to soak it up and lift my hands to the heavens and dance. Thank goodness it was dark!
I love the quote by Vivian Greene: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain." I hope you'll take some time to enjoy all summer means to you.
Day Four - June 22, 2013Life happens and I missed a couple days with this lesson. Oh, but, the sweet reprieve of the weekend is here! I still didn't capture 10 today but I did capture a few that describe my day.
The view of the front porch. I see this everyday. Today, this view seemed to be one that needed to be captured. The way the wind was blowing and the trees were swaying...it just felt peaceful and welcoming. Maybe after a long week, my spirit felt drawn to the comforts of entering our home and leaving the world behind for a couple days. Once again this project reminds me of all the comforts, charm and beauty that is around me...if I just slow down and look.
I took some time to do some art today as I just started Wildflowers, a great new summer art class with the precious Junelle Jacobsen. You should check it out. I have an "art table" in our office. It is right in front of two windows so the light in the morning is amazing. Many times I catch myself sitting there just watching the birds or the squirrels play in the pond or empty the bird feeder, which they did. They dumped all of the seed out of the feeder that they already broke. But even without the seed, the view is still great.
I planted Zinnia's in the our "wild" garden this year. These beauties just keep making me smile. Everyday there is a new flower.
Then there was the moon. The moon tonight looks amazing. The photo with my iPhone doesn't do it justice but I just had to try. It lights up the sky like a headlight shining down from heaven. You can feel the energy of all she has.
I hope you'll take some time this weekend to enjoy all the beauty around you. Stop and pause. Breathe. Bask in the moonlight. Feed your soul.
Day Five - June 23, 2013
Happy Sunday! I know you are probably tired of seeing photo's of my garden. But each day that I go out there, there is always something new. While watering this morning, a beautiful Swallowtail butterfly visited. He apparently loves the Zinnias as much as I do! He fluttered around to all of them. It was such a magical moment. Again, all I had out there was my phone so they are not the greatest.
I also took some time this weekend to finish up an art canvas I started. I am totally in love with the Julie Nutting Prima Doll stamps. They are like grown up paper dolls (Blog post about that coming soon.). Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Herbal Tinctures/Extracts
I hope you all are enjoying a long weekend and the kickoff to summer! One of the things on my "to do" list for the long weekend was to make tinctures with the abundance of herbs I have growing. I planted everything in containers this year and they have thrived so well.
Tinctures, also known as extracts, are very easy to make. Tinctures are concentrated herbal preparations made using chopped herbs and grain alcohol, glycerin, or vinegars. This method maintains the beneficial properties of the herbs. They are absorbed into your system quickly and are easy to administer. You simply add the prepared tincture to water, tea, or juice. Tinctures have a long shelf life making them a great addition to your herbal apothecary.
I made three tinctures today: Sage, Borage, and Chickweed. I also decanted the Cleavers tincture that I made back in April.
To make a tincture, simply cut your fresh herbs and wash and dry them. You'll want to make sure they are dry.
Chop up coarsely and fill a 1/2 pint jar with the herb. Cover the herb with grain alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. I used alcohol for mine.
Take note as the herbs may settle a bit and you may need to add more alcohol.
Cover with a tight fitting lid. Label your herb with the name, date and the extraction medium. Store in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks. Be sure to shake on regular basis if you remember.
When you are ready to decant, simply pour the liquid through a cheese cloth and then into a dark amber or cobalt dropper bottle. Depending on the type of herb, I usually pour mine through the cheesecloth a few times. Be sure to label the tincture with the name, dosage and use. I also like to put the date on my label so I know its age.
You can also use smaller 4 oz. jars if you don't want to make as much.
Do you have an abundance of herbs growing this year? Give tinctures a try. You'll see how easy it is and what a joy it is to create your own medicine.
I'll be sharing the uses for the above tinctures soon. I'm also going to try infusing some herbs in honey. What are some of your favorite ways to use the herbs you have growing?
Tinctures, also known as extracts, are very easy to make. Tinctures are concentrated herbal preparations made using chopped herbs and grain alcohol, glycerin, or vinegars. This method maintains the beneficial properties of the herbs. They are absorbed into your system quickly and are easy to administer. You simply add the prepared tincture to water, tea, or juice. Tinctures have a long shelf life making them a great addition to your herbal apothecary.
To make a tincture, simply cut your fresh herbs and wash and dry them. You'll want to make sure they are dry.
Chop up coarsely and fill a 1/2 pint jar with the herb. Cover the herb with grain alcohol, glycerin or vinegar. I used alcohol for mine.
Take note as the herbs may settle a bit and you may need to add more alcohol.
Cover with a tight fitting lid. Label your herb with the name, date and the extraction medium. Store in a cool, dark place for 6 weeks. Be sure to shake on regular basis if you remember.
When you are ready to decant, simply pour the liquid through a cheese cloth and then into a dark amber or cobalt dropper bottle. Depending on the type of herb, I usually pour mine through the cheesecloth a few times. Be sure to label the tincture with the name, dosage and use. I also like to put the date on my label so I know its age.
You can also use smaller 4 oz. jars if you don't want to make as much.
Do you have an abundance of herbs growing this year? Give tinctures a try. You'll see how easy it is and what a joy it is to create your own medicine.
I'll be sharing the uses for the above tinctures soon. I'm also going to try infusing some herbs in honey. What are some of your favorite ways to use the herbs you have growing?
Friday, April 12, 2013
New favorite company for mixed media!
I was recently at our local craft store and was drawn to some beautiful flowers, embellishments, papers, washi tape, etc. Since mixed media has become my latest form of "therapy", I am always on the lookout for beautiful things to use in my art. I am drawn to those things that have a vintage look, soft colors and just about anything that looks like book paper, music, or words. I believe that incorporating "wall words" (as my husband calls them) allows the art to serve as a gentle reminder of the things that we forget in this crazy life. I also love to use flowers, birds, butterflies, and other sweet creatures of nature. If I can find true vintage items and papers then that's even better. Sorry, I digress...back to the point....
The company is Prima Marketing. I love their Lyric, Almanac, Fairy Rhyme, and Firefly collections. Actually, I love all of their collections but a girl has to stop at some point. Well, at least until the next paycheck! One of my favorite places to get this collection as well as other great supplies is here.
I am going to create something with these beautiful papers this weekend. I'll post it here so you can be inspired to give them a try too.
Do you have a favorite company or brand that you use in your creations? I'd love to hear about them. Maybe they will become my favorite too!
Enjoy your weekend and take some time to create or do something to soothe your soul. You deserve it!
The company is Prima Marketing. I love their Lyric, Almanac, Fairy Rhyme, and Firefly collections. Actually, I love all of their collections but a girl has to stop at some point. Well, at least until the next paycheck! One of my favorite places to get this collection as well as other great supplies is here.
I am going to create something with these beautiful papers this weekend. I'll post it here so you can be inspired to give them a try too.
Do you have a favorite company or brand that you use in your creations? I'd love to hear about them. Maybe they will become my favorite too!
Enjoy your weekend and take some time to create or do something to soothe your soul. You deserve it!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Creative and Herbal Ramblings
Hello Sweet Friends,
Sorry it's been so long since our last chat. I hope you all have been well.
Tonight I have been in my little apothecary creating some luxurious body products for some sweet visitors. As I watch the magic of chemistry happen while blending the oils, butters, and herbs I feel ultimate bliss. I toss in much love and prayer and for a few brief hours, all the cares and stresses of the month, week or day, simply pass. Ahhh..... sweet serenity.
I took a creative class with some dear friends this week and once again, the sense of calmness and happiness returned.
I have been planting seeds and watching the precious babies peek up out of the dirt. As I watch them grow, I feel the energy of their spirits and can't wait to see all the goodness they display. When their precious flowers start waving "hello", I'll have them drop by here for an introduction.
I've been creating lovely little birdies, flowers and signs of inspiration with my mixed media art.
Spring cleaning has begun. The kitchen floor has finally been painted and I'm ready to shake out the rugs and dust off the feelings that winter seems to bring to my soul.
As we enter into this season of renewal and hope, my wish for each of you is that you have your own moments of bliss, serenity, calmness and happiness. Feel the warmth of the sunshine and let it restore your soul. Watch the plants go from tiny, little seeds to beautiful flowers and plants. Look for the butterflies that seem to make my heart flutter as they fly from flower to flower. Do you hear the birds singing? Go outside and look up at the moon. Can you feel the moonbeams dance? If you are like me, I get caught up in so many other things that I lose sight of the things that take me to my "happy place." Then once I'm there, I ask myself why I didn't stop by sooner.
Many blessings and love.
Sorry it's been so long since our last chat. I hope you all have been well.
Tonight I have been in my little apothecary creating some luxurious body products for some sweet visitors. As I watch the magic of chemistry happen while blending the oils, butters, and herbs I feel ultimate bliss. I toss in much love and prayer and for a few brief hours, all the cares and stresses of the month, week or day, simply pass. Ahhh..... sweet serenity.
I took a creative class with some dear friends this week and once again, the sense of calmness and happiness returned.
I have been planting seeds and watching the precious babies peek up out of the dirt. As I watch them grow, I feel the energy of their spirits and can't wait to see all the goodness they display. When their precious flowers start waving "hello", I'll have them drop by here for an introduction.
I've been creating lovely little birdies, flowers and signs of inspiration with my mixed media art.
Spring cleaning has begun. The kitchen floor has finally been painted and I'm ready to shake out the rugs and dust off the feelings that winter seems to bring to my soul.
As we enter into this season of renewal and hope, my wish for each of you is that you have your own moments of bliss, serenity, calmness and happiness. Feel the warmth of the sunshine and let it restore your soul. Watch the plants go from tiny, little seeds to beautiful flowers and plants. Look for the butterflies that seem to make my heart flutter as they fly from flower to flower. Do you hear the birds singing? Go outside and look up at the moon. Can you feel the moonbeams dance? If you are like me, I get caught up in so many other things that I lose sight of the things that take me to my "happy place." Then once I'm there, I ask myself why I didn't stop by sooner.
Many blessings and love.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
New Lookbook by Jeanne Oliver
Check out the beautiful new Lookbook by Jeanne Oliver. Her Winter 2012 line is beautiful. Go to her shop for gorgeous bags, vintage items, and beautiful art and jewelry. Her packaging is amazing.
Check out the beautiful new Lookbook by Jeanne Oliver. Her Winter 2012 line is beautiful. Go to her shop for gorgeous bags, vintage items, and beautiful art and jewelry. Her packaging is amazing.
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