The Lasting Influence of Leonardo da Vinci on Art and Science

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

Photo by Engin Deniz Kopan on Pexels.com

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) was more than just a painter—he was an architect, scientist, engineer, and visionary thinker whose curiosity knew no bounds. Best known for masterpieces like Mona Lisa (pictured below left) and The Last Supper (pictured below right), da Vinci’s art captures human emotion with remarkable realism, thanks to his mastery of light, shadow, and perspective.

But Leonardo’s genius extended far beyond the canvas. He filled notebooks with studies of anatomy, flight, botany, and mechanics, designing inventions centuries ahead of his time, including flying machines and early concepts of robots. His keen observations and relentless curiosity made him a true Renaissance polymath, influencing both art and science in profound ways.

Leonardo da Vinci’s boundless curiosity and mastery across disciplines continue to inspire artists, scientists, and inventors, proving that creativity and knowledge go hand in hand. His ability to blend science with art, observation with imagination, and precision with wonder reminds us that the pursuit of learning is limitless—and that imagination has the power to shape the future. Whether sketching a flying machine or capturing the human soul in a portrait, da Vinci’s legacy teaches us that artistic expression and discovery go hand in hand. In his own words, ‘Learning never exhausts the mind’—a timeless reminder to keep exploring, questioning, and creating.

Hope you enjoyed this post today, thanks for stopping by!

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5 Simple Tips to Organize Your Home Like a Pro

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

Have you ever had clutter sneak into your home or office and create a disastrous mess? That’s me right now. I don’t even know where all the stuff comes from. It’s like I’m a magnet for collecting stuff, and that stuff attracts more stuff, and before you know it—BOOM—there’s stuff everywhere!! 😂

But don’t worry, we can break the cycle. Here’s how to organize like a pro (or at least like someone who knows where their keys are).

1. Declutter First (Yes, That Means Letting Go)

Before you start organizing, you have to ditch the extra stuff. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Does it bring me joy? Or is it just here to mess with me? If it’s the latter, donate, recycle, or toss it before it multiplies again.

2. Use Smart Storage (A Fancy Way of Saying “Put Things in Bins”)

Pro organizers love bins, baskets, and labels. Why? Because they keep your stuff from turning into an uncontrollable avalanche. Clear containers = no more guessing what’s inside that mystery box from 2019.

3. Give Everything a Home (So It Stops Wandering Off)

If something doesn’t have a designated spot, it will find a way to spread chaos. Find a home for every item, and when you’re done using it, send it back like it’s on a mission.

4. Maximize Vertical Space (Because Floors Aren’t Storage Units)

When in doubt, go up! Shelves, wall hooks, and stackable storage keep things neat while freeing up space. Bonus: you’ll finally stop tripping over that pile of books you vowed you’re going to read.

5. Set a Daily Reset Routine (AKA, Save Future You From Stress)

Spend 10 minutes tidying up each evening. Future You will thank you when they walk into a clutter-free space instead of a scene from a home disaster movie.

The key to staying organized is consistency—plus a little humor when stuff gets out of control. Start small, build good habits, and take back your space, one decluttered drawer at a time!

Hope you found this post helpful—thanks for dropping by! 😊

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14 Heartfelt Sentiments for Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards

Posted on February 13, 2025 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, making it the perfect time to celebrate love and appreciation for those who matter most. And what better way to do that than with a handmade card? Whether you’re crafting for a significant other, a close friend, or a family member, adding a heartfelt sentiment makes your card even more special.

If you’re looking for the perfect words to include, here are 14 heartfelt sentiments to inspire your Valentine’s Day creations!

Sweet & Simple

“You make my heart smile.” 💖
“Forever grateful for your love.”
“You’re my favorite kind of magic.” ✨

Sometimes, a short and sweet message is all you need to make someone’s day. These are perfect for minimal designs or when you want the artwork to take center stage.

Romantic & Loving

“Together is my favorite place to be.”
“Love you more than words can say.”
“You are my happily ever after.” 💕

For that special someone in your life, these sentiments add a touch of romance to your handmade card. They pair beautifully with delicate watercolor hearts, soft pastels, or even a bold abstract background.

Warm & Thoughtful

“Sending you all my love today and always.”
“You make life so much sweeter!” 🍫
“Every bond is special, but ours is my favorite.”

If you’re creating a card for a best friend, sibling, or parent, these messages will remind them just how much they mean to you. Adding personal details, like an inside joke or a shared memory, makes it even more meaningful.

Playful & Fun

“You are my sunshine on the cloudiest days.” ☀️
“My heart is happiest when I’m with you.”
“You + Me = The Perfect Match.” 🔥

Want to keep things lighthearted? These fun and upbeat sentiments bring a smile to anyone’s face! Try pairing them with doodles, colorful splashes, or even a little glitter for extra cheer.

Handmade with Love

“Handmade with love, just for you!” 🖌️
“Love is the best gift of all—thank you for being mine.”

Since your card is one-of-a-kind, why not highlight that in your message? Let the recipient know that your creation was made with love and intention, just for them.

Final Touches

Once you’ve chosen your sentiment, consider adding a little extra flair to make it stand out:

Write it in beautiful hand lettering or use stamps for a polished touch.
Add a small heartfelt note inside with something personal.
Use collage, washi tape, or embossing to enhance the design.

No matter which sentiment you choose, your handmade card will be a cherished keepsake. So grab your art supplies, get creative, and let your heartfelt words bring joy this Valentine’s Day!

Which sentiment is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! 💕✨

Thanks for stopping by!

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Esther Howland: The Pioneer of Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Maria - FlowingWatersArt

Esther A Howland “The Mother of Valentine”

Follow Up to the History of Valentine’s Day

Last week I wrote a post about the history of Valentine’s Day and learned we had a “Mother of Valentine, “Esther A Howland. I found her very interesting considering she was born in a time before women basically had rights and as a result the odds were not in her favor. Despite that, Esther persevered and moved forward with her vision. Below are some of the highlights of Esther’s lifetime accomplishments below:

1828 Esther was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her parents were Southworth Allen Howland and Esther Howland.
Her Father, owned the largest stationary and bookbindery business in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Esther attended college at Mount Holyoke Academy the same time as Emily Dickinson did.
1847 Esther graduated college at the age of 19 and received a Valentine card from one of her father’s friends which was decorated with lace and cut out flowers. During this time, Valentine Day Cards were imported from Europe into the States.
Esther loved the card and thought she could do better. She talked to her father and he bought her supplies to make her own cards. She created a dozen designs.
Esther gave the samples to her brother for his next sales trip for their father’s business. She hoped for $200 in sales which would be worth around $6,380 today. But to her surprise he returned with over $5,000, worth $159,501 today.
Esther knew she couldn’t handle these orders by herself so she employed friends, primarily women who were said to have been paid liberally and had pleasant working conditions. She used a guest bedroom on the 3rd floor of her home for her new business. She set up an assembly line to create the cards and inspected each one.
1850 The Worcester Spy published the first advertisement for Esther’s Valentine Cards and she became officially known as a businesswomen.
1870 Esther incorporated her business, New England Valentine Company (N.E.V.Co).
In red ink, Esther began stamping the letter “H” and price on the back of her cards. She also included in red ink, the letters for her company “N.E.V.Co.”
Esther’s business grossed $100,000 annually the equivalent of $3,190,024 today.
Esther expanded her business and made cards for Birthdays, Christmas and New Years. She also created May Baskets and Booklets.
1866 Esther suffered a knee injury and became bound to a wheelchair.
1874 Esther moved her Valentine factory from her home to Harrington Corner.
Esther passed away in 1904 at the age of 76. Although she was considered “The Mother of Valentine” she never married.