While flipping through some old notes, I came across this beautiful quote by Gandhi, and it instantly felt like the perfect match for my “Rustic Charm” abstract:
“Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.” ~ Gandhi
This quote serves as a great reflection, highlighting how even the simplest thoughts can shape our lives in profound ways. 🎨💫 It reminds us to be mindful of our thoughts and the impact they have on our actions and values. Creating art is my way of reflecting on these ideas, expressing them through color and form, and finding inspiration in life’s little moments.
I hope these words of wisdom inspire you today, thanks for stopping by!🌟✨
Winter can sometimes feel like a time to slow down, but it’s also a great opportunity to stay motivated and productive. Here are a few tips to keep your momentum going during the colder months:
Embrace the Cozy Vibes: The long evenings and chilly weather are perfect for creating a cozy workspace. Light a candle (apple pumpkin pie scent anyone?) and wrap yourself in a soft blanket while you work on your projects. The warmth will help keep you focused and inspired.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: With the days shorter, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate the little victories along the way, and you’ll stay motivated without the pressure of big, looming goals.
Stay Active: Whether it’s a winter walk, a yoga session, or a dance break, staying active will keep your energy up. Exercise releases endorphins that help lift your mood and boost motivation.
Keep a Routine: Even when the weather is gloomy, maintaining a routine can help create structure and a sense of accomplishment. Set regular times for work, rest, and self-care.
Find Winter-Inspired Inspiration: Winter offers a unique beauty—use it as inspiration! Whether through winter photography, art, or just taking time to appreciate the season, draw from the world around you to fuel your creativity.
Winter doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation; it’s a season full of cozy opportunities to stay productive and motivated. By creating a warm, inspiring environment, setting small goals, staying active, and embracing the beauty of winter, you can make the most of the season. Remember, motivation is about balance—taking care of yourself while still pushing forward. Here’s to staying cozy and productive this winter!
I hope these winter tips inspired you! Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love creating in my 5.5×8.5” watercolor journal—it’s the perfect way to warm up before diving into larger pieces in my studio. My last abstract was mainly shades of blue (my favorite!), but I felt like mixing it up this time. So, I went for a blend of blues, greens, pinks, and yellows for a bit more pop!
I had a blast experimenting with different patterns and designs, letting one element lead into the next. That’s what I love about art journaling—there’s no right or wrong, just the freedom to explore and see where it takes you.
Have you tried art journaling before? If not, I highly recommend it! It’s such a calming practice and doesn’t require fancy supplies or tons of time. You can use whatever you have on hand and fit it in whenever you have a few spare minutes.
I hope this inspires a little creativity for your weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by—I appreciate you being here!
Share the Happy💖
“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.’‘ ~George Bernard Shaw
Fall is the perfect season for a cozy getaway! Whether you’re heading to the mountains for crisp autumn air or exploring a charming small town for leaf-peeping, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a quick guide to help you pack the essentials for the perfect fall trip.
1. Layered Clothing
Fall weather can be unpredictable, so pack plenty of layers! Include sweaters, scarves, and a lightweight jacket to stay comfortable no matter the temperature.
2. Comfortable Footwear
Exploring fall foliage means lots of walking. Bring comfy shoes or boots that can handle both city strolls and nature hikes.
3. Seasonal Snacks
Pack your favorite fall treats—think pumpkin spice snacks, hot cocoa mix, and apple cider donuts. These little goodies can make your trip feel extra festive!
4. Travel Blanket
A cozy travel blanket is a must for chilly nights around the campfire or for staying warm on long drives.
5. Camera or Smartphone
Don’t forget to capture the vibrant fall colors! Bring your camera or smartphone to snap pictures of the beautiful scenery.
With these essentials, you’ll be ready to make the most of your autumn adventure. Happy travels and enjoy the season!
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, reflect, and savor a delicious meal with loved ones. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the preparation—especially with the holiday just 2 weeks away! That’s where a Thanksgiving checklist comes in handy. Here’s how to create one that will keep your celebration stress-free and enjoyable.
1. Plan the Menu
Start with your meal plan. Whether it’s a classic turkey dinner or a modern twist, list each dish you’ll be serving. Don’t forget appetizers, sides, and desserts. This helps you organize your grocery list and ensures nothing gets left out.
2. Shop Smart
Write out your grocery list based on your menu, and categorize items by sections of the store (produce, dairy, bakery, etc.). This makes shopping a breeze and helps you avoid multiple trips to the store.
3. Prep in Advance
Plan out tasks you can tackle early. Chopping veggies, baking pies, or setting the table the night before can save you time and reduce stress on the big day.
4. Organize Your Cooking Timeline
Consider the cooking times of each dish and create a timeline for when to start cooking. This ensures everything is ready at the same time, so you can enjoy the meal hot and fresh.
5. Add Personal Touches
Include a section for decorating ideas or activities like sharing what you’re thankful for. These little touches make the day memorable for everyone.
With a checklist in hand, you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the holiday with family and friends! 🦃🍂
I hope you found this post helpful! Thanks for stopping by—happy planning!
I recently got a new set of watercolor brushes, and I couldn’t wait to try them out! I grabbed my 5.5×8.5” watercolor journal and spent a fun afternoon playing around, creating this colorful abstract. It’s amazing how different each brush feels—getting used to their bounce and how much water they hold is part of the fun.
I love experimenting in my journal, testing out new patterns and designs. Some might make their way into bigger pieces, and some are just for the joy of the process. I’m a bit obsessed with curves—you’ll often see circles, waves, and leaves pop up in my art. They remind me of the ocean and trees, two of my favorite things.
For this painting, my favorite parts are the blue leaves near the top and the dark blue waves at the bottom. There’s something calming about those patterns—I love the flow they bring to the piece. What about you? Do you have a favorite part?
I hope this little peek into my process brings a bit of inspiration to your weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this creative moment with me!
Share the Happy💖
“‘Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.’” ~Pablo Picasso
As the days grow shorter, it’s natural to feel a shift in energy. While we might miss the long summer evenings, the extra darkness can bring a unique sense of calm and an opportunity to slow down. Here are a few ways to embrace these shorter days and turn them into a season of comfort, creativity, and reflection.
1. Create a Cozy Atmosphere With earlier sunsets, now is the perfect time to enhance the coziness of your space. Light a candle (holiday scents like apple, pumpkin, or cinnamon add extra warmth!) or drape a soft throw blanket on your favorite chair. Low lighting and a cozy setting can make evenings feel special, whether you’re winding down with a book or spending time with family.
2. Shift Your Creative Routine Darker evenings are ideal for quiet, reflective art projects. Try swapping out daytime painting sessions with candle-lit creativity sessions in the evening. You may find that the softer lighting adds a new dimension to your work. Cozy up with a warm drink, your favorite supplies, and let the mood inspire you.
3. Set Mini Goals for Your Creative Projects When daylight is shorter, it’s easy to feel less productive. But you can channel this shift by setting small, manageable creative goals. Completing even tiny projects—like a zentangle or a mini abstract—can keep your creative energy flowing without feeling overwhelming.
4. Embrace Outdoor Moments While it’s tempting to stay indoors, make an effort to step outside and savor the daylight when you can. Even a short walk in the crisp air can refresh your mind and reset your body’s natural rhythms. Bring a camera along and capture the serene beauty of the season—bare branches, misty mornings, or vibrant sunsets.
5. Practice Self-Care and Rest Finally, give yourself permission to rest more. The shorter days remind us to slow down and listen to our bodies. Embrace this seasonal cue to prioritize self-care, enjoy quiet moments, and recharge for busier seasons ahead.
The shorter days are a gift in disguise, offering a chance to reflect, recharge, and create in new ways. With a cozy atmosphere and gentle shifts in routine, we can make this season one of deep comfort and creativity. How do you make the most of shorter days? Do you have any cozy rituals or creative routines you look forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you embrace this time of year!
It’s hard to believe we’re already into November, with Thanksgiving just around the corner. As I start looking ahead to next year, I’m setting some exciting goals for my art journey—planning both what I want to accomplish and the new techniques I’m eager to explore.
One of my personal goals is to complete a watercolor landscape in my journal each week. I’m a huge fan of Kolbie Blume, the talented artist behindThis Writing Desk. Her books—Wilderness Watercolor Landscapes, Stunning Watercolor Seascapes, and Mastering Light in Watercolor—are my go-to guides for inspiration and technique. With all three on my shelf, I’ve decided to challenge myself to paint through each one, creating a new piece from her books each week until I’ve explored them all.
The paintings shown here were inspired by an online art challenge Kolbie hosted last year, which was a fantastic learning experience. I’m excited to dive back into her work and continue learning, especially as I build my skills in capturing the beauty of nature with watercolor.
If you haven’t checked out Kolbie’s work, I highly recommend it. Her books, website, and YouTube channel offer fantastic tutorials for watercolor lovers at any level. I hope this inspires you to set your own creative challenges for the upcoming year!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with inspiration! 🌄✨
With Halloween upon us, I want to take a moment to wish everyone a spooky and safe celebration! Whether you’re dressing up in fun costumes, carving jack-o’-lanterns, or enjoying delicious treats, remember that safety should always come first.
Keep an eye on little ghouls and goblins as they trick-or-treat, and make sure to check their candy before they dig in. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, consider decorating with non-toxic materials and providing plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the festivities safely.
May your Halloween be filled with laughter, creativity, and a little bit of magic! Enjoy the festive spirit, and stay safe out there! Rosie the Pumpkin Pup wishes you a Safe and Spooky Halloween🎃
Photo by u0412u0438u043au0442u043eu0440u0438u044f u0411u0438u043bu0430u043d on Pexels.com
Carving jack-o’-lanterns is a Halloween tradition with roots in Irish folklore. The story comes from a man named “Stingy Jack,” who, according to legend, tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the Earth with only a carved-out turnip lantern to light his way. When Irish immigrants came to America, they found pumpkins more plentiful and easier to carve than turnips, and the modern jack-o’-lantern was born.
How to Carve Your Own Jack-O’-Lantern
Pick a Pumpkin – Choose a pumpkin with a smooth surface and sturdy stem.
Cut the Top: Before you begin, make sure to review the safety tips below. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a circular lid around the stem, angling the knife slightly inward to prevent the top from falling inside the pumpkin.
Scoop It Out – Remove the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin.
Draw Your Design – Use a marker to outline the face or pattern you want to carve.
Start Carving – Carefully carve along your design with a small serrated knife.
Light It Up – Place a battery-powered candle inside, replace the lid, and watch it glow!
Safety Tips
Take Your Time: Avoid rushing the process. Use slow, controlled movements to maintain accuracy and reduce the risk of accidents.
Use the Right Tools: Opt for pumpkin carving kits designed for safety, especially if children are involved.
Adult Supervision: Always have an adult present when using sharp knives or tools.
Cut Away from Your Body: When carving, make sure to cut away from yourself to avoid accidents.
Maintain a Tidy Workspace: Keep your carving area clean and free of debris to prevent slips and accidents. Ensure the workspace is well-lit so you can see clearly while you carve.
Handle Pumpkins Carefully: Ensure your pumpkin is stable while carving to avoid any injuries.
Keep the Pumpkin Lid On: For extra safety, keep the pumpkin lid on while carving. This helps prevent accidents by reducing the temptation to reach inside, minimizing the risk of cuts or injuries.
Now you’re ready to safely create and display your spooky jack-o’-lantern!
Flowing Waters Art 