Finding Calm Through Art: Embrace Everyday Creativity

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Some days, life feels like a blur — a string of errands, appointments, and to-do lists. But then there are the moments when art steps in, quietly, and reminds me to breathe, notice, and feel. Those little pauses — a splash of color, a texture under my fingers, the scent of paint in my studio — turn ordinary days into something extraordinary.

For me, creating art isn’t just about finishing a painting or completing a project. It’s a way of experiencing life more fully. A simple morning walk can become a study in light and shadow, a cup of tea in the morning turns into a meditation on color and form, and even the smallest sketch brings a sense of calm and presence. Art has a way of making time stretch and ordinary moments sparkle.

Sometimes, it’s the small, intentional acts — setting up my workspace, choosing a palette, or even doodling in my journal — that transform the rhythm of my day. These practices remind me to slow down, notice beauty, and connect with the world around me in a way that feels meaningful.

Art doesn’t just enhance my day; it enhances how I see and live in the world. It teaches me patience, joy in the process, and appreciation for fleeting moments. Even when life is hectic, those little interactions with color, texture, and creativity make everything feel richer.

So today, on this Thoughtful Thursday, I invite you to notice the small ways creativity touches your life. Maybe it’s a favorite song, a photograph, a sketch, or even just noticing the sunlight dancing across the floor. Those moments are your own little masterpieces — and they have the power to make each day more vibrant, calm, and alive.

✨ How does art or creativity enhance your everyday experiences? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks for spending a little time here with me!

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The Power of Ritual: Small Routines That Give Big Mental & Creative Returns

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There’s something magical about rituals. Not the elaborate, once-a-year kind, but the small, everyday ones that quietly shape our lives. These are the moments that help us pause, recalibrate, and feel grounded—whether we’re in the studio, caring for family, or simply trying to keep up with a busy week.

Rituals don’t have to be complicated. Lighting a candle before painting, brewing a favorite cup of tea, or taking a short walk before diving into work can shift your mindset. These small acts send a signal: this is my time to be present.

I especially love to burn an autumn-scented Yankee Candle in my home and turn on fall decor with golden-orange lights. The soft glow and seasonal scents create a cozy atmosphere that feels like a gentle invitation to slow down and savor the moment.

In creativity, rituals can be powerful anchors. Maybe it’s opening a well-loved journal, choosing a single color to start with, or listening to a playlist that sparks inspiration. These little touchpoints create a rhythm that makes it easier to slip into flow and stay connected to the joy of making.

And beyond creativity, these routines bring mental returns, too. They give structure, create comfort, and remind us that even in a busy world, we can carve out space for ourselves.

So this week, consider adding or refreshing a ritual in your day. It doesn’t need to be grand—just something that feels like a gentle promise to yourself. You might be surprised how much it brightens your mindset and fuels your creativity.

✨ What rituals help you feel grounded or creative? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

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🍁“Autumn whispers softly, inviting us to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the warmth of golden light.”🍂

Exploring Abstract Art with Watercolor Brushes

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!

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“‘Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.’~Pablo Picasso

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels.com

Explore Unique Mixed Media Flower Art

Nature speaks through flowers in unexpected ways. Inspired by this idea, I wanted to approach my recent abstract flower paintings with a fresh perspective. After some reflection, I decided to transform them into mixed media pieces that bring an extra layer of dimension and texture.

I’m excited to share the first two in this new series, now available in my Etsy Shop: “Blooming Whispers” (Blue) and “Ruby Reflections” (Red). Each artwork is hand-painted with watercolors and mounted on a 4×6 inch basswood plywood base. To enhance their uniqueness, I’ve incorporated a delicate oak branch wrapped in gold wire, adorned with colorful beads, and added a touch of yarn to the blue one. These intricate details elevate the designs, creating a captivating blend of elegance, creativity, and sophistication for any space.

Stop by the shop to see these stunning new pieces and add a touch of artistry to your home!

I hope this inspires you in some way. Have a beautiful and creative day!

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Exclusive Discount Inside: Celebrating My Feature in Art Journaling Magazine! Surprise

I recently received a delightful surprise on Instagram from @stampington—a special discount code to say thank you for my contribution to their Art Journaling Magazine!

Not only do I love Art Journaling Magazine, but I’m also a big fan of several other Stampington publications. Somerset Studio is a treasure trove for mixed media enthusiasts, full of creative projects, fun worksheets and more. In Her Studio takes you behind the scenes into the inspiring spaces of female artists. Willow and Sage offers unique recipes for homemade bath and body products, perfect for some self-care time. And my absolute favorite, Bella Grace, is packed with touching stories, inspirational quotes, and stunning photography. There are so many more amazing publications to explore—definitely check out their site to find your favorites!

As a token of appreciation, I’m excited to share this special discount code with you: PUBLISHED15. Use it to get 15% off everything in their store! Just head over to Stampington.com to start shopping. ✨

I’m so grateful for this kind gesture—thank you, Stampington!💖😊

Happy shopping, everyone!

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Creating Inspiring Abstract Paintings with Organic Elements | Art Process

I had so much fun creating these abstract paintings, and after working out some of the snafus, I finally put one together! I wanted it to have an organic feel, so I used a piece of a tree branch wrapped with yarn. I added wire, a few beads, and a bit of glitter for some pizzazz, and this is where it ended up.

I still have three more to go, but I’m happy with the overall vibe. I’m still contemplating adding an inspiring word—what do you think?

Stay tuned, more to come…

I hope this inspires you, have a grand day! 🌸🎨

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Floral Fantasies: Capturing the Essence of Flowers in Art

I see flowers as Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Their petals, whether soft and strong or luminous and fragile, each possess a unique beauty that ignites my creativity. These two new paintings I’ve created invite you to envision flowers through a lens of feeling rather than detail.

As I wrap up these paintings, I’m also piecing everything together. A few unexpected challenges prompted some design changes, but they’ve only enriched my artistic journey.

Stay tuned to see how it all comes together…

I hope this inspires you, have a wonderful weekend! 🌸🎨

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Finding Peace Through Angel Art: A Watercolor Journey

As many of you know, I love painting angels. It’s where I find peace and solace through the artistic process. I started this watercolor painting in my art journal a while ago, but I wasn’t thrilled with the overpowering, bold colors.

Eventually, I decided to move forward and finish her. Surprisingly, once I changed my mindset, the colors started to grow on me, and new ideas emerged on how to complete this painting. Sometimes, we need to take a step back and let things settle before new inspiration comes to us. It’s a reminder that patience and a fresh perspective can transform our work in unexpected ways.

I hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!⠀

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“Faith and Fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. You choose!” ~Bob Proctor

Abstract Watercolor Flowers: A Journey of Imagination

I love nature’s beauty in flowers. There are so many varieties, textures and lovely colors. It’s no wonder I have a strong calling to paint them.

I’ve been enjoying creating abstract watercolors. My intention with these paintings is to evoke the essence of flowers without focusing on the details, leaving much to the viewer’s imagination.

These small pieces are part of a larger mixed media project I’m working on, and I hope to complete them this coming week. So join me on this artistic journey to see how it evolves!

I hope this inspires you in some way. Have a great weekend!⠀

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Studio Update

I’m starting a new practice this year. I’m playing with different color combinations and various mediums on 9×12″ watercolor paper. After the painting is done I’ll add notes on the back of what I did, the colors and mediums I used and what I discovered about the process.

This abstract was made with watercolors, acrylic paints and inks, alcohol inks and pen. I was very happy with this color combination, it turned out pretty nice. What’s making me laugh though, is how everyone sees something totally different.

What do you see in this painting?

Have an amazing day!!

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“Art is the only serious thing in the world. And the artist is the only person who is never serious.” ~Oscar Wilde