Last Thursday I spent the last of #My5Days at a block printing workshop led by Marisol Ortega. She spent the morning teaching us how she uses block printing in her illustration and lettering work, and then we were let loose to create patterns and other lettering or illustration focused pieces. I loved the freedom of creating one small square and seeing the different ways it could be printed to create patterns. In the afternoon I played around with an illustrated letter "A." I would love to incorporate this technique into future lettering pieces! Thanks, Hallmark, for five days this year to make & explore.
August Around The Web
Happy Wednesday, friends! This August was pretty work-focused as my team had a big deadline for Mother's Day cards and Dale spent his month on a time-consuming rotation in his last year of medical school. We enjoyed a few lazy weekends at home in St. Louis, and I was lucky to have a visit from my mom last week. Dale and I also traveled to Ohio for our friends' wedding, which was the perfect way to end the month!
This month was full of inspiration around the web – my favorite discovery was the work of Tom Abbiss Smith. I have been really inspired by his abstract collages, and this is one of my favorites. I would love to order one of his prints! Here are a few of my other favorite finds:
- I tried and loved this pizza recipe from Love & Lemons this month!
- Tomorrow I am joining Marisol for her second block printing workshop at Hallmark. This recap post from her first workshop has me really excited.
- Some beautiful palaces in St. Petersburg
- I would love to try out these new A Color Story presets for Lightroom
- This sounds like the perfect dinner, and it would be even better with these grilled peaches for desert!
- Some BEAUTIFUL paper peonies from The House That Lars Built
- And some kitschy inspiration.
- When my mom was in town I got some great vintage pins, and this jean jacket is on the way so that they can have a proper home!
Enjoy the last few weeks of Summer!
This Week
After all the events in the news this week I have been having difficult time feeling inspired to post. Luckily I follow some wonderful people online and I now feel empowered to speak up, educate myself and most importantly still believe that love always wins.
- I'm proud to work for a company that speaks up during difficult times, I love this artwork and this piece on why Empathy Matters.
- 8 Ways to Help from A Cup of Jo
- Syllabus for White People to Educate Themselves
- Some helpful links from Studio DIY
- My Thoughts on White Supremacy and Last Weekend from Emily Henderson
- Charlottesville was painful. But it wasn't a surprise to black people.
Diptychs 18
July Around The Web
Happy Monday, friends! I'm not quite ready for these long summer days to head into Fall – I have loved all my July adventures. This month began celebrating my friend's wedding in Lawrence, and was followed by a weekend at home in St. Louis and then two lake weekends in a row. The first was spent at Dale's parents home at Lake Winnebago, and last weekend I enjoyed the unseasonable cool weather crafting and boating at Turkey Hill. At work I have been busy executing Mother's Day cards for next year, including lots of designs featuring my hand lettering! This month did not disappoint around the web. I'm dreaming of trying this Rosé and Blood Orange Sgroppino recipe this weekend...
Here are my other favorite finds this month:
Dale and I are planning an Europe trip after he graduates from medical school and I have loved seeing all the beautiful places Julia visited in Southern France!
This month I discovered Emilie Simpson, her illustrations are just lovely
I love purses and bags, and this laptop bag by Lo & Sons is at the top of my wish list.
If only I had a pool, I would love to host an end of summer party inspired by Kelly's Palm Springs trip!
Speaking of parties, Think.Make.Share. shared some creative ideas for hosting a wrapping paper luau
Obviously I have a love for paper flowers and this summer garland is stunning.
I just bought Body Love by Kelly Leveque and I can't wait to get reading!
If anyone has tried True Botanicals Basics line let me know, I would love to try it out.
I just booked at trip to LA in September and have been on the lookout for recommendations.
While I don't own a house I am keeping this post on house numbers bookmarked!
Another bag on my wish list...
Until next month, enjoy!
Turkey Hill Blooms
I was lucky enough to spend this weekend at my family's lake house, Turkey Hill, with my parents, sisters and grandparents. We spent quite a bit of time surrounded by flowers, both real and handmade paper blooms. I absolutely loved learning to make paper flowers at a Think.Make.Share. workshop, and I had the best time teaching my mom, grandma and sisters how to make their own. Now we will be reminded of this weekend every time we visit Turkey Hill and see our bouquets!
I was also inspired by all the beautiful pressed flower pieces Hallmark shared just last week, and luckily there were still enough flowers left in the garden and wildflower field to make our own pieces. Hopefully you will find some inspiration from our flower-filled weekend!
