Merry Christmas + Happy New Year

It's finally that lovely season of friends, family, and celebrating the birth of Jesus (woot!). Nate and I are off for a two-week whirlwind vacation to both Minnesota and Canada to spend the holidays with our dear families. I, for one, am pretty excited. 

I'll be taking some time off from blogging while I'm away but I'll be back in 2013! Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at a recently completed logo design; more original art (eek!); always-entertaining web links; and a new list of goals for the new year (this year I only got halfway. Whoops!).

Happy Friday, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! See you in 2013. xo

 

Lovely Web Links: December 20, 2012

+ Here's a valuable blogging tip: get paid for your work. 

+ A cute keychain DIY! Working in a fabric and trim shop has given me such an appreciation for cute 'lil tassels.

+ Here's a video of one of the songs Lifehouse performed on Monday evening just so you can get a taste of their awesomeness.

+ How to make (and use) cool geometric shapes for your blog images in Photoshop. 

+ The eternal question: how do you juggle a blog, freelance career, day job, and life? 

+ An amazing (and free!) resource for graphic designers. (Via Nubby Twiglet.)

+ Why you should re-do your to-do list. This really got me thinking about how I word my New Year's resolutions...

+ I vote for grumpy cat! The best memes of 2012.

Happy Thursday!
 

Lifehouse Love

No biggie...just saw my favorite band EVER last night. They were doing a free acoustic set along with an album signing/meet-and-greet, and you better believe that I was there for all of it. (My sweet husband stood and waited with me for hours. Now that's love!)

And while I was there, I found out that they have one of my original artworks hanging in their studio. 

Yes. Last night was a good night. 

Happy Tuesday!
 

Life Lately: December 14, 2012

Don't worry - despite the overwhelmingly grey hues in recent Instagram photos, I'm doing alright. But I sure do love grey, and am happy to have seen more of it in my life lately as the weather cools off - and freaks out, apparently, as evidenced by those crazy clouds!

This weekend's gearing up to be a busy one with a full-day video shoot tomorrow; a logo design to wrap up (which I'm excited to share with you in the new year!); and a beautiful brand-new issue of Lula to peruse.

Happy Friday!

PS. Follow me on Instagram for more awesomeness!

Lovely Web Links: December 13, 2012

+ My excitement can hardly be contained - the whole cast of Freaks and Geeks (one of my favorite shows!) got together for a fab Vanity Fair interview. Nerdy Bill Haverchuck, I will always love you.

+ Em Henderson does it again - check out her fab insider tips on how to become a prop stylist.

+ Get your blog ready for the new year and improve your navigation.

+ This graphic design tip about drawing with tablets has totally changed the game for me. Also, type basics.

+ Love this art print!

+ So, you want to be a missionary? 

Happy Thursday!

 

Weird but Wonderful

Does anyone else find really weird things awesome? Like this dog smoking a pipe? Or this French bear that eats children? Or this llama riding in a car?

A little anthropomorphism always cheers me up. Sometimes you just need a dog with an underbite to make you laugh. 

Happy Wednesday!



PS. It's 12/12/12 today!  

Inspiration Exists...

...but it has to find you working.

I'm slowly getting back to my full-time job and freelance projects, and a little trip to the art supply store definitely helped get my mojo flowing again. I've been intentional about blocking off chunks of time for creative projects, and even if I'm not "feeling it", I'm doing my best to just show up. (Because really, just showing up is the secret.)

Here's to showing up, and trusting the creative inspiration will come. 

Happy Friday!

PS. Don't new art supplies just do something magical for your creativity? If "working" involves buying pretty new papers and tape, count me in!

 

Lovely Web Links: December 6, 2012

+ A super cool (and free!) graphic design resource via Nubby Twiglet. 

+ Probably the most useful and practical interior design post ever - how to choose your perfect color palette. 

+ This outfit? WANT. That bajillion-dollar leather and wool blazer is totally on my wishlist.

+ 5 things you need to know about using images on your blog. 

+ It's time for free printable holiday gift tags! There are some cute ones here and here. 

+ 6 tricks to beat writer's block (or in my case, artist's block!). 

+ The hidden costs of doing business that you can deduct from your taxes. High five!

+ More free printables - a 2013 DIY mood board calendar.

+ Because who doesn't love free Christmas music?

+ My most favorite band is playing a FREE SHOW just minutes from my house! Am I going? Duh, yes. 

And here's what I've been up to elsewhere on the internet:

+ Wearing the same outfit multiple times in some handy-dandy design videos.

+ Blogging about Christmas trees you can eat. You're welcome.

Happy Thursday! And thank you all again for the kind words of support about the loss of my brother. Definitely feeling the love over here. xo

 

Learning How to Sail

Illustration by emilymcdowelldraws

Slowly but surely, I'm learning how to sail through this challenging time.

Happy Monday. xo