Mood Board - Childhood

The fabric and my love of game pieces is the inspiration behind this interesting mood board. Did you happen to see the little people in the dark fabric? Oh yeah, how darn fun is that!! I also couldn't resist the fabric of the spinning tops either. It just makes me happy remembering all the countless hours of seeing whose spinning top would outlast whose. The little ephemera pieces are included because I loved the library, games with the neighbors and going to school. Who knew I would collect these things as I grew older, not me for sure. The ticket is there as a reminder to go and experience things outside your area like the circus, the city, the museum or the park. They are all part of the adventure and memories of childhood for me.

Mood Board - Tropical

The inspiration came from the lovely orchid my friend Cindy picked up from the florist. The color and delicate bloom really set the stage and color palette for the whole board. The placemat in the background added a definite tropical feel lending a warm of corals to the color palette. The butterfly/moth page lent itself to the creativity from the start and the sparkle of the seashells just completed the picture. The sweater piece added a nice texture and a bit of the unexpected to the scene. Grabbing my camera and I'm off to the beach to see what wonderful things the muse has in store for me today!

Mini Daffodil Color Palette

I loved the way this mini daffodil looked up at me at the right moment. The wind was blowing and the little blooms were dancing from side to side but at this moment, our eyes met and the moment stood still. Click click, I got the photo, captured forever, just lovely! This tiny bloom is only about 1.5" wide but full of so many wonderful colors that I couldn't help but create a little color palette from it. Notice the wide range of warm colors, just a feast for the eyes. Who knew something so small could contain all those luscious hues just waiting to be discovered?

Mood Board - Birding

The inspiration for this mood board was the great fabric in the background. It contains dictionary words and images of birds in color and in etched black. I couldn't help but add my favorite nest and feather wreath to it. The field guide and bird cards went along perfectly. The added ephemera of the paint chip swatch and the little nest matchbox were too cute to pass up. I hope you look around and create a mood board of your favorite hobby. Now, where are those binoculars, I think I just saw an Eastern Bluebird in the garden...

Violet Color Palette

I just loved the close up on this hyacinth bloom. I was able to capture this glorious moment on a windy day and am so grateful. I loved how it draws you in and shows you all the lovely details one blossom offers on a stalk of hundreds. Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she was playing around with these plans. I was totally in awe of the various hues displayed and thought a color palette would be an interesting way to see all involved and the range for which it encompasses. From the pale lavender to the deepest blue violet, just beautiful!

Mood Board - Springtime

 Springtime is here and our yard is full of white blooms on the star magnolia trees, the hyacinths, our fruit trees, it is simple beautiful. So to keep in the fashion of our wonderful yard, I have gathered items of white that show off the season for me. The deep fabric background with all the dreamy hues of coral, robins egg blue and fawn really helps accentuate all the wonderful light elements. Of course, springtime wouldn't be complete without a nest so I had to put it in as a dark accent. I love the way the composition turned out, hope you are inspired to create your own springtime mood board!

Aqua Delight!

Now I am really over the moon delighted, 4 beautiful eggs are in this little nest. Who knew, this is the first time I have seen a nest with more than 3 eggs in it. The momma must like what our garden filled yard has to offer because she will have a lot of little mouths to feed and bellies to fill. Now I am so excited I am about to bust. I can't wait to see their little heads popping out over the nest. Me craning my best to get a good photography while momma looks on making sure no harm comes their way. Oh, I can't wait to share, I will definitely keep you posted!

Aqua Eggs

I peeked, I couldn't help myself and to my delight, there were two little aqua eggs tucked within the nest in our holly bush. I was so excited to see these little orbs of life and know that soon, there will be little bitty robins chirping for their mother to take care of them minute by minute every day for a while. It brings me great joy knowing they are right outside the window and I can check on their progress daily if I like. Ahh, the beauty of the seasons is just miraculous when you really think about it!

Rustic Happiness

This little group of crocus just made me smile. The sunlight was enveloping them making their petals open wide to take in all the warmth being offered today. Their yellow orange stamen smiling from inside just adding the right amount of color to make it such a happy scene. Combined with the natural elements of leaves, bark and their greenery surrounded them with a rustic attitude that thrilled me beyond belief. I do hope their little magical brings a smile to your face today!

Venus Peek-a-boo

We have three star magnolias surrounding Venus in the front garden.

I loved the way she played peek-a-boo with me while taking photos. Sometimes she would vanish behind the tree but other times she just came into view just letting me get a glimpse. I always look forward to these trees blooming because it means winter is over and spring is here to stay. Welcome spring!

Word - Luminous

The word for this week is luminous.

Its adjective meaning is emitting light; lighted; clear, intelligible.

The petals in the sunlight, is there really anything more beautiful than this? Not in my mind, really, it almost brings me to tears the way the color overlaps and mixes with the sunlight to create an orchestra of luminous quality that my artistic muse can't ignore. I just can't say enough, the beauty is there to see, you just have to look, it is everywhere. The soft delicate values show the fragility of each little petal on these mini daffodils. The deep orange centers just give them so much depth and darkness really making you see the transparent nature of blooms in general. I think this is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken and well, it is one I will be thinking about for weeks to come. Look around today, see what every day presents and find that one thing that makes you grateful for its existence. Find the magic!

Daffodil Color Palette

The daffodils are in full bloom right now and I am taking advantage of the nice weather to shoot as many as I can with my camera. When I was looking at this photo I became entranced with the colors in the bloom. There is yellow, yellow orange, yellow green, green and browns throughout but I wanted to focus on the yellow color scheme. Isn't it a great one. These palettes really focus you attention and see all the glorious shades included in just one simple bloom. Just magical!

Laughter

All the daffodils lined up together made me think of a marching band. As they blew in the breeze, their heads swayed in unison gently bobbing from one side to the next. I just couldn't help myself from laughing. To find humor in the most ordinary of things and really appreciate them for all they are, isn't that a wonderful gift to have bestowed upon you? I know I feel very lucky to have such a curious muse just waiting for the next opportunity to find something special in the everyday!

Solitude

Our pond life suffered from the harsh winters weather. We lost several large koi, catfish, bass and bluegill. Not tragic by any means but when you see them grow up year to year, it is a loss when they are gone. This little shell of a Rose of Sharon seed pod stood on the edge of the pond and made me think of solitude, the passing of the seasons and what is in store for us this year. I love the soft colors, the hue of the frail pod offering itself up to the sunshine and the muted pond in the background. I chose the off kilter composition to make you think and ponder for its meaning. What is it saying to you? Are you listening? I sure hope so!

Just Lovely!

I love this photo, I mean love it!! The soft background layers of nice muted colors really helps push our undivided attention to the flower in the foreground. The tiny blossoms tightly together to form one large bloom is just astonishing in itself. Mother Nature had to be smiling when she created these because she gave them the most glorious of colors just to make you stop and take notice. Believe me, as I came around the corner of the house, the sight almost took my breath away, just lovely. Today, let yourself be taken by surprise, let your mind wander and look for inspiration all around you!

April Snow?

This is not a winter scene, this is my yard on April 15th, I know, right?!* We were finally celebrating spring with the windows open, mowing, picking up sticks and 70's weather then this. After three gorgeous days, we awoke to this beautiful scene of winter with 6" of snow on the ground. It was so gorgeous, like a winter postcard! The pond dark and reflecting, the clouds in the bluest sky, the rich darkness of the trees and the winter white all around. Yep, nothing like Midwestern living this year, you just never know what you will awaken to!

Nest Building

I love the Seasons and can't imagine my life without them because each one holds its own treasure to open up and unfold to us as spectators. It is who I am, the curious muse, looking for inspiration wherever Nature provides it. I wait all Winter hoping to see that little breast of tomato red outside my window. When the Robin first arrives, there is excitement in the air because that can only mean one thing. Spring is coming and soon Winter will be over, the end of one season and the birth of another. I am always on an adventure to find where they build their nest. Oh, they know me and let me take photos throughout the Spring without too much trouble. We have bonded over the years and they know I mean no harm, I am just a curious observer who interjects herself a few moments at a time. This is the first nest of the spring and I cannot wait to see it filled with many small speckled robins blue eggs that are always a delightful treasure to discover. I wonder what tomorrow's exploration will bring?

Well, hello Spring!

The temperature reached 76 degrees today, yes, 76, wow!! How could I not adventure out with camera in hand? I couldn't help it. I just had to go outside for an impromptu nature walk. I couldn't believe all the lovely flowers hidden among last years leaves, just waiting to be discovered. I stumbled upon this little mini, the early one of the group, in the little bed surrounded by our driveway. It is so small, as tall as your hand from stem to flower tip, yet so brilliant in appearance you really can't miss it. Its beauty was just standing there blowing in the breeze, welcoming Spring home once again.

Art Play Date Winners Are...

Thank you to everyone that participated in the Art Play Date contest during the past week. It has been fun watching you interact with each teacher and answer their creative questions, some really just made me crack up and well, isn't that what it is all about - laughter, creativity and inspiration!

Art Play Date has chosen the lucky winners for our 5 Free Class Registrations. And the winners are Chris Bunkosky, Karen Fenter, Donna Harcourt, Pam Robinson and Paula Stout. Congratulations ladies and we are thrilled to have you come PLAY!

If you didn't win but would still love to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity of 24 teachers, 27 lessons, 25 weeks and one great price of $99 please visit www.artplaydate.com to find out more.

Art Play Date Giveaway

Come PLAY - Art Play Date is giving away 5 class spots!
This 25 week online e-course features 24 of the leading teachers in the decorative painting market and a lot of mixed media creativity and inspiration for just $99. You will receive 27 pre-recorded video lessons delivered right to your home. It fast, easy and you can watch them any time and as many times as you like until April 1, 2015. So, what are you waiting for? Visit www.artplaydate.com for more information and to see the list of incredible teachers.

Here's your chance to WIN a free spot. You have this week, March 17-21, to go visit the teachers facebook pages, their blogs even their twitter accounts to participate in this great giveaway. Leave one comment per site and increase your odds of winning! If you have already purchased the e-course, you will be fully refunded.

So, want to PLAY ? Answer my question in the comments section below.
When was the last time you had an Art Play Date?

Art Play Date

Art Play Date features 24 teachers, 25 lessons (me, twice) and one great price of $99. This online e-course combines decorative painting and mixed media bringing you an adventure into unlimited creativity and inspiration. The event starts May 5 and runs through October 20. You then have an additional 5 months to watch and rewatch the pre-recorded videos as much as you like.

Now, about this little bit of cuteness smiling at you. She is part of the March Bonus Lesson. You must sign up before Wednesday at midnight in order to get the class and well, I didn't want you to miss it. To find out more and to view the lesson schedule go to www.artplaydate.com

Be Daring!

Some Thesaurus words for bravery - courage, daring, dauntlessness, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, grit, guts, hardiness, heroism, indomitability, intrepidity, mettle, pluck, spirit, spunk, valor.

I took a risk and was very daring this year when submitting to the Heart of Ohio Tole convention. I am known for colored pencil but I really feel mixed media needs to be explored and will help the decorative painting industry because of all the options it offers. More products, a bit from the fine art industry in the mediums, scrapbook industry for the accents and decorative painting in the teachable way it translates to students. It also lets the student explore their personal likes and dislikes giving them choices and having them choose to be different from the teacher. So, being brave, I sent in 6 mixed media pieces and no colored pencils. Boy, was I shocked when they picked 5 of the 6. This Venus Collage is my favorite piece they picked because it explores and includes all of the above. I can't wait to see what the students do with their rendition of her!

For more information go to http://www.heartofohiotole.org/convention.html

Word - Bravery

The word for this week is bravery.

Its noun meaning - courage.

I am usually a jump first, think about it later kind of person in my art career. I put my name on the waiting list for a booth before even designing one thing. I sent off a book submission with the first 3 things I had designed. I traveled across the US for years by myself exhibiting and teaching my art. I launched my first e-course before even knowing if I could videotape. Why would I put myself through this? Well, I had to. I needed that deadline to get me moving with motivation, purpose and an end goal in mind. I knew it would work, I would succeed, I just needed to set the wheels in motion and take action. This week I am being brave and asking teachers to join me for another online e-course. Is it scary? Sure. Will there be rejection? Sure. Will it happen? Of course. I am taking a leap of faith and reaching out to fellow designers some I know some I do not but I have already succeeded because I found the courage and asked.

I did this art to express who I am and the text reads...
on the edge, clinging, hanging on, can you feel it? life.
on the verge, tight grasp holding, is is real? life.
on the cusp, dangling, moving on, are you ready? life.

So, how will you show your bravery this week?

Mood Board - Creatives

I wanted to put together something meaningful and energizing for the artist within me. So I picked a few of my favorite things and placed them in a fun composition to share. This is one of my favorite books on being a creative women. I love the interviews and found it so inspiring. It has a new look for the cover today but the contents are still uplifting, creative and show the strength and energy of what makes women unique to the world. A great jump start to living a creative life.

The Amazon review of the book says this about it:
A combination guidebook and inspirational treasure, The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women profiles 45 dynamic women who share their secrets for success. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Christina Pickles, Shakti Gawain, Sigrid Olsen, Barbara Sher, Sarah Ban Breathnach, and many others. Each chapter offers the 12 secrets, keys, and challenges to help women work through the creative process. Together they offer an inspirational road map, providing all the tools women need to uncover their own authenticity and realize their creative dreams.

Here's the link in case you want to take a closer look: http://www.amazon.com/The-Secrets-Highly-Creative-Women/dp/157324533X

Word - Huddle

The word for this week is huddle.

Its verb meaning - to crowd together; confer.

Its noun meaning - a closely packed group; meeting, conference.

I choose this dragonfly image because I remember how windy it was the day this was taken, he was holding on for dear life, huddle with the fencing just hoping to stay put. I loved the light on the wings and the extreme side view of his almost transparent body.

So what does that have to do with me today? Well, we are getting more snow in the Midwest, in fact it is coming down so hard I can't even see the neighbors house across the street. It is just making me huddle together with the family safe and warm under a flannel quilt or two. I do love the winter, especially the white snow in the yard and gardens,  but this year has been extreme to say the least. I am ready for just a little bit of sunshine giving us a taste of warmth and it looks like I might just get that later this week. But today, I am like this little green darner, just hanging on, hoping tomorrow is a brighter, warmer day.

Mood Board - Winter Hearts

I live in the Midwest and we have been getting extreme weather - freezing cold, huge amounts of snow and a lot of reasons not to go outside. So, I wanted to share a little bit of warmth, coziness and love to my blogging friends. From my house to yours, stay warm, snuggle in and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows of course!

Mood Board - Tops

I just love tops. I remember playing with them as a child, spinning them until my fingers hurt. We would have contests to see whose would spin the longest or the wildest depending on our mood at the moment. The brightly colored ones were the best because as they spun the colors would create beautiful bands of vibrant hues. When I stumbled across this fabric, I couldn't resist all the lovely images in various positions of spinning. Can you feel the excitement captured in the moment? I know I can because it brings back such happy memories of childhood.

Growth

Some Thesaurus words for "haze" are: brume, cloud, dimness, film, fog, fumes, haziness, indistinctness, miasma, mist, muck, obscurity, smog, smokiness, smother, steam, vapor.

Don't you just love the word muck? For me, this is the most powerful because that's exactly how I have felt - stuck in the muck. Trying to find an inspirational photo that showed persistence, growth and the willingness to push forward was quite a feat but I think this one fit all the meanings extremely well. When you look past the haziness of the lambs ear you see the uprising of a stem pushing through. It is unwilling to just lay there and not grow and explore as it was meant to. I really love nature for this reason and find much of my creativity surrounded by its everyday beauty. So, what are you pushing through today? Fight for it, it will be worth its weight, I promise!

Word - Haze

The word for the week is haze.

Its noun meaning - fine dust, smoke or light vapor causing lack of transparency in the air; vagueness of mind or perception.

Its verb meaning - to harass by abusive and humiliating tricks usually by way of initiation.

I took this photo in the late fall while leaves were burning and wanted to catch the smoke rising and swirling in the air. The effect of the smoke close to the ground was just what I was hoping for. I chose this word because I spent the later part of 2013 in a bit of a haze. Wanting to move ahead into a new direction but I was met with a lot of resistance within myself. Deadlines and responsibilities kept me going but in a lackluster way, just doing art to get art done. I am resolving to let my art life exist out of the haze, in true light and with a path that is undefined, risky almost. I am ready!. The haze is lifting and I want to explore 2014 in all it offers up with a new found freedom of simply starting each and every day. That isn't too much to ask, right? So, I am asking you, my readers, is haze a part of your life at the moment? If so, how can you push it aside and live in full light? I know you have the answer, just look past the smoke!

Mood Board Thursdays

I have been wanting to do a weekly inspiration/mood board to share what I love, collect and find excitement in with all of you. I also did it to post my own photos on Pinterest and keep my creativity stirred as well. This grouping was all about texture. I started with the background rattan, the natural ribbon and the cabbage flower. The rest came together easily because I wanted it to be about nature and the things I collect. The butterfly box is actually matches but of course I bought it for the graphic. How could I resist after all? It is a butterfly. I had to group the leaves to the right because I wanted to add a bit of color and shininess there. The square piece is fabric that I bought for its color but also the movement of the pattern. Designing it was so much fun and I can't wait to share 52 weeks with you!

Feel free to post to your own Pinterest boards, I would love it if you did! You can come visit me there at http://www.pinterest.com/kelh2/, happy pinning!

Yucca Glory

I love yucca seed pods, they have to be my all time favorite and well, I really don't even know why. They are just so intriguing! The little chambers that hold the black seeds in neat and tidy rows. Their skeletal form bursting open like popcorn to expose the treasure inside. The delicate way they open as if holding something wonderfully exquisite. But most of all, I love that they will last through the winter standing upright with such conviction you can't help but notice them in the garden.

Here, they just remind me of a summer snow cone treat although they are only filled with snow from the evenings storm. The color in the photo is such an earthy one with the glorious yellow browns, the extreme winter whites and let's not forget that rich, vibrant royal blue sky. This is one of my favorite photos I have ever taken and now you know why. I hope you will look into the garden and see what remaining treasures are waiting for your attention. Be curious, take a camera and get inspired by nature!

Dreaming BIG in 2014!

2014 is here and I am going to dream BIG this year in many ways. I have chosen "freedom" as my word representation and couldn't be more excited! I want to play in the studio more and worry less about perfect art. I want to just enjoy the moment of today instead of always worrying about what is next on the list. I want to take more photographs, I missed being with nature capturing a delicate moment or two. I will read more, it enriches my soul and sends me to faraway places. I want to grow and expand this year heading into new markets and not letting resistance stand in my way. I want to reach beyond what I think I am capable and embrace any possibility that arises. And this year, I want to visit the place I have been dreaming of since I was in 8th grade, the magical world of Paris. As you can see, dreaming BIG in 2014 is exactly what I am doing. How are your dreams shaping up for the New Year?

Welcome 2014!

I cannot believe how quickly 2013 went. I mean, where did the time go?
I remember my parents saying that you should appreciate childhood while you can because when you get older, time just passes you by. I now know they were not kidding. So my wish for all of us in 2014 is to enjoy life a little more. Let's get creative, laugh everyday and share your love whenever possible. It is going to be a glorious year, can you feel it? I know
I am ready, willing and able to start this new year. Let's make it a magical one - Happy New Year!