Play, work, make art, repeat.

Good morning everyone!  How are things in your part of the world? We are starting to feel the first hints of fall around here and it sure feels exciting.  Lately it seems like when I'm asked what we've been up to my answer seems to be the same.  Play and learn with the girls, work around the house doing chores, make art at some point in the week, and then repeat.  Our days have been pretty packed full this summer, with visits to the library, botanical garden, playdates, trips to our new children's museum, etc.  Wow, it's been a great summer!  

The girls are starting preschool a couple of mornings a week soon so I'm hoping to get the ball rolling on some blog ideas I've had all summer long.  Things like tutorials/DIY posts, art videos, a mail exchange, and some decorating posts.  I hope you'll join me! 

In the meantime, this is a look at some art I've been making lately.  I've been rising early (as I shared on IG) to get dressed, drink coffee and read the bible, and make art.  It sure starts my day off right.  Going to bed at a decent hour the night before helps too.  With the art pictured in this post I didn't start the painting process with a goal or end result in mind.  I just simply started.  

That's probably my most favorite way to create.  To simply start.  That way if something ends up looking different than what I pictured, it's no big deal.  I can just run with it.  

(finished canvas)

(finished canvas)

A lesson I've truly embraced this summer is to create in pockets of time.  For the longest time I simply wouldn't paint or create anything because I thought I didn't have enough time or good enough ideas.  The truth is, painting matters so much to me.  There isn't going to be a magical time for me to create, I just need to find 5 minutes here or 20 there and do it.  As for having "good" ideas, my personal favorite ideas are when I've started without really over thinking things.  

Take these pieces for example.  I started off with a painted background and decided to stitch something over the top. 

I really liked how this turned out and was especially surprised when I saw the back of the paper.

All that messy stitching is my fave.

Holding this gal up to the window, with the light seeping in the stitches, felt magical. 

This must be what a peek inside my brain would look like!

Although I haven't added any of these to my shop (yet), you can always check out my Etsy shop for more favorites. 

Well, we're off to start another full, good week. 

How about you? What will this week bring your way? 

I hope it includes a paintbrush, coffee, a whole lot of Jesus, and something to make you belly laugh.