Nothing says "I care" like a piece of hand painted artwork. And it is so easy to make something special that can be ready in time for the holidays. Watercolor is such a great medium because it's so versatile and dries quickly making it easy to get a whole stack of cards done in less than an hour. Have fun with this Saint Lucia watercolor tutorial. This is one of eight patterns I've made this year for YOU! All of the patterns are available in ...
Creative Education
What to Add To Your Nature Journal When You’re Feeling Stuck
The blank journal page. It can be so overwhelming sometimes! Some days it comes easy. Other days, not so much. Facing that page can feel paralyzing! It even happens in your nature journal. I think my biggest fear is that I'll waste my precious time and materials on something that won't turn out like I want it to. But, I've learned that I just can’t worry about that. Like anything, just the practice of showing up and doing the work is ...
What to Add To Your Art Journal When you are Feeling Stuck
Ah! The Blank Page. It can be so daunting! Whether your blank page is a sketchbook, an open laptop or a canvas, the "just starting part" can be paralyzing. I think my biggest fear is that I'll waste my precious time and materials on something that won't turn out like I want it to. But, I've learned that I just can’t worry about that. Like anything, just the practice of showing up and doing the work is what it takes to transform us into the ...
How My Daily Art Journal Helped Me With Art and Mom Life
A while back I decided to give myself the challenge to draw in my art journal once a day, every day for a month. My rules were simple. Draw anything that inspires you In your sketchbook Every day for one month The End No, I didn't print out a list of prompts, I didn't take a class on how to draw better. I didn't go out and buy any special art supplies. I just made myself stop, sit down and at some point in the day ...
Ten Ways Art Helps Me Be A Better Parent
Did you know art makes parenting easier? It really does! And today I'm going to tell you how. Here are ten different ways ART (either appreciating or making) has helped me become a better parent and helped my kids with life. Quick Note: Before I start I want to invite you to the Lily and Thistle Resource Library where you will find all kinds of great resources and join our community of Creative, Intentional Moms. If you'd like to include ...
Watercolor Basics – A Quick Supply Guide for Beginners
Are you thinking about trying your hand at Watercolor? I'm excited for you! Watercolor is one of my favorite mediums both for the ease of use and for the look of the finished product. You may have noticed that there are thousands of products out there to use and buy. It can be pretty overwhelming! My goal here today is to make it as easy as possible for you to get started and enjoy your process. I believe the best way to learn is to just ...
Art and Craft Studio Organization for Small Spaces
Art Studio / Craft Room Organization for Small Spaces Whether you are using a corner of your bedroom or you have a room all to yourself, I'm sharing some of my favorite posts from other artists and crafters from around the web today. I think you'll find some inspiration and a few tips and tricks for organizing your studio space. Let's get started! But first, I want to share a guide I made for you. It is designed to help creatives get ...
Last Minute Gift Guide for Creative Moms
It's crunch time. And if you're like me, you're just now realizing it's time to get serious about gifts! If you're looking for something that will make your favorite creative mom's heart sing - or thinking about what might make your heart sing ;) I've got you covered! Check out this gift guide for creative moms. I put together some great budget-friendly ideas that can be to the door (or inbox) just in time for the big day! Online ...
How to Start a Nature Journal – A Beginners Guide
So you want to start a Nature Journal? I'm happy for you! Keeping a nature journal is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those you love. We all know that there are significant benefits in keeping any type of journal. Benefits like better mental clarity, boosts in both confidence and emotional intelligence, self-discipline, more creativity, and increased problem-solving skills. Just a quick note before we get started: If ...
How The Mini Canvas Brought the Joy of Art Back
Have you heard of the Painting a Day movement? It started back in 2004 when Duan Keiser set out to share his art on the internet (you know, before Facebook and Instagram were even part of our lives...ah, sounds so peaceful to me now). Anyway, what started with one man has turned into thousands of artists striving to do one small painting a day - mostly every day. I am always looking for practical ways to get creativity into my life so when I ...
How to Find More Creative Time: Six Tips From a Busy Mother of Four
Do you long for time to be creative? Maybe even dream of supplementing your family's income using your creative gifts? I often feel that my relationship with deep, uninterrupted creative work is elusive. So close - yet so far away! It's like we are at the same party but on opposite sides of the room. Close enough to make eyes at each other, but all I can do is smile and wave. And if I do finally make it through the maze of needs and ...
Why Cleaning Makes You More Creative
I swear some of my best ideas happen when I'm hunched over the toilet bowl with a scrubber. Maybe it's because I subconsciously want to be in another place? I've thought about this phenomenon (while cleaning) and wondered why for me, cleaning and creative epiphanies seem to always go together. Cleaning aids creativity? So I did a bit of research (aka: I googled it). Why Cleaning Aids Creativity Turns out, I'm not alone! According to ...