January Around The Web

Happy Monday, friends! This month has been tough. After returning from Chile I spent several weeks dealing with health issues and a chaotic time of year at work — alongside the general chaotic nature of current political events. That said, I'm very grateful to be feeling much better now. This month has given me a renewed sense of energy to take care of myself. A January highlight has been seeing many of the Valentine's Day cards I created for Hallmark in stores. Work chaos sometimes leads to wonderful opportunities and I think that this is definitely one of those times. I'm really excited to see how the work I am creating now develops. It's always motivating to see cards come to life on shelf. Now for a few favorites around the web: 

Here's to a healthier February,
hopefully filled with some winter sunshine! 

October Around The Web

October has been an inspirational month for me. I have started a super exciting project at work, and I have tried to embrace the beautiful fall weather before we head into winter here in the midwest. One of my favorite discoveries this month was Andy J. Miller's Creative Pep Talk Podcast. I have only listened to one episode so far, but I can tell this is going to be one of my new favorite podcasts (although it is really only new to me). Here are a few of my other favorite finds this October:

  • I once had a layover in Iceland on my way home from London, and have always regretted not stopping for a night or two. Elise's (A Beautiful Mess) pictures really have me hoping someday I will get the chance! 

  • It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas (especially when you work for Hallmark), and I love these ornaments by Ampersand Design Studio available at The Land of Nod.

  • National Cat Day was this week and I am obsessed with these. 

  • I love this guide to pumpkin varieties.

  • If you haven't read/listened to/heard of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert it is a must read for anyone who thinks of themselves as creative or wants to bring more creativity into their life. I listened via Audible and loved it so much I am now the proud owner of a hard copy. 

  • These cards are beautiful!

  • Also this book is beautiful, much like everything else from Rifle Paper Co. 

  • There has been a ton of awesome Halloween inspiration on the Think.Make.Share. blog this month. Here is my favorite. 

Happy Halloween!

Ceramics Exploration

During my internship at Hallmark I had a chance to explore my creative voice in the Ceramics Studio! You may remember I traveled to Spain last March, and I decided to create ceramics pieces inspired by the many beautiful doors I photographed. 

These are just a few of the many beautiful doors I saw as we traveled from city to city. I loved the geometric shapes and the details. When it came time to start creating I decided I wanted to simplify the forms I was seeing to bring out my favorite pieces. 

I grew up taking clay classes in the summer, but I am by no means experienced when it comes to ceramics. I documented the entire process to help me remember the steps I took and to see how the pieces evolved. There is a certain element of uncertainty in ceramics which is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. The plate I was sure would be my least-favorite ended up being the one I have displayed at home. I was thankful to have this time during my internship to make and explore a less familiar medium. To take a look at other work I created during my summer internship head on over to my portfolio. 

Pinteresting

Today I decided to share a few images I have recently been inspired by.  I try to look through my recent pins every once in awhile to see if any common themes are emerging. This time I noticed pops of blues and corals while scrolling down my feed. I love the idea of being inspired from a wide range of sources and imagery. I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! Feel free to take a look at all of my recent pins.