Stay Creative.

LOVING this today....

{As Seen on "More Design Please"}

How do you stay creative? Do you do any of the things on this list? Do you feel excited and challenged to try anything on this list? I often make lists, listen to new music, and drink lots of coffee. ;) I am also really inspired when I go somewhere new, have a clean work space and dance...but those don't happen as frequently.

Making a note now to do those soon!

We've been a little under the weather at my house so we're taking it easy. I have lots of new paintings to share with you soon! happy tuesday!

Mmmm!

We kept talking about going there, but we finally went! Over the weekend we visited our new Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt and let me tell you, it's GREAT! It's got a really fun, modern atmosphere, great for families or a sweet date. There are TONS of  yogurt flavors and toppings....something for everyone! :)

I recommend the Classic Tart with fresh blue berries and Captain Crunch! ;)

Jeremy said the chocolate is great too! 

The other great thing is they give you a "shovel" to eat it with! YUM!!!

If you're a cook and love great recipes head over to Cook. Eat.Delicious. and meet my new friend Raven! She's got some AMAZING looking food! 

Also, if you live locally, check out some fun restaurant reviews from MidlandMenus.com!

I hope you savor this day to the last bite!
happy monday!

Studio Weekend!

Here's a peek at a few projects I started this week!

I'm planning to spend lots of time painting, hanging out with my sweet Jeremy and our families and drinking lots of coffee...and perhaps a movie too!

Hope your weekend is wonderful! Next week I hope to show you lots of newly completed paintings!

happy day!

Just for Fun...

Some days are for dreaming....

So when I saw this adorable Eva Franco "Frames and Fortune" dress on Modcloth, I imagined it to be the perfect dress for a fun Specs & Wings event! I'm not sure what event, but it's fun to dream right? SO, I'm thinking an art show at the Sugar Cafe in San Francisco, a blogger conference in NY, or the opening of the S&W Studio! ;) While I'm dreaming  big, I decided to make it an outfit using Polyvore! SO fun! 

Are you a dreamer? What a do you dream about? I heard once that you should decide what your wildest dreams are and post them where you can see them every day. It will serve as a visual reminder of what you're working towards and help you reach your goals. What do you think? What would you post?

If I made a "dreams board" I might post a few sketches for painting ideas, cards from artists that I'd like to work with, conferences that I'd like to attend, places I want to go to get inspired...

...and maybe the address of the Sugar Cafe in SF....;)

I can't wait to hear what's on your "dreams list"! Feel free to leave it in the comments or link to a post on your blog! 

happy *dreaming* friday!

Etsy Update! *Coupon Code!*

Morning Friends!

I wanted to let you know that I updated www.specsandwings.etsy.com a little this morning with art prints and accessories and I added a coupon code!!!....

... just use the code "ARTBLOG2012" when you check out and you'll receive free shipping on your order! Just another little fun way to celebrate around here! (Offer good through the end of the month!)

www.specsandwings.etsy.com 

I'm currently working on custom projects, new designs for the shop, and a very special series of paintings (more details soon!). I hope your week is going great! 

happy thursday!

Studio Peek!

On Friday I was overwhelmed with inspiration for a new painting! I get ideas pretty often, but it's rare that I feel so passionate about an idea that I act on it in the moment (well, as soon as I get off work!) But, that's what happened with this painting! I left work with a sketch and a list of the colors I envisioned and headed straight to the store. Once I arrived home with the supplies, I was off and running! 

This painting is very close to my heart because it is about something that happened to me recently and the comforting words that ring out of one of my favorite hymns.

Once I have everything finished, I'll show you the whole painting and share my story too. 

I'm close to finishing, but for now I hope you enjoy these sneak peeks!

How do you tackle a project? Do you do it all at once? Does it take time, lists, and a journey? 

I usually keep an idea cooking for awhile before I put paint to canvas, but I was so excited that this painting has come about this way! I hope I can do more this way!

I'd love to know what you think!

happy wednesday!

The Scraps.

I forgot to show y'all this patchwork pillow that I made for valentines! I still have it out because it just makes me happy. :) I used lots of fun scraps of new and old fabric, reds, black and white, and pink! I used dots, hearts, chevron, swirls, and florals. It took all of them to create the whole heart! 

Sometimes it's easy to focus on the "big" things in life, but it's the "scraps" that make up the big things...and the scraps are so beautiful. :)

Thanks for your encouragement about my flower clips yesterday! I've been so inspired to paint lately and I have 2 paintings in the works! I hope to show you a peek in the next couple of days!

happy tuesday!