Me Time

Having a little me time tonight with some friends.  I am so excited.  What do you do for "you time"?  Let me know.  Tonight it is art class and Adele on Pandora, wine and Asian salad. 

The Egg Peddler

So, working at the art centre last Saturday a very nice gentleman walked in.  He asked if any of our artists would paint on eggs.  I told him yes, they do commissioned work.  Well, it turns out he was selling the eggs.  And not just any eggs, ostrich eggs! 

I had never seen an ostrich egg before.  They are pretty cool.  And it turns out they were very popular among the artists.

Maybe giant Easter eggs?  Now the wheels are turning.  Can you tie dye an ostrich egg?

Am I too busy?

Being a small businesses owner, mom of three, and wife, who is also involved in my kids' school, a member of the local art council, weekly church volunteer, about to be soccer coach, friend, assistant, sister, daughter, daughter in law, aunt and all around hustler, also whatever other title you would like to give me (please exclude profanity lol), is told she is too busy.  What do you do?  How does that make you feel?  I am sure many women can relate.  How do you know if you are too busy? 

Well, I have thought a lot about this lately.  Am I spending too much time on my business, too little time on myself, too little time with my kids, too little time with my husband, too much time with my community?  How do I know?  How do I know for sure?  And I came up with these things.  Am I happy?  Is my hustle outdoing my growth?  Is my family happy?  Yep, nope, yep!

I don't just enjoy my family and love them, I live for them.  They are my everything, but I am also pretty pleased with who I have grown up to be.  I feel like I am a pretty well put together person.  I have an opinion, that I can express.  I have compassion for others.  I give to those in need.  I pursue my goals (of course my jeans size could be smaller, but we can't be perfect huh? ;-)  All in all, I am happy. 

My business is growing.  I actually pulled together some statistics and my small company has grown about 8 fold in the last year.  That is super exciting!  It allows me to stay at home with my kids and be the mom to them that I want to be.  But, it does take work and lots of it.  It take lots of coffee (sometimes wine) and late nights.  And I am okay with that.

And as far as my family, I simply asked them.  And a mom can always tell who is being honest.  My annual progress report, if you will.  Am I a good mom?  Are you happy?  Do you know I love you?  What is something fun we can do together?  As long as I feel like they are happy and I know I am doing the best I can, then that's okay.  

It is hard to be a woman.  Society tells you that you need to be thin, but it's okay to be a little "curvy".  That you need to be successful and live your dreams, but spend every waking moment with your family.  You need to be polite and quiet, but make sure that you speak up and don't let anyone take advantage of you.  You will never be able to live up to society's standards as a woman or a mom. Well, screw that.  I am proud of myself.  I am going to make myself happy, love my family and do what is best for us.  It may not work for everyone and I may be tired and busy.  But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Here is to you and your dreams!  Cheers!  (It's a wine night, not coffee)

Local Event: Call for Artists at Speedway Centre for the Arts

5 Tips to Creating a Bohemian Wonderland

 

When it comes to being eclectic, I am your girl.  I love to shop and I always find myself liking different types of things.  Either it was a pretty painting of a city or a vintage lace table clothe.  I was realizing that the things I like, didn't really seem to go together.  And then I discovered Bohemain style décor and my wildest dreams came true!  It was suddenly okay to have the vintage lace and the shiny, gemstone candle, the batik print pillow and the classic wall clock.  All of these pieces can come together to make a beautiful home that does not look cluttered and like it is all from a garage sale or hand-me-downs.  (Although, most of my things are)  Here are a few tips to help you convert your space into a earthy, peaceful bohemian nest.

The sofa table is from a garage sale site, the mirror from goodwill, the canvas I recovered with fabric I had, and the placemat I made with spare fabric as well.

 

 

Tip #1:

 

Plants.

 

Succulents are the best plants ever!  I have a red thumb and I have a hard time killing these bad boys.  You can find them almost anywhere, but Lowe's has a great selection.  They require very little care, water, or light and come in a array of shapes and sizes, colors and textures.

Small Succulent.  I found this at Walmart.

 

 

Tip #2:

 

Pillows and Blankets. 

 

Pillows and blankets can make great accessories for your room.  It is also easy to find old quilts or throws at Goodwill, if you don't have any tucked in your closet.  You can brighten up a solid color couch or old chair by adding a patchwork quilt or crocheted throw.  You can even make one yourself.  There are YouTube videos for that.  If you have pillows already, perfect!  Use what you have or you can get charming pillow covers at Hobby Lobby.  They have an entire wall dedicated to pillows and the choices are endless.  Also, Amazon has some great options as well. 

Follow this link for pillow covers on Amazon!

Follow this link for a beautiful tapestry on Amazon. These make great curtains.

I found this chair on the side of the road.  The pillow cover is from Hobby Lobby.

 

Tip #3:

 

Candles.

 

You can find brand new candles at Goodwill or candles for $1.00 at Dollar General.  Mix up the colors, sizes or shapes.  I do not recommend mixing up the scents.  You can get unscented and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to each one.  You can also make your own candles.  Pick up some mason jars and swing by Joann's or Michael's for clearance ribbon or trimming.  It doesn't take much and you can make a remarkable candle for under $3.00.  If you are looking to spending a little more, check out Kirkland's.  They have a variety of wall sconces, pillar candle holders, and even battery powered candles for fair prices. 

 

Tip #4:

 

Buy local art.

 

You can find really wonderful artwork right in your own city and you do not have to purchase a print or canvas that someone else has in their home.  Make your space unique.  A local artist will normally have pieces ranging in price.  If you come across one that is not in your price range, keep searching.  I have found some wonderful prints and original pieces at local art fairs and craft shows.  Even if it is just a print, it is inexpensive to frame.  You can find frames at Goodwill or Michael's and spray paint them to match or even leave them mixed.  But buy local, you will thank me later.

Follow this link for a dream catcher made by My Three Blessings Boutique!

 

Tip #5:

 

Do what you like.

 

You have to live in your home.  And you should be surrounded by the things that you like to look at and that make you happy.  I found that when I tried to stay with a certain theme or have all of my things from a "collection", it was boring.  I didn't take pride in it and I wasn't eager to show my friends that things that I had found.  I am now.  I also love to find pieces of furniture and redo them.  You can do this with a can of spray paint and some sand paper.  And I take pride in looking at something and knowing that it was me that brought it back to life.  If you are crafty and handy with a hammer and nails, build your own things!  You can find pallets for free and wood is affordable.  You can find project plans on Pinterest.  And check your local garage sale sites on Facebook for DIY project pieces.

Follow this link for a few DIY projects I love.

The baking rack is from a garage sale site.  I used spray paint and finished with spray enamel.  The containers are from Goodwill.

 

 

Make your space YOURS and give it a funky, bohemian vibe along the way.  The thing I love most about the bohemian style is the colors.  Deep reds, bright yellows, warm browns, royal blues, vibrant greens and creamy whites, with a splash of gold!  It doesn't get much better.  I hope your inspired to transform your place into what you want it to be. 

 

Handmade at Amazon: My Three Blessings Boutique

Earlier this month Amazon launched it's own website for artists and artisans, Handmade at Amazon.  There were approximately 5,000 shops chosen for the launch.  My Three Blessings Boutique was one of them!  Please check out our page on Amazon and remember to support small business this holiday season.
 

My Three Blessings Boutique on Handmade at Amazon

 

 

Local Indianapolis Artist: Christina Hollering

In Indianapolis, we are so blessed to have a phenomenal art scene.  I would like to share with you all a personal side of one of our local artists, Christina Hollering.  She studied at Herron School of Art, graduating in 2012.  She started out in 3D Animation and printmaking and she finished with a degree in painting.  She is very talented and brings a bright, clean, and interesting vibe to the art world.  I spoke with Christina this month and found out a little more of what she thinks of the art scene in Indy and what her day to day life is like.

 

How long have you been an artist?

 

 I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I would spend hours in my room drawing. I tried to quit and flirted with the idea of becoming a marriage counselor but the grief that came from not making was too great.

 

 

 

What/Who inspired you to be an artist?

 

Walt Disney. I use to watch documentaries about him and his films as well as read every book I could find. My dream, as a kid, was to grow up and be a Disney animator. I also remember watching the making of Jason and Argonauts and being fascinated by the claymation and stop motion animation used in the film. I was mesmerized and would spend hours in my room drawing and making my own characters.

 

Is there an artist you relate to?

 

All of them. We all know what it feels like to have the creative drive inside and the deep feeling of grief when too much time has passed between projects. I love how I can visit any museum or gallery in the world and feel as if I’m among friends.

 

Where do you do work?

 

 I share a studio at the Harrison Center for the Arts in downtown Indianapolis. I also have home studio where I produce most of my work since I have two children and have to do most of my work when they are in bed.

 

 

 

What inspires your work?

 

My work is inspired by science fiction and how it is derived from the nature. Many of my ideas come to me during my daily adventures with my kids in the backyard, at the park, at museums or even just watching movies with them. It is inspiring to see the world fresh through their eyes. Kids are always so passionate and inquisitive about things.

 

Do you work from life or from photographs/imagination?

 

 I generally will pick a subject matter and either find a specimen to look at or look up photos online. The compositions, however, come from my imagination.

 

 

 

What do you enjoy about the techniques you use?

 

 The paper cuts and linocuts are similar in that once my image has been planned out and the problem solving is done, my hands are free to carry out the work and I can get into a good flow of just doing. The cutting process is also strangely therapeutic.

 

What is more important on your work: content or technique?

 

 Both.  Although the intricacy of the paper cutting technique seems to dominate the visual dialogue.

 

What would be the most inspiring location in Indy for you?

 

Eagle Creek, the Zoo and the IMA. There is always something different that speaks to me no matter how many times I go.

 

How do you feel about the art scene in Indy? 

 

The Indy art scene is a very open and welcoming community. It's really easy to connect and to find places to show. Not to mention it is constantly growing.

 

 

 

Where are you present on social media?

 

Facebook: Christina Hollering on Facebook

Instagram: Christina Hollering on Instagram

Website: christinahollering.com

 

Christina's studio is at the Harrison Center and is open every First Friday. It is where most of her art is on display. She will also have some work up for the show Paper Route at the Harrison Center. https://www.facebook.com/events/1866902970202383/  and will also be at Rocky Ripple Festival on September 26th.   You can also see her art on display at The Indianapolis Zoo.