Thursday 23 August 2012

Believe It!

I created this digital collage late last year when I was learning better ways to deal with my inner critic. You know...that sarcastic little voice that tosses out snide remarks and unhelpful criticism? It's message is one I really think is worth sharing so I'm posting it here for you today :-) If you really like it, feel free to click the picture to enlarge it and save it for yourself on your computer. Share it with whomever you like and always remember........you are beautiful!!!


Have a lovely, magical day!

~Angela

Tuesday 21 August 2012

Time Again For Treasure Hunt Tuesday

I can't believe it's Tuesday again already!! Ahhh the flying days.....sometimes it feels like such a whirlwind doesn't it? This week's Treasure Hunt Tuesday is a bit shorter than my previous week's posts because as I mentioned yesterday, I'm running around like a crazy cat getting ready for my bestest girlfriend and her husband who are coming all the way from America to visit me. This will be the first time since moving to England that anyone from my "home team" has come here to visit, so.....yayyyyyyy!!!



This week I have just two treasures to share, but I found them to be wonderfully inspirational. Sometimes you see something that just strikes a cord or speaks to you and you love it as soon as you see it. Isn't it great when that happens?? I think it's what we would all like as artists.....for our work to speak to those who see it :-)

My first treasure is this cool, funky, and inspirational art print from Rani Primmer of Jagged Touch Studio.


Rani's work is so fun and whimsical and I saw so many cool pieces while browsing her etsy shop, but I think this one is my favorite. You can see more of her gorgeous work at www.etsy.com/shop/JaggedTouchStudio

My second treasure was found on pinterest and I just had to share it. I think it speaks for itself.

 
It is based on the quote by Dawn Markova and the artwork was created by Caiti of Catidid Designs. Truly beautiful words to live by, don't you think?

As always, please feel free to share your recently found treasures and links in the comments below. I hope you are all having a magical week and please visit again soon!

~Angela

Thursday 9 August 2012

Down The Rabbit Hole

It's a beautiful clear day here in my neck of the woods and a very special day for me as well. It was two years ago today that I dove, not tumbled, down the rabbit hole. Or at least that's how I sometimes think of it, lol. Two years ago today that I followed my heart and left the familiar behind and boarded a plane for a country and life unknown. A true blue American girl headed for England. What a journey it has been!!


Some people thought I was crazy, others thought I was brave, but those who knew me best just smiled and said "It's about time!".  If anyone would have told me five years ago that I would make huge life changes and that in a few short years I would be living in the UK after finding the love of my life, I would have laughed at the absurdity of such a notion! Life is tricky that way isn't it? And aren't we so glad that it is!!!

Some days I most definitely feel like Alice In Wonderland, and still find myself puzzling over the differences between life in America versus life in England. But what a wondrous and thrilling ride! There's nothing like throwing yourself completely out of your comfort zone to bring about amazing growth and transformation, lol. Of course, that kind of growth doesn't come without some growing pains, lol, and every once in a while I feel a wee bit lost. But a deep breath and a good look around remind me how very happy I am that I listened to that little voice inside that said.........go Angela, follow your heart.....go down the rabbit hole and see where it leads!  


And I never fail to feel the enchantment of this beautiful land. The architecture, the history, the lovely higgeldy piggeldy crooked cottages and ancient villages, the castles and ruins......how could one not be enchanted??



A friend recently asked me if my new hubby and I were planning to stay in England permanently. I had to giggle a little at the question, because one thing I have certainly discovered over the last few years is that nothing is ever certain and you never know where you'll end up!


As part of my fun new experimentation with mixed media (loving it!!) I had to include this great Poe quote because it seems to have such significance to me after the unexpected changes in my life. That's the great thing about art though isn't it? That ability to put our feelings and experiences into something outside our own selves?

Thanks so much for visiting today, now it's time I made a big mug of tea and got started on some of the new jewellery designs rolling around in my head! Have a lovely day :-)

~Angela


Tuesday 7 August 2012

Treasure Hunt Tuesdays

Welcome to the first official Treasure Hunt Tuesdays post! What is "Treasure Hunt Tuesday" you ask? It's a day for finding and sharing hidden gems, precious little bits and bobs, and cool inspirational art that we've discovered by other artists. It's a day to celebrate the inspiration we get from one another, and to try and pass that inspiration on if we can. It doesn't matter what the treasure is....a favorite recipe, a funny little quote, a beautiful piece of art, or a handcrafted thingie mabobber....if it makes you smile or moves you in some way, then I'd love to hear about it! No treasure is too small or too great to share!


Since my blog is still quite new, you may not see loads and bunches of people yet participating in Treasure Hunt Tuesdays, but please don't let that stop you from sharing your treasure foundlings! If even one new person a week stops by to share the wonderful work of others, then I will be a happy treasure hunter indeed! Blogs are such a wonderful way to support and inspire one another, so let's continue to share the wealth and let others have a peek at the treasures we discover :-)

Sometimes you have to travel far from the beaten path to discover hidden gems........

And sometimes you find treasure just outside your own front gate...............


But whether you find inspiration near or far, sharing it with friends is often the best part of the journey!


So without further ado, here are a few of the inspirational treasures I'd like to share for my first Treasure Hunt Tuesday!

I love this whimsical photo art by Kanelstrand Photography. Something about this little girl standing on her own fishing for the moon really appeals to me! I think we should all do a bit more fishing for the moon :-)


I've always admired the tiny detailed work of art doll creators, such amazing little works of art! I stumbled upon this adorable sprite by Lori Schroeder and was totally enchanted. You can see more of Lori's work at www.fairiesandmermaids.etsy.com.


My third found treasure this week is this inspirational necklace from Wuzzy's Creations. I love the message and the cool rustic look of this piece.


My last "share" for this week is this beautiful art print by Claire Baron of The Enchanted Postcard. I'm really in love with this print and have put it on my "really want to treat myself to" list, lol. 

So there we have it, my first little trove of shared treasures. Now it's your turn! If you've created a post on your blog about treasures you've found, or want to just leave a link in the comments to something you want to share....please jump in and share your treasures! If you really realllllyyyy like the idea of Treasure Hunt Tuesdays, please feel free to grab a button below and let others know about the weekly treasure hunt!

Thanks for visiting, I hope you have a lovely day!
~Angela
 
Whimsy Ways

Sunday 5 August 2012

Sunday Dreaming

To say that Sunday is my favorite day of the week would be an understatement. Although Saturday is a fine and enchanting day, it's Sunday that I always look forward to the most. It's a...sleep in, drink delicious tea all day, wear my comfiest clothes, only do what I want, create create create kind of day!


I love this pretty tea set I saw online, and scones are a perfect Sunday morning treat, but I must admit.....I drink my tea in a big sturdy handmade earthenware  mug.  The kind that you can wrap both hands around comfortably and enjoy the warmth, one with lots of room for a nice big serving of delicious brew!


Now that I have this lovely Sunday stretched out before me, I've decided to play with some mixed media art. I'm fairly new to mixed media and drawing, but wow.........I am loving it!!! I can't wait to play with some Halloween ideas that are rolling around in my head, and who knows where my creative muse will take me today! Before I go fill up my mug with more tea and grab another scone, I thought I'd share the little project I finished last night. It's just a small little collage where I experimented with torn paper and watercolors, but it was so much fun to make and something I think I'll be doing a lot more of :-) The sentiment has special meaning for me since it took me so many years to realize that being me was not just ok, but super-dee-duper awesome! Such a shame it took me 40 years to figure that one out! :-)


Thanks so much for visiting, and I hope you have a lovely Sunday filled with the things you like to do most :-)

~Angela