Agreed

Doesn't this book sound great? In case you are anything like me and often worry about it all you may be interested in it. I didn't buy it but I did print this out. I just love it.

We have decked the halls and the excitement is building around here. Seeing it all through my kids eyes is the best gift of all.

I hope you are enjoying  your week.

xo,
dana

Making my heart sing

The other day I visited Anthropologie and my heart began to sing. One of their themes, Painterly, was what did it. Painterly motifs are popping up all over. These plates.... my favorite! Here are some of their gorgeous product! All images via Anthropologie.

So what do you think? Aren't they GORGEOUS? So tell me what is making your heart sing lately?

Muted Inspiration Board

The other day things were sort of "laying around" here and these colors kept getting my attention so I had to make an inspiration board which is on of my favorite things to do. I am quite shocked this came about, these darker, muted colors aren't usually the colors I am drawn to but I guess I feel early fall creeping in. Plus, I have always loved that striped cover from my Paperchase sketchbook. I really love the feeling of this board and suddenly my normal bright colors are looking shocking.

We took a bike ride this a.m. (first day of sun since Saturday) and my kids are picking up beautiful signs of fall approaching. I will share them soon!

♥dana

Found

Google Images

I did search for something today using google images. I have used it before but it didn't look like this. Now it displays your results in this beautiful gallery format. This is where I found the art of Paul Villinski..
He makes installation art with BEER CANS he finds on the streets on NYC. His p9eces with butterflies are of course my favorite!

From his site, which is equally as gorgeous as his art:

Who leaves these crushed beer cans – forlorn evidence scattered in the streets of the city? I take these “dead soldiers” – every one of them once raised to someone’s lips – and breathe new life into them, changing them into images that suggest the possibility of change itself. A kind of conceptual unity develops between materials, process and imagery: my practice in the studio mimics the act of transformation that butterflies symbolize everywhere, in all cultures.

Paul Villinski Home Page

More from his site:

birds and butterflies
These pieces explore themes of transformation and recovery through the metamorphosis of crushed beer cans from the streets of New York into flocks of realistically crafted butterflies.

LOVE this one!

This one too!!

 So if you have a second do a search using Google Images. You never know what you may find that may delight and inspire you!

xo,
dana

for mamas who rock business from Danielle LaPorte on Vimeo.

I just came across this video and I thought it looked wonderful. Of course, I don't really need another e-course right now.

More info on The Fire Starter Sessions here.

Collage Crazy

1. "This Support Controls" collage by Rick Beerhorst, 2. Colour test sheet, 3. carton_1, 4. R. Beerhorst Abstract, 5. mind, 6. carton_3, 7. 3_nov07, 8. 2_cahier_juin, 9. broken path #2 studiobeerhorst, 10. A Time For Old Books, 11. drama, 12. jungle, 13. 3_cahier_juin, 14. carton_2, 15. Cowboy, 16. 4_cahier_juin

I was browsing Flickr and I fell in love with these beautiful collages. Aren't they great?

NYC part 2

                       

 Here are some store snaps. I know, I know. Alot of pics but I couldn't help myself.

  hand carved stamps from abc carpet and home. that store is full of wonder.

 more stamps

love this store. lots of cute kitchen items.

aren't these great?

the lion brand yarn studio

this super cool window display was made with all knitted or crocheted items. A tribute to Coney Island

love the door handles

yarn wall

need a sampling of yarn? 

LOVE these scarves. Great colors. I want one!

some small goodies I brought back

and as much as I love visiting the city I am so happy to come home to this. 

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

xo,

dana

NYC

this is my day to day environment.

I have relaxed tremendously since the other day when overwhelm was setting in. I absorbed ALOT and told myself not everything can be done right away.

Friday was my first trip in NYC in nearly 5 years! It was the best! I highly recommend getting out of your  normal day to day environment if you can. If you live in the city go visit the country and if you live in the country go visit a city. It shakes things up. You get inspired and clears out the cobwebs a bit if you know what I mean.

I took alot of photos and I am going to share some now and the rest another day.

more day to day views

The Flatiron building. Certainly not my day to day. So pretty. I almost walked right past but turned around for some reason and looked up.

An art exhibition titled "Inner Landscape" by artist Haixin Wang on display at Citibank.

A cute kitty on the street in front of a florist. I just loved the kitty and his personality. The color combo I thought was fantastic.

Flowers from the flower district. The best plants and flowers! I was in love.

I will leave you with a shot of the Empire State Building. One of my favorite spots! I will be back soon to share some store shots with you.
xo,
dana

Vision Board

1. Susy Pilgrim Waters,

2. bring.your.baby.to.work.day.is.everyday,

3. studio.,

4. printmaking*table,

 5. Mati Rose Studio

6. Mati Rose


I have been grabbing images of some great studios for my vision board. I LOVE seeing other artists work spaces. Don't you?

P.S. The dinner out alone was truly wonderful! We hadn't been out to dinner alone in 5 YEARS!!