Hi, Creative Friends-

Happy New Year! Surprise! I’m back in your inbox with more creative ideas for 2022!

If you are a bit like me, the new year is a great time to set specific goals and dream up new ideas. However, January can be tough on our mental well-being. This new year, in particular, feels like we are taking a cat for a walk in the middle of winter, slightly joyful but absolutely confusing! Finding the energy to set resolutions can be daunting. So…

Here Are 3 Ideas To Take Our Creativity By Surprise.

1. Something Borrowed. Something New: Pick a book or movie that is NOT on the “need to read this list.” A great way to find something new and surprise yourself is to try the app Libby (It’s free!). A public library card, a device, and Libby will get you access to a big range of books, magazines, and cookbooks in moments. It’s a great way to get the creative juices going and support and surprise those New Year’s resolutions.

2. Mindmap: If the new year is making you feel overwhelmed and need a place to organize your thoughts, try Asana. This organizational software will help calm your mind and organize the year into tangible goals so creativity has time to flow.

3. Be Inspired By Someone Else: Do have a mentor, friend, or someone whose talents you admire? You might be surprised they offer their teachings for free or at a minimal cost. This is the case for the amazing illustrator Rebecca Green. Her work and storytelling are absolutely beautiful. Surprisingly, she has a blog “My Blank Paper” and Patreon classes where she offers advice and tutorials. Suprise your creativity by reading about her work or someone who you admire. It’s a surefire way to get inspired and reach your 2022 creative goals in a surprising way.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you will surprise your creativity in 2022.

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Zucchini Love Art Print For Purchase At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

Summer is such a wonderful time of year with its shimmery long days, sweet bountiful produce, and moments of pure happiness. Breathing in the height of summer and making the most of this beautiful season can really get our creative ideas flowing.

This week, let’s make the peak of summer happy with these 3 creative ideas:

1. Garden Gone Wild: Are you finding yourself with oodles of tomatoes and bunches of zucchini squash right from the garden? I’ve got two secret amazing recipes that will create summer meal happiness: Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese & Double Dark Chocolate Zucchini Muffins. Both are recipes are as delicious and delightful as a cool breeze on a hot summer day!

2. Bottoms Up Beautiful: Whether putting our feet up by the beach or just sitting in our backyard, cocktails have a way of making summer sing. Try this book “Beach Cocktails: Favorite Surfside Sips and Snacks” by The Editors Of Coastal Living. Start with creating a surfside sip in a Bormioli Rocco Bodega glass and top with these modern striped drink paper umbrellas. They are just the right combination of sturdy and sexy for summertime fun!

3. Fruits Of Labor: The summer is filled with such juicy happy treats including these fun Fruit Collection art prints at Society 6 or try bathing a bottle of summer rosé in a beautiful Forest Flower Wine Cooler. Long after summer fades any of these lovely things are sure to create a reminder of summer’s happy times.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you make the peak of your summer happy.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

A FREE Greeting Card For Dad!

Hi, Creative Friends,

Here is a public service announcement. Sunday is Father’s Day! That’s why…

This week, let Dad know he is important with 3 fun, creative ideas.

1. Give Dad The Joy of Learning: If dad is a lifelong learner who is always searching to expand his knowledge, sign dad up for an e-learning site such as Skillshare or Master Class. There are so many interesting classes under their affordable monthly membership packages, dad will undoubtedly find a class to dive into such as “Creative Magic: How To Unlock Your Creative Magic Now.”

2. Make Breakfast Memories Together: Baking in the kitchen and eating a meal together can create such joy! Try this easy and delicious pancake recipe, Simply Perfect Pancakes by King Arthur Baking. This recipe makes the most buttery, fluffy pancakes! Give dad a bottle Runamok Burbon Barrel Maple Syrup and share a beautiful breakfast together.

3. Tell Dad He’s The Best: Download this FREE Dad’s Day Card and drop dad a note and tell him he is one rad dad or order him this fun and dad-inspired La Moustache print on Society 6.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you create and celebrate with dad!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

The natural world is an interesting place and sometimes we forget, as humans, to pause and see the value in other organic things. That’s why…

This week, let nature inspirewith these fun, creative ideas.

1. Go Outside And See The Story In Nature: Trees are all around us. If you are a bit like me, thinking about the story of trees seems a little bit peculiar. However, this where the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Overstory” by Richard Powers becomes powerful. It’s an excellent read and fascinating in its perspective about humans as they relate to the natural world.

2. Bake & Eat Something New: Baking with natural ingredients can be inspiring and fun. Try this new cookbook “French Pastry Made Simple” by Molly Wilkinson. Molly makes the most complicated french pastry recipes, such as cream puffs and eclairs, simple and sweetens the experience with her American In France perspective. Also, Molly evangelizes the benefits of using natural vanilla bean paste such as Heilala Vanilla or a real vanilla bean when making something delicious such as Pâte Sucrée crust. It really will inspire baking naturally!

3. Paint & Send A Greeting: When was the last time we paused to take in nature? The colors, the scent, the sounds the natural world creates are incredible. Sit quietly in a garden or park and then paint, draw, create a collage with nature’s inspiration. Try creating a special greeting card for a friend on these Strathmore Creative Cards paired with a Kuretake Gansai Watercolor set. It’s a creative way to get out into nature, inspire fun and spread creativity.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are letting nature inspire your creativity.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

California Wildflower Art Print For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

It’s not officially the season of floating down a lazy river, eating boatloads of ice cream, or loafing around the backyard. However, in preparation for summer let’s take…

This week, sweeten the start of the summer with these 3 happy, creative ideas.

1. Go Wild In Your Backyard Or Living Room: Is there anything more beautiful than snipping a bouquet of homegrown wildflowers? Try planting a bundle of California Wildflower Seeds brimming with Golden State poppies or purchase this California Wild Flower art print from Society 6 to start the season sweet and make any room happy.

2. Make A Travel Plan In Your Own Kitchen: Some of us are yearning to travel to someplace new but still are having trouble leaving the comfort of our own home. Try creating a sweet escape in your own kitchen with this new cookbook “French Pastry Made Simple” by Molly Wilkinson. Molly makes the most complicated french pastry recipes, such as cream puffs and eclairs, downright simple and sweetens the experience with her American In France perspective.

3. Let’s Go Fly A Kite: A super cool DIY project is always an exciting way to celebrate the start of summer and kite flying always makes the soul soar. Making one’s own kite is thrilling and easy! Here is how to make a kite from a blue IKEA bag. This project makes for a happy way to create a sweet, happy summer moment!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are creating sweet summer.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Good news. It’s almost summer. It’s that season when things get juicy, fun, and a great time to explore new creative outlets.

This week, get ready for a happy summer, with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. Make It An Endless Summer: If the classic 1966 film “The Endless Summer” doesn’t inspire a trip to the beach with its wanderlust surf culture, a good beach read like “The Last Thing He Told Me” might be a good way to inspire a day to firmly plant toes in the sand and soak up the sun’s rays while sitting in a beach chair. Bring a Hape Mighty Sand Shovel and spend the day making an endless sandcastle that will create a happy summer day and great memories.

2. Food & Flowers Make Good Friends: It’s Peony season and Memorial Day, two things that only happen once a year. Let’s create a celebration and usher in summer by grabbing a bouquet of peonies and cooking up some amazing recipes. The Barefoot Contessa’s Memorial Day Menu looks like a great way to celebrate a long weekend. If you somehow missed the chance to grab a bouquet, there is now a “Peony Bouquet” art print for purchase at Society 6. This print creates a beautiful way to usher in summer into any living room or kitchen.

3. Plein Air Painting Summer Edition: It’s fun to get outside and sketch up flowers, landscapes, and people especially in summer. Here is a good sketchbook to effortlessly carry around: Travelogue Drawing Book. Pair it with a set of Ecoline Watercolor Brush Pens and find happiness in sketching all summer long!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are creating a happy summer.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

“You’re Doing Great!” Art Print For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

If you are a bit like me, you might be feeling awkward as we slowly lift the veil of the pandemic mask and try to return to a sense of “normal.” If we are feeling a bit out of sorts, it’s a great time to bring on positive thoughts and build up some creative mojo.

This week, remind yourself you are doing great, with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. A Belly Laugh Does the Soul Good: If you need a reminder we are all humans just trying to survive and need a good laugh watch “You Are Doing Great” by Tom Papa on Netflix. Tom reminds us that we need to pat ourselves on the back for just being human.

2. Pandemic Pets Rule: A pet does the mind good. Did you know the bond between humans and pets can lower cholesterol, blood pressure and bring on feelings of happiness? Just looking at images of pets and make us feel positive. If having a pet isn’t possible, try these books on pets “Catlady: A Love Letter To Women And Their Cats" by Leah Reena Goren or this adorable kids book about “Brooklyn Baily, The Missing Dog” illustrated by Libby Vanderploeg. Both books are delightfully illustrated works featuring beloved animals and tell good stories by amazing female artists.

3. Create Positive Vibes: Surrounding ourselves with uplifting messages can create a sense of well-being. Try one of these art prints from Society 6 like “You’re Doing Great!” or “Failures Plant The Seeds For Success.” Place somewhere prominent, like a home office or in a kid’s room, might just help influence positive vibes only!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you are creating positive in your life.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

“A Party Without A Cake Is Just A Meeting.” - Julia Child

Hi, Creative Friends,

Happy Birthday to all the readers who fall into the astrological sign of Taurus!

Birthdays are sneaky. One day, we glance at our calendar only to realize someone we love has taken one more trip around the sun!

This week, make a birthday joyful, with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. Let Them Eat Cake!: Molly J. Wilk’s French Pastry Class: I just finished one of Molly’s Virtual Pastry classes. First, they are as good as they sound and I now have an Ultimate Chocolate Tart birthday cake sitting in my refrigerator. If you need an extra special birthday gift, Molly offers accessible french pastry classes virtually from her kitchen in Versailles, France which can be found here on her website Molly J. Wilk Virtual Pastry Classes. All classes are held on Zoom and she provides recipes and the ability to access a private Facebook group to interact with other bakers. Molly also has a cookbook coming out in June called “French Pastry Made Simple” which can be pre-ordered! Either or both the pastry class and her book would be a great way to say happy birthday to anyone!

2. Olive A Good Party. Olive & June is a women-owned company that has transformed the art of the at-home manicure. They have some of the most modern polish colors around such as AW & CV. However, it’s Olive & June’s Nail Tutorials that will inspire and help create an at-home self-care, birthday bash! Pair some polish with these cozy and plush slippers, hop on a Zoom call with the gals and paint anyone’s birthday happy.

3. Homemade Happy Birthday. Create a lovely thank you card with these Strathmore Watercolor Cards & Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Palette to create and say happy birthday in the sweetest way possible. Try your hand at making a calorie-free birthday cake with this Beautiful Birthday Box video tutorial or purchase a special piece of art from Society 6 like one of these Zodiac Art Prints: Taurus Art Print or Taurus Quote Art Print.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or a creative idea on how you will say happy birthday!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Do ever find yourself needing to create a big thank you to someone special? Whether it is your Mom, a helpful co-worker, or a super-engaged teacher, a special thank you can be hard to find. That’s why this week I rounded up 3 creative ideas to say thank you now!

This week, say thank you, with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. Be Bars Above The Rest With A Watercolor Card: Chocolate is a delicious way to say thank you! Wrap a few bars of Endangered Species chocolate up with a ribbon, like the Caramel Sea Salt + Dark Chocolate flavor, create a lovely thank you card with these Strathmore Watercolor Cards & Arteza Classic Watercolors to create a super heartfelt thank you! Best of all, Endangered Species Chocolates give 10% of net profits to save our wildlife.

2. Molly J. Wilk’s French Pastry Class: This one was mentioned last week but it’s so good I thought it was worth a mention again. If you have someone that loves to bake and the idea of a gift certificate makes things easy, Molly J. Wilk has a solution. She offers accessible french pastry classes virtually from her kitchen in Versailles, France which can be found here on her website Molly J. Wilk Virtual Pastry Classes. All classes are held on Zoom and she provides recipes and the ability to access a private Facebook group to interact with other bakers. Molly also has a cookbook coming out in June called “French Pastry Made Simple” which can be pre-ordered! Either or both the pastry class and her book would be a great way to say thank you to anyone!

3. Giant Flower Power Thank You: Nothing says thank you more than a big bunch of beautiful flowers! What’s better? Creating one big special thank you that will last a lifetime with a few supplies and this tutorial here Giant Paper Flowers. Or head over to Society 6 and send a thank you art print such as this Modern Mom Flowers print. Whatever you do, don’t forget to say thank you!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or a creative idea on how you will say thank you!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

A Sketch Of Flowers In A Vase - Find More Bouquet Art At Society 6.

Hi, Creative Friends,

This is a Public Service Announcement. Mother’s Day is May 9th. Let’s celebrate our beautiful mommas by getting creative together!

This week, create a super happy mom, with these 3 simple creative ideas.

1. Molly J. Wilk’s French Pastry Class: If you have a mom that loves to bake and also misses the art of travel, Molly J. Wilk has a solution. She offers accessible french pastry classes virtually from her kitchen in Versailles, France which can be found here on her website Molly J. Wilk Virtual Pastry Classes. All classes are held on Zoom and she provides recipes and the ability to access a private Facebook group to interact with other bakers. Molly also has a cookbook coming out in June called “French Pastry Made Simple” which can be pre-ordered! Either or both the pastry class and her book would keep mom’s creative juices flowing.

2. Life In Color With David Attenborough: If curling up on the couch with Momma sounds like a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day, try the new documentary from Netflix “Life In Color With David Attenborough.” It’s full of beautiful images and wildlife wonders! Speaking of color, if Mom loves to wear beautiful things inspired by nature, and supporting small business is important, find mother a beautiful scarf from a local shop such as Morningtide.

3. Bouquets For Mom: If you are a bit like me, sending mom a bouquet on Mother’s Day always makes for a super happy mom and FarmGirl Flowers makes shopping for bouquets easy, modern and fresh! The ship nationally too. However, if the thought of sending mom a darling bouquet that will wilt away before Memorial Day sounds like a deal-breaker, a curated beautiful bunch of floral art prints can be purchased here: Floral Art Prints At Society 6. My personal favorite is this Modern Mom Flowers Print with this vibrance and freshness it is sure to make momma swoon. If mom is interested in making her own bouquet art, try this fabulous Caran’dace Gouache Watercolor set and small Stillman & Birn multimedia sketchbook and watch momma smile!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or a creative idea on how you will celebrate & create with mom!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

If you are a bit like me, there is a feeling maybe this pandemic is almost over. Does anyone else feel the tension, anticipation, and hope that joy will return to our lives soon?

This week, while we hope for happiness to return, here are 3 ideas that inspire bits of creative joy.

1. Ernest Hemingway: the great American novelist, has something to say about the human spirit and it’s a good quote for times like these. “But man is not made for defeat… A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” -The Old Man and The Sea. A new documentary is out on PBS by Ken Burns about Mr. Hemingway and it is full of scandal, strife, and the compelling story of this very flawed man. You can check out the trailer here. It’s the stuff they don’t tell you in school when you read “The Old Man and The Sea.”

2. The Morning Bun: Here in the Bay Area, we have a breakfast roll called, The Morning Bun. It’s a sugary, cinnamon swirl of doughy delight that is a combination of a cinnamon roll and a croissant dough. The best morning buns are at La Farine Bakery in Oakland, California which was the birthplace of this morning treat. Read about the history here on My Recipes. For those of you who can’t stop by one of the three La Farine Bakeries, this Morning Bun recipe from Bon Appetite looks scrumptious and might just make a little joy while we wait for the world to return to normal.

3. Manley Crayons: There are so many bright, spring flowers popping right now. How do we capture that vibrance and joy of this moment? Try sketching those beautiful buds with Manely Crayons which made in Spain, are super bright, and smell like a lovely soap. They are a great way to keep busy and get creative now.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that puts a spring in your step.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring is here and Easter is Sunday. Are you falling short on simple ideas to make this time of year special?

This week, in the spirit of Easter, here are 3 ideas that inspire & lift up the Spring creative spirit.

1. Traveling to far-off places has always been a source of inspiration. The food, the architecture the people can light up the old grey matter and bring on unique ideas. What do we do when we can’t travel? Try watching “Searching for Italy” by Stanely Tucci on CNN. It’s a feast for the soul. It’s bouncing full of so many creative ideas like Stanely’s Easter bread which has been added next to my creative bucket list. It looks delicous!

2. If the Easter bunny is cramped for time and needs something fast to make for Easter breakfast, try my Jammy Biscuit recipe here. It's a super easy recipe since it calls for pre-made biscuit rolls and it brings joy and delight to everyone who takes a bite on Easter morning. Another great recipe to try on Easter morning, Glazed Cinnamon Cardomon Buns from Epicurious. Add a few chocolate eggs such as Cadbury Mini Eggs on top of the recipe and your Easter morning breakfast has never looked so beautiful. Be warned this recipe is a bit complicated but nonetheless delicious.

   3. Who feels like getting a bit messy but keeping it simple with a spring forward craft? How about checking out “45 different ways to dye Easter eggs” on Better Homes & Gardens. There are so many great ideas on this site but the washi tape idea seems simple and easy. I’m going to using 3 mm washi tape and hopefully create some fabulous easter eggs.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that puts a spring in your step.

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra