Hi, Creative Friends,

It’s June and that means it’s unofficially summer! If you are a bit like me, summer is like a sweet breeze that rolls in after a long hot day. That is to say, summer is a good time to create gratitude for the little things like juicy popsicles, cannonballs in the pool, or taking a long-deserved pause from work. No matter how we usher in this season summer it’s calling that’s why…

This Week Swing, Into Summer With These 3 Creative Ideas…

1. Popsicle Passion: What is a better way to usher in summer than creating something sweet and delicious in the kitchen? Try leaving off the oven and whipping up something cool and making a summer rainbow with these “Rainbow Popsicles Recipe.” They are healthy, delicious, and a great way to swing happy info summer.

2. Birthday Blooms: June is full of summertime birthdays and if you are looking for a way to create a happy day, try gifting this month’s birth flower print from INPRNT “The Rose.” It’s a beautiful way to celebrate and create a special moment for those start of summer birthdays.

3. Beach Day Read: If you are a bit like me, reading is the ultimate escape. Dive into a good book this summer by picking one of these books from the Atlantic’s 20 Books For This Summer and find yourself swimming in a sea of escape.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you will swing into summertime!

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

Congrats That Grad With A Free Card!

Hi, Creative Friends,

The Spring celebrations are here! If you are a bit like me, you might be looking for ways to make celebrations like a graduation or a spring birthday happy and special. Here are…

3 Creative Ideas To Make Spring Celebrations Full Of Joy.

1. Gift A Perfect Gift: If the thought of giving a graduate the gift of cold hard cash doesn’t bring around joy, try giving something personal like this beautiful silk The Poppy Silk Scarf or create a one-of-a-kind DIY like one of these cool ideas at HGTV’s “20 DIY Gifts Your Grad Will Love".”

2. A Personal Message: Writing a letter is intimidating but finding the right words to tell someone how important they are is truly a gift in itself. If you find composing a meaningful message difficult, check out the book “How To Write A Letter” by Sugar Paper. The book offers ways to make a message and find words for any occasion simple, heartfelt, and happy! If you need a special graduation greeting card, download one for FREE here “Congrats Grad FREE Greeting Card."

3. Eat Something Special: Make a birthday special or graduation memorable by sending or bringing something sweet and delicious to that special person. Try ordering a cake from Milkbar or an ice cream party from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Either will make the day joyful, memorable, and delicious!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will create to make your celebration 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.

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

Paddle California Print At INPRNT

Hi, Creative Friends,

Spring is brimming with blooms. With the enormous winter rains we had here in California, all the seeds nature planted last year are turning the hillsides into what is called a “Superbloom!” Bright orange California poppies, ombre purple Lupine, and delicate pink Dwarf Checker Mallow flowers fill the landscape and this spectacular display of color made me think about how anyone can find creative progress after dormancy. This week…

Find Your Super Bloom this Spring With These 3 Good Creative Ideas.

1. Color Wonder: Have you ever walked through a park or watched a beautiful sunset and been overwhelmed by color? Yes, there is a reason why sky blue and flame orange look so beautiful together, and we can practice these same color rules when we pick a couch color, make a dinner delightful or plant a rose garden. Read about “Color Theory Basics: How To Use Color Theory in Interior Design” on Foyr and watch your color knowledge bloom.

2. Sketch For The Curious: Sometimes we feel our creative progress stop. We get burnt out from doing the same creative work day after day. Whether it’s how to: design our house, raise children, find career growth, or make dinner we can all start to feel drained by creative work. Get your creative bloom back by sketching on this Quick Draw Doodle Program from Google. It’s a fun way to take a break and be curious and sketch for fun.

3. Not All Who Wander: Trying something new rewires the brain. That is to say, studies show, it is good for your mental health to go out, get lost, somewhere or in something. Read more at Adventures.com “How Travel Changes Your Brain” or try a new sport such as Stand-up Paddleboarding to see how getting out of a comfort zone can make us bloom!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you let your creativity bloom.

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

California Wildflowers Print For Sale At INPRNT

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s officially springtime! Hopefully, vibrant flowers are blooming, the sun is glowing and birds chirping wherever you reside right now. As the season turns to spring and we welcome in the longer days, we might find we need to get outside and get creative. This week here are…

3 Creative Ideas That Will Help You Make A Happy, Beautiful Spring.

1. Take Up A New Sport:  Getting outside can make our bodies and minds thrive! Why not try out a new sport like running, paddle boarding, badminton, pickleball, surfing, or swimming? Grab some gear and get outside to feel the spring sunshine and air make us happy.

2. Garden Beautiful: Managing another thing in our lives might have us saying, “No Way!” but planning a spring garden can yield so much happiness in spring and beyond. To make planning a garden accessible, check out this “Spring Garden Planning: A Beginners Guide” on Home For The Harvest. It looks like a great way to make spring beautiful and if you need some inspiration as your garden starts to grow, purchase this California Wildflower art print from my shop on INPRNT.

3. Beets & Blackberries: Creating something delicious in the kitchen is always a fabulous way to make spring happy. Try this fresh recipe for “Beet & Blackberry Salad” From Salt Spring Kitchen. to make your body and mind feel beautiful.

   Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you will make your spring creative, happy, and beautiful.

   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

Narcissus Print For Purchase At INPRNT

Hello, Creative Friends!

Thankfully we are at the end of January. With the darker days of winter here, we might be bundled up in a warm blanket, sipping a cozy cup of tea and longing for any sign of springtime. If you are a bit like me, you are dreaming of anything other than a stark snowy landscape. That’s why it’s a great time to…

Make Your House Bloom Beautiful This Winter With These 3 Creative Ideas.

1. Paperwhite Wonder: It’s always magical to bring garden life inside. By forcing blubs we can create the miracle of nature right in our own homes. Here is a great article from The Spruce on “How To Force Paperwhite Narcissus Indoors” or purchase this Narcissus print from INPRNT to make any wall bloom.

2. Sketch Up A Bouquet: Picking up the habit of sketching flowers can make creativity bloom! Here is a great tutorial for “Twelve Easy Flower Doodles You Need To Know.” Taking Time to sketch up a few doodles can help make the long winter days beautiful.

3. Edible Beauty: Did you know some flowers are edible and make lovely decorations for cakes, puddings, and more? Try baking up something beautiful by using this handy guide from King Arthur Baking Company “Creative Ways To Use Edible Flowers” for a creative way to make your house bloom this winter.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you will make your house bloom beautifully this winter.

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

The Rose - June Birthday Flower Print For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

It’s June and that means it’s almost officially summer! If you are a bit like me, summer is like a sweet breeze that rolls in after a long hot day. That is to say, summer is a good time to create gratitude for the little things like juicy popsicles, cannonballs in the pool, or taking a long-deserved pause from work. No matter how we usher in this season summer it’s calling that’s why…

This Week Swing Into Summer With These 3 Creative Ideas…

1. Popsicle Passion: What is a better way to usher in summer than creating something sweet and delicious in the kitchen? Try leaving off the oven and whipping up something cool and making a summer rainbow with these “Rainbow Popsicles Recipe.” They are healthy, delicious, and a great way to swing happy info summer.

2. Birthday Blooms: June is full of summertime birthdays and if you are looking for a way to create a happy day, try gifting this month’s birth flower print from Society 6 “The Rose.” It’s a beautiful way to celebrate and create something special for those start of summer birthdays.

3. Pool Perfect Prose: If you are a bit like me, reading is an escape, and the more stories we read about others, the more we create compassion and understanding we have for others. However, who has time to read a good novel when life is busy? Here is where a summer reading list calls us and we only need to look at this list of 2022 Summer Reading from “How Sweet Eats” to find a story worth dropping work and lounging by the pool for! I

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you will swing into summertime!

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

Congrats That Grad With A Free Card!

Hi, Creative Friends,

The Spring celebrations are here! If you are a bit like me, you might be looking for ways to make celebrations like a graduation or a spring birthday happy and special. Here are…

3 Creative Ideas To Make Spring Celebrations Happy.

1. Gift A Perfect Gift: If the thought of giving a graduate the gift of cash doesn’t bring around happiness, try giving something personal like this beautiful silk The Peony scarf or create a one-of-a-kind DIY like one of these cool ideas at HGTV’s “20 DIY Gifts Your Grad Will Love".”

2. A Personal Message: Writing a letter is intimidating but finding the right words to tell someone how important they are is truly a gift in itself. If you find composing a meaningful message difficult, check out the book “How To Write A Letter” by Sugar Paper. The book offers ways to make a message and find words for any occasion simple, heartfelt, and happy! If you need a special graduation greeting card, download one for FREE here “Congrats Grad FREE Greeting Card."

3. Eat Something Special: Make a birthday special or graduation memorable by sending or bringing something sweet and delicious to that special person. Try ordering a cake from Milkbar or an ice cream party from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Either will make the day happy and memorable and delicious!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will create to make your celebration 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.

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

February Birthday Flower Violets - Print For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s February and love is in the air! If you are a bit like me, it can be hard to make time for the people and things we love when life is total chaos. However, focusing on love, whether it’s taking time for a friend or tapping into an activity that brings us joy becomes even more important as the year rolls forward. That’s why here are…

3 Creative Ideas To Focus On Love & Make Life Bloom.

1. Make Time For Hugs: This one seems kind of weird and obvious to suggest but did you know creating time for hugs and physical affection is important for our mental health? Studies show hugs can improve social bonding, slow heart rate, and reduce stress and anxiety. In short, hugs make us bloom! Make hugs an intentional part of your February by setting a timer daily on a calendar for a 1 -minute “Hug break.” Use this “Bear Hug” coloring sheet to make the time even connective.

2. Whisk Up Love: Creating something we love in the kitchen is good for our mind, body, and creative soul! For February, try this recipe from Molly Wilk for “One Bite Texas Sheet Cake Truffles” and watch love bloom as everyone swoons over these delicious chocolate treats.

3. Bouquet Time: When it’s the beginning of February, and we are in the trenches of winter, it can be hard to feel like anything is going to bloom, ever! This is why it’s a great time to pick up a big bouquet of flowers at a local market or this “February Violet Birthday Flower print at Society 6” as a reminder there is “room to bloom” even in the depths of winter!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and how you will focus on love in February.

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

“Poppies In Spring” Art Print at Society6

Hi, Creative Friends,

Most people are ready to spark spring joy with a big adventure. Traveling to someplace new sounds pretty dreamy right now after 14-months of pandemic life. However, if adventures are still on hold, don’t worry, I have 3 ideas for the creative weekend warrior like you.

This week, spark spring happiness and stay at home with 3 ideas that inspire bits of creative joy.

1. Kid Cosmic: If you have kids at home and need a mental break, fire up Nexflix and cue up “Kid Cosmic.” It’s an American animated series created by the same super-cool geniuses that made the animated series “The Power Puff Girls”. “Kid Cosmic” is another dynamic series, where the writing is stellar, the art direction super and it’s an all-around terrific story that takes kids of all ages on the next great adventure! If a little more time for a mental break is needed, have the kiddos try making themselves into a Power Puff character here at the site Powerpuff Yourself.

2. Rhubarb Sauce: Spring is here which means it’s Rhubarb season. For those not yet familiar with this beautiful vegetable, the story of Rhubarb can be found here at “The Kitchen Project: The History of Rhubarb.” Rhubarb is one of the tastiest spring surprises and if making a pie seems too daunting, try this 2-ingredient Rhubarb Sauce recipe. Just remember, the leaves of the Rhubarb plant are poisonous. Just use the red stalks for any Rhubarb recipes.

3. Ecoline Markers: Mother’s Day is right around the bend. Why not create a personal drawing for the lady who does everything and more? Ecoline Markers can be used wet or dry and have a broad and fine tip. Pair them with Canson Watercolor paper and other drawing supplies. Mama bear will swoon with pride when she is presented with a one-of-a-kind piece of art on Mother’s Day. If short on time is the meme this year, try gifting Mother a lovely art print like Poppies In Spring from Society6.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or something that sparked adventure and joy for you this week.

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

// hello friends-

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12th.

Yes, this Sunday.

It tiptoed up on us didn’t it?

Maybe we planning on whipping up a macaroni necklace to present to dear old mom? Scouring the internet for the perfect #momlife mug? Contemplating spending our entire life’s savings on a huge bouquet of flowers to make mom feel grand?

Here is the bad news.

Mom wants something different this year.

Yes, the macaroni necklace will warm mama’s heart but is sure to end up in the dark recesses of her dresser drawer. The #momlife mug will most likely “accidentally” slip off the counter or be left on a bench at soccer practice. As for the flowers, HELLO!, mom taught you to save your money for a rainy day.

What does mom want?

To be presented with a beautiful DIY project that is new, fresh, modern, easy on the pocket book, fun to display and is guaranteed to make Mom swoon.

Something that is petal perfect.

And lovely.

And beautiful.

Whip out the watercolors, rummage around the closet for some tissue paper and take a bit of time to create a DIY project that mom will absolutely love:

Hand Painted Giant Paper Flowers!

Giant Paper Flowers

• free flower petal template (download here)

• 1 - piece of card stock

• scissors

• 1 - sheet white tissue paper

• OOLY Watercolor Paint Pods {affiliate link} or non-toxic kid safe watercolors

• 1 - craft brush {affiliate link}

• jar or cup for water

• a multi-temp hot glue gun & hot glue

• 1 - 22 gauge flower wire {affiliate link}

Step 1: Print the free flower petal template on the card stock. With the scissors cut out the petal template and the circle shape.

Step 2: Fold the tissue paper in half lengthwise. Using the watercolors, paint the tissue paper and let dry.

Step 3: Cut a long 1.5 inch by 18 inch long rectangle from the long side of the tissue paper. Roll the rectangle into a tight tube shape. Make long incisions into the tissue tube on the short side. Do not cut all the way through the tissue. Leave a 1/4 space at the bottom of the tissue to hold the tube shape together. This will be the center of the flower. Set aside.

Step 4: Use the flower petal template as a guide and fold the remaining tissue paper under the petal template as many times as the tissue paper will allow. With the scissors, cut around the template. There should now be multiple petals. Make a 1 - inch incision in the middle of the petal base.

Step 5: Heat the hot glue gun on low. Place one dot of glue on the left side of the base of a flower petal. Pinch the right side over the left. Repeat until all the petals are complete. Using the circle card stock shape as a flower base, glue the tissue paper petals onto the circle base by overlapping the edge of each petal just a bit.

Step 6: Glue the center of the flower in the middle of the petals. Take one (1) flower wire and poke a small hole in the back of the flower. Remove the wire and add a dab of glue and then reinsert the wire.

So much love and fun went into making this DIY project, Mom is sure to feel overjoyed and very appreciated.

To all the wonderful Mamas, Happy Mother’s Day!

Until tomorrow creative friends! //

This post contains an affiliate link.

Day 144 - Hello Monday. It's the start of a new week and I think it's a good day to learn something new. When I was in college, I desperately wanted to take a course in Ikebana or Japanese flower arranging. Needless to say, I never got the opportunity but today I decided to try Ikebana on my own.

After doing some research, the word Ikebana translates to ike, meaning 'alive' or 'arrange' and bana meaning 'flower.'  Ikebana is a true art form and a meditative practice. It takes a years of study to become a master. Typically, what is needed for an Ikebana arrangement is a vessel, a kenzan (flower frog) and flowers. A general and detailed breakdown can be found here at Make Magazine and FTD "The Art Of Ikebana Flower Arrangement." Ikebana is amazing because the arrangements appear very simple however the more I learn, the more I realize it's an incredibly complicated practice. There are over 3000 schools of Ikebana which emphasize balance, minimalism, shape, line, humanity, aesthetics, form and balance. 

Today, I am going to attempt an arrangement but it's going to be very difficult to do this art form justice. I encourage you to try it too for today's project. Find a vessel, buy a flower frog {affiliate link} and trim a bunch of lovely flowers from nature. Now, find silence and focus on the flowers including their shape, color and the negative space they provide. 

Wow. I learned so much with this project. For me this was a difficult practice. There were many factors into making the arrangement work from all aspects. I would move a stem, another one would fall over and ruin the whole aesthetic. I also struggled with creating balance from all angles of the arrangement.

Well, it looks like I have a ton to learn and  years of practice ahead. However, it was amazing to get out of my comfort zone to create something new. Let me know how your arrangement looks and see you tomorrow!

Day 119 - Hey, hey hey! How is it going today? You know I have a dirty little secret. Sometimes I let resistance win. I just sit at my desk checking Facebook and surfing Old Navy for something new for the old closet. Then I think, "What the hell am I doing?" I get mad at myself, call myself lazy and then I pour myself some tea and resist more. All this creates some negative mojo and energy. All this negative space feels like it has been adding up lately. I did some Googling on how to 'clear the air' and what popped up was interesting. Who has heard of burning white sage to cleanse the air around you? Well, I own a pair of Birkenstocks. I'll give it a go.

I just happen to have white sage growing right in my garden but after cutting a huge bunch of mighty green stalks, to create a sage bundle, I realized I am clearly allergic to white sage. As I type this, everything is itchy, including my eyelashes. Maybe burning the sage isn't a great idea but gives me a good idea.

Let's talk today's project. I'm providing this sage quote and artwork to help clear something away in your life. Think of the bad mojo and then let it pass. Now send this image onto a friend to help them clear the air today too. 

I hope you and everyone you connect with finds peace today and air is clear around you. Peace out till tomorrow! 

Day 35 - Hey There! Oh gosh. Are you feeling the winter blues? The winter blues can be brutal. Trust me when I say I understand.

So Fresh & Pretty.

I use to live in the Midwest when the time between February and April can be bitter. The cold can blow strong for months. The thought of two MORE months of grey skies, frosty winds and stomping through dirty snow was just eye popping Apocalyptic. The grey and bitter would drive me to the grocery store where I would buy a bunch of fresh cut flowers. Seeing the flowers nestled warming on the kitchen table would brighten any dark frosty mood. 

Grocery Store Flowers. 

Okeedoke, well, with that long depressing story off my chest, let's get down to today's project. March right over in your snow boots or galoshes to the local florist, grocery store or Costco and pick up a few bunches of fresh cut flowers. Pick the bunches that are one kind of flower in bunch. For an example, one bunch of tulips and one bunch of spray roses. In other words, avoid the pre-arranged flowers. When you pick the flowers, think about colors, texture and height. How will they all work together? What vessel do you have at home to fit the arrangement?

Vase Options. 

Then go home, cut each stem and get creative. Here are two simple tips to insure a long lasting and beautiful bouquet:

1. Cut the stem at a 45 degree angle.
2. The tallest flowers in an arrangement must equal the vase's height plus 1 1/2 times the vase's height.

This is a great design lesson on mixing colors, texture and composition and did I mention so fun! When done, you will have a beautiful, joyful arrangement. Did I mention someone might be curiously jealous and ask "Hey, who sent you flowers?" Now that is Flower Power!

Flower Power.