Well first things first here…I have a new website that I am SO SO SO excited about.  It is an official website and I feel so, well official!

Please come on over: EmbracingLifeLoveArt.com
You will find lots of inspirational mixed media art!

Jump on over there for this week’s dose of truths. 

See you there!!

Manic Monday

Monday, Monday, Monday – really, yeah I have NO idea where that came from!

I updated my Etsy shop with 15 new “Cancer Love Girls”

I added two new elements to these pictures that I think you are going to love - I know I do!

The butterfly - I love butterflies.  They represent so much to me....change, flying freely, beauty and much more. I love the little danty butterfly added to the girls - makes them more playful.

I have hand-written a special message on the back of each one of these.  A message of encouragement, love, hope, grace. It is my belief that each one of these will end up with the right person who needs that message.

I am going to send out a facebook and email notice this morning at 10:00 a.m. central time, so if you have been wanting one,  mosey on over to etsy and take a look around!

I have some plans in the works for my “Cancer Love Girls” and hope to have something to show y’all in the next few weeks!

Be sure to come back on Wednesday – I have some more exciting news – I know right – two things in the same week?!?!

I can't find the original source of this one

Via

Sorry I don't have more eye candy - I am beat down from getting everything on Etsy - enjoy!

Friday Feature - Lis Dunn Designs

Hi all! My name is Lis and I am the owner/ designer of Lis Dunn Designs! 

I am the proud wife of a very hardworking {hot} and amazing man named Dennis and the mommy to 4 very uniquely spirited children...Melanie-17, Mikah-12, Mason-10 and Maximus-5!  I have been abundantly blessed to stay home to raise our children and have always created things as an outlet. 

My first love of fashion, began when I was just a little girl.  My grandmother was a seamstress and Dress Shop owner, who taught me to sew. She would always allow me to use her scraps to create clothing for my Barbies and later I would create designs for myself:}  I loved to draw, so the sketching came easy.

When I was about 9 years old, another grandmother gave me a large tackle box of beading materials for Christmas and my love of jewelry design was born!

I have always been passionate about fashion and creating a unique look on a frugal budget. I was 18 when I did my first craft show {my designs were much less desirable back then:}} I have continued to do shows and online sales more as a hobby and not necessarily as a business... until now!  My baby will be going into Kindergarten in the fall {sniff, sniff} and I feel like now is my time to really explore those soul gifts and passions that God has placed within me. 

I have recently launched my very first {official} collection called "Dream a little dream".  With that, I designed my first look book! Imagine gorgeous, soft and feminine colors, meant to make the bearer feel beautifully empowered .  The items from this line can be found in my Etsy Shop.

I am so excited to see what God has in store for me in the fall!! Perhaps some clothing designs???  Whatever it is, I know it will be amazing because these are the dreams that are my heart beat and I believe if you are bold with those dreams, great things will follow!
I am so super excited about today's feature and will be doing a giveaway on my blog to one lucky reader!  {Sash, valued at $69.00

Look Book
Etsty
Facebook
Blog

Truths...

I really like posting my weekly truths, but I want to post on M/W/F but now I don't have a cute title - just "truths"....so be it!

I feel like it keeps me on track - yes, I need someone to keep me on track or I wonder off - too easily!

My biggest truth this week – I had a PET scan last Thursday and received the results on Friday….”ALL CLEAR!!!”

~ I am still scared to get too comfortable with this.  But in a way – in big way – I know in my heart that it is okay to get too comfortable…now I just have to tell my head!

Well I lied – I have a lot of BIG truths this week. I didn’t realize until I started reflecting.

~ I started writing my book – YIKES! I have talked about this FOREVER, people have told me to do it – to put my blog into a book and I didn’t – I was scared – what if no one wanted it, what if people told me it sucked, what if, what if, what if…but then what if it helps just one person – then that is that – that is enough of a reason for me!

               SO if anyone out there reading this has tips on getting published please let me know!

~Eric and I were talking about our financial goals and how we don’t want him to have to work his “have to show up” job forever – heck really even more than 5 years (MAX!) We were going over the budget (UGH, mind blowing boring with all his spreadsheets!) and he had a line item in it for “Embracing Income” and then said he wants his income to pay xyz and Embracing to pay abc. This really surprised me – I KNEW he believed in me and what I was doing, I just never he believed THAT much – that I was in his line items to get him to be able to stop working his have to show up job. That scared and excited me all at the same time – it lit a fire in me that I am ready to blaze.

Cancer Love Girls in progress. I am "hoping" to have them in the shop first thing Friday.  Don't worry - I will let you lovelys know first!

Manic Monday

Let’s all just say it together… “I can’t believe it’s not butter…oh, I mean it is Monday.”  FOR REALS!

We had a great vacation up at Eric’s parent’s lake house.  The weather was perfect, the kids loved being together and the adults tried to soak in every moment.

A snack was caught (gross!) but all the boys though Uncle Patty Cakes was the king of the world when he held it for them all to touch.

Now for our Manic Monday pictures - all projects I want to do...now to find the time!

VIA

I am pretty sure I can paint something like this on a lampshade! I will take pictures of the final project once I am done!

VIA

I don't love the fabric choices, but I love the idea! Eric is NOT aware this is on my radar...he might not know it is until it is done!

VIA

How great is that globe? There isn't a how to on the link, but I think I can cut out letters on my cricut, tape them down and paint it...again, I will take pictures of the process!

Are there any projects y'all have in mind for the rest of the summer? Let me know - I love hearing about projects!

Friday Feature - Thoughtful Art by Gina

Hello everyone!! My name is Gina Smith, otherwise known as Thoughtful Art by Gina.

I live outside of Atlanta Georgia with my college age daughter Megan and my puppy Henry. 

I am an art school dropout that has rediscovered my love for art.  After attending the Art Institute of Atlanta realized that I would have a difficult time making enough money to take care of my family, so I was thrown into the world of health insurance sales.

20years later I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up.

I am a Mixed Media Artist that creates in all kinds of mediums, Acrylics, Watercolors, Pastels, Markers, Leather and Metals. 

I create canvas art as well as prints of most of my items.  I also have begun creating Hand Tooled and Hand-Painted Leather Cuffs. 

My motto is to "Create Art that speaks to your Soul".  I want my pieces to provide a spark and make you think for a bit.

My art is continuously evolving so I would love for you visit me from time to time to see my new creations.

I sell my art and take commission projects through Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/thoughtfulart .

You can also visit me on my blog at www.thoughtfulartbygina.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thoughtfulartbygina

I will be holding a give-a-way over on my blog beginning today.  If you leave me a comment on my current blog post anytime beginning today through Wed. July 4 your name will be put into a random drawing to win this beautiful Leather Cuff.  Drawing will be held and winner posted on Friday July 6.

So stop by and say hello, I would love to meet you.

Wishing you a creative day!!

Manic Monday

We are still out of town at Eric’s parent’s lake house and we have finally hit “relaxed mode” – it really is great.

Being on the water here REALLY makes us want to live on a lake and/or travel with a boat – what is it about the water that is so calming and magical all at the same time??

Live a brave life - inspirational mixed media art

This is another canvas I made for Dr. H's offices!

VIA

What a cute idea is this?  AND EASY!

VIA

Again, so cute and easy!

VIA

I might have to bust out the sewing machine to use on actual fabric on this one!

Hope yall have a happy July 4th - if I don't get a chance to post before then.



Friday Feature: Glitter And Grunge Studio

Linda Pinda is a mixed-media/abstract artist who lives in the heart of southern New England. Linda's work often reflects her faith, love of children, and the wonder and whimsies of life. Her husband and business partner, Michael,  is a musician. Together, they are raising six children in their humble home, which has come to be known as Glitter and Grunge Studio. Their children have all inherited musical and artistic talents, and every day becomes quite the melodic, beautiful mess.

The signature of Linda's work is the texture and grunginess, which represents for her all the gorgeous age and history of life and the world about her. But it is touched ever so gently with a hint of glitter representing light and love.

Linda's work can be found at

Glitter And Grunge

Blog

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Truths

I went to a Reiki session Tuesday night – I felt negative energy building up and I wanted it cleared out…I didn’t know what it was – I felt the bad food creeping back into me, I felt me picking up on Eric’s stress – I just felt bad energy and I wasn’t having it.

She told me my heart charka is wide open, but my throat charka was a little tight – that I need to work on speaking the whole truth – not just what I think others want to hear…she is so right – I sometimes don’t tell exactly what I think/feel with a fear of not being totally accepted. 

There is a lot more from the session that I will write about, but for now I am going to start working on my whole truth – even if you think I am weird for it.

Mixed Media Butterfly

~I believe in Angels – that they can and do want to talk with us, guide us, direct us – I believe God uses Angels in our lives all the time.

~People’s negative energy really effects – I need to learn to “block” their energy and not let it change my mood.

~I have a love/hate relationship with food. It should be easy – it is JUST food, but it so isn’t easy.

Inspirational butterfly Mixed Media Canvas

So there you go - just a few of my WHOLE truths...

Manic Monday

I know, I know – I sound like a broken record, I can’t believe it is Monday AND I can’t believe June is almost over…seriously.

A big welcome to visitors from the Pinterest Project.

Here are some new Cancer Love Girls that Dr. H ordered for patient rooms!

 It reads:

You are braver then you believe and stronger than you seem

It reads:

Hope is the dream of a soul awake

I made this to represent Dr. H. She is a true angel and I want her to know how awesome I (and SO many others think she is)

It reads:

You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself

So, here to my new adventure....I feel great things happening!

Some fun goodies for you to look at today:

VIA

And I want to know (THE TRUTH PLEASE) can I wear one of these or am I too old and it would look super ridiculous??

VIA

I have this on my "will someone sew me this board?" I think people think I am joking - I.AM.SERIOUS!

If you sew and want to do a little trade - email me!!

VIA

The idea of an organized office is pure bliss...

I love Pinterest!  If you are on there, follow me! 

Winner winner Chicken Dinner

I really wonder where that saying came from?!?!

I have two winners for you today:
The Winner of the $20 share this post is Megan Davis Vargas!
The Winner of the $25 "pin it to win it" is Sheila Rumney

Can both of you please email me at EmbracingLifeLoveArt@gmail.com to get your gift certificate!

Thanks for all who took part!

Friday Feature - Meet Liz from LuLu's

A little ditty about me: My name is Liz Bradley, and I own two shops. One is called LuLu's fine home furnishings and the other is Little LuLu's. I opened LuLu's in 2005, naming it after my great grandmother, whom I have such fond memories of. She passed away when I was quite little and I wanted to honor her by naming my store after her, but I also wanted my store to reflect her effortless grace and flawless taste. So, the name just fit. Little LuLu's is a children's shop, and it was born in the late fall of 2010. In addition to the shops, we also offer decorating services, and staging.  I have a hubby that still takes my breathe away, two girlie-girls with the biggest personalities you have ever experienced (this is sometimes good and sometimes bad~like when you get a call from school or a get out of my room kind of battle). I have a blog, which is where I like to share all the goings on at the shops and the cottage that we live in. You can also find me twice a month on our local tv stations and in articles I write monthly for our local publications.  And just to round it all out, we also participate in shows near and far including the Country Living magazine fairs and the Nashville Garden and Antique show.  Check our website for dates and times. My passions are spending time with my family (I could seriously not leave the house), decorating our cottage and making it a home, junking (not shopping, there is a BIG difference), music, entertaining our friends and family, and ironically photography and cooking (ironic because I cannot do either very well at all, scratch that, I am terrible at both! But that doesn't take away the passion.)  All of these things that I love to do, whether they turn out good or bad, I prefer to do in boots and statement jewelery. Visit Liz at:  http://mylovelylittlelulu.blogspot.com/ www.lulusfinehomefurnishings.com

Winner and new chance for gift certificate

Deborah - you are the winner of the $20 to my etsy store.  Please email at: EmbracingLifeLoveArt@gmail.com.

Here is a new chance to win:
Visit my Facebook page

Share this post

That will automatically enter you to win a $25 gift certificate to my etsy store!

I am currently working on new things to put in my store, so you will have lots of goodie to chose from!

Truths...

I never know where I actually find these sites – I think I stumbled on it from Facebook (from looking at someone else’s likes – you know how it goes – once you start down the rabbit hole there is no stopping!)

In addition to finding this site, I have been looking through this book by Kelly Rae Roberts I bought a few months ago. She talks a lot about dreaming big – so big, HUGELY…to really push out of our own boxes that we build around ourselves – dreams o f our wildest imaginations…especially with business.

“If you could do anything, and money was no object, and you could not fail, what would you do?”

She also says to share these dreams with others, so I thought hey – let’s share them here. Here is a close up view to my soul:

Close Up of flower

My business dreams:

~Have art (both cancer love girls & larger inspirational canvases) hanging in oncology units all across the country…ok, let’s go with world and let’s go with all kinds of doctor’s offices and hospitals…it is hard and scary to make it this big.

~Send a few canvases to celebrity moms with store fronts in hope of them picking up my stuff to carry in store.  Tori Spelling is on my list – any other ideas????

~Have Tori Spelling love my stuff so much, she wants to host an art show for me in LA!!! (BIG DREAM!)

~Have an art show with 300 people in attendance.

~Eric to be able to stop working his 8-5 “need to show up” job. My art make enough for him to do consulting work from home – this way we can travel whenever for however long we want to if he isn’t tied down to a “need to show up” job.

~Travel in RV to different art shows across the country.

~Host multiple “Project Sending Love” campaigns a month – to help others with the finical burdens of cancer treatment.

~Get a licensing deal with a company for my stuff to sell in gift shops all over (not really sure how to even start this_

~Get published in "artsy" magazine (working on this right now)

I get the most peaceful feeling evening writing these goals…it is that feeling that makes me believe these are all so right for me/us/the business. That feeling that makes me know these goals are from God.

Life dreams:

~NEVER EVER EVER  EVER EVER NEVER need to be on full out chemo EVER again.

~To raise Ian as a happy/empathic/faithful/educated/courageous/loving child

~Live on the water – even a lake would do…actually a lake would be ideal.  I don’t want to live on the ocean - you know, hurricanes and all!

~Have a boat – well 2 boats.  Eric wants a sail boat and I want a fast boat – I think you can tell a lot about a person by the type of boat they want!!!

~Travel around the world with Eric and Ian

~go on a yoga/mediation retreat at once a year

~See my high school friends at least one a year – do a trip with them.

I think this is a good list to start with and I feel I am on my way to a lot of these dreams – well on my way.

I have to continue to tell myself to be brave for 20 seconds – that is all it takes is 20 seconds of courage and our life can change from those 20 seconds.

Here is to your 20 seconds.

Manic Monday

This was a blah weekend – I had zometa on Friday which always leaves me tired and a little achy – think light flu….think blah. Thankfully I only have zometa every 6 weeks.

Two fun things are going on here:

Like my Facebook page by Tuesday for your chance to win a $20 to my Etsy store.  Comment on thispost that you like it to be entered.

“Pin It to Win It” – pin your favorite Cancer Love Girl from this post.  I will draw a name on Saturday for a $25 gift certificate to my Etsy store.

I feel like I am learning how to bloom.

VIA

SO CUTE!!

VIA
In love


I ordered ones of the telephoto lens...SO EXCITED!! I am determined to be able to use my phone for my camera...determined!
VIA

Pinterst and $25 Gift Certificate give away!!

I know…not really like me to post on a Saturday – eh, I had some pictures I wanted to share so I thought I would go for it!

I put on brave pants yesterday, took some cancer lover girls to my oncologist to show her in hopes of her ordering some, AND she did.  She order one for each of her patient rooms and told me she would totally help me get into all the other Texas Oncology…I am ready to fly!

The big ole links under the pictures "should" work - if you know how to make a pin it button - let me know - email me and you get another entry into drawing!
EmbracingLifeLoveArt@gmail.com

Here are the ones I took to show her:

<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fembracinglifeloveart.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5KbhEz6Tmks%2FT9zt8l7cWXI%2FAAAAAAAAA4M%2FZjDh8emKhOA%2Fs1600%2Fcancer%2Blove%2BA%2B1.jpg&description=EmbracingLifeLoveArt.blogspot.com%20Inspirational%20Mixed%20Media%20Art%0A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fembracinglifeloveart.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-cYPeOXEYppQ%2FT9zuAkX86UI%2FAAAAAAAAA4c%2Fl-2gWyd_OhM%2Fs1600%2Fcancer%2Blove%2BB%2B1.jpg&description=EmbracingLifeLoveArt.blogspot.com%20Inspirational%20Mixed%20Media%20Art%0A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fembracinglifeloveart.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Uyz1W1c3qcQ%2FT9zuDPw5VeI%2FAAAAAAAAA4s%2FHebzrYvI10o%2Fs1600%2Fcancer%2Blove%2BC%2B1.jpg&description=EmbracingLifeLoveArt.blogspot.com%20Inspirational%20Mixed%20Media%20Art%0A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fembracinglifeloveart.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-twlfP_6JRwg%2FT9zuGDVvb-I%2FAAAAAAAAA48%2F3C52aeUOxy0%2Fs1600%2Fcancer%2Blove%2BD%2B1.jpg&description=EmbracingLifeLoveArt.blogspot.com%20Inspirational%20Mixed%20Media%20Art%0A" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fembracinglifeloveart.blogspot.com%2F&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-1B3UnGpQO1I%2FT9zuJn1elII%2FAAAAAAAAA5M%2FrowwT5toFUQ%2Fs1600%2Fcancer%2Blove%2BE%2B1.jpg&description=EmbracingLifeLoveArt.blogspot.com%20Inspirational%20Mixed%20Media%20Art" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>

This is where Pinterest and the $25 gift certificate to my etsy store come into to play!

I want to have a “Pin It to Win It” contest – you pin your favorite Cancer Love Girl and I will draw a name for a $25 gift certificate next Saturday – you have a full week!

On your mark, get set, PIN!

AND if you can tell me how to have "pin it" button verses that ole link under the pictures - there is an extra entry for you!!  If you know, please email at EmbracingLifeLoveArt@gmail.com