Rustic Spring Flowers

Like many of you have had this year, we are smack dab in the middle of a big ol' winter storm. Honestly, February weather has been bad--so many sub zero days and finally, lots of snow. 

A few weeks ago, while I was wrapping presents for my dear daughter's birthday, I was inspired by the wrapping paper and decided to paint spring flowers, even if it is still winter out. When life gives you winter, paint flowers might be my new motto!

If you follow my blog, you know I have recently started painting with wood scraps. I am not sure how or why this cam about--just something I decided to try that I really enjoy. I grab scraps of wood from the ground near my saw and dip them in paint and paint away.

I used a piece of quarter-sawn barnwood for this painting, giving the background extra texture. 

I framed it out with a wood and painted it white and then stained it all. Fresh flowers to add a little color to the sea of white outdoors. Stay warm friends!

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! This past week I was talking to someone who has never been to Yellowstone Park. I was trying to give some hints and tricks to navigate the park in the busy season, but added that we avoid Yellowstone in the middle of the summer. She commented how lucky we are to be able to do enjoy it during the quieter months. We all have things in our lives that we take for granted--our surroundings, our spaces, our circumstances, our people. But, if I know anything, it is that life is ever-changing and we don't know what is going to happen next. We need to appreciate when things are going well and hold on when they are not, knowing that God has us in his hands. Let's work on not taking life and the many gifts it has for us for granted.

Thrifty Thursday Vintage Maps

I love old maps, especially fabric ones, but those are hard to come by. However, old atlases are still pretty easy to find at the thrift store. Today's thrifty Thursday project started with a couple of old atlases and those giant pick-up sticks I used last week (HERE). 

The maps in these old books are lovely, the colors make my heart go pitter-patter. But, the paper they are printed on is thin and tears easily. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! I am a sunrise and sunset watcher and living where I do, I count on seeing some pretty amazing skies most of the time. And, I KNOW the sun will show up and rise every day over the mountains to the east and that it will set each evening over the mountains in the west. When Job was suffering horribly, three friends came to him, wailed with him, and sat with him. They didn't know why he was suffering, but they were reliable and showed up anyway. We need to show up every day for others in our life. Whether you realize it or not, someone is depending on you to show up. Someone needs you to simply be there--to sit with them, to be present, to be dependable. Know that every day the world needs YOU to show up--someone is anticipating and hoping you will be there. 

Thrifty Thursday Pick Up Sticks Lamp

I recently found these at the thrift store: XXL yard game pick-up sticks. I wasn't sure when I bought them if I was going to upcycle, repurpose them or use them for projects. But, soon project ideas started running through my head, so they won out over outdoor fun.

I loved the colors painted on them and decide to use 15 of them (3 of each color) to make a funky lamp.

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Like much of the country, it has been cold here in Montana. And while that is not unusual, for me it sure has induced a need to hibernate, more so than usual. I have been happy to stay home, avoiding social events, but that has made me feel a bit guilty. Why do we feel like we always have to be doing? It isn't from God.There are several verses in the Bible telling us to rest--from work, from worry and fear, from stress and anxiety. Jesus needed and took time to rest. When we allow ourselves time to slow down, to renew in quiet, to pause, and embrace rest rather than feel guilty about it, we are able to better connect with Jesus. Give yourself permission to slow down, receive God's gift of rest and grace, and enjoy the quiet days.

Rustic Grain Elevator Painting

For the past two months I have been playing with painting some of my favorite Montana scenes and spots. Here is my latest:

I use salvaged pieces of plywood as my canvas and scrap wood pieces and chunks as my paintbrushes.

This photo was my inspiration for this piece. My painting is not an exact replica, but rather inspired by the photo.

The background is my starting point, I usually use two or three colors. I then paint and fix and paint and add and sand until I am happy.

My final step is adding a frame, staining everything, and clear coating. I have sold a handful of these paintings and am enjoying the challenge and creative aspect of painting with scrap wood pieces.

Reclaimed Wood Hearts

'Tis the season...for HEARTS! I have been working on a few projects. This reclaimed wood heart art is an oldie, but one that is always a favorite. 

Sunday Verses

Happy Sunday! Do you ever feel like the glue that is holding everything and everyone together? Are you the keeper of the schedules, the encourager, the planner, the chef and taxi driver, and all of the other roles you manage keeping your family sane? I have complained to God about having to be the glue, asking him who is helping me keep it all together. He gently reminded me that HE is the glue, NOT me. I might be the bottle through which his glue is dispensed to my family, but Jesus is the bonding component. Through him all things were created and his ever-present embrace binds us to him. He keeps us from falling apart--let's lean into him and let Jesus work.