inspiration monday

while i was spending the day with my little bird friends in new york last saturday,
 my family went out into the city for some exploration, and ended up walking across the brooklyn bridge.  out of all the photos my little dutch sweetie took that day, this is one of my favorites.....and i couldn't wait to hear what these padlocks are all about!

as the story goes,  true-loves personalize a padlock with their names and date, and then lock it onto the railing of the bridge.

then, the key to the lock is thrown over the railing into the river,
symbolizing that the bond and commitment between the true-loves is everlasting.

i'm a hopeless romantic, and this story tugs at my heartstrings big time....

  but while i was at the workshop, my mr. romantic was creating a story of his own,
because when he picked me up later that day, he very sweetly presented me with a gift wrapped copy of the new somerset studio magazine, and said "page 22!"

and there, on the pages of a publication that's brought me so much inspiration for so many years, is the story of my "ocean of truth" paste paper booklet.....and i must admit that every time i think about it, i have to pinch myself to make sure it's real!  thank you SO much to the staff at somerset for an absolutely beautiful article!

but most of all......thank you to my little dutch sweetie, a.k.a. mr. romantic, for all the wonderful things you do that tug at my heartstrings.  YOU are my inspiration monday-and-every-other-day-of-the-week, and you will always hold the key to my heart!
love is forever.....xox


{journal page supplies: moleskine journal, koi watercolor, derwent inktense pencils, pitt pens, white uniball signo gel pen, 2B and 6B graphite pencil}

{there are thousands of love locks attached to the brooklyn bridge.....
to see more images, click here!}

inspiration monday

i have long believed that the best way to find inspiration is to spend some time with other artists....and this past saturday i had the honor of sharing some creative cursive with 13 extremely talented, sweet little birds in manhattan, new york!

we talked about our abc's......

and practiced, practiced, practiced.

 then we got out our favorite supplies and added our own personal touch......

and we even gathered lots of ideas and created some dreamy artwork!

but most of all, we spent the day as only artists can do.....by sharing some laughter, lots of encouragement, and a little bit of chocolate with each other.
thank you, precious little art birdies, for a fabulous day!
i loved meeting each one of you.....you truly rock the casbah,
and i wish i could tell you how much you taught me!

and to my beautiful kindred art buddy michele, who puts her loving heart and soul into providing inspiration for others through her little bird studio.....well, as the saying goes, you better put on your sunglasses 'cause your future is looking mighty bright, girlie!  you are so very appreciated, and i thank you SO much for inviting me to your fabulous studio!  xox

little bird in the big apple

i'm busy packing my supplies and trying to get organized

because i'm headed to little bird creations in new york city to 

teach my creative cursive workshop  this weekend!  woo hoo!!  

i've got lots of information all printed out.....

and tucked into folders for everyone.

and my art apron, name tag, and all the other "important stuff" is ready to be packed....
 guess which one goes into the suitcase first!  :))

hope you have a terrific weekend!
xox