Studio Views Friday

Hello Friends, I hope your December is off to a good start. I can't believe how time flies! There's so much hustle and bustle in my neck of the woods. The holiday frenzy = in full swing. I went out to run small errands and buy some paintbrushes & the lines were pretty deep. I'm glad to be making everyone's gifts, and not shopping in the madness!

This weekend is the last weekend before my show, Atomic Holiday Bazaar! And it's also the weekend of my Yoga training... I'm about 1/2 way through the program, I think we have about 5 months to go (5 more weekends.) It'll be finished this coming summer of 2011! I haven't been sharing as much about my experience w/ the yoga as I'd like to, but I will!

"Into..." available here.

In other news, my shop has quite a few new prints.... and more on the way! You can see them --> right here. Slowly but surely my shop is filling out. I'm pretty much having an affair w/ my printer. I love having my very own, at home. I don't know how I survived before (I used www.iprintfromhome.com) My little desk / work station is filling out so nicely! Here are some of my new prints:

..........okay, so just one of them! Theres some sort of server error, and I'm too sleepy to figure it out right now. I'll add the rest in when the server issue fixes.

xoxo,
carissa

Weekend in Pictures

Hello!!! I apologize for the super small type - blogger is giving me technical troubles right now. Here's some pics from around the house / studio the past few days. I've been inspired + getting a lot done. I'm using my new phone's planner feature - it keeps me focused on a somewhat routine! Hope you had a nice weekend!! XOXO, Carissa

Used My Easel for the First Time

work in progress

Hello! I'm happy to share with you my first experience using the easel I found at the Flea Market. There are many emotions floating around with me lately. It was good to let loose and paint.

I've been struggling with managing my time and balancing my heart and mind. I have this feeling that I'm constantly running out of time. Trying to find balance is the most challenging. Right now I'm working and trying to finish a degree in graphic design. Its not a bad job, I can work on little projects while I'm there as long as I keep it low-key, but I prefer to create when I'm home.

I spend a lot of time alone lately. Don't get me wrong, I like company, but in the past year I've taken a step back (or a step forward) to examine my life. I read many great books, mostly written by other female creatives, and did lots of documentation and soul searching. "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron was recommended by a dear friend. I did the entire 13 weeks, answered all the questions, and WOW. My entire life has changed. I'm going to actually purchase the book this year and refer to it often. It may not work for everyone, but it caused me to write daily again (Morning Pages) and answer some tough questions about myself / my past / etc.

Here are some goals I'd like to accomplish by years end: (edit - 1/14/10. i think i have to start setting a smaller list of goals, practicing "micro-movements like sark recommends. my mind gets so far ahead of myself sometimes and then i feel guilty for not getting more done. I finished half of this list.)

1. Food allergy blood testing - i've had migraines my entire life. time to solve the problem!
   
2. List originals on Etsy - i must let go, so new art can be born!
   
3. Make prints of my artwork.
   
4. Order some really good paint.
   
5. Take myself on a date.
6. Make little paintings for gifts.
7. Go get loose leaf tea and crystallized ginger treats.
8. Continue working on our kitchen project.
   
9. Go to dinner with friends / my man.
10. Remember to P L A Y.

Its funny how quickly I forget to do the things that nurture and fulfill me. Little things like venturing out just to take pictures, recording my thoughts as I drive, swinging on swings, taking videos, documenting life. Getting out and stretching my wings.

I wish for you to always remember what nurtures and fulfills you.