inspiration

This post is really for the purpose of inspiring myself but I think that you all will enjoy it too. Today I was sifting through my old portfolio of drawings and paintings that I did years ago. I took some time to look through all of my old work and realized that it has been much too long since I took up my paint brush or my ink pen. Since design has taken over my life, it seems the only drawings I do are elevations and perspectives to show what a room will look like or explain a specific idea to a client. And with advances in technology, many times those drawings are done on the computer and not by hand. My mom was an art major in college; I grew up with a passion for drawing, sketching, painting and art in general. My favorite classes in school were always the art classes and although I wouldn't even compare the work I do to my mom's, I always felt that I did inherit a natural talent for it. Sure sometimes I will spend a free afternoon in the park, sketching the things around me, but by no means do I spend the time I used to enjoying this wonderful hobby. So I have decided to share some of my work, in hopes that just digging it out of my closet will inspire me to devote some more of my time to getting back to this lost love of mine. I hope you all enjoy...

Oil Pastels


Ink (my favorite animal!)


Ink (monochromatic study with variations of blue ink)


Acrylic on canvas


Still-Life in charcoal (I think slightly unfinished, judging by the plant and white space at top, but then again, I did sign it)

And just a few quick sketches with prisma color markers and ink (plant life is always my favorite to sketch)

summer entertaining

It's time to start thinking about moving the entertaining to the outdoors. Backyard barbecues and cookouts are upon us! I love this time of year! One of the best ways to spruce up your outdoor party is to use fun and colorful dinnerware and serving pieces. Forget paper plates and start thinking about durable dinnerware that can be washed and reused. Yes, it's a few more dishes to do, but you'll feel good afterwards knowing that you didn't create any unnecessary waste! Almost all of my selections below are made of melamine and most are dishwasher safe. There are so many exciting patterns and colors out there today; here is just a small sampling!




Melamine Containers with Lids for easy storage of leftover snacks

These plates are made of bamboo, for those of you with the desire for an eco-friendly product
{Above products from Crate & Barrel}

Hosting a 4th of July party? How about sporting some red, white & blue with these pieces from Pottery Barn:




Target has a HUGE selection of outdoor dinnerware and drinkware. Here are some of my favorites.




How cute are these love birds??! Or maybe something with a more organic feel, like these




Ok these blue and paisley pattern are my #1 pick... absolutely love them!


I also love these in a chocolate brown and white floral pattern


And on to some more eco-friendly options... These are made of bamboo (also available in green and fushia)



And this "confetti" dinnerware is made from recycled melamine (also available in green and magenta)




Don't forget the drinks!





Nothing says 'summer' quite like flip flops!


These have grosgrain ribbon inside! Super cute!


These are fun! But maybe keep them away from the kids... they are made of glass


If bright colors and contemporary patterns aren't your thing, you can still get the durability of melamine in more traditional patterns... like these options from Smith & Hawken, inspired by Italian ceramics




With dishes as beautiful as these, you might receive more compliments on your dinnerware than on your food ;)

I was strolling through downtown one day, in the merry merry month of may

I've been indoors all day so this evening I decided to take a short walk around downtown. This is one of my favorite things to do. It's so nice to step away from the computer for awhile and get some fresh air, exercise, and just enjoy the scenery. The best time in Fort Worth is just before sunset when the white lights lining the branches of trees start to turn on and the natural light slowing fades in the west, seen only in reflection of the tall buildings. I will now share a few photographs I took during my walk tonight.