A time to draw...

To say that I have not been inspired to draw in over six months is an understatement.  A lot can happen in just 6 months.  Life can change...sometimes for the worse and sometimes for the better.  Growth comes from change...this I know.  It comes from pushing through really tough times.  Change can be scary, but it can also be beautiful.

Today, I decided to draw again.  I didn't plan it...it just happened.  Many times I have tried to sit down and draw, only to find myself staring miserably at a blank page.  My well was empty.  It had been drained of all my creativity, all my desire, and all my passion.  There was nothing left to put on the page.  Nothing at all...until today.

This Minnesota morning was none like I have ever experienced.  My plan was to go to work just like I do every day.  I knew it was going to be a cold morning...school had already been canceled for the second day in a row.  So, after waking up I checked my weather app to see what I would be dealing with.  The warning at the top of my phone was enough to make me want to stay snuggled up in my warm bed.  The temp was -33 degrees and the windchill was -57!  We were officially colder than the Arctic and Mount Everest!!  SERIOUSLY?!!  Well, being the hearty Minnesota girl that I am, I got my butt out of bed anyway and proceeded downstairs to make some coffee.  I knew that would get me motivated to venture outside.  After two cups of coffee I bundled up in my snow gear and headed out to start my vehicle.  My first warning sign was frozen locks and doors...not good.  But, I finally got the door open and attempted to start my very cold vehicle.  Dead.  Deader than dead.  Nothing.  Poor thing...I kinda know how that feels. I tried a couple more times and then decided it was a good day to stay home.  So, back inside the warm house I went.

The kids were all still sleeping and the house was quiet.  I had just poured myself a third cup of coffee and decided to sit down at my computer.   I sat for a minute and then opened up my sketchbook and Photoshop...not really sure why.  And then... I proceeded to draw.  I had no plan.  I had no idea what I was going to do.  I just let it happen.  And it felt good.

This morning was an unexpected gift.  It made me realize that I am not the same person I was 6 months ago.  I have changed, I have grown, and I have gotten stronger.  Life looks very different.  My priorities have changed too...and that is OK.  It is actually better than OK.  I am now ready to embrace all that that means.  I am ready to explore and venture out to see what God has planned for my life.  I have not lost the passion to draw.  It was always there...deep down.  So what does that mean for the next 6 months?  How will God integrate that passion back into my life now?  I can't wait to find out what He has planned! 

So, from this morning...Flowers of the Field.

Creekside on a Lazy Afternoon

Take an lazy afternoon hike along a babbling creek and discover the beauty that nature holds.  Spy birds building nests, hunting for food, and teaching their young to fly.  The sweet fragrance of wildflowers fills the air and transports you back to your childhood.  Ripples in the water dance with the reflection of the hazy sun, and LIFE is abound everywhere.  The gentle wind rustles the leaves as they call out your name.

Nature...take a walk and take it in.

Inspired by nature...Introducing "Creekside".

Slice of Life

Fresh fruit and veggies all summer long....YES!!  There is nothin' better than the sweet smell of a freshly peeled orange...or a sweet bowl of juicy red strawberries....or a mason jar filled with fresh squeeze carrot and cucumber juice....YUMMMMMMM!!  Such wonderful gifts of SUMMER!!  More like YUMMER!!!  

Garden Glee for the Nursery

This sweet little snail illustration was one I did for the #motifdaily prompt.  I fell in love with these little characters and this pretty color palette.  My first thought was how adorable a nursery collection would look centered around these cute snails. So, I finally had some time to design a collection and I LOVE IT!  Introducing "Garden Glee".  I would LOVE to see a sweet little babe surrounded by these precious and soft patterns. xx 

Gloucester Schooner Festival

I am in LOVE with this new collection I named "Gloucester".  I was really inspired to create this collection after participating in the #motifdaily boat themed prompt hosted by fellow designer, Ayat Elamrawy of Patternopolis.  Do click on the link to visit her website and see her amazing work.  :)  

Majestic, elegant, awe-inspiring...I am fascinated by these big beautiful sailing vessels!  I dream of visiting New England and touring one of these gorgeous ships! As it turns out, Gloucester, Massachusetts hosts the "Gloucester Schooner Festival" every labor day.  How incredible would it be to see the horizon filled with a multitude of schooners?!  Bucket list item for sure! xx

It's just another Mock-up Monday

I decided to play a bit with mock-ups today.  I combined some new patterns with some of my favs and found some pretty sweet photographs to work with.  Here is the result!  Which is your favorite?  Happy Monday!

Animals A-Z

Last week I spent most of my free time doodling animals.  I knew I wanted to develop a sweet little set of Animal Flash cards and use some of my favorite patterns to add that bright splash of color.  Today, in Minnesota....IT IS SNOWING!  Actually, not just snowing...it is a full on BLIZZARD...ON April 14th....NATIONAL GARDEN DAY!  Yup, Mother Nature is having some fun with us Minnesotans!  So, what better way to spend my day than to be cooped up in my studio!  I don't even need to make an excuse to play!  Whoo Hoo!!  I cranked all day and finally finished this sweet little set of alphabet cards.  I LOVE THEM!  I think they are so adorable!!  I would love to hear your thoughts too.  Drop me a line or leave a comment. 

Hopefully, this is the last snow day of the season!

Holly xo