moon phases by katie daisy

problem: as i lie awake in bed last night, i realize that inspiration always strikes me in the middle of the night. the best blog post ideas, pattern inspiration or general design related to-dos pop in and out of my head. then, they keep me awake as i’m determined to still remember them when the sun comes up! seriously, i often feel pregnant with inspiration and ideas.

ok, not really a problem: i’m not really complaining here, i’m glad for the inspiration. i just need to sleep.

remedy: i will start to keep a notebook by my bed. this way, i’ll (hopefully) be able to jot down ideas (i.e. get them OUT of my head and ON to paper), and be able to go sleep.

think it will work? how about you, when does your inspiration strike?

wrap up: {ideas} {inspiration} {notebook} {problem} {remedy} {sleep}

decide what to be and go be it by christen strang of letter happy

decide what to be and go be it
there was a dream and one day i could see it
like a bird in a cage i broke in and demanded that somebody free it
and there was a kid with a head full of doubt
so i’ll scream til i die or the last of those bad thoughts are finally out
-the avett brothers

wrap up: {avett brothers} {christen strang} {go be it} {inspiration} {quote}

handwritten by mary kate mcdevitt

writing handwritten letters is a practice that i have intentionally been trying to increase in my life (that’s one reason why i love the tiny post office giveaway so much). i wrote two letters this week and also received the sweetest letter from my grandmother in the mail (grandmomma, if you’re reading this- thank you! it made my day). i’m afraid it’s becoming a lost art, but we all have to admit that opening our mailbox to find a special piece of snail mail truly makes us feel special. today, i encourage you to sit down and take the time to hand-write a letter to someone special in your life. and remember, you should never hold back life-giving words to those you love.  xox, bonnie

wrap up: {handwritten} {inspiration} {letter} {post office} {snail mail} {write}

you might remember that i’ve shared christopher koelle’s the history of redemption with you before, and today i am so excited to share with you  his latest project. the revelation app.

a beautifully illustrated and epically presented book of the Bible, chris presents part one (of three) of the revelation app. ancient text and a vividly illuminated translation brings attention to the beautiful scripture found in Revelation. you can find it in the app store, and be inspired by following along as chapter by chapter gets revealed.

chris kolle: {etsy}{blog}{facebook}{twitter}

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side note: love the music played in the video above? it’s by josh garrels and his entire album is free to download! i’ve been enjoying thoroughly.

wrap up: {Bible} {chris koelle} {hisotry of redemption} {josh garrels} {revelation} {scripture} {the revelation app}

i just can’t help but feel better after reading jen renninger’s print series, words to live by. isn’t it wonderful when you find art that uplifts and inspires? today, take some of jen’s advice and have hope, sing outloud, make believe or do something good (or, do all four!).

wrap up: {hope} {hope series} {illustration} {jen renninger} {print} {words to live by}

i think we all have a certain love and appreciation for snail mail, but the world’s tiniest snail mail? now that’s something to just get silly about!

the world’s smallest post service is the brilliant creation of lea redmond from leafcutter designs. she hand writes, addresses and stamps each letter and then seals them up with a real wax seal.

next time you have a big occasion or just something special to tell someone, i think a teeny tiny letter is the way to go. don’t you?

lea redmond: {watch a video of the tiniest post office} {facebook} {twitter}

wrap up: {lea redmond} {letters} {packages} {post office} {smallet post office} {tiny} {world's smallest}

after recently learning about the urban folk art shows, i fell in love with their mission. working to connect artists across the country and strengthen the next generation of artists and crafters, they support all things handmade. they’ve already got their first three shows planned for portland, los angeles and indianapolis, and they start in october 2011! visit their website to find out more and learn how to support them, become a sponsor or apply to be a vendor! who knows, i might just see you in los angeles next year…

wrap up: {artists} {crafts} {handmade} {shows} {urban folk art}

apparently, i was in the mood for rich hues today. philip govedare’s landscape paintings fit right in and i’m drawn in by the detail and depth to each of them. i see iceland, arizona and maybe even canada. what about you?

wrap up: {artist} {hues} {landscapes} {painting} {philip govedare} {rich}