Mandipidy { I Heart Art }

Today I would like y'all to meet Mandy of Mandipidy. Mandy is crazy creative. I have yet to see something she cannot do from sewing to drawing to playing to violin. 

1. When did you first begin creating art?

It's funny how you believe something about yourself sometimes just because you once heard someone say it. I believed that I had no drawing skills for the longest time, and so I never drew. About two years ago, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands, and I started doodling. It began as a pastime, quickly grew into a business, and now has become an almost daily part of my life that I adore.

As The Deer 8x10 by Mandipidy 

Bushel & a Peck 8x10 by Mandypidy

2. What is your favorite/most sentimental creation you have made? Why?

My favorite design is a chalk art styled print of the text from William Cowpers song "God Moves In a Mysterious Way." The words are very dear to me... a poetic depiction of the good and gracious God that I serve, and a reminder to trust Him even when this world doesn't make sense. 

God Moves In a Mysterious Way - Vintage Chalkboard Typography - 8x10 Illustrated Print by Mandipidy

3. Is there a project you've always dreamed of creating?

What would it be?

This one's a little silly... always a rule-follower, I never colored on the walls growing up. And for as long as I can remember, I have imagined creating an art wall in my house one day... an anything is allowed, crazy-go-nuts art wall where kids, guests, strangers, ANYone can paint, color, glue, ANYthing on the wall. I still think that would be awesome. :)

California 8x10 by Mandipidy

I'm Not Afraid of Storms 8x10 by Mandipidy

You can connect with Mandy through her

BLOG http://www.mandipidy.com/

SHOP http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mandipidy

FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/Mandipidy

TWITTER https://twitter.com/Mandipidy

INSTAGRAM @Mandipidy

Tea & Books 8x10 by Mandipidy

Thank you Mandy for taking time to share! And Mandy is offering 20% off your order with the code IHEARTART. Go find some new art for your walls!

a few things on Friday 1.25.13

1. This week has turned out to be such a beautiful one. For us it has included Charlie turning four, cookie cake and playing outside in the dirt sunshine.

2. Camellias are such beautiful flowers. Thankfully the bush in my parents' yard has so many that a few aren't missed when I pick them for my counter in a mason jar. Someone suggested I make a print like this. I think I like the idea.

3. I took a little time to play on Saturday and used watercolors for the first time. Meh. Not my favorite. I realized it will take a lot of learning and practice to become comfortable with them.

4. I have been enjoying lots of tea lately. This is my go to for something sweet and this is my I-can't-live-without-it tea.

5. Have you seen these Valentines? So fun. Oh and I have some heartsy ones too. 

6. How fun is this? I always make such a mess of my yarn when I crochet (which hasn't been very often lately), but I would totally love to have one of these.

7. I'm excited about being a sponsor again for this! 

8. And there are more of these in the works. I have about seven I'm finishing up, and I got a new shipment of canvases in so I better get busy!

I think that is all for now. Happy Friday.

Artsyville { I Heart Art }

Today I would like for y'all to meet Aimee the colorful artist behind Artsyville. I have several pieces of her work in my office. I love the happy colors and encouraging words she shares through her art.

When did you first begin creating art?

Hi Lindsay! Thanks so much for asking me to be part of your I Heart Art series! I’ve been hand lettering, drawing, painting, and playing around with color off and on for 25 years. It was only in the last 5-10 years, though, that I brought all of those components together to find my own creative niche. Once I got into a daily rhythm of experimenting, practicing, and blending colors and letters around my own handwritten poems and phrases, I found that my own artistic style had been there all along.

Make Time For Your Art

Properly Caffeinated

What is your favorite/most sentimental creation you have made? Why? 

There are two that are close to my heart. The first is Creative Fire. It was one of the first pieces in my Artsyville style, and it zips up my philosophy on inspiration: mainly, that it arrives on its own clock, and who knows how long it will stay, so make the most out of it while it’s here! The second is a love letter to my creative hometown of Lawrence, Kansas. It’s a quirky, zany little college town in the middle of the prairie. It was an environment that fueled my creative development at a time when I really needed it. We moved away last year, so reading that poem makes me feel connected to the happy, creative, carefree life we had there.

Creative Fire

Lawrence, Kansas

Is there a project you've always dreamed of creating? What would it be?

There was, and I did! Earlier this year I self-published The Things We Do, a zine-style book that I handlettered/drew about all the stuff we do as parents -- things that we’re either too busy to remember or too tired to give ourselves credit for doing. I polled everyone I knew, and the list kept growing and growing until I finally decided to get it all out on paper. The planning, organization, layout and lettering took about a year. It will never truly be complete (just like parenting), but getting to my own finish line on that project was quite satisfying. It also made me realize that for all of our perceived differences, we parents all have (and do) a lot more in common than we might think!

Things We Do

Teach What You Love

Artist in Bloom

As for links, I take my doodles everywhere -- just type in Artsyville and you’ll find me there!

Village

http://artsyville.blogspot.com

http://artsyville.etsy.com

http://www.facebook.com/artsyville

http://www.twitter.com/artsyville

http://www.instagram.com/artsyville

Thank you Aimee for taking time to share! And Aimee is offering 20% off your order with the code IHeartArt through Friday 1/25/2013! Go find something colorful to add to your walls!

Chrissie Grace Art Giveaway Winner

Congrats to the winner of the $25 shop credit to Chrissie Grace Art!

I'll be sure to connect you with Chrissie today!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a few things on Friday 1.18.13

1. Yesterday I took the time to organize my studio (aka my area of the kitchen). My arts and crafts had taken over. It was so nice to get rid of things I don't need. Washi tape and felt were not included. You can never have too much of those.

2. I want to chop my hair off. I'm pretty sure it should be something like this.

3. The boys received watercolor paints in their stockings for Christmas. Jack really loves it. He can sit for a very long time and paint. He's very meticulous. It's so sweet to watch him. It also makes me want to learn how to use watercolors. I think I will.

4. I'm really loving these. I gave a friend a pair and I think it's time I got a pair or two for myself.

5. For the past few days we have had very warm weather. I'm talking turn on the A/C. And to be honest, I was so happy for it to get cold again yesterday. Now if only it would snow.

6. I have yet to see this. Have you? Mr. Pen & Paint and I are talking about making it a date this weekend.

7. I am loving these colors. I already have two that are similar, I am just trying to find a place to put a third :)

8. I'm getting some of these to string across my mantel. I usually don't decorate for Valentine's Day, but they are too sweet to pass up.

9. I haven't really made any New Year's resolutions or chosen a "word for the year". I think I'm just going to keep this quote as my theme for the year and go with it.

10. I have finally signed up for Audible and I'm reading this book. Or at least listening to it. I'm so thankful for audio books. Now I can draw and "read" at the same time.

What's new with you?

2013 (and a discount)

{ newest print in the shop }

I have to tell you, I am excited about 2013. 

In a month it will be my one year anniversary of completely changing my life. I picked up a pen and started to draw. I was uncertain. I know it sounds silly, but I was afraid to draw. I only knew how to paint. I had never used a sketchbook or fancy pens.

I didn't even know where to begin. A good friend and fellow artist just told me to draw and not be afraid to mess up. So I started. 

Now I am here: Blown away by how my artwork has evolved and how Pen & Paint has grown. So grateful at how people have supported and responded to my art. Crazy excited about the future. I am completely embracing the quote,

"Always believe something wonderful is about to happen."

Of course it's not going to be easy. I am going to face so many challenges, but I have lots of good expectations and hope.

I hope you have a hopeful attitude as well. The best is yet to come.

And remember when I told you I had new things in the shop!?

I have these new thank you cards, these are so much fun,

then there are these which I have been dying to turn into note cards and several other things.

Use the code NEW15 through tonight and take 15% off your entire order.

Chrissie Grace { I heart art } & a GIVEAWAY

I'm excited to bring back my I heart art series. 
I love sharing art I admire along with introducing y'all to the artists behind the work. 

Today I'd like you to meet Chrissie Grace of Chrissie Grace Art.

When did you first begin creating art?

I've considered myself an artist since I was a tiny little girl.

I remember even at four and five years of age the feelings I would have when I would create things. A feeling of contentment would come over me. I never feel more "me" than when I'm creating art.

coloring pages

You is Kind print

What is your favorite/most sentimental creation you have made? Why?

That is a hard one! I would have to say right now the mural I created in my house is my favorite. I painted it at a time when I felt very stuck creatively, and the mural wasn't planned. I just walked over to the wall one afternoon and started drawing. I painted for four days until it was complete. It's the first thing you see when you walk into our home and I think it makes our guests feel like they are coming into a happy home :)

Isn't this amazing? See more details of the mural here.

Is there a project you've always dreamed of creating? 

What would it be?

Yes! I would love to be commissioned to paint a mural in a children's hospital. I would love the opportunity to paint all things bright and colorful that would inspire children to feel happy and healthy.

be-you-tiful pillow

2 Kings 20.5 print

Proverbs 31.25 original painting

Thank you Chrissie for sharing about your work with us!

Connect with Chrissie

blog: www.chrissiegrace.blogspot.com

shop: www.chrissiegraceart.etsy.com

instagram: @ChrissieGrace

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChrissieGrace

As always I hope you will be inspired and encouraged by the artists you meet here!

AND I'm excited to kick off the 2013 I Heart Art Series with a giveaway to Chrissie Grace Art! Enter through rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In the works { shop talk }

I've been working on new products for the shop for a few weeks now. This weekend I had plans to take product photos of everything to get them listed, but the weather was so nice we ended up spending a lot of family time outside. I didn't get much work done, and that's just fine with me :)

There are several new note card sets with fun, colorful envelopes, thank you notes, and new mini cards too. Oh! And there is a new print along with some Valentine-ish cards.

The paintbrushes are out and more camera paintings are coming as well! I spy about six different shades of blue with this batch. 

Can you tell what my favorite color is?

Stay tuned for the new products listing this week! I'll be sure to share a coupon code so you can save a little money on the new Pen & Paint goodies or something you may have your eye on.

Happy Monday!

HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE!!!

Y'all helped make 2012 SO amazing.

I can't tell you how thankful I am for such a wonderful year!

As a thank you and to celebrate an even more exciting 2013 I have marked down the 8x10 prints in the shop to $13.00, no discount code necessary. 

12 + 13 = 25 and I just thought 25% off is a pretty awesome way to celebrate a great year with a hopefully even better new year.

One day only 1/1/2013!

ALSO, you can buy two prints for $25 or three prints for $37.50 or four prints for $50.