I took a little vacation this holiday weekend. On Thursday my husband, my brother, his girlfriend, and I all piled into my brother's tiny hatchback and drove six-and-a-half hours from New York City to New Hampshire to meet my mother for a family friend's wedding in Vermont. We had a great time eating, antiquing, hanging out, eating, playing night wiffle ball (well, I watched), sitting by the lake, eating, sleeping late, driving all over the place, and did I mention eating? And though I neglected my e-mail, my blog, my facebook page, and didn't even bring my real camera, there's one part of my business that I didn't leave behind.
People often ask me how I find the time to do so much. I wrote a long post about it here. But I truly believe that one of the reasons I'm able to accomplish so much is because art and being creative are always on my mind. I'm obsessed. Every single day of this vacation involved some crafty related incident.
We visited a thrift store. I immediately headed to the purses and started imagining painting flowers all over a big pink leather clutch that I found. I ended up coming home with these fun sandals instead:
But it was the flower pattern on them that first attracted me. I was looking at how the flowers were drawn and thinking about how interesting it was that the red and green combo didn't look at all Christmas-y. Inspiration in a rack full of $5 shoes.
We stumbled into a huge Cabots that had cheese tasting, wine tasting, an antique barn, and even a toy museum! While the family was eating cheese, I scoured the antinques and I finally found a printer's drawer! Yay!
I can't wait to fill it with all sorts of little treasures like I did with this small modern version from 7gypsies:
And after buying some antique industrial spools on etsy for *outrageous* prices I found some unbelievably cheap ones:
(My hand is in there for scale.)
I have a couple of awesome artful projects on my mind for these bad boys! If I didn't have to cram them into my suitcase for the train ride home, I might have bought the entire lot!
But you don't have to buy anything to have art-making on your mind. I find that my iphone camera is an invaluable tool for gathering design inspiration. My sweet husband is infinitely patient as I insist on stopping everywhere to take photos.
I love this mustard and grey color combo:
Yes, these are trays of cupcakes, but there's a great design in there too:
One large circle with several smaller circles tightly clustered together inside. The inner circles have a dark rim, white center, with a yellow dot.
A trip to Target (we don't have one in Manhattan and I am insanely jealous of all of you who do) was full of cool design:
That notebook with the scallops reminds me of the pattern I drew that is in the header of this blog. And there's that yellow and grey combo again on the notebook below it! Love it!
And those big stitched flowers totally reminded me of these stitched flowers I did a while ago:
But I like the way they did the centers much more. Going to have to try that!
Spied these puppies guarding a doorway:
Love the bright pink bows! The contrast of hard and soft too! They really make me think about how easy it is to transform the look of an art object with a single embellishment.
This is a covered bridge that is very much in use. Had to step out of the road a few times to avoid being run over!
I loved the interesting shapes created by the lattice work.
Speaking of interesting shapes….
Love that cornerless square shape at the bottom of this doorway. I do a lot of echo doodling and this simple shape feels like a great alternative to a plain old square!
How cool are all the small lights at this restaurant?
They made me think about how I like to use white paint or pen to really make a design pop!
I spied these plates in the window of a store. Love!
I want to try my hand at making some animals. It's something I've never tried before and I'm in the "gathering" phase of that idea right now. Trying to think about how and what.
And I always love interesting shadows.
I'm not sure that I've ever done anything with my shadow photos, but they're there for when I'm ready!
There is also some literal art-making that goes on while I'm on vacation. I brought a tiny art journal with me and I've been doodling.
I rarely leave home without a crafty project. I've got a long train ride home later today and I've brought some stitching to keep my hands busy!
I may not be at my desk. I may not be in my studio. I may not be in New York. But wherever I am, art-making is on my mind!
Thanks for stopping by!
Great post Julie! I am going to be going to Washington State for two weeks! I am looking forward to taking my art journal along with a small travel size kit and see what inspires me in the great Northwest! You’ve inspired me to look everywhere for inspiration!! Thanks…again!
Great post Julie! I am going to be going to Washington State for two weeks! I am looking forward to taking my art journal along with a small travel size kit and see what inspires me in the great Northwest! You’ve inspired me to look everywhere for inspiration!! Thanks…again!
Great post Julie! I am going to be going to Washington State for two weeks! I am looking forward to taking my art journal along with a small travel size kit and see what inspires me in the great Northwest! You’ve inspired me to look everywhere for inspiration!! Thanks…again!
Great post Julie! I am going to be going to Washington State for two weeks! I am looking forward to taking my art journal along with a small travel size kit and see what inspires me in the great Northwest! You’ve inspired me to look everywhere for inspiration!! Thanks…again!
awesome post!! Loved you taking us on your journey with us:)
awesome post!! Loved you taking us on your journey with us:)
awesome post!! Loved you taking us on your journey with us:)
awesome post!! Loved you taking us on your journey with us:)
Thanks for the inspiration. You have a very understanding husband. I see things that I would like to stop and take pics of all the time, but mine gets a little too annoyed.
Thanks for the inspiration. You have a very understanding husband. I see things that I would like to stop and take pics of all the time, but mine gets a little too annoyed.
Thanks for the inspiration. You have a very understanding husband. I see things that I would like to stop and take pics of all the time, but mine gets a little too annoyed.
Thanks for the inspiration. You have a very understanding husband. I see things that I would like to stop and take pics of all the time, but mine gets a little too annoyed.
You are as obsessed as I am!!! Imagine us together, going ‘out’ (nature, city, anywhere…) We would be gone for ages; stopping everywhere, taking pics of everything, finding inspiration and seeing art in everything! It IS everywhere, isn’t it! (You just have to keep your mind ánd eyes open to it)
You are as obsessed as I am!!! Imagine us together, going ‘out’ (nature, city, anywhere…) We would be gone for ages; stopping everywhere, taking pics of everything, finding inspiration and seeing art in everything! It IS everywhere, isn’t it! (You just have to keep your mind ánd eyes open to it)
You are as obsessed as I am!!! Imagine us together, going ‘out’ (nature, city, anywhere…) We would be gone for ages; stopping everywhere, taking pics of everything, finding inspiration and seeing art in everything! It IS everywhere, isn’t it! (You just have to keep your mind ánd eyes open to it)
You are as obsessed as I am!!! Imagine us together, going ‘out’ (nature, city, anywhere…) We would be gone for ages; stopping everywhere, taking pics of everything, finding inspiration and seeing art in everything! It IS everywhere, isn’t it! (You just have to keep your mind ánd eyes open to it)
Great photos! I can see you had a good time! And, you grabbed some nice things! Love the sandals! 🙂
Great photos! I can see you had a good time! And, you grabbed some nice things! Love the sandals! 🙂
Great photos! I can see you had a good time! And, you grabbed some nice things! Love the sandals! 🙂
Great photos! I can see you had a good time! And, you grabbed some nice things! Love the sandals! 🙂
Great post Julie – can’t wait to see what you do with that printer’s box. I picked up 2 last year at a local antique place and they seem overwhelming to me.
Thanks for sharing your inspo photos!
Great post Julie – can’t wait to see what you do with that printer’s box. I picked up 2 last year at a local antique place and they seem overwhelming to me.
Thanks for sharing your inspo photos!
Great post Julie – can’t wait to see what you do with that printer’s box. I picked up 2 last year at a local antique place and they seem overwhelming to me.
Thanks for sharing your inspo photos!
Great post Julie – can’t wait to see what you do with that printer’s box. I picked up 2 last year at a local antique place and they seem overwhelming to me.
Thanks for sharing your inspo photos!
They say inspiration is every where… you just have to be looking fo it and this post just proves it. I’m reading Keri Smith’s book “How to Be an Explorer of the World” in preparation for a trip.. I’m hoping to more aware of my surroundings… and it seems to me that you accomplished this!
Emie
They say inspiration is every where… you just have to be looking fo it and this post just proves it. I’m reading Keri Smith’s book “How to Be an Explorer of the World” in preparation for a trip.. I’m hoping to more aware of my surroundings… and it seems to me that you accomplished this!
Emie
They say inspiration is every where… you just have to be looking fo it and this post just proves it. I’m reading Keri Smith’s book “How to Be an Explorer of the World” in preparation for a trip.. I’m hoping to more aware of my surroundings… and it seems to me that you accomplished this!
Emie
They say inspiration is every where… you just have to be looking fo it and this post just proves it. I’m reading Keri Smith’s book “How to Be an Explorer of the World” in preparation for a trip.. I’m hoping to more aware of my surroundings… and it seems to me that you accomplished this!
Emie
You used a song lyric for the title of this post. I’ll reply with one.
*singing* Did you ever know that your my hero.
You used a song lyric for the title of this post. I’ll reply with one.
*singing* Did you ever know that your my hero.
You used a song lyric for the title of this post. I’ll reply with one.
*singing* Did you ever know that your my hero.
You used a song lyric for the title of this post. I’ll reply with one.
*singing* Did you ever know that your my hero.
Inspirational post ~ thanks for sharing!
Inspirational post ~ thanks for sharing!
Inspirational post ~ thanks for sharing!
Inspirational post ~ thanks for sharing!
OMG I am the same way Julie! There truly is inspiration everywhere and your post just proves it! I love what you did with that printer’s tray! You are an inspiration to me!
OMG I am the same way Julie! There truly is inspiration everywhere and your post just proves it! I love what you did with that printer’s tray! You are an inspiration to me!
OMG I am the same way Julie! There truly is inspiration everywhere and your post just proves it! I love what you did with that printer’s tray! You are an inspiration to me!
OMG I am the same way Julie! There truly is inspiration everywhere and your post just proves it! I love what you did with that printer’s tray! You are an inspiration to me!
Great post, Julie! And…you don’t have to travel so far to get to a Target. Just take the #1 train uptown to 225th Street, and in the Bronx, literally just steps away from Manhattan, is a great big Target that I go to all the time!
Great post, Julie! And…you don’t have to travel so far to get to a Target. Just take the #1 train uptown to 225th Street, and in the Bronx, literally just steps away from Manhattan, is a great big Target that I go to all the time!
Great post, Julie! And…you don’t have to travel so far to get to a Target. Just take the #1 train uptown to 225th Street, and in the Bronx, literally just steps away from Manhattan, is a great big Target that I go to all the time!
Great post, Julie! And…you don’t have to travel so far to get to a Target. Just take the #1 train uptown to 225th Street, and in the Bronx, literally just steps away from Manhattan, is a great big Target that I go to all the time!
There’s one even closer now! 116th Street and the East River! Get going right now! 🙂
There’s one even closer now! 116th Street and the East River! Get going right now! 🙂
There’s one even closer now! 116th Street and the East River! Get going right now! 🙂
There’s one even closer now! 116th Street and the East River! Get going right now! 🙂
oh my you really never do stop!
I was thinking, wow she’s taking the day off. how strange! just those lovely ideas and energy always flowing through… wonderful to see what got your attention and drew your eye as you moved around the place. I m always noticing things, its interesting to see what turns other people on too! there is so much design and color out there, in every place really, its what we do with it or draw from it that is always fun to see.
oh my you really never do stop!
I was thinking, wow she’s taking the day off. how strange! just those lovely ideas and energy always flowing through… wonderful to see what got your attention and drew your eye as you moved around the place. I m always noticing things, its interesting to see what turns other people on too! there is so much design and color out there, in every place really, its what we do with it or draw from it that is always fun to see.
oh my you really never do stop!
I was thinking, wow she’s taking the day off. how strange! just those lovely ideas and energy always flowing through… wonderful to see what got your attention and drew your eye as you moved around the place. I m always noticing things, its interesting to see what turns other people on too! there is so much design and color out there, in every place really, its what we do with it or draw from it that is always fun to see.
oh my you really never do stop!
I was thinking, wow she’s taking the day off. how strange! just those lovely ideas and energy always flowing through… wonderful to see what got your attention and drew your eye as you moved around the place. I m always noticing things, its interesting to see what turns other people on too! there is so much design and color out there, in every place really, its what we do with it or draw from it that is always fun to see.
Thank you for posting such inspiring post.
And wishing you a Happy holiday.
Thank you for posting such inspiring post.
And wishing you a Happy holiday.
Thank you for posting such inspiring post.
And wishing you a Happy holiday.
Thank you for posting such inspiring post.
And wishing you a Happy holiday.
From tiny hatchback to train ride home? I wonder which one gave you more room for collecting wonderful art trinkets? Julie, I enjoyed this post so much! It’s so nice to know that there are others who see the world as artsy potential. Love the shoes.
From tiny hatchback to train ride home? I wonder which one gave you more room for collecting wonderful art trinkets? Julie, I enjoyed this post so much! It’s so nice to know that there are others who see the world as artsy potential. Love the shoes.
From tiny hatchback to train ride home? I wonder which one gave you more room for collecting wonderful art trinkets? Julie, I enjoyed this post so much! It’s so nice to know that there are others who see the world as artsy potential. Love the shoes.
From tiny hatchback to train ride home? I wonder which one gave you more room for collecting wonderful art trinkets? Julie, I enjoyed this post so much! It’s so nice to know that there are others who see the world as artsy potential. Love the shoes.
I am so thankful that I found your blog (watched you on that scrapbook show and DVR’d it so I could watch you over and over….) I have a business called Creative Everything…because I can’t stop being creative, yet I do tend to get stuck in a rut. You inspire me to doddle (which I was always told was a waste of time and NOT art!). Even in church I doodle my notes…and people around me always want a copy of my sermon notes! My motto is “Created by The Creator to be creative”…I am proud to say that endless creating doesn’t stop. I have NEVER duplicated anything, everything is new. Just like we are all made up of the same bits and pieces, yet each one of us is unique and original, so is art. Keep up the inspiring posts. This Canadian girl LOVES them!
I am so thankful that I found your blog (watched you on that scrapbook show and DVR’d it so I could watch you over and over….) I have a business called Creative Everything…because I can’t stop being creative, yet I do tend to get stuck in a rut. You inspire me to doddle (which I was always told was a waste of time and NOT art!). Even in church I doodle my notes…and people around me always want a copy of my sermon notes! My motto is “Created by The Creator to be creative”…I am proud to say that endless creating doesn’t stop. I have NEVER duplicated anything, everything is new. Just like we are all made up of the same bits and pieces, yet each one of us is unique and original, so is art. Keep up the inspiring posts. This Canadian girl LOVES them!
I am so thankful that I found your blog (watched you on that scrapbook show and DVR’d it so I could watch you over and over….) I have a business called Creative Everything…because I can’t stop being creative, yet I do tend to get stuck in a rut. You inspire me to doddle (which I was always told was a waste of time and NOT art!). Even in church I doodle my notes…and people around me always want a copy of my sermon notes! My motto is “Created by The Creator to be creative”…I am proud to say that endless creating doesn’t stop. I have NEVER duplicated anything, everything is new. Just like we are all made up of the same bits and pieces, yet each one of us is unique and original, so is art. Keep up the inspiring posts. This Canadian girl LOVES them!
I am so thankful that I found your blog (watched you on that scrapbook show and DVR’d it so I could watch you over and over….) I have a business called Creative Everything…because I can’t stop being creative, yet I do tend to get stuck in a rut. You inspire me to doddle (which I was always told was a waste of time and NOT art!). Even in church I doodle my notes…and people around me always want a copy of my sermon notes! My motto is “Created by The Creator to be creative”…I am proud to say that endless creating doesn’t stop. I have NEVER duplicated anything, everything is new. Just like we are all made up of the same bits and pieces, yet each one of us is unique and original, so is art. Keep up the inspiring posts. This Canadian girl LOVES them!
Love this post Julie! Happy that you found that printer’s drawer and looking forward to what you do with it. Safe travels and thanks for your never ending inspiration!!
Love this post Julie! Happy that you found that printer’s drawer and looking forward to what you do with it. Safe travels and thanks for your never ending inspiration!!
Love this post Julie! Happy that you found that printer’s drawer and looking forward to what you do with it. Safe travels and thanks for your never ending inspiration!!
Love this post Julie! Happy that you found that printer’s drawer and looking forward to what you do with it. Safe travels and thanks for your never ending inspiration!!
I think that’s what I like about you… you’re not just an artist, you LIVE art. There is no other way. Great inspirational photos. It makes me feel less crazy when I take random pictures of things that catch my eye and other people are saying “WHY are you taking a picture of that rock?” LOL.
I think that’s what I like about you… you’re not just an artist, you LIVE art. There is no other way. Great inspirational photos. It makes me feel less crazy when I take random pictures of things that catch my eye and other people are saying “WHY are you taking a picture of that rock?” LOL.
I think that’s what I like about you… you’re not just an artist, you LIVE art. There is no other way. Great inspirational photos. It makes me feel less crazy when I take random pictures of things that catch my eye and other people are saying “WHY are you taking a picture of that rock?” LOL.
I think that’s what I like about you… you’re not just an artist, you LIVE art. There is no other way. Great inspirational photos. It makes me feel less crazy when I take random pictures of things that catch my eye and other people are saying “WHY are you taking a picture of that rock?” LOL.
Great post! I love your flower quilt! And am so jealous you found that drawer! Glad you had so much fun!
Great post! I love your flower quilt! And am so jealous you found that drawer! Glad you had so much fun!
Great post! I love your flower quilt! And am so jealous you found that drawer! Glad you had so much fun!
Great post! I love your flower quilt! And am so jealous you found that drawer! Glad you had so much fun!
Love the photos of the covered bridge…very professionally done, with great composition!
Love the photos of the covered bridge…very professionally done, with great composition!
Love the photos of the covered bridge…very professionally done, with great composition!
Love the photos of the covered bridge…very professionally done, with great composition!
That was a wonderful post, so many interesting places and things that most people would have walked on by and never noticed. You have a great eye for these things….
That was a wonderful post, so many interesting places and things that most people would have walked on by and never noticed. You have a great eye for these things….
That was a wonderful post, so many interesting places and things that most people would have walked on by and never noticed. You have a great eye for these things….
That was a wonderful post, so many interesting places and things that most people would have walked on by and never noticed. You have a great eye for these things….
Very good post! I love the sandals and way jealous about the printers tray, super find! Thank you for all the inspiration and all you share!
Very good post! I love the sandals and way jealous about the printers tray, super find! Thank you for all the inspiration and all you share!
Very good post! I love the sandals and way jealous about the printers tray, super find! Thank you for all the inspiration and all you share!
Very good post! I love the sandals and way jealous about the printers tray, super find! Thank you for all the inspiration and all you share!
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your obsession with us.
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your obsession with us.
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your obsession with us.
What a great post! Thanks for sharing your obsession with us.
I think its great you have the time and obsession to do all you do. You constantly inspire me. I unfortunately have let everything and everyone jump ahead of art it seems on my short list. Totally a bummer. I’ll just have to live through you vicariously till comes a time I can re-organize my list. 🙂
I think its great you have the time and obsession to do all you do. You constantly inspire me. I unfortunately have let everything and everyone jump ahead of art it seems on my short list. Totally a bummer. I’ll just have to live through you vicariously till comes a time I can re-organize my list. 🙂
I think its great you have the time and obsession to do all you do. You constantly inspire me. I unfortunately have let everything and everyone jump ahead of art it seems on my short list. Totally a bummer. I’ll just have to live through you vicariously till comes a time I can re-organize my list. 🙂
I think its great you have the time and obsession to do all you do. You constantly inspire me. I unfortunately have let everything and everyone jump ahead of art it seems on my short list. Totally a bummer. I’ll just have to live through you vicariously till comes a time I can re-organize my list. 🙂
My favorite post of yours ever! Wonderful stuff here. Thank you for remembering all these things while you were away.
My favorite post of yours ever! Wonderful stuff here. Thank you for remembering all these things while you were away.
My favorite post of yours ever! Wonderful stuff here. Thank you for remembering all these things while you were away.
My favorite post of yours ever! Wonderful stuff here. Thank you for remembering all these things while you were away.
I love how you can describe your thought processes so artfully — ha ha, but it’s so true. You really do LIVE your art, and it’s wonderful to watch. Thanks for sharing so generously.
I love how you can describe your thought processes so artfully — ha ha, but it’s so true. You really do LIVE your art, and it’s wonderful to watch. Thanks for sharing so generously.
I love how you can describe your thought processes so artfully — ha ha, but it’s so true. You really do LIVE your art, and it’s wonderful to watch. Thanks for sharing so generously.
I love how you can describe your thought processes so artfully — ha ha, but it’s so true. You really do LIVE your art, and it’s wonderful to watch. Thanks for sharing so generously.
I always get so excited when people mention Vermont. -sigh- the problem with living in a state that often gets over looked ha! Wonderful pictures! You found some awesome antique finds. totally jealous of the giant spools!
I always get so excited when people mention Vermont. -sigh- the problem with living in a state that often gets over looked ha! Wonderful pictures! You found some awesome antique finds. totally jealous of the giant spools!
I always get so excited when people mention Vermont. -sigh- the problem with living in a state that often gets over looked ha! Wonderful pictures! You found some awesome antique finds. totally jealous of the giant spools!
I always get so excited when people mention Vermont. -sigh- the problem with living in a state that often gets over looked ha! Wonderful pictures! You found some awesome antique finds. totally jealous of the giant spools!