Virtual Art: Self-Care Vision Board

Shout out to Shannon and her self-care blog :)  I've used Polyvore for lots of things but I haven't experimented with it as a way to make a creative image in itself.  A collection, an idea board, an interesting collage...but never as an actual source of creative digital art making (until tonight).  I've been thinking about self-care all week and I'm brainstorming ways to bring it back into my life to hold balance and stay grounded since life doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

I created this image on polyvore.com as somewhat of a virtual sacred space.  A visual reminder of what I need in my life right now.  Each symbol, texture, color, and shape was chosen with intention around what keeps me happy and healthy.  I've got the image saved as my laptop background so I can be reminded of it each time I use my computer.

My mental and emotional space need some attention before I can get back to my physical living space (although they are all so deeply linked and reflective of one another).

Oh my, how time flies.

I'm still working on the apartment.  Still thinking about new ideas.  Still trying to get a grip on all of my to do lists...work, home, relationships, bills...one of these days I'll get back into the swing of blog posts and documenting projects.  It's time to bring self-care back into my world and crafts are a great form of self care.

“Crafts are a way of valuing yourself and giving to yourself. They allow you to express what’s inside.” - Diane Ericson

In the meantime...

http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/post/9454358051/via-words-to-live-by-so-true

I have taken to Pinterest (which can easily be done when one has little to no energy and no supplies).  Check out my boards for some inspiration/ideas for the home, quotes, tattoos and more...

http://pinterest.com/chelsea_oneil/

Anthropologie Knock-Offs

I love Anthropologie but it will be a long time before my shopping desires and my income match up.  Maybe I can focus on creating my own versions of these cute finds from their website....

Fabric pinwheel push pins

Mason Jar Sewing Kit

Fabric Covered Lamp Shades

 

Floral Globe Lamp



Paper Rose Light Fixture?

I absolutely love these delicate paper roses.  I want to find a way to use them in my house (in a place where the cats cannot reach them).

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I started thinking about incorporating them into a light fixture.  Maybe some kind of DIY chandelier?  There are lots of tutorials out there for how to make your own artsy light display but none of them feel like the right style for me and I haven't found any incorporating flowers. I'll have to think on this one...

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Similar DIY Project

More snapshots for the idea file...

Spray paint stencil jar turned vase

DIY Bed sheets turned curtains

Turquoise Lamp Make-over

Invisible bookshelves

Antique window with wall decal

Idea File

I have found so many cool and interesting projects that I would like to try and I don't want to forget them.  I've taken a look at Pinterest but I just haven't gotten into it yet and don't have much time to learn a whole new website.  I've decided to start an online idea file on the blog so I don't lose track and I have a quick and easy resource.

Random finds over the past couple of weeks...

Dresser drawer color gradient

White frame and shutter headboard

Magnetic Make-Up Board

Nightlight cut-out bookcase

Funky Thermostats

Pretty white shelves

Spray paint mason jar vases

Bold text on canvas

Textured art mirror (with hardware touches)

Three tiered vintage plate/platter tray

Office in a closet

Hipstamatic Print Inspiration

I took lots of photographs this summer with the hipstamatic iPhone app on my iPod touch.  It's a really fun way to capture moments in an artistic way (with limited effort).  This picture was taken somewhere along the road between Colorado and Wisconsin when I took a roadtrip with my love and my cousin in May.  Summer sunshine is one of my all time favorite things in the world so capturing it in such a way was very exciting.  For my living room palette I've decided to create an inspiration board reflective of this summer sunshine print: vibrant, colorful, warm and inviting. 

I'm also excited to get a few of the prints from the trip printed and framed (that will come later).



Lovely Bedroom Palette

I'm going paint shopping tonight!  I want to make sure that each purchase fits soundly with my style statement and my personal decorating mantra.  I've been playing with paint colors all week and decided that it would be helpful to identify a mood, feel or palette for the room.  I love checking in with blogs like Simply Hue and Creature Comforts because they create palettes based on inspiring images.  I am am artist so I decided to find inspiration in art that reflects what I'm going for.  YES.  I love this. 

For the bedroom, I decided to go with a drawing by one of my favorite contemporary artists who I follow regularly over at Igor + Andre.  He did this drawing as part of a series on love.  It's lovely, sweet, dreamy and has the perfect palette for my new bedroom.  I want light, airy, and fresh with the occassional pop of soft color.

Here's what I concocted based on his piece:

Oh, the possibilities!

These are my new shutters!  I'm excited to play.  

Here are some ideas I found for easy DIY projects.

Decorative Plate Holder

A whole wall of shutters!

Wall art

Horizontal photo board

Tabletop photo display

Photo frame collage

Kitchen organizer

Paint.

I've been searching and searching for my paint colors and I keep coming back to the same soft blue palette.  I found this post  on House of Turquoise this morning and it only reaffirmed my thoughts....