[ thrifty ] wedding inspiration.

no, no. you didn't miss anything. I'm not engaged.

but my best friend recently got engaged and we are going to a wedding this weekend, so they are on my brain, and like any most girls, I've been planning and preparing for my wedding day for a really, really long time. 

I would usually classify my style as classic, simple, minimalistic almost.  but for some reason, I have been really inspired and swooning over the effortlessness of vintage-y, eclectic,  mix-matchy-ness.  I'm sure this is not the official term, but I really despise the word "shabby chic", blah ... it sounds so grandmotherly.  My mix-matchy is effortless, chic, but most certainly not shabby :)

now, realistically, I don't think I could collect enough mixed and matched china and chairs for 100 or so place settings for all of my guests, but maybe at least for the wedding party... and keep this same atmosphere flowing in more subtle ways throughout the entire wedding (keeping the bridesmaids' dresses monochromatic but all unique, combo of freshly picked wildflowers, etc.)

some Pinterest images I've been loving lately...

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

I LOVE anything monochromatic.  those blue plates are gorg, and that bridal party- to die for.  I think keeping a simple color palette would be the key to keep everything tied together without looking completely a mess... this style takes a delicate touch to find the balance between effortless and sloppy.

and now to the thrifty part of this post....

I mentioned last week I was going to this big yard sale that happens every few months... well I went, and totally conquered.  I got there a few minutes early before it opened at 7:30 am and there were tons of people waiting along the front of the building, being held back by ropes (it was pretty intense).   I wisely befriended this crazy lady beside me (she was nuts-- and on a mission-- and I knew she would be a good ally for when all the madness would begin) and told her what I was looking for... mason jars (for my collection), and pretty plates.  so sure enough just as they were opening the doors, this lady bolted under the rope grabbed all the things I wanted for me, and it was a total success.  I was in and out within 8 minutes.  really, 8 minutes ; )

I've been collecting blue mason jars for a while in hopes to use as vases for my centerpieces one day (and because I think they are beautiful in their simplicity all on their own)... but apparently now I'm collecting pretty china, too. For just a dollar a piece, I really couldn't resist :)

what are your favorite wedding trends? any fun items you collect?  

oh, how I love the thrill of the hunt for that perfect treasure :)

[ Inspiration Workshop ] Inspiration Meets Canvas

the past few weeks i have been absolutely in awe of clouds.  it may be because we live near the water, but the clouds down here have been just out of this world.  i've written this before but i often feel most in touch with god, and amazed by his hand as the ultimate artist when i look up to the sky.

for this week's Inspiration Workshop with Gussy Sews i have a few photos i've taken recently for inspiration, followed by a series of cloud paintings i'm currently working on.

(the bottom right image is unrelated, just sharing my latest commissioned piece :)

this weekend i am competing in a "Quick Draw" competition for artists under the age of 25 at a Plein Air festival.  i'm so excited, and equally nervous.  both competing and plein-air is relatively brand new for me.  i will have 30 minutes to find a location within the city limits to set up my easel, and then 4 hours to paint my heart out.  once i'm finished,  the other artists and myself will set up our paintings for sale.  so i potentially have the opportunity to win a cash award, and sell my work. i really have no idea what to expect, but im hoping for a great experience, and the chance to meet some really talented maryland artists. please pray for me!

[ Inspiration Workshop ] Sunshine

sometimes my tasks as an intern are not always the most glamorous... today I was asked to fill a trash bag full of Gumballs (from Sweet Gum trees) for an art project.  while, it wasn't the most exciting day ever, i continued to try to find the beauty in being outside. and after a week of heat advisories in the mid-90's, today's breeze, low humidity, and high of 85 was amazing.

i am so thankful for today's weather and the beauty i am surrounded by everyday.  it helps to bring my camera along for the ride, and encourages me to never let the serenity and the sunshine be overlooked.

keep finding the beauty in the little things, in the sunshine...

Oh, How Lovely

It is easy for me to take for granted just how amazing my campus is when I see it everyday... but then I see a sunset like this, and I am shaken right back to reality to realize how blessed I am to be here.  I'm really going to miss this place...

These photos are unedited and are snapshots from my drive into campus last night.  It really is this pretty :)

As an artist, it is an endless source for inspiration, and motivation.  

And it really never gets old.  

I can't wait to be able to spend the next weeks laying down by the water, and soaking in my last moments here.