Inspire Your Heart With Art 🎨

Today is Inspire Your Heart With Art Day! 🎨 🖌 🖼

One of my biggest goals this year is to paint more often.  I've felt this overwhelming urge to paint lately.  I'm not sure if it's all of the emotions that I've been navigating, but I just feel this nagging desire to put paint on a canvas and to explore what happens.

In the past, I've done some paint night classes and I've had a blast at those.  I'm so bummed out that the studio closest to us closed shortly after Eliot and I started going.  (There's still one in Portland though, so I'm still planning to go visit at some point!)  

And those of you who have been here from the beginning know I've painted plenty of craft projects.  I've made signs, various home decor, tons of holiday decor, and of course the painted flower pots that are still my most viewed blog post of all time!

But more recently, I feel as if this urge is to break free from things that I've done before.

I've actually signed up for a few online abstract art classes.  And there's another one coming up that I'll be signing up for as well... if I haven't already done so by the time this post goes live!  These classes have really excited me.  I just need to sit down and go through the supply lists so I can get supplies and dive in!

Another medium that's really intrigued me for awhile is textured art.  I've also bought an online guide to doing that... and I'm planning to purchase supplies for that soon as well.

I would also like to get back into paint pouring.  You probably remember that I took some adult education classes for that a few years ago.  Unfortunately, our instructor stopped teaching the class, and my plans to get into that more got derailed with the pandemic.  But I've already purchased pouring paints, and I just got a special mat to use for Christmas.  I also recently dug out a few blank DIY Vinylmation Mickey figures (that I've had since before Eliot's and my wedding) to experiment with.  And I just noticed that Michael's has paint pour kits for vinyl figures when I saw them in store for the first time just a few days ago.  So I'm very excited that this particular painting technique is probably one that will come together for me to do sooner than later!

One thing is for sure, and that's the fact that my overwhelming urge to create things is going to win out.  I'm dying to get my hands on craft supplies... almost to the point of being ravenous about it.  This is an itch that needs to be scratched.  And who knows... maybe I'll discover a whole new world and inspire my heart by creating art... °o°

Small Shop Saturday: Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts ends on Monday 2/20, making this the last weekend of the 2023 event.  It always goes by so fast.  With Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival taking up the spring and early summer months, and then Disney starting the Food and Wine Festival right after that and going through late fall, this feels like it appears and disappears in the blink of an eye.  But it's still my favorite even if it is only for 6 weeks!

Today, I wanted to do a Small Shop Saturday in honor of the Festival of the Arts.  As the event has gained popularity through the past seven years, so have the amount of items available from small shops.  It's personally my favorite non-holiday thing to create new designs for, so it's probably no surprise that we already have a few designs in both shops... or that I'm currently working on a bunch of new ideas as well.

I just love creativity, artwork, painting and colors so much!  I've definitely been finding more stuff on Etsy, so this post is definitely overdue!  Let's check everything out!

Like usual, we're starting off with apparel.  I thought this Epcot Festival of the Arts Shirt by The Pocketeers was really creative with the different designs for each letter!

This Artsy Fartsy Figment Shirt by Golly What Apparel Co is a perfect play on words and the part of Journey Into Imagination when Figment is dressed up like a Skunk!

I'm a sucker for anything rainbow and Figment, so this Festival of the Arts Long Sleeve Figment Shirt by One Little Spark Inc definitely jumped out at me!

I thought this cute Let Your Imagination Soar Shirt by Polka Dot Pixie Shop was fun and whimsical for the festival.  It even has music notes on it! 

I love embroidered designs, even though I haven't shared them that often.  This Mickey Paint Palette Embroidered Shirt by Wonderful Day Boutique jumped out at me.  I'd love to get this design on a gray sweatshirt or quarter zip pullover!

Next, we're moving into accessories... and I'm starting off with a few things that I've shared in the past, but they're too good to not include!  First, we have this Paint Palette Crossbody by Sew Minnie Style.  I have this and I absolutely love it!

Next, we also have this Figment Crossbody by Sew Minnie Style.  I haven't bought Figment yet, but he's currently sitting in my shopping cart!

If yo'ure looking for something with more sparkle, this Paint Splatter Minnie Mouse Rhinestone Crossbody by Magic Ear Gear is perfect!  I am 100% obsessed with it!

If you want a little less in your face sparkle, these Festival of the Arts Earrings by Bella Notte Magic are cute and a bit more simple.

I also like these Festival of the Arts Mickey Easel Earrings by Yo Ho Magic Co.

I found this Figment Scrunchie by Anywhere Magic if you need something for your hair.

Anywhere Magic also has a Festival of the Arts version of Figment with paint splatters.

I love these little Magic Bow Bands by Bad to the Bow Co.  I actually made myself one that looked almost exactly like this a few years ago!  I love the bright colors!

You all know how I feel about headbands.. and I really love this Paint Splatter Top Knot Headband by The Pocketeers.

The Pocketeers also made this cute Watercolor Dots Top Knot Headband. 

Another one that popped out .at me was this Paint Brush Strokes Top Knot Headband by The Pocketeers.  I'll definitely have to come back to get a few of these!

Stoney Clover Lane style fanny packs with patches are taking over the parks and many small businesses have made their own versions.  These Festival of the Arts Mickey Paint Palette and Figment Fanny Packs by Happily Ever After Design Company are the stuff that my dreams are made of!

If you're crafty... you can buy just the Figment Patch by Happily Ever After Design Company and you can make your own bag, or jacket, or fanny pack, or anything really.

Happily Ever After Design Company also sells the Mickey Mouse Paint Palette Patch separately, and I want to buy both of these and put them on everything!!!

Which really should be no surprise because Mickey Paint Palettes are one of my all time favorite things... creativity, paint and rainbow colors?  Yes please!  It comes as no surprise that Eliot and I have made a few designs using it for Happily Ever Hatter.  I figured that I'd share a few of our current line up... first we have our Hair Clips.

These Paint Palette Ears were the first Festival of the Arts design we made.  I love how you can do all Mickey paint blobs, a hidden Mickey blob, or all random blobs.

Of course... those never felt like they were colorful enough, so one day I had the crazy idea to make these Rainbow Paint Palette Ears.  These are handpainted and a labor of love, but they look gorgeous and they're so pretty in person!  Totally worth it!

Last, we're switching gear to home decor, but before we look at stuff for your home, I've got a few things you can also use in the parks!  This Magic Paintbrush Tablecloth for Disney Trash Cans by Fine Dining Mouse Co is perfect for enjoying all of those Festival of the Arts snacks when there are no tables available.

Fine Dining Mouse Co has a bunch of designs, but this Artist's Palette Tablecloth also popped out at me for the Festival of the Arts!

This Mickey Paint Palette Decor by Wonderland Shops would look great hung up next to all of your Disney artwork.  (I actually have something similar from another seller but she isn't currently selling them right now.)

If tiered trays are your jam, then this Mickey Palette Tiered Tray Decor by Main Street Charms would be the perfect addition to add a pop of color!

Finally, I've got to get in a plug for our Snowblade Creations shop.  Right now, this Mickey Palette Trinket Tray is the only one available in our shop, but we've made the design for a random paint blob version as well.  There are also a lot of other items in the works behind the scenes... so hopefully I'll have a lot more to show you soon!

And that's all that I've got to share with you... for now anyways!  This is one of the longer small shop posts that I've written, but I couldn't help myself.  I needed to see all of this colorful magic together in one place!  I definitely need to add a few of these to my collection!  (The Minnie rhinestone bag and headbands are calling my name!) 

Of course, the Festival of the Arts also celebrates music, the culinary arts and theater as well.  Unfortunately, those aren't as represented... but Eliot and I do have a few new designs up our sleeves.  Hopefully we'll be able to make those before next year!

For now, I hope the last weekend of the festival is amazing!  Thank you to all of the artists and performers for enriching our lives with your talents!!!

Farewell for another year Festival of the Arts!  We'll see you again in 2024!!!  °o°

Please Note: Eliot and I are not affiliated with any of these shops (other than our own Happily Ever Hatter and Snowblade Creations Etsy shops) and we will not earn anything if you purchase something from this post (unless you buy an item directly from our shops).  I just wanted to spread a little bit of magical good will by sharing some stuff that I love from Etsy!  I know how much it means to small shops for their stuff to be shared.  All of these items are literally things that I picked off of my own Etsy favorites list!  

All of these photos belong to the shop in which I've shared them from.  If you link them from this post, please attach them to their corresponding Etsy shop!

Getting into the Creative Flow

Guys... don't look now, but I've dropped in here two days in a row and I've written 4 posts in the past week!  It's almost like I'm getting into the flow or something!  Speaking of getting into the flow, I've also been getting into the creative flow recently.  Not only am I feeling inspired to write, but I've branched out to learn new art techniques!

Learning new crafts and art techniques is something that I really enjoy.  I'm always on Pinterest or Instagram looking for new projects, artwork styles and techniques.  When I lived alone in my first apartment (Eliot was still finishing college), I loved taking adult education classes at night after work.  I took classes for jewelry making and polymer clay at a school near work.  I also took classes at the local school in my town.  I did cake decorating, soap making, homemade spa night, make up, making chocolate and even writing and publishing your own book.  (I've probably forgotten a few too.)  It was a really important part of my life.  I needed to have some time for myself to explore and learn.  I've really missed that since we left Massachusetts and moved to Maine.

A close up of my acrylic pour painting.

I probably mentioned that I started taking a sewing class in the fall of 2017.  It was time that I learned how to use the machine my parents bought me for my birthday.  (It had just been sitting there collecting dust.)  My Nana told me the best way to learn was to take a class, so when I found out that there was one during the day that worked with my all night work schedule, I immediately signed up.  And I've been taking it in the fall and spring ever since.  (Our instructor says she's running out of stuff to teach us!)

I've really enjoyed those few hours in sewing class on Tuesdays.  It's time for me to learn, be creative and spend some time laughing with the other girls in my class.  That class doesn't start back up until early March, and I already can't wait.  We're making pajama pants and aprons this semester!  Which reminds me; I need to go find some Disney flannel fabric at JoAnn's...

My painting from Beginner Acrylic Pour Painting.

In addition to sewing, this semester I've taken a few classes to learn techniques that I've been itching to learn from my time spent on Pinterest and Instagram.  I've been obsessed with abstract art and acrylic pour paintings for a while now.  (I can't tell you the number of pins I've saved of fluid acrylic artwork, techniques and videos.)  I was so excited to find an instructor who teaches classes for it at a few of the local schools!  So far, I've taken three of her classes and I'm already signed up for two more!

The first class I took was Beginner Acrylic Pour Painting.  This was everything that I've wanted to learn for so long.  We used the flip cup technique where you put all the paints in a cup and turn it over on the canvas.  It's easy and anyone can do it.  Our instructor taught us how to mix the paints and then we got to make our own pour painting!  All of our paintings came out incredible.  I used white, pink, teal, blue, and purple for mine because I wanted it to match the colors in my office.  I can't get over how awesome it looks and how easy it was.  (Fun fact, I just stopped typing long enough to admire it again.  It's here on my desk since I haven't hung it up yet!)  I absolutely love how it turned out!  And now all I want to do is make more of them.

A close up of my artwork from Resin Ink Frames.

The second class I took was Resin Ink Frames.  I hadn't really heard of this technique before I signed up for this class.  But I had heard of alcohol inks, and seen them on Pinterest.  I've also never worked with resin, and it's been an interest of mine for a long time as well.  This class combined both of those!  To describe it simply, you put resin in a sealed off frame, and then you add the alcohol inks.  The inks interact in the resin and you have no idea how it'll turn out until the resin cures.  I used blue, teal, pink, purple and white in my piece but the only colors that seeped into the resin were the blues, teals and white.  I still love how it turned out!  I think it'll look great in our master bedroom!  I'm thinking about taking this class again and trying it with pinks, purples and white to see how that turns out!

My wave painting from Acrylic Pour Painting 2.

This past Wednesday, I took Acrylic Pour Painting Part 2.  In this class, we learned how to create paintings using swipes instead of a flip cup pour.  Our instructor taught us about the different methods and then we each got to choose a few to try.  First, I tried the wave technique.  My wave looks a little like a blob wave, but I'm happy with how the colors finally blended.  (It took me a while to get it!)  Plus, the cells look awesome!  It'll probably live in our Nemo bathroom once it's done.  The second time, I tried a paper towel swipe where you drag a damp paper towel over the paints. I used pink, purple, blue, and mint with a base of black.  The black covered most of the canvas, but I liked how the colors poked out behind it.  After using the torch on it, I got some cool little cell spots that popped out.  One of the girls in my class said it reminded her of how fireworks look when they're falling in the sky.  I can definitely see that!  This one is also going to go in my office!  I love it!

My swipe painting from Acrylic Pour Painting 2.

I've had so much fun so far.  I really have; I can't wait to learn more!  I've got a few other classes that I've marked down on my calendar and I've already signed up for one more- in two different locations!  I've wanted to learn how to make resin geode paintings for a while too.  So when I found out it was also offered, I signed up at my local school and convinced Eliot to take it with me in Biddeford.  (It's right around the corner from where he works.)  My parents wanted to get us something for Valentine's Day so I asked my Mom to pay for a class that we could take together.  (She thought it was a great idea and she and Dad graciously paid for it yesterday afternoon!)  I'll check in again once I've taken those classes!  Yay for sparkly geode paintings!!!

I'm hoping to get a space set up at home so I can start making acrylic pour paintings and experimenting with resin.  I'm seriously dying to make more flip cup pours.  And I have a feeling that I'm going to be addicted to the geode painting too.  I'm sure we're going to have so much artwork it's not even going to be funny.  Who knows... maybe we'll have another new business to open up at some point in the future!  °o°

I've Got The Blues

There's no denying it; I've got the post Walt Disney World trip blues!

We've been back a little over a week and I'm still adjusting back to the "real" world after another magical Disney trip.  It's always a bit of a let down.  The cold Maine weather certainly isn't helping things!  I'm getting back into a normal sleeping pattern after that crazy race schedule.  Things are settling down.  But I'm looking forward to our next trip! I've decided that the best cure for what ails me is to keep the Disney magic alive!

The first Disney thing I did upon our return was to eat the Minnie Mouse candy apple we bought on our last day.  I've brought home an apple a few times now, and I think it's something I'm going to continue to do.  It's nice to have a little piece of Disney World magic to enjoy at home!  Plus, they're delicious!!!

I've been learning a lot at my new chiropractic job.  I have training this weekend and I'm excited to learn more!  I think I'll feel more confident once I learn more terminology. Walt Disney loved to move forward, pave new paths and to learn new things.  I'm definitely stepping out of my design oriented comfort zone, but I'm enjoying it!

Speaking of jobs, my travel agent job is going really well too!  With all of the excitement for our trip I haven't had a chance to make the big announcement: I am excited to announce that Key to the World Travel is now An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner! We were given this special designation by Disney Destinations as a result of our ongoing commitment to planning customized, magical trips to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, vacations on board Disney Cruise Line and incredible journeys with Adventures by Disney.  This is so exciting for our company and I'm really looking forward to what's in store for us in 2015!

When I haven't been working, I've been going to the craft stores to get supplies for Happily Ever Hatter.  (I've had to get supplies for current orders and new designs.)  If there's anything I can count on, it's that I'm going to come back from Walt Disney World with more design ideas.  I sense a lot of design work in my future!

One perk of going to all of the craft stores is that I can also check out the Disney stuff. We've had a few finds over the past few days!  I found a Disney Guess Who Game on sale at ACMoore.  It was on sale for $4.99 (from $6.99).  Then, we had a coupon and we got it for another 20% off!  Woo!!!  

The other night, I found a Thomas Kinkade Disney Calendar while Eliot was at Staples printing something for his Etsy business- Snowblade Creations.  I've been looking for the perfect 2015 calendar and I finally found one!

My favorite find was the Disney Holiday Scrapbook Paper Stacks I found at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts.  I'd heard about these paper stacks though my Disney Scrapbook group on Facebook but I haven't been able to find them.  Our store finally got their shipment!  I found them this week and luckily all scrapbook papers are currently 40% off!  I threw my willpower out the window and completely caved getting the 12" x 12" and 8" x 8" paper stacks.  (My Disney holiday addiction is in a happy place right now.)

Finally, I can't forget the news that's rocking all of New England!  Our beloved Patriots are going to the SuperBowl again!  Yay!  I've always been a huge Pats fan.  I follow football more closely than the Celtics playing basketball or the Red Sox with baseball. The only reason I'm somewhat up on the Bruins is because Eliot's a huge hockey fan. (Even then I know more about his team- the San Jose Sharks.)  The Pats and football are my territory.  I'm pretty excited for the big game in a week!  That'll definitely give me something else to look forward to.

Things are really looking up!  I think I'll be able to rid myself of the post Walt Disney World trip blues.  All it takes is a little bit of faith, trust and pixie dust!!!  °o°

Fun Find: Frozen Frenzy

It's time for another Fun Find Friday!  As you know, I loved Frozen.  (A lot of people did!) We're all aware of the Frozen Frenzy that's going on at the moment with merchandise.  It sells out within minutes.  (The re-sale frenzy on eBay is even more insane.  $1500 for a kids' size Elsa dress?  Wait, what?!?)

I admit, I'm definitely a part of the craze.  The movie was great.  I loved the music, storyline, characters, designs and details, the ice castle, rose-mailing, etc.  In fact, I loved it so much that I completely geeked out when we were at Walt Disney World this past January.  I even wrote a post about all of our Frozen Experiences while there.

And it didn't end there; I've been getting sucked deeper into the Frozen phenomenon. Once Upon a Time including Frozen characters this season? Can't wait.  Soundtrack? My go to shower playlist.  Merchandise... ummm... is it too late to plead the 5th?

Here are my confessions of a few ways that I've contributed to the Frozen Frenzy:

Scrapbook Supplies-  Ok, so it started out fairly innocent.  As you may remember, I got my photo taken with Anna and Elsa when Eliot and I visited Epcot in January.  Naturally, I wanted some supplies to scrapbook the occasion.  I found supplies on Scrap Your Trip.  I got the Anna and Elsa paper/die cut sets, a Frozen die cut, as well as this awesome ice castle paper.  (The ice castle paper was obviously a must!)

Stickers-  I found these stickers at Wal-Mart.  Ok, so maybe I've seen them a few times and bought one (or two) packs each time.  I can stop myself any time I want to.  (FYI: The glittery set was in the greeting card section.  The square stickers were with the party supplies.  Finally, the big pack of stickers were next to the posters.)

Poster-  Which leads me to another Frozen purchase, this new poster.  In my defense, I've been looking for artwork for my office.  I figured that a poster from one of my favorite movies would be appropriate.  I love how it has all of the characters.  I eventually chose this particular poster because it also included the ice castle and Arendelle.

Photo Source: Hot Topic

Coloring Book-  We love to color and Eliot and I have a huge collection of coloring books and crayons.  (In fact, we each have our own set.)  I saw this jumbo coloring book in Wal-Mart and it was begging to come home with me.  Bonus: more stickers!

Back to School Supplies- No, neither Eliot nor I are going "back to school" this fall.  But that doesn't mean we don't use folders, pencil cases or notebooks!  We found the Frozen items at Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and Target and brought a few things home from each store.  (Ok, maybe "a few" is a stretch...)  

My favorite thing from this adventure?  The adorable Olaf thumb drive. We got the last one from our Target.  Thankfully my family found a few at the Target near my brother. Otherwise, Eliot and I would have had to fight it out over who got to use it.  I'm glad we both have one now.  (Although, I was winning- he's already got three thumb drives!)

Lithograph from Comic Con-  My Dad and brother Jeremy went to Comic Con in San Diego a few weeks ago.  This is the third time they've gone, and they always come home with awesome presents for me.  In the past, I've gotten Harry Potter limited edition Tonner Dolls, and a Hogwarts Castle Lego set!  This year, Dad and Jeremy got me this awesome limited edition Frozen print by Amy Mebberson!  It's so cute!  I love it and I can't wait to get a frame for it so I can hang it above my desk!

Photo Source: Dark Ink Art

Hot Topic Order- This is arguably my biggest contribution to the Frozen hype.  I've been eyeing the Frozen items on Hot Topic most of this summer.  About a month ago, they had a really good deal to cash in on Hot Cash, and Elissa had a ton she wasn't going to use. (Eliot and I made sure her coupons didn't go to waste!)

Photo Source: Hot Topic

I caved and got the three tanks I'd been watching all summer.  (Why did I get three?  I simply could not pick between Elsa, Olaf and the adorable stained glass design.)  Eliot had to have the Olaf belt, which he's worn basically every single workday since it arrived. (So much for me attempting to "borrow" it.)  I also got the Frozen socks since I was just shy of the amount needed to use the coupon.  No regrets, they're super cute!

Photo Source: Hot Topic

My favorite thing from Hot Topic was the Frozen Fair Isle Skater Dress.  This dress is amazing.  It fits well, is stretchy and comfortable.  The pattern is stunning.  The details make it a great piece.  Not only does it have silhouettes of both Anna and Elsa, but it includes beautiful rose-mailing designs and Elsa's tiara.  I can't wait to wear it!

Photo Source Top Left: Hot Topic

Olaf Charms- I found these cute Olaf charms online and I had to order some.  I'm planning to use them for some craft fair projects.  But I'm probably going to make myself a necklace or bracelet with them too.  (There are some adorable Olaf earrings at Wal-Mart these would go nicely with...)

Eliot's Soaps-  Eliot recently got some molds to make Frozen soaps for his Etsy shop Snowblade Creations.  So far, he's only released Olaf, but there's definitely more to come.  I've helped him with photographs and came up with the slogan "I don't know why, but I've always loved the idea of bubbles, and soap, and all things sudsy..."  Pretty creative use of Olaf's quote about summer, huh?  ;-)

Happily Ever Hatter-  Finally, you guys know all about my Frozen inspired accessories from Happily Ever Hatter!  I've made Anna and Elsa hats, snowflake hair clips, and an Anna ear headband.  I'm currently working on an Elsa headband design, as well as a few other top secret designs!  (Stay tuned for those!)

I'm sure this isn't the last of the Frozen stuff.  I'll get (or make) more merchandise to show my love of all things Frozen!  My birthday and Christmas are right around the corner... ;-)

All in all, I guess we're not too bad.  It could be worse right?  I haven't run anyone over in my attempt to get Frozen merchandise faster than someone else.  And I'm not buying it in bulk to re-sell on eBay for profit.  I'm an adult who loves the movie, characters, songs and storyline- and that's ok.  If you don't like it, go thaw your Frozen heart!  (He he.)  °o°