Invest in and Encourage Yourself All Year Long

 The New Year is upon us. 
Instead of guilting yourself into resolutions you feel you "should" do, 
how about figuring out ways to encourage yourself all year long?

Do you Feel Like You've Been Buried?

I came across this quote a little while ago and it made me think of the many times in my life I've felt overwhelmed, unequipped, alone with no end in sight.

How many of you have felt the same way?

Weighed down with responsibilities and expectations. Trying to juggle it all and barely able to come up for air.

Buried.

When you're in a dark place, you sometimes tend to think you've been buried.
Perhaps you've been planted. 
Bloom. 
Christine Cane

Isn't it wonderful that our perspective can change everything?
What if we decided to look at things a different way?
What if we decided to let go of all the stuff that clutters up our soul?
What if we decided to nurture that tiny seed inside of us until it blooms?

 Prints & Magnets available here.

May this week bring you a new perspective that helps you to dig out
of what is weighing you down and bloom. 
Love, Steph

13 Special Things to Encourage the Graduate in Your Life


With Graduation fast approaching, I've curated some special gifts to Encourage Your Graduate. 
{And all from small shops throughout the US}  #shopsmall 

Cute (and Easy) Garland Project for Valentine's or any Holiday


I've been feeling a little crafty this past month so here's a cute little garland project I put together.
#paperjunkie  It'll add a fun touch to your holiday decorating and you can make one for any holiday or event you want.

Valentine's Day Heart Garland
Choose 3-5 coordinating sheets of your favorite scrapbook or vintage paper.
Cut out shapes (hearts, circles, stars, pumpkins, etc). Cut 2 pieces (front & back) for each; vary sizes if you want.  I used my Silhouette, but you can also trace/cut with scissors or use various punches.


Determine how long you want your garland (add several extra inches on each end for hanging).
Measure and cut thin string or ribbon.
Glue front and back of each shape with string on the inside. Press firmly so each side is glued securely.  Vary colors/patterns and sizes.
I hung mine on my sofa table - used clear command hooks and attached the garland to it.




I did another for Christmas, too.  You can make garlands for Easter, Halloween, July 4th, etc.  Also a terrific project to do with your munchkins.


Have a creative and fun week!
Love, Steph

Make sure to follow CreativeSteph13Art on Instagram:

What's the Buzz? 13 Unique and Creative Bee Things

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. 
Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. 
Smell the rain, and feel the wind. 
Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.
-Ashley Smith 
 
What's the Buzz?
So many Beautiful, Creative and Unique Bee Creations.
13 Things (plus a few more) - all from small shops.
#supportsmallbusiness
 
Check them out here:  Bee Favorites

Strength, Determination and Being Enough. Art for a New You in the New Year


She made broken look beautiful
and strong look invincible.
She walked with the Universe
on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. 
Ariana Dancu

Here's to the Survivors. 
Strong in the midst of adversity. Digging in a little deeper when things get tough. 
Saying NO to drama and blaming others and "it's not fair". 
Instead... working harder, making the best of each situation, persevering and holding onto hope, helping others, letting go and moving forward.  

As I added each layer to this art piece, my goal was to encourage those who have had to "survive". 
Whether it be an illness, an incident, a diagnosis, a loss, or just ongoing struggles, 
you are stronger than you think and you are definitely ENOUGH. 
The world may try to tell you you're not, BUT YOU ARE!

As we reflect upon the end of this year and the beginning of next...
remember these words as you head into each day.

You are Strong
You are a Survivor
You are Determined
You can Let Go of the Past
You are Enough
You can Persevere
You can Change Your Thinking
You can Overcome Obstacles
You will Laugh
You will See the Good in Each Day
You will Hope

Original, Prints, and Magnets available here

May your year be full of happiness, peace and laughter.
Love, Steph