Coffee & wine corks...

Oh, my! Summer sure does keep us hopping, doesn't it? A good kind of hopping, I might add!

Before I share anymore, I will show you my latest project. I refer to these kind of projects as "fun art". Art that comes with no commitment or deadline. Art that allows me to also experiment and play with other goodies such as beads, in this case. It has been a perfect creation to help me to ease back into some painting after returning from a trip...

Just some patio sitting and dabbling.

Ta da!

Wine cork key chains!

You may have seen these in shops or on the Internet, just as I had. I was instantly intrigued by them, especially after holding one in my hand this past weekend while in Branson, MO. (Much cuter in person)! I wanted to make them, however, I do not enjoy copying creations of others. If I am going to call myself an artist, I choose to behave as one! So, I began to think about these darling key chains and challenged myself to be inspired by them, yet make them my own by adding something to them that I had not yet seen. Well, it did not take long before I realized that by using the corks as my canvas, I could add my own special touch with tiny paintings on them! And so...

It began.

From there, I have been bombarded with special orders through my Facebook group. (A huge thanks to those are are keeping me joyfully busy)!

By the way, on Friday I will be giving three of my key chains away to three people so if you have not yet joined "Missy Trent Art", I invite you to do so!

 

I have not played with beads and charms in ages! How fun!

Speaking of fun...

My husband and I took a little road trip last weekend to Hollister and Branson, MO. We met up with some friends and enjoyed a weekend filled with shopping, dining, flea markets, antiquing, music, and of course, coffee!

I highly recommend the "Vintage Paris Coffee & Wine Cafe" in Hollister, MO.

I absolutely loved the "Van Gogh" coffee! (Lavender and honey). Simply the best coffee that I have put to my lips! I could have sit in this cozy coffee house for hours.

Isn't it beautiful? (And yes, I find him to be easy on the eyes also)!

Now, back home...

I continue to treat myself to great coffee and recently purchase a "Chemex" pour over coffee pot.

The little things that make us feel special!

It's quite pretty but I find that my coffee gets cold quickly in the vessel. Have you ever used one and do you have any advice on how to solve this issue? Please, comment and tell me how to love this pot!!! Thank you in advance.

I will leave you with my rainy morning view as I was waiting for my slow pour coffee!

Until next time...

XO

 

Paper mache' mermaids... Check!

Hello!

I am now checking the paper mache' mermaid boxes off of my "need to finish" list!

Yes, indeed. I finished these little jewels today and they are available at "Missy Trent Art".

 

I have truly enjoyed painting for fun and mermaids really are one of my favorite subjects to paint! Now it's time to get back to commission painting!

Hey! We have witnessed some amazing skies here on the prairie and you can bet that I am always ready to snap some pretty pictures for you!

Last night we had just a very soft rain. You know...the type of rain that rocks us to sleep?

This morning I bounced out of bed and out the front door to see what gifts Mother Nature left for our pleasure...

Oh my!!!!

A dewy piece of art created by one very talented spider! Just look at this pattern and detail! The drops of dew look like tiny diamonds.

After photographing this perfect web, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to the patio to savor each sip. I felt thankful. Thankful that I am up so very early and that I am so appreciative of the small things in life. I am thankful that I am present and that I do observe.

Friends, I try my best to create my own fun and to find the beauty in most all things.

Even laundry...

No. I don't always enjoy doing the laundry but when I make it into a photo shoot or inspiration for a painting... It's not a chore anymore! Oh, and I must tell you that freshly hung bedding is a great way to sleep peacefully! The scent is amazing.

Simples pleasures are the best!

Until next time...

XO

 

Mermaid Wishes...

Hello, hello!

I am doing a quick post just to say it out loud...

"I have just completed my "Mermaid Wishes" series!

You know that I have been working on these little acrylics on canvas for awhile now and sipping tons of coconut water too! It's hot out here on the patio!

You may purchase them here:

Missy Trent Art

 

The three pictured above are 4"x4", chunky canvases. So cute!

The other mermaids (below), were painted on 6"x6" traditional canvases.

I am still working on several mermaid watercolor pieces.

Happy first day of Summer and I do hope that you will follow the link and join me there!

Thank you so very much for supporting my art!

See you soon!

XO

 

Time flies...

Hello April!

Hello, dear readers (if you are still following)?!

By the time January arrived, I must confess. Getting myself to pick up a paintbrush was as difficult as going into my former place of employment and spending 8 long hours. The joy was no longer there. This made me sad, confused. It had always been my life long dream to work at home as an artist and to actually make some money doing so. How could I be feeling this way after only a few years of living my dream?

I knew that I needed to add something into my daily routine to mix it up a bit rather than to give up. Oh no, I will never give up my art but I need to find that pure joy again!

From my last post, you may be aware that I became an independent fashion consultant with LuLaRoe.

Oh, friends.

It has consumed me and the really great news is, that it also brought me back to my happy place in art!

 

You see, because of the popularity of this clothing line, I have been forced to step outside of my comfort zone. January, February and March...

I have spent countless hours creatively photographing the clothing that had taken over our cozy country home. Women have been shopping in my home, as well as online through my Facebook group. I have been so wrapped up in technology, responding to questions, sending invoices, running to the bank and to the post office daily. I did not even decorate for Easter this year... I was unaware that it was Easter until a few days before the date.

Although this has all earned me a nice additional income...

It can no longer take priority to the things that I am so very passionate about! NOooooooo!

This is not who I am and a valuable lesson has been learned:

Never want for any more than what you already have.

 

I have taken a step back and reevaluated the situation.

Art and creativity, along with home, hubby and family must come first. LuLaRoe is an add on and I will continue to take great care of my fabulous lady shoppers...

But I can no longer be glued to my computer or tripping over clothing racks (she says with a giggle)!

I woke up one day and took charge of my life!

And began to paint again in a clean, clothing-free space.

Balance.

I'm finding it and loving it!

 

Today I finished this suitcase commission and I enjoyed every single moment! I was dreading it just a few months back.

I understand it all so clearly now.

I did need to add another job into my life and I am so glad that I did so!

I had hit a burnout stage. I needed a long break from my art in order to realize all over again just how important it is to me and my well being.

I so love to journal...

With a good cup of coffee!

Being "present" is very important to me.

I appreciate the girl in me who enjoys stopping, dashing to grab her camera to capture a very simple photo.

(That same girl who appreciates a rainy day and fresh flowers picked from her own garden).

Now,

This girl also loves playing dress up and cute clothes too!

But I can enjoy it all, can't I?

Balance.

Finding it.

Enjoying the journey.

Blessings to you!

See you soon!

Xo

 

Sunflowers galore!

Hello, friends!

Oh, how time flies and I can't believe that Summer has come to an end.

I have so much show & tell you...

However, for now I am simply going to send some sunshine your way...

Until another day!

I have been painting sunflowers here and just yesterday morning, I captured this lovely photo, just as the sun was peeking out!

These are available...

Well, a few still remain. I sold some last night through my Facebook page, " Missy Trent Art"...

won't you please drop by, "like" my page and follow my adventures there as well? I would love to have you!

Don't sunflowers just make you smile big?

They are so bright and cheery!

I am a Kansas girl, indeed!

I even have them on my coffee mugs!

I will try really hard to not be absent for too long.

I truly do feel a loss when I can't find the time to post.

Thinking of you!

XO

 

Pianos with Parents...

Hello out there!

Time flies when we are having fun, doesn't it?

We enjoyed a Memorial Day weekend, filled with colorful events, good food, a trip to the farmers' market, exploring... with my fantastic parents who came to visit!

A miniature train display was quite the sight...

 

But I must say that the "Pianos on Parade", held at Union Station (an old train depot), in Kansas City, was my personal favorite.

The artists painted the pianos right there, for us to enjoy!

Once the pianos are completed, they will then go to the local business that sponsored them.

How cool is that?

Take a look...

Although I took many more photos, you get the idea. They were amazing!

I love hanging out with mom and dad. I miss them already.

I'm back to painting. Something colorful!

Of course, there is a story behind the skulls...

but I'm just too tired to tell.

It must be all of this rain that we have had here on the prairie.

Until next time,

XO