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

 

Oh, just look...

 

Oh, just look at that creamy, vibrant red!

My fingers are dirty today as I paint.

It all began early this morning. I bounced out of bed, prepared the coffee and paused to snap this photo...

You see, I always stop at this window, each morning, so that I may peek out at the sky, the pond, and our land. I never want to miss out on any magical happenings taking place on the other side of this window!

Then I saw the assembly line that I placed onto the dining room table the night before. My "to do" for today.

Christmas ornaments.

Yes, it's time if I want to stay ahead of the game. Several of these are custom ornaments for a client who orders every year...and, a year in advance.

I have some fresh ideas and changes coming soon! I will certainly tell you all about it soon!

It has been a very quiet past few days here with my hubby being away and only having myself and two dogs to tend to. We have been outdoors, in the garden...

 

Harvesting salad!

We have been walking, patio sitting, reading, playing, shadow dancing.

Thinking about this guy...

Going through more pictures from last weekend's trip...

I have enjoyed a few naps too!

Enjoy your weekend, my friends!

XO

 

History love...

History.

I love it now that I am a grown up!

I have enjoyed learning all about Frida Kahlo this year through books, the Internet, a movie, and her diary. Although we studied Frida in art classes, I was never as interested as I am now.

I'm crazy over art history these days.

I never tire of painting Frida and her colorful wardrobe.

I am also very fascinated by her blue house.

I would love to have a cup of coffee on her beautiful patio, surrounded by plants, texture, color...and possibly a monkey or two?

My own patio is quite lovely and this weekend I have really enjoyed it with the chimes playing beautiful music...

Flowers "shadow dancing" to the beat... feathers drifting in with the slight breeze.

Yes.

We love our prairie patio space.

We did enjoy history in another way over the weekend and had coffee in an old underground Irish Pub.

This is O'Malley's Pub in Weston, Missouri- a must see if you are ever in the area!

I took many photos, but really just wanted to sit, sip my coffee and absorb the smells, sounds, and surroundings. Being underground, this pub does have a musty odor, but don't let that stop you. This was not our first time there nor will it be our last. A favorite place of mine!

So worth it.

Xo

 

A weekend of favorites...

The weatherman told us that we would be enjoying warmer temperatures here on the prairie.

He fibbed.

So...

After a Friday night out to eat sushi with my handsome hubby...

We returned back to our cozy home.

In sweats.

I have lounged in my favorite chair.

With my favorite beverage.

Painting tiny watercolor postcards.

This is how I remain happy and content during the cold months. Oh, I also squeeze in afternoon slumbers on the weekends. Waiting for sunshine.

Tell me. What do you do to survive the cold and grey periods?

I shall pour yet another cup of Joe.

For me, this has been a weekend of favorites indeed!

Enjoy!!!

 

Pre or Post Christmas?

Pre-Christmas.

Husband and I pour the morning coffee...

brewed from an old metal percolator pot from our vintage collection.

It seems to taste stronger this way. Hotter too.

Much needed on these brutally brisk Winter mornings.

Although tomorrow night is Christmas Eve, we haven't any plans or anyone but the two of us to celebrate with since we had our family Christmases early. Pre-Christmas just doesn't feel "right" to me!

I enjoy being out and about, walking downtown shopping strips. Saturday I snapped a few photos while spending time with my lovely sister-in-law who also adores art, second hand book stores, thrift shops, and antiques. (Oh, and sushi)!

The weekend before that, my family was here. I still feel some emptiness in my heart. After all, it is Christmas. A time for family.

I remind myself that I am very blessed to have my family still sharing this earth with me.

Yesterday it was back to work for both hubby and I.

Big commission paintings...

and I am so out-of-practice and experiencing a big creative block.

Not only have I been off of my routine...

It is Christmas, right?

A perfect time for some art journaling.

Just playing with paint and holding a paintbrush is great practice!

Yes, it feels wonderful to be back in my pretty art space, surrounded by my favorite toys...

even though my thoughts drift back to Christmas!

Post-Christmas here!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Enjoy!