It wasn't until recently that I discovered a few great podcasts that I now tune-in to regularly.  Some I'd recommend specifically for creative entrepreneurs and some are just fun and interesting stories that inspire creativity in other ways. 

Have fun and learn how to set intentions for 2016 by downloading and printing these free work sheets designed by Nicki Traikos of lifeidesign.com.  I have decided to set intentions vs goals.  I've decided to choose how I want to feel and let nature takes its course and guide me where I need to take action.

Everyone needs a "note to self" every once in a while.  I've been writing notes to myself for a few years now and feel that words can be so uplifting and inspiring so I began sharing these "notes to self" on social media and realized that everyone can use a "note to self" or a little nudge once in a while.

This month is the month of #inktober where I've dedicated myself to inking a page in my sketchbook for each letter (or in some cases 2 letters) and sharing them on social media.  I have inked a few pages of other than the alphabet to keep things interesting, but for the most part, it's just letters - beautiful letters I might add!

"Every October, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. I created InkTober in 2009 as a challenge to improve my inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavour with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year." Jake Parker

Today is a designing day. I have been sketching, brainstorming and creating new Christmas designs.  While looking through an old sketchbook, I found notes scratched into one of the pages listing what happiness was to me.  All day long "happines is..." kept popping into my thoughts...

Earlier this year I did something that terrified me.  One morning, when I had trouble focusing on what I needed to do next in my day, I sat with a cup of coffee in hand, eyeing a magazine that is never far from me. Then bang! something hit me.  I needed to express gratitude.  Something inside me urged me to send an email to the editor of one of my favourite magazines

Sometimes all you need is a found stick from your morning walk, some gold paint and wire and a bit of time.  This quick an easy DIY gave me a fun break in-between client work today. 

If you've been following my story here on l.i.d. you'll have been experiencing the evolution of this blog, my art and a bit of my personal life.  With every journey, there is a new road to turn onto, a new sight to see and a beautiful experience that unfolds naturally. I've recently turned down yet another new road and have become clearer with how I want to share my experience here on this blog.

Two years ago I set-out to follow my artistic dreams.  Ultimately, I wanted to create art that touched people.  I wanted people to be able to surround themselves with inspiration, with beauty, with positive energy, with something that speaks to them and with items to share with others.  I knew what I wanted to do, I just wasn't sure how I was going to get there.

I've picked up new brush pens, felt tip pens, calligraphy nibs and inks.  I have been exploring, experimenting and am really excited about what is showing up creatively.  If you are an Instagram addict like myself, search the hashtag #inktober and peruse all the fabulous ink work!

I've been planning to commit to drawing, painting, sketching everyday for a while now and have yet to start ... until today!! Luckily I came across this great challenge for the month of October called Inktober founded originally by a very talented artist Jake Parker.

I feel like a new obsession is upon me.  I can't stop thinking about it.  It just kinda crept up on me.  All I think about is where can I go to get more stuff to add to my stash.  I'm up early and want to do it over and over again....

4 weeks of banging, sawing, men through my 50+ year old home and dust so thick we began to write messages to one-another on the furniture using nothing but our finger and dust!!

This April marked the 6th Annual Emerging Art Group Exhibition at the McKay Art Centre in Unionville.  It's an annual group art exhibition where local art students of the very talented art teacher, Judith Livingston, have the opportunity to display a piece or two of their work!  A little nerve racking but an exciting opportunity.