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    Inspired by Antique Bird Cages

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    Aren’t these antique bird cages beautiful? I spotted them in May during a trip to Terrain at Styers. This is the view into the cafe area. I spend hours in this shop every time I visit. There is so much attention to detail put into the interiors. It is very inspiring.

    I am sharing the photo along with the painting to share with you how I work from photos. Sometimes, especially for commissioned watercolors, I paint a much more literal interpretation of the photo given to me. While other times, I use artist’s discretion and pull elements of the photo into painting, especially when I will be adding text at a later time. One of my tricks is that I scan the paintings as I add elements. For example, I am thinking about also adding the diagonal wooden column and the hanging plans to this painting, but I have scanned it already so I have a digital copy without these additional elements. This practice allows me to use the variations in the different related pieces such as in an RSVP card and an invite.

    Antique Bird Cage Invitation is now available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Invitation Shop.

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    Inspired by “In the Make” blog

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    In the Make blog is quickly becoming one of my favorite blogs. For one, the concept is beautiful….capturing and cherishing the spirit of the artist, their art, and their studio space in a absolutely stunning way. The photographs are honestly my favorite part. The artists behind this blog photograph very candid, authentic glimpses of these artist’s spaces. Above are a few photos of artist’s tools, which are beautifully messy yet perfect. I’d highly recommend checking out this blog this weekend. The photographs of the artists and their art are not to be missed!

    All photos from In the Make blog.

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    Inspired by Classic Back-to-School Apple

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    Have you ever wondered where the tradition of giving an apple to a teacher came from? I wonder if it is because apple are in season at the beginning of the school year. Or maybe it is because of the smart, health benefits of “eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Whatever the reason, I like it.

    Cherishing a single piece of fruit is so simple and yet so charming. There is this scene in Little Women where Jo is peeling an orange as a treat at her desk on a snowy day, and that orange looks like the most decadent treat in the world. That is what I think about when I think of gifting an apple to a teacher at back-to-school time….the beauty of slowing down and savoring the exquisite taste of an apple in season.

    Back to School wedding invitation available in the Hand-Painted Weddings Invitation shop.