Getting Started

I know that I have been really bad at putting my artwork online in the past. I am afraid I have the classic problem of never being satisfied with my work. However, it is time that I move on from that stumbling block and just get started! I am working on a website and it should be up and running by summer. 

In the mean time here are some pieces from my sketchbook. Last week in my life drawing class we began to study drapery. All week I have been drawing and studying clothing! I absolutely have loved it!

The Tapioca

This week my friends Stephanie and Hilary are having a combined birthday party and the theme is the 1920s. Do you know what this means? Oh yes, it is time to bring out the tapioca!!! Hahaha.

An Early Birthday Present for Me?

Floating Gardens

Finally it is the season for planting gardens and flowers! Although I am still working on obtaining a green thumb (sadly my indoor herb garden didn't survive the winter) I love gardens, and gardening. I feel that everyone should try gardening at least once in their life. There is something truly special about caring for plants and watching them grow. It is incredibly rewarding.

One problem that seems to get in the way of gardening for people my age is lacking sufficient space. I found a brilliant solution to this problem on Fossil's lifestyle blog. Fedor van der Valk has created a space saving, urban-friendly, and gorgeous garden technique called string gardens.

I am looking forward to making my own string garden. Although I know I will not have time to do so until after the semester is over. I am simply too crunched for time now, and I have a feeling it is going to take me a few attempts before I get it right. None the less, I welcome the challenge and look forward to the results. :)

Sources:

http://blog.fossil.com/2011/01/string-gardens/

http://www.stringgardens.com/

Ice Castles: My Farewell Post to Winter.

As of yesterday Winter is officially over and Spring is here! While Spring is my favorite season and I am in no way sad to see Winter pass. I thought I would honor the parting season and do a farewell post for it; writing about something unique and special this winter offered me.

For those who live in Utah or visit it frequently, you may already be familiar with the Ice Castles in Midway. I just discovered them this year and all I can say is "WOW!"  One man, Brent Christensen (with some help from nature), took art to a whole new level with his incredible ice castle creations.

How fun and romantic would it be to get lost in magical ice castles on a date? Sigh, perhaps it is pathetic but I keep envisioning holding someone's hand while walking through these and cuddling when we become cold. So boys who is up for it next year?

Images via:

Shutterstein

Alan Fullmer

Jeremiah.Cougar

I ❤ Crepe Sunday!

One Sunday a month the girls in my ward get together in the morning and have a crepe party. It has turned into a really fun and delicious tradition! After I had  finished eating one too many crepes I was left feeling very grateful for good friends and with the thought: "Bless the French!"

Here is a recipe for crepes if you want to get together with your friends and start your own "Crepe-Sunday" tradition. (I would highly recommend it.)

Ingrediants:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Pinch salt
• 6 teaspoons melted unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and 4 1/2 teaspoons of the butter to form a smooth, thin batter. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before proceeding.

2. Heat a heavy 6-inch skillet or crepe pan over medium-high heat. When hot, brush with a light coating of the remaining butter.

3. Ladle about 1/4 cup of crepe batter into the pan, tilting the skillet to evenly coat the pan with batter. Cook until golden brown on the bottom and the top begins to look dry, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Using a spatula, carefully turn the crepe and cook on the second side just until the bottom colors slightly, about 30 seconds.

5. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.

For more fun crepe recipes go to partysugar.

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Also, I know it's random but I would like to give a shout out to the BYU Basketball team for their amazing game yesterday! It was a great game to watch (and not just because player 41 on the other team was incredibly hot...). Keep it up boys! We need you to bring it when we face Florida!

At this time I am reminded of an old saying that follows: "If you put in what you have always put in you will receive what you have always received."  I don't like what I have been "putting in" lately. The past few months I have been afraid of my own shadow, afraid to take the risks I need to take, and sulking in self pity. At times I have displaced the hurt of my failures on those close to me. I haven't been living up to the person I know that I can be. Soon it will be the beginning of a new month, and I want to make some changes in my life. In all areas of my life.

I apologize to all those around me for when I haven't been as strong as you have needed me to be. I am sorry when my areas of weakness have burdened you or might have caused you pain. With every mistake I make I am learning, and I hope to become a better person for you and for me.

To myself, I am sorry because I know I have always been my greatest restraint. I wish to shed my hesitation and open the doors I need to open. I am sorry for always looking backwards, I know now that the only direction for me and my heart to go is forward. I want to be the best I can be.