Art & Design of Kelli Murray

So, I just had to share! Is this not the most amazing one year old birthday party you have ever seen!?  My friend Tori of Sitting in a Tree knows a thing or two about throwing a good party.  I was so excited when she asked me to design the invitations for her daughter Lucca’s one year birthday.  I just knew it was going to be amazing.  Winter wonderland theme meets flora and fauna!!?  Yes, please!

…yes, that’s my daughter trying to swipe the deer from Lucca’s cake.

Just to gush on Tori for a minute: she is one of the sweetest and most creative people I know.  Aside from being a creative genius herself, she has been one of the biggest supporters of my work, really, since the very beginning.  I remember meeting her for the first time at an art show I was a part of.  An art show she actually curated.  I’m not even sure how she knew about me or my art, but I remember just being really excited for an opportunity to showcase my work.  It was back in 2006 I think, and only the second real show that I had ever done.  From Tori, came countless commissioned projects and referrals.  And I think she is the person that has purchased more art from me than anyone else in history!   I’ll forever be thankful for that.  And i’ll always remember her being a part of my “beginning”.  Not to say that I have made it by any means.  But we’ve come a long way…..and i’m glad that today we are still a part of each others lives….supporting each other in our creative endeavors and celebrating new life in our little ones!  That Lucca Valentine is to die for.  Anyway….all this to say….I’m really thankful for friends like Tori, and all the people that have encouraged me and supported me over the years.  Including a lot of you readers who I know have been keeping up with me for a long time!  I so appreciate you!!

Photos by the amazing Studio Castillero.  A whole lot more can be found over on 100 Layer Cakelet

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In other news….have you heard? Google is saying goodbye to google reader! More info can be found here. I’ve actually never used google reader myself, but I know it’s the go-to for a lot of people to keep track of their favorite blogs.  If you happen to be a Google Reader user, I’d suggest switching over to Bloglovin.  It’s clean, simple and easy to navigate.  You can follow me here!

A new illustration and a quote to inspire….

“We are the silver lining in any and every dark cloud we could ever find.  There is no need to go looking for the light when you bring it with you.”  - Tyler Knott Gregson

Be brave and shine.

So a few days ago my computer decided to have a little hissy fit and break down on me just as I was getting caught up from my weekend away.  (Hence the crickets over here this last week).  With deadlines looming and hormones flying high….I couldn’t help but throw a little hissy fit myself.   I mean, what is one to do without a computer these days!?  Quite a reality check, to say the least.  It’s amazing the importance I place on this piece of technology! Luckily, the fix was far easier than I imagined….but the last few days really opened my eyes to how attached I really am.  If nothing else, it was a motivator to spend more time creating with my hands than staring at a computer screen.  I remember a few years ago spending so much time in my garage, painting or drawing whatever I was inspired by.  It was not for anyone, other than me.  Now, those days are few and far between because I find myself focused on finishing commissioned projects that mostly rely on computer design programs.  And while that’s ok….I do want to make an effort to get back to that place where I am away from the computer and creating art because I am inspired, not because I am hired.  But that “hired” does equal money….and the “inspired”, not usually.  So it’s a tough balance, but something I’ve been thinking about and hoping to change, even ever so slowly.

As I was going over some of the notes I jotted down during some of the talks at our design retreat last week, my favorite one read “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”  This was in reference to a session Kathleen led, where she suggested we take what we are currently doing, and cut it in half.  So instead of dabbling here and there and everywhere (because we can!)…we should only take on the things that we are inspired by, that are an appropriate match, and that help further our creative careers. Being so fresh to the freelance world, it’s hard to think this way because I want to take on everything that comes my way….but the reality is, I am just one person and I can only do so much.  A good lesson learned.

The picture above is the current state of my office. Literally, nothing is in it other than my computer, which is sitting on my drawing table.  But I am on the hunt for a desk! Suggestions!?  We just removed the popcorn ceiling (thank God) which required us to remove EVERYTHING.  We are painting tomorrow and I am giddy over having a clean slate and finally creating an inspiring space to work in! Cheers to weekend projects!

…and possibly some more pool time with my girl before Fall really decides to show up.

@amerrymishap

Talk about cohesive! Jennifer of A Merry Mishap has a style….and she’s sticking to it!  I love how clean, simple, and creative all of her photos are.  Check out her feed and you’ll see why I’m so in love.

@kristinrogers

I first discovered Kristin’s photography through a friend and just about melted when I first set eyes on her instagram. She captures everyday life in the most beautiful way.  I find myself “liking” nearly every post.

@fancytreehouse

Color and cute fashion overload!! Coury’s feed has been a long time favorite.  Her photos just make you smile!

Who are some of your Instagram favorites!??

How lovely are these photos by Amy Scheepers!? I first discovered Amy through lookbook.nu for her cute sense of style.  I don’t know why, but I feel like she’s one of those girls I would instantly be friends with if I knew her in real life.  You know those ones!?  You read their blogs and look at their photos and you think…we really ought to be friends! haha.  Aaaanyway , when I went to check out her blog, I was floored by her photography work.  She has such an eye for capturing beauty and light with each shot.  So dreamy isn’t it?  You can see plenty more of Amy’s photoshoots over on her website.  And oodles of outfit inspiration on her fashion blog, Wolf & Wood.