Art & Design of Kelli Murray

I am over on A Beautiful Mess today sharing my first ever hand embroidery project! It was definitely a labor of love, but worth the effort!  See the full post and learn how here. 

Happy Monday, friends!

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.

This weekend was such a blast! I wasn’t sure what to expect meeting so many faces I only knew about through the internet.  It’s kind of a weird thing to “know” someone online and then really get to “know” that person in real life.  But most everyone was just as I imagined!  It was so encouraging and inspiring to hear each others stories and learn from one another’s experiences.  Get 20 + female designers together and there is A LOT to talk about! haha.  Everyone was so open and willing to share! It really did feel like such a friendly collaborative community.  I even managed to make it through four whole days without blubbering on about missing my baby…..the girls made it pretty easy for me!  I love how the internet can bring us all together in this way! Thanks to Promise and Alyssa for coordinating this retreat! I am looking forward to doing it again next year, and seeing how this thing might grow!

You can see more pics from the trip on my instagram or through our hash tag #designlife2012

Or follow along on twitter at @designlifereatreat

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So there’s a lot of excitement + nervousness going on around here today!  I’m excited because I am headed to Palm Springs this morning for an all girls blogger / designer retreat at the Ace Hotel!  I’ve never done anything like this before and I am thrilled to meet some new friends and learn from other girls that have the same “job” (ish) that I do!  I think it will be super inspiring and refreshing for me to get away and bond with like-minded, creative girls! I really can’t wait.  But i’m also a bit nervous because this will mark my first trip ever away from Rylee.  She’ll be in great hands with her daddy, and I know she’ll be just fine….but it’s more ME that i’m worried about! ha!  Maybe this time away will be totally rejuvenating and just what I need….but it kills me to leave this sweet face!  I think a skype date might be a necessity for this empty-armed momma! (…hear that Sam?)

Regardless, Palm Springs has always been one of my favorite places to escape…and paired with some inspiring ladies, I think it will be a pretty epic time.  You can follow along on my trip on instagram if you want.  I’ll be sure to take a lot of pics and maybe even some video.  Speaking of video, did you ever see this one that we made on our last trip to Palm Springs in February!?  Maybe i’ll try to do another one of these this time (although, don’t hold me to it!)  I’ve gotten quite good at breaking promises lately.  Photos however, are a cross my heart promise!

Happy weekend everyone!

A few Etsy shops I’ve fallen in love with recently….

SIAN -

Are you kidding me!? Stuffed Succulents!? So genius. And this little llama needs a new home in Rylee’s room pronto.  All of the creatures in this shop are so endearing.

HOMAKO -

Really, I want everything. Quirky & unique jewelry designs with pretty killer color combos. My fave right here.

ROSS LAB -

I first spotted these ceramic mugs on Pinterest and had to see more.  And indeed, more I did love.  What perfect little mint vessels for your salt, pepper and sugar!

What etsy shops are you loving?