I’ve mentioned before that I was an elementary teacher, and someday I probably will be again. When I went to college I got my BA in elementary education, but you got to pick a subject of interest.  So, I chose Art.  I believe it’s a very important part of a child’s education.  And these days with standardized testing, students don’t have the time or opportunity to explore their artist skills. Art can bring confidence and achievement to students that struggle in other academic areas. But that’s a mini soap box I have. So, in college, I got to take a watercolor painting course for my degree, lucky right? Better I’ve never really painted anymore, even though I’ve wanted to. So just last week, I got the urge to take out my paints (over 13 years later) and just played a bit.

I ended up painting for about 3 hours one evening, and it was just so therapeutic.  I mixed colors and played with movement of the paint and water on the paper. Watercolors are such a fantastic medium to work with. I felt relaxed and in a better place when I was done.  I’m definitely one of those people that NEEDS to be doing something with my hands in order to relax and rejuvenate myself. God must have known the week I was walking into, because those 3 hours had some pretty perfect timing.

It’s funny how we are drawn to the same shapes, patterns and colors. About 2 hours into my playing with the paints, I started painting triangles and them my geometric heart pattern starting repeating itself on the paper. I’m obviously not really that great at painting with watercolors, but I just had so much fun experimenting with them, that I wanted to share with you. I hope I can inspire you to try something new, or pick an old skill that you just haven’t made time to for. Creating and making is such a satisfying experience, even if the finished product is not what you were expecting. It’s the process that’s good for your soul.

I displayed my little pieces on my mantel with a couple vintage metal floral frogs that I picked up at the Santa Fe Flea Market.  And I hung another on a vintage hanger that I got from a friend’s lovely etsy shop, Life on Churchill St. 

I’ll be making time to paint more very soon. Is there a skill or technique that you wish you’d make time to learn or practice? What do you do do to relax? Are you a doer or maker, can you relate to where I’m coming from.  

Last week I shared on instagram these fun West Elm style monogram towels I made. I love West Elm’s monograms, they are large and modern and not stuffy or preppyish. I thought it would be fun to make my own set of monogramed tea towels.

I used this set of 3 IKEA towels that are the perfect yellow and tan/grey. Stripes are just happy, almost as happy as polka dots. And at only $5.99 for all 3 towels, that’s a steal.

I simply made 3 freezer paper stencil’s using my Cricut machine, but you could easily trace and cut out your monogram with an x-acto knife. If you are lucky enough to own a Cricut, here’s how I cut freezer paper stencils. Cut of piece of freezer paper to fit your cutting mat. Place the freezer paper shiny side down on the mat. Set the pressure to 3,  blade depth to 4, and the speed can be on 5. Then cut just as you would with any other paper. The stencils come out beautifully every time.

I chose 3 different fonts to make each towel unique. And then I just followed my freezer paper stenciling instructions (and if you like an ombre effect, these instructions might be helpful).

I was away for the last 4 days to our Church’s Women’s Retreat.  My BBF was in charge of the event this year and I was on the planning committee.  It was a lot of work, but the whole weekend turned out amazing. I was in charge of the craft, so I taught the ladies how to make these towels.  There ended up being over 50 women for the craft session.  It was a little crazy with that big of a group, but they all came away with some really cute towels.