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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

How My Grandmother’s Spirit Is With Me on Her 99th Birthday

grandmotherMy grandmother would have turned 99 today!! She was the most wonderful woman, full of love, life, heart and kindness. She was only 80 when she died and I often wonder what she’d be up to now if she were still alive. Would she still have her vivacious energy? Would she still love to eat Skittles at the movies?

Those are the sorts of things I miss about my grandma — the little things, those personality traits that made her, well, her. Those were the things that made her such an individual and I miss her every day. I miss all the family stories she told. I miss our games of Scrabble and Monopoly, which she and I always played while my mom, sister and dad went down to the beach or to the movies. I miss hearing her say “Goodnight, Sweetheart” every night before bed. I miss her smile and her laugh and her warm hugs.

In her later years, she discovered her talent for painting and she’d spend afternoons upon afternoons sitting in front of an easel, her brushstrokes bringing colorful paintings to life. I sometimes wonder what went through her mind as she was deep in creative mode.

grandmotherMaybe she thought about her life and her family or maybe she thought about what painting she was going to paint next. Although, knowing how laid-back and chill my grandmother was, she probably remained in the moment and just relaxed — isn’t that a lesson for us all?

Today, her beautiful art hangs on our walls; in fact, she painted so often that each of her children have some of her work in their house. And it all sort of hit me this morning as I was thinking about her and her birthday: These paintings are a constant and comforting reminder that she’s still with us. Her spirit in alive in full color in each of her masterpieces and we’re so lucky to be able to feel her presence around us.

grandmotherEvery time we walked past one of her paintings, she’s with us. Each time we look at them, we’re reminded of her and the memories come flooding back.

Those memories mean so much to me, especially in the last 18 years since her death. She was one incredible lady who brought color and joy to the world — one memory and brushstroke at a time!! xoxo

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2 Comments Filed Under: art, family, family photos

Thursday, August 23, 2018

🎨How Illustrator Melissa Hiebert Found Her Artistic Passion🖌️

Illustrator Melissa HiebertYesterday, I unveiled myself in cartoon form, which I still can’t believe is actually real — how do you wrap your head around that one? Along with the illustration, I also introduced you to the talented artist who brought my vision to life!! Meet illustrator Melissa Hiebert, who I had the pleasure of interviewing about her craft (seriously, check out her amazing work!), what she loves about her job and the advice she’d give to young artists! Read on… xoxo


Name: Melissa Hiebert
Where I’m from: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
3 words that describe me: Curious, Tenacious, Determined
Web site: Online portfolio

Tell me a bit about yourself…what do you do, what are your hobbies, etc.?
I love going for walks, reading poetry and Shakespeare and discovering new music. What I do [art] is like breathing to me, an extension of my heart and soul.

When did you first know that you wanted to be an artist/illustrator? Was it always something you wanted to do?
I always loved to draw since I was little, but I also played music and was involved in most of the arts, but acting was my path until I was 19 years old. It was only until I was 21/22 that I started going into art and illustration more seriously.

What artists did you admire growing up?
Eyvind Earle did the backgrounds and all the style work in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Definitely one of my most profound influences in my line style and color work. I also love Rodin’s sculptures and all classical art from Greece and Rome. Also, Glen Keane, who just won his first Oscar for Dear Basketball. I love the soulfulness and honesty in all of his work; he always draws from the heart. His drawings are somehow imperfect but totally perfect at the same time. I also admire his daughter Claire, who does beautiful paintings.

What is most rewarding for you as an illustrator?
That’s a question I don’t get asked a lot, but probably when a person I am capturing in my work acknowledges that I captured them accurately and was able to recreate their personality and features on the page.

What issues do you think women face who work in the arts?
So many. Not equal pay, not as many promotions to key positions or voice in boardrooms. Thankfully I have worked with male and female filmmakers and have been blessed to not have experienced any of those things, but I know it does exist. Right now as a woman, you still have to be selective about who you work with so you can have a working experience that is positive and helps you grow as an artist and professional.

Illustrator Melissa HiebertWhat is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were just starting out?
Just start drawing. Draw anything and everything that inspires you. If you want to be multi-faceted, then study all of those disciplines. The one mistake I made as a young artist was putting too much time into my ambition and not enough into my personal life, so I would also say work hard, but make sure to make time for life too!

What would you tell aspiring artists today?
It’s not what it used to be. We still have some form of the ‘Old Studio System‘ with big animation studios, but with the internet, Netflix, more independent cinema making it to the world stage, you can start anywhere, with anything, as long as you have the grit and motivation to put in the work. Don’t be afraid to create your own style. I love all of the styles that the studios put out, independent and Hollywood, but be fearless with creating your own look and feel. We are living in a generation where people want something fresh and distinct.

Thank you, Melissa!!! I just can’t thank you enough for this amazing illustration!! I’ll definitely treasure it forever!! Seriously, this is one of the highlights of my career!!! So. Happy. Be sure to check out Melissa’s portfolio and follow her on Twitter and Instagram! She’s also open to commissioning work, so, you know, if you ever want to cartoon-ify yourself, now’s your chance!! xoxo

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: art, inspiring women, Interview Series

Monday, July 23, 2018

Sponsor Spotlight: Stencil Revolution

Stencil Revolution Stencil RevolutionI’m so excited to introduce So About What I Said’s newest sponsor today! Emily Rosas is one of the graphic designer behind Stencil Revolution, the small, family-owned operation based in Spring Hill, Florida. Launched just two years ago, the family team (including a couple lovable dogs who keep everyone company) has grown from a two-person operation to a full-fledged team of skilled stencil designers, laser technicians, and customer service representatives who are experienced with all forms of stencil art and production. And all their hard work shows! Their online shop is stocked with all kinds of fun and festive stencils — everything from animals to nature to flags to sports to words to holiday themes! Read on to learn more about the appeal of stencils as well as tips for working with stencils… xoxo

Keep in touch…
Official Web site: Stencil Revolution
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Get inspired on Pinterest
Follow on Instagram

Tell me about Stencil Revolution. What’s the inspiration behind its launch?
One of our founders started cutting stencils with a small laser cutter in his house at the end of 2016. Things took off pretty quickly and before long, it became a full-time business with nearly everyone in the family pitching in. Now we have three lasers and several employees all thanks to stencils! When you place an order, a member of our family personally cuts, packs, and ships it directly to you! We don’t outsource anything and every dollar you spend with us stays right here in the USA, helping our family and friends live a simple, purposeful life.

What do you think are the appeal of stencils, even as an adult?
They are fun and easy to use. Crafting is so popular right now, with people having a greater appreciation for handmade goods. A stencil is a quick way to turn a craft into something special without a ton of effort.

What are you top 3 tips for being creative and working with stencils?
1. Always make sure the stencil is firmly pressed down when painting
2. Use a very light amount of paint on your brush or roller. Off load as much paint as possible onto your tray or a paper towel to avoid bleed.
3. Avoid using spray paint if you want the cleanest results.

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
The world map stencil is my favorite! I love how versatile it is, it’s also very popular.

Stencil RevolutionThank you for sharing your story, Emily!! Be sure to visit Cherry Laurel Studio and check out these shops for more inspiration too! xoxo

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Leave a Comment Filed Under: art, design, sponsor spotlight

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Spring Print Giveaway!

Spring Print Giveaway Spring Print GiveawayI’m *so* excited for today’s spring print giveaway, friends! A few months ago, I introduced you to Elizabeth and her amazing shop Cherry Laurel Studio! The design and letterpress studio features greeting cards, prints and gifts — everything from birthdays to graduations to parenthood to sympathy to even thank-yous. I love that everything is printed by hand in Georgia!

Today, Elizabeth is giving this pretty spring print to one lucky reader! The print features a wonderful quote from Audrey Hepburn (“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow“), in both script and hand-styled type, and the quote is surrounded by a mix of ferns and other plants. Plus, I love how the green paper just screams spring, don’t you?

As Elizabeth says of the print: “Audrey Hepburn and gardening are a perfect match—and this print, a quote of hers framed by ferns and botanika, is perfect for gardening season or those times when we are simply wistfully thinking and dreaming of spring.”

Spring Print Giveaway!
We’ll be using Gleam this time around for entering. For your chance to win, simply visit Cherry Laurel Studio, and leave a comment below telling us where you’d display this pretty print. See above for LOTS of extra chances to win. A winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, May 30th, so you’ve got two weeks to enter. Have fun, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Nancy!! Thanks so much!

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2 Comments Filed Under: art, design, gorgeous giveaways

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Ooh, These Beautiful Pies Are Magical

Beautiful Pies Beautiful PiesDon’t mind me, friends, I’m just enjoying the wonder and splendor that are these beautiful pies this morning! Aren’t they truly a work of art? Lauren Ko lives in Seattle, and she started making these creations just a year ago. Yes!! A YEAR AGO!! Can you believe that?

“I come from a family of eaters and phenomenal home cooks, so it feels a bit like I’ve been cooking and baking my whole life,” she says.

Beautiful PiesHer Instagram is filled to the brim with her delicious creations, and I’m particularly fond of Starry Nut, her take on the Van Gogh classic Starry Night!

Beautiful PiesLauren also says she’s forever brainstorming new color combos, and, boy, does it show! I’m loving all the color that’s bursting from these photos, aren’t you? Which pie is your favorite? Aren’t you hungry just looking at these photos?? xoxo

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5 Comments Filed Under: art, food, inspiring women

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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