Snugstudio Breadboard

I have discovered the adorable esty store called snugstudio that sells these adorable wooden breadboards. I could imagine using these as serving plates for the little kiddies, which then makes me want to be a kid again.

Something new

(Adriano Sodré)

I have so much happening next week, well not really but it feels like I am going to be heaps busy though. On Thursday I leave for Canberra to go and do a photography gig I have on Friday. I am quite excited as this will be my first paid photography job but it is also so nerve racking. So I will be organising last minute things before I leave for a long weekend away. I have organised a couple of scheduled posts for you guys so hopefully you will entertained while I'm away.

Sponsor: Girl holding a paintbrush

If you are interested in sponsoring my blog then you should visit the new page I have put together for Sponsorship Information with all the details.

But here are a few quick facts about my blog:

♥ Founded in August 2010 by Murphy Bouma
♥ A Visual arts and inspiration blog that looks at art, photography, fashion, handmade culture and lifestyle
♥ My goal is to inspire others like myself visually in their creative lifestyles
♥ Over 90 subscribers via Google friend connect, Bloglovin, RSS, Facebook etc (as at August 2011)
♥ 2,500+ unique hits per month (as at August 2011)
♥ Appeals to creative people, particularly women aged 16 to 30
♥ Strong following in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand
♥ Open to all advertisements across the globe from both small and large businesses, bloggers, etc
♥ Will only run ads that I feel fit with the overall theme of Girl holding a paintbrush
♥ More then welcome to provide me an item to giveaway, style or share on my blog

If you are interested in sponsoring or have any other inquiries, please email me at murphy.bouma@hotmail.com for ad rates and more details.

Kris Lewis

My latest art love is the American artist, Kris Lewis. Working with oils, Kris often depicts images of strong women and often refers to his family as an inspiration to his works. He is considered a modern day master as his works relate closely to the old masters of painting in his expression of the human figure. Kris' paintings are a response to both historical portrait painting and popular culture, powerfully combining traditional art practice with contemporary content.  I love how realistic his paintings are and  how they also have a surreal like quality to them. As well I find myself questioning these paintings when I look at them as I keep trying to find the message and story behind his works. This search for meaning within a artwork is what I believe that great art should always do.

Images of painting from here and here

One Year Blogiversary!

I can't believe that a year has gone by since I started this blog already! So far it's been such a great journey and experience stepping into the blogging world and getting to know so many great bloggers. So I got this idea from Amanda's blog and I wanted to share some of my favourite post that I have shared over the past year. The post titles are linked back to my original posts which you can read the post and find more images and proper picture credits. Hope you guys enjoy :)

365 Knitting Clock
A clock that knits you a scarf

Interview with Gregory Dion from 100 cups
My very first interview I did with Gregory Dion from 100 cups

Vintage Finds

I just love these photos that I took of some of my vintage finds

The Creativity Chart
A great way to keep you motivated by doing something creative each day

Amanda De Vito
 One of my favourite photographers that I gave came across, photographs by Amanda De Vito

 Mike Stilkey
A artist that I discover who has really inspired me, works by Mike Stilkey

White Chocolate and Raspberry Scones

My own personal recipe to make some yummy scones

Louise Hearman

Some of my favourite work from one of my favourite Australian painters, works by Louise Hearman

DIY vintage postcard calendar journal

A cute DIY project on how to make your own cute daily calender journal

Ryan McGinley

Some amazing photographs shot by Ryan McGinley

I love going through my old posts to look back at all the inspiring things I gave shared with you all. So just a big thank you to all guys who read and enjoy my blog. I hope to have many more great years of blogging ahead of me and can't wait to do this again next year :)

A tribute to Margaret Olley

Last week people in Australia were seen with the death of one of the nation's most cherished artists. Margaret Olley, known for her colourful still life paintings and intimate interiors, was an inspiration to all who knew her. Being a painter all her life, she was a great supporter of the arts and has  donated hundreds of artworks to galleries across Australia. She was a really amazing lady who I really admired and she is exactly the women I want to be.
Thank you Margaret.

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Much Love Monday

Be sure to join in next week for Much Love Monday

It's the start of a new month and I can't believe there is only one month left of winter. So I thought I would reminisce on some of the things that I love about about winter.

♥ Drinking lots of chai tea ♥ Cold mornings when I don't want to leave my warm bed ♥ 

Sitting in front of the heater with both the pets ♥ Wearing thick woolly socks ♥ Winter clothing 

♥ Scarves, mittens and beanies ♥ Going to bed early to read a book or watch a DVD ♥ Rainy days ♥

Putting on you pyjamas as soon as you get home ♥ Seeing your breath in the cold air ♥ Lots of cuddles

♥ Soup & bread ♥ Hot water bottles ♥ Hanging out with friends around a camp fire ♥

Photo Credit: Imapirateee