Project 2

This is my last sewing project for a while but I wanted to share how amazing this skirt turned out! We used two incredible 70s pillow cases from one of my favorite etsy shops @1vintagejane. You must hop over to her account and visit her etsy shop. You won't believe all of the fun creative/vintage items she has!

God's Beauty is Everywhere

     "God's beauty is everywhere! Capture it!" Whether by art, photography, decorating, writing, speaking, encouraging or the hundreds of others ways... capture it and share it!!! This little quick artwork was done on a piece of regular ole cardboard. @hippieindisguise you inspired this!! Use what you have and choose to see the whimsical beauty!!

New Creative IG Account

     Dear Friends, @_emilylind, one of the most creative and sweetest people I've ever known, has just launched a new account for all of the creative community. It's a place where you can share your stories, creations, talents, dreams, passions and struggles. I'm so excited to watch the account grow and see her flourish in this new platform!! Emily, you are going to (and already are) touch so many hearts and brighten oh so many souls!! I'm so very proud of you!! @_calledtobecreative

Antique - Disneyland

     Don't you just love when your trip to the antique store ends with finding little goodies like these? 😃🎉 (You may or may not be seeing a few new necklaces made with those fabulous keys!!)😊✨✨💜 I would love to see some of your favorite items you've found thrifting or antiquing! 

Women Entrepreneurs Interview - Summer Bellessa

(photo credit Liza Boone)

This week's "Women Entrepreneurs" feature is absolutely amazing! I pray and hope that each week's interview encourages and inspires you to go after that dream God has placed on your heart and ultimately walk by faith.  I know,personally, that I am always encouraged by the testimony of each of these incredible women and their beautiful hearts. I'm so thankful for the willingness of each to share their story and personal walk with God.  Ladies you are changing the world and winning hearts for HIM! Today's interview is with my sweet encouraging friend Summer Bellessa! For those of you who don't know Summer, she is an actress, fashion blogger, art director, magazine editor and half of The Girls With Glasses Show.  

Summer, you are beautiful inside and out! I can't wait until the day I can give you a big hug in person!

(photo credit Michelle Herrick)

1. What was the first major break/blessing that helped you embark upon your journey as a female entrepreneur?

The first thing that helped me was having supportive parents. My mom always made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to. She also invested in my dreams. After that, there's a long line of small things and choices I was able to make to start a life of creating, including meeting people with complimentary talents, being exposed to things that influenced my vision, and having a vision to move forward.  

2. Where do you gather inspiration?

All around really. I love to look at magazines, watch creative movies, see traditional art shows and the Internet, of course. We are so lucky to have such vast libraries of quality images on Pinterest and inspirational videos at our finger tips on YouTube. But if you look at these things too much, it can also be stifling. It seems like everything's already been done. When I have an idea, sometimes I won't even do a search till I've finished the project, so I'm not influenced by what others have done, and sometimes I do a thorough search so that I can make sure I'm putting a different spin on the project than what's already available and out there. 

3. As one half of The Girls With Glasses Show and founder and editor of Eliza magazine, what would you say are important qualities to possess when working with a team and co-partners?

I look for people who are talented, who have a similar style, who are already working hard, and who are friendly and easy to work with. It's also great to work with people who have a similar life's purpose and goal of putting good/quality things in the world. Lastly, a great partnership is one where both parties are equally getting good things from it: experience, klout, exposure, etc.

4. If you had one piece of advice to share with women entrepreneurs, what would it be?

The most important thing is to make sure you have a relationship with God. He's the most important business partner to have. He can give you insight, inspiration, and guidance. The second piece of advice is not to compare yourself to anyone else. You have your own specific path, and no one else can do the things you can in the way you can. Be careful how you measure success. If it's in dollars, advertisers, productivity, being better than someone else, etc. those are all things that can fluctuate and change, your feeling of worth shouldn't. Knowing you're giving your all, and being inspired, help keep you steady. Also having a support system that you are an invested part of, friends, family, church, etc. is a big help. This is a long piece of advice, but I also wanted to add, that sometimes you make sacrifices for your family. You say no, or skip out on great opportunities to be a good wife, or a great mom, or a caring friend/sister/aunt/etc. And sometimes the universe rewards you, but sometimes it doesn't. Other people might do better, or take your opportunities, and if you can come to peace with the idea that you are in the place that you're suppose to be, and make the best out of that, then you will live a happier and fuller life, and that's really what it should be about. 

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Summer! Love ya! Be sure to check out the following links!

The Girls With Glasses Show Website: http://thegirlswithglasses.com 

The Girls With Glasses Show Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCog6Gt8nuQQr4jisX9GT5bQ?sub_confirmation=1

Creative - Madlyn Jane

     Look at this whimsical card made out of flowers!! So creative and beautiful!! @madlynj 

DIY Shoes - Jaimee Ulmer

     I absolutely love this DIY that Jaimee Ulmer(_havenwood) has done to pretty up her shoes!  

Paper Flowers - Suzi

     Look at these paper flowers!! So stunning!! Photo and amazing talent by @sweet_izzi

DIY - Emily

     Photo by @happilyeveremily Love this idea for adding a little sparkle to pumpkins!!! 

Free to be Me Journal

     Here is the official hashtag for "Free to be Me". This account is to celebrate YOU so here are a few things to keep in mind when submitting: 

1. Women entrepreneurs that you would like to highlight 
2. Photographs 
3. Your business 
4. Encouraging words 
5. A special story about seeking God through business related success or struggles 
6. DIY 
7. Your item/s that you sell in your shop (send me an email about collab to freetobemejournal@gmail.com) 
8. Organic anything 
9. Fun things to do in your town 
10. Books 
11. Anything else you can think of that keeps on topic with this account Most of all, I want to hear and share your dreams so that we can build a community of support for one another and encourage each other in the ups and downs of life. 

Value Your Struggles

     Psalm 119:67 When you are struggling or frustrated with your life, put your trust and faith in Him. He gives us battles so that we must look beyond ourselves and seek refuge in His arms. There is peace and love waiting. Our struggles make us stronger and are ways He teaches us lessons we need to learn. He draws us back through them.

DIY - Katie Ashmore

     Check out this amazing DIY!!  Photo by Katie Ashmore (@k8eashmore) Would love to learn how she does this!!

I Wonder Original

     I have been following along with each of your journeys and I'm so inspired by your dreams and passions in life.  You all are so amazing and encouraging!  I know God has incredible things in store for you.  Today I would like to share with you a piece of my dream... one that I was not aware of until God knocked me down and placed it in my lap.  I have a dream to open a shop "I Wonder Original" where I will set art, tees, photography, and a future e-course.  My desire is to inspire each one of you and to encourage you to follow your dreams because YOU are a valued part of this world.  I am so excited to share with you my brand new logo!

DIY Garden - Zeynep Albayrak

     Loving this super fun hanging garden!  Photo by Zeynep Albayrak(@zynp).  Very creative feed full of colorful whimsical food, flower and decor photos.

Thoughts at the Beach

     Well I'm back at home.  Sad but glad.  It was a wonderful farewell to summer and now I'm excited to prep for fall and get back on schedule.  Actually... I'm ready to hand everything over to my Savior and have Him plan my days.  Vacation is always such a time free from worry.  That's exactly how He tells us to live EVERYDAY!  Just TRUST Him!  Anyone with me?

Decor - Lindee

     Photo by Lindee(wildflowerhome_photo)!  Absolutely loving the green!  Her feed is full of DIY and decorating ideas.

Wonderful Words - Amy Boliba

     Today I am honored to share with you something that has blessed me immensely.  How often do we not post a photo or have to "stage" a photo before we take it because we think it's not good enough?  For me, ALL of the time!  It's something I'm working on.  Well, I am excited to share with you Amy Boliba's (@amyboliba) thought provoking post about this subject.  I'm so happy she shared her thoughts - leave a comment of some way you struggle with this topic.  Let's build each other up instead of tearing each other down!!

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Here's me being real folks.  A couple of y'all wanted to see the outside of our home... and out of embarrassment or whatever I said something like it's not ready yet!  And now, I'm thinking what's to be embarrassed about?  This is what paying as you go looks like.  I mean, dream with me for a second, imagine a front porch going along the front with white wood siding on the house and yellow shutters to match the door.  Imagine some rocking chairs and a porch swing and big pots of flowers and ferns hanging.  That's what I see, thanks for dreaming with me! :)

Photography - Heather Glasby

     Photograph by Heather Glasby(@heatherglasby).  Who else would like to take a seat at this gorgeous table?!  Hop on over to her feed! You will be inspired.

DIY - Washi Tape Piano Keys

     Adorable DIY by Katie Schiltz(@ktschiltz).  I'm always inspired by her incredible photos full of home decor and simple ideas for DIY projects.  Her feed is a must!

Interior Design - Selina Lake

     Ok.  I just cannot get enough of Selina Lake's books!  So much inspiration and decor that I could actually do... many times I'll find a promising interior design book only to be let down by the lack of creativity or use of dull photographs - COMPLETELY different than the one on the cover.  Does that ever happen to you?  Well, this was absolutely not the case with Selina's books - she's definitely got it goin on!