Women Entrepreneurs Feature - Mary Wangerin

     Good Morning, friends!  I am giddy with excitement to share with you this week's "Women Entrepreneurs Feature".  I know you are going to love it and be filled with inspiration just as I am.  Today's feature is my sweet friend and artist Mary Wangerin.  I have been so very blessed by her sweet spirit, heart for God, and love for life that is clearly depicted in her brightly colored paintings.  Let's begin.

Me: Has art always been part of your life?

Mary: Oh my goodness yes. Life is art, after all! But in the literal sense of the question, I remember spending hours as a little girl with my crayons and blank sheets of paper. The desire to create with my hands runs deep. 

Me: How did you feel called to be an artist?

Mary: When I began to silence the noise all around me, and truly listen to my inner thoughts - what I felt was the push to begin creating again. 
I had just graduated college and my hubby and I had moved to a tiny town in the mountains. I spent hours in my little studio reconnecting with color and texture through paint, and I completely and totally fell in love. 

These words from Joseph Campbell resonate so much with what it felt like to choose this path: 
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”  - Joseph Campbell

Me: Where do you gather inspiration and can you explain a little about your creative process?

Mary: I am a mixed media artist. My favorite materials include acrylic paint, pastels, charcoal pencils, found objects + ephemera. Layers and layers of colorful goodness make my heart happiest. 

I'm inspired by so much of daily life - you know, the little things. A delicious cup of coffee in my favorite mug. Watching the leaves dance + twirl + fall. Good conversation. Togetherness. A field of wildflowers. Long bike rides. Road trips to nowhere in particular. The way the sunlight filters through the sheer curtains in the morning. The moon! The list goes on and on.

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

Mary: Tune into your own creative spirit. Listen to what calls you, and what comes naturally, and do that! Don't worry so much about what you think people will love, or want to purchase. Make art and don't worry about the outcome. That's where the real joy is.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your beautiful thoughts about your artistic process and journey with us.  I have been blessed by your story and am so thankful for you! :)

Please check out Mary's artwork!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryWangerin?ref=ss_profile

Instagram: MaryWangerin

Blog: http://theturquoisepaintbrush.blogspot.com/

Beautiful Cake - Priscilla Chang

     Absolutely breathtaking cake by Priscilla Chang!  I'm always in awe of her beautifully decorated cakes that she shares in her feed.  One amazing and super sweet gal! :)

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!

Elly Grace Creates

     This girl absolutely knocks my socks off with her creativity!  I am constantly blown away by her talent but most of all her heart for God.  Elly has recently been selling gorgeous embroidered pendent necklaces to fund her own dream of taking cello lessons! Love when girls realize a dream and find a way to make it come true!! I'm also lovin this photo she took of her recent project. Go check out this gem's work. Beautiful! @ellygrace.99 on instagram!

I Believe in You

     Words are powerful.  They can make or break a person.  Sometimes all we need is a simple "I Believe in You" to lift our spirits and encourage us to persevere.  My heart breaks for those who never hear these words... those who are constantly torn down and their fighting spirits beat to a pulp.  Please, don't be the one to tear someone down but choose the opportunity to speak life into them.  And for you my wonderful friends, I Believe in You!!!! :)

DIY Summertime Style

     

     Here is a quick little DIY for you.  During the summer, it can be fun to spruce up and "summerize" the inside of your house.  This summer, the mosquitoes have been crazy due to rain.  Some nights they are so bad that it's hard to sit outside and enjoy the summer evenings.  However, this little DIY can add a touch of summer even on those rainy buggy days.  Simply use some fun construction paper (I think this is scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby) and create fun little Chinese lanterns.  Then take Christmas lights and string them in the kitchen of whatever room you are in the most.  Last but not least, hang your adorable little lanterns.  At night when we are eating dinner, we turn the main lights out and eat underneath this "cafe" style decor.  You can also fill a bunch of vases and jars full of wildflowers and greenery to add more summery style. Enjoy!