The POP UP SHOP was popping!!

After moving into our temporary townhouse, my sister from Jessica Stout Design and I decided to take full advantage of being in a prime location.  Our townhouse is located on a very popular downtown street in Carmel's Art District and our lower level is already zoned for business.

With that in mind, we selected a Saturday with an event happening which we knew would bring lots of people to our area.  After deciding to really do this..... I got to painting!!

I spent the next few weeks painting and drawing almost every night after Emersyn went to bed.  And with those paintings we set up shop!

The day was amazing! We had LOTS of friends and family visit the shop as well as those walking by.  We sold lots of paintings, arrows, and large wooden signs, and overall we were pleased with the outcome!  So of course we are onto looking for our next POP-UP SHOP opportunity!

I am currently working on getting all art from the shop onto my etsy store!

thanks to all of you who supported the POP-UP SHOP!!

Drawing Families

This little adventure all started because I wanted a picture of my own family drawn for an art gallery.  I didn't want a detailed (show every wrinkle) realistic drawing, more like a whimsical drawing that just captures the essences of who we are.  When thinking about this I naturally turned to Etsy.  This is a place that has EVERYTHING so I thought for sure I could find what I wanted.  After I searched Etsy shops that offered family drawings my natural 'Stout' (Stout is my maiden name and it is my creative side of the family) side came out and I could hear a voice in my head saying..."I could do that."  I hadn't drawn in years (besides fun teacher anchor charts), so I spent the next week drawing figures on everything I could get my hands on.  My husband was out of town that whole week so by the time he came home I had doodle on every note pad, mail envelop, and paper I could find.  After being home for about a day he finally said, "What are all these people drawings everywhere?"  I laughed and told him not to worry about it, that I was just working on something and I would fill him in when ready.  He knows me well- and knows my mind is always swirling with ideas.
After drawing random people from my imagination, I moved to using a picture to draw from.  I recruited some cute families of coworkers to start with.

After drawing these families for fun, I decided to start drawing and painting other items such as feathers, holiday items, nursery art, etc.  From there I have decided to open an Etsy store of my own!!!  I can't wait to showcase some of my art at the Pop Up Shop THIS SATURDAY, AUG.29TH FROM 12-5 (more info on Pop Up Shop on the side bar link)   However, I am even more excited to open my own Etsy store and see where this little adventure takes me.  I would be OVER THE MOON excited to draw more families and have a spot in many photo galleries!

Etsy store opens SATURDAY!

New Adventure... in watercolor

I love that from a small child the arts and creativity have been instilled into my life.  Some of my earliest memories include painting and crafting with my aunts or watching my grandpa in his workshop.  We grew up with crafty ways from both my mom and dad's families.

I have always dabbled with drawing, painting, and crafting- mostly in my classroom and around the house.  Lately life has been offering lots of opportunities for change,  and I started painting and drawing more and more.  I kind of became addicted to spending my evenings getting creative.  With that said,  I am excited to say that I am planning to open an Etsy store soon!! I am currently just working on getting pictures and listings organized.

I will be sharing some current watercolor paintings throughout the next 2 weeks leading up to the Pop-Up Shop and Etsy opening.

Wedding Place Cards

1.  I used both watercolors and calligraphy to do the place cards for a wedding.  I loved playing a small part in this gorgeous wedding for this sweet couple.

photo credit: Like Morning Sun Photography

Pop Up Shop

Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zone and take risks!  This year is all about doing just that.  I am no longer teaching, my family moved out of our home, and I started to tap into a creative side.
My family revolves around being creative and making things.  My grandfather did amazing wood work,  my aunts are incredible artists, my grandmother is a beautiful writer and gardener, my dad creates pottery- honestly everyone has a hand in creating.  I have always loved drawing, painting, and calligraphy.  However, I am just now really finding time to give it time.
I am learning, growing, and showing my work along the way.  My amazing sister from, Jessica Stout Design, my brother, and I are collaborating to create a pop up shop.  In addition to my artwork and brother's wood work, Jessica will be doing a HUGE Colts and design consultation giveaway at the pop up shop.

We would LOVE to see you all stop by for a little sweet treat, art, giveaway fun, and lots more!! 

A Little Me Time...

Everyone needs a little time just for themselves!!  When I get this precious alone time I LOVE treating myself to a nice mani and pedi.  There is something about having my nails done that makes me feel put together even on the days that workout clothes are my attire.  If you love to have fresh nails then I have the spot for you... Vogue Nail Salon.

Vogue Nail Spa is located in the new Keystone Ironworks building.  The moment you walk in, the atmosphere is clean, stylish, and very inviting.  I loved the simple and clean decor.  It has a modern spa feel.  Everything from the friendly receptionist to the relaxing music being played puts you at ease.  My manicurist greeted me and helped me select a pretty and bright pink.

Right away I noticed the attention not only to decor and ambiance but for keeping all equipment clean! This is big for me!! Seeing the pedicure supplies being taken out of their individualized, sterilized bag is so reassuring that I am in a clean environment.

With no tv's playing or cell phones ringing, you are able to relax to the soft music and a massaging chair. My favorite part of a pedicure is the leg/foot massage.  I could tell that they cared about giving each customer an experience- taking their time to make sure your pedicure was relaxing and enjoyable. (Writing this makes me want to go back for another!)

They are open for appointments but always have someone on staff available for walk ins.  They are well priced for the high quality of environment and service.  This is definitely my new go to spot!

Visit their website today for more pricing information and appointment times: http://www.voguenailspa.com/

Don't end your girls' day out without a little shopping!  Lucky for you there is a great boutique right next door to the Vogue Nail Spa called Profyle.

This high end boutique is filled with beautiful clothes that have a unique flare.  I took my sweet girl Emersyn with me to do a little shopping, and I just loved the area they had set up for little ones to play while mommy shops.  Emersyn loved the magnet board and it kept her busy for quiet some time.  The store itself was decorated with beautiful display cabinets and decor.

The store was filled with beautiful dresses!! This would be a perfect stop for a summer wedding.
I ended up buying a cute pair of octagonal earrings that I have been wearing everyday!

Enjoy a 10% discount to BOTH Vogue and Profyle by printing my review and using the discount code: Perks125