My Soul Neighborhood

“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.” 
― Hugh MacLeod, Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity


With our lives on the edge of chaos this past 18 months, creativity has been the one quiet and sure place I can go to find comfort. Painting, gluing and doodling has a way of healing my heart and making me feel whole again. I am so grateful for it!

Last summer sometime my blog friend Becca wrote a post on her "dream neighborhood". She shared how cool it would be if only those people in our life that lifted us up and supported our dreams could be our neighbors. I loved her idea and was totally inspired to create my very own Soul Neighborhood on canvas!!! 

I actually started this last summer but had trouble getting it just right. It's the largest canvas I have ever worked with and to be honest I was quite intimidated by it. You can't tell but this piece has sooo many layers...I kept painting and re-painting it...lol. I FINALLY finished last Saturday!! It has been sitting in my craft closet and I was just in the mood to get it done!! Sooo excited to share my "Soul Neighbor-Part One" with you!!! 

So when I was planning this piece I thought about all those amazing women that uplift me, motivate me and inspire me with their creativeness, love and style. Before long I had over a dozen women!! I knew I wanted my houses to be pretty large...so this is just part one. I hope part two doesn't take as long...lol.

The cute skinny house on the far left is Melody Ross from Brave Girl's Club. Melody never ceases to amaze me!!!!

By taking her classes and being a member of Brave Girl's Club I have learned how to truly listen to my heart!!

Right next door to Melody is my dear friend Leanne from "Chaos Comes Happiness". She has been one of my biggest suppporters, creating my blog look (I LOVE it!!) and always being there for words of encouragement.

The words to the left of the flower read "She was so grateful". Leanne is soooo amazing with her family and sooo grateful for them. She has lifted me up on many occassions with stories about her daughters. She is an amazing mom!!

I chose the drama masks since she loves the theater and that Julia Child quote fits her philosophy so well:)

Next in line is the very talented writer and artist Courtney Walsh. Courtney was near the top of my list for many reasons!! Not only is she a super talented writer and scrapbooker but she her spirit-filled heart connects with mine. She lives her faith and it is so evident in all that she does. 

 She is a definite must in my Soul Neighborhood!!!

Next door to Courtney is another blog friend and mentor...Jodene Shaw.

Jodi lives on a ranch in South Dakota and LOVES taking photos of sunflowers and birds. Her mixed-media art and love of Jesus Christ is what I love most about her!!! I have watched her blossom into a very talented photographer, artist and teacher. Her art speaks to me and makes me happy:)

The last friend in my Soul Neighborhood is the whimsical and darling Kristin from "Twinkle Twinkle". Not only is Kristin a super talented mixed-media artist who has been published several times in various magazines...but she is also sweet, charming and crazy about her cutie patootie, dinosaur loving daughter Kendra. 

I think this quirky, little house with lots of sparkle and bling is perfect for her:)


So there you have it...my perfectly happy "Soul Neighborhood-Part One".
I hope you enjoyed your visit!!