Super Easy DIY Silhouette

I am always looking for little DIY projects to make my house a home. I love art work that actually has meaning behind it. So my latest project I came across via pinterest which lead me to The Mama Dramalogues.  The Mama Dramalogues is an adorable little blog run by a group of Mommies. They share many adorable ideas you should totally stop by and check them out. Any Who I love the super simple silhouette how to brought to us by Holly. I completed this little project today in less than 30 minutes, and I loved how these turned out of my 3 sons. I love these little framed keepsakes of my children's childhood!  Super cute and super easy. For directions on how to make your own click HERE!

Picture Perfect

I am filling this month with firsts. I started my very first exercise plan, my very first art journal, and a new blog that is going to be filled with pictures. So I suppose I am starting my very first photograph blog. I am taking a 30 day photo challenge just because I thought it could be interesting and fun. So this month of June is the beginning of my journey to move forward, to become stronger, to strive to become who I want to be!!! I am sure the ride will be bumpy and far from perfect.

If you would like to follow my journey in pictures just click HERE!

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made” psalm 139:14

AntinaArt "handmade creations that matter"

Recently I attended a ladies craft night hosted by a sweet friend. Crafting at my table was the lovely Christina Ryan, a Nashville 3^rd grade teacher and owner of AntinaArt. Christina runs the company as a team with her husband Anthony, who takes care of all the computer related elements to the business. Christina handcrafts beautiful and charming family jewelry that easily has all the qualities to become heirloom pieces known as AntinaArt. What I found most appealing about these homespun family nest necklaces are that each piece is uniquely crafted to fit your own little treasured family. The necklaces are custom designed and lovingly made to celebrate you and what you hold dear. AntinaArt has a large selection of budget friendly, handcrafted jewelry on their Etsy shop that opened in March of 2012. The family nest necklaces make the perfect gift for so many celebrated occasions Mothers Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers or just a simple I love gift! I love a personalized handcrafted piece of jewelry. Actually, I loved Christina’s Jewelry so much that I ordered my very own with five little family eggs surrounded perfecting by a copper nest. So, I can vouch for the suburb customer service, speedy delivery, and products that are now one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.

A Small Selection Of AntinaArt Bird Nest Jewelry

Christina was sweet enough to let me interview her about her jewelry and inspirations behind the business. Take a peek inside AntinaArt with the answers that Christina delivers. Oh and a little tip before we get started with the interview if you visit her etsy shop there is a free shipping code if you order before Mothers Day! Hint Hint!!! Better Hurry! Just click AntinaArt anywhere in the blog for a direct link to her shop.

My Sweet Family Nest Christina Custom Made for Me in the Copper

Interview with AntinaArt’s Christina Ryan

Q: First off you are obliviously very talented. How did you discover the art of jewelry making?

A: I have always loved doing crafty type things, but honestly, always kind of stunk at creating things but tried none the less. So, one day I had some teacher friends over for a craft night and we decided to try to make a pendant “nest” from wire and I kind of had a knack for it. While we sat there messing with wire and drinking wine I actually said “wouldn’t it be so fun to just sit at home and make jewelry all day” (and drink wine, of course) and they all thought I was crazy.  So the next day I went out and bought a bunch of supplies and practiced making anything I could from the wire. After about 20 tries and several “how to” YOUTUBE videos, I created the perfect little “nest” necklace. I made one for my sister and several friends and realized that they were a hit.

Q: You and your husband run the business as a team correct? What roles does each of you play?

A: When we started our little business a few months ago, we knew we wanted to do it together. We are a team in all that we do and this was no different. We are VERY different in almost every aspect. Anthony is a computer nerd so he takes care of all the shipping details, website design and any other computer or number related thing. I make jewelry. J

Q: I noticed have several unique jewelry pieces in your shop. Is the bird nest jewelry the most popular?

A: I have always loved birds. I have a little birdie (peace dove) tattoo on my foot and love the freedom they represent. One of my favorite verses in the bible is Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? This just reminds me of the trust they have and free spirited, worry free lives they lead. I try to remember to live my life the same way.

Q: The name of your Etsy shop is AntinaArt tell us about the name and where it originated from?

A: Well, my husbands name is Anthony and mine is Christina, so we married the two to get Antina then we just thought Art sounded cool at the end of it.

Q: What or where do you draw the most inspiration from?

A: My obsession with birds really helps. Haha.

Q: Have you been surprised by the response to your jewelry?

A: YES! I had no idea that so many people would love the jewelry as much as I do. Our long term goal is to use the proceeds from our jewelry business to adopt or conceive a baby. We have prayed that God would make a way for us in this area, and I think AntinaArt is a part of His answer. J

Q: What do you want your costumers to know more than anything else?

A: One thing that I want our customers to know is that the piece of jewelry that they order is all about them and their family so we want them to be a part of the whole process and any special requests or ideas they have we will create on their behalf.

Q: I personally love your shops motto “handmade creations that matter”. Can you explain a little more about that and what it means to you?

A: I feel like our jewelry isn’t just something pretty that you throw on to match your outfit that day. Instead it represents your family or grandchildren or something sentimental and symbolic to you. Almost all of our customers order our jewelry for a deeper meaning, whether it is for a wedding gift, a mommy gift or something special they can keep on them throughout the day to represent their children and family.

Q: What is your favorite jewelry creation to date?

A: My favorite piece would have to be the nest necklace that has the mommy, daddy and babies all wrapped up in a nest. I love that it represents the whole family (even the daddy)!

Q: How are some of the ways people are can order or find jewelry?

A: All of our jewelry is displayed on our etsy store just click here on AntinaArt

You can also click here to  find AntinaArt on facebook!

Tuesday Treasury

This week's Tuesday Treasury is inspired by a book by Shel Silverstein, and one of my childhood favorites at that, The Giving Tree. So in this week's treasury, in which I call "Once There Was A Tree....", I have included all kinds of tree inspired goodies from the impressive and talented vendors from Etsy. Now, I will leave you with a excerpt from the book and a link to the full treasury list.Click HERE for full list.

Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy. And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. And the boy loved the tree.......very much. And the tree was happy. -Shel Silverstein

Once There Was A Tree

What was one of your favorite childhood books?

Photography, Paper, Picturesque

I just could not resist spotlighting the latest creative creation by Kelli Trontell{photography} and ButterflyspArks. These beautiful young entrepreneurs are creative geniuses on their own, but when you place these two girls together, magic happens. It’s incredible, fun, simple, beautiful…it’s art! Combine ButterflyspArks' extraordinary talent for creating visually stunning graphic design pieces and Kelli Trontell{photography} unique ability to capture precious details through her camera lens and just prepare yourself to be inspired. Distinctive characters from both the ladies' creative minds creates an entanglement perfect for developing personalized memories, better known as photographs. Their latest collaboration took place shortly before both of the ladies moved away from Nashville, TN and involved drawing inspiration from a couple key ingredients their love of children and their passion to create and inspire. These ladies dreamed up a photo shoot backdrop where kids can be kids. Their goal was to inspire mom’s who run out of creative ways to photograph their children. The girls came up with fun paper cutouts: paper cheeks, mustaches, music notes, and so much more, which transformed the simple but bold backdrops into a world of imagination and for the kiddos resulting in fun and cleverly designed photographs. Every photo is overflowing with adventure and giggling children! Kelli Trontell{photography} and ButterflyspArks“Playing with Paper” is simply a brilliant use of imagination developing a fun and easy way to photograph your favorite little ones. Hope you feel as inspired as I did!



Speical Note: this article also appear at Cookevilletimes.com

Little Sock Elf{by Mandee Franee Designs}

Just take a look at this sweet little elf face. Don’t you just love him? I love him all the way from his big black button eyes down to the adorable little bells on his toes. I love all Mandee Franee Designs this is her second appearance on Inside My Head. To see the first one just click Monster Fun. The girl behind these creations has such an adorable imagination. I also love her Christmas lens pet collection. My personal favorite is the Gingerbread man, too cute! You can check her and all her creations out on her blog just click HERE. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what lovable creations she comes up with for Valentines Day!!!

A Crafty Sisterhood

Rebekah and Deborah Robson are two small town girls, originally from Overton County, Tennessee who just happen to be sisters, who just happen to fall in love with and marry two brothers, who just happen to be stay at home mommies, who just happen to be two incredibly creative people.

Both of these young women are drawn to the crafting world. Rebekah has been painting, drawing, and sewing for years now, while kid sister Deborah is just getting her feet wet and exploring the crafty side of herself. After the discovery that both of them were interested in creating, the girls set out in search of an outlet for their creative energy. Thus, “20 Little Toes” was born, an Etsy shop devoted mostly to children’s projects.


“20 Little Toes” was originally created by sister Deborah and the name is a homage to her adorable twin boys. Soon after, sister Rebekah came on board as a mainstay contributor to the shop. The girls thought about changing the name, since Rebekah is also a mother to a sweet baby boy, but both decided “30 Little Toes” sounded a bit creepy, therefore deciding ultimately that “20 Little Toes” was around to stay.

The shop is dedicated to outfitting your children with both fun and practicality in mind. Both girls bring their own sense of style and ideas to the table. Rebekah's style is quirky, bright, with a twist of bohemian, while Deborah brings a more modern, streamlined, linear style with a dash of soft and feminine. The girls have found that in the crafting world their individual styles compliment each other very well. Their ability to work so well together is what makes the shop work and shows off a collective combination of their creative abilities and unique styles.


The shop has already made one appearance in the Etsy treasury section. The girls were thrilled that other crafters had connected with their work and chose their shop to be featured in such a select group.

These days the girls are busy preparing for the Holiday season. On average the girls spend 2-4 hours a day crafting and as far as plotting new ideas, the girls' brains are always in motion, daydreaming about new projects.

While Rebekah and Deborah love the crafting world, their main focus is their children. They are self described, part-time crafters and full time Mommies. While crafting is fun and challenging, their main priority is shaping the character of their sons. Crafting is something they do for themselves, something they enjoy, something that allows them to use a different part of their brains, and “20 Little Toes” is a lovely side effect of the crafting hobby of Deborah and Rebekah Robson.

To check out more of their products visit “20 Little Toes” on Etsy




Special Note: This article also appears in the Cookevilletimes.com

Gifted

I am just giddy about this inspiring new Holiday magazine & gift guide recently launched by Creature Comfort (blog). Gifted is a stunning on-line publication bringing together an assortment of talented minds offering you gorgeous ideas and products. The magazine features include shopping, gift ideas, decor, treats, do-it-yourself projects and so very much more. After I stumbled across this magazine one afternoon via a Facebook status, I simply could not stop admiring the beautiful images that are so precisely laid out. Once I could bring myself to stop swooning over the whimsical appearance, I began to explore the written portion and blogger links the publication had to offer. The magazine itself is such a joyful experience, but the adventure lying on each of it’s pages appears to be endless. Inside you will discover a whirlwind of inspiration on each and every one of the 200 plus pages. Without elaboration, there is simply something for everyone. Each and every one of the contributor’s deserves a pat on the back for a job well done, along with the dreamer behind the idea for such a stunning piece of on-line publication. One more bit of good news that I must mention is that access to Gifted magazine is totally FREE. Not only is it free, it gives amazing gift ideas and provides links to each one, giving the magazine both beauty and brains.

Polyvore Expressions of Autumn

A few of the Polyvore art sets that I ran across this morning that beautifully expressed the Autumn season.

A Falling Leaves...... by ✿ Crezenthi'e ✿ on Polyvore.com

Autumn Friendship by Lotty2008 buzy (Mother sick) on Polyvore.com

Blue Mist In Autumn by Irishuwell on Polyvore.com

FALL is in the Air by Peej ** sorry, no comments** on Polyvore.com

Clever and Fun Children's Costumes{DIY}

I searched the Internet for a few DIY costume ideas for children. There are so many fantastic ideas out there. I just keep wondering where all the fabulous creative juices come from that these people have, because I want some of it. Anyway folks... I thought I would share some my favorite costume finds of the day. I would love to see some of your creative costume creations(All costumes are fair game:pets,adults,children, and babies,)….I may even have to feature them on my blog or hold a little costume contest(depending on how many emails I receive) here on Inside My Head. So if you have an awesome costume creation you would like to share email it to me at insidemyheadblog(at)yahoo(.)com before Wednesday October 8th .

5 Totally Phenomenal DIY Children’s Costumes

Photo credit and idea to Disney FamilyFun
1. Unicorn: transform your little darling into a fairy tale land with this mystical and unique unicorn costume. Made with felt and a hoodie this is sure to be a hit with all her friends, and the good news is it's fairly simple to pull it all together before the costume parties and trick or treating begins.

Photo credit and idea to Disney FamilyFun
2. Crocodile Wrestler: this adorable little getup is sure to satisfy even the most adventurous of children. The costume is created with simple Khaki color clothing, and handmade with soft Styrofoam , a crocodile, binoculars, and a safari hat.

Photo credit and idea to Lizette Greco
3. Mario mustache and all. This is one adorable little plumbing hero from Nintendo Mario Bros. game. The costume is manageable to pull together with over-sized overalls, red turtleneck, white gloves, red hat (painted or sewn on M symbol), and don’t forget the all important mustache. Add in a few accessories, and you are good to go save Princess Peaches!

Photo and idea credit to Quick&Simple
4. Pink Poodle: I just fell in love with this little puppy. Made with pom-poms and a sweat suit, this little costume is going to melt a few hearts into handing out the good candy bars.

Photo and idea create to Pera Chapita
5. Circus Folks: this is always a great last minute cost idea because it can work for boys and girls of any age range. You can transform your children into the whole circus ringmasters, mimes, lion tamers, trapeze artist, and of course the all time favorite clowns. With clowns you can dress them as crazy and wacky as you like, and it’s one time you don’t have to worry about matching. With any of these circus character costumes your imagination is the limit...let it run away with you at least to the circus!

A Little Red Paint Magic

So as I have stated in a previous blog I have been bitten by the craft bug. I have a desire to create and be creative. This week my Mother-in-law and I went to a Goodwill outlet here in Nashville. Instead of things being individually priced you pay by the pound...the more pounds you buy the cheaper things cost. So I found this very gold tri-fold picture frame. I am not much into anything gold. Just not my style, but I loved the frame's potential, the detail, and the fact it held several photographs! I am a bit of picture nut! I also thought this little gold frame would be a great way to start small with my new desire to be creative. Plus I was going to reduce, reuse, and recycle and that's always a pretty cool thing.

Here is a few before shots of the tacky gold frame I paid about 75 cents for at the Goodwill Outlet.

I really love the leaf details. Don't you?


Now for the transformation!

My Simple Supplies
Sandpaper
Spray Paint
Primer

First I removed all the glass from the frame and laid it aside for now. Then I lightly sanded the frame. Just enough so the paint would stick a little better. I added just a thin coat of gray primer, and lastly painted 3 light coats of red spray paint over the frame. Presto my new little red frame!


I cleaned the glass and added in a few of my own photos. We had our family pictures made back in April and I loved so many of them. Thanks Mrs. Kelli Trontell for the beautiful photographs. I have have been looking for a creative way to display several of them at one time, and I believe I found it with this sweet little red frame! Why red you ask? Well I just love bright bold colors!

Checkout the little details now! I was just so happy with my first project, and all it took was a little spray paint so easy!

This is finished product now to just find a place to display it at in my home. (the picture isn't that great! Sorry about that. I didn't think about the fact my kitchen is red, and red on red just didn't work to well.)

Monster Fun!!!

Today I am taking a little break from the America series that has been my main focus for this month. However, stayed tuned, because there is more to come in that series.

So, this week I discovered something unexpected. I have been bitten by the craft bug. I have not been able to soak up enough of all those amazing creative blogs that are out there in cyber world, which has given me a deep desire to create and be creative. I haven't quite decided what that craft is going to be. I will keep you updated on that decision. At the same time, I thought it would be great to share some of my fellow bloggers every now and then, and show you what they have been up to lately. I would like to reveal Mandee Franee Designs. This single mom of three boys started her craft with her son's holey sock and her creative instinct, which has lead to a business of making the most adorable little sock monsters. Each one has it's own personality, much like the children that ended up loving these adorable little monsters. No two are just alike, which I just love!

You know you want one of these adorable little monsters!!!

Say Cheese!

Besides the sock monsters, Mandee Franee Designs also offers Lens Pets. Lens Pets are a creative way to get those wondering toddlers to look at the camera. Even grownups will find the camera lens more fun...I mean how can you not smile when some creature is sticking his tongue out at you. You can find Mandee Franee Designs on her Etsy shop or follow her on facebook and twitter!

I wanted to share one last photograph with you. I thought it was just to creative to pass up showing you. Isn't this little ladybug just to cute for words? I just totally fell in love with this little monster. The little pirate is my favorite, but the ladybug is for sure a close second! =)






All Picture credits go to Mandee Franee Designs

The Art of Love {Polyvore Style}

I am bringing to you today a few of my favorite Polyvore art sets showing of the subject of love! Seriously folks these sets should be displayed as wall art, or at the very least they should be printed on hallmark cards! If your a member of the polyvore community make sure you click on the art below and give these artist some positive feed back!

Lets Spend the Moon Together

Lets Spend the Moon Together by Camz--blaq&wite on Polyvore.com

Love Heart

love heart by ♑〖˚Ƥǝαςɦσċs˚〗ɞ on Polyvore.com

Love,love,love

Love,love,love.... by MaMarijana on Polyvore.com

I must have loved you before

I must have loved you before. by Fairytale Belle ♥ on Polyvore.com

Diving into love

diving into love by » ℓoѵe, ℓe.ℓe on Polyvore.com

TUTU Cute

So today I was thinking about all the totally awesome, creative, talented, fun, friends that I have have surrounding me, and thought hey why not share their talents with the rest of the world. So to start off I ask my beautiful friend Tiffany if she cared if I featured her on my blog, and Wooooot she said yes. Tiffany and I have known each other for ummmm pretty much our whole lives. We both grew up in small town, and we both found ourselves moving to the city. Tiffany is the kinda girl that bates her own fish hook and loves to go fishing, but it wouldn't surprise me if she did it in designer heels. She has a intoxicating personality, she is just so easy to love. Just always beautiful, peppy, and eager for the next adventure. Tiffany is probably the busiest person I know. She works a full time job, runs a side business selling Rodan + Field skin products,and just graduated from Belmont University in 2009, and the girl still finds time to be creative. She also is a singer, song writer, and she crafts these beautiful little girls tutus. The little Tutus are what I want to talk about. They are just 100% adorableness. She handcrafts each one with a wide variety of colors, and adds flowers and ribbons to give them each it's own stunning little diva pop. It's probably safe to say that no two are exactly alike. No matter if you have a special little princess or if your little girl is more the diva type these little tutus are just the perfect little gift. They would make captivating photo props for your little girls next photo shoot, be just darling at a tea party themed birthday party, perfect for dance class, lovely for next Halloween's little angel, princess, fairy or ballerina, or even just plum enchanting as your little ones favorite dress up accessory. They are just TUTU cute!!!Speical thank you shout out to my stunning friend Tiffy for letting me feature her on Inside My Head today! If you would like to obtain more information about purchasing a Tiffany's Tutu just leave me a comment with an email contact and I will put you in touch with her. Stay tuned for more of my interesting and talented friends...you just never know what or who you will find featured on Inside My Head ;)

Kelli Trontell

I have been itching to blog about inspiring people again the past couple of weeks. Last week I blogged about Allen Mazan Peace Corp Volunteer. This week I find my inspiration in a young Nashville entrepreneur and lover of life Kelli Trontell. I first met the beautiful, enchanting, bubbly red head with the warm smile at a GOA gathering, which is the company both of our husbands work for. My first impression of Kelli was that this girl has exquisite sense of style and a spirit that could melt Antarctica. Kelli is a California native who fell in love with the city of Nashville, TN. Now she calls Music City her home. Kelli describes what she does with her camera as capturing people with sparkle and passion, and a love for life through her lens. I would have to say she does just that with her photographs. Her artful photographs have just the right amount of flare, beauty, and atmosphere. Yet her talentful art seems to leave behind a raw existence of reality which lets the true beauty of her clients showcase in her her work. Kelli's combined love for photography and people are truly a perfect match in making this radiant woman's photographs an exquisite piece of art.

Creative Costume Monster

In the spirit of the approaching Halloween season I wanted to talk about my favorite part the costumes. Every year I get almost giddy thinking about what my boys are going to be for all the festivities. This probably drives my poor husband insane for I usually start obsessing about it months before October even arrives. Maybe it's the fantasy lover in me, maybe it's the the little girl still longing to play make believe, or maybe it's the creative treasure hunter screaming to make something once a year. Whatever the reason I love the decisions and the making of my families costumes. Even as a little girl my Mom worked hard to make sure I was Halloween ready right down to my ruby slippers, spider embroidered witch dress, and my red yarn raggedy Anne wig. I really appreciate all her hard work. That is easy to say now that I am attempting to do it myself. While I could go the easy route and do the store bought costumes every year save myself some time, and stress, but apparently that creative monster is much stronger than the need to be stress free! So as I go off to the thrift stores, and glue the last piece of felt on, and tape up the last inch of boots, I know I made the costumes with love and excitement. While they will ended up sticky with candy, dirt, and who know what else on the first night of fun filled activities it will all still be worth it to me. So this year my boys along with my hubby and I will be Superhero ready in our made at home with love costumes!