20 Nov 2015

A Creative Space

by Kimberly | posted in: creatives, Uncategorized | 0

I’ve come to learn that you really can be creative anywhere: in the car (thinking, hopefully not driving while you are coloring), in a doctor’s office waiting to be called, during your children’s nap time, while listening to a lecture (I multitask pretty well), or my fave place – on the beach. But, I can’t always get to the beach – and I seldom have quiet time at home with two boys 3 and under – but I still love to be creative.

My ideal work space is definitely not what I have now – but I am thankful for what I have now. We live in a small-ish town home so my desk (that we got as a wedding gift) is in the corner of our living room. It has a mirror and a huge window so I’ve got lots of natural light. I have a little set of drawers that my parents had had forever that I took (with their permission) and repainted with Annie Sloan in a wonderful teal. I recently repurposed some shelving that was in our son’s room and brought it downstairs to make the tight space more manageable and warm. When on a tight budget, like we are on now, it is better to repurpose then to buy new. I love having all my paper, markers, pens, ink, and books! It definitely helps to have a space to write on – and not just pulling up a lap. And my husband appreciates me not always taking over the dining room table!

Now, with my ideal space: I would have beautiful pottery barn baskets to hide the “stuff” and anthro pens holders (but I do love my Talenti Gelato containers). I would have it in a closed room so I could leave it more messy sometimes if I’m working on a big project (like addressing wedding invitations which is my weekend project). I would also love more bookshelves because I love to read and I think reading spurs on creativity. And I would love a big comfy chair to curl up in! And I know laptops are great but I would love a massive mac for photo editing. And, when I worked as a curriculum writer for a church in NC, I had a round table in my office. I would mostly work there instead of my desk and it was perfect for having collaborative meetings – definitely get one of those too! A girl can dream right?

WeWork has inspired me to talk about my ideal creative space. They rent out creative shared office space in (mostly) big cities to creatives who need to have a studio or just a desk. It is really helpful for creatives to be around other creatives. Something about being with creatives that really spurs me on – even if its just talking about our creatives muses or collaborating on a project. If I have the chance to do that once the boys are in school, and there is one in whatever city we live in at that time (currently live in the metro ATL area), that that would be great for writing and photo editing, especially.

20 Nov 2015

Coffee With Karisse Joy

by Kimberly | posted in: Coffee with..., creatives | 1

I’ve known some pretty creative people in my life, and this long time friend is certainly one of them. Her life is one turn after another and I love to watch how she handles it all with a creative flair. And her latest project – a coloring book with a spiritual tone to it (mostly for adults) is definitely a winner and would make a great Christmas present for any one over the age of 8 – but really thinking for the lovely creative lady on your list or even the teenager who loves to be creative with a crayon or colored pencil. Now that I’ve given you one way to finish your Christmas shopping, let me introduce you to my friend, Karisse.

We’ve not sat down together in a long time – but if we were sitting down together for a cup of coffee in a favorite coffee shop – what would you be drinking and where would we be?

We would be sitting at my favorite coffee shop: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! I fell in love with this place when I lived in Los Angeles and wish they had one here in Florida! I would be drinking a Strawberry Tea Latte or a Vanilla Iced Blended which chocolate covered coffee beans. We, of course, would be lucky enough to have snagged the corner with the comfy chairs. 🙂

This coloring book is a new venture for you – but not living the creative life. Can you tell us about some of your other creative works? (Folks, she did beautiful art of Scripture for my boys’ rooms.

My sister and I started a small art company called “Pretty Philosophie“. We paint inspiring quotes and silhouettes. (Our fave silhouettes are of Audrey Hepburn, Anne of Green Gables and Marilyn Monroe.) We never use stencils and I often do the lettering freehand! I’m also in the process of writing two books! One is the story of how my grandmother (Oma) escaped from Concentration Camp in Yugoslavia. (We aren’t Jewish, but German and our people were put into concentration camps right after WWII. The other book is about my experience with cancer and what I learned about myself, illness and God in the process.

Why a coloring book and why a quiet time?

Let’s be real. Sometimes reading the Bible, focusing while praying and meditating on Scripture can be difficult. At least, it can be for me. When I was in high school I started writing out my prayers as a way to help me focus on them. In college I doodled while I took notes so I could pay attention. In my 20’s I started writing out passages of Scripture in “fancy” lettering so that I was forced to work slowly and really meditate on the verses. And I’ve always loved coloring!

Creative Quiet Time: A Coloring Book for Your Soul is my labor of love to pass these practices on to others. I wanted to enable a way for people to spend time with God while using the arts and creativity. Besides, God is the one who created the arts, and, well, creativity! My prayer is that this book enables people to connect their mind, soul and spirit to Jesus and receive revelation of His ways and His love as they color.

What is your favorite coloring page in the whole book?

Oh, that’s a tough one! I think that my favorite, because it’s so detailed, is the “Be kind to yourself” page. “Be kind to yourself” was my motto in 2014 and it bled into 2015 as well. I based that on Philippians 4:8–focusing on things that are life giving, true, beautiful and lovely. So often, we are our own worse critic and don’t see ourselves the way that God sees us. We have a tendency to have a negative track running through our minds. But, Jesus has countless loving thoughts towards us, and I think we should have the same towards ourselves.

What will be coming next from the creative genius of Karisse?

Oh gosh! I am hoping that a second coloring book, or a new and improved version of the current one (with extra pages) are on the horizon. And finishing my books! Both of them! My sister and I will continue to work on our art and are expanding to include furniture refurbishing too!

You love to travel – how has that played in to your creative life?

I think you spice up your life by travel. It’s beautiful to see how each culture expresses themselves. God has used that to reveal to me aspects of Himself that I wouldn’t have noticed if I was at home. I love pulling the various pieces of design from each place too. Thailand is full of sparkles and vivid colors. India is packed with details in every nook and cranny. South Africa has a freedom about it that is so warm and welcoming. France and Italy have a regal beauty that invites you to sit and enjoy what surrounds you. I think I have borrowed from every culture I’ve encountered.

Why do you love the color teal?

You know, that’s a great question. If you knew me in college (or right after) you would say that my favorite color is purple. While I still love purple, in the last decade teal has taken over. There is just something so fun, free and inviting about that color. It’s just perfect.

2 Oct 2015

Coffee With Danielle of The Little Things Workshop

by Kimberly | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Here’s a new Friday and a new introduction to a new friend!

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Hello! My name is Danielle and I’m brand new to the maker scene! Well, I’ve been a maker all my life, but now I’m a seller too! I opened my shop, The Little Things, less than 6 months ago. Grateful to be a part of the maker community!!

I have a degree in Interior Design, which I put into practice in Atlanta for 6 years. Then something stirred inside me and I developed a huge heart for missions. I spent about 5 years working for a small overseas missions organization. God has me taking a step back for a season. It has become perfect opportunity to open my shop! Something that’s always been a dream of mine. I’m back in my home state of Michigan. Currently my “day job” (as I like to call it) has me working at the front desk of a counseling office. When I’m not there, you can find me working in my shop, attempting to stay Paleo, playing with my nieces and nephews or scrolling through social media! Ha!

If we could sit down at your favorite coffee shop together, where would that be and what would you be drinking?

So hard to decide! There are lots of little coffee shops where I live in Grand Haven, MI. Today I would pick The Bakers Wife and I’d be drinking a hot green tea. If I were still in Atlanta, my favorite has always been Land of a Thousand Hills in Roswell.

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I love your state-designed prints. How did you get started in those?

Thank you! Since Michigan has a rather unique shape, I’ve seen Michigan themed designs for a long time. It seems that “state love” is not just for Michigan any more and as popular as ever, so I couldn’t help myself!

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Where did your love of design come from?

I think I must have been born with it! I even remember sketching houses when I was little. My mom is super-woman when it comes to all things creative – basket-making, sewing, quilting, collages, even baking. I must have some of her genes because I get so much joy from designing, creating and making anything and everything!

What is your favorite medium to work with and what is the thing that inspires you the most?

Favorite medium? I don’t know if I could pick! I started with cards and prints because I’ve always enjoyed it and I had all the supplies just waiting for me. There are so many other things I enjoy though! Including sewing and lots of random Pinterest inspired projects. This may sound silly, but thrifting inspires me! I go with my mom a lot and I’m constantly seeing things and thinking “I could make that into something!”

What are three things in your life that you can’t live without?

I need my quiet time! If I don’t get even just a little in the morning, my entire day feels off. Music. I’ve pretty much got it on 24/7. And a list! Whether it’s hand-written or digital. A calendar or a task list. Work or personal. I just need a list!

You mention your love of Jesus, please share something he is teaching you about himself and how incorporate that truth into your art.

Right now I feel like He’s teaching me how to rely on Him MORE! I see His strength kicking in when I have none. Not so much physical strength, but that sustaining grace that helps me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I hadn’t thought about how I incorporate that into my work, but I will be from now on! Some of the quotes on my prints come from ideas that have settled in my heart. I’ve had lots of different thoughts about how my shop could have a kingdom-impact, and I haven’t landed on any of them yet. I’m hoping in the near future to figure out how to dedicate a percentage of my proceeds to support work in the 1040 Window.

My Etsy shop

My Instagram

My Facebook

Go show some love to Danielle!

24 Sep 2015

What’s the Scoop with Grown-Up Coloring Books?

by Kimberly | posted in: Books, creatives | 0

If you haven’t been in a Michaels are read blogs you may not know this – but coloring books are back. No, not for kids – but for adults. Mostly women who want to have a creative outlet. Coloring books are definitely a new thing in the adult coloring world – and may be here for at least a little bit – and one of the fads I love.

My friend Karisse is doing them and I love hers because they are simple and based on Scripture for the most part of really cool quotes that she likes.

Blogging For Books had one I chose by Daria Song. I really loved the prettiness of the book, but for me it was a little too detailed. I like to color to relax and just think and do nothing. When I have to be that detailed in my coloring (I like coloring inside the lines) then it isn’t as relaxing for me.

I can’t wait to do some more though and keep the coloring trend alive!

22 Sep 2015

Blogtember: Creative Ventures and Dreams

by Kimberly | posted in: creatives | 5

Oh this is such a happy day on the blogtember challenge. Its where I get to talk about creativity!

God made us in His Image and He is a creator. While we don’t get to be a creator – because we can’t create out of nothing – we aren’t God – we still have a bent toward the creative. And I love that. I love taking the every day and making it creative.

Food: we all have to eat. My motto: “everything important happens around a table” And why not make it fun? I love making meals for people, baking special treats for celebrations and my men, and making hospitality even better with good food. My Dream: to be published on Food Gawker, have a cookbook published one day, and share recipes and desire to cook for your families.

Pray Names: These are name art pieces that I do for people (completely customized) where I get to pray over the person I’m doing it for – as I’m doing it. I just did the ones for my sons – and that was special. I shared our older son’s prayer on the blog last week and I’ll share our younger son’s prayer when it is his birthday next month. I love doing this for people either for births, weddings, adoptions, or special times within the life of the family. My Dream: to get the word into people’s homes. This is completely by donation. I never charge a set amount (over supplies and shipping).

Photography: I’ve loved photography ever since I can remember, which is probably middle school. I was the class historian for our high school and now I love capturing memories for people (and food and nature of course). You can see more of my work here. My Dream: to consistently improve in this area, earn money from it to help our family, and to capture memories for you and our family.

Illustrated Faith: I love sitting down with my Bible and some pens and being able to meditate on what the Word is saying and coloring at the same time. Different verses will come alive in different ways depending on how you draw them. The Spirit speaks through His Word. My Dream: To motivate other woman to get creative while reading their Bible.

Writing: I’ve written some prayer resources that you can find here and I’m working on a daily devotional for moms. I can’t wait to get that to yall! And I write here, at Ungrind, Her View From Home, and other random places on the internet from time to time. My Dream: to be published by Crossway at some point in my life. And to write like Elyse Fitzpatrick

Coffee With: On the blog I love being able to introduce you to creatives that do creative things. All creatives are normal people, some drink coffee, some run, some are married – all are creative. I’ve been doing a series that I ask questions, give you insight into them, and let you see their work. My Dream: keep doing it. Have more creatives to introduce you to and keep community and ideas and encouragement happening.

4 Sep 2015

Coffee with Jenna Diprima Photography

by Kimberly | posted in: Coffee with..., creatives, north carolina | 0

Each month I love to introduce you to creatives so you can get to know them, know their work, and continue to build community in this social media world we now live in. Today, I’m featuring Jenna Diprima who owns her photography business based out of a small, wonderful little town near the Triad in North Carolina, Mebane. We met because of my bestie and turns out that I go to church with some of her family. Small world. I actually had a chance to sit down with her for some coffee as I was passing through back in March, but with two toddlers, even when you venture to a playground, it can be difficult to carry on continuous conversation. Enjoy getting to know Jenna. Jenna – thank you for sharing some of your life and photography with us!

I did get the chance to sit down with you for coffee, but can you tell everyone else what is in your coffee cup?

My favorite thing to drink in the mornings is black coffee from a french press.

Most mornings I end up with coffee from my coffee maker though

because let’s be real, most mornings are rushed. 🙂

Why photography?

I have always loved photography. Ever since I was a little girl,

I’ve usually been the one taking pictures at family events and when I’m with friends.

I’ve also always loved fashion, design, and other visual art forms.

I got my first DSLR about 6 years ago and as friends and family began asking me

to take pictures for them,

I realized how much I loved photography and

that I wanted to make it more than just a hobby.

How does your belief in God play a role in your photography?

My belief in God plays into my role as a photographer in many ways.

First, I believe God created all things and He wants us to delight in the beauty

we find in the world and thank Him as the Giver of all good things.

Second, I believe God has blessed me with the gift of photography

and I should use it to love and serve others.

I want to go above and beyond to serve every client and to love them as Christ has loved me.

I also work hard to do the best I possibly can at every shoot and every wedding because,

ultimately, I am working as unto the Lord, and I want to glorify Him with my work!

How’d you get started photographing weddings?

I began second shooting for weddings a few years ago

and I realized how much I love it! I love working with couples

and I love capturing such a significant and happy day in their lives.

I also love the details and the beauty that goes into weddings.

You live in a small town. What’s the best perk to living in a small town?

I live in Mebane, NC.

I love living somewhere where you almost always

run into someone you know! I love the sense of community that small towns have.

I’ve actually always been more drawn to bigger cities.

But I love that Mebane is central to so many big cities (it’s less than 30 minutes from

Greensboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham).

How do you balance being a wife and a photographer?

Great question!

Balance is always something I’m striving for and something

I often feel like I’m struggling to achieve!

Specifically as it relates to marriage,

I try to make sure that my husband and I have at least one day or one evening

where we’re spending quality time together. As a wedding photographer,

I’m often away on nights and weekends and so I try to be careful not to

schedule too many nights or weekends back to back

so that we can have quality time together each week. In addition,

I’m trying to train my husband to become a second shooter for me!

I think shooting together would be so much fun and would be great for our marriage!

If you could photograph a wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would photograph a wedding in London or Oxford.

I studied abroad in London and that city holds a very special place in my heart.

I love the architecture, the history, and the beauty found in that city.

Shooting a wedding there would be a dream!

Website- http://www.diprimaphotography.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/diprimaphotography

Instagram- https://instagram.com/jennadiprima/

Twitter- https://twitter.com/JennaDiPrima

7 Aug 2015

Coffee with: Celina DeSantis Photography

by Kimberly | posted in: Coffee with... | 0

Coffee…well, maybe popsicles. But that totally fits the summer and the fact that we were discussing photography while watching 3 out of 4 of our children play in the pool on her back deck. Made for a fun morning.

I love introducing you to friends who are good at their creativeness. This is one way I do it. I love to learn and learn more about them, specifically. Enjoy!

Celina and I met through our church, specifically through a freezer meal swap. We have children in the same age bracket (under school age) who like to play together. And we both like to shoot photos!

How long have you been interested in photography? I’ve always been interested in it, but never had much time to practice it. Then I had our daughter. One of our first apartments had no windows, so therefore no natural light. I started with a powershot. Then I moved up to a rebel. Just took pictures, practiced. I started pursuing it as a side career about 2 years ago.

How do you balance being a wife/mom and being a photographer? Photography is a good side business because you can edit at night or during naps and you can set your schedule. There is plenty of flexibility.

What word of encouragement would you share with those starting in photography? Stick with it. It if is something that you like and that God wants – it will happen. Be humble. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice. Watch tutorials. Ask google. Be creative with a situation – not just artistically.

What type of shoot is your favorite? Newborn definitely. I love to capture the excitement. You can see it in the parents faces.

How would you like to see yourself grow in the next year? I would love to continue to improve. I will never be perfect. I can improve with each shoot.

Why photography? Because I can’t draw. Seriously. It is my creative outlet.

All photos taken by kcreatives photography.

30 Jul 2014

Creatives: Southern Celebration with All She Wrote Notes

by Kimberly | posted in: creatives, Uncategorized | 1

Do you ever find someone so delightful that they leave a lasting impression on your soul? Do you ever taste food and enjoy company for what it truly is – an artform and a perk of living in the south? Do you ever watch a storm roll in and hope that it doesn’t rain to ruin in your party and pray that it does just so you get a chance to feel the rain on your face and dance in some puddles?

All of this happened while I was in North Carolina this week and eating dinner with the lovely Maghon Walker of All She Wrote Notes: the totally southern calligraphy gal that loves gold, food, running, and all things celebration.

We ate dinner (my first time) at Top of the Hill which is a staple for any UNC-Chapel Hill grad. Then we stopped by the decadent Sugarland Bakery down the street (which provided our wedding cake) and in between stopped and took some photos of the shimmery Maghon.

Why calligraphy? Because she loves to celebrate. Most of her calligraphy orders are done in order to help someone celebrate? My new motto is intentionally creative – so this was perfect. She is creative – and helps people celebrate.

Celebrations come in many forms: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, promotions, or you could just celebrate the fact that it is Thursday – and you need something to celebrate.

Maghon also directs new creatives (so, anyone, really) to not try to copy others and their work. Be your own and you will be successful. So many out there find a certain style of lettering and copy it and call it their own. In the writing business that is called plagiarism and in same goes for the lettering front. Be your own person – find your own style – be successful at being you!

If you are in the need of anything southern and prettily lettered – contact Maghon and she will be happy to help you.

If you are ever in Chapel Hill – go to Sugarland and Top of the Hill.

If you are ever in a rain storm – dance in the puddles!

I do totally think the phrase suits Maghon to a T. Thanks Averi for showing me your Kenan Hill Print.

8 Jul 2014

Creatives: Photographer Mallory Ward

by Kimberly | posted in: Coffee with... | 2

Love the way that people weave through your life at random times and bring light and sunshine each time they enter.

I first met Mallory when she was in high school when I was chaperoning a ski retreat with a church I used to be on staff with in Florida. She had an eye for celebrating the everyday even then. I love her pursuit of others, her craft, her friends, and her Jesus.

Now, she is in Woodstock for just a brief journey in life before she moves to Australia early next year, and we’ve reconnected – she’s come to our home and eaten at our table, she has given me lots of places to try out for coffee and good eats, and she has shared some of her life with me again.

Let her glimpse through her lens open your world to its love and light.

The above picture is a sweet newborn session with our dear friends Jack and Maizey. Love this photo!

1. How did photography come to have such a grip on your life?

Ever since I was a little girl, I would always take my mom’s camera and take pictures of anything I could. I always loved watching her reaction when all of these random photos came through on her camera, she knew I was discovering a hobby, yet little did I know it would become a passion. I had a friend in high school that would always take photos with me. We would pose, go on adventures with our cameras and play with natural light. Sometimes we would even skip morning classes to catch the perfect early morning haze on the island. I graduated high school in 2009, and that’s the year that I pretty much realized that I was really in-love with the beauty of a photo. My sister’s friends who had families started contacting me wanting me to do photo sessions of them, and then I just kept shooting. Everywhere I would go I would have my camera with me. I started taking my friends at college and around the area on photo adventures and just using them as models to expand my photography portfolio. So here I am- 5 years later, with many clients, and the same ones I started with who have supported me since the very beginning.

2 What would be a dream fulfilled for you and your lens and your soul?

A dream of mine when it comes to my photography would definitely be to use it as a way to record the adventures that life takes me on. When I went on my first mission trip to Haiti a year ago, I absolutely loved the way I was able to communicate with the Haitian kids through the power of a photo. It literally was like they had never seen how beautiful they were before. I would love to travel, and just take photos of different cultures, people and nature.

3. What do you most like to be peering at when holding your camera?

Nature & people. Nature because of the sincerity of it and people because… well, people are just awesome. I absolutely love capturing couples during an engagement session because their love is so powerful it explodes through the photo. I love to put people in nature because it’s like the beauty of trees, flowers, or a sandy beach changes their perspective and gives them a sense of freedom and happiness. Children, also, are amazing to capture. They are so innocent and happy. Eyes, skin, smiles- there is so much beauty in everything!

4. Is there any place you are dying to do a photo shoot?

I don’t think I could pick one exact place to do a lifestyle shoot. There are far too many amazing places in the world I have yet to see. Definitely would want to choose a place that if authentic, unique and natural. From an alley in Paris to a field in Ireland… I really couldn’t pick just one!

5. What are three words that describe your photography?

Beautiful moments captured.

13 Jun 2014

KDC Creatives: I AM statements

by Kimberly | posted in: creatives | 0

Throughout any given day, we as believers need to rehearse the Gospel to ourselves. The Gospel isn’t a crutch. Its our life line. Its the only truth that we have in a world that is constantly feeding us lies: You aren’t good enough. Your kids aren’t good enough. You will never be able to compare with her. Your house isn’t clean enough. You will never be ENOUGH.

The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus is ENOUGH. He is everything we need to be enough in this life – and in the life to come. We need to tell ourselves that all the time. One of the ways that we can do that is by remembering who Jesus said He was.

The I AM statements are so pivotal because these statements separate believing Christians from the rest of the world. We know that Jesus is God (based on God saying that He is I AM in Exodus 3) and by believing that Jesus said he was the resurrection and the life. There are seven statements in all.

If you need help remembering these, or just want to give the gift of Scripture to a friend – then look no further.

The newest print on Etsy is the Jesus print outlined in the 7 I AM statement. (The above picture is the print stylized for gift giving. I did this artwork for a friend for a Father’s Day gift.)

creatives

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