i make pretty: Hummingbird Inspired Artwork

// Happy Hummingbird 8x10 Print by imakepretty //

Inspired by the magical little hummingbirds that started coming around our home last summer, I painted these two colorful little birds. It all started with one very friendly, ruby-throated humminbird who would sit outside and sing the same song all day. We hung a hummingbird feeder for him, and before long, more hummingbirds showed up. 

// Happy Hummingbird Birthday Card by imakepretty //

 

After a couple of weeks, I could stand outside, and he would come right up to my face, hover, then go to his feeder, eat, and take off. He was so cute!

5 interesting hummingbird facts:

• Their wings flap in the shape of an infinity symbol when they hover
• Hummingbirds can fly backwards, left, right and forward
• They flap their wings about 80 times per second
• Their feet are for perching, not walking or hopping
• Hummingbirds symbolize joy, playfulness and adaptability

I haven't seen him in awhile, I'm hoping the spring brings him back!

Back to the art-- this was the first time that I painted in detail with watercolors. I usually use watercolors when I'm painting abstractly and acrylics when I want to paint details. I really liked the way the watercolors allowed me to add depth and layers of color so nicely on top of each other and I was still able to get the detail that I wanted.

I have added the 8x10 Happy Hummingbirds print and the Happy Hummingbird birthday card  above to my Etsy store, i make pretty, check out the new goods!

xo,

Maria

Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts

It's almost here folks...Valentine's Day.

Over the years I've had many a mixed feeling about this "holiday." When I was little, I loved Valentine's Day. It meant making all kinds of Valentine's related crafts at school, giving and receiving those Barbie and Super Hero themed Valentine's day cards (and looking to see if your crush wrote anything special on yours) and eating a ton of heart-shaped candy.

When I was single, Valentine's Day meant getting glam and going out (with a bang) with the girls...and then going home alone in anguish wondering, 'why in the hell haven't I met my soul mate yet!' Ah yes, I remember, Love definitely seemed somewhat elusive in those single days.

Now married, Valentine's Day has fondly become our excuse to stay in, be lazy, order pizza and watch cheesy movies on Netflix. Love it!

Regardless of my feelings over the years, Valentine's Day has always inspired me to create something special to give to those that I love. Here's a look at the Valentine's Day card that I made this year available for purchase on Etsy. Pair this card with one of the awesome Etsy finds below and you'll have yourself a pretty sweet Valentine's Day gift for you (and) or your love.

Personalized Handmade Valentine's Day Card by imakepretty

How adorbs are these Pug and Cat Heart Lockets by Biribis

Lavender Vanilla Natural Handmade Soy Candle by Milk + Honey Candles

How about this amazing Key Chain Bottle Opener by PopTag

Heart Shaped Ring Dish by The Brick Kiln

Mint + Pink Earrings by Lala Crystal

Personalized Cutting Board by Elysium Woodworks

Happy Valentine's Day!

xo

Maria

6 Pretty Jewelry Finds

18k Gold-filled Ladder Body Chain by linquistjewelry

I just love these pieces of jewelry I've come across in the past couple of weeks. Romantic, unique and delicate these pretty pieces are perfect for summer and would make for wonderful gifts.

I'll take two of each, please. 

Rose Gold Crystal Quartz Necklace by Crystal Cactus

 CZ Posts by Viv & Ingrid

Love and Hope Rings by Deva Sharp Designs

Double Quartz Gold Chain Earrings by friedasophie

Tiny Arrow Bracelet in rose gold by Siukwan

i Heart Technology: Holga Lens & Filter Kit for iPhone 4 + 4s

"This might make an iPhone geekgasm occur this Holiday season if gifted to the right person. Holga has decided to cast a little of the photography magic on the iPhone world with this awesome special effect lens kit." Check out the Sis and her Fabulous & Festive Sweater in this holiday product review. I will be  playing with this toy this Christmas break for sure!