What I'm Learning: Drawing Chairs

Have you heard of Lisa Congdon? I first learned about her a year ago when she was interviewed on the Say Yes podcast. I listened and was intrigued by her idea of passion projects, but then forgot about her until recently when I discovered she teaches classes on Creativebug (which is my new favorite discovery...online art classes from accomplished artists).

Lisa is an artist, illustrator and author who also happens to be a great teacher. I'm currently taking her 31 Things to Draw class and really appreciate the way she encourages drawing because she shows her style and gives tips but also makes me feel like she’s giving me permission to try my own thing. Which is obviously the point of art, but sometimes it’s hard to think beyond what someone is showing me if I don’t feel like my skills are strong.

What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com

She has 31 prompts for 31 days and she gives a 3-minute lesson on how she draws the item. Her day 3 prompt is chairs, which are difficult. Lisa recommends drawing them for 20-minutes, even if it's the same style chair, to get comfortable with the 3-D aspect of chairs and I’m telling you, it worked. I chose to draw the same style chair (copying one of her styles), and it was so really frustrating until the twentieth time when I realized that what I drew actually looked like a chair. Success! I have a long way to go but was excited that the dedicated time and consistency paid off.

You’ll see my sketches are a mess...yikes. But I took the one that came out best, digitized it, and created a pattern. If you’re looking to spend 30-min a day on something creative, I recommend signing up for a free trial on Creativebug and finding a class that speaks to you. Have fun!

What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon | delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com
What I'm Learning: Drawing a Chair with Lisa Congdon • delightedco.com

Red, White and Blue

Hello there! The 4th of July is a couple days away and I can't wait! We're going to spend time with my in-laws at their cabin and the plan is to r-e-l-a-x. There won't be any big party this year but I thought it would be fun to share some photos from an Independence Day party photo shoot I did two years ago for the very first issue of Delighted. Photos by Manus Chau Photography.

Enjoy the holiday --- I hope you do something fun!

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4th of July Party via Delighted
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4th of July Party via Delighted
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Tips for an easy and festive 4th of July party:
1. Put peanuts in cute paper bags or all into one colorful bowl
2. Add red vines or any other red, white or blue candy to a clear drinking glass: this adds color
and isn't at all fussy
3. Bright red carnations on the table offer a pop of color with little expense
4. Spray paint wooden stars from the craft store a gold color for place settings
5. Cloth napkins in red, white or blue are always a fun addition to a table setting

Get to Know StyleSmaller Shop

StyleSmaller Shop is the newest online spot to find the sweetest collection of accessories for little girls, kids toys, and unique home items. It's filled with bright colors and pretty patterns that both mom and kids will love. Curated by stylish mommy blogger, Kate of StyleSmaller [who happens to be my dear sis and BFF], this shop is a must-visit. I've already purchased a couple treasures but still have my eye on quite a few others; and after a visit, I'm sure you will too!

Head on over to find the perfect gifts for a child's birthday party, a summertime hostess, or something for you and your home. Happy shopping!

Sweet and Whimsical Floral DIY

I asked one of my favorite floral designers to share a simple DIY arrangement in the latest issue of Delighted. Kiana Underwood of Tulipina gave just that: a combination of sweet florals arranged in the most unexpected containers—measuring cups!

Delighted Magazine Floral DIY by Tulipina

Here are Kiana's tips on how you can create the same: 

A little mistletoe and some soft colored flowers make for a perfectly beautiful, unique and wintery arrangement. The flowers used here are carnations and ranunculus.

If you have any fun measuring cups (or even regular ones) at home, there is nothing holding you back from doing a little flower arrangement in them! 

Begin with the mistletoe. Just a couple of branches will do. Then add your flowers in whatever way your heart desires. This is a pretty “freestyle” arrangement. No particular way about it. I just put flowers wherever I thought they were needed.

Delighted Magazine Floral DIY by Tulipina
Delighted Magazine Floral DIY by Tulipina
Delighted Magazine Floral DIY by Tulipina
Delighted Magazine Floral DIY by Tulipina
Delighted Magazine Floral DIY by Tulipina

For more floral design inspiration, visit Kiana's website and blog or follow her here:
Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Photos by N. Underwood
 

Valentine's Dinner Party

A few years ago my parents invited some of their "couple friends" over for dinner on Valentine's weekend and they all shared their "how they met" stories with each other. What a sweet idea, right? So we put together our own version of this dinner, complete with printables to encourage you to do the same with your friends! It's not only a great way to learn more about your friends, but will also remind you why you love the one you're with. To use the heart printable, print pages, cut out hearts and place one at each place setting or put the hearts in a bowl and choose the questions randomly. Have fun!

Photos Pictilio | Linens Rufflewood | Cookies Nila Holden | Chairs Blueprint Studios | Download Printable Here

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Delighted Magazine Valentine's Day Dinner #florals
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Outdoor Dinner Party

If the warm weather is still lingering in your town, why not host an outdoor dinner before it really gets cold? Or better yet, set out heat lamps and blankets and share a meal outdoors even if the weather has starting turning. Set the table with apples, greenery, and candles to embrace the fall season.

Check back tomorrow to learn how to make the twig greenhouse centerpieces seen on this lovely table or visit the current issue of Delighted to learn now...happy entertaining!

Styled and photographed by Emma Grace Hawtrey
Follow Emma: Blog | Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

Outdoor Garden Dinner Party via Delighted Magazine
Outdoor Dinner Party via Delighted Magazine
Outdoor Dinner Party via Delighted Magazine
Outdoor Dinner Party via Delighted Magazine
Delighted Magazine
Outdoor Garden Party via Delighted Magazine

A Sweet and Simple Brunch

Here it is: a little brunch inspiration and tips for keeping it sweet and simple.

Decor 

Why not choose a color or two and make that your theme? Colored paper chains will make a fun and festive backdrop for your buffet table. And if you have kids, this is something they would love to help with! For centerpieces, find baskets or containers around your house and fill them with whatever fresh flowers are available at your local farmer's market or grocer. If you don't have colored plates (or even if you do), consider using 

linen napkins

, in a color other than white, to add some brightness to each place setting. And to style a glass serving piece, tape colored paper to the bottom of the glass for a little visual interest (see the tiered platter below).

Menu

Oatmeal

Yogurt Parfaits

Raspberry Tart

Berry Muffins

Spinach Salad

Coffee and OJ

To cut down on prep time, pick a menu that doesn't keep you in the kitchen too long. For instance, my berry muffins are made with a store bought muffin mix. I added a blackberry on top of each to give them a little personality. The raspberry tart? Trader Joe's. And yogurt parfaits are just a mix of yogurt, granola and fresh fruit.

Voila! A cheerful weekend brunch set-up for a casual gathering with friends, or even a wedding or baby shower. Have fun!

Photos by

Pictilio