"JOY" - Things That Bring Me Joy

joy:
noun
the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation

One of my favorite things to do at the farm is to watch the world wake up early in the morning.

The moon setting right before the sun comes up

The sun peeking over the trees

Sitting on the back porch with a cup of coffee listening to the birds start to sing - all bring me joy.

My artwork brings me joy as well. The whole process of mixing colors,

putting brush to canvas, creating a beautiful picture - all a wonderful joy-filled time spent with the Lord.

Having a talented artist recognize my talent and encourage me is joy-filling. David Tripp is a very talented watercolorist and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. It's through him my paintings are showing in a wonderful gallery - The Redlands Gallery in Palestine, TX. You can click on both names to read more about them. So yes, this has brought much joy into this artist's heart.

Spring is a time of renewal and that always brings joy to a Winter-weary heart. The wildflowers are bursting into bloom, flowerbeds awakening, and baby animals frolic in pen and pasture.

Old house in Palestine with Azaleas and Wisteria

My family, my pets, my friends....

I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. 😊

My hope is I capture joy in my paintings. To paint scenes and things that bring joy to your heart and mind.

"Texas Spring" 8x8 oil 

Because there is so much to find JOY in.

Speaking of things that bring me joy, I'll be sharing the final reveal of the art studio on Monday.

Creative Friday #7: How to Hang a Wreath When You Can't Use a Wreath Holder

Welcome to Creative Friday #7!

Today I am showing you not only how to hang a wreath on your door when a wreath hook won't work but a cute bunny wreath as well.

I have this wreath from last year that I made.

But my front door has molding on it which prevents a wreath hook from laying flat. I've tried command hooks which work ok for lighter wreaths but for my Easter/Spring wreath, they just don't hold. So what's a girl to do?

Well, I have an easy solution! But first, I need to make a second wreath. Why, you ask? Hang on, you'll see in a minute!

I gathered my supplies: a thrifted grapevine wreath, flower sprigs from Hobby Lobby, and a wooden bunny plaque from Target's Spot.

I gave the bunny a coat of grey chalk paint followed by a light coat of white. After the paint dried, I gave the bunny a light sanding to distress it a bit.

Then I glued the bunny on the wreath and tucked the flower sprigs around it. Easy!

Next, I took a pretty green ribbon, cut it about 42",

 tied it to the wreath and (here's where I need two wreaths) tied the other end to the first wreath. Next I placed the ribbon over the door, arranging the two wreaths where I wanted them. You can adjust the length of the ribbon if necessary.

Voila! The two wreaths balance each other and the ribbon conforms to the shape of the door, laying flat so that the wreaths hang perfectly!

The new wreath is outside - Hippity hoppity! Spring is here!

I did want this one outside, but last year the birds thought the spanish moss was perfect for their nests  and also pecked at the carrots so it's hanging inside.

Not only do I have a cute bunny wreath outside but as an added bonus, I have a cute wreath hanging inside of my door as well!

Spring/Easter Wreath and The Bluebonnet Blog Hop

Happy Friday, y'all! Today I am joining my Texas blogging sisters in the Bluebonnet Blog Hop. Be sure to visit all the links for some Springtime inspiration!

Spring has sprung in Texas. The bluebonnets are starting to bloom and with the rain we've gotten this week, I'm sure they will be putting on quite the show shortly.

This Texas girl loves bluebonnet season! There is absolutely nothing like standing in a field of them and breathing in their unique scent!

To say I love Springtime in Texas is an understatement - it makes my heart happy to see everything bursting into bloom, leafing out, and the temperatures up in the 70's and low 80's. It makes me ready to celebrate!

With all the cute Easter stuff out there I have been inspired to create a Spring/Easter wreath.

I started off with a grapevine wreath I found at GW ages ago. It had some faded silk flowers on it I pulled off and ever since it has been waiting to be repurposed. It is really large so I knew I needed some kind of big elements to fill it up.

I was thrilled to find these carrots from At Home:

I tied and glued them on with my trusty glue gun:

Then I added these speckled eggs from World Market:

Next, I added a wooden rabbit I cut out using my scroll saw. I like that the lettering stamped onto the wood shows through my paint just a bit.

I added a bit of raffia and spanish moss and ta-da! Cute Easter/Spring Wreath for the front door!

Don't forget to visit all my Texas blogging friends!

How are you decorating for Easter?
Happy Spring! Hugs,
Cecilia

An InLinkz Link-up

(This is not a sponsored post. I just like to shop in both of these stores).