Celebrating July 4th
Hi, Creative Friends,
America’s Birthday is this Tuesday, July 4th. If you are a bit like me, holidays can stir up lots of creative energy and a big walk down memory lane. For me, the 4th of July always includes clapping on the sidelines of a festive 4th of July parade, splashing in a local watering hole, and watching fireworks bloom in the sky. American’s birthday celebration can be a holiday filled with warm, summertime memories. That’s why…
Many Good Characters: Movies are the backbone of American culture and there are a bunch of great films to watch together to celebrate the great American story. Here are 27 Best 4th Of July Movies from Good House Keeping. Pair one of these American tales with a big bowl of Patriotic Popcorn from Oh Sweet Basil and this recipe for Rasberry And Lemon Rosé Sparkler from Women’s Day and will make the day special.
Hot Dog! Everyone Wins: What happens when one man eats 75 hot dogs? Let’s find out America! Watch in horror and amazement as Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest continues this year with Joey Chestnut defending his champion title. To extend the fun, let’s create a watermelon eating contest right in our own backyards and call 4th-Of-July done & fun!
American Blue Splendor: Pie says America is grand so try this Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie recipe from King Arthur Baking and watch everyone’s eyes light up like fireworks.
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you make July 4th creative, wonderful, and special.
Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
It’s the final stretch of this holiday season. The last-minute making, shipping, and gifting are going on right now. We might need a few more ideas to check off the special people on our holiday list. So, let’s chat about…
Fast & Furious DIY: If you need a super cool creative gift for every kid at heart, try this adorable “Easy DIY Holiday Hot Wheels Ornaments” project. It’s a fast, fun, and joyful project that will warm the coldest of hearts this holiday.
Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.
Shipping Is For The Birds: Did shipping a gift take longer than imagined? Is it hard to find a gift for that hard-to-please person on your list? Take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what last-minute gifts you will give this season.
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
The holidays are in full swing and if you are a bit like me, I find the holidays open our minds to the possibility of making something divine to share with loved ones. We don’t hold back from jumping into the kitchen to whip up a recipe, whether traditional or inspired. My grandma always made oceans of candy, fudge, divinity, chocolate-covered cherries, spritz cookies, caramels, and ginger cookies this time of year. She would wrap up her gifts on not-so-fancy paper plates, cover them with plastic wrap, top them with an old-fashioned red bow, and give each bundle to anyone and everyone who sprinkled her life with a bit of happiness. It was her gift, her joy, and her heart passed on through these little mounds of sugar. In the spirit of grandma, my love for baking, and as a thank you who read along here are…
Ginger Giants: These are hands down the best holiday cookie of all time. Ginger Giants are brimming with the level of spice that will warm every part of us from the toes to the nose. The candied ginger adds just a touch of heat that is immediately cooled down by sweet vanilla creamed frosting. There is joy and heart in every bite of these cookies!
Crazy Good Kolache: Legend has it Kolache cookies are from Poland. Filled with a jam-like center and wrapped in buttery dough, these cookies shine like tinsel on the Christmas tree. My recipe did in fact come from a long line of Polish grandmas but unfortunately, I have been sworn to keep the family recipe top secret. However, this Kolache Cookie recipe from The Spruce is also quite delicious. My little secret tip is to use this Solo Pastry Filling for the center as it will stay in the center while baking to make each cookie shine. If there is one cookie that has a heart, this is it!
Win With Sparkle: Back in 2007, I won the Chicago Tribune Holiday cookie contest and ended up on the front page of the Chicago Tribune with George W. Bush! Since then, the Chicago Tribune has published a “Holiday Cookies Recipe” book, and buried in the pages is my secret “Sparkly Oatmeal Cookie” recipe. These cookies are buttery, crisp and so delightful they will bring heart to any holiday gathering. To pass on the joy, wrap them up and gift them all to friends, family, and delivery people on the holiday list.
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what cookies you will bake this holiday.
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
The holidays are in full swing and it can be stressful to make this time of year grand. There are traditions to uphold, great food to make, presents to buy, and parties to conquer. Between coming up with ways to mark an occasion or finding the right gift, we might find ourselves firmly feeling stressed and haggard. So let’s talk about…
Bring On The Pom Poms: It’s festive sweater season and here is a simple DIY that can turn any existing cozy sweater into a fun project! The Easy DIY Pom Pom Holiday Sweater. It’s a simple project to keep the party going in person or virtually!
Cozy Cocoa: Is there anything that screams “The holidays are here!” more than a sweet cup of hot cocoa topped with a giant fluffy marshmallow? Create a fun DIY gift by grabbing a glass jar and mixing up a batch of hot chocolate powder with this Celebrating Sweets recipe (minus the milk.) Then whip up this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Your gift recipient’s eyes will light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows and attach it to a jar of the cocoa mix. Now gift this magical cocoa DIY and watch as this duo brings on sensational cozy joy!
Put A Bird On It: If you are looking to gift a special piece of art, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. Included in the digital download file, is the gift tag art and it’s a great way to create and decorate all the way to January and beyond. P.S. Another way to get creative is to add this art to this DIY Modern Wreath and make any front door dazzle for holiday guests!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what you will do to make the holidays easy and sensational!
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
It’s beginning to look like the holidays! Sweet, dreamy lights are being hung on eaves everywhere, crushed peppermint candy topped everything is magically appearing in local markets and like a snowstorm covering a landscape, we might be accumulating our holiday gift lists to give lovely tokens of affection to the people who are near to our hearts. So, let’s talk about…
Scoop Up McConnell’s: If you are looking for an extra special treat for that hard-to-please boss, uncle or friend send a big box of McConnell’s California-made ice cream shipped directly to their door. With creative seasonal flavors like Peppermint Stick, Reindeer Tracks, and Hot Honey Buttered Rum, gifting McConnell’s is bound to bring joy to everyone’s heart!
Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.
Shipping Is For The Birds: If you are looking to gift a special piece of art, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours when you don’t pay shipping costs!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what creative gifts will bring joy to everyone on your holiday list!
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
The holidays are an exciting time of the year to reunite with family and reconnect with friends. If you are a bit like me, holiday house guests might be bunking up in your humble abode soon. While it’s great to have time to make memories together, hosting holiday house guests can be stressful! Here are ways to lessen the holiday hustle and…
Make Merry Muffins: If you following me on Instagram, you might have noticed some mouth-watering photos of these perfectly wintery Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins from the recipe site Crazy For Crust. Believe me when I say your house guests will be smitten with these muffins! They are spicy, creamy sweet, and the perfect way for house guests to feel warm and happy.
Tree Of Thanks: Create gratitude by making a thankful tree together. Find a tree branch, grab a beautiful vase, and download and print this lovely fall leaf template. Cut out each leaf and write down simple words of gratitude. Watch joy spread and healthy attitudes abound as the Thanksgiving house guests read each leaf placed on the Tree Of Thanks.
A Simple Arrangement: About twenty years ago a very lovely friend came to visit. She arrived late at night and was coming from a completely different time zone so we said our good nights just after saying our hellos. I went to bed and heard her up the next morning running the shower and brushing her teeth, and that’s when it hit me. I forgot to give my house guest a fluffy stack of towels. Not wanting to wake me, unfortunately, she ended up using a kitchen cloth to pat herself dry! Here is my public service announcement, make sure your holiday house guest has a giant stack of towels beside the guest bed, and to make them feel even more at home, create this DIY Simple Wintery Wreath. Fill the wreath with herbs like rosemary and make the room smell welcoming and warm. Place this sweet, little festive arrangement on top of the stack of guestroom towels, and make your holiday house guests feel right at home!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will do to make your house guests feel right at home.
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Curling Up For A Good Nap After Celebrating July 4th
Hi, Creative Friends,
America’s Birthday is this Monday, July 4th. If you are a bit like me, holidays can stir up lots of creative energy and a big walk down memory lane. For me, the 4th of July always includes clapping on the sidelines of a long 4th of July parade, splashing in a local watering hole, and watching fireworks burst in the sky. American’s birthday celebration can be a holiday filled with warm, summertime memories. That’s why…
Many Good Characters: Movies are the backbone of American culture and there are a bunch of great films to watch together to celebrate the great American story. Here are 27 Best 4th Of July Movies from Good House Keeping. Pair one of these American tales with a big bowl of Patriotic Popcorn from Oh Sweet Basil and this recipe for Rasberry And Lemon Rosé Sparkler from Women’s Day and will make the day special.
Hot Dog! Everyone Wins: What happens when one man eats 75 hot dogs? Let’s find out America! Watch in horror and amazement as Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest continues this year with Joey Chestnut defending his champion title. To extend the fun, let’s create a watermelon eating contest right in our own backyards and call 4th-Of-July done & fun!
American Blue Splendor: Pie says America is grand so try this Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie recipe from King Arthur Baking and watch everyone’s eyes light up like fireworks. To mark the holiday, purchase this Blueberry Garden Art Print from Society 6, and make this holiday the most splendid one yet!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you make July 4th creative, wonderful and special.
Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
It’s the final stretch of the holiday, thinking and doing. The last making, shipping, and gifting are going on right now. However, we might need a few more ideas to check off the special people on our holiday list. So, let’s chat about…
Modern Mistletoe Giveaway: To thank you for reading along and all your support, I’m giving away one “Modern Mistletoe” original watercolor. Everyone on this newsletter will be entered for a chance to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind “Modern Mistletoe” watercolor if you follow me on Instagram and tag a friend. You can find more information about the “Modern Mistletoe” Giveaway on Instagram.
Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.
Shipping Is For The Birds: This season’s supply chain issues have caused shipping delays around the world. If you find yourself panicking as gift shipments are delayed, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what creative gifts will bring joy to everyone on your holiday list!
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
Here we are. It’s peak holiday hustle time! Are you a bit like me and feeling frazzled by the holidays? This time of year can make us feel like we are in trudging along in a winter blizzard!
Speaking of the holidays, don’t forget to “Sign Up For the Create & Change Newsletter Here.” I will be doing a giveaway in December and everyone on the newsletter list will be entered to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind watercolor!
Now, let’s chat about how to…
Bring On The Pom Poms: It’s festive sweater season and here is a simple DIY that can turn any existing cozy sweater into a fun project! The Easy DIY Pom Pom Holiday Sweater. It’s a simple project to keep the party going whether in person or virtually!
Hot Chocolate Heaven: Is there anything that screams the holidays more than a sweet cup of hot cocoa topped with a big fluffy marshmallow? Make a pot of the richest and most decadent cup of hot chocolate with Molly Wilk’s Chocolat Chaud recipe. Then crown the cup of chocolate with a big batch of homemade marshmallows! Find a great tutorial here at “The Flavor Bender: How To Make Homemade Marshmallows.”
It’s A Wrap: After making a big pot of hot cocoa and while wearing the DIY Pom Pom sweater, wrap up some gifts with this sweet cozy "Owl’s Blizzard Wrapping Paper.” It’s a cute way to give creative cozy vibes to everyone on the holiday list!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on how you are getting cozy & creative this holiday.
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends-
The Holidays are in full swing and if you are a bit like me can be hard to find a meaningful gift for everyone on the holiday list! Speaking of gifts, don’t forget to “Sign Up For the Create & Change Newsletter Here.” I will be doing a giveaway in December and everyone on the newsletter list will be entered to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind watercolor!
Now, let’s chat about…
Log On And Gift Away: Molly Wlik’s virtual pastry classes can help anyone learn the basics of French pastry! She teaches her classes from her apartment in Versailles, France, and the classes couldn’t be any sweeter! You can grab a gift certificate from her website or buy her amazing “French Pastry Made Easy” cookbook! I’m personally looking forward to the Bûche de Nöel cake class coming up in December. The gift of learning could never be so joyful or delicious!
Creative Curious: Do you have someone on your holiday list that wants to make and create but doesn’t know where to start? Try gifting a subscription to Skillshare, the online learning platform for all levels of creative curiosity. Skillshare provides short lessons on everything from watercolor to storytelling!
Wrap Up A Puzzle: Make brains happy this season by gifting a super cool jigsaw puzzle from Society 6 like this adorable “Season’s Eatings” or “Owl’s Holiday” artwork. Each supports an artist and can make anyone have a Happy Holiday!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what creative gift you will be giving this year.
Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Hi, Creative Friends,
America’s Birthday is this Sunday, July 4th. If you are a bit like me, holidays can stir up lots of creative energy and a big walk down memory lane. For me, the 4th-of-July use to include a parade ride in a cherry red Cadilac convertible!
Many Good Characters: Movies are the backbone of American culture and there are a ton of great films to watch together to celebrate the great American story. Here are 27 Best 4th Of July Movies from Good House Keeping. Pair one of these American tales with a big bowl of Patriotic Popcorn from Oh Sweet Basil and call July 4th sweet and memorable.
Hot Dog! Everyone Wins: What happens when a man eats 75 hot dogs? Come on, let’s find out America! Watch in horror and amazement as Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest continues this year with Joey Chestnut defending his champion title. To extend the fun, let’s create a watermelon eating contest right in our own backyards and call 4th-Of-July done & fun!
American Blue Splendor: What is it about pie that says America is grand! Try this Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie recipe from King Arthur Baking and watch everyone’s eyes light up like fireworks. To mark the holiday, purchase this Blueberry Garden Art Print which is 40% off through July 4th at Society 6, and make this holiday the most splendid one yet!
Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you make July 4th creative, memorable & fun!
Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.
If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.
Keep going, creative friends!
xoxo,
Andra
Here Are 3 Ideas To Make Winter A Little More Fun.
Here Are 3 Ideas To Make Valentine’s Day Creative And Thrilling.
Here Are 3 Ideas To Find Wonder In Creating.
Happy Holidays, Friends!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right?
Maybe not for everyone.
While some love this time of the year it can be overwhelming for others. If you are a bit like me, the holidays bring on a laundry list of things to do and more stuff to manage. It can make even the brightest of moods not so merry.
This year, I tried something new. I looked out for 5 good things this last week in the news and around me. Funny enough, I started to feel less Bah Humbug.!
If you are feeling a bit of the Holiday Blues, take a look at the 5 things below that made this last week a little brighter.
The eighth day of Hanukkah was on December 18th. Do you know the story of Hanukkah? You can read all about the story of Hanukkah here. It’s a beautiful story full of determination and miracles. Plus menorahs are a wonderful way to light up the darkness of winter!
This is such and easy and fun DIY! It solves the “I’ve got nothing fun or festive to wear for my holiday Zoom Call.”
A string of 900 cars at a Dairy Queen paid for each other’s meals! The Pay-It-Forward event lasted two days. Find the story here.
Sparkle your way right into the kitchen with this super easy holiday cookie recipe. It will be the one eaten first off any cookie plate. Find the recipe here.
The biggest snowstorm In years hit the East Coast last week blanketing NYC in buckets of snow! Although, even the snowmen wore masks and social distanced. See amazing photos of the NYC storm here at Time Out New York.
Well, friends, I hope these good stories bring you lots of cheer this week.
Stay safe and healthy and have a wonderful week!
Here Are 3 Ideas To Make Winter A Little More Fun.
Here Are 3 Ideas To Make Valentine’s Day Creative And Thrilling.
Here Are 3 Ideas To Find Wonder In Creating.
