Affirmation Greeting Cards

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.” ~Buddha

A strong believer in the power of thought, I was recently inspired to create these pretty little affirmation greeting cards. Made from watercolor paintings of mine, I wanted to be able to create a card that will serve its recipient as:

• encouragement from a friend
• an affirmation to be repeated daily 
• a piece of art that can be framed and hung on a wall or placed on a desk

I started with five affirmations, let me know if you have a good one that you think I should add!

I Am Happy

I Am Lucky

I Am Glowing

I Am Beautiful

I Am Loved

You can purchase a box set of all five cards or just one individually at my Etsy shop. 

Natural and Organic Baby Gifts

There is a brand new baby in the family (!) and wanting to gift her with something special, I poured over the internet looking for natural, organic, eco-friendly options (yes, I live in Los Angeles and do consider myself a granola-eating hippie on occasion). Hoping you find something you like amongst these wonderful, natural finds!

These natural wood, toy storybook blocks are so amazing I want a set for myself! There are many options: Curious George, Peter Rabbit, Disney themed, Periodic Table themed...the list goes on.  

These blocks are handmade by BlockPaperScizzors

Personalized baby gifts are so special and unique. 

How about this set of Four Personalized Natural Bamboo, Wood Engraved Baby Spoons by Teal's Prairie & Co.

This little Baby Bamboo Beach Robe is sooo adorable. As a beach robe or bath robe, this cruelty-free, dye & color additive free, GMO free robe makes for a lovely gift.

No sulfates, no tears, non-comedogenic and non-irritating, this 

Calendula Horsey Tote by California Baby is an all-natural mama's dream.

Baby shoes have to be one of the cutest things. These organic Guava Boots by Goumi Kids are "the industry’s first two-part closure for a baby bootie - making it easy for single-handed on and off.  Smart stay-put design allows baby’s feet to retain the heat they so easily lose in their newborn days." 

Sold!!!

Made with the finest Egyptian cotton, this Bunny Blanket found on Our Green House,  

triples in efficiency to cover teething, security and snuggling.

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

Christmas Time is Here

// Festive Kitty Christmas Card //

December!? When did that happen?!? I took my car in for an oil change this weekend and to both my mechanic's and my horror, the last time I had had my oil changed was...wait for it...January 2012!!! (I hope my Dad doesn't read this) It really seemed like I had it changed 4 months ago-- ok, try 12 months ago. Time. Flies.

Every year since I can remember, I've made a Christmas card that I send out to family and friends. I just updated a few of my favorites and put them up for sale in my Etsy store, i make pretty. Take a look!

I also wanted to share a super simple no-bake recipe for Date-Nut Coconut Squares that I found in Martha Stewart Home Living. I've been making these healthy treats on the weekend and bringing them to work for breakfast. They go so well with a cup of coffee. Recipe below.

 // Rocker Girl Christmas Cards //

// Dreamy Christmas // 

// Girls in White Dresses Christmas Cards //

// Simple 'No-Bake' Date-Nut Coconut  Squares //

Makes 12 Squares

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup unsalted raw cashews or almonds

- 1 cup pitted dates

- 1/2 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut

- pinch of cinnamon

1) Pulse 1/2 cup of nuts of your choice until coarsely chopped.

2) Add 1 cup of pitted dates (the softer the better), 1/4 cup of dried coconut, and a pinch of cinnamon and purée until smooth.

3) Place 1/4 cup more of the dried coconut on a plate. 

4) Take date mixture and form into 1-inch cubes. Dip all sides of the cube in the dried coconut to cover.  (I dip half and leave the other half plain as they are already quite sweet from the dates).

Cubes can be stored up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container.