New in My Etsy Shop – Birds and Teacups plus One Inspiring Squirrel!

Posted by Barbara Techel

This 8 x 10 mixed media on a birch wood panel above was inspired by a delightful encounter I had a few weeks ago with a young squirrel. While at first, I was concerned about the little one, I soon realized it was my own projection of fear and wanting to protect it. This young squirrel was just doing its squirrel thing and learning to navigate the big world out there. 

Poised on the trunk of this tree this is the photo I took of the young squirrel which is enhanced with chalk pencils. I imagined how big the world must look to this little one and how brave it was for learning to find its way.

This piece is also infused with the gentle energy of birch branches which often fall from the tree in my front yard. I love to sit and watch the birch leaves gently blowing in the wind as they sparkle in the sunshine. It’s so meditative! There are also dried flowers and leaves incorporated that come from around my gardens.

Lastly, it is also a dimensional piece as some of the artwork and natural elements are raised off the panel. This creates a lovely effect that brings it to life! Created on an 8 x 10 birch wood panel there is no need for a frame.

It is $55 plus shipping and is available here in my Etsy Shop. 

Birds & Teacups Series

In early May inspired by the many birds that have returned and the joy they bring me to see them outside my Joyful Pause Cottage windows, I started a Bird and Teacups mixed media series. Because…well…I just think birds and teacups go together so beautifully and quite naturally!  Besides, having a cup of tea while observing birds is a simple and sweet meditation that brings happiness and calm to my heart.

While I’d hoped to have more to share at this point, I simply ran out of time! So alas, I decided to share the three I have created instead of waiting. If one speaks to you I’d love for it to fly off to your home!

Created on 140 lb. mixed media paper they are 5 x 7 and ready to put in your favorite frame. They are $30 each plus shipping and are available in my Etsy shop here.

I hope your June has started out with all things that bring you joy and contentment!

XO

Barb

                  

A Little Peek Around Joyful Pause Cottage (video)

Posted by Barbara Techel

From the raised bed gardens to the corner herb garden on my deck everything is planted making it feel so alive around Joyful Pause Cottage, our home, and our property. It feels so magical!

I’ve even begun picking a few of the blossoms and have them drying in my flower press for future art projects to add to my Esty shop! I hope you enjoy the little (video) peek around my little corner of the world!

Click here or below to travel along via this short video…

XO

Barb

                  

Sweet Flower Teaching Moment

Posted by Barbara Techel

The rain came down in waves of sheets yesterday. This morning the ground is well saturated and more rain will be on its way.

While sitting at my vanity this morning I glanced out the window to see this sweet, delicate flower gently dancing in the breeze. I could only see it from the back and was anxious to get dressed and get outside to see it from the front.

As I was enjoying this lovely and welcome moment of beauty a chipmunk type critter ran up to the plant, stood on its hind legs, and reached up with its tiny paws…to yes, try and eat the flower!

Tap, tap, tap, my fingers went on the window pane. Okay, it was more like bang, bang, bang (!) because I really wanted to get his/her attention to not eat that sweet flower before I got to take in its full beauty. I did have a moment of guilt for doing that. But I told myself once I saw the flower and could take a picture, I’d allow nature to take its course.

After I took the photo and looked it at on my phone I realized that along with the blessing of the flower that came from all the rain, there are also many weeds that made themselves known. I’d have to address pulling them over the weekend.

Just then I heard, “But where will you choose to focus?” The delicate and lovely flower was sharing a teaching with me. Right. I chose to stay in the beauty of that flower for just a bit longer.

I then thought more about that critter who was anxious to partake in enjoying that flower. Will I focus on the sadness of the flower that will eventually be eaten by that critter, or will I be happy that he/she will get to experience the flower in its own special way, too?

Where will I choose to focus? I decided I shall be happy for that critter when he/she will no doubt return and take great delight in enjoying that sweet flower as a delicious snack. And this, this is learning to live in harmony with nature. A little for you and a little for me…and all of us then shall be as happy as can be.

P.S. If anyone knows what type of perennial this is, will you let me know? I bought it last year and didn’t save the tag, so I’m curious what it is. Thanks!

XO

Barb