Spreading Some Sunshine With Sunflowers

Spreading Some Sunshine With Sunflowers

It’s a rare sight to see sunflowers growing in the middle of a high plains desert. We have native flowers in the same family, but they are tiny. This year, my husband and I decided to see if we could get the giant sunflowers to grow. It was his idea. I went...
Vote For My Farmer’s Market Fabric at Spoonflower

Vote For My Farmer’s Market Fabric at Spoonflower

As often as I can, I try to enter Spoonflower’s weekly contest. That’s where the Geek Chic Cats came about. It’s a great motivation to create something new that I might not have thought of on my own, and also a good tool for getting more visibility...
Let’s Go To Summer Camp – OMHG Style!

Let’s Go To Summer Camp – OMHG Style!

Summer is here! Yippee skippiddy. Can you tell I’m excited? Well, aside from it being hot here in Arizona and our A/C going out, I do still love summer. Watermelon, swimming, flowers, sandals, sun…fun stuff. You know what I’m realllly excited about...
Inspirational Image Friday {Chalkboard Art}

Inspirational Image Friday {Chalkboard Art}

I’m loving the work of Valerie (Henderson) McKeehan. Her artwork is all hand-drawn on good old fashioned black chalkboards with white chalk, bringing to mind nostalgia of days gone by. Her hand lettering skills are amazing! Here is just one of the many beautiful...
Work In Progress – Farmer’s Market

Work In Progress – Farmer’s Market

I probably shouldn’t let the cat out of the bag just yet, but oh well, I’m too excited. I’m working on a fabric for Spoonflower’s weekly contest and I  thought I would share the work in action. The theme for this contest is Farmer’s...
Inspirational Image Friday {Rainbow City}

Inspirational Image Friday {Rainbow City}

I’ve been slightly obsessed with little houses and cities for a while now. You can tell if you check out my mini paintings on Etsy. I don’t think that obsession is going to let up any time soon. Isn’t this watercolor adorable?
My Grandmother’s Doing

My Grandmother’s Doing

Yesterday marked the 8th year since my grandmother passed away. I called her Grandma, but most people that knew her called her Queenie. Oh, was she ever a queen – her sense of style and her flair for life were definitely regal. She wasn’t very...
Cats and Bow Ties

Cats and Bow Ties

I could make patterns all day, every day, forever, I think. I just can’t get enough of the pattern fun, so when Spoonflower announced the Geek Chic fabric contest I was all in. Turns out, I didn’t win, but I’m still very happy about the fabric I...
Back From A Slice Of Heaven

Back From A Slice Of Heaven

Are you too hard on yourself or do you give yourself a break? Before I left on my honeymoon, I was worried about taking so much time off and away from my business. It’s silly, but I was worried what everyone on the outside would think, like I’m a slacker...
Inspirational Image Friday {Cats}

Inspirational Image Friday {Cats}

I’m terribly allergic to cats, but for some reason, I’ve had a fascination with them in art lately. I love this style of Akira Kusaka’s artwork, and I’m curious how he does it. Is it painting? Is it digital? I also feel like I...
Inspirational Image Friday {Go Play Outside}

Inspirational Image Friday {Go Play Outside}

Spring is officially well under way in the northern hemisphere and I hope you are getting to enjoy the outdoors! How about going outside to play today? This beautiful art by Jump Off The Page is a great reminder to get outside.  Prints are available on Etsy.
Happy Don’t Be A Fool Day!

Happy Don’t Be A Fool Day!

Did you know that on top of it being April Fool’s Day, it’s also Don’t Be A Fool Day? While I think tasteful jokes are a whole lotta fun, one thing I take very seriously is copyright infringement. There seems to be a lot of it going around lately and...
Website Redesign & Oh My! Handmade Goodness

Website Redesign & Oh My! Handmade Goodness

A few big things are currently underway in Joyful Roots land, and things might get messy around here shortly! I want to give you a little heads up because I’m going to be redoing the website to better accomodate my business. I love the blog here, but I need a...
Things To Make You Think Spring!

Things To Make You Think Spring!

1. Bird Chirping Weather by Katie Daisy // 2. Everyday Purse by Melissa Beaudrie // 3. Birds Original Painting by Céline // 4. Large Whimsical Floor Cushion by Big Bird’s Boutique // 5. Bunting Necklace by Tiffany We had a blast of cold (and a head-cold to go...
Baby On Board! A Big Announcement

Baby On Board! A Big Announcement

I have an announcement to make! There will be a new addition coming to the Joyful Roots family in October. Yes, my husband and I are having a baby! You may have noticed I’ve been a bit absent lately. The morning sickness (all day sickness) has done a number on...
Inspirational Images Friday {The Birds}

Inspirational Images Friday {The Birds}

Today I have some gorgeous artwork incorporating birds and femininity. I’ve been listening to Skinny Love by Birdy over and over again for the past few days and I thought it would be play it while you admire the artwork.
More Adorations & Affirmations – Glorious!

More Adorations & Affirmations – Glorious!

My internet was out all day yesterday. I have to admit that my first inclination was “great, now I’m not going to get anything done” but let me tell you, it was a blessing in disguise. It made me realize just how much time I spend (waste) doing silly...
Adorations & Affirmations Prints at Society6

Adorations & Affirmations Prints at Society6

Hi folks! As I said I would and with the motivation of my mom wanting some prints for her bathroom, I rendered my sketches from the Project 300 Adorations and Affirmations. They turned out pretty fun and are now available at Society6! In fact, the Holy Moly You Are...
Why Didn’t I Learn This In Art History?

Why Didn’t I Learn This In Art History?

Over the weekend, I went to the Gem Show in Tucson with some friends. I’m not particularly enthralled by the gems, although they are fun to look at for about an hour. However, one part of the Gem Show that I missed in previous years blew me away when I was able...
Adorations and Affirmations – Project 300

Adorations and Affirmations – Project 300

Do you remember the post a while back where I said that I was going to be participating in Project 300 and that I was committing myself to make art for 300 of the 365 days this year? January started with a bang and the Mini Art Marathon filled a good chunk of those...
Because I Love You Sale!

Because I Love You Sale!

I love you…yes I love you! To show my appreciation I’d like to give you 15% off everything in my Etsy Shop! That’s good for all of my one-of-a-kind jewelry, original art, photographic prints, and whatever other goodies you may find. You might want to...
Inspirational Images Friday {Sketchy Beauty}

Inspirational Images Friday {Sketchy Beauty}

Today I have a few inspirational images to share with you! They all have a loose sketchy quality to them that I love. This first image is very fitting for me as a landscape designer. I just could not resist this cute little drawing by Rachael Anderson. How about you?...
Valentine’s Day Link Love – Joy From Around The Web

Lovely Links – Lace Dishes to Room Design

Thinking about making some of these gorgeous dishes and loving Her New Leaf. If you own your own business, it’s a great time to get romantic with your finances. Don’t miss Oh My! Handmade’s incredibly helpful new series! Too cool for words: Design A...
Inspirational Images Friday!

Inspirational Images Friday!

As you may have heard, this week I put out the word that I’m calling for a collaboration with all you creative folks. It’s easy actually. Each week, you have the opportunity to submit something you have created that you feel is inspiring via Twitter...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 24 & 25}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 24 & 25}

Whew! I finally got my mini canvases in yesterday! With only tomorrow left in January to go, I’m so far behind. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to paint 6 canvases between today and tomorrow, but I’m sure going to try. It’s been cold...
Inspirational IMAGES Friday {Share Your Images!}

Inspirational IMAGES Friday {Share Your Images!}

For some time now, I’ve been posting images that I find to be inspirational every Friday (except for the ones where I fell off the bandwagon). It’s been fun for me to dive into the deliciously inspiring images and artwork that is all over the web, but now...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 22 & 23}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 22 & 23}

Eeek! I’m still so behind, I’m thinking I will be stretching The Marathon into February a bit but I will see what I can do. I’m hoping to get my mini-canvases by early week because now I’m out of the small canvas boards too. I cleaned out the...

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 20 & 21}

Good new and bad news. I still have not gotten my mini-canvases s0 I called the company I bought them from and they never shipped. They had one item on back-order, never told me, and held the whole order. So it looks like I might be getting the canvases right at about...
Cards To Share Your Love

Cards To Share Your Love

I’ll admit, I hadn’t really thought that much about making art for holidays. I mean, I do get in the festive mood around Christmas and it usually rubs off into my work, but when I created my most recent pieces I didn’t have Valentine’s Day in...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 18 & 19}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 18 & 19}

Happy Martin Luther King Day everyone! Martin Luther King Jr. is one of my top five heros, and I love hearing his I have a Dream speech playing on the radios during the month of January. He is a reminder that you can accomplish great things and change paradigms by...

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 14 & 15}

I can’t believe it’s already half-way through my mini art marathon, and thus January! In fact, my birthday is in about a week on the 22nd, and it completely snuck up on me! I don’t really have any plans for my birthday, so maybe you can offer me some...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 13}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 13}

All of my hot-air balloon mini-paintings sold out! That’s pretty exciting. I figured they must be a hit, so I’ll paint some more. Here’s another blue and orange mini, with a bit lighter colors than last time and some puffy clouds in the sky....
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 10 & 11}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 10 & 11}

  Have you ever dreamed of a painting or creation in your sleep? That’s what happened to me the other night. I actually dreamed of quite a few paintings, but these two were the most vivid when I woke up. That’s really the first time I have taken my...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 8 & 9}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 8 & 9}

Today I though long and hard about the colors I wanted to use and I’m so happy with the results. I’ve been feeling like none of my colors are really consistent, so I want to focus more on finding a palette to stick with for the most part. I think it will...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 7}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 7}

One of the biggest reasons I created the big MINI Art Marathon for myself was so that I could experiment with techniques and ideas to better refine my own personal artistic style. I feel like I am all over the board, but much of that has to do with this exploratory...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 5 & 6}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Days 5 & 6}

The weekend of our wedding in Battle Creek Michigan this August, the World Championship Hot AIr Balloon Festival was taking place. Balloons where everywhere and it was completely magical! When I was in elementary school, hot air balloons used to land in the school...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 4}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 4}

It’s Friday! I went into the office today for a meeting and it lasted all of a half an hour. Despite the hour drive round trip, I was excited to get home and paint! More time for art! I’m feeling a tad under the weather today – hoping I’m not...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 3}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 3}

It’s so cold outside today! For those of you in more frigid climates, you probably would laugh at me for saying so, but the wind was freezing! We still have a beautiful amount of snow on the mountains (I should really post a picture), and I think that is what...
the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 2}

the big MINI ART MARATHON {Day 2}

I’m feeling a bit schizophrenic with my art. One day I like to paint with bright colors; the next, more subdued. Today I’m enjoying smoother brush strokes, but other days I like a more painterly style. And then, there’s days like today where the...
the big MINI ART MARATHON! {Day 1}

the big MINI ART MARATHON! {Day 1}

Happy 2013 everyone! Wow, today feels amazing. I have very good feelings about this year, like some wonderful things are going to transpire! I’m filled with more excitement and hope than I have felt on January 1st in the past. Maybe part of that has to do with...
the big MINI ART MARATHON!

the big MINI ART MARATHON!

This year I have big plans to take my art business to the next level. I’m hoping you’ll also join me in that journey, whether it be by taking your own business to the next level too, or following me on my journey. One of the things I have been wanting to...
2013 Bring On The Magic Sale

2013 Bring On The Magic Sale

When I make art, I feel like I’m making magic. This year, I want to make more magic than every before, so starting tomorrow, I’m giving you 13% off my Etsy shop to bring in the New Year!
A Joyful Holiday Season To You!

A Joyful Holiday Season To You!

I don’t know what it is about  this time of year, but get the most comforting feeling when the weather changes and the temperatures drop. And it’s strange, because I don’t like being cold. It’s probably due to the nostalgia I have for Christmas...
Flying Fox {Inspirational Image Friday}

Flying Fox {Inspirational Image Friday}

Can you understand why I am mesmerized by Sandra Dieckmann’s art? It’s absolutely amazing and inspiring! I can’t get enough. And, remember Jennifer Lee? She introduced my to Society6 which is where I stumbled upon Sandra. If you haven’t been to...
Things That Make Me Say Joy!

Things That Make Me Say Joy!

I can’t deny it…this time of year makes me feel giddy inside. I still get a magical feeling inside when the weather starts to change and the holiday decorations go up. Despite my lack of tolerance for cold, I love seeing the snow fall and thinking about...
The Pluses and Pitfalls of A Part-Time Job

The Pluses and Pitfalls of A Part-Time Job

Maybe you can relate. You get a part-time job to help you bring in some steady income while you try to build your passionate business into one that supports you wholly. It’s like an unwavering friend, steady and true, who keeps you grounded in some semblance of...
New Zealand Inspired Art by Guy Harkness

New Zealand Inspired Art by Guy Harkness

Greenery by Guy Harkness Guy is a New Zealand Artist who works mostly in acrylic on canvas or board. His work includes local landscapes, portraits, still lifes and iconic Kiwi subjects. Guy also works on branding and design for a company called Quickdraw. We asked Guy...
Best Laid Plans

Best Laid Plans

I’m having some difficulties with Giveaway widget that I used to track this giveaway, but I’ve got a support ticket in and hopefully it will be back up soon so I can choose the WINNER!  In the meantime….  
Whiskers {Illustration Friday}

Whiskers {Illustration Friday}

I used to participate in Illustration Friday and it was a great motivator to try something new. This weeks theme was “Whiskers” and it was easy to have some fun with it. I wanted to create something whimsical and fun. This is Roofus, and he is painted with...
I Am Perfect And So Are You

I Am Perfect And So Are You

  Today, let’s remember that we are perfect the way we are. We don’t have to be anything we are not. Let’s be weird. Let’s be crazy. Let’s be unique. Let’s be ourselves. I think you make the world better by being you. I’m...
Saying I am An Artist

Saying I am An Artist

When I was little, I thought being an artist was the end all be all. That artists were like royalty. We had a family friend who was an artist, Fred Petrosky, and he was almost a celebrity in Northern Michigan. I thought he was the coolest thing since sliced bread. I...
A Folk Fantasy Winter

A Folk Fantasy Winter

A Folk Fantasy Winter Custom Birch Wedding Book / Wolf Soft Sculpture / Good Night Art Print / Bear Greeting Card Set / Deer In Sweater Illustration / Deer Forest Trees Art Print
Birds Of A Feather

Birds Of A Feather

  Verdigras Feather Ring / Green Owl art print – archival fine art / Feather Art, Nature Quote, Teal Blue, 5×7 Print – Study Nature / Feathered Friends Pocket Planner / Feathers 2 – 8 x11 print

Have A Joyful Halloween!

Joyful Halloween by kimberly-kling 1. Owl jewelry by Cat Hutchings / 2. Fruit Bat Specimen by GollyBard / 3. Intense Gray Wolf Portrait by StephsShoes / 4. Doll Face with Antlers Woodland by sweetbestiary / 5. Chimney Sweep Art Print by michelelynchart/ 6. Felted Leaf...
On Guard – To Your Health Tuesday

On Guard – To Your Health Tuesday

If you’ve been reading around Joyful Roots, you know I love fall. The weather is changing and it’s beautiful, but that change usually means more colds and bugs going around. One of the things that I have been using whenever I feel like I might be coming...
Carpe Diem {Inspirational Image Friday}

Carpe Diem {Inspirational Image Friday}

I’m pretty sure I have a little gypsy soul living inside of me. I want to wake up everyday, with a big bold smile on my face, color and flare in my world, and say to myself “sieze the day!” This beautiful piece by Jennifer Lee feels just that way to...
The Art of Encaustic

The Art of Encaustic

I am so obsessed with Encaustic Art at the moment. I’ve been wanting to get my hands dirty and start experimenting with some of this beautiful medium, but until I can get myself a little encaustic set-up I’m going to salivate over all of the amazing...
Joy Around The Web – Link Love

Joy Around The Web – Link Love

I’ve got some fun places to share today! Here are a few of my latest favorites from around the web. Joy on! http://www.saatchionline.com/: A great place to buy and browse art. I love the clean and minimalist layout that makes viewing the art here very appealing....
I Am An Acorn Small And Round

I Am An Acorn Small And Round

Ever have those days where the world seems huge and you feel like a tiny, insignificant little speck in this big ole’ universe? You’re not alone. But please, trust that while you may be small, you can accomplish great things. One small act of...
Positive Panties {Joyful Business}

Positive Panties {Joyful Business}

Do you ever wake up in the morning with your crabby panties on? Your underwear in a bunch? I know I have. Well, these ladies are going to help us change that, one pair of panties at a time. Since putting on your underwear is one of the first things you do in the...
Never Enough Autumn

Never Enough Autumn

This year, autumn is calling to me more than ever. The summer wasn’t particularly bad, but living in Arizona has me missing the changing of the trees. It was 93 degrees here today, although just a few weeks ago we started to feel that crisp clean air that makes...
22 Uses For The Lovely Lavender Essential Oil

22 Uses For The Lovely Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of my most favorite oils because it has so many uses and is so gentle. Besides simply smelling good, lavender actually has some amazing qualities which make it great for soothing sore muscles, aiding the healing...
The Killer Oil – Oregano

The Killer Oil – Oregano

Oregano Oil doesn’t mess around! If you need a power-house of a plant oil to fix what may be ailing you, then you may want to try Oregano Oil (Origanum vulgare). To start, here are a few things this plant oil tackles: Bacterial Infections Fungal Infections Viral...
The Color Of Fall

The Color Of Fall

Crisp Air. Clear skies. Golden Glow. Mmmm….Fall. The colors in this photo by The Shutterbug Eye are to die for. It makes me feel so refreshed, how about you? What is your favorite aspect of fall?
Loving Fall…

Loving Fall…

Oh My! I love Polyvore! Loving Fall by kimberly-kling on Polyvore Give Thanks print by GusAndLula / Love Autumn Woman by Porlove / Love Autumn Rain Original Watercolor by Fairysomnia / Crate and Barrel – Pumpkin Chai Red Tea / Clove Essential Oil by...
Why DoTERRA?

Why DoTERRA?

One Word. Purity. Ok. A few other words: Ethics, Integrity, Consistency, Quality, Potency, Education, and Knowledge. As I said in my last post, I’ve been interested in the healing properties of plants for a while, but it wasn’t until I experienced the...
My Sudden Obsession With Essential Oils

My Sudden Obsession With Essential Oils

My obsession began with my own personal experience. This year has been a horrendous year for allergies for me. So one morning, I was in the office with a particularly bad case of the sniffles and sneezes. I could hardly open my eyes and I was about to go meet with a...
In The Autumn Mood {Music and Feeling}

In The Autumn Mood {Music and Feeling}

We don’t have much change of colors in this part of Arizona during fall, but the air is getting crisper and the mood is changing. I’m always amazed at how each season brings about a unique feeling. To me, Autumn feels as though the sky is drawing inward....
I’m Baaaaack…{Plus Wedding Pictures!}

I’m Baaaaack…{Plus Wedding Pictures!}

Hi friends. It was been a looooong time since I’ve posted anything. I didn’t fall off the edge of the Earth or hide away in a bunker. I did have a wedding though, and I started a new job! Both of those things brought about a wildly hectic life with little...