5/15/13

A Giant Rubber Duck Floating Around the World

Bringing smiles to people in a big way, dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, currently has one of his projects floating around in Hong Kong. And yep, it is a giant 54-foot-tall rubber duck. This infamous duck has previously been seen floating around in the waters of Syndey, Osaka, Sao Paulo, and many more. Read full article here.

And guess what, it's headed to the US next! Crossing my fingers it floats towards my neck of the woods.




See more images here.

5/10/13

15 Facts About Smiling... and why you should do more of it.

1. A smile can boost your mood. Even if it's forced.
2. Smiling can boost your immune system too.
3. They are contagious. Just like yawning.
4. Smiles relieve stress by releasing "feel good" endorphins.
5. It's easier to smile. Your body has to work harder to frown.
6. Smiling is a universal sign of happiness.
7. We still smile at work.
8. Smiles use 5-53 muscles.
9. Babies are born with the ability to smile.
10. Smiling helps you get promoted.
11. It is the most easily recognizable facial expression.
12. Women smile more than men.
13. Smiles are more attractive than wearing makeup. 69% of people agree.
14. There are 19 different types of smiles. From polite "social" smiles to sincere "felt" smiles.
15. Babies start smiling as newborns. Nothing is cuter than seeing a baby smile in their sleep.

Read the full article here.

*Research also shows that when we are genuinely happy, our eyes squint more. So the next time you are smiling for the camera, don't try to make your eyes appear bigger by looking 'surprised'... you will only end up looking awkward and inauthentic instead. Just relax, smile, and let your happiness shine!

Found here.

2/18/13

Etsy Find // Emotional Street Lights

Oh how I love green lights, don't you? I found this on Etsy recently. There are a lot of other lovely photos available for purchase. But this one made me laugh.


2/13/13

Create Your Own Quote Wall Art

This is great for those of you who don't have a large printer at home but would like to put some simple and modern-looking quotes up in your home to make your walls happy. Check out BeHappy.me. They have a huge collection of quotes to choose from but you can also generate your own with their quote generator and purchase as a poster, framed print, greeting card, t-shirt, or canvas.

That's what I did. Mine is below. I love this quote. It is a great reminder to savor the little moments of today, instead of focusing on the future and that pesky 'I can't wait till' mindset. Never take anything for granted.


2/12/13

12/13/12

DIY // Scripture or Quote Wall Art

I recently made this for my daughter to (hopefully) keep forever and ever. It is her "life verse" that we used for her recent baby dedication.
























This DIY is super easy and fun. It works great for scripture or your favorite inspirational quote.

What you will need:
• Magazines to cut up
• Scissors
• A printed (or hand-written) bible verse or inspirational quote 7"x7"
• 12"x12" canvas
• Mod Podge and sponge brush
• (Optional) All-purpose stay-flat glue. I used YES! Paste.
• Paint in your favorite color
• Paint brush
• Extra white paper

Step 1: Cut images out of magazines. I chose flowers but you can do patterns, cat faces, etc. Whatever floats your boat.

Step 2: Glue the bible verse/quote to the canvas using the YES! Paste. You can also use Mod Podge for this step but I chose not to because I am still a victim of its wrinkles.

Step 3: Paint the sides of the canvas, making sure that the paint creeps up onto the front a little too. It doesn't need to be perfect. The mag cutouts will cover it up mostly.

Step 4: Start glueing your mag cutouts with the YES! Paste however you want. It doesn't need to be glued perfectly. We will go over EVERYTHING with the Mod Podge.

Step 5: Keep pasting the cutouts all over until you completely cover the canvas.

Step 6: Cut out 8 strips of white paper. Four at 1/4" and four at 1/8". Glue them down to frame the quote/scripture nicely. Cut off the edges.

Step 7: Cover the front and edges of the canvas with Mod Podge. Let dry.

Now just hang on your wall and voila! A creative and meaningful piece of art!


12/4/12

11/13/12

Happiness in Type

As a graphic designer and font lover, I'd be crazy not to put this poster on my Christmas wish list! 

Fonts revealing their personality... very clever, indeed.

poster found here