10 Things to LOVE about Fall!

Here at Ladyfolk Studio, the fall is a very special season.

It all starts with the shift to cooler weather in October. Followed by my dating anniversary with my husband October 11th, then my birthday October 20th and then Halloween! I mean what is not to LOVE about all that! A few other things I love about Fall…

1. Candy corn and Pumpkin flavored everything!

2. Lighting candles all over the house.

3. Decorated front door stoops.

4. Red lipstick and dark nail polish.

5. Halloween movies every night in October.

6. Rainy days and hygge.

7. Pumpkin Patch visits to take fall photos and pick the perfect pumpkin.

8. Cozy Sweaters and beanies.

9. Hot chocolate or apple cider.

10. Soups and crockpot dinners.

Combine a few of the things we love about fall for the perfect fall day or night. For example, drink (9) hot apple cider in a (8) cozy sweater while watching (5) Halloween movies. Another two, (3) decorate your front door stoop while eating (4) candy corn or visit a (7) pumpkin patch and come home to (10) seasonal soup for dinner.

What do you LOVE about the fall season? Please share in the comments!

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Tips for soaking up the end of summer + NEW casetify!

Happy Monday! I still can't believe it's August already, can you? Summer is just flying by!

It has been a little slow around the studio lately and I can only attribute that to everyone out and about enjoying their summer. So instead of allowing this to make me anxious, I have decided to use this time as my own time to soak in the remainder of summer. What follows are the ways I plan on doing so. Try the flollowing out if you too find yourself with some down time...

1. ART JOURNAL

I always love sketching and journaling but feel since art school I have really slowed down on doing this things for fun. So now that I have some down time this month I plan on spending time each day to explore in my art journal. You can do this too! You do not have to be an artist. Grab any journal or sketchbook, something to add some color like paint or markers, and something to collage with i.e. magazines or postcards and have fun! I will be sharing more behind the scenes of art journaling on my instagram.

2. READ A NEW BOOK

I don't know about you, but I always end up re-reading books I have in my own personal library but I think it is time to pick up something new!

Since I am on an artist budget I have decided to go the library to pick up some new books to read and I am actually really looking forward to it. There is something SO nostalgic about the library. it can also be a nice motivation to get some work or reading done in a quiet place. Plus, it's also a great reminder to continue to learn. I will be sharing what I pick up at the library later this week in my new monthly book club post, so stay tuned!

The library is also a great place to retreat from the heat at the end of summer with the kiddos! You can even pick up an audio book or dvdv plus there a re a tone of online resources available nowadays. If you live in Orange County I highly suggest the Newport Beach Public Library.

3. TAKE A BREAK FROM YOUR PHONE

A common thing among us all, too much time on our phones.

I have been really trying to be aware of this lately by replacing screen time with other things, see above i.e. reading, getting outside, journaling. Maybe try setting a end-of-summer goal for yourself. Like turning off your phone one day a week? or turning it off at night when you go to bed?

One way to help you reach your goal is to set a reward for yourself once you achieved this new habit. Maybe something like a new phone case would be appropriate? ; ) I actually love the leather iPhone case below that folds over the screen for the purpose of not always looking at my screen for notifications. Which iPhone case in my new end-of-summer Casetify collection would you pick?

4. GET OUTSIDE IN THE MORNING

The main point of this is just to get outside to soak up the rest of summer but....with the weather so hot here in the O.C. I added "in the morning." Not only is this a great way to start your day, if you have pets this will keep them cool too. Mr.Bailey and me have been doing walks by the beach atleast a few times a week in the morning. Some other ideas include having your coffee or breakfast outside, going for a walk around your neighborhood with a good podcast in your ears or on the weekend have a brunch picnic with friends or family before noon.

Hope all you ladyfolk enjoy the rest of this season! Tell me in the comments... What is something you are looking forward to enjoying before the end of summer?

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Creative Gifts for your Mom this Mother's Day!

MOM, the most important life-giving ladyfolk in your life!

When I think of gift giving I always try to think of what hobbies the person enjoys. From that point it makes a lot easier to think of the perfect gift. So think about it, what does your Mom loving doing in her free time?

Is it spending time with her pet? Shopping for a new outfit? Trying a new craft or DIY? Enjoying a glass of wine and making a cheese plate? Now you try! Think of more ideas or get more information on these creative mothers day gifts below...

For your mom, the animal-loving-gal.

Is your mom's pet the sibling you never knew you had? If your mom loves spending time with animals, a pet portrait or animal portrait would be the perfect custom gift. Find a few good pics of your mom's furry BFF and place your order here for dog portraits or here for cat portraits. You can also commission a custom animal watercolor painting by contacting me here.

For your mom, the fashion-and-style-obsessed.

If your mom loves to shop and dress-up then this gift is for her. A custom watercolor fashion illustration of her, or you and her together, in your favorite or most memorable ensemble. Something she is sure to frame and cherish in her home office or boudoir. 

For your mom, the craft-DIY-explorer.

Spend some quality time trying something new at a art or craft workshop. Join Paint, SIp and Print in Laguna Beach or Watercolor and Wine Painting Shibori in Sunset Beach. Some other ideas: a cooking class, volunteering together or a day at the museum together. It's all about the experience and time alone with your the most important lady in your life, mom.

For your mom, the wine-lover.

Speak Wines. Need I say more? The labels pretty much speak (,,,pun intended) for themselves! Pick the perfect label or maybe a couple bottles out for all the momma's in your life. If you have attended one of my Watercolor and Wine workshops before you know this wine is de-lish! Gift her the wine on a night you spend together and put together a beautiful cheese plate, find some cheese board inspo here.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Hope this helps inspire you to put together a gift your mom is sure to enjoy, and remember it's the thought that counts! Anyone would be happy with a heartfelt card from there loved one, maybe try to watercolor one? :) 

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Fashion Illustrating at the St. Johns Knits HQ

LOVE WHAT YOU DO and you will never work a day in your life!!!

A little motivation Monday for you aspiring creative ladies because this is exactly how I felt when I was invited to fashion illustrate inside the St. John Knit headquarters in Orange County.

This special day was for a top client of St. John's who was in town to preview the new Fall collection, have a beautiful lunch and receive a fashion illustration completed live by me with watercolor!

I thought this idea was so unique and now the client has a special piece of original art to remember her special day. If you are interested in hiring a fashion illustrator for your event or special meeting you can contact me via email kimberly@ladyfolkstudio.com.

I've decided to keep the client anonymous out of respect for her privacy.