Thursday’s Someone: Mandy of Messy Canvas

I’m back with another edition of Thursday’s Someone, and today I’m really excited to introduce you to Mandy of Messy Canvas.  She is one of those super inspiring people who is trying to live a beautiful, meaningful, and creative life.  She  writes on faith, motherhood, creativity, and life.  I love her honesty and her desire to learn and grow.  I definitely wish we lived closer, because, I think  we could be friends.  Mandy recently finished writing an E-book that is available for free, I’m just a few pages into it, but so far, it’s really great! Enjoy this interview with Mandy and be sure to check out her blog and digital bookstore.

1.  Tell us who you are and a little about yourself.

My name is Mandy Steward. I am 32 years old. I'm an artist that has fallen in love with words as my main medium. I'm a mom of four kids, who range in age from 7 to 2. My husband, Tony and I have been married for 10 years.

2. Tell us what a picture perfect day in your life would be?

I believe everyday has a little bit of imperfection thrown into the mix. I can't seem to get away from it. That being said, I would enjoy a day at the beach with books, a quilt, a picnic lunch and no agenda.     {Sounds perfect to me!}

3. Name five things (not people) you’d never want to live without?

Pen & notebook (can that count as one?), camera, iPhone, library card and yoga mat.   { 6 things… the creative types- always breaking rules.}

4. Name one place you have never been but dream of visiting?

Japan.

4.5 What is your favorite word?

Timshel (from the book East of Eden) and Namaste

5.  Because we’re all human, what is the biggest challenge to your creativity/inspiration/success?

Not comparing myself to others.

6. What project are you most excited about currently?

My FREE Messy Canvas e-Book which you can find here.   Also, I’m excited about getting my first opportunity to speak to some other artists.

7. If you were to plan any event, what would be it and what would your theme and color scheme be?

An outdoor party with pretty white lights hanging above. Black and white color scheme. Come dressed as your favorite book character.

8. What would you tell someone who wants to be more active in their creativity/interests?

Find what you can cut out of your life that is not needed, so that you can make more time to do the things you love. There is ALWAYS something you can cut out to allow a shift in your priorities.

10.  Who is one artist/designer/crafter/inspiring person that you would want readers to know about, also?

I would say my two mentors in creativity right now are Carlos Whittaker and StarGardener. 

 

Thanks so much to Mandy for taking the time to answer these questions.  Don’t forget to check out her blog, you won’t be sorry.

Liv.

The Premiere of Thursday’s Someone

I’m really excited to kick off a new feature here on the blog, where I get to introduce you to talented and interesting people, that you should know.  I hope to bring interviews and stories about creative and inspiring people, who not only make cool things but who are doing amazing things with their lives.

We’re kicking things off with Regina Cummings.  She runs a fun etsy shop called VivatRegina, which highlights unique handmade jewelry and most recently, the most adorable baby mobiles.  She also blogs about her creative life, her current adoption/foster parenting process, and more.  I asked her some questions that you might wonder yourself.  Enjoy!

Tell us who you are and a little about yourself.

My name is Regina and I’m a happily married woman to a wonderful husband and Youth Minister. My life consists of working for an online high school, going to church and being involved in many ways there, crafting, keeping house, running around after a Youth Group, taking care of our two cats and one dog, completing the application process to get dual licensed for Foster Care/Adoption, reading books/magazines/blogs, planning fun events, and then relaxing by watching “my shows” or just sitting out on our patio and breathing in life, nature and our Creator.

Tell us what a picture perfect fall day in your life would be like.

[This one was tricky because I had two perfect days in mind… so I decided to mesh them together.] It would be a cold, drizzly morning and my closest friends and I would be piled up in my living room, snuggled under blankets and watching chick flicks and romantic movies. We would talk about life, men, cute butts, hair styles, accessories, God, love, the future, the past, our hopes, our wishes, our dreams. We would sip hot chocolate and eat too many brownies. Then in the afternoon the rain would stop, the sky would clear and we would change clothes, put on our rain boots, grab our kids and significant others and head out to a Pumpkin Festival where we would scour the field for the perfect pumpkin, listen to folk music while eating homemade goodies, go through a corn maze and then close with a hayride.

Name five things (not people) you’d never want to live without.

My phone, computer,  chapstick, a bathroom with shower, books to read, music, paper and pens.

{Regina, this is 8 things.}

Name one place you have never been but dream of visiting.

Europe. I’ve dreamed of going to Europe for as long as I can remember. I am planning a trip to Italy in 2016 or 2017, for my husband and I. It’ll be a guided tour vacation package for about 10-12 days.

What is your favorite word?

Tofurkey. Which is tofu turkey and I have never eaten it or tried it, but just saying the word makes me smile.

Because we’re all human, what is the biggest challenge to your creativity/inspiration/success?

I would say time/money/laziness are tied.

What project are you most excited about currently?

Other than this process for Foster Care/Adoption, it would have to be my new line of children’s room mobiles.  I’ve got some really cute designs sketched out, now I just got to get them in production mode.

What would you tell someone who wants to be more active in their creativity/interests?

Take some advice from Nike and “just do it”. Seriously. I had been wanting to paint for a long time and I was nervous, but I just finally went and bought my supplies and started painting. I loved it.  I did the same thing with jewelry and scrapbooking. I was nervous and unsure, but I’ve learned to stop holding myself back based on fears and insecurities and just go for it. There are TONS of online videos on youtube and other places that can teach you how to do new projects.  I learned how to crochet by watching online videos.  So do your research, buy your supplies and just do it.

Who is one artist/designer/crafter/inspiring person that you would want readers to know about, also?  

Hands down, Marc Chagall, find out more here.

Thanks Regina for taking time to share about your life and creativity here on The Saturated Palette.  Be sure to check out her blog and super cute shop. 

Also, if you have other questions, you’d love to ask future guests, let me know in the comments.

{Liv