Jen Renninger is someone that won’t let me forget her because she writes the most expressive and kind emails that really touch my heart. Beyond words, Jen is also a lady that I find impressive based on the talent she exhibits through the graphics she creates — I’d love to explore my own talent in the arts at some point and it’s ladies like Jen who give me a little push in that direction without even realizing it.
Jen said that she visits decor8 because the content reaches far beyond design, “Your blog is really about positive inspiration and creative joy,” she says. I think that she makes a good point because I’m constantly moved by the work I see from so many of the talented men and women that sharing it here comes so natural. I’m obsessed with decorating and all the elements that make a beautiful home, but I don’t blog because I’m obsessed with trends, shopping, and owning the latest finds, I write because the many projects that people work on truly make me happy and help me make sense out of all the bad things in the world that co-exists with the good. When I see beautiful art or fabric made from a person who put so much of themselves into it, I can’t help but be inspired by that level of talent and skill but also the determination that went into bringing the concept to reality.
I can’t imagine living in a world without creativity, without the ability to create things. Lately I’ve been a bit hard on myself because I haven’t been ‘making’ things that much. I’m pretty busy with other things that don’t involve sitting at my sewing machine or working on a fun DIY project, things that fuel me. I haven’t even taken on a new design client because my current schedule does not allow it at the moment. But then as I thought about how little I’ve spent on creating things I realized through Jen’s email that I do make things. I make words that promote the talent out there and that inspire each of you to continue on or to find your path. And after realizing that, I felt a lot better today. I think that a lot of writers suffer these feelings at times, if you are a writer perhaps you understand what I’m saying here. You can sometimes feel like a cheerleader who just wants to get out there and play ball.
Jen, an artist who just so happens to run a lovely etsy store Still Room Studio, has been working on a project this year called 365. It’s a blog showcasing a year of everyday images she posts that is the decor8 blog of the week. Some of her images are collages, others are paintings and drawings, and lately she’s been photographing the drawings with collages under them. The results are beautiful. Her sister, Raydel is another amazing talent that I’ve talked about here before but I wanted to point you to her work again today too. These sisters are fantastic!
Congratulations Jen on your new project and the way you are encouraging us all to be creative everyday whether through art, the way we handle a problem, how we prepare a meal, or the words we write — thank you for encouraging creativity in all its forms.
(images from jen renninger)
March 28th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Jen’s work is beautiful, and her thoughts express the way many of of feel about Decor 8 Holly!
March 28th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Amazing !!!!
I found the photo on flickr and I followed the link to your blog
Thank you for sharing !!!
March 28th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
oh Holly!
Thank you for such Lovely Lovely LOVELY words!
As always, You light up my day every time I land on your blog!
ALL the best!
Jen
March 28th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
beautiful post! and beautiful prints by jen!
March 28th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
So happy to have discovered Jen and her work today, really looks amazing.
And Holly you totally nailed it on the ” doing enough creative work ” .You bring so much inspiration that is more then enough, I am sure you will be involved in loads of other creative project but your blog is already a masterpiece !
am sure all the other readers will agree on this one..you have created a space online where people can talk not only about ” creative work ” and interiors but much deeper things, our feelings too. How great is that :) ?!
March 28th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Jen’s work is so lovely and I will definitely check out her blog…..I concur with all said here, you are an inspiration Holly and DO create so much. You create so much good karma, good ideas, good design, good vibes and light up so many days with your talent and kind heart. I appreciate you greatly and look forward to every single post.
xo
Melissa
March 28th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Hi Holly-
I was thinking about how your blog is not only incredibly beautiful with the images and postings you bring to it, but also – you have such a soulful and inspiring perspective. Your blog constantly makes me smile when I am feeling overwhelmed or hopeless about my future creative endeavors.
I think of you as the “Oprah” of the blogging world – always inspiring people to live their best life!
March 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
oh such gorgeousness!
March 28th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I also want to join the toasts to you and your blog – thank you for the “positive inspiration and creative joy,” as Jen Renninger so perfectly put it.
March 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Thanks for bringing jens blog to our attention. I have just checked it put and it is wonderful
Have a great weekend
Alison
March 28th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Great inspirational post!
March 28th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Her work is really lovely….
March 28th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I agree with what everyone else has said thus far. I am an avid reader of your blog & always feel a sort of weight lifted off my shoulders when I look at your posts (if that even makes any sense). Anyways, thank you for sharing this lovely blog with us! And, also for sharing so much of yourself!
March 29th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Elegant Work. Thanks
March 29th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
thank you for introducing Jen’s work–I can always count on this blog to find the best of the best. You inspire me in so many ways!
Someday you will find the balance and art will return in your life.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:59 am
oh my goodness! what FRESH and unique imagery!! great find!
March 31st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
What a lovely and positive blog post! It’s so good to see. And what a great find – some really fantastic graphics there.
March 31st, 2008 at 6:11 pm
well, It’s the first time that I come here and I was totally seduced by Jen’s art so I read your little words. ……And well, if jen knows how to “paint” you sure know how to “write” !!!
It is very moving the way you share with us your inner feelings. It’s not as easy as one can think.
But I must tell you, I “paint” too, and you know what one of my big regrets , or even big complex (!) is ? Well, i don’t know how to do with words….. I hate it not to know exactly how to say or write exactly how I feel so people can understand it. Even when I speack it shows…. And YOU know that !
and It’s such a talent !!!