Sketching the World One Drawing at a Time

Sketching the World One Drawing at a Time (illustrations by Betsy Beier/Wanderlust Designer)

I've been a busy bee this last month over on my other site, Wanderlust Designer. I'm so excited to have many of my travel sketches and designs I've been working on posted in one central location.

This past year, besides designs and drawings of various locations I've traveled, I've been working on two different sketch series; "Eat Drink Travel" sketch series and "Scenes from..." sketch series. Many of these illustrations have stories associated to them as well, like a story about drinking Turkish coffee in Istanbul and enjoying a churrasco BBQ feast in Rio de Janeiro.

Head on over to my travel sketches and take a peak, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Brainstorm Session: Following My Artsy Passion

Diagram of an Artist's Brain - Illustration by B.Nute productions

My brain has been on artsy overdrive lately. This summer, when I took a little time off,  I rediscovered my artsy self. Ever since I've been full of ideas and can't stop drawing. I've been focusing mainly on my travel sketches, but every now and again add some other whimsical drawings in the mix. I've joined up with several different sketch-a-day (#sketchaday) efforts on Instagram, including a 30 day sketch challenge in September and an #inktober drawing challenge this October. I've even been taking a fabulous online storytelling sketch class from Sketchbook Skool.

I must say, I've definitely been feeling a little scattered, though. My desires to continue to produce art has left my blogging in the dust. I did a little brainstorming this week and came up with a plan to help this nagging problem. I've decided to follow my passions, and do what I'm enjoying at the moment-- illustrations and design.

What does this mean-- Well, you'll be seeing a lot more of my illustrations and drawings here on this blog. As with any thing, I'd love to hear your feedback. Leave a comment below, or send an email anytime!

Outdoor Adventure Essentials

The Essentials: Outdoor Adventure Poster and Notecard by B.Nute productions

There's nothing like an outdoor adventure! Tying up those hiking boots, filling up your canteen and headed out into the wilderness can be so exhilarating. My son and husband had a handful of camping adventures this summer. Sadly, I didn't make it out on one of them. Now that it's fall, though, and the weather is a bit cooler, I'm craving a little outdoor time!

Drawing these essentials to an outdoor adventure has definitely inspired me. Perhaps if a full blown camping trip doesn't happen for me this fall, I should just head out into the backyard and camp under the stars.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, and/or love to camp, head over to my shop and pick up one of my Outdoor Adventure posters or some notecards with these camping inspired drawings. I'm may just inspire you to head out and hit the trail as well.

Gettin' Crafty: Free Printable Creativity Quote 8x10 Sign

Free Printable "Creativity Makes Life More Fun" 8x10 Sign from B.Nute productions

"Creativity makes life more fun." It's as simple as that!

I've really been trying to step up my creative game lately-- doing more sketching, more drawing, more watercoloring, more creative projects - I've even picked up my dusty guitar to strum a few chords. I truly believe creativity makes my life more fun.

To get you inspired, I've created a free printable quote. I had fun playing with type on top of one of the color abstracts I painted. After I printed it out, I put it in a simple 8x10 frame and put it on my desk. It's bright, cheery and the perfect reminder to greet me in the morning when I begin work. I hope you find it inspiring as well.

Free Printable Creativity Quote 8x10 Sign

Free Printable Creativity Quote 8x10 Sign from B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Your Creativity Sign
1. Select the link above, and print out the page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. Print on white cardstock to give some weight to the image.
2. Cut out the 8"x10" image, and place in a frame.

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Dinosaur Party Invitations and More Filled with Prehistoric Fun

Prehistoric Fun Including B.Nute productions Dinosaur Party Invitations

I remember when my nephew was a dino-fanatic! He knew every dinosaur name, the time period in which they roamed the earth, their eating habits and much, much more. It's hard to believe he is now a senior in high school!

Many kids go through a phase of loving dinosaurs. To capitalize on their inner-Paleontologist, why not throw them a dinosaur party! I had fun creating these rustic invitations and matching party goods. I challenged myself by hand drawing the dinosaurs, and then giving them a grungy, dino-texture. Below is a sample of the invitation and matching party accessories available for your party.

Dinosaur Party Invitations, Stationery, Stickers and More by B.Nute productions on Zazzle

So, head over to my shop and customize your own Dinosaur party goods for your little one. Everyone is sure to have a great time!

• Dinosaur Party Invitation
• Dinosaur Personalized Stationery
• Dinosaur Party Matching Party Goods (Thank You Post Card and Stickers)

Bein' Real: Closet Envy

A Well Organized Closet

I have a case of closet envy, and I have it bad! On the last leg of our Japan trip we were spoiled and stayed in the famed Peninsula Hotel, Tokyo. Wow! When we were escorted to our room, I let out a few oo's and ahh's, but once the bellman had departed, I really started to drool! Ample space, wide halls, multiple rooms, great views, amenities at every turn. I was in heaven.

Then I walked into the closet. That's when envy set in!

Yes, there were no clothes in the closet, so of course it looked huge... but it wasn't just that. There was a place for everything and plenty of room too. There was even a sweet little dressing table with a mirror. (My 40+ year old eyesight now understands the beauty of these magnifying mirrors!)

I instantly thought of my closet at home. It's actually a pretty decent size. It's not Kardashian sized where you could fit a full boutique, but it's not tiny either. I've always loved it's late 1940's charm. It has 3 built in cubbies, and even sweet dressing table too. So why complain?

Well, unfortunately, in my almost 10 years living in our wonderful home, I have never had a cleared off spot to actually sit at that dressing table and put on make up, let alone consistently find an outfit I am happy with and/or pick up that scarf or accessorizing purse to match. My closet is stuffed. Overrun with a bunch of so-so clothes. It's time for a serious operation-- time to extract the bad, get rid of the "just in-case" items and find those cute outfits lurking in the mix.

I've been reading up on capsule wardrobes and am very inspired. Have you read about it? The simple description is a paired down closet per season or few months time period. Some folks pair their wardrobe down to 10 items. Some swear by a magical number like 33 items. Some are strict and allow no freebies (like accessories count in your item total), some are a bit more lenient. Either way, the theory is the less clothes you have in your closet, the more likely you will be able to find them and wear them. Also, if you take the time to think about your clothes as a mix and match set (per season), you will always look good.

Well, I'm sold. I've watched enough of the now off-the-air TV show "What Not to Wear" to know it's time! Wish me luck. I'll report back soon.

More Capsule Wardrobe Inspiration
Capsule Wardrobes on Pinterest
Thinking Through What You Need
Planning and Prepping for a Capsule Wardrobe

Free Printable Super Cute Kawaii Notes for Home, Office or School

Free Printable Happy Office Printable Notes by B.Nute productions

Our big trip this past summer was to Japan. What a wonderful country filled with rich history, beautiful scenery and, of course, incredible design. I must say, I couldn't get enough of the kawaii, or super cuteness in so much of their product packaging. The sweet characters, winking vegetables, and happy inanimate objects really do put a smile on your face!

To keep you smiling - whether at school, at home or at the office, I decided to create some free printable notes in the kawaii style. Just print out a few copies, cut up the squares, and send notes to your kids in their lunch box, your students for a job well done, or your co-worker to brighten their day. Nothing like a little cuteness to brighten anyones day!

Free Printable Happy Notes

Free Printable Happy Office Notes from B.Nute productions

Instructions for Printing Your Kawaii Notes

1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use 8.5: x 11" paper.

2. Cut out each note paper. Write a note to a friend, student or co-worker and smile!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.