Quiet Routines of Drawing

Drawing is so relaxing to me; it's like carving out your own little world. 

I have my own little routines around drawing. Read more to find out my quirks.

I run a tumblr blog just for collecting images and inspiration which you can see at ichoosetorefuse.tumblr. I browse through the archive, choosing images to warm up on and then finally settling on something to draw, ink and color.

I have all my art supplies in cute little storage spaces: the skin tones together in a little tray and the bright colors displayed on my desk. I even turned a jewelry box into storage for my paint and crafting supplies! Keeping things in view is both colorful and inspiring. Often I used to find it difficult to pull everything out to start a project. But now that everything is in reach, I always feel like I can up and start a project. When things start to collect dust, I know I really need to make something.

Once I have my supplies out and an image chosen, I start drawing. Usually I play music and have a cup of tea at hand. I often do a preparatory sketch - to get a feel for the proportions and shapes - before doing a larger final sketch that will be used for inking.

Starting a project is like entering a dream world. Time is just on total pause and I hyper focus on the minute details. It's a lovely feeling! The feeling of working with your hands and making something tangible is just one of a kind.

Quiet Routines of Drawing

Drawing is so relaxing to me; it's like carving out your own little world. 

I have my own little routines around drawing. Read more to find out my quirks.

Apartment Inspiration: Blogs and Stories

(via)

Check out this useful book, Small Space Decorating by Better homes and gardens ($17), and read more for blog posts that helped me make the big shift to my very own apartment!




Layout for Studio apartment by Esholee

Big girl, tiny apartment by Rebecca

Studio inspiration by mylittleapartment

Apartment tour by saradujour

Inspiration by DearGolden (I know this is a retail space, but it's so gorgeous!)


Although I'm not looking forward to packing, based on my last experience.

Apartment Inspiration: Blogs and Stories

(via)

Check out this useful book, Small Space Decorating by Better homes and gardens ($17), and read more for blog posts that helped me make the big shift to my very own apartment!

College Applications and Admissions: The harsh truth

This is some real talk!

College Applications and Admissions: The harsh truth

This is some real talk!

Bookcase Search

I'm trying to figure out what book case to order for my new apartment. I have a fair amount of books and figurines that I want to display. Like, a lot of books! Bookcases are an important part of a living room.

That said: I'm struggling with this choice. I don't know if I want to go for a metal style or wooden ones. I like the metal ones because they seem very open and bright. While the wooden ones are darker, they also warm a room.  I'm also not sure if I want to order from Ikea or from Amazon Prime. Whichever site I order from: If I order before the move, I can have the movers put it together for me.

Monarch Reclaimed-Look/Chrome Metal Bookcase, 72-Inch, Dark Taupe ($226)

This feels very contemporary to me, but I'm not sure about the asymmetric vertical supports. 

Coaster Chrome Shelf ($248)

The arched metal looks lovely as does the glass shelving. It's so airy and open!

Ikea KLINGSBO cabinet ($129) / Ikea DETOLF glass cabinet ($65)

I would really like these to display my figurines. One is much more expensive but also has more shelves; the metal bottom is pretty too. 

Home Styles 5061-76 The Orleans 5-Tier Multi-function Vintage Shelf ($266)

This shelf has so many neat details. The stone seems like a great effect - very elegant. I think this would really define a great place.

King's Brand BK08 Wood Wall Corner 5-Tier Bookshelf Case, Espresso Finish ($70)

This seems great for saving space. I'm going to look at the floor plan to see if I need something like this. I certainly would've loved it when I was in the dorms.

 Linon Home Decor Titian Bookcase ($138)

I like the detailing on the side of it. Such an excellent warm color too!

IKEA HEMNES Glass door cabinet ($365)

I really want at least one shelf to be able to be closed to dust. This doesn't really feel like a living room piece of furniture, but the drawers are great for hiding mess.