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Wallpaper Wednesdays 12 | Harriet Hoult
Wallpaper Wednesdays 12 | Harriet Hoult

This week, Ena and I are featuring London based artist, Harriet Hoult! Harriet reached out to me - and I'm so glad she did - because I needed her artwork in my life. What I love about her art is that it has so much depth to it. I could literally stare at her pieces for days and would appreciate her work and never get tired of it if it were displayed in my home. Her work is so colorful as well and contains so many textures, patterns, and details yet to be discovered.

In Harriet's About section on her website, she says,

"I tend not to plan. I have an image in my head as a starting point and I make some makes in the direction of that original idea. Then I feel my way to what the next set of marks will be. It's a moment-by-moment evolving process."

To me, that is so inspiring and it is a common thread that many artists share. I find that intriguing and inspiring. To create something so beautiful from a space of letting go is really amazing, and that's why I admire her work so much. 

Her work also has so much emotion and energy pulsing through it, while others are very soft and calming. I also love how every piece she has evokes a different feeling. 

Explore her work - you'll be so glad you did! She is sharing three beautiful wallpapers at the end of this post, so make sure you grab them, but first, let's get to know her a bit more. 


Q & A 

1. DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSION FOR ART AND WHEN DID YOU START PURSUING IT? 

I always loved Art at school and I used to get very excited about the Art class each week.  Then I would spend the whole time from the point of the class ending looking forward to the next one.  It was the only time of the week when I felt truly alive and sort of purposeful.  Then at 16 I gave up it completely - I was advised by my teachers that Art was not an academic subject and that it would be sensible career wise to take a more robust subject like History or Politics.  From that point on, I didn't pick up a pencil or paintbrush for many years - until I signed up for an art workshop in Scotland about 7 years ago, and that was probably the beginning of this particular phase and the seed of the work I am now doing. 

2. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? 

My inspiration comes from many places. I am and always have been very driven by aesthetic's  - the things I perceive to be visually beautiful. So really, it is anything that I see that touches that 'beauty spot' within me - whether that's the way two colours interact on a street sign, an old tree stump in the park or a page in a magazine. I also love graphic design and I get very excited when I see what I consider to be a great design piece.  The other thing I am very inspired by is people's stories - I often listen to podcasts like Radio 4's Desert Island Discs as I love hearing successful people talking about themselves, their motivations,  and their lives. 

3. WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE? 

I work mainly with acrylic (both tube and spray paint) and mixed media on paper. I love working on paper because to me it feels really sort of raw and real - I only use very thick textured archival paper.  The mixed media could be anything from oil pastel to string or sand. 

4. IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART? 

Abstract, colourful, expressive

5.  DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE CREATING ART? IF SO, WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

I sometimes listen to music but recently I've been listening more to podcasts - as I mentioned earlier Desert Island Discs on Radio 4 is one of my favourites, also Raise Your Hand And Say Yes by Tiffany Han is another one I've tuned into a lot in the last few weeks.   

To be continued...

To see the rest of the Q & A, click HERE


Wallpaper Wednesdays 12 | Harriet Hoult
Wallpaper Wednesdays 12 | Harriet Hoult

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 12 | Harriet Hoult

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 12 | Harriet Hoult

I hope you snagged one - if not all - of Harriet's beautiful wallpapers! Harriet can be found over at her WebsiteFacebook, TwitterInstagram, Tumblr, and Flickr.

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

A heartfelt thank you to Harriet for collaborating with us!

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments below! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!




Wallpaper Wednesdays 11 | Minimal Geometric
Wallpaper Wednesdays 11 | Minimal Geometric

Happy Hump Day guys! Today, we have some minimal geometric designs up for grabs. I love how Ena and I can come up with something on the fly. Thanks to our night owlish tendencies, we have successfully not skipped a week! Just FYI, our feature artist is postponed until next week, so stick around for that!

On another note, I wanted to find out what other free resources you guys are interested in. I've been brainstorming projects, but your input would be great. That's one of the great things about the internet - and with so many resources available out there - it's hard not to want to jump on the bandwagon and give. That is actually a guiding force for this blog, so there is definitely more to come.

Hope you likey, and don't forget to tag us on Instagram with #cheekyliving and show us which wallpaper(s) you picked. Happy downloading!

Wallpaper Wednesdays 11 | Minimal Geometric

There ya have it! I hope you snagged one - if not all - of these beautiful wallpapers!

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured. 

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels
Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels

Wow, we've hit our 10th Wallpaper Wednesday already! Time just really needs to slow down because, not only am I getting a day older, but my little one will be turning the big 1 this month. *cries* I can't even believe how fast this year has escaped me. I am just loving every minute of his precious life and never want him to grow up. Oh, and if you have any easy 1st birthday party ideas for boys, please share them with me!

This week, we put together some pastel inspired abstracts. I'm really loving how they turned out. Are there any designs that you would like to see in an upcoming WW? I would love to hear your ideas. After all, Ena and I do this for you guys, so we're open to any and all suggestions. We also would love to know who your favorite artists are and any recommendations for who you would like to see featured. We're so happy to have featured three budding artists so far, and we plan to grow an even bigger network in the months to come. Without further ado, happy downloading!

Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 10 | Abstract Pastels

There ya have it! I hope you snagged one - if not all - of these beautiful wallpapers!

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin
Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin

Today, Ena and I are featuring Jocelyn Edin from Michigan - a brilliant watercolor artist, print and web designer, and one who dabbles in a multitude of other creative pursuits such as painting, drawing, lettering, letterpress, sculpture, and photography. I've noticed an interesting common thread among artists that we've featured so far. Like Sophia - Mini Grandi Artist, and I, Jocelyn is a designer, and has also decided to pursue an independent career for herself. It's encouraging to see that other creatives are taking the big leap to pursue their passion. The amazing thing is that it doesn't look like they just merely entered the scene, rather they are seasoned pros, with talent beyond their years. 

The thing I really appreciate about Jocelyn's work is that it is very spontaneous and organic. I love when I look at a piece of art and see the emotion in it. I really feel that the best art is created from just being in the moment and letting loose. Too much control will actually work against art than for it, but I do believe that you do need a certain amount of restraint too, so I guess that's a form of control. Either way, Jocelyn really achieves it all in her work and it is very easy to gaze in awe and get lost in the details of her watercolors.

I really look forward to seeing more of Jocelyn's work because I really admire her style and use of colors. If you're loving her work so far, stay around until the end of the post to see the beautiful wallpaper designs that she created for you guys for free download. They are absolutely lovely. Now let's get to know her a bit more with our Q&A!


1. DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSION FOR ART AND WHEN DID YOU START PURSUING IT? 

I have always loved making things. I was so lucky to come from a family of artists, including my dad who was my high school art teacher. I studied graphic design in college and spent the last 15 years in the agency world as an art director for a small studio in southeast Michigan. This past summer I decided to follow my own path and focus on making art full-time.

2. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? 

I find beauty in the everyday, in the simple things. I love the outdoors, sunshine, Mother Nature. I’m also inspired by color itself, shapes, compositions, textures, the spontaneity of paint on paper.

3. WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE? 

Mainly watercolor, and of course my digital tools.

4. IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART? 

Graphic, Organic, Optimistic

5.  DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE CREATING ART? IF SO, WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

I’m always listening to music! I love live music and am on the board at The Ark, a music venue in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. My tastes are eclectic and cover a huge range. I love music that makes me want to dance but I also love beautiful songwriting and authentic delivery. Some of my favorites are Patty Griffin, Vienna Teng, Johnnyswim, JT, MJ, Pharrell.

6. DESCRIBE YOUR MOST TREASURED ART PIECE TO DATE - ONE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF. 

One of my favorite pieces from the last year was an illustrated poster for a Jeff Daniels show at The Ark. I have a signed copy framed in my home. It was a piece that pushed me in exciting ways.

7. NAME ONE ARTIST YOU ADMIRE. 

I immediately think of the artists in my family, my dad, my brother, my aunt, my great grandmother, all so inspirational in their own way. But if I had to pick a current artist crush, it would be Helen Dealtry. The aesthetic of her watercolor work and textile design is so yummy!

8.  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING ARTISTS?

I love this video with Ira Glass talking about The Gap. Exactly. Do a lot of work. And make yourself uncomfortable. That’s when you’ll grow.

9.  WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Creating larger series of work. Showing in galleries. Collaborating with creative friends around the world. Dedicating time towards a cause.

10. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

At a plein air watercolor workshop in Scotland.


Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin
Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 9 | Jocelyn Edin

I hope you snagged one - if not all - of Jocelyn's beautiful wallpapers! Jocelyn can be found over at her WebsiteSociety6, Minted, Etsy, and Instagram

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6 

A heartfelt thank you to Jocelyn for collaborating with us!

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!




Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit
Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit

Do tell, are you guys enjoying these Wallpaper Wednesdays that we have going on every week? I'm so thrilled that we've been able to feature two artists thus far: Sophia aka Mini Grandi Artist and Katelyn Morse. We are featuring another lovely artist next week, so make sure to come back and see who we're featuring and what she's put together for you guys. I absolutely love where this project has taken us, and I'm just so eager to start a new one soon!

I hope you all enjoy these fruit themed wallpapers that Ena and I created this week. It was oodles of fun making them because I love me some fruit. Looking at them also gets me excited! I'd also love to see your wallpapers in use, so please share a photo on Instagram with #cheekyliving. It's fun to get connected with you guys.

Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 8 | Fruit

There ya have it! I hope you snagged one - if not all - of these beautiful wallpapers!

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured. 

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

Shop my Designs on Society 6

free resourcesStina Xfigs



Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse
Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse

This week's featured artist is Katelyn Morse from Nova Scotia, Canada. Her pieces struck a chord with me, so I invited her to be featured this week. Her work is so ethereal and calming to look at, and I just adore her feather illustrations and mountain landscapes. I can only imagine how stunning it would be to view sites that majestic in person one day. 

Nature is so inspiring and, I feel, can bring out the best in us an an authenticity that nothing else could. Getting one-on-one with nature and being observant to it brings a peace that can't be described. 

I love how Katelyn created these minimalist paintings with wood. If you're loving her work so far, she's created four beautiful wallpapers for you guys to enjoy towards the end of this post. First, let's see what she had to say for our Q&A. 

1. DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSION FOR ART AND WHEN DID YOU START PURSUING IT? 

I have always loved to draw since I was very young - almost every day I would draw animals, people, flowers etc. It was not until one year ago that I started pursuing it as a career option. So happy I did!

2. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? 

I find inspiration in nature. The prettiest foliage and the intricate flowers always catch my eye. Animals as well! 

3. WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE? 

I use mostly acrylic paint, and watercolor paint. Looking into trying out oil! 

4. IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART? 

Boho, Earthy, and Girly.

5.  DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE CREATING ART? IF SO, WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

If I'm listening to music it's either Jack Johnson or a playlist of forest sounds! 

6. DESCRIBE YOUR MOST TREASURED ART PIECE TO DATE - ONE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF. 

I painted a large circular piece of wood and filled it with evergreen trees and a body of water with the trees reflection in it, with a little fawn hiding in the trees. I absolutely love that piece and it will hang in my living room for years to come!

7. NAME ONE ARTIST YOU ADMIRE. 

Emily Jeffords. I feel a sense of calmness and peace when I look at her paintings.

8.  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING ARTISTS?

Don't stop creating. Do do do. Don't give up, be kind to all and love the process. Find what you're good at and hone it - get your art out there in as many places that you can and be bold!

9.  WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

In 5 years I hope to have my own studio and be shipping my paintings all over the world! I will be 29 in 5 years - so I also hope that my husband and I will own our house by the lake and start raising a fam. 

10. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

Banff. I'll be there in a week. I just want to be there right now! On top of a mountain looking down at the amazing world at which we live in!

Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse
Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 7 | Katelyn Morse

I hope you snagged one - if not all - of her beautiful wallpapers! Katelyn can be found over at her Etsy shop and Instagram. You'll want to check out her other amazing work, for sure.

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured.

My Wallpaper Wednesday partner in crime - the lovely, Ena Chahal - can be stalked over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!




Wallpaper Wednesdays 6 | Nature
Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Nature

Hi friends! This week, Ena and I created nature-themed wallpapers. I am so loving her black and white wallpaper that she created. It really reminds me of a plant's view of a galaxy. For my designs, I decided to keep it very simple this week, so I created a feather and wreath illustration with watercolors. I love how Wallpaper Wednesdays challenges me to get back into drawing, illustrating, painting, and overall creating things from scratch. I've always loved art, but I have put it aside for many many years (in exchange for graphic design) and haven't painted in years - until now! I thank Ena for joining me on this journey, because we have come up with so many more ideas in the process. I'm so excited for the future, so stick around to find out what else we have up our sleeves! We hope you love these, and please share a photo of you using your wallpapers with #cheekyliving on Instagram. 

Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Nature

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Nature

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Nature

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Nature

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Nature

I hope you snagged one - if not all - of these beautiful wallpapers! I would love you forever if you could stop by and visit the lovely, Ena Chahal over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

For wallpaper updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up and tag your wallpapers in use to be featured. 

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

SHOP MY DESIGNS ON SOCIETY 6

free resourcesStina Xpineapple



Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

Photo credit: Pip Leigh Photography

This week, we're excited to feature a new artist from the beautiful Wanaka, New Zealand! Sophie has a very inspiring story - one that I connect with in my personal journey. A graphic artist by trade for 12 years, Sophie decided that it was time to return to her first love - painting and become a full time artist after being inspired by her surrounding Wanaka. 

Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

As you may imagine, her artwork is also inspired by the surrounding mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches of Wanaka. Perhaps one of the interesting things to me about Sophie is the inspiration behind her name - Mini Grandi Artist, which means little grown up artist.

Picasso said ‘Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain one when we grow up.’ Co-incidentally this was on the back on my graphic design business card for years and when I clicked that my name had always been with me, it was like the whole world got a little bit brighter.' - Sophie
Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

You can read more in her Lookbook, where she shares about her journey toward becoming wholly creative again and how slow living has been her pathway to becoming truly inspired, living in the moment, and feeling complete.

Ena and I really connected with her story, but even more, her artwork! I love the simplicity, yet complexity of her work and how each piece conveys a landscape in itself. It's interesting how her art career is just starting to unfold, yet there is so much depth in her work. It just goes to show: once an artist, always an artist. No matter what path we take in life, we will always be led back to our "first love" - our passion and what sets us free inside. 

We asked Sophie to answer a few questions for us - take a read and be inspired! Stay around 'til the end to download her beautiful wallpapers.

1. DID YOU ALWAYS HAVE A PASSION FOR ART AND WHEN DID YOU START PURSUING IT? 

Oh most definitely, I lived in the art room at school then went onto study a degree in Fine Arts specialising in Painting from Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, New Zealand but after years of travelling and chasing snow, meeting my husband and then finally settling in Wanaka I became a graphic designer instead of returning to art. But last year I found a totally new lifestyle and embarked on a new pathway after endless winter sickness, being riddled with self doubt and just being miserable. Now I'm the happiest, calmest and most creative I have ever been thanks to being introduced to meditation and finding balance in my life through the mind/body connection, yoga and whole foods. I feel that the art I create now is an extension of the freedom I have found in letting go of my life to gain control over it. My secret to my return to creativity lies with meditation and it's ability to ground me and it's only me that can do that.  The power you have inside from the stillness within fascinates me. 

It has been one of my consistently renewed goals for years to become a full time artist once both my children were at school but I'd never put any steps in place to achieve it as self doubt stopped me from ever committing to painting again. I’ve met that goal 2 years ahead of schedule and am so grateful that my lifestyle changed in order to let me become an artist. Everything happens for a reason I believe and I obviously wasn't meant to make the art I do today until now.

2. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION? 

My artwork and textures are inspired by the mountains, forests, lakes and beaches surrounding Wanaka. I often find my best works are creations of impulse and experimenting in my studio. I try to see the beauty in everything and seek to interpret this with creating landscapes of tranquility, familiarity and simplicity.

3. WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE? 

I am currently working with black watercolour on paper but am planning some large scale works on canvas for a solo show early next year. I am somewhat an unconventional watercolorist - I often drench my paper in water leaving it in pools and swirls of colour to absorb and dry. I also like to use a mixture of brushes, not necessarily watercolour brushes - just whatever I have and sometimes my best brush is my old shedding pastry brush that obviously was no good for pastry but works great as my clean water brush for the initial paper soak.  My favourite brush is a long piece of dried grass collected from the fields close to my home and where I go running with my dog most mornings. The other favourite is a dried wildflower weed that grows abundantly in the same fields. I love the varied appearance these tools give and that I have very limited control over the end result - this excites me like nothing else!  I also love to not look at the paper when creating abstract loose shapes, if I look while I have a brush in hand I ruin it! 

4. IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF ART? 

Abstract.  Still.  Linear.

5.  DO YOU LISTEN TO MUSIC WHILE CREATING ART? IF SO, WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?

As much as I love quiet and the stillness within I need loud music to create and absorb myself in my work - Broods and the XX never fail to disappoint. In contrast to this I always meditate before starting painting!

6. DESCRIBE YOUR MOST TREASURED ART PIECE TO DATE - ONE THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF. 

Um, I just sold it last week! Gasp! It is called 'Another Storm at the Beach' - an original watercolour work on paper. (it is also my most popular selling print on my website). I initially didn't want to sell it but it was to a friend returning to Germany and I could tell he just loved it. I felt if he loved it as much as I did that it would be best in his home, I could always have other favourites.

7. NAME ONE ARTIST YOU ADMIRE. 

This year I discovered the beautiful work of Agneta Ekholm a Finish artist living in Melbourne http://www.agnetaekholm.com  She creates ethereal abstract flowing works with multiple layers of apparent simplicity but really the technique she uses is anything but. I recently connected with her to tell her I had been in to admire her works several times at a local Wanaka gallery - Gallery33 and she encouraged me to keep producing art that was just mine and to develop my craft by simply working away at it.

8.  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EMERGING ARTISTS?

It seems odd to be giving advice so early into my career but I guess the biggest fundamental thing I have learnt this year is to produce work that is uniquely me. I feel like I discovered my current style by chance and can only hope my transition to my next style comes to me when I least expect it too.  Figuring out what works for your style takes time but the only way you can find it is by continuing to keep challenging and pushing your art.  Oh and don't spend too much time on social media!  I feel like I should have a degree in Instagram I've spent so much time on there!

9.  WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

In the middle of completing a Masters in Fine Art and maybe with a third child in tow……., hah!

10. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?

I am so incredibly happy in my home with my little family and husband right now, I love living in Wanaka and am grateful everyday to be able to live here.  I am such a home body but while I do still have aspirations for travel, I think realistically that will happen once my children are grown up. (They're 5 and 3.5).  My husband also travels overseas a lot for work so he loves nothing more than to come home and while I used to be, 'right, lets go away!' I have come to realise home is best for him AND me right now……

Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist
Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 5 | Mini Grandi Artist

I hope you snagged one - if not all - of her beautiful wallpapers! We would love you forever if you could stop by and show some love over at Sophie's shop, blog, or Instagram for us.

For updates, sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @cheekybillo and @hellolovelyliving on Instagram and search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up. 

The lovely, Ena Chahal can be stalked ; ) over here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!




Wallpaper Wednesdays 4 | Illustration
Wallpaper Wednesdays 4 | Illustration

Hi Loves! This week, our theme is illustrations. I hope you enjoy what Ena and I have designed for you all this week. Make sure to capture a photo of you using your wallpapers on your gadgets and tag us and #cheekyliving to be featured on our Instagram pages. We're delighted to feature a new artist next week, so come back and check it out! Have a lovely rest of your week! <3

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 4 | Illustration

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 4 | Illustration

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 4 | Illustration

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 4 | Illustration
 

I hope you enjoyed our newest designs! Did you see our previous wallpapers? See them here. If you don't want to miss out on new designs, you can sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up. 

Say hello and check out Ena's other work here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post. Enjoy!

free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 3 | Calligraphy + Lettering
Wallpaper Wednesdays | Hello Lovely Living

We are back at it again with more free wallpapers to prettify (yes, it is a word haha) your tech gadgets on this hump day Wednesday. I love change, especially when I have control over it! It's always a good thing to keep your work environment fresh and inspiring. One of the reasons behind creating these wallpapers for you is to keep you inspired each and every single week. If we can accomplish that, our job is done, and well ... that makes us really really happy! Enjoy these calligraphy + lettering themed wallpapers and expect a new theme every week. We're also open to your suggestions, so let me know in the comments below. If you are an artist or designer, we want you! Send me an email at hellolovelyliving@gmail.com and say, "I'd love to be featured!" Enjoy the rest of your week loves!

Wallpaper Wednesdays | Hello Lovely Living

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vibes blog post  copy.jpg

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download |

download |

 
 
Wallpaper Wednesdays | Hello Lovely Living
Wallpaper Wednesdays | Hello Lovely Living
 

DOWNLOAD ALL

Stina Abion

Desktop 1 | 2 Phone 1 | 2

Ena Chahal

Desktop 1 | 2 Phone 1 | 2

 

I hope you enjoyed our newest designs! Did you see our previous wallpapers? See them here. If you don't want to miss out on new designs, you can sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up. 

Say hello and check out Ena's other work here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

Disclosure: All designs are original and for personal use. Artists retain rights to all designs and they may not be copied or reproduced in any form or likeness. We love when you share, but please link back to the original post.  

 
 
free resourcesStina X



Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White
Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

Wednesday is here, and that means I have more free wallpapers to bring you. This week's theme is Black + White, so Ena and I have designed some minimalist wallpapers to appeal to all of you monochrome lovers out there. Everywhere I look, black and white seem to be trending - not only in the interior design world, but in fashion. I captured a shot of some magnolia flowers yesterday, and was so excited to use it on one of my designs. Hope you love it!

Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

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Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

| download |

Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White
Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

Are you an artist or designer? Submit a few samples of your work to hellolovelyliving@gmail.com to be considered to be featured on the last Wednesday of the month!

Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

| download |

Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

| download |

Wallpaper Wednesdays 2 | Black + White

| download |

xoxo phone footer.jpg

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DOWNLOAD ALL

Stina Abion

Desktop 1 | 2 Phone 1 | 2

Ena Chahal

Desktop 1 | 2 Phone 1 | 2

 

 

That's all for now, have an amazing rest of your week! Did you see last week's wallpapers? See them here. If you don't want to miss out on new designs, you can sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up. Happy hump day! <3

Say hello and check out Ena's other work here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

What designs would you like to see next? Share with me in the comments! 

free resourcesStina X



Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone
Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

I am so excited to announce that I have teamed up with Ena Chahal to offer free wallpaper downloads every week! Come back every Wednesday for beautiful, new, and original designs. We will be working on adding new artists to be featured every month, so if you are an artist, or know of one, send me an email and I would love to see your work and the possibility of featuring you in a upcoming Wallpaper Wednesday! Enjoy loves!

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

 
 
Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone
Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

Matching desktops and phones? Say what! ... And different themes every week!?! Download one, download all. All designs are original, with custom artwork and illustrations. We created these for free because we love what we do - so please share them and spread the love. <3

 
 
Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

 | download |

Announcing Wallpaper Wednesdays - Free wallpapers for your desktop and phone

download |

 

DOWNLOAD ALL

Stina Abion

Desktop 1 | 2 Mobile 1 | 2

Ena Chahal

Desktop 1 | 2 Mobile 1 | 2

 

I really hope you enjoy these and make your tech pretty with all of these wonderful designs. What designs would you like to see? Share with me in the comments! If you don't want to miss out on new designs, you can sign up for my newsletter in my sidebar or simply follow @hlovelyliving and @cheekybillo on Instagram. Search #cheekyliving where we will be posting when new designs are up. Happy hump day! <3

Say hello and check out Ena's other work here:  Blog | Etsy | Society 6

 
 
free resourcesStina X



Mother's Day 2015 Gift Guide + FREE Printable
Hello Lovely Living

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and I have 10 unique gift ideas to inspire you to step outside of the box this year. Now that just about everything is at our fingertips - thanks to the internet - we can now sit back and let our fingers do the work. Searching for the perfect gift can be simple and straightforward. I don't know about you, but I am an impatient shopper, and a shopping trip can quickly turn into an all day affair because I am also indecisive. I like to do my research first so that I know for sure that what I'm buying is actually what I want. Don’t forget Gramma! And there's just so much out there to be discovered, so planning ahead always helps to alleviate any stress or last minute shopping.

I really enjoyed putting these gift ideas together for you. Let's get inspired!

1. Mother's Day Printable

Mother's Day 2015 Gift Guide

etsy.com

There are so many beautiful prints designed by very talented artists on creative marketplaces such as etsy. Printables are available for instant download, and all you pay is for the download itself, which is usually very cheap. This 8x10 print is only $5. Just print it out and frame it, and there you have a personalized gift that is not only gorgeous, but affordable!


< Download my FREE Mother's Day Printable that I created! 

THE PRINT FITS AN 8"X10" FRAME.

 

STEP 1 • PRINT IT

STEP 2 • FRAME IT

STEP 3 • GIFT IT

 


2. Dogeared Necklace

dogeared.com

What makes these necklaces different? Each necklace contains a charm with a specific symbolic meaning attached to it. The message or meaning is printed on the card, which adds that personal touch to the piece, making it special and meaningful.

3. Subscription Box

glossybox.com

There are subscription boxes literally springing up everywhere. You can now get almost anything through a subscription service these days. It's the newest way to discover great products, and it is a genius idea at that. It's like Christmas at your doorstep - every month! Who doesn't like receiving gifts? I thought this would be the perfect gift idea for mom. It's a great way to remind her just how loved she is without you having to do the guesswork. Say you think she would enjoy snacks. Do a Google search with keywords snacks + monthly subscription, and take your pick. Beauty? There are tons of others to choose from. There are also many boxes that now feature products catered to the natural and eco-concious consumer such as vegan and organic options. 

4. Food Delivery

beritual.com

Now, this one is along the lines with the subscription box, but I just had to include it. Being a mom myself, I would just love something like this just for the fun of it. What they do is send you a box filled with fresh ingredients for you to prepare a meal that has been pr-measured, prepped and complete with a recipe to follow. I think this is a great way for mom to try something new and out of her comfort zone. There are many companies providing this service, so check out the availability for your area! Here is a great resource that lists some of the different companies offering this service.

5. Casetify Phone Case

casetify.com

The neat thing about Casetify is that their cases are designed by artists or as they call it, "creative makers". So, you can find some pretty unique designs. You can also custom design your own case HERE with photos and uploads of your choice. The possibilities are endless.

6. Scentbird 

Mother's Day 2015 Gift Guide

scentbird.com

Here's a new product that you'll probably want for yourself too! You know how it takes years upon years to finish just one bottle of perfume? With this subscription service, she can try as many fragrances as she wants. What she gets is a 30-day supply of designer fragrance every month for only $14.95. Let mom pick from 350+ designer fragrances and receive a generous 0.27 oz/8 ml spray. How cool is that?! They currently have a Mother's Day gift where you can get a free deluxe candle set with a 6 or 12 month subscription. 

7. Club W

Mother's Day 2015 Gift Guide

clubw.com

Club W is the world's only personalized wine club. I'm pretty sure there are millions of moms out there that would just love us forever if we ever signed them up for this service. Three bottles of wine every month delivered right to their doorstep for $39 + $6 flat rate shipping? Ummm...yes, please! I'm sure this is on every mom's mother's day wish list, but she's just not telling you. 

8. Chatbooks

chatbooks.com

Let's admit it, we all have a trillion photos in our phones, on our computers, Facebook, Instagram - everywhere! Why not make use of them and put together a bunch of memorable moments that mom can look back on. These photo books are perfect. They only cost $6 a piece and have 60 pages. You just create the book using their app. Plus, there's free shipping. Easy!

9. Breakfast in Bed

Mother's Day 2015 Gift Ideas

Homemade and from the heart is always the way to mom's heart. Make her feel extra special by making her breakfast in bed. Make sure it is a surprise! As soon as she wakes up, have it already prepared for her. There's nothing like waking up to your family all crowded around you and a delicious breakfast to enjoy without ever lifting a finger. 

10. Succulents

Mother's Day 2015 Gift Ideas

We all know that moms love flowers, but how about something that she could enjoy year-round and that's low maintenance. Succulents are easy to plant, so you can basically place them in any type of container. How pretty would it be to do something like this with her initials? I'm sure she would love it, especially if it was made by you! Find them at home improvement stores or garden centers.


I hope this was helpful, and if you're a mommy (or soon-to-be) yourself, here's wishing you a Happy Mother's Day! Don't forget to download my FREE Mother's Day Printable!

xo stina