Learning a New Hobby

I have always been into art. When I found out that I could participate in an online water color class I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Plus, for only $20 I had zero excuse to not join. I also might have been hoarding water color paints, papers and brushes for 7 years waiting for the *right* moment to bust those bad boys out (confession alert: My name is Leonora and I am a craft hoarder. Go on, ask me how many pounds of clay I have. Then ask me if I even own a kiln to fire said clay. I mean, nuking it in your microwave gives it the same results, right?)

So, with a marathon of Say Yes to the Dress playing in the background I dusted off my 10 year old water colors (ok, I might have lied when I said they were 7 years old...) and created my first fashion water color pieces.

the verdict? In to the love.

a little tip if you wanna get into water colors: they are super tricky to work with. You have to work backwards and go from light to dark. Don't worry, its going to go through a massive "ugly phase" just push through and keep layering and layering. Also, it will never be "perfect" since water colors are so loose. So ya gotta go into it with that in your mind.

I can't wait to hang these in my peach, gold and gray inspired studio! (oh hey, thats right, I may or may not have a studio soon but more on that later ;) )

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In case you missed it!

I explained why Pantone Colors are so important and why they exist

We are nearing the end of our pot of gold contest, winner gets $20 credit to Yellow Heart Art!

Finally Giving In

You guys, I finally gave in.

I have fought the neon trend for so long now, but I am finally bitten with the neon bug.

I don't know why but I try so hard to fight trends. I finally surrendered my white flag to:

• Colored Denim

• Capris

• The color Mint Green

(I know, shocking, it always reminded me of those gender nuetral baby showers) (but now I'm team mint)

• Skinny Jeans

• Jeggings (Dear whomever invented stretchy pants that I get to wear out in public: Love you. Let's make out and have babies)

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not gonna go all flash dance on you and bust out to Modanna's "Vogue" While sporting some neon leg warmers. I like my neon in small doses. Just enough to give it a lil "pop" a lil "shazaam" a lil "Hey, how YOU doin'"

The Funky Neon Necklace by Birdie Num Num Shop

Egyptian Neon Pillow Cover by El Rancho Relaxo

Khaki and Neon Stripe Bracelet by Twilly Pop

Neon Clutch Purse by byMART

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also you might have noticed that some of our Yellow Heart Art necklaces got a little neon facelift?

Original Artwork Neon Arrow Necklace by Yellow Heart Art

Original Artwork Neon Yellow Necklace by Yellow Heart Art

Neon Green Original Artwork Necklace by Yellow Heart Art

Pops of Neon Pink original artwork necklace by Yellow Heart Art

Neon Pink Color Block Arrow Necklace by Yellow Heart Art

and more ovah hea!

Hey, is neon not your thing? Then I am selling left over inventory of my original fabric necklaces over here for over 60% off, but hurry only 1 of each left! <3

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Oh hey know what else is going on? I have a WINNAH for this awesome giveaway I hosted last week!

If you are the lovely Whitney Freeman than shoot me an email at yellowheartart at gmail dot com to get your goodies!! You have 3 days to get back to me :) 

I gave in to colored denim

Hello Loves! I know I have been MIA on my blog, but it's because I have been brewing up new designs for the shop and collaborating on some projects with 2 lovely ladies. More deets on that in the future ;) I know, I'm so cryptic sometimes.

But if you all follow me on the twitter (do you think we should start calling twitter "The" Twitter? Like, ya know, kick it old school like how facebook used to be "The" facebook? No? Ok, good idea, I didn't like it either) but anyway I asked a question yesterday in regards to colored denim.

I want to so badly hop on this band wagon and be all like "hey guys! Look at my ass! ITS GREEN!" 

 But it scares me.

It scares me a lot.

I'm pretty sure I'll give into this trend, I gave into capris (something bout awkwardly cropped pants freaked me out too, I really hate it when my ankles are cold.) I gave into leggings and I gave into jeggings (oooo jeggings how I am so glad you came into my life--it's like wearing the "black tie" version of sweat pants. Can someone point me in the direction of the lovely person who invented jeggings? Pretty sure we need to make out)

I was shocked with how many of you were on "TEAM COLORED PANTS!". You all were so encouraging and really wanted me to ride the colored pant train.

You guys, here is my huge announcement. Can I ask that all cell phones and electronic devices be turned off at this time while I tell you all something super exciting?

*Ahem*

I gave in. Yes, I Leonora Jennifer Last name with held due to the fact that you can google me has decided to give this a go. After looking at a plethora of colors I decided to go with green pants. I have a lot of neutrals and navy blue so I thought it was a best bet.

Check out how I would work my awesome green pants:

1. Khaki Crop Jacket from ModCloth

2. Green Denim Pants from Target

3. Coral Flats from Delias

4. Colored Block Totes from Old Navy

5. Navy and White Tank from Abercrombie and Fitch

So, what color denim do you swear by and how do you style it? I need ideas!

xoxo

Leonora

Friday Faves!

Oh blogging world, how I've MISSED you!

Things have been pretty hectic round here. I promise once things settle down I'll be back to writing up nonsensical posts real soon.

But till then, check out the latest and greatest round up of Friday Faves!

(It's times like this I really wish I had a huge gong to smash. Or a gang of trumpeteers circa Cinderella style to follow me and play "DUN DUN NA DUUUUUN!" whenever I announce something epic) (see? Nonsensical) (Moving on)

Leisurely Drive Glovettes - by ModCloth

First off-my apologies for my text being no where near said adorable Glovettes. Apparently there is a huge amount of white space around the gloves. I wanna rock these lovelies on a harley, just so that I can be "bad ass" yet "super preppy". Of course the Harley would be parked stationary in a driveway and I would have 2 people spot me on either side to make sure I didn't fall off--so maybe bad ass is the wrong word to use here.

Swanky Diamond Ring - By Zales

I always thought I wanted a black diamond engagement ring. Then Amy talked some sense into me and was all like "weeeell do you REALLY want a BLACK stone for something as nice as an engagement? Seems kinda like it reeks of doom and despair". Homegirl is right. Guess I'll just have to demand 2 rings, huh? (just kidding on the whole "demand" thing, I'm going to bat my lashes and cock my head to side and hope the cute factor works)

Sweet Heart Hem Dress by Fabuless Fashions

Want is an understatement. This falls into the "need" category. Ya know, next to food, clothes and shelter.

Harmonica Necklace by Maroisha

Can I play the Harmonica? No. But What I can do is start playing it obnoxiously loud when Bub and I get into our scuffles, it'll be a nice change of pace from me closing my eyes, plugging my ears with my index fingers, and screaming "LA LA LA I CANT HEAR YOU LA LA LA LAAAA" (ok we really don't fight like that) (I lock myself in the bathroom instead-way more classier and mature)

Mint Green Post Earrings by Dariami

Ok these are waaaay cheaper than that black diamond ring I posted above-so I don't see why these lil fellas can't find their way to me sometime soon by a certain gent who goes by Bubs?

What are your plans for the weekends?

xoxo
Leonora

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts

I am so excited to write up this blog post.

A month or so ago I was seeing tweets for something called "Cold Hands, Warm Hearts". After channeling my inner sherlock (and by inner sherlock I mean typing phrases into google) I found out that Cold Hands, Warm Hearts was a lil bloggie event that Ilene and Sandy hosted.

Basically, a bunch of bloggers sign up, Sandy and Ilene hook you up with a partner, and you swap a pair of gloves (or other goodies) with your new BFF.

When I got Kimmie from Sugar and Dots I was all like "whoa, jack pot". She's super sweet, super funny, and pretty sure we were separated at birth.

The second we found out we were each other's partner we instantly became besties. Our emails range in topics to attempting to bring back fanny packs to figuring out a way to make an all girl version of the 1990s hit rap group "Kriss Kross" (we would obviously keep the tradition alive of wearing our clothes "krissed krossed" by sporting our fanny packs backwards) (clearly) (please tell me you know who kriss kross is) (if not please take the next 3 minutes and 18 seconds to re-familiarize yourself) (you are welcome in advanced)

Check out the suh-weet swag Kimmie got for me!

Ballin Mustard Scarf?

Check.

Super cute handmade Mustard, Black & White Hair Bling?

Check.

Oh hey, where your gloves be at??

Bam.

Oh yes, those would be Handerpants on my digits.

These gloves are solid. They even make me bust out into "Jazz Hands" and Madonna's "Vogue" dance.

Betcha didn't know there was such a thing out there as underwear for your hands, huh?

Thank you so much Kimmie for all your swag!!! I am so happy we got to "meet" via this awesome swap.

Check out what I sent Kimmie here.

Also? Wanna be BFFs with her and be part of our Girl Rap Group?

you can find her at these places!

[twitter] [facebook] [blog] [pinterest]

Linking up with Ilene from Much Love, Illy <3

Friday Faves! The "I can't get this outta my mind" Edition

Ya know how you know you really really really want something? Well, you know you have a serious case of the "OMG why didn't I buy that?!" blues when you're on your disney vacation and you're snapping a pic with your prince charming boyfriend out front of thee castle where all things magical and amazing happen and all you can think about is this top.

poppin my foot like its hot.

Ok, so I have a problem. The second our plane touched back down into NY I quickly hoped online and added this reverie top to my cart. It is on it's way to Long Island and I am one happy princess girl.

I wanted to do a Friday Faves inspired by what I would wear when I get this top. I've never actually rocked shorts with tights before but hey, any excuse to get extra wears outta my shorts I am totally on board for. Consider me on Team "Saving Money by Wearing Your Summer Clothes in The Winter". Werd.

You know what else is just as equally as awesome to extending the life of your wardrobe? That would be winning this Jessica N Designs giveaway. So if your name is Lauren and you love some Monogram Necklaces then I think you need to get at me--ya hur?

1. Robin Ruffles Infinity Scarf - ShopRuche

2. Knit Triangle Top - Reverie Market

3. Ashton Feather Fedora - ShopRuche

4. Walk This Grey Boot - ModCloth

5. belmont faux suede shorts - ShopRuche

6. Jone's Adventure Pendant Ring - ShopRuche

7. Charcoal Tights - we love colors

ya dig?

Fall Fashion! (Ilene from Much Love, Illy Guest Posts!)

oh.

em.

gee.

you guys, you are SO in for an amazing treat right now. I'm not sure if any of you guys miss me yet since I've been having a bunch of guest posts lately (and I know you all are totally crushin' on them hard core) but I know for a fact you will not be disappointed with what you are about to witness below.

I big fluffy heart Ilene from Much Love, Illy. She is a wicked awesome fashion blogger who also has a love for Jim Halpert (swoon) and a soft spot in her heart for Back Street Boys circa 1995 (ya know, before Brian had kids, Nick dated Paris (ok, really, what WAS that?!) and Kevin decided it would be cool to wear long skirts with combat boots)

I can honestly say that she is one of my bloggie BFFs and I know for a fact that one day we will be blessed by each others way awesome presences (by the way, doesnt that word look totally weird pluralized?)

Enjoy Ilene's fashion post! and check out her mad dance skillz guys--its an official movie premier of Ilene shakin' what her mama gave her! (or, how I like to endearingly call it "how Ilene got her groove back") (not that she lost it or anything) (still never understood how Stella lost her groove) (she should've checked in between the couch cushions, thats where my groove always ends up)

and if you are wondering what her inspiration was you can find that here.

Also? She makes pretty swag all.day.long. and lucky for you she has a coupon code for Yellow Heart Art Readers! (wha the whaaa??)

Also? Side note. Not only do our couches not fit into the new apartment--but neither does our queen size box spring. I currently hear the sounds of Bub's chain saw hacking away our brand spankin' new box spring so it can fit upstairs. Vodka Valium cocktail to go please?

Take it away Ilene! <3

autumn greetings to the Leonora's incredible readers! 

my name is Ilene and i hail from the blog Much Love, illy. when i'm not there, you'll find me busy over at my handmade shop, creating accessories such as poppy garland headbands, jewelry, hair charms, etc. soooo...be sure to stop by and visit me! i love visitors and making new friends. 

and so today, i have the pleasure and honor to guest post while Leonora wraps up on her big move and gets ready to party in Disney (totally jelly over this! um, the Disney part, not the move). today, i am revealing to you something that has not been revealed before (unless you stalk youtube 'cause it is a public link - yikes!). 

some of you might recall Leonora had a dance party i had RSVPed to a little while ago, but i ended up having some technical difficulties. but hey, better late than never, right?! so here goes nothing (except for my dignity and pride) but hey, it's party, right? you gotta let loose! and we do just that...

*i'm totally holding my breath.*

i know, i know. now you won't wanna be my friend 'cause you are thinking this woman is psycho! but hey, i figured if you are a reader of Leonora's blog and you enjoy her mini dance parties, i'm sure you can handle mine (and my little sister that you saw jamming it up in the background - she rocks!). i am not a pro like Leonora (as you can tell my voice was waaay off - like i said, technical difficulties), but maybe this brought you a laugh or two. 

and that's a wrap! 

thanks for having me, Leonora. you know this already, but you are da bomb diggity!

much love.

ilene (aka illy)

blog / shop / facebook / twitter

p.s. use coupon code LEONORAROCKS for 15% off of your entire order over at my shop!

Friday Faves! The Little Blue Box Edition

Wanna play a game?

 

(well, not that you have a choice)

Ok whats the first thing you think of when you see this lil fella?

oh don't worry, your heart will resume back to its normal beats per minute shortly.

My heart races too when I see that Tiffany blue box with that perfect white bow wrapped up on top.

pretty sure angels themselves actually wrap these up.

I don't know what it is, but that little blue box always has magic inside of it.

Now if that little blue box cause just figure out a way for me to eat deep fried koolaid with out gaining on ounce, then THAT would be really magical.

(and yes, there is such a thing as deep fried koolaid. yes you have my permission to drool and thank me later. I will be invested in a deep fryer this weekend)

Since I won't be getting any Tiffany's anytime soon I figured the next best thing was to create a Friday Faves full of that oh-so-swoon-er-refic color we have all known to love.

1. Fast Clouds Necklace by Little Ocean

2. Restored Typewriter from Brooklyn Retro

3. Professional Muse 35mm Camera from Mod Cloth

4. Loretta Deco Dot Apron by Mod Cloth

5. Rustic Wood Flowers by Uncommon

6. Out To Sea-Foam Dress by Mod Cloth

Nice second to gettin' the lil blue box, right?

We even added some Tiffany Blue to our shop!

You + Me = Straight Up Gangstas by Yellow Heart Art

Also some more from one of our favorite etsy shops:

The Shoe Lovelies, Tiffany Blue Shoe Clips by Mila Rose Designs (va va VOOM!)

Happy Friday!

Friday Faves! A new twist on an old classic

Hello my loves!

I'm doing something a wee bit different for my "Friday Faves!" post.

Instead of highlighting a whole bunch-o-way-awesome-crizzap I decided to introduce to you guys to a fun little shop I found on Etsy.

One of the good things about Etsy is its handmade community. I discovered this shop while browsing through my activity feed--they had "hearted" one of my items, I stalked their shop, and the rest is history (very "when Harry met Sally" but more of an updated version of it--actually its nothing like "When Harry met Sally", disregard this comment)

Jess is the lovely lil gal behind "Buttered Toast" (I know, her shop name is mega adorbs, kinda jealous mine isn't as faboosh)

She creates the cutest accessories for wee lil lads (thats "lil boys" in case you couldn't understand my ridiculously awesome British accent)

 the "sourpuss" Little Guy Bow Tie

 the "Hob Nob" Little Guy Bowtie

Vintage Blue Houndstooth Baby Necktie

Now, we all know my obsession with the following items (in no particular order)
• Bows
• Polka Dots
• Anything that can be clipped into my hair to hide my "mutt hair"
• Discovering that Bub didn't eat the last golden oreo (Have you guys ever had golden oreos? If not I give you permission to X out of this page, run to the nearest super market, and try this amazing concoction of cookie and cream)

So when I came across this creation I just KNEW I had to ask Jess if she could throw an alligator clip in it so I can sport it in my hair.

it was love at first sight (Kinda like when Harry Met Sally--hey, I think this old school movie reference actually worked here--go me)

Jess loved my idea (she even said she never even thought of making them for lil ladies!) I got it in the mail the other day and coordinated an outfit to go with it.

oh hey, total side note, but remember myspace and how people took really tacky self portraits of themselves in the bathroom?

well, you've been warned.

I know your jealous of my mad Ansel Adams-esque photography taking skillz. Just know that my arms are not THAT long (I sometimes feel like a Trex, giant head, short arms, mega problem) but I was able to get the back of my head AND me looking all snazzy in one ballin' shot (BOOYAH! Take THAT oprah! Ok, I really have no idea why I just said that, Oprah has nothing to do with this blog post what so ever...)

 Hey Leo, where yo bow be at?

Oh, There it is!

It also gives me suh-weet "Eeyore tail"

and yes, I am aware that I wear this outfit a lot, ok? It's my "go-to"

In conclusion: If you're looking for a heavy duty handmade bow (these bows are meant to withstand the roughhousing of little boys that are 6 and under, pretty sure it can withstand a stroll in my 'do) then definitely check out Buttered Toast. Jess is a doll and totally easy to work with! 

Tell her Leo sent ya, it wont get ya a discount or anything but it makes me feel super important.

Happy Friday!

Oh also did you win our snazzy MoKoPo Creations handmade painting AND shop credit?!

well, if you are luckay #9 and have a ballin' nickname (like, oh, I don't know, Midge?) Then give me a HOLLA so I can hook you up with your swag!

OH also, did you know we are having a pretty epic shop sale?! Get the full details here! See cliff notes version below :)

What I Wore Wednesay!

Hello Wednesday! Its so nice to see you again.

Ya know what else starts with a "W" besides Wednesday? (no, not walleteer, which apparently means "one who carries a wallet". Who knew? You have my permission to wow your friends & use this word the next time you bust out scrabble--ok back to the matter at hand) "W" also stands for "Whippy cake"

Hey, whats a whippy cake?

This, my friends, is a whippy cake.

How fun are these little hair pieces? Seriously, every girl needs 3 things in life.

1. a go-to little black dress

2. a hidden stash of your favorite food on hand at all times

-and-

3. a whippy cake to instantly dress up any outfit

Unfortunately I had to take these photos inside so we're gonna have to do this in pieces

Hair Accessories: Whippy Cake

Infinity Scarf: American Apparel

Boyfriend Cardigan: Old Navy

White Long Sleeve: Old Navy

Jeggings: (I think this is a big DUH here, get all jeggings at Gilly Hicks!)

and wanna see what supah cute shoes I have to go with this outfit?

didja guess rainboots from the tractor supply shop in texas? Cause if you did then you're right.

Happy Wednesday ya'll! (Hey all you Texans how did I do?)

HEY! (sorry, didn't mean to yell) Have you seen all these fun goodies?

Enter to win a cute Moxie Mandie Purse! (Perfect as a last minute gift for Mom for Mothers Day!)

Be a part of our Swag Swap Week! (has been extended to 4-28)

Wanna win some Yellow Heart Art Swag? Check out Danielle's Blog for a chance to win 25 items (yes 25 whole items all to yourself)