It takes time...

[source]

Time is an important element in our lives. We often find ourselves saying 'I don't have time fo this' or ''I'm gonna be late". Blogging taught me that you can find time for the things you like. I am a person with limited time (like most of us). I am always late and I often find myself going to bed around 12 AM (considering that I'm getting up at 6:20 AM).

Since the beginning of this year I've been blogging every single day. I don't illustrate everyday and I am not happy every moment, but I'm trying really hard to find 5 minutes -yes, 5 minutes- to write a few words and leave you a meaningful picture.

This time I want to encourage you to find time for the things you enjoy doing. Also, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely comments I am getting and for every single view. You're wonderful!

February

[source]

February was a special month so far. I worked really, really hard at school. I slept very little. I cried a lot. I had hard times. BUT all in all, I think it was an unique month because it was worth it!

This month I've discovered the wonderful and ever-inspiring One Direction. I've also started my Self-love Bible (idea belonging to Gala Darling). I've made new friends. I've been myself. I saw my best friend happy -really, really happy - and it was wonderful.

How was February for you?

A quick something

This is just a quick portrait of a special friend of mine. It was made in about 4 minutes, but I really like how it turned out.

In other words, tomorrow it's a big day for me. I have a bunch of tests. I hope everything will be just fine in the end :)

How are you?

Sunday

[source]

Today was all about catching up. I've done my homework and I've slept in! It was so goood! Tomorrow I have school so I have to come back to my lessons. I'll come with some actual work soon!

Larisa

Black and white wisdom

[source]

[source]

[source]

I love quotes. They inspire me everyday!

Do you have a favorite quote?

Friday, I'm looking back

[source]

This Friday I am loving this inspiring post by Amy Morby, this motivational post by Vera, this site called Personal Excellence, which is full of useful tips regarding self-confidence and self-esteem, those high sandals from Asos, this beautiful, beautiful wedding dress, this inspiring Etsy shop!

Do you have links worth sharing? Share them in the comments! :)

English love

[source]

Hey!

Today I've been studying hard for a contest. I am very nervous, but also excited! I love English! I have wanted to paint/draw/illustrate these days, so I hope I'll find some time in the weekend for this.

How are you?

Rose ring

Just wanted to show you one of my favorite rings. I made it with my talented mom sometime this Fall and I have to say I am wearing it all the time. It brings a smile to my face everytime :)

Do you have a favorite ring?

Balloon girl

Hey!

As I told you yesterday, I've done some painting. I really enjoyed the process! It all about a girl full of faith and goals, who wears dresses and curls.

What do you think? :)

Good night!

[source]

Today I've done some painting and worked really hard for school. I am very tired right now and, as I didn't have the time to take a picture of my newest painting, I though it would be nice to tell you that I'm here and alive :)

Good night!

A look inside my sketchbook

Just a little, little look inside my sketchbook. I didn't have the time to bring this little girl to life with colors, but I thought it would be a good idea to show you something.

I have so many drawings which need to be finished. Oh! Time is such a big problem for me. I'll try to be more organized. I promise!

Saturday

I spent my Saturday listening to music and preparing for a contest. I would really like to paint something right away :)

How was your day?

Friday, I'm looking back

[source]

Hi there!

Today I didn't go to school, because of the illness. Now I'm feeling better :) It's that time of the week again - Friday! Oh, this is gonna be a busy weekend, but I'll try to enjoy it to the fullest.

This week I am loving One Direction songs, this pretty dress styled by Elsie Larson, Lois Van Baarle's art work, this sweet vlog and all the inspiration from Lookbook!

Do you have plans for the weekend?

Tea time

[source]

Today I got sick. I am not feeling really well and I think I need lots of rest. Some tea will help me for sure!

I'll come back with some drawings soon. At least, I'll try :)

This year...

[source]

This year I want to take more photos (good ones, I hope) and then print them in order to make an album of this year. Thank you so much, Vera , for the inspiration!

How are you?

Two hearts

Today I wanted to say 'cheese' to the camera. It was kind of funny to shoot these photos! A pink heart, a red heart...Well, I hope your V'day was a happy one!

Oh, love

[source]

I am not a big fan of Valentine's Day. I think you should show your love every day, not just one day in the whole year. Anyways, as I liked the image, I thought it would be nice to share.

So, I really hope you'll have a wonderful, heart-shaped day tomorrow! What do you thing about V'day?

3 tips for better illustrations

Hey, there! :)

As promised, I am here with something worth reading (or at least, this is my opinion). Last week was so exhausting and I didn't have the time to create/write something. So, here I am with 3 tips for better illustrations.

I'll be sharing tips from my own, personal experience. They may not be the best, but the tips I am sharing tought me important lessons. Here they are:

1. Keep a sketchbook. It doesn't really matter if you keep a sketchbook or just carry some sheets of paper with you. The idea is that you should write down your ideas and constantly work on improving your skills. It's important for you to develop a habit (a good one, actually).
2. Watch. Always, always try new techniques, textures and patterns. In order to do this, you have to watch people, movements, objects and everything that surrounds you. Life itself is an inspiration.
3. Do it your way. Well, this simple reminder is speaking itself. I know and I agree that there are hard times - creative blocks, routine and tiredness, but being inspired does not mean being a thief. I know those are big words, but let's just do it our way : see, be inspired and create your own concept, your own, personal idea. More importantly, you'll be satisfied with yourself and your work of art. You are you. Don't forget that :)
   

Well, I really hope you enjoyed these three tips :) If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. I love and appreciate each and every comment!

I am planning to...

[photo taken by my dad]

These days I have been day-dreaming a lot. I have so many things that I want to do! As I have "The list" (inspired by Holly) for long term goals, I want to do a short term list for plans! So, my February list would be :

• draw an anorexia themed series
  
• photoshop more
• take pictures
  
• wear a dress
• don't waste time
• read a book
• be friendly, kind and thankful
• do creative things

What are your plans for February?

Friday, I'm looking back

[source]

It's Friday!

This week I am loving this beautiful and inspiring blog , the style of this blogger, this quote, Lula magazine, this amazing photostream on Flickr, this zig-zag nail tutorial .

What are your plans for the weekend?

Positive thoughts

[source]

The lovely Kate from Wake up, lovely designed a positivity poster, which made me smile today! Her blog is full of pretty things, inspiration and ideas :) You should take a look!

Be positive,

Larisa

A little note

[source]

These days I have been writing compositions and studying for a competition. I am really tired, but I am happy with myself. I think this is an important step for me.

I have many ideas at the moment, both for the blog and the compositions. Don't worry, I'll come back with something worth reading (I 'll share some tips).

How are you?

Color love: Turquoise

[source]

Some of you don't know, but turquoise is my favorite color. Yes, it's true :) When I was little I loved blue. Now I love both blue and green and that's turquoise.

I would like to use more turquoise in my illustrations, but I guess I just have to find the courage to express myself better.

In other words, today was a full day. I still have lots to do, but I am sure it will be all good in the end. Thank you so much for reading this little blog :)

Which is your favorite color?

Be yourself

Oh, hello there :)

This is just an old fashion illustration I did. Today I've made the fashion illustration some kind of print, because I want to do a series of illustration with the theme: "Self-love".

I used to do lots of fashion illustration, but now I like to say that I've found my own style, which is a combination between fashion illustration and posters.

What do you think about this? :)
Happy Monday!

This Sunday...

[source]

This bed looks so cozy and all I want to do now is sleep. Although it was Sunday, I had lots of things to do (like homework) and I am very sleepy right now.

I have some exciting ideas for new illustrations. Can't wait to tell you more!

Good night,

Larisa

A look inside my sketchbook

This is my newest 'project' . It's the first time I am painting flowers (I mean, only flowers). I have to say they make me happy, fulfilled. It wonderful to know you can try new things anytime you want to!

What are you working on?

Friday, I'm looking back

[source]

Hello!

It's Friday! Tomorrow I'm going to have an English competition, so I'm pretty nervous. How are you? Here are things that are inspiring me this week:

1. Amy's self-love revolution
2. This post called '7 ways to make your day better'
3. This post by Gala Darling called 'What do you love about yourself?'
4. Chantilly's guide to meditation
5. Maie Dae's 5 things
6. This creative idea by Alisa Burke

What is inspiring you this week? :)

Illustration love

Hi, there!

First, let me thank you for reading my little piece of Universe. It means a lot to me. Secondly, thank you for your response to my yesterday's post! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger :)

Today I want to share with you some illustration love. I'll share 5 different kind of prints that inspire me. I hope they'll inspire you too!

• 

[source]

• 

[source]

• 

[source]

• 

[source]

• 

[source]

I am feeling inspired right now. You? :)

Self-love revolution

[source]

Hi there!

Perhaps you already know about the self-love revolution. This idea belongs to Amy from A is for Ampersand. I want to get involved. I want to spread the world about self-love and self-esteem.

This is going to be a personal post. It's still hard for me to talk about this subject, but I'll do my best. I wanted to start a series about self-love a long time ago. I didn't do it. Maybe because I am a small blogger and I can't create a revolution. Maybe because I wasn't ready to talk about all these.

Well, now it's the time. I am ready. I know I can. I know we can. Here there are the reasons why I want to get involved:

• I am a recovering anorexic. It's true. I said it only a couple of times in the past, because it hurts me to talk about it. The only reason I tell people I was an anorexic is because I don't want them to do the same mistake.
• Anorexia is a real disease. It it not normal to hate yourself. It is not a girl thing. It is not stupid. People die. I was about to die.
• February is National Eating Disorder Awareness Month
• I don't want other people to do the same mistake
• I was helped to recover. My family was there for me. My real friends were there for me. That's why I want to help.

I know people judge. I was judged. I was ignored by most of the people. I am a person who wants to do everything perfect, I am a person who want to be appreciated and loved. That's why I continued to starve myself. I though that if I was skinny, people will like me for who I was. It was exactly the opposite.

My message is to love yourself. Appreciate yourself. Give yourself a chance. Nobody's perfect. I want to encourage Amy in this revolution. It's worth it. Life itself is worth it.

Thank you SO much for taking the time to read this post. I means a lot to me. If you want to spread the world, take the button from Amy's blog.

Much love,

Larisa