Jessica Wood Capps: One Artist's Dreams and Daily Happenings

The Canning Queen of the Desert

2011-09-03T18:22:00.002-04:00

Exporations in Clay for Beginers

2010-07-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

I will be teaching pottery lessons for beginers starting in August. Please email me if you are in the Raleigh/Angier area and would be interested (jesscapps@gmail.com).

You can choose from a 30 minute lesson in one of the following:

*Learning to hand build with clay
*Learning to throw on the potters wheel
*Learning to make creative jewelry with clay

Materials will be provided.

The price is $20.00 per 30 minute lesson.

Please visit my website to review my resume: http://www.jessicacapps.com/resume.html

Quote of the Day

2010-07-25T20:02:00.000-04:00

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." Andy Warhol

Flora- Ceramic and Vintage Beads Necklace

2010-07-14T22:08:00.002-04:00

Now in the Shop!
jessicawoodcapps.etsy.com

Quote of the Day

2010-07-14T21:54:00.002-04:00

“Get obsessed and stay obsessed.” John Irving

It's My Birthday and I am Feeling the Love!

2010-07-03T09:40:00.006-04:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Thanks for the very funny card Joseph, Kristen, and Tovi!
We all had a blast trying to sing along to it!

Thank you to everyone else for all the Birthday songs and wishes.
I am very blest to have such wonderful people all around me :)

Necklace Photo Shoot 2

2010-07-02T09:15:00.003-04:00

My newest line of necklaces look great on women of any age.

Necklace Photo Shoot

2010-06-21T15:38:00.005-04:00

Jellyfish Ceramic Necklace...

2010-06-21T15:22:00.003-04:00

...now in the shop!

Jennifer and Brandon's Wedding

2010-06-19T22:17:00.001-04:00

Congrats you two. You make a very handsome couple!

What a beautiful wedding.

It was so nice to see good ol' Stokes County folks. I miss being around.

Deep Sea

2010-06-18T11:39:00.004-04:00

Ceramic and Glass Necklaces- Now in the Shop!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-06-18T11:34:00.001-04:00

I have been busy, busy, busy, keeping my hands in clay and glaze and well as in the garden constantly the last two months. I am happy to share all my hard work with you :) I have been listing LOTS of new ceramic necklaces and there are still lots more to come. Check them out!

Quote of the Day

2010-06-07T08:32:00.000-04:00

"More than anything, I must have flowers always, always." Claude Monet

He is Risen!

2010-04-04T08:53:00.002-04:00

Stumped!

2010-04-03T18:15:00.001-04:00

Harrison Photoshoot

2010-04-03T16:19:00.000-04:00

The Latest Photo Shoot

2010-03-31T14:43:00.002-04:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with my sister. It was a blast! I really enjoyed working with her. Our styles of taking photos are a little different, so we end up with a better mix of shots. I have been editing the photos in different styles, so the client gets a range. Which style do you prefer?

If you would be interested in having portraits made and you are in the Raleigh or Asheville areas, please feel free to email me at jesscapps@gmail.com.

A Pleasant Surprise

2010-03-25T13:38:00.001-04:00

I was ever so pleasantly surprised to find my undergraduate ceramics professor's name in this months American Craft Magazine. She is the writer of the Michael Sherrill article entitled, "Natural Narratives". Humble, as she is, I have never heard her boast about her writing, but I always find her words very intriguing. I have come to appreciate her words and teaching methods more and more since gradation. You should pick a copy of the April/May 2010 American Craft magazine and take the time to read her article. You will learn a lot about Michael Sherrill's work and get a good look into how he grew into a nationally recognized artist.

en plein air

2010-03-25T09:03:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Day

2010-03-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

"There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish." Warren G. Bennis

Quote of the Day

2010-03-24T11:38:00.000-04:00

self-reliance

the capacity to rely on one's own capabilities, and to manage one's own affairs;independence

If you are near Asheboro...

2010-03-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

My work will be at Circa Gallery- and you can get it for 10% off this weekend!

Saturday, March 27th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Asheboro Sidewalk Sale presented by the Downtown Shopkeepers

This is a FREE event and will be lots of fun! Around 28 downtown businesses will line the sidewalk with discounted merchandise for sale.

From the gallery we will have lots of art available for sale including some artists offering discounts on some of their work.

This will be a great opportunity to get out and shop downtown!

The Capps Family is Going Green

2010-03-24T10:54:00.001-04:00

I am trying to do all the little things... opening windows, planting trees and a garden, energy efficient windows and doors in the new studio and

all new CFL light bulbs for the house!

We are not being wasteful though. There is a chandelier over the dining table that looks awful with these new light bulbs, so I am saving them all for that one light. What changes have you or you family made?

Letting in the Light

2010-03-24T08:49:00.000-04:00

New windows for a new studio :)

Crayon Night

2010-03-22T14:15:00.003-04:00

Recycling all those broken crayons turned out to be a very exciting family night! Here is a very cute video tutorial from a stay at home dad. We baked ours instead of boiling water, so it was a lot cleaner.

Bringin' in the New

2010-03-22T14:08:00.002-04:00

The new fruit trees ready to be planted.

Putting all those random undergraduate projects to good use. This "skirted" flower bed has been sown with many different types of perennial wild flowers and a border of kale, spinach, and lettuce.

I have never been so excited about a load of dirt! 50/50 compost will make a great base for all my new flower and garden beds.

Since our house is new, the yard is basically a blank canvas. I love the fact that I can put in all of my "dream plants" instead of trying to work with what someone else put in before us.

Spring Fever

2010-03-19T13:37:00.000-04:00

Well, as you know my posts have been few an far between. I love Spring, but with it comes lots and lots of work! I have been busy planting trees, putting in my garden, sewing seed in my window sills, trying to get a little Spring cleaning done, etc.... all with the new studio reno going on. Busy, busy, busy to say the least. I will be posting "photo diary" posts for a bit. Who knows, it may be fun :)

Happy Spring!!

Addison's New Do

2010-03-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I just couldn't take it anymore! Hair in the face, always in the mouth and tears shed over getting the massive amount of tangles out of Addison's hair. Instead of continuing the cycle of lecturing Addison everyday about keeping her hair out of her face and brushed, I decided to get scissor happy. I gave her side sweeping bangs and lots of layers in the back to take car of the tangles.

She insists that I keep it long. The first and only haircut that she has had previous to this one was a short bob that was the result of Addison donating her baby curls to Locks-of-Love. Adam, Addison, and I have all donated at least once to this wonderful organization.

After everything was said and done. Addison looks in the mirror, then looks at me and says "Thank you Mom! I look like a girlie girl. I always wanted to look like a girlie girl!" It really is the little "everyday" moments that mean the most to out little ones.

Addison and Tovi Photo Shoot

2010-03-11T16:17:00.001-05:00

Addison and I got to spend some much needed time with our little Tovi the other day. Those two cousins playing together was enough to make even the most weary smile :)

Quote of the Day

2010-03-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

"There is something to be said for being happy where you live." Jon Carloftis Country Living Magazine, April 2010

Quote(s) of the Day

2010-03-08T08:59:00.001-05:00

"Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." Charles Swindoll

"Remember, it is not where you live, but HOW you live." Mary Jane's Farm Magazine

Everyday

2010-03-05T15:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Papa!

2010-03-05T10:17:00.002-05:00

We love you and miss you everyday!

Love: Adam, Jess, and Addison

Quote of the Day

2010-03-05T09:56:00.003-05:00

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." William Shakespeare

Quote of the Day

2010-03-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you." Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth

Ask and Ye Shall Recieve

2010-02-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

This week has been nothing short of a whirl wind. Adam has been off work, so naturally my everyday routine was thrown out the window.

I was also blessed enough to have a great deal on a kiln and a wheel fall into my lap in the same week! I am now the proud new owner of my very own Skutt Kiln and Brent Wheel... thank you Craig's List! They are gently used of-course, but in almost perfect condition. The wheel has been used only a few times because the owner had another one already and the kiln was a gift to a woman who never learned to use it, so it was never fired. What are the odds of finding both in the same week? I guess it is true, "Ask and Ye Shall Receive".

Quote of the Day

2010-02-19T10:09:00.002-05:00

"Every man's work, whether it be literature, or music, or pictures, or architecture, or anything else, is always a portrait of himself."

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man. Proverbs 27:19

God's Little Instruction Book for Graduates by Honor Books

Kiln Limbo

2010-02-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Oh, to be back in the studio at WCU. Wheels and Kilns and Wooden Tables, OH MY!

For those of you who don't know, I am in kiln limbo. It has been nice because I have found myself in my writing and photography, but I want to apply it to my clay work. I have so many ideas. My soul yearns for clay. I NEED CLAY! I NEED IT! I NEED IT! Hmmm, well now that I got that out of my system, I just want to say that we need to pray for our economy and our world. I know things will turn around, and I am trying to enjoy the little things until it does, but my heart grows weary sometimes.

For Lent I Will...

2010-02-18T10:03:00.006-05:00

... give up tea. If you knew how many glasses and mugs of this delightful beverage I drank everyday, you would understand :)

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T22:49:00.001-05:00

"Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return." Genius 3:19

Today was the first Ash Wednesday service that I had ever took part in. Growing up all the churches that I attended never had these services. I found it to be a very thoughtful way to rejuvenate my love for my Lord and really reflect on my relationship with him. Not feeling that I totally understood what "Lent" really means I did some research online tonight and found a blog where the writer put the definition of this time into a more personal and easier to understand viewpoint. I thought I would share his thoughts in order to help anyone else that may also be struggling with this issue on this very special day. These are his words:

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday which signifies the start of lent, that ancient period of prepartion for Easter; an opportunity to become closer to Christ through fasting, prayer and works of charity. Ash Wednesday itself is a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. The ashes we will receive on our foreheads at Mass on Ash Wednesday remind us how temporary this life is and not to put material possesions and worldly pursuits ahead of our pursuit of union with God, as He is where our eternal destiny lies.

Each of us must form our own lenten renewal resolutions but the three basic practices are all linked. Praying will strenthen us for fasting and deepen our charity. Fasting will soften our heart for charity and quieten ourself for prayer. Performing works of charitywill give our fasting purpose and focus our prayer.

We also may wish to offer our lenten resolutions over the next 40 days for a certain person who may specially need to know the love of God. God is never outdone in generosity, what we offer to Him is returned one hundred fold.

I pray that you and I will make the most of this Lenten time to recommit ourselves to our vocations and to our God.

Quote of the Day

2010-02-17T22:34:00.000-05:00

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting the same results" Albert Einstein

Live Your Dream Life

2010-02-16T14:54:00.001-05:00

"I'd gotten the message in my home, starting with my grandfather, that real work, the kind of work that makes you sweat and gets your hands dirty, is a respectable, necessary thing. But I wanted to write- and that didn't qualify. Whenever I told my parents I dreamed of becoming a writer, they said, "Great, but what are you going to do for work?"

   I found this article in Self Magazine today (Please follow the link to read the whole article.). I found comfort in Miss Liebegott's words. I too have been struggling with the idea of, is it all enough?

   I sometimes doubt my artwork or writing because I do not have a steady paycheck. I have applied to numerous teaching jobs that I felt I needed in order to make my love of art a rational career choice. I think in the back of my mind I always felt that being a teacher sounded better than being an artist. Whenever someone asks me what I do, and I reply that I am an artist, they look at me as if I am an alien from another planet. Just last week when I went to the doctor about my arm, the nurse asked me what my occupation was. I told her that I was an artist. She paused for a long moment, then went on with her other questions. Later on in the conversation she said, "So, do you work or not?" After kindly explaining to her that I make pieces of artwork and sell them in galleries, online, etc., I felt this overwhelming since of worthlessness rush over me.

   After reading this article and countless conversations with my supportive husband, I realize just how lucky I really am. I get to do the things that I love and absolutely want to do each and everyday, while sharing adventures with my daughter. I get to experience the "little things" in her life. I may not have a steady paycheck, but I make enough to support my art and my passions. Meanwhile, I have the most wonderful husband that loves being the provider for the household and is my largest supporter (Did I mention that he is a music teacher- his dream job?). I may get down sometimes, but I AM living my dream life. Thank you, God, for my countless blessings.

Are you living YOUR dream life?

Nancy Reynolds Shots from Jamie

2010-02-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

One of my old classmates from Nancy Reynolds Elementary School, sent me these great shots today. They will be used in "The Nancy Reynolds Project". I was immediately filled with memories of running suicides on the basketball team with her and other classmates. Thanks Jamie, for helping with this project!

Keep sending photos or written memories. Every little bit helps!

Quote of the Day

2010-02-16T13:25:00.000-05:00

"The soul is healed by being with children." Fyodor Dostoyevsky

From the book, The Shack by WM. Paul Young (my current read)

It's the Little Things That Count

2010-02-15T00:48:00.001-05:00

A Little Girl Playing on the Floor

A Mother-in-Law Who Sends You Left Over Pie and a Tomato When Your Down

A Crazy Cat That Chases Water Droplets After You Take a Shower or

Eats Your Toes When You Wear Socks

When a Little Girl Finally Cleans Her Room

Game Night With Friends

Valentines From Family (It was a great surprise to open up the one from my parents and hear their voices... it was very unexpected and meant a lot because we don't see the that often.)

A Grandfather Calling You Twice in One Week to Make Sure Your Broken Arm is OK

Tucking in Your Daughter and Whispering, "Mommy Loves You" in Her Ear Every Night

Go out and enjoy the "little things" today!

Quote of the Day

2010-02-14T21:57:00.002-05:00

"Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there." God's Little Instruction Book for Graduates by Honor Books

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

Addison 2010

Quote of the Day

2010-02-13T15:18:00.002-05:00

"Having more children won't solve your problems." Regina Wood

Quote of the Day

2010-02-12T19:11:00.000-05:00

"Daddy, I wish we had ice skates." This was Addison's response to the fall on the ice where I broke my arm :)

Nancy Reynolds Prints Now in the Shop!

2010-02-12T19:08:00.001-05:00

jessicawoodcapps.etsy.com

pssst... 50% of all the proceeds from the "Nancy Reynolds Project" section in my shop will be donated to the school

Last Day of Classes at Nancy Reynolds School

2010-02-12T13:30:00.007-05:00

As seen in this video by Chad Tucker with the Fox 8 News , it is very important for us all to look back and remember what Nancy Reynolds Elementary School meant to all of us.

The Nancy Reynolds Project

2010-02-11T22:05:00.001-05:00

To commemorate the destruction of a landmark, I am working on a piece called "The Nancy Reynolds Project." This piece is a way to celebrate the old, and bring in the new. Nancy Reynolds Elementary School has stood the test of time for 86 years. It was torn down in 2009 to make way for a new building that is to be completed in 2011. The old building was so much more than a structure to so many. There have been countless memories made in this building through generations. I want to celebrate these memories.

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the thing you never want to loose." Author Unknown: Found in Mary Janes Farm Magazine

If you have a Nancy Reynolds photograph or memory that you would like to be used in the project, please e-mail them to: jesscapps@gmail.com (comments are also welcome). I will keep you posted on the progress of this project through this blog.

Quote of the Day

2010-02-11T15:21:00.002-05:00

"I read in the paper the other day that scientist have discovered the meaning of life."

"What was it?"

"I forget."

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Love is in the Air

2010-02-10T20:23:00.009-05:00

To celebrate Valentines Day, I am going to share one picture from each year my husband and I have been together. Time passes so fast. Enjoy your loved ones and celebrate each other this Valentines Day.

Adam and I, November, 2004

Adam and I, May 2005

Adam and I with Our Silly Head Behind Us, 2006

Adam and I, 2007

Adam and I, 2008

Adam and I, 2009

This is the day that I graduated from Western... what a great day!

Quote of the Day

2010-02-10T17:03:00.000-05:00

"Can't never could do nothin'." Mark Wood

Temporary Tattoo

2010-02-09T18:00:00.007-05:00

Purposeless Play

2010-02-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

[The residual purpose of art is] PURPOSELESS PLAY. This play, however, is an affirmation of life- not and attempt to bring order out of chaos nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply a way of waking up to the very life we're living, which is so excellent once one gets one's mind and one's desires out of it's way and lets it act of it's own accord. John Cage

**I know, I know. Technically this is the second "Quote of the Day" for today, but when I found this I felt it was too yummy not to be shared.**

Quote of the Day

2010-02-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

"Nothing would be done at all, if we waited until we could do it so well that no one could find fault with it." John Henry Cardinal Newman

Thirsty for Words

2010-02-06T11:26:00.002-05:00

Lately, I have found myself (excuse me for a moment to sound cliche') thirsty for words. It is true! I can't get enough of them. Reading, writing, you name it. Anything that has words in it has peeked my interest. I have devoured several books in the last week and started a journal. The inspiration for this journal came from the book, How to Make a Journal of Your Life by Dan Price. This little book is a very easy read, but it is packed full of good ideas on how to make "the everyday" special... and you all know how I love that! I have also tried to integrate this new found passion into the time that I share with Addison. I made my darling girl a journal of her own.

I was also surprised to find that she enjoyed me reading my books about journaling and art aloud to her. It has been so nice to have little moments where we snuggle up on the couch, read, and write/draw in our journals.

Please Pray for Our Military Families

2010-02-06T08:27:00.005-05:00

This morning I was really crabby about the fact that my husband had to go to work on a Saturday to make-up for a snow day earlier in the week. Well, I got up and checked my email and I had a comment on one of my Facebook photos from a good friend from high school. I decided to check out her profile to see if she had anymore photos of that cute little baby of hers.

Her status read, "Yay! Craig actually sounded happy for the first time since he's been in Cuba! :-))". I took a step back and realized just how lucky I am to have Adam here at least for a little while everyday. I have several friends who have their significant others over seas or away from home in the military. I can't imagine all that they go through each and everyday. My heart really goes out to them. Please pray for our military families.

The Everyday

2010-02-05T20:38:00.002-05:00

I love to find the beauty in everyday objects and experiences. It truly is the little things that make a difference in our worlds. I adore walking into someone's private space and seeing what objects make that space "home". No matter who or where you are, there are similarities in the things that surround us in our everyday lives. My work strives to be documentation of these experiences.

Quote of the Day

2010-02-05T18:22:00.000-05:00

"Genius is the ability to see things invisible, to manipulate things intangible, to paint things that have no features." Joseph Joubert

Quote of the Day

2010-02-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

"Life is lived forward, but understood backwards." Philosopher Soien Hierkegaard

Snowy Days and Smiling Faces

2010-02-04T14:37:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was the first real sign of snow that we were able to see this year. Reluctantly, I pulled myself away from my duties of the everyday to go stay with family. Sometimes I loose myself in my work. Little did I know, just how much I needed that break.

Since there were no hills really to sled on, I decided to pull Addison all the way to the park.

Jennifer and Addison Making Snow Angels

Addison decided that she wanted to make a snowman with the snowman kit that she had gotten from my parents. The snow was really icy from all the sleet that we had gotten on top of the snow. Foolish adults that we are, we told her that we were so sorry, but she was not going to be able to make a snowman this time because the snow wouldn't compact. Well, the imagination of the child prevails. She started raking snow together and making a face. She made her snowman.

The playground seemed so much more fun covered in snow.

This swing was not meant for a family of three.

Addison constantly put hair-bows in everyone's hair the whole weekend (even Papa's).

I made one of my childhood favorites, homemade snow-cream.

In the end, it was an all round good time, with just enough goofing off to lift the spirits of a heavy heart.

Blue Eye Liner

2010-02-04T10:37:00.000-05:00

Isn't it amazing, the things that mean the most to a child? Warm kisses on the check, a meal when they get home from school, and sometimes blue eye liner :) My sister, Kayla played "maker-over" with Addison over her Christmas break. Every time I pull out my make-up bag she asks, "Why don't you have blue like Kaaaylaaa!?" I have even caught her in her room talking to her baby dolls and putting pretend blue eye liner on them.

I have talked to my Mother many times about my childhood and the things that mattered most to me. It seems as though the things and the little moments that mattered most are not the same as the things that she thought would. It is so mind boggling how each brain remembers the same moments in time in totally different lights.

Go out and play with your children today. You never know how much of a difference you will make in their lives.

**Hint: The little things, the things you won't even think about, are the things that will matter to them the most.**

Spring Cleaning

2010-02-03T23:09:00.000-05:00

I decided to do some early spring cleaning today. It's not what you are thinking, my house is still in it's usual state of disarray... I am doing online spring cleaning. I am trying to update and "clean-up" my online home :) I gave the blog a very overdue facelift... what do you think?

The Total Money Makeover

2010-02-01T20:51:00.001-05:00

Adam and I just finished a wonderful book. We have been reading the The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It has been great... every night Adam and I would sink down in the bed together to read aloud to each other. It was like we were sneaking away on secrete dates late at night. If you and your significant other have never read aloud to one another, I would highly recommend you try it. With money being tight, it is so nice to have a way to get away!

Well, hmmmmm.... that seems like a perfect way to segway into what the book is about. If there is always more month than money, you should read this book. It really is an awesome game plan to regaining financial freedom. I feel so empowered. I not only want to be debt free, but I now want to learn more about investing. You need to check out this book!

What book should we read next?

Do you ever wonder why we are the way that we are?

2010-01-29T20:47:00.005-05:00

Do you every wonder why we are the way that we are? Is there a predetermined state of mind that we are to be a part of, or do our past build the foundation for who we are to become?

This is a photo of the street that I grew up on. I think that our pasts and the experiences that come with it defiantly have an effect on who we are. I see the people and places that influenced me in my childhood coming out of me each and everyday.

(This photo is now available in my shop along with other photos that I have recently taken of things that remind me of where I came from.)

Today

2010-01-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

Today I hear the sounds of hammers beating on the house that is erecting next door. I hear the sound of a little girl playing house with her barbies, while she is supposed to be taking a nap. I feel the warm sun that is streaming down over me through opened windows. Today I taste the sweet taste of freshly brewed green tea. I see a room full of mosaic mirrors that are in need of grout and smell the fresh paint that was sprayed on new frames the day before. Today is a wonderfully simple day.

Grandma's First Bowling Trip!

2010-01-27T10:10:00.003-05:00

It is not everyday that a Granddaughter get to experience a first with her Grandmother. My mom and I took my Grandma on her first bowling adventure! It was so much fun and she was pretty good.

Birthday Girl: The necklace she is wearing was my present to her...

it is one of my favorites that I have made lately.

Silly Mom!

"Bowling" (can now be found in my shop )

Jessica's Tips for a Successful Day for Someone Who Works From Home:

2010-01-27T09:44:00.001-05:00

Mary Jane's tips for a simple life made me start thinking about what advice I could give to others.

I have had my share of really productive days, but I also have had my share of days where I felt like I just couldn't get anything done. I think that just comes with the territory. When you work from home you tend to want to spend your days as if you were just staying at home for the day (those of you who work from home know what I mean). This can hinder your productivity during the day. Here are my tips for someone who is going to work from home:

1. Wake Up, Take a Shower, Get Dressed. You need to start your morning off as if you were going to venture out into the world to a job somewhere. After-all, you are going to work. This just helps your brain to wake up and take the hint.

2. Drink a cup of coffee. I know, I know, there are some of you out there that are saying, "I HATE COFFEE!" Well, what I mean by this is simply just sit down with your thoughts over something that is going to pick you up and make you feel like you can conquer the day. For me, that is my coffee.

3. This brings me to my next tip. Make a list! I can not stress how important this step is. If you don't have a plan, what are you working towards? I like to start this step over my morning cup of coffee and add to it during the day. You don't have to follow the list completely, but taking the time to think about what you want to get accomplished during the day will help you to get your thoughts organized.

4. Streeeetch. Periodically throughout the day, I like to give my body a good ol' stretch. This not only helps me to feel more energized and alert, but it helps me to refocus on the task that I am trying to accomplish.

Whether you are staying at home with your kids or running a large business at home (or both), I think you will find these tips to be a big help in your journey to conquer the day. I know I feel lost without them :)

I just have to brag...

2010-01-26T19:48:00.000-05:00

...I have the most adorable niece. She gets even more beautiful every time I see her :)

Adam and Tovi... two goofballs.

Mary Jane's Seven Wonders

2010-01-26T18:37:00.002-05:00

Here are Mary Jane's tips for a simple life:

1. Take a walk outdoors.
2. Create a collage.
3. Find a few minutes for free writing.
4. Dance. Really!
5. Meditate.
6. Create a meal, slowly.
7. Practice praise.

** These tips came out of a magazine that I just received my first issue to called Mary Jane's Farm. I have to tell you I agree with her and I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE. If you have an inner farm girl just waiting to get out (no matter where you live), you need to get a copy :)

Good Days vs. Bad Days

2010-01-26T18:25:00.000-05:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel as though I have been having more bad days than good days. I don't know if it is all the changes that have happened in my life lately, the economy, or what, but I know that I have to turn it all around. For those of you who don't know, I went to school to be an artist. I love clay, but I also love other art forms as well. Since graduating, I feel like I am stuck. Artwork is not selling like it once was, but I am not going to loose hope. I am continuing to make something everyday, even if it is just something for my family.

I have been inspired by others lately. I love how SouleMama manages to live a creative life, while still living just one day at a time with her children. I think we all should down size and make our lives a little simpler. You know what everyone says, "You should enjoy the small things in life". Well, I am tired of just thinking about that, I am going to start enjoying the small things from here on out. I am at an advantage. I am already able to work from home and spend my time basically how I please. I will be sharing my journey with you through this blog. I will blog about my family and my work, but I will also be sharing the "everyday" moments with you.

Go out an be inspired... tomorrow IS a brand new day!

New to the Shop!

2010-01-25T13:31:00.005-05:00

I have been working hard to put all or my artwork in one place. I recently started making my photography available for purchase.

Hint: You can get photos to frame and match your tiles panels ;)

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-01-25T13:20:00.004-05:00

I love you and you love this video :)

Back at It!

2010-01-15T15:12:00.000-05:00

Listing new items, cleaning out the studio, organizing... New Year, new chance to get it right.

I have also been watching video's on Etsy's blog to get inspired. I love this loft/ workspace!

Kitty Troubles

2009-12-20T11:28:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't know, Addison got a kitten for her birthday. Lola is adorable, sweet, and very, very, sneeky. She will climb the moldings in our house, eat anything off the table or counters, and recently she chewed through my computer charger cord! I went to apple.com and it was going to be 70 dollars to replace it! Needless to say I searched online until I found one cheaper (thank you amazon), but that was just not an expense that we needed to have right now. Anyway, I got over it and that cat is sitting n my lap as I write to you, and I have a lot of catching up to do! The holidays are full of wonderful moments and I want to share them with you :)

Spreading Some Holiday Cheer!

2009-11-20T16:25:00.001-05:00

Angel Earrings and Holiday Cheer Earrings

We have started to decorate the house, so I thought, why not decorate the shop for the Holidays too? I am having a sale in my art shop so I added a little holiday cheer to my earrings shop by adding festive earrings :) I hope you will check them out.

Earrings, Earrings, Earrings!

2009-11-14T09:58:00.000-05:00

I have been adding and making LOTS of new earrings for the shop. If you are looking for unique and affordable earrings for someone this holiday season, I've got you covered :)

PS... I combine shipping, so you can order as many pairs as you would like and shipping will always be just $2.00!

Missing "Home"

2009-11-12T15:53:00.000-05:00

A little hard work will bring a family closer.

2009-11-09T10:09:00.002-05:00

A Window of Happiness

2009-11-06T13:09:00.001-05:00

Whenever I get down, al I have to do is look out my bathroom window and it puts a smile on my face. :)

HOLIDAY CLEAN OUT SALE!

2009-11-05T17:33:00.002-05:00

I have been busy slashing prices and adding new items to my etsy shop... check it out! (jessicawoodcapps.etsy.com)
I have been busy slashing prices and adding new items to my etsy shop... check it out! (jessicawoodcapps.etsy.com)

Dr. Capps

2009-11-05T17:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween! Addison went as a Dr..... along with her two nurses and her patient :)

This Makes Me Happy :)

2009-11-04T18:17:00.000-05:00

ZOO...

2009-11-04T16:15:00.002-05:00

Addison's first trip!

Movie Fun!

2009-10-16T11:03:00.002-04:00

Addison and I had a wonderful girls night... Toy Story in 3D. It was the most that I had ever seen her be that still and quiet! She was so cute with her 3D glasses and box of popcorn. She ate one kernel at a time :) Girls night is defiantly going to happen more often... I am already planing our next one.

Tovi is Here!

2009-09-24T08:04:00.003-04:00

I am now officially an AUNT! It is so nice to be on this side of the spectrum. Joseph and Kristen had their little one last night and she is absolutely beautiful! Weighing in at 7 lbs. 14 ounces she is a very happy, healthy baby girl. Tovi Pipper Capps how cool is that name? Congrats Joseph and Kristen and to get everyone in the baby spirit, here are some of my favorite funny baby videos...

Unplug!

2009-08-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

A TV that's plugged in is still using half the electricity of a TV that's turned on (Change the World for Ten Bucks, Chronicle Books)... so go get unplugged!

PS... also check out that book, it has inspired me to make moving an opportunity for big change, a fresh start

Sewing to Feel Better

2009-08-16T11:57:00.000-04:00

(Sew, Ceramic Wall Tile, Jessica Wood Capps)
I have been sick the past few days. An afternoon of sewing curtains for the new house should lift my spirits :) I hope your having a wonderful weekend.

Photos!

2009-08-13T16:50:00.001-04:00

To See More, Visit Wood Sisters Photography on Flickr!

And then a star was born...

2009-08-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

... presenting Wood Sisters Photography! My Sister (Kayla Wood) and I are now business partners! We are a sister duo from North Carolina. We are both working artists specializing in Wedding and Art Photography. In our Etsy shop you will find our Art Photographs and Special Listings for wedding parties and other special events.

woodsistersphoto.etsy.com

If you are in the Raleigh or Asheville areas and would be interested in having us photograph your special event, please contact us through email:

woodsistersphotography@gmail.com

Quote of the Day

2009-08-08T23:38:00.001-04:00

"Can't Never Could Do Nothin'" Mark Wood

Inspiration

2009-08-08T13:59:00.000-04:00

"Clear Your Mind of Can't"... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippines 4:13)

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."... "Anything is possible if you have faith" Mark 9:23

An Awesome Weekend With Family

2009-08-08T13:24:00.000-04:00

There is Power in Prayer...

2009-08-08T13:11:00.001-04:00

...Please pray for the friends and family of Matt Sexton.

Gotta Love Ayumi!

2009-08-06T17:03:00.000-04:00

Downtown Live Art and Craft Market Today!

2009-07-25T07:23:00.000-04:00

Downtown Live Art and Craft Market Today! The event is being held in Moore's Square, Raleigh NC. There will be great food, lots for the kids to do, beer, and great bands playing all day! Not to mention there will be 10 amazing artists set up from 2-8 this afternoon. Also, the Charlie Daniel's Band will be headlining the event! If I were you, I would make plans to come join in on all the fun!

Lot of New Earrings in the Shop...

2009-07-24T09:53:00.000-04:00

...check them out! earrings4you.etsy.com