Couples, Couples Art, Inspiration, love, Love Boards, Love Stories

Heart and Soul

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Heart and Soul by Jane Green

The Greek story of Eros and Psyche (heart and soul) written in 2nd Century AD is a complicated tale of love.  It weaves together jealousy, deception, marriage, sacrifice, feats of strength and moments of weakness. The original beauty and the beast, in the end love triumphs and Psyche and her lover Eros (also known as Cupid) are united for all time. In this collage, I kept the classic palette of the sculpture and included a few of my photos reflecting the beauty of nature. It was one of the first pieces I did without text. Sometimes the power of the image is all you need. Just like love. This is the 3rd in a series of featured collages. View the 2nd. View the 1st.

Couples Art, Inspiration, love, Love Boards

The Art of Self Love

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Good Things by Jane Green

This second in my series of collages speaks to the process of loving and trusting yourself. This can be a lifelong journey but a truly rewarding one – and necessary before genuine relationships can occur. “Love boards” are great tools for both reflection and action. Search your heart and then choose images that relate to what you are feeling now and where you desire to go. Once your visual is done, write an affirmation on the back. I completed my Good Things in April 2014 and wrote : “A world of possibilities lay at my feet. I need only to see the good things in life and dare to cross the bridge; be authentic in my pursuits; and allow the wind to fill my sails.” Truer words were never illustrated.

View and read about the first collage, Bliss.

Couples Art, Inspiration, love, Love Boards, Love Stories

Love Boards

PhotoGrid_1537810659468.jpgHere’s a great way to make romance come to life. Create a visual representation using the time honored art of collage. You can do it on your own or invite friends to join you and make it a collage party. Supply the glue sticks, mat boards and magazines. Calendars, photos, book marks, greeting cards, ticket stubs … you name it and it can be re-purposed into your new work of art. It’s so interesting to see what the finished product will look like – sometimes it can surprise you and take a totally different turn. Be sure to date your collage and snap a photo of it for a keepsake. Put the finished artwork in a place of honor to inspire your dreams and to help you keep a festive heart. I’ll be featuring some favorite collages that I’ve created over the years. This one I call Bliss which demonstrates the soft, sweet, sparkling elements of authentic love. 

custom wedding gifts, Inspiration, local business, local wedding gifts, love, new products, PDX wedding, portland brides, Reviews, Wedding Gifts

The Art of Romance

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Rollmates by Jonathan Sundy

Coming up with a gift that expresses the joy of being in love can be a daunting task. Especially when you want it to be an original idea. Meet Jonathan Sundy, a romantic soul and whimsical artist extraordinaire. His unique character designs capture the childlike spirit of loving hearts in sweet and simple ways that never fail to bring a smile.

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Apple and Pear by Jonathan Sundy

Whether you are buying the gift for your bride, your groom or the happy couple, there are wonderful designs to choose from with options of original paintings on canvas or framed prints. Jonathan’s work is currently on exhibit at a number of venues around PDX or you catch him in person at Crafty Wonderland this Saturday at the Portland Convention Center. Note: Be sure to check out Jonathan’s illustrated books, too!

celebrations, ceremonies, Couples, love, wedding alternatives

Celebrate Love – Not the Wedding

love storyI don’t celebrate wedding ceremonies. I celebrate the LOVE between two people. That is what lights my heart, the occasion and the world. Marriage is not the answer for everyone and can even be the wrong answer for some. If you are in a loving relationship and you and your partner choose not to get married, there are other ways to celebrate what is in your heart. An Affirmation of Love or a Commitment ceremony can be every bit as magical and meaningful as a wedding ceremony. The intention is the same – to bless your partnership and declare your love to each other and to everyone else. When your story is framed in love … marriage doesn’t have to be part of the picture. It’s empowering to make a decision that is right for you vs doing what is expected by others. Here’s a really good article about marriage as a cultural norm and the harm that norm can cause us.

certificateInterested in celebrating your love but don’t want a wedding? Contact me to find out about other options and how to create a celebration that fits your lifestyle. “Love is the tie that binds their two lives together in one accord before this company. Through their love this couple promises to share one another’s lives, materially, emotionally and spiritually.”