Out of Control (And FabHER Friday Link-up)

Last week I had the opportunity to paint a portrait, and the only picture that I have of it is this one:

See similar updates of my work here

How frustrating and pathetic.
Normally I make it a point to keep a digital copy of the original, just in case something unexpected happens in the mail/delivery or down the road.  I've just found that it's better to keep records of this kind of thing.  But last week I was just not on my game.  Stress of work picking up in the Christmas rush, school responsibilities, friendship chaos and general busy-ness kept me on my toes and I am still spinning.

While this week is also very busy, I am making a point to keep my cool and not forget to schedule time to just "be".  So many things are unavoidable, but that doesn't mean that I need to say "yes" to everything that comes my way, or that I can't set some time aside to recharge.

It's also a comfort to know that I don't have to be in control all of the time.  There's a Greater One at work here, and I'm so glad that I don't have to be perfect, or say the right things or have my hair all in place.  He saved me in all of my mess.

Here's to being out of control and totally "okay" with it (or at least learning to be okay with it, hah :) )

Your turn!  Link up your post below to FabHER Friday!
How to join in :
1)  Leave your link ( for a specific post) using the linkup tool below
2)  Visit a few other FabHER linkups and leave comments on their blogs.  That really is the point of all this, afterall!
3)  Spread the news! More traffic for the linkup will provide more traffic for your blog as well! 

An InLinkz Link-up

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

OOTDsketches (40)

Throughout the week make a quick sketch of what I am wearing on that particular day, either as a warm-up or just to keep me loose if I don't have a lot of time to draw.  These drawings are then scanned and posted on my blog every Wednesday.  Enjoy!

This past week was absolutely insane.
Insane I tell you!
It was still pretty good, but didn't leave me any time to work on my own artwork.  Which means, no OOTDsketches.  Unfortunately, since I do this part of my art for fun, it is not a priority and therefore doesn't happen all of the time.

So here is 1 drawing... from the last Saturday, while I was standing up in my girlfriend's wedding.  I also helped with the hair and makeup for the bridal party, so it was a rather chaotic day and I didn't even get a chance to sketch this little piece out until the following day.

Like what you see? Get your own custom, illustrative portrait for your home or blog here!   

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Sketchbook: Sunflower basket

Whilst wandering through my sketchbook the other day, I stumbled upon this little piece from last year during my first explorations with watercolor.  It's not a great piece by any means, but it's nice to see how far I've come (especially when it's easy to get discouraged by the continued learning process).
In defense of my older self, this was also done on drawing paper, and thus the colors don't blend and quickly grow muddy.

How have you grown this past year?  Any new talents budding?  Has the process been frustrating or are you wrapped up in the rewards of a new experience?


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

Love-ly Travels

The holiday season is quickly approaching and we've already begun planning our schedules for Thanksgiving and... yes, Christmas!  Hubbard and I both come from rather large, close knit families.  Last year we had 7 Christmas celebrations.  So it's safest to plan ahead.  And while it's easy to get bogged down and overwhelmed while traveling so much, I am thankful for all of the family that we still have around.

And if I can pretend that we are decked out in vintage-inspired traveling gear? Yep, I can handle the chaos.
Maybe a colored version in the future?  What do you think?


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

#OOTDsketches (39)

Throughout the week make a quick sketch of what I am wearing on that particular day, either as a warm-up or just to keep me loose if I don't have a lot of time to draw.  These drawings are then scanned and posted on my blog every Wednesday.  Enjoy!

Left:: I'm having so much trouble adjusting to the current status of the weather.
I really, REALLY dislike being cold, so I'd rather be safe and bundle up, but then when I'm wearing a turtleneck and cardigan on a warmish day?  I felt foolish.  Thankfully this one is rather thin and my hair was behaving so the world was a happy place!

Right:: Some variation on my favorite—switched to a light gray crew neck sweater and added one of my Italian scarfs.  Long story short, if it's coral, flow-y and makes me feel like a princess while still allowing me to walk around in public? I'm all for it!


Like what you see? Get your own custom, illustrative portrait for your home or blog here!   

All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

The Most Wonderful Time... Is on it's way!

Wow, it's hard to believe that it's already that time of year.
You know, the time when the air is brisk, hot chocolate is decorated with marshmallows and that little feeling of excitement inside your chest is starting to flutter?

Yep, holiday season has begun again—don't worry, you still have plenty of time :)  But why not get a head start on your Christmas decor / shopping?  I know that I'm ready to cross a few names off my list!  (like my "wonderful-but-hard-to-shop-for-Hubbard")

My Etsy shop is already bustling with fall and Christmas activity, some of which are shown above!  A few favorites from last year, as well as some new pieces for you to consider this year.  I'll be posting new items over the next few weeks—so stay tuned!  There will even be a holiday card with the option of a custom portrait soon!


All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission

FabHER Friday Linkup: Free November Calendar

Welcome to "FabHER Fridays"! A wonderful opportunity for the lovely ladies of the blogosphere to share a post and make some friends while gaining additional exposure for their blogs. This linkup is open to everyone—from fashion to art (like me!), health to lifestyle, fitness to beauty.  All are welcome!

November brings a state meet with my favorite cross country team (woo-hoo!), the wedding day of my dear friend and former roommate, another list of school/church events and the beginning of holiday season!  I'm already itching to begin the Christmas shopping, the gift wrapping, the baking, the fires in the fireplace... oh man!
As always, I have a free desktop calendar and iPhone background to share under the "Free Downloads" tab above.  Be sure to stop by and grab your own!

Your turn!  Link up your post below to FabHER Friday!
How to join in :
1)  Leave your link ( for a specific post) using the linkup tool below
2)  Visit a few other FabHER linkups and leave comments on their blogs.  That really is the point of all this, afterall!
3)  Spread the news! More traffic for the linkup will provide more traffic for your blog as well! 



All Items are (c) Katrina Crouch. Do not use without permission