Marieke Mertz Art & Illustration - Presents of Love - Art that celebrates Simple Joys
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Boring and Bleh or Cozy and Inviting?

5/1/2019

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With the weather warming up, I want to be outside all the time.  Are you with me?  I live in Portland so when the sun’s out, I soak it up as much as I can and most definitely don’t take it for granted! I love going on walks in the neighborhood and admiring all the pretty flowers in our neighbors’ gardens.

Our home has a front porch that fits a small coffee table with a wooden swing and sitting bench.  The other day, I stepped outside and noticed how dusty our porch had become over winter.  I took out the garden hose and the big broom and got the job done!  Ah!  Now it feels so much better!


Now that our porch is clean, it’s super cozy and welcoming so it’s the perfect spot to hang out at home and still be outside.  The reason our porch feels inviting is largely due to our “porch decor.”  That’s right. Kind of like home decor but then for the porch! 

​I have a colorful outdoor rug that feels soft even when we walk outside with bare feet.  Bird feeders attract cute song birds that are a joy to watch.  I also created a huge stained glass hummingbird mosaic artwork on a vintage window pane that looks especially beautiful when the sunlight shines through.

​Have you taken a look at your outdoor space lately?"
Have you taken a look at your outdoor space lately?  Does it feel boring and bleh or cozy and inviting? Besides the typical spring cleaning, can the space use a spark of joy? 

​If you’re looking to make your front porch, garden patio or screened-in porch feel more attractive and cozy, here are a few handmade items from my etsy shop that would add a joyful touch to your outdoor living space:
Driftwood Art
I created these art pieces from Pacific Northwest foraged driftwood.  The designs were permanently burned into the wood through pyrography or wood burning so the art will not disappear even if displayed in outdoor areas.
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If you're creating a cozy nook to drink your morning coffee and read a book, this sign is simple and cute!
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These pieces of art also make thoughtful gifts for Mom's Day and Dad's Day!

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Stained Glass Mosaic Bird Feeders
I have three stained glass mosaic bird feeders left in my shop.  I'm not planning on making any more of these in the near future so grab one before they're going....going....gone!
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Colorful Driftwood Art
I would recommend these art pieces for covered outdoor spaces as well as indoor home decor.  They already have hooks installed on the back for easy hanging.
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I hope this blog post gives you some inspiration to make your outdoor living space as joyful as it can be.  Even a few small changes or the addition of an attractive art piece can make all the difference.  
Next steps:

1. Step outside and take an objective look at your outdoor living space or porch
2. Decide what you can change or how you can add joy to the space
3. If any of the art pieces above might work in your space, click on the individual images or head on over to my etsy shop to see the entire collection.  


Also, I'd like to hear from you!

Do you have a patio or porch you enjoy spending time?  What activities do you enjoy when you hang out in this outdoor living space?
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Leave a comment and if you enjoyed reading this blog post, please share with friends!  Thank you so much!

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