Explore Your World Creatively

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  • April Packing List: Tulips in Holland by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: April Packing List – Tip Toe Through the Tulips in Holland and Free April 2017 Wallpaper

    Have you ever seen the colorful pictures of the tulip fields in Holland during spring time? What a spectacular site! Some day I would love to tip toe through these fields with my sketchbook in hand and capture the scene, and here in this free calendar wallpaper is what I’d wear! Free Calendar Wallpaper – April 2017 Here’s a free April 2017 wallpaper for your desktop computer or iPad to get you inspired for a romantic getaway. To set as your desktop image, just click on the link appropriate for your size monitor or ipad. When the image is in view, on a PC, right click and select “Use Picture as Desktop…

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    At Home Creative Adventures: Create a Landscape Painting Inspired by Van Gogh

    March 27, 2020
    Cruising Along 395 and the Eastern Sierras by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Road Trip – Cruising 395 and the Eastern Sierras

    February 24, 2015

    How to Add Creativity to Your Life Everyday

    January 10, 2022
  • March Packing List: Scenic Tour of Ireland by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: March Packing List – Scenic Tour of Ireland and Free March 2017 Wallpaper

    March is here, and I’ve been aching to take a trip to Ireland. Yes, I’m sure St. Patrick’s Day has something to do with it, but I also have a huge desire to take a road trip around the country and explore the wild seashore, stay in old castles, wander small villages, and of course drink a tasty stout in Dublin. In dreaming of this trip, I thought it would be fun to come up with an appropriate Spring packing list. There’s still a bite in the air, but nothing a cozy warm Irish sweater won’t take care of. Also, be sure to bring a brightly colored umbrella to ward off any…

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    Colorful Havana Cuba (Drawings and Story by Wanderlust Designer)

    On Location: The Dilapidated Grandeur of Old Havana

    June 8, 2016
    Los Angeles Illustrated Map by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Los Angeles, California

    August 25, 2017

    Art School: How to Draw a Globe

    January 18, 2019
  • February Packing List: Romantic Getaway - Paris, France by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Dream Trips – Romantic Getaway Paris, France and Free February 2017 Wallpaper

    Although we know, Paris is always a good idea, I think in these long winter months, it is even more than a good idea, it is a must do! Even with cold weather, and the high chance of grey skies, a romantic getaway in February is a great way to get rid of any winter funk. Before kids, my husband and I would alternate years in coming up with a surprise February weekend getaway. Unfortunately, we could only get away for the weekend, but we still managed some very memorable escapes. The surprise weekend away where I needed a passport was of course one that I will never forget! I have yet to visit Paris in…

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    Nantucket, MA - The Quintessential East Coast Summer Spot by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Quintessential East Coast Summer Spot – Nantucket

    May 14, 2013

    Creative Wanderlust Community Open House #1 – December 2, 2021

    November 8, 2021
    Wanderlust Bookclub: A Cook's Tour by Anthony Bourdain

    Wanderlust Bookclub: A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain

    December 21, 2016
  • January Packing List: Hit the Slopes - Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Dream Trips – January Hit the Slopes: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia and Free Calendar Wallpaper

    January is the perfect time to hit the slopes and Whistler Blackcomb in beautiful British Columbia, Canada is one of the best places to go! Not only is it the largest ski resort in North America, with slopes for all abilities and ages, it was also home to the 2010 Winter Olympics making it a world class resort for much more than just skiing. I was able to snowboard there many years ago for an adventuresome long weekend.  We flew from San Francisco to Vancouver, and spent the night enjoying this world class city filled with urban attractions and surrounded by incredible nature. The next day, we drove the scenic Sea to…

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    Opera Houses of the World (illustration by Wanderlust Designer)

    Culture: Entertainment – Opera Houses of the World

    August 29, 2016
    Illustrated Travel Bucket List Volume 1 by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Dream Trips – Illustrated Travel Bucket List vol.1

    May 11, 2016
    Learn How to Draw and Paint Shamrocks

    Learn How to Draw a Pot of Shamrocks – 20 Minute Free Art Lesson

    March 21, 2022
  • Wanderlust Fashion: A Day Out in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: Fashion – A Day Out in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

    San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico. At over 6,000′ in altitude, and surrounded by Bajio mountains, it does not have the typical turquoise blue waters and white sand beach attractions that draw so many visitors to Mexico, yet it is definitely a Mexican city that should not be missed. Hilly cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a dreamy color palette of earth toned rusts, corals, olive greens and golden yellow make this city a visual fiesta for any visitor. It has long been a city that has attracted artists and expats who come visit and end up never leaving. It is said that San Miguel de Allende enjoys a “perpetual Spring” of…

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    Digital Travel Journal: Visiting a Llama Farm in Peru

    April 5, 2019

    Welcome to the Wanderlust Designer!

    February 14, 2013
    Art on the Go: Photography Light Trails by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Photography Light Trails – Lights on Lombard

    January 17, 2014
  • Shopping on Cat Street, Tokyo by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: Shopping – Harajuku, Shibuya, Takeshita Street & Cat Street in Tokyo

    A trip to Tokyo is not complete without a shopping outing in 2 very trendy and youthful neighborhoods, Harajuku and Shibuya. Narrow streets snake behind the big roads and are filled with boutiques and shops brimming with the latest Tokyo fashions.   Whether you are a kid or not, one must browse through Kiddyland, a several storied shop filled with iconic cartoon characters and Japanese pop culture. There is nothing subtle about Tokyo fashion! Bright colors with bold graphics were abound. Popular trends from other cultures were also seen– there were lots of clothes with references to Brooklyn, New York, cowboys, and British punk! Once you’ve browsed the main boulevards and small back streets of…

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    Wanderlust Portland – New Creative Travel Book!

    June 9, 2022

    Creative Wanderlust Story: Poolside Gossip – Flash Fiction Inspired by Slim Aarons’s Iconic 1970s Photograph

    January 16, 2022
    March Packing List: Scenic Tour of Ireland by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: March Packing List – Scenic Tour of Ireland and Free March 2017 Wallpaper

    March 2, 2017

Teacher, Illustrator, Author

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Your guide, flight attendant & airline captain to exploring your world creatively. Wheel's up!

Betsy Beier
For over 30 years I’ve had a fascination with ca For over 30 years I’ve had a fascination with capturing water in my art. I spent much of my undergraduate fine art degree painting it in some way or another, and today I found myself once again trying to capture the nuisances, this time with watercolor. As I was painting this and getting more frustrated by the moment I recalled the advice my senior year thesis professor gave me in regards to capturing water—
He reminded me that much of what I wanted to capture had to do with the movement, the feeling and ultimately my impression. A photograph of water is a snapshot in time. Still and not moving. I inherently was more fascinated by the motion, thus I needed to let go of what a photo of water looks like and try to embrace the process… and the impression. Such sage advice that now 30+ years later I’m still needing! #advice #artadvice #impression #water #laketahoe #fascinationwithwater #artistlife
Let's get creative inspiration from the sun! Here Let's get creative inspiration from the sun! Here are 3 simple activities to do today now that summer is here.

1. Get mesmerized by heat waves on the horizon. Find a cool vantage point and spend a few moments just watching the heat rise and create a distorted view of the world. How could you artistically capture this effect? A quick video? A wet-on-wet simple watercolor of wavy lines and colors bleeding together? 

2. Photograph your shadow. I always forget about shadow play-- remember making shadow animals when you were young with your hands and a flashlight. What other fun gestures and movement can you do to create interesting shadows on a sunny day? Start with abstract shapes, and then see what comes next.

3. Write as many quotes as you can think of that talk about the sun. Put them in a jar and save them for a grey day. There are so many song lyrics and sayings about the sun. Spend a few moments on a sunny afternoon, sitting on the grass and jotting down all that you know. Tear into little sheets and place in a jar to warm you up on a cold or grey day!

#creativeinspiration #creativeactivities #sun #sunactivities #creativeprompts #creativity #buildcreativity #artprompts #artideas #summerideas #summeractivities #wanderlustdesigner #creativewanderlustprompt
Does the sun give you creative energy? I can defin Does the sun give you creative energy? I can definitively say YES, it does for me. A sunny day fills me with loads of fuel - to explore, get outside, make things, and PLAY. This is not to say a grey day doesn't provide me creative energy it's just a different type, a different mood. So, now that summer is here, let's harness those rays and share our creative endeavors.

Happy Summer everyone!!

#summer #creativity #sun #creativeenergy #suninspiration #getcreative #maker #summersolstice
I shared my 3 secrets to a creative summer in my n I shared my 3 secrets to a creative summer in my newsletter today… check it out over at wanderlustdesigner.com ! And DM me if you’d like to get on my mailing list! I send out weekly creative tips and artsy info to inspire you to be creative everyday. 🧑‍🎨👩‍🎨 #explorecreatively #creativelife #3secrets #summer
How will you add creativity to your weekend? Let m How will you add creativity to your weekend? Let me know in the comments below!!

#friyay #theweekend #bonweekend #creativity #dosomethingcreative #creativewanderlustweekend #creativewanderlustcommunity
Photo Prompt: Create a photo collage of what summe Photo Prompt: Create a photo collage of what summer means to you…. 

Water, beach, strong shadows, the sound you hear in the distance of fun at an amusement park, long sun burnt days and warm nights.  I took these photos in Santa Monica, CA when I was there last year. They truly say summer to me. What about you? #summer #summervibes #summerphotos #santamonica #santamonicapier
A drawing prompt I offered this week was to only u A drawing prompt I offered this week was to only use a yellow marker to sketch some fun summer icons (think beach ball, bathing suit, ice cream cone, etc.) I picked yellow as I find it to be one of the most UPLIFTING, CHEERFUL colors out there! 

Yellow just makes me happy! I love spotting it on my walks (a front door? a yellow center of a daisy) as well as wearing it - in a sweater, scarf, t-shirt! 

We only moved once during my childhood, and my parents selected the yellow bedroom to be mine before I had seen it. The room had yellow checked wallpaper. It was so cheery! Perhaps that is where my love for yellow started!

If you wear yellow, do you feel a bit happier?

#creativetip #arttip #yellow #psychologyofyellow #colorpsychology #wearyellow #childhoodmemories
I'm here to say that it is officially the unoffici I'm here to say that it is officially the unofficial start of summer! 😂 Ever since I was a little girl, I've always considered early June to be summer, as it is typically when school ends and summer break begins. Those first few days of summer break are always the best- no need for an alarm, no structure to the day and no care in the world. 

To celebrate summer, I'm rebooting my weekly Creative Wanderlust Prompts with a summer theme to get in the mood. I'll also be posting more of my own creations using these prompts! The last month and 1/2 I fell out of my daily art practice and I've been missing it terribly, so my summer goal is to get back to creating art every day- even if I only spend 15 minutes doing it.

Join me here and over at @creativewanderlustcommunity to follow along this summer and learn how to add art and creativity to your everyday!

#arteveryday #creativeprompts #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustlife #creativityeveryday #creativewanderlustprompt #artprompts #creativeprompts #drawingprompt #paintingprompt #collageprompt #writingprompt #liveacreativelife #creativeenergy #healthbenefits #happiness #getcreative #behappy #creativityiscuriosity #embraceyourownartist #youarecreative #wanderlust #wanderlustlife #wanderlustdesigner #exploreyourworldcreatively #explorecreatively #everydaycreativity
I had the best time getting together online with m I had the best time getting together online with many of you for my Portland book release art lesson/party and coming up with an imaginative food cart celebrating Portland's food truck scene! My favorite part was working together to brainstorm a food truck theme, and then designing it as we went along! 

For those who could not make it, we decided to go with a Japanese/French themed food truck that specialized in Japanese teas and French patisseries! We named it Pa-TEA-sserie, and decorated it with sakura flowers, fleur de lis, tea cups and of course treats! 

Thank you to all how came to celebrate the occasion - and make art together - your support means EVERYTHING to me!🥰

If you were to start a food truck, what would your theme be?🌮🥗🍡 

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner #foodtruck #portlandfoodtrucks
I am so proud to announce the 4th book in my Wande I am so proud to announce the 4th book in my Wanderlust Creative Travel Guide series is here!!! Welcome, Portland, Oregon to the club. 

With summer almost upon us, it's time to grab one of these guides (Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco) and explore your world with creativity! 

Head to your favorite online book retailer or local book store and grab a copy.

Thank you to all the incredible people at @westmarginpress who helped make this book and this SERIES a reality. This is truly a dream come true! 

@ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner #losangeles #sanfrancisco #seattle #wanderlustguide #wanderlustguidebook #travelcreatively #creativetravel
Creative Portland, Oregon!! #booklaunch #wanderlu Creative Portland, Oregon!!

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Historic Portland, Oregon #booklaunch #wanderlust Historic Portland, Oregon

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Beautiful Portland, Oregon! #booklaunch #wanderl Beautiful Portland, Oregon! 

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Please come to my free online Portland Art Party c Please come to my free online Portland Art Party celebrating Portland's food truck scene - next Tuesday, May 24th from 5:30-6:30pm (Pacific Time)! 

We are going to have so much fun together creating a one-of-a-kind food truck and chatting about Portland. Be sure to DM me and I can send you the Zoom link to the art class as well as a free printable to join in the fun!

Can't wait to see you there!

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 

#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner #freeartclass #onlineartclass #freeonlineclass #onlineartclass #artclass #foodtruckscene #foodtruckpdx
For anyone who has been watching the news this pas For anyone who has been watching the news this past year or two, Portland, Oregon has had a rough go, image wise… but I’m here to dispel any myths or thoughts you may have. This beautiful Pacific Northwest city is amazing for countless reasons but my number one reason is for the sheer CREATIVE ENERGY and fodder it can provide. 

“Portland is a town of rugged individualists sprinkled with weirdness. It commends uniqueness and praise all types of entrepreneurs and creators, yet also has a strong commitment to community. The city embraces its industrial past, while also promoting progressive environmental ideas and sustainable practices. Portland exudes a strong sense of place that can be seen from its renowned food scene to its passionate maker culture.

If there is ever a town that is made to be explored creatively, Portland is the place!”
-excerpt from Wanderlust Portland: A Creative Guide to the City

Have you been to Portland? What was your favorite part?

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#wanderlustportland #newbook #booklaunch #Portland #Oregon #portlandtravel #pdx #wanderlusttravel #creativetravel #creativebook #wanderlust #illustrator #author #wanderlustdesigner #pdxtravelguide #creativetravelguide #keepportlandweird #portlandhistory #pdxhistory #makerculture #creativetown #creativeenergy #community
OK folks-- as you probably guessed -- in celebrati OK folks-- as you probably guessed -- in celebration of my book launch, let's dive into some fun PDX inspired creative prompts!!! From bridges to roses, there is no shortage of artsy adventures. 

Follow along this week and let's get creative!
@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
The countdown is on!!!! In just 8 days the 4th boo The countdown is on!!!! In just 8 days the 4th book in my Wanderlust Guide series will launch... PORTLAND, OREGON!!!

This city is the epitome of creativity! I can't wait to share with you loads of details about PDX as well as inspire you with ideas on how to explore with creativity - whether it be Portland, Oregon, your next destination or your hometown! 

Stay tuned as I will be posting all week to get you inspired. 

What is your favorite thing about Portland?

@westmarginpress @ingram.publisher.services 
#booklaunch #wanderlustguide #wanderlust #portland #oregon #pdx #explorewithcreativity #exploreyourworld #creativewanderlustcommunity #creativewanderlustliving #everydaycreativity #explore #creativewanderlustadventure #betsybeier #wanderlustdesigner
Saw this on the sidewalk the other day... just a s Saw this on the sidewalk the other day... just a simple black rubber glove, tossed to the side...

I can't even tell you how many stories started running through my head about this glove! Of course, being the crime story junkie, I won't lie, the stories were pretty troubling. 🤣

What about you? What do you think the story of this glove is??

#explorecreatively #creativeliving #blackglove #crimejunkie #storytime #exploreyourworldcreatively #creativewanderlustadventure
It's been a hot minute since I've been over here - It's been a hot minute since I've been over here - I was going to post my taco tuesday menu from last Tuesday, and here it is a week later! As you can guess, Mexican food is on the docket for tonight as well (I go in fits and spurts with creativity in the kitchen - I'm definitely in a routine right now, most likely due to what's been happening this last couple weeks over here...)

Let's just say that COVID has come to town in my household and has decided to stay for a little longer than I hoped. I recovered (as of a couple weeks now), but now my husband and son are dealing with symptoms, as well as my 85 year old parents (they do not live with us, but a few towns over.) 

Long story short, they are all thankfully fine as severity goes (thx to vaccines and boosters), yet laying low with the symptoms and letting their immunities build.

I hope you are all staying healthy and hopefully inspired by this illustration to concoct a delicious meal infused with Mexican flavors! 

#layinglow #recovery #covid #mexicanfood #spices #mexicanspices #illustratedrecipe
Happy Cinco de Mayo! This image is from the way ba Happy Cinco de Mayo! This image is from the way back machine- almost 10 years old when I was transitioning my business from stationery/invitations to Wanderlust Designer. 

It's amazing to me to realize that this simple illustration of fiesta items was one of the catalysts for changing my whole business and direction! Perhaps it's because it's just such a festive theme.🎉

#cincodemayo #fiesta #randomcatalyst
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  • Creative Art Lesson: Use Only ONE Color
  • Portland Art Party: Design a Portland Food Truck
  • The Psychology of Yellow
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