Explore Your World Creatively

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      • CWE: Mapping Your Life Journey
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  • Creative Journal Prompt: Ice Cream Flavors of the Season

    One of my favorite things to do when I walk into an ice cream shop is to peruse all the different flavors. Although I usually go for the same kinds every time (hello cookie dough, cookie crumbs, caramel & coffee), I just love seeing all the different concoctions. I mean, how fun would it be to be an ice cream flavor designer? I’m kicking off my summer, with a super fun prompt to get you inspired, but if you’d like, you could do this prompt at any time of year, I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear about your spooky Halloween ice creams, or your romantic Valentine ice cream assortment?…

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    Art on the Go: Art School Line Basics - Contour vs. Gestural vs. Implied by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Art School Line Basics: Contour vs. Gestural vs. Implied

    January 6, 2015
    Rocky Mountain High in Fairplay, Colorado by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Rocky Mountain High – Solitude at 10,000′ in Fairplay Colorado

    June 3, 2013

    Don’t Believe All That You Read

    September 11, 2021
  • Travel Journal – Charles Bridge, Prague

    The Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic is one of the top sites to visit. This historic bridge spans the Vltava river and connects Old Town Prague with Prague Castle. In the summer it is bustling with tourists exploring the city and soaking up the views. It’s the perfect spot to stop and capture in your travel journal. I used a simple layout for each image to help convey the beauty of the landmark. Here are a few of my journal pages. We came to this spot twice to soak up the view of the bridge an Prague Castle, once during the day and once at night to see the…

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    Sands of Hawaii: Textures by Wanderlust Designer

    Textures+Place: The Sands of Hawaii and a Free Download

    March 1, 2013

    15 Minute Art Lesson: Learn How to Draw a Historic New Orleans Home

    March 1, 2022

    At Home Creative Adventures: Take Out Sushi Collage

    March 20, 2020
  • Digital Travel Journal: A Trip to the Coast

    I feel so lucky to live so close to the coast yet don’t seem to get there nearly enough. In only 10 minutes, I can be on a rural road heading over the hills that separate the SF Bay Area with the Pacific Ocean. The 2 lane highway starts along serene Crystal Springs Reservoir, the water source for San Francisco and much of the Bay Area. It’s only a short way up the winding road through a magical cypress grove until you hit the summit at Skyline Boulevard. A large cemetery is at the top, where one can see heavenly views to the ocean on a clear day! Heading down…

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    Chakalaka from South Africa Food Illustration by Betsy Beier, Wanderlust Designer

    Culture – Food: Chakalaka from South Africa

    May 17, 2017
    Salmagundi West - Antique & Curios Shop, Vancouver, Canada

    On Location: Salmagundi West, Vancouver – A Whimsical Shop for the Curious

    April 3, 2013

    Creative Journal Prompt: 4th of July Collection

    June 28, 2021
  • Travel Journal: My Favorite Corner in New York City

    New York City is like a second home to me. Although I only lived there a short time in my life, the experience was like no other. Here’s a travel journal of my favorite corner in New York City.

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    Art on the Go: Art School - Lesson in Line Weight by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Art School – Line Weight

    March 12, 2015
    Colorful Havana Cuba (Drawings and Story by Wanderlust Designer)

    On Location: The Dilapidated Grandeur of Old Havana

    June 8, 2016

    15 Minute Art Lesson: Paint a Ski Mountain

    February 22, 2022
  • Travel Journal Spread from An Afternoon Adventure: Woodside, CA by Betsy Beier

    Travel Journal: An Afternoon in Woodside, CA

    One afternoon I was in desperate need for an outing and headed to the quaint town of Woodside, CA. Just 10 minutes from my house, Woodside feels like a whole other place. Hilly, wooded and rural, yet minutes from Silicon Valley, it’s no wonder it’s a haven for high tech magnets. Yet, even with the mansions, there’s a down-home feel to the town. The windy roads are dotted with horse back riders, bikers and hikers enjoying their area. The first site that greets you as you drive into Woodside is the historic Pioneer Hotel (c. 1885), a classic saloon from the straight out of a Western movie. We headed to…

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    Art on the Go: Photography Light Trails by Wanderlust Designer

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

    January 17, 2014

    Travel Journal: Wandering through Le Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen Paris, France

    April 5, 2019
    Locks of Love on the Pont des Arts, Paris by Wanderlust Designer

    Travel Story: Love Locks – True Romance or Touristy Gimmick?

    February 18, 2014
  • The Benefits of Keeping a Travel Journal and Taking Your Art on the Go

    I’ve been keeping a travel journal of some sort for as long as I can remember. Some of my journals are purely a diary, a written account of what I did on the trip. Some are filled with simple doodles and some are even conversations between the people I traveled with. But by far, my most favorite travel journals are the ones with art in them. It may be a tiny postage sized stamp drawing, or a watercolor that fills the entire spread. I’ve made some with colored pencil and others with only a black pen. There are even a few that are collaged with found ephemera. Regardless of how…

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    Reflecting Pond at Filoli Country Estate, Woodside, CA by Wanderlust Designer

    On Location: Sketching at Filoli Country Estate

    October 27, 2014
    City Pages: San Francisco Journal and Sketch Pages from Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Free Printable San Francisco Journal and Sketch Page

    May 6, 2013
    Steam Train Trip, Llangollen, Wales

    Time+Place: A Steam Train Trip in Wales for a Thomas the Train Fan

    April 5, 2013
  • Free Printable Venice, Italy Journal and Sketch Pages by Wanderlust Designer

    Art on the Go: Free Printable Venice Journal and Sketch Page

    Gondolas gracefully gliding up the canals, palaces glimmering in Italian splendor, a crowded St. Mark’s Square, a boutique mask shop… capture your memories of Venice with my latest free printable Venice journal page and Venice sketch page. Head to the Rialto bridge and make a quick sketch, or jot down a few notes about the delicious gelato you ate while people watching. Keeping a journal and making some sketches will make your trip to Venice one-of-a-kind. Free Printable City Pages: Venice Journal and Sketch Page Below are my Venice printable Journal and Sketch pages. To use, just select the link below the image and print out from your browser. Use…

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    A Trip to Ellis Island, New York by Wanderlust Designer

    Culture: History – A Trip to Ellis Island, New York

    November 22, 2016

    Community Art Project: Hands Together in the Community

    June 10, 2022
    Opera Houses of the World (illustration by Wanderlust Designer)

    Culture: Entertainment – Opera Houses of the World

    August 29, 2016

Teacher, Illustrator, Author

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Illustrator/Author/Teacher
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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  • 3 Secrets to a Creative Summer
  • Creative Art Lesson: Use Only ONE Color
  • Portland Art Party: Design a Portland Food Truck
  • The Psychology of Yellow
  • What Summertime Means to Me

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