Elements – Page 3 – A Clear Place

INSPIRATION – Card of the Week

August 21, 2013August 23, 2013Jane Green2 Comments

Nature’s beauty is the original design tool. Nothing beats Mother Nature when it comes to amazing composition and breathtaking beauty. Simple, intricate, elegant and timeless. She is a continual source of inspiration for colors, textures, patterns and combinations. When in doubt, look to nature for ideas on color palettes and decor. Walk in the woods, spend time in a garden, look out your window. There is so much on display. Browse through photo books of fields, flowers, birds and insects. What appeals to you? Trust your choices.

About this photo: This image was the inspiration for my Wisdom Cards. Getting up close and personal with this majestic Monarch reminded me of watching my Mom select fabrics for sewing or upholstery. Always with an eye to detail and patterns. Whoever thought to first put polka dots on paper or create stained glass windows must have seen a butterfly or two just like this one. I took this photo at the Lukas Butterfly Encounter in Oviedo, FL. If you’ve ever had a butterfly land on your finger and stay awhile, you know how special it is to connect with these winged wonders. Butterfly energy is strong and majestic yet playful and delicate. It is the combination of all we need to know in order to survive … beautifully.

Bring the magic of nature into your space. Get your deck of Wisdom Cards today.

Card of the Week SUN

July 31, 2013Jane Green1 Comment

SUN Card The Sun is bold, bright and out there. This energy is about how you project yourself in the world. The “look at me” side of you and how you show up. Think of the old fashioned sun room. It was typically built extending out from the house with lots of windows. It was designed to be filled with natural light – a perfect spot for recovering from ailments. Use SUN energy to bring warmth and cheer to any area of your home needing light or a lift. Hang a smiley sun image or a bright beach towel on the wall. Even one focused area of SUN can generate a shift in mood and tone. Diffuse essential oils of lemon or citrus blend, put out a vase of sunflowers (fresh or silk), add bright yellow to your palette. A bowl of lemons is a simple way to brighten any room.

Corresponds to Summer and the element of Fire. Contrasting partner is Moon.

About this photo: I snapped this on a summer afternoon in a farmer’s field located in the far west hills of Portland, OR. Sunflowers always turn their faces to the sun … the perfect choice for this card.

Learn more about adding beauty to your home with the SUN and A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS. (Now available on Etsy.)

Card of the Week – SUMMER

June 22, 2013June 22, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

SUMMER energy celebrates the sweetness of life. Lush fruits, fields of flowers – days are buzzing and hot. This is the time of manifesting and expressing. Being out there in a bold way. Passionate pursuits and fueling the flames of enterprise. Summer is all about sizzle and sparks and connecting to your wild side. Bring Summer energy into your home with yellows and bright, cheery tones of color. Use sheer or linen fabrics. Images of dragonflies and daisies. Put out bowls of fresh citrus. Use essential oils of lemon, lavender and grapefruit. Clean your patios, porches and barbeques.

Corresponds to the Element of FIRE, the direction of South, the afternoon and the age cycle of young adults.

About this photo: This plump bee allowed me to capture him as he was enjoying a delicious dahlia in a sunny field in Canby, OR. Place this card in any area of your space that needs a mood lift or momentum for projects!

Learn more about balancing with the Seasons and A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS. (Now available on Etsy.)

Happy Summer everyone!

Wisdom Card of the Week – AIR

May 31, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

The element of AIR encourages inspiration and fresh perspective. It’s about vision and rising above to get a clearer view of the situation. This is the element you want to use for mental alertness and clarity – perfect energy to add for studying, reading or focused thought. In your home, suspend mobiles or add images of feathers, clouds and birds to represent AIR. Diffuse essential oils of clary sage or juniper. Make sure air can flow freely through your space. Open and clean your windows. Clean air vents and replace air filters. Colors to use for decor include light blues, lavender and shades of white. Think of that light, free feeling when you blow bubbles or dandelion puffs. AIR corresponds to the Season of Spring and the East direction.

About the photo: I took this photo at the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge along the Columbia River in Washougal, WA. Look closely and you’ll see the flock of birds in a heart-shape. The clouds to me look like an angel flying towards the sun. What does the image resemble to you?

Special Note: What a perfect card for my birthday week. If you’re an AIR sign like me, you know how important it is to be able to view the sky both indoors and out. I keep this card on my writing desk. View more about this element at my Pinterest AIR board. Do you have your deck of WISDOM CARDS yet? Find out how to order.