A little Introduction during these Uncertain Times

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Brynne, and I'm an artist living in Laguna Beach, Ca. During this time, I feel compelled to share my gifts as...

The Art of Fashion

Hair, Makeup, Glam, Runway!

The Art of Fashion Show was a huge success! I ended up filling in for one of my models because of an injury. Honestly, I was so nervous. I design the shirts, model them down the runway? I don't think so. The idea of modeling scares me and brings butterflies to my stomach. I'm happy to say it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed Roots Beauty doing my makeup and hair.

It felt wonderful having someone else pamper me. I've been working on this little thing called self-love for the past 3 years, and I hadn't thought of allowing someone else to do something nice for me. I mean, I've had the occasional mani and pedi, but anyways, this was different, and I loved it. Roots Beauty is located in Laguna Beach, they're a fully non-toxic cosmetic shop & organic hair color salon, specializing in organic makeup, skincare, & haircare.

There were 3 of use modeling my shirts which were all new from this years summer collection. It was so much fun walking down that runway. I'm really happy that I decided to wear one of my own tanks. It was one of those things I can cross of my list and feel proud to say I did that once! Vanessa and Charlotte did an incredible job representing Backward Prints as well. A big thanks to everyone who put on the show. It was purely magical.

Photographer: Nancy Villere.  IG: @Villeredesign & @Crushphotodesign

location: Sawdust Art Festival

Celebrating 10 years doing Business!

I'm excited to introduce my first ever coloring book! I've selected 20 designs that I've created over the past 10 years, and I must say I'm in love with how this is looking. $10.00 each, Click here to to purchase!

Sincerely, Brynne

Love Yourself

Learning the art of doing whats best for myself, you know that thing called self love? I finished this painting yesterday, it was so much fun to create.  I love painting, I don't think I do it enough anymore. There is a lot of exploration that you learn about yourself when you slow down and take care of your body including it's needs and wants. Every day is a great opportunity for growth, and transformation, and I love that.

*Scroll down to download the hand illustration so you too can fill it to your liking. Enjoy

Download this and color it in for yourself. If you share it on instagram please tag us #backwardprints so we can see what you create.

5 tips on Having a Successful Business

How to Go from Sad to Happy

I asked this question on Facebook: What is 1 thing that lifts you up when you're feeling down? And here are the answers. I promise you'll feel happy just reading their posts.

1. A good conversation with a good friend

2. Hike with my doggies or a walk on the beach

3. Cooking

4. Dancing

5. Prayer

6. Happy hour with friends

7. My dog

8. Meditation. Or travel

9. Nature

10. Faith that pain or trouble is temporary and it will get better.. and that I'll come out stronger

11. Looking at all of the positive quotes on my Backward Prints tanks

12. My grandchildren, all 6 of them

13. Yoga, the beach, friends, wine

14. Daughter dogs n beach

15. Run on the beach

16. nature, sunrise, sunset, bare feet, swim

17. Sunsets, the ocean, beauty in nature

18. Writing a song about it

19. Getting outside and physical activity. Or good food

20. Coconut ice cream, friends, laughter, and enjoying the little things

The Importance of Following your Dreams No Matter What

I think it's important to follow your heart in life. I was listening to Joel Osteen while I was driving down the Independence Pass in Colorado, and he was talking about how some people will never be on board with your mission in life. It doesn't mean that they don't love you, they just don't see eye-eye with your mission in life.  Joel Osteen said, "Some people are just not your fight. God never intended on it being that way. It's better to know that God supports every decision you make; he's always behind you." My art teacher in college told me anything is possible as long as you can dream it."  I hold these words very close to my heart every single day. I'm very proud to look back on how far I've come with my business. Backward Prints celebrates 8 years in business this January 2016! I'm grateful for my experiences, and I'm happy with how successful my business has become.  I'm even more grateful for the amazing customers I've met along the way, and friendships that I've built while living in a thriving artist community here in Laguna Beach.  I hope you will embark on your own dreams one day, and just remember to never give up, and always follow your dreams.

Adventure Is Out There!

"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams."

   There is something so magical about Colorado.  I went to college there about 8 years ago.  I fell in love with the flatirons, tall pine trees, and the clouds - huge, magnificent, and strong.  My heart has been yearning to go on the drive out to Colorado for the last 3 months.  I've been fighting the decision process on whether to leave or not.  But It was over the weekend that I decided to go.  Sometimes I struggle to listen to my heart, and make most of my decisions based on what logically makes sense.  I guess I kept thinking of John Muir's quote, "The mountains are calling, and I must go." I want to be a little more spontaneous in my life, and I know this is the perfect trip to welcome in new experiences, meeting new people, and practice living in the present moment.

Stay tuned, and please visit my instagram page to follow my adventures on the road.

Always follow your heart. Keep your eye on the prize.  Never give up. Don't let anyone tell you you're not good enough.  Keep on keeping on.  Believe in yourself.  You are magnificent!

Enjoy the Little Things

The crazy thing is, it really is all about the little things.  In April, I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.  It has been the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me.  The things I once used to complain about hardly compares to what I've been facing each and every day.  I've been scared, sad, angry, and so worried about my future.  Here's the thing; this past summer, while I was exhibiting at the Sawdust Art Festival, I began to appreciate the little things.  I was overwhelmed by the love, joy, and laughter, that was blossoming all around me.  I received so many gifts this summer from old friends, new friends, and complete strangers. 

My friends daughter, Amelia, the cutest little two-year-old and I, became friends. I built upon a relationship with a dear friend of mine in my neighborhood, and I received a beautiful photograph framed in red wood from a new friend.  He told me, "I took this photo for you, I didn't know at the time, but it was meant to be for you."  I look at this photo which was taken at Morro Bay, in northern California, every day.  It reminds me to find stillness in my day, even when things are crazy.  I look at this bird, which is the focal point of the piece, and I see my reflection.  I feel I'm connected to this bird, and for some reason, I believe that everything is going to be all right. 

The universe is sending us gifts every second of the day.  In order to appreciate what life has to offer, we just have to stop, look, and take in the moment.  Be present, try not to dig in the past, or worry about the future.  Look around, and take in all of earths beauty.  I guarantee you'll find yourself smiling, and you might even begin to enjoy the little things. 

~Brynne

P.S.I want to say a special thanks to my friend Larissa Hacke.  I don't think I could have gotten through the summer without you.  You are such an incredible women.   Keep shining bright my friend. 

Learning the Art of Healing

I recently threw my back out which is no fun by any means.  I've learned so much in the past month about taking care of myself and the art of healing.  Here is what I've learned in a nut shell:

• slow down
• have faith
• everything is going to be okay
• breathe
• ask for help
• inch by inch
• rest
• forgive
• be present
• listen
• trust
• reach out to family and friends
• meditate
• journal
• visualize yourself healthy
• change up what's not working in your life
• let go
• acceptance
• be grateful
• self care
• animals are amazing healers
• get a massage
• accupunture
• physical therapy does wanders

I'm doing so much better today.  I take one day at a time. One breath at a time.  I've learned who my true friends are.  I'm getting better at asking for help.  Change can be scary, but change is good.  I have to believe that time will heal all, and I know my body is magnificent.  Sending you all lots of love, good thoughts, and healing energy.

Love, Brynne

If you would like to reach out for support, please email me at Backwardprints@gmail.com

Getting Ready for Summer

Rock Pile Beach

   I have a brand new collection coming out this summer.  I've been working hard designing new work that I'm sure you're going to love.  Backward Prints will be exhibiting this summer at the Sawdust Art Festival for our 7th summer.  We look forward to seeing you all, and showing you our new line.

My Love for Meditation

  The thing about meditation is: you become more and more you.

  I wanted to let you know that Oprah and Deepak Chopra started a 21 day meditation challenge on Manifesting True Success this past Monday, March 16.  If you're interested in giving this a try, I highly recommend it. 

  I speak from my heart when I say that as an artist, I have the worst time focusing on my work -- I'm the queen of procrastination.  A few weeks ago, I decided to come up with a new plan.  A plan to wake up earlier, go for a walk, meditate, and do yoga.  I did this for 2 weeks with success, and then hit a rut, and reverted back to my old ways.  I'm back at it again this week, and I'm feeling great.  I have to remind myself that I am the most important person in my life, and by waking up earlier in the morning, I'm giving myself some very valuable "me time."  

  Every day is a new day to wake up and be grateful.  Anytime you feel distracted, sad, lost, stressed, take a moment to go inside and connect from within.  You always have your breath, and by breathing in and out slowly, you will feel more calm, and centered.  It's taken me a long time to understand that by meditating, I'm going home.  I am safe, free, and loved. Give it a try, and see how you like it. Feel free to share your journey with me.

with love, Brynne

An Interview with artist Brynne Cogorno

Tips on Starting Your Own Business

An Interview with Backward Prints at the Winter Fantasy Art Show at the Sawdust Art Festival, 2014

Check out this cute video of Backward Prints!

If I was a cupid I would . . .

Cupid's Secrets to Making Your Valentine's Day Memorable

   Are you trying to spice up Valentine's Day this year?  If you are, you're in luck, because I have Cupid's list of love.  I recommend you pick out a lovely bouquet of flowers from your local florist.  Go to La Rue Du Chocolate and pick up a variety of truffles.  Try the funfetti, raspberry chambord, and the midnight truffle owl.   You can also pick up a couple of chocolate covered strawberries.  Make a dinner reservation at Broadway ahead of time, as they have a prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day, $95/person.  At the beginning of the evening, drive up to Top of the World, and watch the sunset together.  You can go to dinner afterwards and enjoy a lovely meal together.  After dinner, drive to Seven for One Hotel, and enjoy one of their beautiful rooms over looking the ocean.  Enjoy your chocolates, and best of all, enjoy the time with your love one, and be grateful to have such a special person in your life. 

Sincerely, Cupid

A New Year to be Grateful

Sometimes the small things end up being the really big things in life.

   I first read about the Gratitude Jar on Pinterest a year ago, and decided to make my own for 2014.  I admit I was really good at writing down my happy moments during the first few months, but not so much towards the end of the year.  On January 1, 2015, I emptied my jar, which was filled to the rim with tiny little folded notes, and read them one-by-one.  I can't tell you enough how rewarding it was to read all of those Happy moments from the entire year.  I took pictures of a few of them, and emailed the pictures to my Mom, Dad, and friends.  Their responses were priceless.  Who wouldn't want to be reminded of a wonderful memory?! 

I invite you to give this a go for 2015.

Here is what you need:

• 1 Jar
• 1 cup to include a pen + small scrap pieces of paper

   Every time something happens to you where you find yourself smiling throughout the day, write it down, and put that memory in the jar. You can also write down accomplishments, quotes, or anything else that makes you smile.  Be consistent throughout the year.  On January 1, 2016, you can empty your jar, and read all your notes.

I hope you will give this a try, and share this with your friends, and family.

with love,

Brynne

P.s. If you want to share & read what others are grateful for, check out The Gratitude Jar. 

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Top 10 things to do in South Orange County

1.  Winter Fantasy Art Show at the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach

2.  Evening stroll in Laguna Beach to look at the store windows, and do some Holiday shopping

3. Tommy Bahama's for a cocktail - This place makes the best drink! Perfect spot to go with your girlfriends, husband, or on a date.

4.  Crystal Cove State Park for a hike, or a beach walk. If you're interested in purchasing an annual pass, click here.  Pass costs $195.00

5.  Balboa Island Fun Zone

6.  Frozen banana at Dad's Donut Shop and Bakery

7.  Newport Beach Boat Parade,  December 17-21

8.  Rent beach cruiser bikes and ride around Newport Beach Peninsula.  If you get hungry, go check out Bear Flag Fish Taco. 

9.  Newport Beach Aquatic Center: You can rent a kayak, or a stand up paddle board

10.  Avocado Cafe, Huntington Beach

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If you would like to be a guest blogger with Backward Prints, please contact me.  Also, if you have a product that is handmade, we would love to blog about you.

Trunk Show at Yoga Works

A Few of My Favorite Things

    I worked at Boulder Arts and Craft Cooperative, back in 2006, while attending the University of Colorado at Boulder.  This is where I discovered my love for Curly Girl Designs, Red Cap Cards, Hello Lucky, and Egg Press.  My obsession with greeting cards grew so much that I had to use my sock drawer to store all of them. After graduating from college, I moved back home to Laguna Beach, and decided to start Backward Prints.  I’m very excited to wake up every day and create something so special to share with all of you.  I hope you enjoy looking at some of my favorite designers.

Get happy for Black Friday

On Friday, November 28, you can purchase our Enjoy the Little Things tank 20% off, and our Buddha tank 40% off online only!  We will also be offering FREE shipping!!!  From our family to yours, Happy Holidays. 

Enjoy the little things coupon code: littlethings

Buddha coupon code: buddha

FREE Shipping code: turkey

A Unique Art Festival in Laguna Beach

Backward Prints booth #120

  Opening weekend at the Winter Fantasy art festival was a huge success.  I was blown away at how many return customers came by to see me.  Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued support.  I love this show because the grounds have been transformed into a whimsical wonderland.  It's not every day you get to hangout with Santa, sit in his sleigh, and watch all the cute kids playing in a house made of gingerbread.  To top all this off, it even snows! 

  Our show runs for 4 more weekends.  Check out our calendar to see the show dates and times.  We will be open this from 10am-6pm.  Booth #120