The Story Behind the "Welcome Home My Love" Print

One of my goals for Machelle Kolbo Design Studio is to love and encourage people. Whether you read the blog, follow on Instagram, or stumble upon my Etsy shop, I want you in some small way to be encouraged. Many of the products I added this year were created with intentionality and have special meaning, or a fun story attached. So, today I will share with you the story behind our "Welcome Home My Love" Print. 

First, a little back story about me and my husband. When we were dating Alex, and I would frequently leave post - it notes hidden for each other with a funny message or encouragement. Leaving notes for each other was always something we did, and on occasion we still do. 

About a year into our marriage, I left on a trip or was gone for a couple days (I can't remember exactly what it was). When I returned home I found a note (pictured below) taped to the door lovingly drawn and lettered by my sweet husband. 

Since then, the note has been hanging in our kitchen where we both can see it. It is usually one of the first things I see when I walk in the door ( after greeting our golden retriever - of course). What I love about this note is how it welcomes and loves me. I'm always reminded of the love that lives in our home. 

So, when I was dreaming up a new line of prints for my Etsy shop I knew I wanted to bring Alex's handiwork to everyone. My vision is that this print can hang in your entry way, mudroom, or somewhere that will welcome your guests and family as soon as they step in the door. That way - even if you welcoming them home is less than awesome (let's be real it happens sometimes) this print can convey how you truly feel. 

My hope is that this print can love and encourage you, and whoever sees it when they enter your home. It is a small way to set the tone for how people are received, and welcomed. 

Interested in the "Welcome Home My Love" Print? Great! Click the button below. 

Stay tuned for more stories of the inspiration behind our prints + products.  

My Simple Method for Recording Answered Prayers

Recording answered prayers (and prayer requests) is such a sweet and simple reminder of God's faithfulness. It gives us a tangible way to read through specifically what He has done in our lives. Today, I want to share with you my simple method for recording answered prayers, using the Dwell Deeply Journal.

When I created the Dwell Deeply Journals, I added a page at the very back for answered prayers. To be honest, I thought it was a nice addition, but did not think it would become one of my favorite parts of the journal.

When I first started using the journals I didn't reference the answered prayer page, as it is the last page in the journal. I would use the prompts to help me dig deep into the scripture I was reading, write down what I was thankful, and record and pray over prayer requests. The journal has content pages for 31 days. So, after a little over a month I was done with my first journal. It was then that I saw the answered prayer page. I decided to go back through and read the prayer requests from the past month or so, and see if there was anything I could record on the answered prayers page. As I read through all the prayer requests I had recorded I was BLOWN AWAY by how God had answered those prayers - and how quickly I had forgotten his faithfulness. After pouring over all the prayer requests I was able to record numerous answered prayers, and had a heart FULL of gratitude. 

I was already intrigued by the concept of writing out prayers and answered prayers after watching the movie War Room. When I actually put it into practice myself that is when I really saw the power of it had. (Also if you haven't read this book - you should!)

So, my simple method is this: record your prayer requests for a month, and at the end of that month read through them and record all your answered prayers. I promise you will be blown away by God's faithfulness, and be able to see the unique ways he answered those prayers. Now, I'm not saying that all those answered prayers will be God saying "Yes". Recording our prayers and looking back over them may give us a new perspective of His bigger plan that is so much better than our own. 

To get started you can simply record your prayer requests and answered prayers in a journal, or on paper. Personally I would recommend grabbing one of the Dwell Deeply Journals so you can have your quiet times, prayer requests and answered prayers all in one spot!

Take some time this month to write out your prayers to God. Plan a time in the future, a month or two out when you will look over those prayers and record your answered prayers. My prayer is that this would cultivate gratitude, and trust in God's bigger plan for your life. I hope this post has encouraged you to consider taking simple steps to look for the answered prayers in your own life. 

Want to learn more about the Dwell Deeply Journals? Check out my post introducing them!

Also, Dwell Deeply Journals are available to purchase here: mkolbodesignstudio.etsy.com

How To Style Art Prints

You bought an adorable art print off of Etsy, from your favorite local maker, or the boutique down the street. Popping that art print in a frame is the easiest and most obvious choice. If you don't already have a frame, or even if you do, here are some easy, traditional and unique ideas of how to use and style art prints in your home. 

1. Use a Wooden Hanger

Photo courtesy of @fernandthefawn // Weavings from fernandthefawn.etsy.com

Prints do not always have to go in frames! I love a good frame, but sometimes you just want something different. My friend Sharon recently purchased this darling print featuring the lettering "Dawn of Redeeming Grace". She hung the print from a wooden hanger and added it to a nursery gallery wall. Not only does this look cute, but it makes hanging the print simple. 

 The gorgeous weaving on her gallery wall is from her Etsy shop! Check it out: HERE. The art print is from my etsy shop. Check it out right HERE. 

2. Style with Other Decorations

Photo courtesy of @omgwalls // Print from mkolbodesignstudio.esty.com 

Sometimes we get a print, find the perfect frame, but are still uncertain where to actually put it! Take a step back and look around your home. Are there areas already decorated with a similar style where you could easily put the print? My friend Olivia, grouped her print (above) with a decorative window and vases. Not only does this grouping look great, but she didn't even have to worry about hanging it up! There are lots of areas already decorated in your home where a framed print would fit perfectly! 

Love the print pictured? Find it HERE!

3. Use Washi Tape

Washi tape for a temporary display // geometric animals from mkolbodesignstudio.etsy.com

Want to create a temporary gallery wall, or nervous about putting holes in the wall?! Use washi tape (colorful Japanese masking tape made from rice paper // find the gold pictured HERE) to hang art prints for a fun display. This makes it easy to move, switch out art prints, and can be done very quickly!

Find the geometric animals HERE // Encourage print can be found HERE

These are three easy tips to help you decorate and style art prints more confidently! Enjoy! 

3 Tips for a Successful Quiet Time

A new year always spurs on goals and resolutions. If you are like me, some of you may be hoping to be more consistent in your quiet time, reading the Bible, or time of prayer. So, today I've listed three tips that have helped me personally to be more successful. All of these tips feature the Dwell Deeply Journal, but can be applied to your quiet time even don't use one of our journals. Enjoy!

1. Set the Mood

Sharon @fernandthefawn cozied up with her Dwell Deeply Journal

Setting the mood will help set yourself up for success. This might sound strange, but follow me on this one. Our homes can be chaotic and filled with distractions, this can leave us frazzled and not focused. Do a few simple things to help yourself be comfortable and excited to dwell on the word of God. Light your favorite candle, grab a cozy blanket, make yourself a snack, or pour a glass of your favorite drink (coffee anyone?). Doing something simple can help set the mood and help you enter into a more focused time with God.

2. Ditch Your Phone

Olivia @omgwalls enjoys her Dwell Deeply Quiet Time Journal with a cup of coffee!

Seriously - ditch the phone. I'm preaching to myself on this one folks. For most of us our phones are attached to our hands and we react with every notification ping. The world will not miss you for 20 minutes while you take time to be with God. It will allow you to more fully process scripture, be present with God and feed your soul!

The one exception to this rule is if you are using The Bible App to access the Bible, or a devotional app such as She Reads Truth. These are both excellent resources, and if you use them during your quiet time keep using them!

3. Leave Your Bible, Devotional or Journal Out

Susanna @susanna.rachel leaves her Bible and Dwell Deeply Journal out on a table.

Leaving our Bibles out is something we started doing last year. I first saw the tip from a writer and speaker I greatly admire, Lara Casey. Leaving your Bible out in a common place serves as a reminder throughout the day. For example ours sit on the coffee table in the living room out and ready to be used. This is also helpful if you cannot dedicate a solid chunk of time to a quiet time whether it be due to your schedule, or little ones. If you leave your Bible and Dwell Deeply Journal out you can work on it throughout the day and pick up right where you left off. This allows you to fit in a quiet time where you find spare moments throughout your day.

Our Dwell Deeply Journals can also help you structure, organize and keep track of your quiet times. You can purchase them HERE in the Machelle Kolbo Design Studio Etsy Shop. Check out the #dwelldeeplyjournal on Instagram to see more photos of journals in use! Special thanks to our happy Instagram customers whose pictures I shared above. 

Introducing: Dwell Deeply Journals

I am thrilled to introduce to you the Dwell Deeply Journal. This little book has been on my heart and mind for a while now. After several nudges from God and a lot of prayer this little booklet is ready to be put to work in your life!

First, let me back up and tell you the heart behind why I created this book, and what is inside! I noticed a pattern in my own personal quiet time of not always thinking about how the words I was reading impacted my life. I didn't have a good system for processing scripture or devotionals. I was reading, but I didn't always allow myself to let those words dwell in my heart. Being involved with the middle school ministry at church and in a small group of couples my age made me wonder if others faced a similar issue. 

So, I began to feel these nudges from God to create something that would allow girls and women to process, remain and apply truth to their lives. A journal that could be a companion to their time in the word if you will. As I observed those around me the nudges from God grew stronger. After testing the journal idea with a small group of women and girls, the responses made me certain this was something God was prompting me to do. 

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“I often find myself skipping quiet time because I don’t know how to do it. I don’t know where to start. I was encouraged to read the Bible because I had this way to help me dig deeper into the message”

— Carrie (Bible Journal Test Group Volunteer)

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So the Dwell Deeply Journal was carefully made! It features a kraft cover, hand lettered titles, and three cover designs. The journals are called Dwell Deeply because I want them to be something that allows you to process and dwell with God on his word. There are no guided prompts in the journal, which allows you to use it with a devotional, scripture or when listening to a sermon. Each day has two pages that have multiple sections to help you process and apply what you have read in different ways. There is space to journal, reflect, doodle and even record prayer requests. 

My prayer is that this journal allows women to dwell deeply on the word of God and be able to look back on all the ways he is working in their lives. 

If you are interested in a Dwell Deeply Bible Journal you can find them in my etsy shop by clicking the link below.