The amount of beauty in this world can be overwhelming, so it’s understandable if you don’t notice every fantastic thing there is to be seen on a given day. Fortunately, the most spectacular and miraculous things can happen in your own family. When two people create a life together, it is a truly wonderful thing. The beauty of its simplicity and mystery is incredible. Carrie Preston is an artist who wants to highlight the joy and beauty of every new pregnancy. She paints custom work for expecting parents… and sometimes she paints the expecting parents.

(via: Bored Panda) Her work combines the joy of new life and incredible talent. Her “belly bump” paintings are a cute way to remember the pregnancy… and thanks to the internet, we all get to share in the fun. To see more of Carrie’s work, visit her Facebook page! Share this adorableness with others by clicking the link below.

Read more: http://viralnova.com/painted-pregnant-bumps/

Paul Kaptein is a different kind of artist. Hailing from Australian, Kaptein works with laminated woods to create unconventional (and at times unsettling) sculptures of people. For the most part his work focuses on the themes of death and impermanence.

Much of his work incorporates hoodies (hooded sweatshirts) in some way. They are often depicted as sad and empty. It is a deliberate contrast to the typical association of hoodies have with youth and vitality. His latest creation is an untitled piece depicting a hooded, cloaked figure with no face. The piece actually just won the 2014 Mandorla Art Award, one of Australia’s most significant art awards.

Not all of Kaptein’s work is that abstract. Sometimes he goes much further off the map. Here are a few more of his sculptures. 

(H/T: Tumblr)

That skull one is pretty strangely intriguing. Don’t forget to share these sculptures on Facebook by clicking below. 

Read more: http://viralnova.com/hoodedwoodenfigure/

The DIY craft craze has been sweeping the nation, ever since the “online corkboard” site called Pinterest has gotten popular. You can find almost any craft under the sun on this site. Figuring out cheap and easy ways to make your own furniture and decor is a trend that is becoming more and more popular. Because of that, some pretty impressive tutorials have been created. For those of you who love crafts (or even just cool projects), check out these 21 lamps you can build yourself using only household items and simple tools. They are great crafts and, even better, they look fantastic when they are finished.

(H/T Bored Panda) Crafty projects like this may not be for everyone, but these examples can certainly inspire you to recycle more of the stuff you would otherwise throw away. A milk carton, old hanger or pop tab can become so much more. Don’t just throw it away and let it sit in a land fill! Share these awesome craft ideas with your friends by clicking the button below.

Read more: http://viralnova.com/diy-lamps/