Thoughts, Updates, Notes, and Stuff… Enjoy!
Upcoming Events!
“It’s been a busy summer with my new job, but I am still planning on having a table at some great Artisan Events! This is going to take a lot for me to organize, so I hope to see everyone there, haha. “
Find me on Patreon!
“Really big news! I've finally joined up with Patreon to keep this art world expanding. Things have been so busy (not a secret). I truly believe this is a great way to keep up my motivation and to bring you all even more art! Each subscriber will be a little boost for my creative energy!”
A Rare Quiet Sunday
“The fact that events happened in the order they did, allowed me the chance to advance my career and have a reminder of who I am at my core - every, single, month. It’s an incredible blessing - even if I feel like I am a walking cloud of chaos most days…”
A New Career!
“There is so much that I owe to the SoE. Through their leadership, I was presented with so many opportunities to grow as a young professional and gain confidence as an advisor. I will be eternally grateful to every person who helped me along the way. “
Journals on Etsy
“It’s taken a couple of weeks, but check out this collection of soft-covered journals that you will now find in my Etsy shop! “
New Event! “Sip, Sip, Hooray!”
“It was so exciting to hear that Boho Chic has won “Best of” for the fifth year in a row!! Such a well-deserved honor, and a genuine representation of the community that has been built around this little shop of artisans and magic-makers…“
Artisan Bags on Etsy
“They are a great companion for a trip to the Farmer’s Market, a laptop bag, to carry all the books, journals, and/or notebooks - to use at school, work, or the gym - to bring your accessories to a game night — anything you like! They can seriously hold a ton.”
Makers Market at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market!
“This will be the first time I have a regular tenting schedule. I will be at the Troy Farmer’s Market once a month from May until October. I also intend to be part of the markets I’ve attended in the past; the Fall Fling in Cooperstown, and the Holiday Market at the Arkell Museum. Totaling a minimum of 8 tabling events for 2023!!”
Charity Fundraiser through Art
“Recently, I created a very special piece for a very special cause. Currently, it is in an auction to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity.”
Whoops…
“Life is certainly filled with highs and lows. Like many, the winter months are always harder for me. I am a solar-charged being and my energy slowly drains away through February and March. Sometimes, I think about moving somewhere that has more sunshine throughout the year, but I do not want to move away from my family, and I actually do love New York. Our summers and autumns are gorgeous, and for the most part, I can accept the trade-off for these grey days. It’s just being patient with myself while I am more low energy. “
Etsy, Etsy, Etsy!
“Initially, I wasn’t sure how to start with her ‘assignments,’ but quickly, I realized how much was missing - and goodness, it’s embarrassing. Many of the illustrations that I have always had on hand for craft fairs and artisan festivals had not been included. They are the first illustrations that I share with shops or show if someone wants to see my work. How is it that they were not an option in my Etsy Shop?
Now, many of these well-loved illustrations are making their way to my Etsy shop for the first time EVER.
Need an example?”
Let’s talk about Canva!
“My undergrad is actually in graphic design, and I had worked in that industry for a few years. I am well practiced with the Adobe Creative Suite, and have spent many hours using InDesign for my employers (in fact, I still use it for my current job). When Canva first came out, I was unsure. I thought it would be ‘cheating’ and would be demoralizing for all my graphic design experience. Sure, it was free - while all the Adobe products are well out of budget. Certainly, it was incredibly easy to use. Yes, it was accessible and it had templates/clip art … but … (and that’s when I began to realize how crazy I was for not using this tool). “
New Listings: Valentine Mice
“I could have created DOZENS of these cute mice with their heart-shaped balloons and heart-shaped noses! If you've been following me on social media, you know I'm feeling the love right now, so I wanted to create a set of cards that would bring back the days of exchanging Valentine's in Elementary School (minus the sticky, sweet candy).”
Last Week
“ The first week of the Spring semester is when I spend a lot of time adjusting schedules, giving pep-talks, and generally welcoming students back to campus. I certainly try to be as accessible as possible, especially as this is one of those times where so many students want to touch base - even for a quick chat to make sure they are organized. “
It started with a 6-legged Horse… I think.
‘Perhaps what makes it seem intangible is simply the fact that to an artist the time spent being creative is healing. It’s a positive place to exist! Each moment spent with our mediums, trying new things, and bringing different scenes to life is an incredible way to spend time. Even when daunting, or being challenged with a new tool, the practice is generally rewarding. It’s not work, or a chore - it’s … everything!”
Happy New Year!
“One thing that I do enjoy at the start of a new year, is reflecting on all that happened over the last twelve months. It is easy to forget about goals that have already been achieved. Looking back to remind yourself of what has been accomplished, and how you have progressed, is incredibly rewarding. I got married last year! I still created art last year! I learned how to bead, and started playing with clay. There is so much positive to focus on, even in the challenges of life.”
Thank you Cards!
“The original illustration was created in the winter of 2017. It was created with a micron pen and was inspired by an Inktober prompt. Walking through the snow, perhaps a little lost, the reindeer relies on his owl friend for guidance through a snow storm. Gratitude, friendship and love, are central themes of this illustration, making it the perfect vessel for you and your greeting card needs.”
New Art: Rudolph
“I wanted to take on the story where Rudolph’s bright nose guides him through a winter storm. In this illustration, Rudolph is still in his youth, prancing through a storm on his little hooves with no fear. Big, blue eyes, and the patterns on his coat are my favorite details. It took around 7+ hours to create the snow and rosemaling pattern that makes up his white coat. If you look closely, you will find snowflakes and the echo of Norwegian rosemaling. “
Printable Monthly Calendars
“Introducing my newest product - Printable Monthly Calendars!
It is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am obsessed with stationary and office supplies. From notebooks to highlighters, they all make me so happy. Anything that can keep me on track both at work and in my personal life (and yes, I have notebooks and planners for both - work/life balance). Organization is a defeater of stress, and with the journey I have had with anxiety, stress is something I like to try and avoid whenever possible.”
On this Snowy Day
“It’s the first snow of winter. Outside, that pure white blanket hides the dirt and grime of the city - if only until the next car drives past.“
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