Studio Sunday

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A monthly update, dedicated to to showing you my process, sneak peeks inside my studio, and previews of works in progress turned into finished products.

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I've made these little boxes in the past, you may remember this one, or this one.  I wanted to put a new spin on an old idea.  Rather than using paper and paint, I cut out small pieces of heirloom fabric to create these little dresses, then embroidered each one with a unique design.  They are the feature of my dioramas and will hang from a delicate bit of thread.  These are a smaller version of the larger ones I am planning to create.  With help from my husband, I would like to construct a few wood boxes that would be the frame for the dioramas.  I will have one of these small boxes available as a "Pay What You Wish" opportunity, details soon.

As you can see, I am dreaming of spring.  The below freezing temperatures are starting to get to me.  Maybe this way I can bring a little warmth inside.  The other day I pulled out a small canvas and created a very simple still life.  I enjoyed the process of creating texture on this simple painting.  It reminds me of the cold sunny days, when the almost blinding sunlight shines into our home, providing some warmth.

Staying Inside

Portraits and still life paintings have taken over my studio recently.  New lavender sachets, like miniature art pieces, provide a welcoming scent, reminding me that the cold months will not last forever!

I would like to share with you today one of my recent works.  The cold months are here, and I find that most of my time is spent indoors.  Not only does this effect how I work, but my subject matter as well.  With this particular painting my goal was to capture the warmth our home provides.  I chose a neutral color palette to bring in the sun's warmth.

Available in my Etsy shop

Handmade 2014

Here is a little preview of the handmade Christmas gifts this year.  Both my parents and my in laws received a basket full of goodies.  It included a small lavender sachet, hand embroidered towel, honey vanilla peach jam, wood burned spoons, beeswax wood polish, and fire starters (made by me and my boys).  But my most favorite inclusion was the warming pepper salve, made by Holy from Nature First.  She makes high quality natural health products, take a look at her shop!

A Studio Tour

It was about a year ago that we put our house up for sale, in hopes of finding something just for our family.  I realized since our move I had not taken the time to organize my craft space.  It needed to be personalized to make it my little creative space.  This little corner is in our living room.  Of course I dream of an entire attic space where I can fill all of my craft supplies and tools, but this will do.  So here is a tour.  Enjoy!

 The corner of our living room.

 This is my son's old dresser, it is now fabric storage!

 One of my old watercolors to display, bright colors to inspire.

The vintage blue ball jars are great for storing my button collection.

The small shelf is used for my works in progress.