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!

Comfort

Growing up in the picturesque and quite secluded Upper Michigan, I have many fond memories.  A lot of my creativity comes from these memories.  I remember roaming around the small wooded plot in our backyard, following each path and discovering each plant and animal.  Not only do I go to these memories for creativity, but for comfort as well.

Since moving into our new home, I have discovered a new sanctuary, right in our backyard.  Often I stare out our kitchen window and admire our little plot of land in the city.  I feel that I have finally found a new place of comfort, one that I have been seeking for many years.

Available in my Etsy Shop