December Newsletter
Wedding, tiny sketchbook, and collage art
Dear friends,
I never intended to go so long between newsletters! I tried putting one together a couple of times, but it kept getting pushed to the side amidst wedding preparations and project deadlines.
In August, I married my best friend and it was the most magical day filled with many special memories. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was relaxed, and we danced the night away.
Doing all the planning and decorating ourselves was quite the undertaking, it took up a lot of time and energy this year. Looking back, I’m so proud of what we accomplished.
At the end of November, I turned 28. Last year, turning 27 felt like my 20s were slipping away, but this year I find myself embracing growing older.
I’m stepping into this next year filled with feelings of uncertainty, but also of possibility and potential. I plan to focus on writing my own stories, growing my online shop, and putting myself out there. With the unpredictable nature of freelancing, I think there’s a good chance I may look for part-time or full-time work again, and that’s okay!
Tiny Sketchbook
I was strolling my local craft store and found this tiny 4” x 4” sketchbook. It was too adorable, I just had to get it. My mindset with this sketchbook is to pick it up and just make something— anything—and have FUN (especially after a hectic couple of months). With inexpensive paper, the stakes and pressure are lowered.
I’ve found a lot of joy in working on a smaller scale. The blank page is far less intimidating and fills up quickly, which can lead to momentum for more art-making.
I like to start with something easy like filling a page with blocks of colour to jump in without overthinking. Starting is always the hardest part, so why not make it easier on yourself? I find this kind of abstract art to be meditative and helps me feel more free. It reminds me to create for the process and sake of creating.
When dealing with a creative block, I like to lean on familiar motifs and imagery I’m comfortable with to ease into art-making. Using photo references also helps me not have to think too much (as opposed to planning out an illustration). I like to flip through my camera roll for photos or browse royalty-free photo websites like Pexels or Unsplash.
Seeing all these artworks collectively gives me a lot of joy. I can see threads running through them that didn’t feel obvious at the time of making them.
Collage experiments
My tiny sketchbook explorations also led me to try collage. When in a creative rut, I find that trying a new medium is always a great way for me to stop overthinking and just play.
I’ve been having a ton of fun using up old scraps of paper. My favorite thing about collaging is the spontaneity combined with the control—perfect for a perfectionist like me.
I also made a bunch of little flower collages as gifts for friends and family. I’m so delighted by how these turned out that I decided to get a few designs printed to use as thank-you cards for my Etsy shop orders.
I’m not sure if I have the patience to create large-scale artwork this way, plus I just enjoy painting too much. However, I can see myself incorporating collage elements within my work, and it was just a fun way to think about shape and texture. It has given me the spark I needed to get my creative juices flowing again.
I’ve added a bunch of greeting cards to my Etsy shop! They are printed locally on recycled paper card stock, paired with a recycled kraft paper envelope, and shipped without plastic packaging.
I also have just a few original paintings left from my PleinAirpril series! It’s been a joy running my online shop again this year, which is something I look forward to putting more energy into next year.
Lately, I’ve had Half Moon Run’s newest album, “Salt”, on repeat. They’re a Canadian indie rock band and a long-time favourite of mine.
Madison Moore’s newsletter featuring her many creative pursuits is always a delightful and inspiring read. She also happens to be the author of Bonnie’s New Old Outfit, the first picture book I ever illustrated.
I’ve been enjoying From Tree to See’s comforting studio vlogs on YouTube chronicling her ceramic practice.
Sorry for disappearing from this newsletter! I want to get back to writing more consistently again in the new year. Not only do I love connecting with you, but it’s also such a helpful process for me to document these things.
Thank you for all your support and encouragement this year. I appreciate you being here!
Wishing you happy holidays and a restful end to the year,
Your sketchbook pieces are so tender! My winter is better for seeing them
What a lovely letter I loved the flowers card thank you for sharing this with us ❤️