March Newsletter

NO. 20 | March 2023

Hello—I’ll start by admitting that it felt really good to write “March” at the top of this newsletter. As expected, February was a heavy month. Maybe one day I will get to sit here and write, “What a February; easy, breezy, and lovely!” But, not today. Those 28 days pack a punch.

I’ve been experiencing a little bit of internal dissonance between how I feel and how I feel in theory. I know this is a funny idea. Why am I thinking about theoretical feelings? The answer is complicated, but I think the quickest answer is that I wish I felt differently than I do.

Here’s an example: I am sitting in a cafe that I really like as I write this. They have fresh flowers on the counter and dried flowers on my table. I am drinking a root beer float with house-made root beer. I walked here on a nice and sunny day after lunch with a friend. I’m wearing a bespoke lavender wool coat that I sewed for myself. I spent the morning doing yoga and drawing birds.

And yet. My eyes are heavy, my face downturned. I am slow to write this. I’ve been sleeping poorly. There is something hollow in my day today. Doesn’t that seem unfair? To have a beautiful day or a beautiful life and not feel like it? There’s always tomorrow.

Part 2: Creative Organization

This month’s blog post is the second in a three-part series centered around being a jack-of-all-trades maker. To read part one, click here.

This month’s installment is quite practical. It’s about how I organize my creative practice—time management and mental space.

Thank you SO MUCH for a marvelously successful shop opening. If you placed an order, shared my wares, or sent a kind word, you made such a lovely mark on my month, and I appreciate it more than you can know. I’ll be leaving the shop open for a few months and sharing a piece or two that are still available each month. Like this cobalt mug!

P.S. I’ve loved seeing photos of you using or wearing the things you ordered. Send me a photo of you and your new item; I’d love to share a little community round-up.

You may or may not know that one of my first serious creative ventures was as a cake baker/decorator! I still have quite a soft spot for beautiful baked goods, and have really been enjoying Lani Bakes. Her creations are so stunning, creative, and beautifully photographed. She also sells treat boxes. If you’re in Denver, buy one and live my dreams.

I’ve been thinking in blocks! I’m sharing a glimpse of two textile projects that have been happening in the wings. First (left) is a granny square crochet piece that I started on a sick-day. I hadn’t crocheted since 2016, but this was an easy project to pick back up and it’s a fun use of old scrap yarn.

The second (right) is plans for a huge bed quilt that I’d like to make over the next year. I’m tired of buying duvet covers and ready to make something custom and beautiful for my home. It’s going to be a massive undertaking (even coloring all those blocks and deciding on a palette was!), but I am excited for it and all that it will teach me.

☆ This newsletter is no cry for help. Please don’t text me, “Are you doing okay?”
☆ I Love This Illustration
☆ Really enjoyed this quick newsletter on the Art of Jerry Pinkney. Stunning work! Excerpts from his memoir!
☆ People on the internet can get so specific
☆ Recs for Denver area? I’m visiting this month. Hit me up!