Posts tagged sketchbooks
Falling in Love with Sketchbooks Again and Again (and a New Class)
Falling in Love with Sketchbooks Again and Again (and a New Class)

In the middle of winter when frost decorates the windows of my studio and I pull on another sweater, I’ll think back to summer days in my garden, cicadas singing, sketchbook on my lap.

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sketchbooks, art classes, artAnne Buterasketchbooks, sketchbook class, sketchbook practice, sketchbooks as self care, self care, self-care, how I use sketchbooks, why I love sketchbooks, skillshare, Skillshare teacher, creative self-care Comments
A Day in the Life of a Botanical Artist: Inside My Spring Studio and Garden
A Day in the Life of a Botanical Artist: Inside My Spring Studio and Garden

Before I dive in to talking about what a typical day looks like around here, I want to take a moment to thank you for sharing your experiences with online subscriptions and communities in last week’s post.

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garden, life, studioAnne Buteraa day in the life, a day in the life of a botanical artist, what it's really like to be a working artist, what it's really like to run an art business, spring, sketchbooks, garden, spring garden, seasons, running an art business, being a botanical artist, being an artist, daily schedule, daily schedule of an artist, in the spring garden, in the studio, springtime in the studio, springtime in the garden Comments
Saying Goodbye to 2021 and Welcoming 2022 with EASE
Saying Goodbye to 2021 and Welcoming 2022 with EASE

Wednesday morning dawned with a blowy, snowy storm. Most mornings after breakfast and coffee I start my day with a walk.

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life, seasonsAnne Buteraword of the year, year in review, 2021 Year in Review, 2022 Word of the Year, EASE, winter, OPEN, Roots and Refuge Farm, stickers from Roots and Refuge Farm, Writing a book, writing in my journal, looking back, looking forward, planning, planning for next year, planning for the year, quitting instagram, Kickapoo Meadery, Kickapoo Meadery mead labels, Skillshare teacher, Skillshare Class, skillshare, sketchbooks, Dana Barbieri, Embroidery, embroidery patterns, 2 Million Blossoms magazine, art shows, Viva Gallery, Viva Gallery in Viroqua Wisconsin, Viroqua Food Co-Op, Anne Butera, Matthias Minnig, papier-mache, paper mache, Craft Industry Alliance, dreaming big Comments
Why I Love Sketchbooks and How I Use Them in My Art Practice
Why I Love Sketchbooks and How I Use Them in My Art Practice

This week I finished filling up my 16th sketchbook.

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art, art classes, sketchbooks, houseplantsAnne Buterasketchbooks, Sketchbook Playground, Dana Barbieri, developing a sketchbook practice, developing a creative habit, developing as an artist, Anne Butera's Sketchbooks, my history with sketchbooks, why I love sketchbooks, how I use sketchbooks, my favorite materials to use in my sketchbooks, about me, my story Comments
Celebrate Summer Joys: Sketchbooks! Week 4 of a Month of Gratitude Practice
Celebrate Summer Joys: Sketchbooks! Week 4 of a Month of Gratitude Practice

It’s hard to believe this is the last week of my month of gratitude. August has flown by.

I think back to childhood Augusts with school looming and days of freedom dwindling. Back-to-school was both exciting and welcome but also tinged with sadness for the ending of summer.

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art, art classes, creativity, inspiration, joy, sketchbooksAnne Buterasketchbooks, Sketchbooks, sketchbook practice, summer sketchbooks, Dana Barbieri, a class with Anne Butera and Dana Barbieri, sketchbook class, Sketchbook Playground Mini Class, Free Mini Class, Free online art class, free class with Anne Butera and Dana Barbieri, gratitude practice, gratitude, a month of gratitude practice, joy, celebrate summer joys, summer joys, summer, August, collaboration, collaborative sketchbook, creative journey Comments
You Can't Do Everything (and Why That's Not a Bad Thing)
You Can't Do Everything (and Why That's Not a Bad Thing)

Piles of fabric line a shelf in my studio closet. Sewing patterns fill a drawer. I love wearing handmade clothing. I love to sew. Most of my fabric has been matched up with sewing patterns — some bought especially for specific projects — but it’s been a year or more since I’ve done any sewing.

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creativity, inspiration, lifeAnne Buterago with what works, you can't do everything, you can't do everything and why that's not a bad thing, do one thing at a time, creativity, inspiration, summer, sketchbooks, online art classes, Dana Barbieri, a class with Anne Butera and Dana Barbieri, a conversation with Anne Butera and Dana Barbieri, a video chat, inspiring women, conversations about creativity, crafts, craft projects, letting go of pressure, letting go, letting go of craft projects, letting go of ideas Comments
Behind the Scenes This Week: What it's Really Like to Run an Art Business
Behind the Scenes This Week: What it's Really Like to Run an Art Business

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be a full-time, self-employed artist? Although I frequently share what I’m working on here on my blog, I don’t think it gives a comprehensive picture of what it’s like to run an art business. Are you curious?

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art, business, studioAnne Buteralife as an artist, what it's really like to run an art business, what it's really like to be a working artist, behind the scenes, behind the scenes in my studio, this week in my studio, art projects, art exhibit, art openings, Joy Letter, newsletter, art classes, embroidery, embroidery kits, creating embroidery kits, Viva Gallery, Viva Gallery in Viroqua Wisconsin, Viroqua Wisconsin, Viroqua Food Co-Op, Writing a book, watercolor, painting, botanical watercolor painting, botanical art, columbine, watercolor columbine painting, process, sketchbooks, Dana, creative classes, popular posts Comments
Why I Love Valentine's Day Plus an Invitation to Creative Self-Care
Why I Love Valentine's Day Plus an Invitation to Creative Self-Care

I love Valentine’s Day. It’s probably not cool to admit this, but I do.

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art classes, inspiration, joyAnne Buteraskillshare, Skillshare teacher, Skillshare, Skillshare classes, valentine's day, self-care, creativity is self care, creativity, joy, love, self love, sketchbooks, journaling, Create a Joy & Self-Love Ritual with a Handcrafted Inspiration Deck, Inspiration Deck, joy ritual, creative rituals Comments
Summer Adventures in Your Botanical Sketchbook: a New Online Class
Summer Adventures in Your Botanical Sketchbook: a New Online Class

Last Friday I mentioned I was working on a new online class.

It was my focus for most of July, never far from my thoughts even when I wasn’t working on it.

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art classes, creativity, sketchbooksAnne Buteraskillshare, sketchbook class on Skillshare, Skillshare, Skillshare classes, Anne Butera's Skillshare classes, sketchbooks, summer sketchbooks, summer, summer creativity, summer art, art making, creativity, summer vacation, nature, garden, botanical sketchbook, Summer Adventures in Your Botanical Sketchbook, facing the blank page, embroidery, embroidery as sketching, flower pounding, cyanotypes, sunprinting, painting, sketching, inspiration, creative inspiration Comments
10 Ways to Lighten the Darkness
10 Ways to Lighten the Darkness

Hello, my friend. How are you? Are you hanging in there.

I had a rough week. I’m fine. I’m safe. I’m healthy. My family is healthy. My business is doing fine. Matthias’ business is doing fine.

And yet…

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life, joy, gratitudeAnne Buterafinding light in the darkness, how to feel better during dark times, techniques for uplifting your mood, feelings, uplifting books, self-care, self-help, self love, self care, painting, watercolor paintings, sketchbooks, water soluble crayons, books, favorite books, re-reading favorite books, garden, violas, masks, handmade masks, fabric masks, mask making, roses, Therese Bugnet Rose, Yoga With Adriene, yoga, meditation Comments
When Your Word for the Year is "Do"
When Your Word for the Year is "Do"

Back in December I chose “DO” as my word for the year. Lately I’ve been thinking about that choice. Wondering if it’s a bit ironic. Wondering how I feel about it now. Wondering if I should choose another word for the rest of the year.

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art classes, sketchbooks, life, artAnne Buterasketchbook, sketchbooks, spring sketchbook, skillshare, Skillshare, sketchbook class on Skillshare, Skillshare teacher, Skillshare classes, word of the year, do, keep going, artist trading cards, atcs, UPPERCASE Magazine, UPPERCASE Circle Comments
Now
Now

Right now I don’t have the energy or the brain space to write the post I wanted to for today. So I’ll just check in with you. See how you’re doing. Tell you I’m doing fine. Send some words of encouragement your way.

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life, seasons, sketchbooks, studio, joyAnne Buterawhat's happening in my studio, skillshare, Skillshare teacher, Skillshare classes, sketchbooks, spring, daffodils, cats, rescue cats, black and white cats, spring sketchbook, studio, studio cat, in the studio, rainbows, quotes, Mary Oliver Comments
Books Bring Inspiration and Joy (and Support Artists)
Books Bring Inspiration and Joy (and Support Artists)

How are you holding up? What a week it’s been over here. You, too?

My feelings are up and down. My energy is up and down. I’m giving myself leeway and taking things one day (sometimes one moment) at a time. It’s all we can do, I think.

Escaping into the world of a book always seems to help.

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inspiration, books, joyAnne Buterainspiring people, inspiring links, inspiration, books, book recommendations, self-published books, art books, artists, Sara Torbett, The Rosy Life, favorite blogs, Abigail Halpin, Helen Hallows, Mary Woodin, Louise Gale, Janine Vangool, UPPERCASE Magazine, UPPERCASE Publishing, sketchbooks, Botanical Mandalas, small business, support small businesses, what you can do to support small businesses, what you can do to support artists, support artists, how to support artists, supporting artists, book review, sewing patterns, independent sewing pattern designers, sewing patterns as zines, Sonya Philip, Ann Wood Comments
Finding Joy in Difficult Times
Finding Joy in Difficult Times

Hello, my friend. How are you doing? Are you hanging in there? Are you riding the rollercoaster of ups and downs that it seems so many of us are feeling?

This is a difficult time and it’s ok if you’re struggling. Let’s all resolve to go a bit easy on ourselves. To allow our feelings. To do what we need to do in this moment.

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joy, life, creativityAnne Buterajoy list, joy, finding joy in difficult times, sewing, sewing projects, garment sewing, Sonya Philip, painting, Pattern Ladies, Alison Kolesar, watercolor, gouache, studio, studio cat, sketchbook, Abby Glassenberg, Ruby Josephine Smith, Creativebug, creating community, fabric, Skillshare, sketchbooks Comments
How to Choose a Sketchbook
How to Choose a Sketchbook

Over the years I’ve fallen in love with sketchbooks, but it took me a while. I’ve shared before about how even after I started making art I felt intimidated by them. The biggest reason behind my fear was an idea that what appeared on the pages needed to look a certain way. Prioritizing product over process is a great way to stifle your creativity in all art, but especially within the pages of your sketchbook.

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sketchbooks, FAQs, art suppliesAnne Buterasketchbooks, sketchbook practice, sketchbook class on Skillshare, Sketchbooks, how to choose a sketchbook, art supplies, art supply review, choosing art supplies, art supply recommendations, Youtube, FAQs, art supply faqs, Cultivating a Sketchbook a Guide by Anne Butera, cultivating a sketchbook practice a guide by Anne Butera, what to look for in a sketchbook, Anne Butera, art by Anne Butera, Anne Butera's Skillshare classes, Anne Butera's Sketchbooks, ebook, free e-book, art e-book, free art-ebook Comments
What is Skillshare and How Does it Work? (And Introducing a New Class)
What is Skillshare and How Does it Work? (And Introducing a New Class)

I just released a new class on Skillshare. My 20th class on the platform. It’s a little mind-boggling to think I’ve created that many classes.

I first started teaching on Skillshare three and a half years ago. I was already a member and had taken some classes on the platform, but had never thought of teaching there. Then they contacted me and invited me to teach.

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art classes, creativity, FAQs, inspiration, seasons, sketchbooksAnne ButeraSkillshare teacher, skillshare, how does skillshare work, what is skillshare and how does it work, what is skillshare, teaching on skillshare, Skillshare classes, sketchbook class on Skillshare, teaching on Skillshare, Skillshare, Anne Butera's Skillshare classes, sketchbooks, sketchbook practice, winter sketchbook, Explore Winter in Your Botanical Sketchbook, botanical art, botanical sketchbook, anne butera, popular posts Comments
Planning Your Year, a Resource Round-Up (and Some Honest Thoughts)
Planning Your Year, a Resource Round-Up (and Some Honest Thoughts)

We’re already more than half-way into January. How have things been going for you so far?

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creativity, life, inspirationAnne Buteragoal setting, planning, planning for the year, garden planning, planning resource round-up, resource round-up, creative planning, creativity, creative projects, making goals, resources for planning your year, resources for goal setting, guide to planning your year, guide to goal setting, resources, Skillshare, Skillshare classes, sketchbooks, fabric design, Spoonflower, joy, joy letter, January, patience, practicing patience, art practice, being gentle on yourself, being gentle with yourself, being gentle with ourselves, sewing, creative plans, turning points, ideas Comments
2019 Year in Review (& Thoughts About a Decade)
2019 Year in Review (& Thoughts About a Decade)

Another year has drawn to a close. Another decade, too. On January 1, 2009 I wrote in my journal: “2010. Wow. Seems so futuristic.” And here we are in 2020, even more futuristic-sounding.

But I don’t want to jump into 2020 without spending some time considering 2019 first.

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life, creativity, studio, sewing, paintings, gratitude, joy, artAnne Buteraword of the year, year in review, 2019, 2020 Calendars, 2020 desk calendars, art, painting, goals, intentions, 2020, welcoming the new year, growth, Grow, GROW, greyhounds, retired racing greyhounds, challenges, life, life challenges, watercolor paintings, a year of paintings, a year of watercolor paintings, joy, handmade joy exchange, failure, being unafraid to fail, learning from our failures, art dreams, art by Anne Butera, artist, art exhibit, Viroqua Wisconsin, Viva Gallery in Viroqua Wisconsin, Rooted Spoon, Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table, Rooted Spoon Culinary Viroqua Wisconsin, Viroqua Healing Arts Center, McIntosh Memorial Library, embroidery, sewing, spoonflower garment sewing, fabric design, Spoonflower, studio, art studio, sketchbooks, sketchbook practice, Sketchbooks, Dana Barbieri, collaboration, collaborative sketchbook, artist collaboration, yoga, yoga mats, Youtube, skillshare, Skillshare, sketchbook class on Skillshare, Skillshare classes, Skillshare teacher, teaching on Skillshare, Anne Butera's Skillshare classes, gouache, creative journey, creative journeys, garden, gardening, garden joy, looking back, looking forward, dreams, don't give up on your dreams, dreaming big, creative dreams, big dreams, moving from dreaming to doing, living your dream, making our creative dreams real, making your creative dreams real, going for your creative dreams, grow, intention, inner critic, Sonya Philip, Yoga With Adriene Comments
Celebrating Autumn
Celebrating Autumn

It feels strange to think it’s November. These days tumble past faster and faster. Weeks pass. Months pass. Seasons pass.

And now it’s November.

Two months left of the year.

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joy, life, sketchbooks, seasons, art classesAnne ButeraSkillshare, Autumn, autumn in the garden, sketchbooks, botanical watercolor, botanical art, botanical sketchbook, Celebrate Autumn in Your Botanical Sketchbook, art classes, art instruction, anne butera, Skillshare classes, sketchbook class on Skillshare, Anne Butera's Skillshare classes, watercolor painting, watercolor, watercolors, watercolor illustrations, watercolor process, autumn watercolors, autumn leaves, acorns, painting maple seeds, maple seeds, watercolor maple seeds, nature in watercolor Comments