Hello, Subscriber First Name,

December is here!

But my studio still looks like autumn.

From all the bits I’ve collected to what I’ve been painting.

Even so, I AM making a point of noticing and savoring the beauties of winter (which have been appearing more and more lately).

I recently read that one of the best ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder is to reframe your thinking. Even changing the statement “I hate winter” to “I prefer summer to winter” is supposed to have a lasting impact on your mood.

Here’s a small list of what I’ve been savoring:

• the squeaky crunch of snow beneath my boots

• glittering frost on the windows

• a rainbow around the moon

• bowl after bowl of cozy soup

• baking bread

• lighting candles

• how snow on the ground makes everything brighter

• the drama of wintry skies

• woodsmoke in the air

I hope you’ve been savoring, too.

A creative prompt:

I took a pottery class last month with Maureen Karlstad. I love trying new things and throwing pots on the wheel was such fun.

But I also know I will never be a potter, which is fine with me.

When I read Amy Stewart’s newest post, contemplating what things she’ll never be, I was intrigued by the idea of coming up with a list of endeavors which are really cool, but which I’ll never accomplish. Her list? Participate in Shetland Wool Week, cold water swimming and becoming an avid cyclist.

Try coming up with your own list. (And if you’re ambitious, sketch your list like Amy did).

Some inspiration:

• I keep coming back to the idea of the importance of rest. Here’s an inspiring perspective.

• Watching a painting grow and transform is always inspiring.

• I had to check out the book Farm & Folk Quilt Alchemy after reading the interview with Sara Larson Buscaglia on the Floret blog. It is beautiful!

• Thinking about new habits for the coming year? Here are some suggestions for habits to spark your creativity.

• I usually prefer quiet in my studio, but in this season of wrapping lots of customer orders, I’ve been enjoying Bonnie Christine’s Professional Creative Podcast and Emily Jeffords’ Do it for the Process.

• I enjoy getting behind-the-scenes looks at other artists’ businesses. This post about Laly Mille’s branding photoshoot was such fun. (If you’re planning your own photoshoot, here is some great advice).

• Did your hardiness zone change this year? (Mine did, I went from 4b to 5a). This post gives some context.

• Here’s another behind-the-scenes small business story (the shop looks so magical!).

Gratitude and Gifts

I’m so grateful for all of your support and encouragement for my little business. So this month I’m tucking gifts of gratitude into every package I send.

(While supplies last) I’ll include a sweet sunflower sticker:

and packets of seeds including red and yellow columbine and purple poppies:

I’ll also be hosting a giveaway on my blog (look for the post next Saturday).

Because teaching is a big part of what I do, I’m also running a contest on Skillshare this month and giving away two year-long memberships. Find all the details here (and try Skillshare free for 1 month if you’re not already a member).

Finally, don’t forget that I have a library of free resources for you, including printable gift tags. Find them here.

Thank you for spending the seasons with me.

Wishing you joy,

Know someone who'd like to receive my newsletter? Share the joy by forwarding this email to a friend.