Introducing a new series just for the Creative Carrots Club: It’s Not Business, It’s Personal.
The Creative Carrots Club is my Patreon community where we take a closer look at the behind the scenes of the creative life. Today, I’m sharing my first post in a new series where I’ll share personal life updates, along with a list of links to things I’m currently loving, and things I think you will love too. I’m posting it here on the blog as well, but in the future, look for this series in the Creative Carrots Club (where there is both a paid and a free option!).
FIND YOUR PUFFED SLEEVES (for your creatively curated wardrobe)
1) These velvet bows are the perfect touch of sweetness.
2) Tiny clay flower stud earrings (I just ordered the lavender ones.)
3) I’ve been searching for the perfect, classic beret that has structure, but isn’t too stiff, and I think I might have found it. Don’t berets just feels so literary??
4) I recently came across this Instagram account and all I’m going to say is, if you love Anne Shirley’s style, you too, may become obsessed with this artist of historical costuming.
CREATIVE GIFTS FOR KIDS
1) All three of my kids have loved playing with our toy kitchen, and these would be such a unique and beautiful addition to their imaginative play.
2) We recently got this collage art book from the library and it is both gorgeous and inspiring.
3) A paper chain for counting down the days, but felt. Brilliant!
4) I loved paper dolls as a girl, but I was very particular about them. I created these with little Jenny in mind, and here’s why I think she would have loved them: they leave plenty of room for the imagination (toys that “think of everything” are only fun for so long).
The templates are meant to be used not so much as patterns (although they can be), but as the foundation for gluing on scraps of paper, without having to worry about if the final result will fit the doll.
NOTE ON PAPER DOLLS: if you are a paid member here, you have access right now to the black and white collection of paper dolls! Scroll down to the bottom to find them. If you are NOT a paid member, joining will give you instant access. OR you can click on the link above to purchase the full color version in my Etsy shop.
FOR ARTISTS OF ALL AGES
1) Did you know? Artists love this online shop because they have EVERYTHING and their prices are hard to beat.
2) These illustration markers can add up quickly at $6 each, but they are AMAZING (I use them all the time) and they make a really great gift for anyone who wants to start/grow their collection.
3) Yes, it’s a $30 mechanical pencil, BUT the quality is exceptional and there’s something about the size and shape that thrills me every time I use mine (I have the pink one). Check your local art supply store for more colors! This would make the perfect gift for the person who has everything.
4) Have you ever tried painting with gouache? It’s similar to water color, but more opaque. I have this set and love it!
5) My girls and I love this classic pen for all kinds of drawing. The colored set is a perfect stocking stuffer for pretty much anyone!
READING LIFE:
Are you a member of a book club? I’m in two in-person book clubs and while admittedly it can feel like a lot, it is such an enriching part of my life. Meeting with good friends to discuss a singular topic always leaves me feeling refreshed, inspired, and with a renewed sense of hope about the world.
1) One book club I’m part of is Well-Read Mom, which you may have heard me talk about before. Despite their name, it’s not just for moms, but for any woman who wants a more enriching reading life. It was started by two moms looking for deeper conversations and resources for women who wanted to further their informal education. Each year, the founders choose a theme (this year is Year of the Seeker), and a corresponding booklist.
Find a local chapter near you, or read more about their mission on their website.
2) While I’m not technically a member, I have all the hearts in my eyes for Hayley Solano’s virtual (with in-person events) Enchanted Book Club, that is centered around heroine classics.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE:
1) Recently I got to experience the American Girl Place (Dallas) with my oldest daughter, Violet. I went to the Chicago location when I was fourteen (yes, that’s right: I had an extended childhood) and it was the experience of a lifetime.
Growing up, my sisters and I were beyond obsessed with our historical American Girl Dolls and would play with them for hours on end. As I told Stephanie, the kind AG Place associate in Dallas, American Girl played a big role in my decision to major in history in college.
Being at the store so many years later, I realized anew the impact this brand had on my childhood. While it has changed a lot in the past twenty years (I DO wish the historical aspect was still the majority of the brand), I see it’s impact in my creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and love of reading as an adult.
I left feeling grateful for this part of my childhood, and creatively inspired. Gratitude is a wonderful way to fill your creative cup!
2) I recently wrote about how reading and my journey as an artist are related, for Well-Read Mom. You can read the article here, if you’d like.
See more in the Creative Carrots Club.
