Creative Calm Studio is BACK!!!

I took a 6 month hiatus due to an extensive home remodel (friends…the studio has new floors and paint and before we know it will be ready for some major crafting 😁). As the remodel is finishing up, I have been itching to talk to you all. I’ve missed everything about Creative Calm Studio- the newsletter, the podcast, the classes, the projects…but most of all I’ve missed hanging out, either virtually or in person, with all you creative souls.

So let’s jump back in. Shall we?

Welcome to the first issue of Creative Calm Moments. A collection of what’s bringing calm, creativity, and a sparks of joy lately — in the studio, at home, and in the in-between moments. It’s things I’m making, noticing, loving, and coming back to again and again.

Think of it as a little gathering of inspiration… the kind you can take with you into your own days.

As I mentioned earlier, the construction on my home is in it’s last stages, but oh my goodness are we still in what I like to endearingly call the “messy middle.” We are in the stage where we are putting our house back together piece by piece. The above picture is of the studio. As you can see it’s not quite ready to be functional, but it’s getting there. I would be lying if I said I have not been experiencing some major frustration because I certainly have. It’s exhausting living in the messy middle, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t wait to be able to share some after pictures in the coming month.

By a happy accident I borrowed a children’s book from the library. It was recommended in a social media post read and I took it out not realizing it was written for middle schoolers. The book is historical fiction called A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. It was an enchanting tale about love, overcoming hardship, and found family.

The story follows three orphaned siblings as they are evacuated to the countryside of London during the height of World War II. Amidst the upheaval of their circumstances and the search for a permanent home they find comfort and pockets of joy in the village library and kindness of the librarian.

Reading this brought me back to reading books like The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables. Books I loved as a kid offer something that is just extra sweet in the midst of busy adult life.

On February 22nd in the midst of a snow storm while we were displaced to my parents house because our floors were being refinished, I decided it was the perfect time to commit to The 100 Day Project. Hey…that’s just how I roll. The reality is I was desperately missing regular creative time.

The project was created years ago by Lindsay Jean Thomson as a way to get creatives to make art part of their everyday life. The 100 Day Project is an annual a free challenge where participants are invited to choose a simple creative action to do daily for 100 consecutive days. You can pick whatever you want to focus on. Examples include painting, writing, stitching…the skies the limit. I choose creating line drawing a day in my sketch book.

I’ve learned quickly, that I’m not built for daily consecutive habits and I’m much better with a deadline, so instead of the pressure of drawing daily I am planning on finishing 100 drawings within the 100 days. The last day is May 30th. I have a bunch to finish, but I know I’ll do it. I’ll keep you posted when I’m all done. I’ve been loving practicing my skill of line drawing and I’m surprising myself with what I’m able to draw.

I am endlessly inspired by Elise Blaha Cripe. I’ve been a fan for many years. Her creativity and zest for life is amazing. I LOVE her newsletter called Scattering Seeds. It has been an inspiration for my own. She shares her creative adventures and hobbies in a way that makes me want to jump up make something myself. She is down to earth and a big dreamer which is a lovely combination. I 100% suggest subscribing to her newsletter. Every time I get her emails in my inbox, I grab a cup of tea and savor the read.

In person classes will return this summer. The studio will be hopping again and it makes my heart oh so happy.

Be on the look out for the summer schedule COMING SOON!!