A Handful of Firsts
Deer friends,
Hello again after quite a lengthy newsletter hiatus. May and June were full of so many new opportunities, wonderful people, fellow artists and creatives, and a breath of fresh air.
I attended my first local market, Mermade Market in Dana Point, which was hosted at the Ocean Institute from May 3-5. I arrived with a car full of prints, totes, and cards, and left with a full heart and so many new and fruitful connections. The staff running the event were the absolute best, and made me and every other artist and attendee feel so welcome and appreciated. I was introduced to such a vibrant community that I hadn’t known existed until then.
These new opportunities coupled with the warming weather and the knowledge that Summer was right around the corner gave me so much inspiration. I tend to harbor a lot of self doubt, but in May I truly felt like I was coming into my own more and more. And now I’m just happy to be here.
The newest addition to the shop is the vintage and secondhand framing options that I’ll be offering going forward. Each frame in our secondhand and vintage collection carries its own unique history, with some showing charming signs of wear from being cherished in various homes, and others featuring sweet handwritten notes on the back. These distinctive details allow you to create a personalized and authentic styling experience, transforming your space into a true reflection of your individuality and personal style.
Choosing these secondhand and vintage frames not only adds character to your home but also promotes sustainability. By opting for pre-loved frames, you're reducing waste and minimizing the demand for new resources, making an eco-friendly choice that benefits both your home and the planet. It’s a win-win if you ask me. When purchasing a print you now have the option to add on an up-cycled frame. I will frame the print for you and ship it all together, so it’s ready to be hung in your home upon arrival!
Check out the up-cycled frame shop here:
A bit about my first Market
May, 2024
This May I attended my first art market. Well, technically not my first, but the first one that that really meant a lot to me. Before this, I’d only ever attended 2 other very small markets, and all I had were prints and a couple totes. So for this market I went all in. I built a card holder, and put together a booth space from items around my home. My desk legs, our living room coat rack, leftover wood from a desk project, baskets from my living room and studio, and tags and signage that I designed and just had printed at my local print shop. I finished out a print collection, made greeting cards, stickers, more totes, and even t-shirts, most of which I’d never even attempted to do before. And I was so nervous. Nervous that I hadn’t made enough products, nervous that I’d made too many and that they wouldn’t sell!
There was so much guesswork involved, but the time came to set up and I was ready— more ready than I had expected I would be. And the weekend went so well. My prints and products sold which was what I was most nervous about, but something I hadn’t anticipated was how much I would get out of doing this market on other fronts. I met so many other amazing artists and makers, the folks putting together the event, and the sweetest customers. I made connections that I can’t wait to explore further, and found a larger creative community than I had expected in OC, and I’ve lived here for most of my life!
When the time came for take down on Sunday my heart was full to bursting. I truly can’t wait for the next one.
On to the next…
This week’s inspo roundup is bright and colorful and a wrap up of Spring. Blooming flowers found on pages, plates, walls, quilts, you name it. Lately I’ve been craving color the way one craves a really good meal. My default used to be working with neutrals, but over the last couple years my personal art style has become more and more colorful, and I’m rolling with it.
I’ve been dreaming of painting a mural. Imagine flowers and patterns and colors floor to ceiling. Agh! One day. Until then you can find my colorful work on a much smaller (and wearable— hey totes!) scale, and you can find me collecting all the colorful art and lifestyle inspo over on Pinterest.
Check out the full inspo board here.
This week’s inspo:
With each new release I feel my desire to create grow, and I feel myself growing more in tune with myself and my own artistic process. Sharing those creations is part of me sharing that joy with you. So, I hope you enjoy.
All the best,
Morgan