Squirrel-Braining My Way Through Winter!

Morning! I’ve taken Lily out to do her business, and we both immediately jumped back under the covers. Pathetic, I know. I’m a pure-bread New Englandah’ for god sakes! Speaking of which, that’s sorta’ kinda’ about to change.

Ok, that’s only partially accurate. You’ll n e v e r take the northeastern outta’ this gal! But, you CAN relocate her!

We’re Moving!

…but don’t know where yet! When Jake and I met, I knew the potential of moving again in a few years was possible, so long as we didn’t get on each-other’s nerves, and Lily approved of me 🐕‍🦺 Fast forward, we’re engaged, and with Jake being in the Space Force, it’s his time to move to a new base.

We’ve been sitting and waiting for months, and this week we intend to find out where we move to in May/June! Yes, not much time to coordinate living arrangements from a distance, let alone plan a wedding…somewhere 😆

We are hoping for Colorado, or Ohio, and a place that allows me to work in the studio, in comfort, year-round 🙏I’m done being limited with metal work in the winter months. Plus, with all these changes, the opportunity to dedicate the time needed to grow n’GRAINED is starting to take shape! I couldn’t be more thankful, optimistic, and scared lol!

So, hang tight! I’ll share more when we know more!

Working with a Superstar

I’m stooooked to be able to work with fellow maven of metals, Harmony Winters, before we leave MA. She’s a beautiful crafter of finer jewelry. We are going to work with her to create our unique wedding bands, playing with texture of local plant life!

Quite literally, she and I (and Jake) are going to blend our skills and knowledge together, to craft them in her studio next weekend. Her studio is an old farm stand in Westport, MA, with moss covered roof, and a view of the old stone walls that mark the border of land once farmed. The wooden slat walls have retired hand tools, rusted and marked with grit, adorning the space for her work to really sparkle on display. A real juxtaposition, that works. Her appreciation for moments of grace, and grit, is what drew us to reaching out to her. I’ve held her on a pedestal for years now, and it feels like it will be an opportunity we will never forget ☺️

I can’t wait to share progress pics of the experience!

Nature Journal Gallery

While it’s a bit too cold to get much metal work done, I’m taking opportunity to scan my perpetual nature journal pages, to more robustly share on my website! Hoping to evoke what feels like a gallery wall in your local coffee shop! I envision it to be both nature journal pages, as well as some of my finer illustration projects. Yes, I have work up there now, but not in the eclectic way that would much more resemble my personal style.

I’m making great progress on the task! I’ve scanned everything, and digitally added a mix and matched assortment of frames around each piece. I want to have this ready to go, to share with anyone interested in collaborating with me for nature illustration opportunities! As soon as I get to a more completed place, you’ll now!

Ok, that’s all my brain can elaborate on for now. Happy Sunday!

-h