Send Love

I didn’t post a lot this week so thought I would do a recap post. But all I had was pictures of my desk in various states of chaos (and this organized one).

I got a new computer and a bunch of new sound equipment for the webinars and video editing I’m doing for work, but it didn’t all come at the same time and I still had to conduct the webinars every day. So this consumed the majority of my week!

I am also working on a fun sticker collaboration with a local business, but can’t share anything else yet. I also worked on a playlist for the Love Club letters for May, but there’s nothing visual to share there.

So, here you are with a semi-organized desk shot and some plant and dog pics! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

The April letter was my favorite so far! This was the first month we had a featured plant, which was really fun and cohesive.

Moving forward, members can expect to receive art based on a featured flower or plant each month. This includes:

🍃Illustrated botanical note card (with envelope)
🍃Inspirational 4x6 mini print
🍃Fun facts about the featured plant
🍃Interactive element (varies each month)

If you want to enjoy your mail again, join now for the May letter! It’s $10/ month with no commitment.

Tools I use to stay organized as a part time artist with a full time job

Asana- Paper lists are great, but sometimes I end up with too many all over the place. Asana allows me to add to my list from my computer or from the mobile app. I start each morning with a look at Asana to see what art tasks need to be tackled on breaks during the work day.

Notes- I use the notes app on my iPhone to draft emails, captions for social media posts and new art ideas. It allows me to work stuff on the go whenever ideas strike. This might be the most used app on my phone!

Canva- I’ve used a lot of editing software and Canva is by far the easiest to learn. I use Canva to do the layout for all of my digital cards and mock up photos. I also design my packaging and booth signage on here. The free version is usually enough for me, but I will sometimes sign up for the paid version if I need those features for a specific project.

Aweber- This is my email marketing platform that also allows me to host a landing page which serves as my website. They also have great tools like a writing assistant and instructional webinars. You can tell they really care about the success of the businesses that use their services!

What are the tools you use to help run your business?

The top questions I get about my art.

Is this block printing?
Some of work has the look and feel of block printing, but it’s actually screen printing. With block printing, a linoleum or wooden block is carved into, covered in ink and pressed onto paper. With screen printing, the image is applied to mesh stretched across a frame, then I slide the ink across with the paper underneath. I’ve included some photos of my screens to give you an idea.

Where do you make your art?
Up until this year the answer was my garage. Now I have dedicated print studio. I’m still setting things up there, but it’s been really nice to have this extra space.

Do you make all of this yourself?
Pretty much! The printing for the stickers and postcards are outsourced, but other than that everything is designed and handmade by me!

Here’s a little behind the scenes to show the process I use to create my Love Club letters each month.

Each month features a new flower or plant that inspires me. You’ll get an inspirational mini print, a notecard, and an interactive, on-theme activity. I also include facts about the featured botanical so we can learn about nature together!

New sign ups are open! Join by the end of March to get the April letter. Linked in my bio and story.

I was feeling guilty about all things I haven’t done this month, but then I remembered what I have done.

I flew across the country twice in March for work. These trips take a lot out of me, so being less productive is to be expected.

I did actually get lots of time to draw and update Etsy while sitting in airports and on planes.

I also put a lot of thought into reshaping the contents of the Love Club.

I printed in my new studio for the first time!

So I’m doing my best not to feel bad that I haven’t sent the March newsletter, promoted the new cards I posted, or marketed the Love Club as much as I would like. It will all happen eventually!

If you are feeling bad today, I hope you can find a way to reframe your situation to feel a bit better!

If you have ever admired a flower blooming in your neighbor’s yard or even a plant growing out of the cracks in the sidewalk, the Love Club is for you.

If you like to curate your space- surround yourself with beautiful and inspirational things, the Love Club is for you.

If you like to treat yourself in small ways, like getting a special letter filled with art to brighten your day, the love club is for you!

For just $10, members of the club receive a new plant print with inspirational text, a card to have on hand or send to a friend, and an activity punch card each month. I also share a few facts about the featured plant.

Let’s learn about plans together! April’s feature plant is the Mexican Hen.

What am I currently working on? Well, when you run a monthly subscription club, you are always working on it! Even though I only have a few members, there are tasks to complete each week so things stay on schedule.

I am trying to dial in the exact nature of the Love Club, so my members will know what they can expect each month.

I’m still finalizing the April letter, but I know I want to focus on flowers. I am currently thinking of having the main focus of the club be botanical- a new flower/plant print and card each month, plus an interactive activity. That way we can learn about plants together!

What do you think?

Couldn’t help jumping on this trend! It’s a one woman show over here, but I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of my family!

*also just noticed that we lined up the same way in almost every family photo!*

The March letter was all about luck. We spanned cultures and included items to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as well as Chinese New Year! I love this time of year, when the days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and plans for the summer are taking shape.

The lucky members of the club received all this for just $10!

I can’t wait to start sharing flower art and favorite hiking spots in the next letters as we roll into spring. Be sure to sign up by the last day of the month to get the next month’s letter.

I woke up last Saturday feeling super inspired to create. The funk I had been feeling since the beginning of the year was all of a sudden gone.

I haven’t yet actually created anything, but I still feel really excited to share some sources of inspiration. Hopefully they will amount to something exciting.

I went walking today and there were so many buds about to bloom. It feels like pent up energy in the universe, about to explode with spring flowers! My creative energy is right there with it.

The first peek at what will be included in the March love club letter! I not have a wee bit of Irish in me, but I’ve always love the fun and lore of St. Patrick’s day. Plus the year of the horse is starting so I want to throw in the instructions and supplies to celebrate with an origami activity.

One of my goals for the Love Club is for it to include an *interactive* element. I don’t want to just create something, I want it to be something that sparks creativity for my members! Something that will make you curious and maybe feel drawn to explore that idea more.

In January I sent out mini printmaking kits, which were a big hit. I was feeling a bit guilty that the February letter didn’t include an activity, so next month there will be paper chains AND origami to make!

If you want to get in on the fun, be sure to sign up by the end of February. It’s a short month, so don’t let it sneak up on you!