Around Here: August 2021

Hello, friends! Here is a little bit about life around here right now:

What are you working on?

The hardest, most difficult, and most stubborn project on earth: me.

In all seriousness, pandemic fatigue has set in around here and I'm trying to figure out how to prioritize my own self care while still giving as much as possible to my child, my partner, my clients and students, my friends, and my family, and so forth.  If you have any tips, feel free to share!

What are you loving?

I bought refills for my tape runner for the first time in a decade -- and I use that thing non-stop!  If you've never heard me wax poetic about my ATG, this is that moment.  This giant tape runner is the bomb!

It was originally designed as a tape runner for framers, but scrapbookers took it over because it's archival, super sticky, and the refills last forever.  I looooove mine and use it almost every day.

How is the baby?

He's 21-months-old and I couldn't love him more.  He's smart and curious and loving and is developing quite a sense of humor.

When Steve starts back at school next month, our little guy is going to start going to daycare 3 days-a-week and I'm all kinds of mixed emotions about it.  I'm devastated that he's going to make memories without me.  I'm thrilled that he's going to socialize with other children and hopefully make some friends (#pandemicbabyproblems).  I feel guilty about sending him, even though I'm also really looking forward to having a few days a week where I can put my head down and plow through my to-do pile.  I feel so guilty about it that I thought...maybe we just won't tell anyone he's going.  But, really, what is there to be ashamed of?  And I do think that one of the things that becomes toxic about the internet is when people don't share their real struggles and issues.  We all have them.  So, we shall see how daycare goes...I think I'll probably cry more than him on that first day.

Current art crush?

I have loved Mark Hearld's work for a very long time and I recently discovered that he has an instagram account.  Yay!  Take a peek:

He's a wonderful example of an artist who does many things: drawing, collage, textiles, pottery, printmaking, and more!  I want to be him when I grow up!

So, there you have it!  That's the scoop on life around here at the moment.  If you're a Monthly Member, August's personal vlog and studio vlog are both in online classroom! 

What's the difference between a personal vlog and a studio vlog? 

• Personal vlogs have a lot of daily life stuff (lots of baby) and a bit of random art content.  They're pretty much like the old weekly vlogs you can still see on my YouTube channel. All Members have access to personal vlogs.  
• Studio vlogs are art focused on a single art project or art-related topic.  Past studio vlogs include: behind-the-scenes of putting together an online class, a studio tour, the process of making my giant tree mural, etc.  Maker Members & Super Learner Members have access to the studio vlogs.

Also, the Member Livestream is TONIGHT (8pm EST).  See you there!

Thanks for stopping by!