Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

Throughout the month I collect different stories, songs, ideas, and other things I like that I think you might enjoy as well. Here's this month's list as well as a few updates from me. I hope there's something below that resonates with you!

💌 ICYMI I started a mail club! This is for anyone who wants to receive a little bit of creativity and inspiration sent to their mailbox every month! The Creative Spark Club is designed for all experience levels (having no art background is totally fine!) and anyone curious about exploring their creative side, arts and crafts lovers, those of you open to new activities and hobbies, and want to receive some snail mail! You can sign up to join the club and you can gift a subscription as well. Find all of the details here. Last day to sign up for Jan 2026 mail and to lock in annual subscription & gifts is Dec. 12th!

 

📒 Custom Sketchbooks For Little Artists I made some sketchbooks for some artists in my life (8 years / 3rd grade) and had some folks ask about ordering one for their kiddo! I'm making a small batch available, there are 4 left. If you're interested, all the details about the sketchbooks, prompts, and listing to purchase can be found here. Please place your order by end of day Dec 1st to ship for the holidays.

 

🎨 Let's Watercolor in France! My friend Susan is hosting an incredible 8 day watercolor retreat in the Loire Valley! You'll get to work with watercolors in a beautiful and inspiring environment, stay in a charming 19th century chateau, have delicious meals prepared by a talented chef, walk through local French markets and gardens, and more. It's truly a once in a lifetime experience! Learn more and book your spot here. (I'm planning on going--hope to see you there!)

 

🎵 Olivia Dean I recently discovered her music after hearing it on social media and love her warm tone and smooth, easy to listen to songs like Man I Need and So Easy (To Fall In Love). 

💖 365 Tiny Tiny Happiness Project is a lovely endeavor by Tomo Conway. Since her 50th birthday, she has started to document one tiny tiny happiness each day. “My goal is to become an artist, but until now, I have been a digital creator. To become an artist, I believe it’s important to capture and express something that moves my heart every day.” I love seeing what she shares from grains of rice to finding Portland to using her childhood bowl in Japan. You can find Tomo on YouTube and Instagram.

 

✍️ AI and the Soul of Humanity  “AI can never be touched, never be moved, by what it creates or what it consumes. AI creations are meaningless to their creators.” This post from Amanda Sue Creasey is beautifully written and really resonated with me, I highly recommend reading.

 

🎁 Updated Gift Guide I added a few more items to the gift guide (including a section for little ones which includes the Play Craft Creations kit shown above). You can find the guide here. 

 

🥔 Tater Tot Cups I made a vegan version of these for Thanksgiving and got a “this slaps” so I think it was a success :) They are easy to make and versatile--you can fill the cups with a variety of toppings or make a DIY station. If you're able to  serve them fresh out the oven and cooled, they are so yum! If you're feeling more ambitious, these potato stacks also look amazing! 

 

📆 Clear Space, Close Loops, Celebrate Wins. This end of year ritual Alexandra Frazen who writes one of my favorite newsletters (thank you Kelly for this rec!). There are 3 steps: clear space, close loops, celebrate wins. Declutter your inbox, home, your calendar. Finish unresolved conversations. Make a list of your wins and celebrate them! I love how simple yet impactful this is. 

Wishing you a gentle start to your December.

Take care and talk to you soon,

PS: It's been quite dark and rainy here in WA but I got to go for a nice walk at Lincoln Park the day after Thanksgiving (and saw 3 seals swimming close to shore!) I'm still constantly in awe of all the beauty here.

 

 

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