Studio Snippets No. 2: Why I Journal (I’m Forgetful!)
Welcome to the 2nd issue of Studio Snippets—a little peek behind the scenes at what’s been happening lately in the studio and in life!
Inside this issue, I’m sharing:
Studio Spotlight: Insight on my art journaling practice and 25 drawing prompts to help you remember this season of life
From the Blog: In Case You Missed It
Shop Talk: Getting Ready to Launch
Art & Life: Little Life Snapshots
The Latest in the Hamletta Studios Freebies Vault
Studio Spotlight:
My Art Journaling Practice
A few years ago, I started journaling every day—mostly because my memory is honestly terrible. I was forgetting so many little moments, and I started to worry that if I didn’t write them down, they’d be gone for good. I’m also the kind of person who can hear the same funny story a hundred times and still laugh like it’s brand new. So I guess the bright side is, I’m pretty easy to entertain! Ha!
Ok, but honestly, journaling started as a way to log my days so I can look back on it one day and reminisce about the good old days. And lately, I’ve been on an art journaling kick and really filling up my pages!
I recently put together a blog post featuring some of my latest pages and included 25 drawing journal prompts to inspire you to also document your days or this season of your life.
You ever think back to five years ago and think how wildly life different is now compared to then? I do. Imagine being able to vividly look back at what life is like now in 20 or 30 years? I often think that when I’m old and gray, I’ll be able to look back at my journal entries and get a glimpse of what life was like in this season of my life, and I find that really exciting.
These 25 drawing prompts are meant to help you slow down and notice what’s happening around you. They’re a simple, creative way to capture how life feels right now.
From the Blog:
In Case You Missed It
I know life gets busy, so here’s a quick roundup of recent blog posts in case you didn’t get a chance to check them out. Whether you need a little creative boost or just want something thoughtful to read, I hope these meet you where you are.
Art Journaling for Beginners: Create a Mindful Daily Art Journal Habit in 5 Simple Steps
When you give yourself space to create without pressure or judgment, you begin to notice more ideas, feel more confident, and develop your unique voice.
Why Your Creative Art Journal Is the Key to More Joy and Less Stress
Adulting and “being responsible” can be such a creativity killer. Sometimes the very things we have to do are the things draining all the joy from the things we want to do.
Embracing Creativity: An Art Journaling Prompt to Build Confidence in Your Creative Voice
Let’s dive into some ways you can start trusting your creative gut and recognizing the value of every little spark of inspiration that pops up.
Shop Talk:
Getting Ready to Launch!
I’ve been busy behind the scenes getting things set up for my online shop, and I’m finally starting to see it come together. Some of my first sticker sheet samples arrived, and it honestly felt surreal to hold them in my hands. It’s happening! I also have been testing out my vinyl stickers and I’m shocked at how amazing the quality is. I’ve run my water bottle through the dishwasher at least 30 times at this point and the stickers look brand new!
Right now, I’m figuring out how to manage inventory, set up SKU numbers, and organize product listings in a way that doesn’t make my brain melt. It’s a lot, but it’s been kind of exciting to learn how everything works.
I’ll be sharing information soon, and of course, you’ll be the first to know when the shop is ready to go live.
Art & Life: Little Life Snapshots
April was a special birthday month for not only me, but my younger son. We each had our own small celebration with close family and loved ones. Another year older, another year wiser. 😉
Our garden roses burst into full bloom lately! The kids and I have been loving them—pressing petals into our journals to save a little bit of spring. We also enjoy watching the bees buzz around.
In terms of balancing art and life, I’ve been sneaking in sketching time during kids' swim lessons and soccer practice, drawing from the sidelines in my pocket sketchbook or on my iPad mini.
I've also been embracing my inner child and drawing alongside my son when we visit our local library. They have little tables set up with large butcher paper on top with two bins of crayons. My younger son is a budding artist who enjoys nothing more than to experiment with colors and he's always asking me to draw my characters for him to see.
Lately, I’ve been putting more effort into getting out there and making real-life connections. Since moving from my hometown, it’s taken some time to find my people in real life, but this year I finally feel like things are clicking. I’ve been connecting with both fellow moms and fellow artists, which has been so encouraging.
Just recently, I met up with local artist in Sacramento. We shared some lovely tea, chatted about art, wandered through artist studios, and explored gift shops full of beautiful handmade pieces. It was such an inspiring day and we couldn’t help but dream about seeing our own work in those shops someday. 😊
The Latest in the Hamletta Studios Freebies Vault
Creative Art Journal Prompts to get your drawing in your journal today!
Cute, colorful and fun monthly calendar for May! Comes in Sunday and Monday start.
Free affirmation wallpaper or mini- poster to nurture your creativity every day!
Thanks for reading and taking a peek behind the scenes. I’m excited to keep sharing this journey with you as I build, create, and learn along the way. Until next time, take care and keep creating! 💛🎨
