Filed In: inspiration

inside the artist’s studio 01

I love peeking into artists’ studios! Seeing what other people do in their spaces, learning about their artistic processes and their tools and getting ideas and inspiration on how to organize everything, it fascinates me! I’m the kind of person who has a chaotic messy work space ninety nine percent of the time, but I secretly dream of having a big beautiful organized studio someday. I don’t know if you’ve ever checked out In The Make or Coffeklatch before but I’m a big fan. They feature creative people and their inspiring spaces showcasing each artist’s studio with personal interviews and insight into how the artists use their space and where they find inspiration.

In The Make recently featured Los Angeles based painter Rebecca Morris and I was instantly drawn in. Her studio has these beautiful white brick walls, high ceilings and tons of light and her work is stunning. Morris says, “Having my living space and studio space separate is a great combination for me, especially as an oil painter. Plus I appreciate the mental transition that happens on the drive here. At the studio I am removed from everything except my painting—I am faced with it. It is a place where I can freely experiment and enjoy the act of discovery in total privacy.” To see the complete tour of Morris’ great space, visit In The Make.

I’ve been slowly updating my studio – new furniture and a new coat of paint and maybe someday I will share it here with you. For more inspiring interviews and spaces check out these projects – Eva Black’s blog series SPACESPaul Barbera’s Where They CreateEefje de Coninck’s project and Todd Selby’s The Selby.

artist studio | palettes and passports blogsources kirra jamison photographed by paul barbera | lisa congdon photographed by victoria smith | justine frischmann photographed by klea mckenna | rebecca morris photographed by klea mckenna 

roxy marj

artist and textile designer roxy marj | palettes and passports blogartist and textile designer roxy marj | palettes and passports blogI love the work of artist and textile designer Roxy Marj. Currently residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marj creates wonderfully quirky art work, clothing, accessories, cute kid pillows and coloring posters, stationery and more. I adore the expression and personality she creates through simple lines and shapes. These sweet little envelope clutches are perfect for tucking away treasures or holding your essentials – makes for a great wallet or travel pouch too. Marj says “I like to think of myself as a very happy hard worker who doesn’t cut corners, and who feels very fortunate to be blessed with a creative mind.” – Roxy Marjartist and textile designer roxy marj | palettes and passports blogTo see more Roxy Marj, visit her Etsy shop and check out her blog.

all images from Roxy Marj on Etsy

a valentine’s craft party

I like to think of Valentine’s Day as the time to celebrate all kinds of love – a day to show anyone and everyone that means something to you how much you truly care about them! This year I wanted to make lots of little valentines and send them out to all my friends and family. I decided to make it a party and invited a few girlfriends over to drink wine and create some fun things for our sweethearts! Here’s a look at the party –

a valentine's day party | palettes and passports blogI had a lot of fun searching for supplies – red and pink construction paper, patterned ribbon and twine, hearts in all different sizes, heart shaped buttons and paint chips in shades of red and pink, patterned paper, kraft paper and envelopes, several roles of washi tape, all sorts of stamps and a deck of playing cards. I also supplied my girlfriends with glasses of wine and some treats – a salty and sweet trail mix served in red, white and pink baking cups. And as a party gift, I decorated muslin bags and filled with conversation heart candies.

a valentine's day party | palettes and passports blog

a valentine's day party | palettes and passports bloga valentine's day party | palettes and passports blogI can’t wait to send out my valentines. I hope over the next few days you get to enjoy a little time celebrating with your sweethearts and appreciating all the special things in your life. I know I’ll be spending time with my love and our sweet pup.

photo credit kate zitzer

elizabeth mayville

artist and illustrator elizabeth mayville | palettes and passports blogI adore the work of artist and illustrator Elizabeth Mayville. Currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mayville is inspired by the idea of “home” and the “small bits of life that bring us comfort and a sense of stability.” Her original gouache and oil paintings are delicate and detailed and I love her painterly style. I find her work sweet, simple and soothing – maybe it’s the color palette. I am especially inspired by these top knot and braid prints – an incredibly cool concept, I think. Mayville says “The beautiful thing about art is that it is enormously wide open and you can shift around within it, finding things that resonate with you as you change and grow.” – Sharing the Process | Poppytalkelizabeth mayville | palettes and passports blog elizabeth mayville | palettes and passports blogTo see more of her work visit her website and her Etsy shop. Some of her paintings are currently being shown at Lafontsee Galleries in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Gallery Fifty in Traverse City, Michigan and at The Artisan’s Bench in Brighton, Michigan.

top images from Elizabeth Mayville on Etsy | source grapefruit & j. crew | coffee 2

all things stylish

all things stylish tumblr | palettes and passports blogall things stylish tumblr | palettes and passports blogall things stylish tumblr | palettes and passports blogSometimes you come across a site that is so well designed, so well curated that you just cannot get enough of it. As you scroll through page after page, their style, their taste just comes through and you connect. I came across All Things Stylish a few months ago and it has been inspiring me ever since. The photos are so romantic to me and the subject matter is spot on – art, travel, food, fashion, interiors and “all other things that define style.” Go take a look!

source all things stylish tumblr