Grabbing ideas. Creating designs.

It’s been a very busy Spring here at the studio. I am very excited to say that several new places (businesses, reps and media outlets) have popped up asking to spread the word about my work. Saying that I feel flattered would be a huge understatement. The creative bug is buzzing! Doors are opening so that I can explore some really interesting new things and at the same time, lots of new floorcloth and mural orders are coming in. It’s all very exciting! The biggest concern is how to fit everything into the calendar. Those of you who consider yourself “creative”, understand how hard it is to settle down and get the nitty-gritty done, when your hand is just itching to try something new. Just going for a walk can stir up the , “Ooh! I should make this or I should try that!” and balancing those urges with the things already on my plate is tricky, to say the least.

Devon, my new puppy, reminds me of this every day. As I’m trying to teach her to heel on the leash and stay by my side, I realize she’s never seen a dandelion before, or a bumble bee or a clump of clover. No wonder she gets so easily distracted. So I am like a puppy. I need to be put on a leash and be told to “heel” whenever my mind wanders and I go off exploring something new! That said, I do give Devon lots of play time, so maybe I can still construct some of that in my structured day too.

Some of the new things I’m looking into are allowing me to be more creative. I’m painting foxhunting scenes on murals, wall hangings, old saddles and even old riding boots! It’s interesting to paint on old leather. It acts quite a bit like canvas and its roughness and cracks keep me from getting to tight and careful. I’m also working on some really interesting floorcloth designs. A couple from Cape Cod have challenged me to come up with a border scene floorcloth but with small sailboats and coastal scenes. Fun! A house in Massachusetts is being converted into a yoga and meditation retreat and I will be creating a 14′ X 14′ floorcloth with an ancient Labyrinth motif in the center! And there’s a mural design in the works for a Pennsylvania home which will go back to the late 19th century.

On top of all that, Horse Show season has officially begun! It’s a long haul waiting from October to the beginning of May for everything to start up again, but Kate and I are ready and the first show was very successful. Here are some photos of all this new stuff. Check out my new avenues: Oriet’s Fine Art, The Pony Habit and The Scout Guide Equestrian.