I’ve been spending this week with family for the Fourth of July, taking things slow, soaking up some rest, and giving my brain a little breathing room. This Studio Snippets update will be short and sweet for that reason.

I’ll be honest. It has been hard to fully relax lately with everything happening in the world. It is a heavy season, and I have been feeling it too. The growing divide and the lack of empathy and kindness are hard to ignore. More than ever, I want Hamletta Studios to be a small refuge. A place where compassion, creativity, and understanding come first. A space where it is okay to be real, to feel whatever you are feeling, and to find a little light even in tough times.

In the middle of all this, June was a busy month behind the scenes. I ran a giveaway, opened a little pre-sale and learned a lot in the process. I was so touched by every order and that extra bit of encouragement to keep going. 

I’m steadily working on new ideas and sketching regularly, making sure everything I create feels true to the direction I want Hamletta Studios to grow in. 

At the heart of it all, I’m building Hamletta Studios to be a gentle, creative space. A place that centers kindness, invites joy, and offers a little comfort in a world that can feel anything but. Whether you’re here to plan, play, or just take a breath, thanks for being here. 

Art & Life:

Little Life Snapshots

• The last month has been filled with kids' swim lessons, family hangouts and enjoying the outdoors.

• I’ve been reflecting on how far I’ve come since I started rebooting Hamletta Studios late last year. I'm fully embracing that slow growth is good growth. Little by little, I'll get where I want to be. I'm growing with thought and intention and not hastily making decisions like I would in the past. Talk about being grown! 😉

• Lately, I’ve been spending more time with fellow artists in person, and it’s been so encouraging to realize I’m not alone in the ups and downs. The creative struggles, the self-doubt, the little wins—they all feel a bit lighter when shared. I’m excited to keep meeting new friends and nurturing the  connections I’ve made so far.

• Every summer our little family takes a road trip up to Oregon to visit loved ones, and this year is no different. We’ve been soaking up the sunshine, spending time at the beach, and just enjoying the slower pace. After four years of making this trip, it’s been sweet to see our own little traditions start to take shape.

• Here are some pictures from the trip so far. Definitely incorporating art into our daily routine. I've also fallen in love with a local art supply store called Tokki's Art Supply. I've already been 3 times and am racking up reward points. 😂 

Short and sweet, as promised! Until next time, lovely reader.