I've been thinking...
Mixed Media Monday
Chanukah starts this week! As a mom of three, I need to get my gifts in the mail. Eight presents each. I don’t really have to give eight each, but gone are the days of lighting the menorah together. I want to keep traditions alive and I want them to feel hugged every night.
When I am thinking about gifts, creating, thrifting and buying local are at the top of my list. Gift giving truly is an art. You’re trying to show love, friendship, and appreciation all wrapped up with a bow without buying into consumerism. That takes some creativity.
I love reading other people’s gift guides. So I thought I’d share my own. When appropriate I have linked to local and independent creatives. Of course, my local isn’t your local. Whatever.
8 gift ideas for artists - environmentalists - creatives - anyone
Artsy hand printed kitchen tea towels. What a great way to bring art into your kitchen. Joann Condino, owner of Three Pines Studio, creates gorgeous tea towels. She has individual towels, a tea towel of the month club and tea towels that help feed people (50% goes to the World Food Kitchen).
Sprout jar tops. This is my favorite new/old kitchen item. You put them on the top of a mason jar, add something to sprout (lentils bean are easy peasy) and you’ve got fresh sprouts to eat all year long. I grew sprouts years ago and started again to feed my chickens something green in the winter. I’d forgotten how good they taste! You can get them locally or on-line.
A handmade recipe book of favorite recipes. Last year, I received this as a gift from my daughter. She knew I was getting bored with my cooking. She printed out and glued her favorite recipes into an old book. I feel connected to her every time I make a recipe.
My two favorite ways of adding pops of colors to my art are Inktense Watercolor Pencils and Posca Markers. Right now Blick is having crazy sales. Posca markers have been a game changer for me. And they come in so many great colors! They’d make great stocking stuffers if I stuffed socks.
I was gifted a wonderful little travel watercolor set this year (thanks Trish!). Combine it with an Aqua water brush and you can paint anywhere. I’ve also loved gifting this Explorer Set from GOLDEN. It is a great way to try out lots of different mediums. It even contains little tutorials.
I love gifting books either from my shelves or from used bookstores. Add in a candle and some good coffee beans or tea. And then the final coupe d’etat: Really good dark chocolate. Yessss…
Homemade cookies - especially if made with Roaring Fork Mill flour. Or just send the flour! (Full disclosure, my nephew is the miller and he is winning all kinds of awards!) I have been amazed to realize what a difference good flour can make. Then make your own homemade Chai tea. Ahhh…. My sister gave this to me as a present. What a great gift of love!
A playlist. Each year my daughter makes me a music playlist to go along with my word of the year. I look so forward to it. Eating cookies, drinking tea and listening to music. A perfect winter day.
And a few extras …
Gift certificates. Restaurants, plays, breweries, local stores, art centers, your time, etc. Or branch out. Have you ever thought about gifting a tattoo? I know someone close to my heart that is a fabulous tattooist and has gift certificates. He seems to be on a world tour right now so he might be coming your way shortly.
Not to leave them out … there are a couple of happy chickens still looking for homes both from me and the Glen Arbor Art Center. I must say they have almost all flown the coop. A huge THANK YOU! You all are the best. And if you want to send a hand written note, I have notecards just for you. They also make great gifts.
I hope my thoughts spark some ideas. AND I’d love it if you’d share your ideas with me. Thanks!
Happy Monday!
With love, gratitude and a heartfelt thanks,
Jessica
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill
Happy to be part of these shows…
2025 Small Works Holiday Exhibition, Glen Arbor Arts Center, Nov 5 - Dec 15.
Winter Market, Oliver Art Center, Frankort MI, Nov 7 - Dec 24.
You can also find my paintings at:
Daily Paintworks online small works gallery
Synchronicity Gallery, Glen Arbor, MI
My Website