The holiday season is upon us, and it's time to spread joy and show our loved ones just how much we care. If you have an artist in your life, finding the perfect gift that nurtures their creativity and fuels their passion can be a wonderful way to celebrate their artistic journey. To help you, I've curated the ultimate holiday gift list for the artist in your life. From practical tools to inspiring resources, these gifts are sure to unleash their creative potential.

1. High-Quality Art Supplies: Every artist needs reliable and high-quality art supplies to bring their visions to life but sometimes, they're a treat. Consider gifting them a set of professional-grade paints, brushes, or drawing pencils. Look for reputable brands that offer a wide range of colors and textures, ensuring versatility and superior results (Liquitex, Golden, Windsor & Newton, Gamblin to name a few). Quality art supplies not only enhance the artistic process but also make the artist feel valued and supported in their creative pursuits.
2. Sketchbooks and Journals: Sketchbooks and journals are like windows into an artist's mind. They provide a space for ideas, doodles, and creative exploration and let me tell you, WE G THROUGH THEM. Gift your artist a beautiful, high-quality sketchbook or journal to encourage them to jot down their thoughts, sketch out concepts, or experiment with new techniques. Look for options with a mixed media paper type and sizes to cater to their needs. 
3. Inspiring Art Books: Books are a never-ending source of inspiration for artists. One of my favorite gifts to date has been the great works from French Impressionism. Consider gifting them a selection of art books featuring their favorite artists, movements, or techniques. From coffee table books showcasing stunning masterpieces to instructional guides and biographies, these books provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. 
4. Online Art Masterclasses or Workshops: Learning and growth are essential for any artist. I am always wanting to learn a new skill or technique! Give the gift of artistic education by purchasing your loved one in an art class or workshop. These experiences provide invaluable guidance, new techniques, and the opportunity to connect with fellow artists. Check for reputable art schools, community centers, or online platforms that offer a wide range of classes to suit their interests and skill level.
5. Creative Tech Gadgets: In today's social media age, technology can be a powerful ally for artists and often necessary. Consider gifting your artist a creative tech gadget that enhances their artistic process. This could be a digital drawing table for sketches, a high-quality tripod for recording their process, or a year membership to editing software for image manipulation (Lightroom would be perfect). These tools open up new avenues of creativity and allow artists to explore innovative techniques.
6. Art Studio Organization and Storage: Artists often have an abundance of supplies and materials, and keeping everything organized can be a challenge. I know my studio tends to get MESSY. Help them declutter and create an efficient art studio with organizational gifts such as storage bins, art supply caddies or cart, or specialized paintbrush holders. Consider options that are both functional and visually appealing, making their workspace an inviting and inspiring place to create.
7. Art Exhibition or Event Tickets: Artists take in the world around them in a different way and need to recharge inspiration. This makes gifting them tickets to an art exhibition, museum, or gallery opening perfection. These experiences offer inspiration, exposure to different art styles, and the opportunity to connect with the broader artistic community. Check local listings for upcoming exhibitions or explore virtual art events for accessible and immersive art experiences.
8. Artistic Self-Care: Artists often invest so much time and energy into their craft that self-care can take a backseat. I know especially if they are a mother! Help your loved one prioritize their well-being by gifting them self-care items tailored to their artistic lifestyle. This could include scented candles  for the studio to promote a relaxing ambiance, positive affirmation cards, or a subscription to a meditation or mindfulness app. Being an artist can best   stressful so I know I would NEVER turn these down! 
9. Gift Cards: If you're unsure about their specific  preferences or want to give them the freedom to choose, consider giving them a gift card to an art supply store, an online art retailer, or an art class platform. This allows them to explore and select the items or experiences that resonate with them the most, ensuring that your gift will be both practical and appreciated.

This holiday season, celebrate the artist in your life by selecting a gift that speaks to their passion and supports their artistic journey. Whether it's high-quality art supplies, inspiring resources, artistic experiences, or thoughtful self-care items, these gifts will unleash their creative potential and remind them of your unwavering support. Spread joy and inspire their artistic endeavors with a gift that captures the essence of their artistic soul. Happy gifting!

Recently, I attempted to create a REEL for Instagram (never has there been a truer statement written- aren't we all just attempting to make reels) and after 3 days of trying to piece together what "A day in the life" looks like for me, I gave up. It's impossible. Having two children under 3, my attention cannot be bothered with taking snippet videos ALL DAY LONG. I can't. So instead, I decided to write my day down! 

5:30 am- get dressed in the dark, stumble into the kitchen for my coffee and make the trek downstairs to workout (totally dependent on how we slept the night before). Shower post workout, morning routine with a load of laundry and sip on coffee #2 while babies still sleep while watching the news.

7:30 am
Everyone is up and I am the master of making lunches and breakfast at the same time while reheating my coffee on repeat for the next hour before giving up. Sammy shovels his food in his mouth while watching his favorite programming (Ms. Rachel- IYKYK) while I chase Emma around trying to get her to take a bite of the breakfast SHE picked out. Then the battle royal commences, the fight over what Emma will wear. If it isn't a dress, Minnie Mouse, rainbow or some sort of combination of those things, SHE IS NOT HAVING IT. We just have a penciled in tantrum right here every day.  Then it's time to head out the door and drop the kids off at the local church PreK. 

10am
After the mad dash out the door to drop Emma off at preschool at our local church, it's time to get to work. I make yet another coffee (hey- no judgement from you. These kids are tiring) and I head down stairs to my studio. I say hi to Bella who hangs out in there most days (studio cats are the best) to stay away from the noise and turn on either my favorite Spotify playlist which is a carefully curated list of indie/alternative bands circa 2008 or pop on a Harry Potter audio book and get to painting. On the days that the kids are both at the church, I try to get a 3 hours of uninterrupted time in the studio. Around 11:30, I'll break for a meal and make my favorite breakfast of plain full fat Greek yogurt topped with fruit and a healthy squeeze of honey, then its back in the studio. 

1:00 pm
Dash out the door still covered in paint to pick up Emma and Sammy and its tablets for the win on the way home so we do not pass out and ruin naps or have meltdowns! By 2:15, both kids are asleep and it's either more time in the studio administrative tasks  (update website listings, send email to subscribers list, plan posts for the week, work on the blog one reads, you get the idea).

4:00 pm
Both babies are up and now it’s time to prep dinner, get everyone a snack, and fluff that laundry I've forgotten about. The next two hours are a whirlwind of playing in the kitchen, tea parties, baby doll diaper changes and messes up on messes.

6:00 pm
Daddy gets home and it’s time for all of us to sit down for dinner, talk about our favorite part of the day and try to get a toddler to eat something other than a piece of cheese. The struggle is real with that one. Jeremy and I clean up the kitchen and get these babies ready for the bath. I finally get to fold the clothes in a a blur of singing. splashing and pajamas followed by story reading with Emma and rocking until both of these babies are asleep!

7:30 pm
It's mommy's turn for bath, bottle, bedtime... literally. Time to settle in and have a glass of wine and watch Netflix or Hulu with Jeremy. We have been on an adult cartoon kick for the last couple months or we will watch reruns of the Office. Sometimes it will be a really wild night and we watch TikTok together shamelessly. This is what it is to be married. Before bed, its showers, night time skin care and I make sure the house has been reset, toys put away and the layer of crumbs on the floor gone.

10:00 pm
Off to bed for me before this baby wakes me up in four hours! Then we get to do it all over again.

This year, my little family was blessed with the opportunity of taking a 2 week summer vacation! We hadn't been able to do this since I was pregnant with Emma so two kids under 3 years old made this a true ADVENTURE full of new experiences and new stresses! Our first stop was St. Augustine, a truly magical place, immersed in history and so much nostalgia for me as this was our vacation destination growing up. As the kids affectionately call it, our time in the "Blue House" was filled with countless days by the pool, a spectacular personal fireworks show by Uncle Matt, and delightful escapades exploring the ice cream shops in downtown St. Augustine. If you were o ask our daughter, Emma, a highlight for her was catching a glimpse of a REAL LIFE pirate ship sailing in the bay. This would probably be tied with strolling through the Alligator Farm. 

When it comes to showcasing your new artwork, finding the right frame can make all the difference. One question I always get when someone purchases a paper piece of mine is, "Lindsey, how do you usually frame these?" I am an advocate for affordable art and ie. affordable framing.  Although art is a luxury good, it should also be attainable and while we would all love to be able to afford the highest quality frame from our local frame shop, sometimes it just isn't in the budget (yet). Thankfully, there are several affordable options available at popular retailers such as IKEA, Target, Amazon, Walmart, and even thrift stores. These are guaranteed to have a lot of different styles that will not break the bank. 

1. IKEA: Known for its stylish and budget-friendly furniture, IKEA also offers an extensive range of frames to suit various artwork sizes and styles. From simple and modern to ornate and classic designs, IKEA has a wide selection to choose from. Their Ribba  and HOVSTA frames, in particular, are popular for their sleek design and affordability. With options like white, black, and natural wood finishes, you can find frames that complement any artwork while keeping costs low. 
2. Target: Target offers a variety of framing options that strike a balance between quality and affordability. Their ready-made frames allow you to select the perfect size and style for your artwork. Target's range of frame finishes, including black, white, and metallic options, caters to different aesthetics and even offer a few unique matting sizes like shown with their Poster Frames. Keep an eye out for their seasonal sales and promotions to snag even better deals on framing.
3. Amazon: As an online marketplace, Amazon provides a vast selection of affordable framing options from various sellers. You can find frames in different sizes, colors, and materials to suit your specific needs. Amazon also offers frame sets at competitive prices, which are ideal if you have multiple pieces to frame or want to create a cohesive gallery wall. I personally loved these and have them hanging in my daughters room. Great quality overall compared to some. Also, don't forget to read customer reviews and check the product dimensions and quality before making a purchase. I think we have all been burned by this before! 
4. Walmart: Walmart is another retailer that offers affordable framing solutions. They have a range of frames in different styles, including traditional, modern, and rustic, allowing you to find options that align with your artistic vision. I personally am obsessed with Walmart's Mainstays brand. My favorite frame is so sleek and modern all while at a $4 price point for an 11x14!  So, whether you need a standard frame size or a custom size, Walmart is worth exploring for cost-effective framing options.
5. Thrift Stores: I personally LOVE collecting vintage style frames and thrift stores can be a hidden treasure trove for affordable frames that carry unique character and charm. Explore thrift stores in your local area to find pre-loved frames that you can repurpose and reimagine. You might stumble upon vintage or ornate frames that add a touch of nostalgia and personality to your artwork. While thrifting, don't forget to check for sturdy construction and proper sizes that fit your artwork. I always carry a tape measurer in my bag for this exact reason! 

I hope this helps! I think that with a little research and creativity, you can give your artwork the presentation it deserves without busting your budget. Happy framing!