Happy 2018!

I’m not even sure where to begin. I didn’t blog for the whole of 2017, in part because I was a new mama and in part because of my crush on Instagram. You can find me there @jessiestarling. Part of me feels the need to recap the last two years, recounting the highs and lows of pregnancy, birth and new motherhood; filling in details by sharing photos of my life, child, and artwork along the way. But there really is no knowing where to start, so I’ll start with today & what I’ve been making, doing, and who with. My days are mostly filled with mothering this exuberant boy and cocreating a new life with him. There is still time for art, although it feels like a shadow of once was. The balance is getting better as he gets older and my energy returns. I’m lucky in so many ways, except that I don’t believe in luck. I believe we make our own luck by choosing ourselves and deeming that what we desire is what we deserve. I hope to always live my life in this way and to pass on a legacy self acceptance and living in joy to my sweet son. 

Sacred Pregnancy

I have become a part of a wonderful class & circle of women lately based on the book Sacred Pregnancy. It has been extraordinary to sit with other pregnant mamas, voice our hopes and fears and to create together. this creativity has extended to my visual journey where I am working through this journal with words and images. This group and my journal are my comfort and solace. If you know anyone who is pregnant, please gift them this book! There are classes based on the book all over the US, so check that out too!

Big News!

                                                               

Big news on the home front! I am expecting my first child later this summer! I lot of heart, soul, and even loss went into this decision, but already it's bringing more joy, magic, and love into my life than I ever could have imagined. Support is just coming out of the woodwork. Many thanks to those who have been there with along my path to motherhood.

Hand Lettered Sign Class

Check out the amazing work from my Hand Lettered Sign class that I taught at Two Hands Paperie. These ladies just rocked it!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2016! Here are some pieces reflecting on the growth, grief, & Gratitude of last year while calling in the magic of 2016. Big things are brewing and a lot of emotional ground has been covered. These pieces reflect me finding a space to hold the lessons and to keep the abundance flowing! 

Love of Lettering

It's that time of year again! Fall classes at the best shop in Boulder (Two Hands Paperie) have begun! On November 7, from 10:30 - 4:30 I will be teaching Love of Lettering. Hand lettering is a great joy of mine, and gets incorporated into my drawings, paintings, and mixed media journals. In this class we will create a sampler of the many different lettering styles I use, as well as a chalkboard inspired page that is beyond fun. Join me as I share my tips & tricks, favorite quotes, and passion for lettering. This class will infuse your work in a variety of new ways!

Creative Lettering Workshop

There are so many great new books on the market lately that cover one of my favorite topics, lettering. I am pleased to share a new book by Lesley Riley, Creative Lettering Workshop that also includes an interview and piece of artwork by yours truly. Most books that focus on lettering tend to veer a bit more towards calligraphy or hand lettering, whereas this book is all about combining quotes with mixed media, perfect for the visual journal! Grab a copy and check out some of the fantastic artists whose work greatly inspire me, such as Jennifer Joanou and Pam Garrison.