From Stillness to Summer Spark: New Art, a Giveaway & Gentle Inspiration

After a slow and nourishing start to summer, my creative rhythm is beginning to flow again—and it’s brought something new to life in the studio. 🌞🎨

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." - Rachel Carson  

If you read my last blog post, you may remember a floral collage-in-progress that had just begun to bloom.

✨ The Finished Print Design

I'm happy to share that the piece is now complete! Inspired by the quiet energy of summer mornings, garden blooms, and the slow return to routine, this design marks the start of a new direction—one that will grow into something more refined in the months ahead.

"Summer In The Garden"

12" x 9" Print Design

by Laura Leeder

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

I created this piece with the intention of developing a line of print-on-demand items such as tea towels, fine art prints, and possibly fabric-based goods. For this design, I worked on a sheet of Saunders Waterford 200lb cotton watercolour paper—its beautiful texture and weight allowed me to layer both watercolour and acrylic paint in a way that mimics the look of my mixed media collages on wood panel. I've used fine ink pens and markers to add stylized botanical shapes and playful detailing throughout, including three whimsical chickadees with looser, more textural markings than in my previous work. The result is a vibrant mix of decorative patterns, layered textures, and summer-inspired hues. I'm pleased with how this first design came together, and I’m excited to explore a larger version next, with a few subtle changes to the overall layout.

Stay tuned—I'll be sharing behind-the-scenes looks at how this piece evolves into products for your home. 💫

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🌸 Celebrate Summer with a Giveaway!

To keep the joy of summer blooming, I'm teaming up with fellow Creston artisan Janina Gough of Happy Camper Malas for a special Summer Giveaway!

Together, we're offering a bundle that celebrates nature, creativity, and handcrafted beauty:

The prize includes:• A set of 6 frameable art cards• An illustrated bookmark• A gemstone bracelet featuring rose quartz, lapis lazuli, saffron fire agate & rosewood• A pair of lapis lazuli dangle earrings

✨ Giveaway closes August 28 and is open to residents of Canada.📍To enter, head over to Instagram, find the original giveaway post, and follow the instructions there.

Whether you’re an art lover, a gemstone enthusiast, or just love handmade treasures—this giveaway is for you!

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. 

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🧘‍♀️ In Case You Missed It…

Earlier this month, I had the honor of being featured by Kootenay Women In Business in their Wellness Wednesday blog series. In it, I reflect on how rest, birdsong, and gentle routine helped guide me back into my creative practice. If you’re seeking a little stillness or self-care inspiration, you might enjoy the read.

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🌿 Let’s Stay Connected

As I continue developing this design and other new floral designs for products, I’ll be sharing updates and sneak peeks here on the blog, over on Pinterest, Instagram and through my email list. 🗝️

💌 P.S. Email subscribers receive early access to new collections, exclusive offers, and are always entered into my seasonal giveaways.

Thank you for following along on this summer journey! I hope this month brings you moments of beauty, rest, and a little spark of creative joy. 💖

"I create whimsical, carefree art that uplifts your spirits and beautifies your walls with colour and joy all year long."

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