Woven With Warmth: Reflections From My Holiday Studio
- Laura Leeder
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
Now that December has arrived with its soft light and quiet simplicity, I find myself slowing down—almost instinctively—before the season begins to gather speed. There’s a gentle pause tucked into these early days of winter, inviting us to breathe a little deeper, notice the small comforts, and reconnect with what matters most.
For me, that moment begins with a wreath.
Not just the kind that hangs on a door (though I love those too), but also the kind that forms on my studio table—one made of paper, paint, and pieces of nature gathered from memory and imagination. Each year, creating a wreath becomes a ritual of grounding, reflection, and joy… a circle that brings me back to myself.
What a Holiday Wreath Means to Me
There’s something timeless about the shape of a wreath.No beginning. No end.Just quiet continuity.
To me, the wreath symbolizes:
belonging and connection
the comfort of returning home
seasons that flow into one another
nature’s resilience, even in winter
Greens, branches, birds, and berries have always found their way into my artwork, but the wreath holds them differently—like a gathering of all the things that steady the heart.
Each time I begin one, I feel the same familiar spark:a sense of celebration, and also a sense of peace.
Where It All Began: My First Wreath in 2020
In 2020, I created my first holiday wreath painting and continued yearly thereafter—without knowing they would become the beginning of something larger.
Inspired by:
winter walks through our valley
the quiet chatter of chickadees
and a longing for color during the darkest days
Those early wreaths lit up my studio like a garden in winter.They reminded me how deeply I’m rooted in nature, even when everything outside feels bare and still.
What started as a seasonal experiment quickly became a touchstone in my creative process—and an unexpected source of joy for collectors who connected with them.
Sometimes we don’t realize we’re beginning a new chapter until we look back.
This Year’s Holiday Wreath & A New Beginning
This year, as I prepared a new wreath design for greeting cards, I was reminded just how much joy these circular creations bring me. Holding the printed card in my hands felt like returning home—back to the intention, meaning, and quiet symbolism that always seem to weave themselves into my wreaths.
Looking back at the mixed media wreath paintings I created on wood panels in earlier years, I felt that same spark of purpose and pleasure. Those original paintings have since found their forever homes, and the companion cards are nearly sold out as well.
It made me realize something important:Why create wreaths only for the holiday season?
The circle itself holds endless possibilities—beauty, renewal, belonging, and stories that unfold from one year to the next. And just like that, a new idea began to bloom. I’ve started a fresh wreath in the studio, pairing soothing nature elements with a gentle affirmation. This new design will also be available as one of the poster prints I plan to release throughout 2026.
Introducing My New Wreath Collection
As this idea settled in, I began to see the wreath not just as a seasonal motif, but as a symbol I could return to again and again—each version offering its own story, its own quiet reminder, its own place in the circle of my work.
The new collection will grow slowly and thoughtfully.No deadlines. No pressure.Just natural evolution—shaped by the seasons, the landscape around my home, and the birds and blossoms that continue to inspire me.
You’ll begin to see more of these wreaths throughout the coming year:
some as original paintings
some as greeting cards
some as poster prints
and occasionally, small seasonal releases
Each one carrying its own meaning, its own mood, its own little story.
A Gentle Gift for the New Year
Alongside this new creative direction, I’m working on a small art gift to welcome the New Year—a fresh wreath design paired with a positive affirmation. It will also be the first in a series of new poster prints released throughout 2026, each inspired by nature, the seasons, and those quiet moments in the studio that spark joy.
My hope is that this first piece brings a sense of calm, renewal, and inspiration as we step into a brand-new year.
If you’d like early access to the freebie version, I warmly invite you to join my email list below.
Closing Thoughts
Wherever this season finds you—whether wrapped in the warmth of tradition or simply enjoying small moments of beauty—I hope it brings peace, comfort, and joy.
Thank you for being here, for supporting my art, and for following along with me through the past seasons. I’m excited to share more with you as my creative journey unfolds anew in the coming year.
With gratitude,
Laura
“I create whimsical, carefree art that uplifts your spirits and beautifies your walls with color and joy all year long.”
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