behind the scenes

behind the scenes 

from the studio and home

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!!
I hope that you got to enjoy the holidays in whatever way is the most special to you. I am really looking forward to the new year and all of its potential. I am sending you warm wishes of lots of love, light, and stardust to be sprinkled throughout this new year. May health, wealth, and prosperity be of plenty as long as its for the good of all and harm of none. 

from the studio

Finally have set up shop, gotten my hands dirty, and had the innaugural spill of a plaster bowl! 

Getting a lot more full now! Though since this photo was a taken a small piece has already left and made its way into a new home :)
I think having a gallery wall display like this is going to be fun to watch how it morphs as work comes and goes.

The first two things to be cast in the new space were two camino studies in plaster. I was able to make the perfect sized concave space for a candle to sit safely. I love the warm glow that is then cast on the wall. I love having candle (or three) lit so also being able to incorporate them somehow into my work feels good. Gearing up to make proper sconces with a light bulb and all in 2024! I just personally need them for my house and maybe then I can inspire someone else to 'have a need' for them as well. 

I am in love with the orange glow of the candles!

I couldn't end the year without drawing a poinsettia. It might be the most universally used flower in holiday flower. (after doing some research they are actually known as the 'Christmas flower') I never knew they came in yellow until this year. Our blue kitchen makes the perfect backdrop for it. (also, you'll have to stop by the studio to see the second one...its going to get done but it won't happen until a few more days)

**FUN FACT** Poinsettias were named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US Ambassader to Mexico. The Aztecs called them 'cuetlaxochitl' which translates to brilliant flower. They used the bright brachts for dye and the white sap in medicine.

from the home

December feels like it has been a month of nesting. Getting moved into the new studio space and also reorganizing the house and clearing things out to make room for the new year. Something about this time of year calls for making more space in the home. Maybe its because the weather is more confining, in the summer I am definitely more concerned by the happenings outdoors. 
 

I have really gotten into the crafts of the season with dehydrating citrus fruits and making garlands. I also saved some of the dried floral bundles that were made for the wedding. This made our holiday decorations go in more of a 'traditional Yule' theme, which I am very into. I can't wait to expand on it next year...there is something about bringing the outdoors in for the winter while patiently waiting for spring :) 

As a bonus to the nice smell of dehydrating the citrus first time around but it can be used in simmer pots long after the holiday season is over. 
(I have learned that lemons just turn brown if you are wanting to do this at your house.)

Looking back at the year, it really has been absolutely brilliant. There was so much growth and expansion in every sense, setting up for a strong new year. I feel so blessed and lucky for being on this beautiful ride and to have my best friend next to me. Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and taking the time to read these monthly emails. It means so much!
 
 I am so looking forward to what comes along in 2024!
Blessings of abundance to you all, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
 
in gratitude,
aubrey

**our virtual Christmas card**
 
(honestly, I sent more through the post this year than I may ever send, so cards will have to start next year. Married couples get a grace period, right??)

recipe of the month

We really enjoyed this pasta dish earlier in the month, it's quick and easy to make and who doesn't love a cozy bowl of pasta in winter?
Ingredients - garlic, onion, asparagus, pancetta, parmesan, black pepper, trofie pasta (or your preference)
How to - finely chop garlic//onion//asparagus
- sauté garlic//onion in EVOO until halfway done, then add pancetta and asparagus
- boil salted water, add pasta
-1 minute before pasta is done, take two ladles of boiling pasta water and add to sauce pan
-quick drain pasta, no need to shake water out, add to sauce pan and start stirring while adding grated parmesan cheese and fresh black pepper
The starchy pasta water combined with the EVOO and fat from the pancetta will create a sauce-like coating on the noodles which is somehow both light and filling at the same time. Plate and top with a sprinkle of cheese, black pepper, and swirl of oil. 
 
 
 

upcoming

1st Open Studio
 January 26
5-8pm
I am so excited to invite you all to the friends and family edition of the open studio. Really looking forward to filling the space with lots of good energy to work in for the upcoming year! Will send a reminder email so let me know if you can make it :)

rsvp

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